Matthew Podolsky

Trail name: Birdman. I'm a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and former wildlife biologist who has been dreaming about a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail for almost 20 years. My connection with the AT began in 2003 when I hiked the Northernmost 600 miles of the trail. Since then I've worked as a wildlife biologist on the California condor recovery team in Arizona and Utah, co-founded a non-profit, produced several independent documentaries, helped launch a podcast series called "Earth to Humans", and co-directed a film that won the audience award an Sundance. I have an amazing wife and 8-year-old son who are supporting me on my 2022 AT thru-hike attempt.

Posts

Is It Possible to Do a Long-Distance Hike Without First Obsessing Over Gear?

Is It Possible to Do a Long-Distance Hike Without First Obsessing Over Gear?

I did my first long-distance hike back in 2003, and I don’t think I bought a single piece of gear in the time leading up to my start date.  I had

Feb 18, 2022 : Matthew Podolsky
Thru-Hiking in Response to Ecological Calamity

Thru-Hiking in Response to Ecological Calamity

Back in 2017 I had the rare opportunity to bear witness to the process of extinction. I was part of a documentary film crew tasked with gathering

Jan 6, 2022 : Matthew Podolsky
Dreams of the Appalachian Trail – Planning My 2022 Thru-Hike

Dreams of the Appalachian Trail – Planning My 2022 Thru-Hike

I feel so incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with my mom in 2022. I’ve been dreaming about

Dec 2, 2021 : Matthew Podolsky