Backpacker Radio #129 | Renee & Tim, TikTok’s First Hiking Celebrities

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by CDT thru-hikers and TikTok celebrities, Renee and Tim.  The duo gives us a rundown on their recent CDT trek, the trail and backpacking scene around Germany, where they currently reside, and we go in-depth about their rise to fame on TikTok, including how the platform’s culture differs from Instagram, their methodology in posting catchy content, and how their fame impacted their CDT thru-hike. 

We wrap the show with a triple crown of childhood crushes, Chaunce and Badger give a quick update on our state of the union for backpacking footwear, and we learn about a new documentary from a former Backpacker Radio guest.

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Interview with Renee & Tim

Time stamps & Questions

00:03:38 – QOTD: What’s the most cringey pick-up line?

00:06:34 – Introducing Renee & Tim 

00:07:06 – What is your hiking resume? 

00:07:56 – How did you land in Germany? 

00:08:35 – Were you intentionally searching for international jobs? 

00:09:28 – Is the university system in Germany fee? 

00:10:06 – Are there any other stark differences between universities? 

00:10:53 – Were you avid hikers before the PCT? 

00:11:48 – Where in the Chicago area are you from? 

00:12:11 – How long have you been together?

00:12:22 – Where did you go to school? 

00:13:18 – Why the CDT and not the AT? 

00:14:30 – Can you share about the alternates of the CDT? 

00:15:53 – Are there areas where the alternates are considered better than others? 

00:17:04 – Did you have to battle any snow? 

00:18:39 – Would you recommend staying off the Facebook pages? 

00:19:13 – What were you using for Beta? 

00:21:25 – Were you fairly comfortable with the snow on the CDT?

00:22:13 – Do you know the backstory of the “Dirty Money” name? 

00:22:57 – Where in Wisconsin are you from, Renee? 

00:23:19 – Did you encounter any life-threatening weather? 

00:25:11 – How do the extremes compare between PCT to CDT? 

00:26:52 – Tell us the story about your water story! 

00:28:47 – What was your water carrying strategy? 

00:31:14 – Did you get used to drinking out of cow tanks? 

00:34:53 – Tell us about the wildlife you saw 

00:38:38 – Were you filming for TikTok?

00:39:20 – Were you TikToking prior to your CDT hike? 

00:40:50 – How produced are the videos? 

00:42:45 – How many of your videos are pointing to text boxes? 

00:44:18 – Did your large following impact your hike? 

00:44:49 – Did it ever get to be too much? 

00:45:33 – Were people meeting you in upcoming towns? 

00:46:51 – Are you getting the same fan behavior in Germany? 

00:47:40 – Tell us a little more about your business

00:49:38 – Are you seeing good traction from your TikTok fame? 

00:50:45 – What was the response from the hiking community? 

00:55:34 – What demographic do you reach on TikTok? 

00:56:54 – How often do you run into people that offer you drinks? 

00:57:32 – What advice do you have for people looking to grow on TikTok? 

00:59:15 – Is Germany going through COVID challenges right now? 

01:00:48 – Do you see similarities between Florida and Germany? 

01:02:02 – What trails would you recommend in Germany? 

01:04:27 – What is the backpacking/hiking culture like in Germany? 

01:06:23 – If work weren’t a tether, would you still be in Germany? 

01:07:46 – Any 2022 hiking plans? 

01:09:39 – Thank you Tim & Renee! 

 

SEGMENTS

Trek Propaganda

Triple crown of childhood crushes 

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