Bush & Banter

This is when we fell in love with Colorado.

Nothing makes happier than using her filter while hiking. 💦 Just look at that million dollar, giardia-less smile.

In our latest episode, Jen got to catch up with Dyana while she was at the Butterfly House, a hiker hostel located off the Colorado Trail and Continental Divide Trail. Here are some of Dayna’s favorite pictures of the .

Jen is utterly surprised that was able to leave the hostel to keep hiking with all the awesome people there, the pizza, and doggos.

We have a new episode and it’s a fun one!! Jen got to talk to Dyana and Jordan as they are currently hiking on the Colorado Trail and got the inside scoop as to how they are handling acclimating to the elevation, how their gear is doing, how they feel physically and mentally, along with so many fun stories of inspiring people they’ve met and out of the blue side adventures. You can click the link in our bio to listen or head over to any major streaming platform to check us out.

Happy trails ladies!!

(Jen here) - I’m so excited to finally sit down and catch up with and today as they will finally be in a place with some Wi-Fi! I’ve already gotten some texts from Dyana that are straight comedy, so I can’t wait to hear the rest of the mess. 😂

Here are some of my favorite photos Dyana has sent me recently from the Colorado Trail. 🏕️

Jen and Dyana want you to be part of the growing Bush&Banter team! We created B&B due to our absolute love and passion for the outdoors and all things adventure. We both are so inspired by people who challenge themselves and push their limits, both physical and mental! And B&B was born to share the stories of these incredible human beings from all over the world. If this fascinates you or someone you know, please keep reading!

We are looking for a part-time Content Manager to help oversee the creation, editing, and publishing of some of our B&B content across several platforms.

Someone who is creative, detail-oriented, and also loves the outdoors and adventure is a must!

To learn more about this position, the key responsibilities, schedule, and benefits, please message us directly on Instagram or e-mail us at [email protected].

PLEASE share this post so we can find ’s new adventure buddy. 😎

Hello, you delicious looking chunky monkey trail mix!

One of ’s favorite snacks on trail right now is ’s take on Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream. You too can have this delicious snack all to yourself whether on trail or even at home! All you need are some:

-Banana chips
-Walnuts
-Yogurt covered pretzels
-Coconut flakes
-Chocolate-covered raisins

Just throw them altogether and make magic happen in your mouth! Dyana says it’s even better when everything melts together, so have no fear if you’re taking this trail mix out on a hot day!

According to , one serving will roughly be around 483 calories (167 cal/oz), 8g protein, 33g carbs, 5g fiber, 36g fat, and 96mg sodium.

So will you be taking this snack on your next outdoor adventure?

Who seems to be having more fun? Jordan or Dyana? 😅

Just a few snapshots straight from the Colorado Trail. 🥾 ⛰️

And she’s off!
JEN: Take a nice picture at the start of the trail.
DYANA: Fo Sho.

Our latest episode is live and it’s a unique one!! As Dyana is doing all things Colorado Trail, I, Jennifer, answered some of those questions you sent us and had a blast (albeit a little weird at first not having Dy there). We got asked some amazing questions about past + future guests, adventures, and thru-hiking, as well as some very strange and fun questions! Go ahead and click that to listen!!

IN ADDITION, we will be releasing several ON TRAIL 🥾 episodes in the upcoming weeks so be sure to setup notifications to alert you when a new Bush&Banter episode goes live so you won’t miss all the juicy details and will have for us.

When and I were nearing the end of our Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike, she told me (Jen) that she was probably, most likely, almost certain never thru-hiking again. Yet here she is about to start another hiking adventure!!

Thru-hiking can be painful, exhausting, and overall depleting, but most who do it keep going back or wish that they could. (Hi, that’s me. 🙋🏼‍♀️) And it makes you wonder why. Why keep going back despite how uncomfortable it can be?

Everyone will have a different answer to that question, but I’m sure most will agree that the outdoors heals parts of you that you didn’t know needed healing, but mainly that you will never feel as alive as when you are squatting in the middle of the night to use the restroom wondering if a mountain lion is going to attack you from behind mid 💩. Oh the thrills.

In the latest episode of , which happens to be the last installment of the Colorado Trail prep series, Jen and Dyana discuss the power of prioritizing and the importance of readjusting your thoughts in order to reach goals. Dyana shares what she needed to prioritize in order to make thru-hiking the Colorado Trail a reality, as well as the practical ways she was able to achieve that.

Click the to listen to a very special Outdoor Quickie which also includes ’s send off!

In your opinion, what piece of gear is most VITAL to your success when long distance hiking? We’re talking about the item that you know you need worked out before stepping foot on trail or else your experience, pain, and comfort level are thrown out the window.

For Jennifer, it’s her pack! Dyana on the other hand needs her shoes completely figured out.

We talk all things gear in our latest episode and why we both have had to swap out gear choices and are still in limbo with others. Surely we’re not alone, right? 🤪

NEW EPISODE! Link in bio. This episode has been two months in the making and is now live! We dive into an in-depth and informative discussion about our top picks for backpacking gear. From the big three (shelter, pack, and sleep system) to shoes, electronics, accessories, and clothes, we break down the must-have products that made the cut and that we simply can’t hike without. Tap the link in our bio to listen!

The s’more is a masterpiece of deliciousness. Dyana savors a good Butterfinger, snugly nestled between two scrumptious graham crackers, while Jen stays true to the classic with her beloved Hershey (she playfully calls it a Hershey sq**rt). What’s your favorite s’more combination?

