I finished listening to Matt Parker’s story yesterday. If you have a dream, a goal, an unfinished adventure, LISTEN to this podcast! You may be inspired to make something important happen. 👍🏼

This show didn’t do it for me the way I had hoped. It’s a cool story worth telling, but I feel like the host had a lot of missed opportunities to add deeper meaning and discussion to themes that reveal themselves throughout the journey. I don’t like the use of the term “hero,” although I see where she was trying to go with it. I agree with the reviewer who lamented that the host could have done a better job researching for episode 5. Bundyville is an incredible podcast that tackles public land issues. I also wished there was more time and attention given to the original indigenous stewardship and history of the land that he crossed. This podcast was just too meh for me.

This is a great podcast! So inspiring to hear of this young man’s horse ride on the ADT. Quite an accomplishment. The podcast is very well done.

Overall, I’m recommending this pod. For people who didn’t grasp Campbell’s Hero’s Journey in high school it may help them with the concept of the hero as an archetype. Anyone who has ever enjoyed a weekend trail ride and fantasize about horse packing will probably like it, too. For those who have ever been 22 or know some 22 year olds, Matt’s impulse and his journey will feel familiar, even impressive. As a woman who works with horses every day, I struggled to like Matt, though. His contention that the information he sought for how to distance-ride a horse, 20, 30, 40, or 50 years ago, was unavailable is simply wrong. His resources more seemed to be limited by his own age and gender. Yes, he admitted that what he did would’ve been more difficult for a man with more melanin in his skin. He couldn’t manage to use the word privilege, though. His reluctance to call out the Amish for abuse when his own horses were seriously injured in their care baffled me. The chapter featuring Achilles was bonkers. It made me wonder what the real story was. Did Oli, a reportedly expert horse trainer, really think a green 110 percent Arabian stallion would make a good partner for a green kid riding 2000 miles? There has to be more to that notion. Either that or Oli was playing a cruel joke. Ranchers living large on federal lands have been romanticized enough. The podcast producer could’ve listened to reporter Leah Sotille’s epic “Bundyville” on Oregon Public Broadcasting for context. Overall, I was touched by the producer’s kindness to her subject.

I am a podcast junkie. I have listened to hundreds, maybe thousands of episodes. This particular podcast might be my favorite. It is an adventure story but filed with insights into human struggle, love, compassion, pain and triumph. This will make any car trip better and leave you a better person for listening.

This was a freeing story for me to listen to during this time in my life. I got a lot out of it and really enjoyed every word. Thank you for sharing Matt and his journey. It was beautifully done and I loved the guitar.

This is the first review I ever took time to write. I heard part of an episode of this on NPR recently, and I was instantly hooked. I loved absolutely everything about this, from the story itself to the music. This is brilliantly produced and made me have perhaps a tiny bit of hope for our United States of America.

It’s been quite some time since I have wept, laughed, cringed, cursed, felt a bursting heart listening to a story. A+ storytelling, LOVE the mythic & literature relationships being brought to bear. Amazing adventurer is Matt. Kudos. Listening again now. For the third time. Write more, interview more, podcast more—you are stellar!!

A nice, relaxing, enjoyable listen

I enjoyed the actual story of Matt’s journey. However, the over the top, over dramatic comparisons with a hero and hero’s journey were too much for me. I doubt Matt would call himself a hero. He undertook this challenge for fun and personal growth. He suffered, his horses suffered. He did grow and he had some incredible, life changing, amazing experiences. I would have preferred a straight up telling without the host’s narratives. The production was great, music choices, editing, how the story was pieced together, etc. all good.

What an amazing journey! My eyes welled up with tears in few moments. The story is very well presented with incredible visual as if you traveled with Matt through the country.

Wish there were more podcasts like this. True stories told by the folks involved, I was mesmerized by his story. Thank you for sharing.. ✌🏼

I was introduced to this podcast on the Saturday January 6, 2024 All Things Considered Show. It was so captivating that I binge listened to it.

Binged the show in two days. So good! Wish there was more.

Just consumed this podcast in less than 24 hours. The most compelling, moving, well-told story I have found in years. Reminded me that once I was an adventurer and perhaps could be again. As long as I am willing to open myself to uncertainty, risks, fear, and hardships, the rewards can be transcendent.

If you like this, I highly recommend listening to the book, The Oregon Trail on Audible. The author is Rinker Buck. He and his brother take a contemporary trip along the Oregon Trail by covered wagon. Oh my, you will love it if you are intrigued by this young man’s adventure. . . there’s a lot about history and epic journeys and being challenged personally, it is hilarious, as well as entertaining. And very very American. And you feel the country changing — in all its limitations. The writing is great, and the narration wonderful. Have fun!

