The Obligatory PSU Podcast

Tom "The Real Hiking Viking" Gathman is a professional hiker/adventurer and a lifelong Nittany Lions enthusiast and Penn State football podcaster.

Show Notes

We wrap up our 2021 Summer semester with this extended conversation with returning guest Tom Gathman, better known to outdoor and adventure enthusiasts across the globe as The Real Hiking Viking. A Marines Corps combat veteran, Tom grew up around Penn State football and Joe Paterno - really - his dad produced Joe's famous Holsum Milano bread advertising campaign, which he discussed during our short introductory conversation with him earlier this year. These days, he backpacks all over the world, pitting himself against the elements in long treks far from civilization, but never so far that he misses a Nittany Lions kickoff during the Fall. Sought-after as an outdoor brand ambassador and a die-hard Penn State football fan, Tom also produces the weekly Blue & White Brothers Podcast during the season. In this wide-ranging interview, Chris and Mailman go in-depth with Tom about life on the trail, loving the Lions, and the best way to avoid being eaten by a bear.

The Real Hiking Viking's website: http://www.therealhikingviking.com/

Tom's previous appearance on the podcast: https://www.statecollege.com/obligatory-psu/spring-21-episode-22-the-award-winner-the-hiking-viking/

HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Chris Buchignani

GUEST: Tom Gathman (The Hiking Viking)

What is The Obligatory PSU Podcast?

The Obligatory PSU Podcast features wide-ranging discussions of Penn State sports, Nittany Lions football in particular, and all things Penn State and Happy Valley from the cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Former Penn State and NFL defensive lineman Brandon Noble (’92-97), campus icon Mike “the Mailman” Herr, Mount Nittany Conservancy Board Secretary Kevin Horne, and seven-time Sam's Club Member Chris Buchignani. Along with a rotating cast of characters from around State College and across Nittany Nation, the guys focus on the stories, issues, and personalities surrounding the Blue and White fan experience.

The Obligatory PSU Podcast delivers fun and insightful commentary on the teams, University, and place that are beloved by many thousands of students, alumni, and fans. There’s no pretense of objectivity or “journalistic” distance here; these guys are here because they care, and their Penn State knowledge and love shine through in every installment. The goal is to touch on a broad variety of topics relating to the Nittany Lions in conversations that are frequently funny and occasionally profound, all while enjoying a few (or more) adult beverages. If you’ve got Penn State in your blood, you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with us.