In our latest episode, we shine the spotlight on backpacking food! Dyana, our resident pescatarian, shares some of her favorite backpacking meals, including lentils, couscous, instant mac and cheese with tuna, muesli, peanut butter, coffee, and, of course, canned wine (as a little treat now and then, not every night. At least what she claims). The full episode is available at the link in our bio and features Dietitian and Ultralight Backpacker Aaron Owens Mayhew from ..

*NEW EPISODE* Link in bio. In the fourth installment of our Colorado Trail Prep series, we chat with Aaron Owens Mayhew, a registered dietitian and ultralight long-distance backpacker who is also the visionary behind - With over 20 years of experience in both the backcountry and the field of nutrition, Aaron is passionate about creating ultralight, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare backpacking recipes that fuel your body and nourish your soul. Click the link in our bio for the full episode and to learn about some ideas and tips for succeeding in the backcountry.

Today’s episode will be up soon and its is going to be delicious. Yes, Chef.

*NEW EPISODE* - Link in bio. In the second installment of our “Colorado Trail Prep” series, we chat with firefighter, paramedic, and personal trainer Jordan Sessions. Who will be tackling the Colorado Trail with Dyana this July. She sheds light on the physical training recommended for a grand adventure like a thru-hike. We also discuss handling mental challenges, adapting to the rhythm of nature, problem-solving, and dealing with altitude sickness. Link in our bio for full episode.

A new episode of B&B will be released later today featuring a very special guest. This episode is warmly dedicated to anyone preparing for a big adventure. It’s time to get physical. No complaining. Unless you’re Dyana, and you can’t help it.

In our latest episode (link in bio), we chat with Tara Dower, an ultramarathoner, FKT record breaker, and thru-hiker. At around the 12:30 mark in the episode, Tara sheds light on overcoming the intimidation of trail running and shares insights on how running was often used as a form of punishment in youth, leading many adults to associate it with negativity. She helps rewire our mindset, encouraging us to view running as an enjoyable activity and something that can help our bodies not just physically, but mentally as well. Photo credit: First Endurance

*NEW EPISODE* Link in bio! This month we will be releasing a tantalizing cluster of episodes spotlighting the Colorado Trail and what goes into preparing for a thru hike. In our first episode in the series, we chat with professional ultramarathoner, record breaker, and thru-hiker Tara Dower ( .dower ). Inspired by her Appalachian Trail thru-hike, she has dedicated herself to spending as much time in the wilderness as possible. On August 1, 2023, Tara broke the Colorado Trail women’s supported fastest known time (FKT) with an unofficial time of 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. The previous record, set by Betsy Kalmeyer twenty years ago in 2003, was 9 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes. In the episode, Tara gives Dyana some sage advice for taking on the Colorado Trail, as well as tips for anyone looking to get into running. Photo credit:

Kami Rita Sherpa recently broke (his own) world record by summiting Mount Everest 30 times, more than any other person. He first climbed Everest in 1994 and is one of the more well known faces on the mountain. We dive more into his climbs and how he got to where he is today in our latest episode. You can find anywhere you listen to podcasts, and be sure to follow Kami and his incredible feats.

In our latest episode, we spotlight some incredible achievements that took place on Mount Everest this year. One of these was achieved by the phenomenal Purnima Shrestha, a Nepali photojournalist who broke a record by summiting Mount Everest not once, not twice, but three times in a single climbing season! 🏔️✨ This extraordinary feat not only highlights her unparalleled dedication and strength but also shines a light on the incredible spirit of Nepali women in mountaineering. Click the link in our bio for the full episode!

On May 29th, 71 years ago, Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, made history as the first humans to stand atop the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest! 🏔️Their incredible journey to the summit on May 29, 1953, marked a defining moment in mountaineering and human perseverance. Facing unimaginable odds, from brutal weather to the thin air at 29,029 feet, their determination and teamwork paved the way for generations of climbers to come.Edmund Hillary, a humble beekeeper with a passion for the mountains, and Tenzing Norgay, a seasoned Sherpa with unmatched expertise, proved that with grit and collaboration, we can reach the highest of heights—literally and figuratively. 🌟 Let’s honor their legacy and the spirit of exploration that continues to inspire adventurers worldwide. 🏔️✨ Listen to our latest episode at the link in our bio for more history and current events spotlighting Mount Everest!

*NEW EPISODE* Link in bio. With all the wild recent headlines about Mount Everest, our latest episode dives into some of the most compelling current stories including impressive new world records and a monumental mission currently taking place on the mountain. We also touch on the history that made Everest legendary, including the iconic first ascent in the 1950s. Listen at the link in our bio!

In our latest episode, we discussed the top ten most beautiful hikes in the world, including the Trans-Bhutan Trail in Bhutan. This 250-mile trail takes roughly 35 days to complete, leading you through sweeping valleys, narrow passes, and charming villages. But it comes with a hefty price tag. Click the link in our bio to listen to the full episode! Photo by Aaron Santelices/Unsplash

Today we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s not necessarily a “happy” day, but we are thankful for those who have served and continue to do so. 🇺🇸

As mentioned in our last episode, the Backbone Trail in Southern California, spanning 67.79 miles through the Santa Monica Mountains, was highlighted as one of the most breathtaking hikes in the world according to Outside Magazine. Here are a few photos of hiking different sections, steering clear of the crazy LA crowds. For the complete list, check out our latest episode of Bush and Banter at the link in our bio!