Finally addressing the host changes and also introducing myself

[@BackpackingTV]

Gonna pin my own comment here. I want to thank everyone for being civil and having good discussions. Feel free to ask me anything and I'll do my best to clear it up.

[@Mike_Blanda]

You going to do solo backpacking? Or possibly some collaborations too??? I know Eric had started a little of that but curious…. Also will you show gear for backpacking and trail watches or primarily just hiking? Thanks Mike

[@BackpackingTV]

Oh yeah! I'll be hitting the trail here soon. Tbh I've been a little lacking on the solo backpacking because of the extreme heat but ive got a trip next week! And yeah, i hope to do collabs as well. Could be fun​! @Mike_Blanda

[@Mike_Blanda]

@@BackpackingTV awesome!! Yes the Heat is insane right now lol

[@michaelpuryear4682]

hey man theres not a lot of truly interesting content on the wonderland trail and i think its a good opportunity. All the videos are just purely cinematic. it'd be a good way to boost your exposure. just a thought.

[@kevinsmith3346]

Welcome Mike! I think you're a great choice for host. I appreciate the laid back way of presenting your topics and the humor that you use. I hope you're with the channel for a long time.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thanks Kevin! I appreciate it - I hope to do this for quite a while

[@medicus5565]

Mike, thanks for your candor and for making the brave choice to talk about yourself in a personal way. It helps us to better understand where you're coming from when we know a little more about you as a person. That approach is more sincere and endearing, which brings us a little closer. I respect you more for that. I promise to watch your videos henceforth.

[@chuckpalah9899]

How do we know Mike is going to be successful here? Easy, simply scroll through the comments below and note that he's engaged in some way with nearly every commenter. Mike values his audience and knows that these people are making his job possible. Strangely enough, some creators never figure this out. "Troubles will come and they will pass."

[@BackpackingTV]

I try! And thank you, I hope you stick around!

[@jon27d]

For the first 10 minutes or so I thought you were pretty cool dude. The last 90 seconds told me that I like you. Welcome to the channel Mike!

[@BackpackingTV]

You had me nervous for a second there. Thank you!

[@michaelcrawford9425]

Thanks for the update. Very respectful of you. Looking forward to all your content.

[@MrWonder117]

Thanks for your transparency and candor. It’s a difficult spot for you, Stella, and Heliconia to be in and to address well but I appreciated all of how you summarized it up. I really enjoy you as the new host, as much as I enjoyed Eric as the host. Also, congrats on finishing Red Dead 2! I can relate with the ‘thinking about it deeply for several days after finishing’ feeling haha

[@BackpackingTV]

The soundtrack of the last two chapters has been living rent free in my head. It's one of the best stories ever told, imo

[@higler.]

You've been killing it with the content. Keep it up, it's much appreciated!

[@jadasakura]

I went "oooh tea 🍵" when I saw this vid haha But on a serious note, I think you handled all of this incredibly tactfully. I watched Stella's video when it came out, and I appreciate that you let her have her voice and space to talk about her side before "spilling the tea". I'm subscribed to Stella, and Eric, and this channel! I like watching all of you and wish you all nothing but the best ☺️

[@lucas_bock]

Wasn't sure about this channel after Eric left, but I kinda like this Mike fella. Good luck and I look forward to the content.

[@TekingDirt]

Thank you Mike, I was wondering what was happening and you helped clear all that up. After getting to know you some, I’m looking forward to see you excel and do wonderful things!

[@reginamcilwee5551]

Simple is good! Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@sethstile1201]

Wish you the best man..... Hope you take this channel into a whole new level✊

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you!!

[@bradplueger7951]

Thanks for the update/explanation! I like where the channel is going (with you). Carry one!!!!

[@davidcooper8390]

chanting "who's number 2, who's number 2" Thanks Mike, I appreciate the humor you inject into these videos.

[@BackpackingTV]

I am and forever will be number 2

[@jacksteelo7989]

Honestly, I really like this new guy. He is very personable. He has no guile.

[@jacksteelo7989]

And he's funny. The world needs more funny.

