Ep80: Jackie & The Crazies: A Rim2Rim Masterpiece Marred By Sudden Tragedy

What started as a joyful Grand Canyon crossing for Jackie Kunkel and her crew—“The Crazies”—turned somber in the final stretch when they encountered the season’s first hiking fatality just 0.3 miles from the top of North Kaibab. In this raw and heartfelt conversation, the group reflects on the shock of witnessing a life lost on the trail—and the deep reminder that it could happen to any of us.

But this episode is more than grief. It’s also packed with some of the most practical Rim2Rim training, fueling, and group prep insights ever shared on the show:

• How they trained with weighted packs and box jumps to prep for canyon steps

• How they gamified their performance using spreadsheets and past data

• What they ate (and when) to avoid bonking and bloating

• How they used stretching, salt, and smart pacing to avoid the infamous Canyon Shuffle

• And why “never hike alone” became their unshakable trail mantra

Whether you're planning your first crossing or your fifth, this episode will move you, educate you, and remind you that hiking the Canyon is never just about the miles—it’s about how you show up.

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Please join the Hike Tribe Grand Canyon Facebook group—the official group of The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show—by clicking here. Our group is a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

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Bright Angel Outfitters is now Hike Tribe, a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. Let's go get it!

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To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at [phone] or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

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Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at [e-mail].

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The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from Hike Tribe aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

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What is The Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show?

Welcome to THE home of Grand Canyon hiking. If it happens below the rim—from short day hikes to Rim2Rims and beyond—you'll learn all the tips and tricks to have your safest and most memorable Grand Canyon experience.

Host Brian Speciale brings you stories of triumph, tragedy, and trail-won wisdom—told by first-timers, seasoned vets, and Canyon insiders alike.

But don't just take our word for it; here's what our listeners say:
“I am continually inspired by the guests and the vulnerability of everyone to share their story—so others can learn and make their own.”
Whether you're planning Rim2Rim or just dreaming of hiking the Grand Canyon, this is the podcast that prepares you—mind, body, and spirit.
“An invaluable resource.”
"Brian and the community he has curated is such a welcoming place and wealth of information."
“It’s the perfect mix of inspiration, realistic caution, and tips for success.”

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