Episode 85: Benny Braden on Backpacking, Photography and Responsible Stewardship

On this episode: the Smokies 900-Miler, being a documentary star, and picking up litter and being a good steward. We’re talking with avid backpacker and public lands advocate Benny Braden.

Benny is the founder and CEO of Responsible Stewardship, Inc., a 501(c)3 all volunteer, action based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to restoring public lands, outdoor spaces and communities that’s been affected by illegal dump site and litter irresponsibly left behind by others.

In 2017 Benny set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Smokies 900-Miler. He actually did this twice in the same year. His fastest mileage and time set was 924 miles in 43 days. He still holds the record for the most efficient miles for the Smokies 900-Miler. 

Benny has around 9,000 miles under his belt with expeditions all over the world. From hiking coast to coast across Scotland to hiking 90 miles along the coast of the Black Sea in Turkey. He’s also thru-hiked the Benton McKaye Trail, John Muir Trail, High Sierra Trail, Uinta Highline Trail, Long Trail, Resurrection Pass Trail, Ocean To Lake Trail, and many more. 

He also was featured in the documentary HIGHLINE. A 2020 documentary featuring five friends who hike the Uinta Highline Trail and share their personal story as to why they hike. Benny shares his story as a retired EMT/Firefighter/Rescue Dive who struggles with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).

In this Episode

• Smokies 900-Miler – where Benny set an FKT
• MILE, MILE & A HALF – inspired Benny to hike the John Muir Trail
• HIGHLINE – a documentary with Benny and others
• The Great Outdoor Challenge – an annual “choose-your-own-adventure” hiking challenge across Scotland
• Highlander Adventure – Benny participated in their Big Bear event in 2022
• Save Our Smokies
• Kudzu – an invasive non-native vine found in the south

Connect with Benny Braden

You can find Benny on Instagram @therealbennybraden

You can learn more about Responsible Stewardship, Inc and the amazing work they do at: https://www.responsiblestewardship.org/ and on IG @responsiblestewardship.

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Our Co-hosts

• Jason Fitzpatrick – IG: @themuirproject
• Saveria Tilden – IG: @adventuruswomen web: AdventurUsWomen.com
• Jeff Hester – IG: @thesocalhiker web: SoCalHiker.net

Theme song by Opus Orange. Courtesy of Emoto Music.