[@BackpackingTV]

That's a strong compliment. Thank you

[@ytube777]

Congrats Mike. It's been a very weird transition (I had high hopes for Stella, but can understand being thrown in the deep end and trying to fill some big shoes), but thanks for the update. I've just went over to Stella's channel also.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's been tricky for sure. I'm glad you are supporting Stella as well!

[@benkailing]

Mike is phenomenal! We have worked together in the past and it was always a great experience. @backpackingtv couldn’t have picked a better host!

[@jonathanwtea]

Thanks for this video, Mike! Good to know you better. You’re gonna be a great fit for this gig! Notifications on.

[@andycjohnston]

I'm really digging on your honest and straightforward approach. When you said about the cowboy hat I actually laughed out loud. I think the cap 🧢 suits you just fine Mike!

[@stattravels8109]

Everything happens for a reason! We love Eric, we love Stella and can’t wait to get to know you!

[@davem6442]

Welcome, glad to see you found a new home.

[@ActionRicker]

Mike, the Sam Sulek of nature. A great number 2 indeed :) Glad you're here!

[@BackpackingTV]

I might have to start clipping the microphone to my hat

[@WallowaHikes]

You are absolutely killing it, man. I don't envy the position you are in. Lots of emotion from lots of sides. Personally, I'm thrilled to have a reason to watch again.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you! I hope you stick around for the new videos!

[@EternalTina]

I really appreciate this video and I'm glad there actually was a real process behind the "mess". I can sympathise with Stella having been "the wrong hire" my self once. It's not an easy position to be in, neither for "the wrong hire" or for the "right" person stepping in. So, a bit late, but I'm looking forward to your future videos. Your style is a bit unfamiliar, but it's growing on me 😊

[@BackpackingTV]

I was the wrong hire for the job I had before coming here. It was very "tech bro" and I did not fit in/agree with what they were doing. I think I'm just gonna stay in the woods where I belong ha

[@auswalker7865]

Liked you and your intro Mike, so look forward to a fresh approach on the channel. Best wishes from "Down Under" (Australia).

[@m0llymayo637]

Seems like the production company missed out on an opportunity to have both of you as hosts. You're both popular and well liked. That could have been super fun and profitable. But hey, we are lucky to have you for sure. 😊

[@Alwaysawarewolf]

I agree, I would have paid to c both!

[@jadasakura]

That could have been so fun to see!!

[@amalgam5107]

Hello Mike! Looking forward to going on some adventures with you! Also you need to rock that hat.

[@pricehedgehog4759]

Hi mate from London…love the concept of introducing yourself as i was wondering what was going on…anyway value your experience & comments to date! Cheers

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you! Happy to be here

[@Erin60147]

Hi Mike best of luck, hope it’s fun🎉

[@RunningUphill]

I think Eric leaving left the channel a little lost for a bit. He's just a phenomenal guy and he has a great vision. I have nothing against Stella - watched her do the PCT and part of the CDT, but I don't think she was a great fit following Eric and it killed the channel for me for a while. I'm excited to see how the channel changes with you as the host. It takes some time to get comfortable and find the stride again. Can't wait to see your adventures.

[@j.m4207]

What’s up bro welcome! Keep the vibes up

[@kerrywilliams8100]

Great vid. Nice introduction. All the best going forward. It sounds like you were a more natural fit. Not disparaging Stella at all, who has a different way of doing things that wasn’t in keeping with this channels needs. More power to her and you. 👍

[@gfxman14]

Welcome, Mike!

[@rungavagairun]

I don't see where you linked to her channel, but I was able to find it, "Stella Hikes". It was just weird because there was a little to-do made of finding Eric's replacement and introducing Stella, then poof, she was gone. This helps to make sense of it. Good luck.

[@BackpackingTV]

It should be in the expanded description of the video. Yeah, I apologize for the delay in explaining. In a situation like this, you don't want to try to speak on everyone's behalf and get the facts wrong. I suggested against any pomp and circumstance for me, as I felt like you all had been through so much already.