I already wrote a review when this started airing and just now I just finished the very last episode. This is such an addictive series. And now that it’s over I find myself pineing for more detail. As a life long trail rider I relate to his experiences on the trail and with horses. So, I am going to beg Matt to find someone willing to help him write a book with more details including experiences he left out of the podcast. I would purchase it. Matt seems to have done this right, unlike someone else who did it this year only for self promotion, the spotlight and money all the while riding his horses into the ground and compounding their lameness problems. Matt put his horse first making sure they got good feed, water, well kept shoeing and didn’t over ride him. He was humble enough to learn beforehand what was involved with distance riding and applied the advice from experts. I’m very impressed with his achievement and his good character. He will take the lessons learned from this and go far in his life. I hope he writes a book about this that goes into more detail. I would buy it.

So grateful this adventure was shared. The range of emotions this tale evokes is multi layered and complex. Epic and humbling at the same time.

I am an avid podcast listener, found this thru my local NPR station. So engaging no matter what your experience with horses, riding, etc. it’s a current day adventure story with a complex cast of characters that bring out all the complications and strength we all hold. Exquisite.

What an amazing tale of resilience, perseverance and the beauty and toughness of the American lands. I’ve enjoyed listening to this story. Way to go Matt!

What an incredible journey! Definitely humbling and inspiring. Very nicely narrated.

This is a fantastic American story on perseverance and strength-facing obstacles and finding oneself. I highly recommend it to young people sorting through life’s journey. We are anxiously awaiting the next few episodes to be released and the story to unfold!

On the edge of our comfy living room chairs anxiously waiting to join Matt & Silver in the upcoming episodes. The story, the conversations, the insights, the production is outstanding! More please!

When is chapter 10 coming out? This podcast came at exactly the right time for me and I’ve so enjoyed following along with each chapter of the adventure every week since it’s release. What happens next!? Thank you Laura Weber Davis and Matt Parker for letting your listeners in on such a fantastic voyage.

I feel it’s a little self-centered of me to give a show about my journey 5 stars, but it’s a good opportunity to give fans of the show a little update. RoP is coming back in December! Thanks for all your support and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Matt

why start such a compelling series and not complete it ?

I was captivated by this story and practically binged these first 9 episodes. Excellent story, beautifully told. But when do we get to hear the rest? I was definitely left wanting the rest of the story!

Such a fantastic piece of journalism! Passionate, thoughtful, perfectly paced. The choice of music enhances the listener’s journey with Matt.Effective use of pause, allowing for listener self reflection and consideration. More please!!

What a life story. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with all your trials, tribulations and successes . We listened from the comfort of a air conditioned car driving home to Michigan from Vermont. So happy you are alive to tell us your experience. Fantastic writing and production!

I appreciate the effort that goes into MI Radio’s long-form reporting. Having lived in many western states, I can vouch that the storytelling captures the landscapes, scenarios and local inhabitants in a way that represents their lifestyle so well. It makes you feel like you are riding along with Matt. Laura does a great job of bringing this personal story alive.

Great story, beautifully told!!

Wow, spell-binding. But, Matt should’ve done more research before setting out on this epic trip.

I’ve had the pleasure of calling Matt one of my best friends for over thirty years, but there were so many interesting things this podcast showcased that I never knew about his journey! Really well written and entertaining - if you like adventure stories you are going to love this podcast. Highly recommended!!!

Storytelling that leaves you wanting to hear the next episode immediately = podcast magic! Great job Laura!

What a treasure! Laura Weber Davis is a great narrator and storyteller. This is just one example of how spectacular MI Radio is! Worth every sustainer dollar and then some. So proud of my local npr station! And thrilled to learn that this adventurous, kind and brave man is a fellow Hope alum - go Dutch :)

Such a special show … for everyone who has ever wanted to blaze a trail. Love every minute and love the music!!!!! Gives me faith in NPR again … less toxic politics and more programming like this please!

This is a well-produced podcast. Matt Parker talks about his adventures with humility and gratitude. As someone who knows horses and the backcountry of the American west, I’m amazed Matt survived. Can’t wait to hear the next episode!

Matt and I have been friends forever, and even though I feel like I knew everything about his time on the trail, it turns out I didn’t know half of what occurred on this trip! Fascinating recollection and well told. Bravo Matt and Laura.

You can tell how much love has been put into this story. I am on the edge of my seat & can't wait to hear the rest!