[@mr.hallstrailguide589]

I was one of the finalists for the host position, so first, my sincere congratulations for getting the job. Given I had a more or less insider view of the process, I have a lot of respect for the people at Heliconia and I'm sure they did everything they could to make it work with Stella. Indeed, I was curious what happened after she was hired and then disappeared after announcing her Camino trip (I was hiking the Camino myself shortly after I submitted the second audition video-the one with a product review-and spent many days on the trail wondering about the job). So, I'm glad you cleared up the BTS business.

[@BackpackingTV]

Thank you very much! Cool to hear from someone who was part of the same process. I hope life is going great. They may give you a call if I get killed by a polar bear

[@mr.hallstrailguide589]

@@BackpackingTV Life is indeed great. Thanks. And they know how to find me. . .

[@Colby168]

Wish you the best of luck. Put out a backpacking video already! Your new trail name is “Number 2” 🤣.

[@BackpackingTV]

Fine by me! I've got a great one in the works. I spent 250 bucks on Temu gear and I try to survive with it. Should be a lot of fun

[@kmichaelp4508]

Hi Mike! I’m Mike. A southern boy as I’m assuming you are listening to your speech. I wish you well. I’m not a subscriber…yet. But I watch a lot of these type of videos so we’ll see. Life certainly goes on and I’ll give it a shot. Well I lied. I’m a southern OLD man. 🤣

[@havegregory]

I like this guy!

[@natehikes]

Lifts weights and backpacks. My kind of dude 🤘💪

[@BackpackingTV]

👊 my brother

[@ronrash5895]

Mike, this was great. Thank you for the explanation. When will Stella be on Backpacking TV as your guest? Will she be a guest twice a month or once a month? I'm so happy she will be on as your guest!!! Thank you 🙏

[@BackpackingTV]

Hey! I fear there may have been a miscommunication - I haven't made plans to bring any guests on yet

[@Mike_Blanda]

Pretty butterfly lol Excited for the channel getting going again 🤙🏽 Mikes are usually good dudes! Weightlifting guy too! Yah ima keep watching - definitely my kind of dude. Unfortunately you should have warn the cowboy hat bro

[@BackpackingTV]

Maybe I'll rock the hat in an upcoming video

[@Mike_Blanda]

@@BackpackingTV do it!!

[@vzmichael]

I am Mike too. It was my Mother's favorite name! 😆

[@UncleGeorgeTV]

Doing great Mike 👍 . Keep it quirky

[@JohnathanAulabaugh]

Eric got hit with all the Grand Canyon crap. Have a ton of respect for him.

[@BackpackingTV]

Yeah that was a whole thing from what I understand

[@MattVHulst]

I too look like an idiot in a cowboy hat. Looking forward to future videos. Cheers dude

[@BackpackingTV]

🍻

[@davidgoodliffe5268]

Starts stadium chant: “HIKE MIKE HIKE MIKE HIKE MIKE”

[@indtexcol]

First watched Stella on the CDT. Watched her when she started here on her trip in Utah back country. That hike revealed the struggle she had with the different format of hiking with the awkwardness of the different production format. Maybe with your production experience plus hiking experience, the program will succeed.

[@ryanandhollie]

I like Mike!

[@GatorReeves]

I think we all caught the "y'all" at the end...sweet. Assuming you're from the South? That trail looks like Georgia, maybe NC?

[@BackpackingTV]

I'm from East Tennessee, so you're gonna hear some y'alls slip out every now and then. And yes, good call - this is in North Carolina :)

[@stantalley8024]

Are you going to start doing over night and extended backpacking trips? Cause I like that more than day hikes. Let's do the damn thing.

[@BackpackingTV]

Oh yeah. Leaving for one shortly, should be uploaded next week! It's been constant storms and extreme heat so I waited for a break in the weather before I risked my camera stuff out there

[@ColinJeuring]

Eric Hanson didn’t film all of the footage himself. He had a camera operator joining him on hikes. So, why couldn’t Heliconia hire a camera operator again? Did they take the opportunity of Eric Hanson leaving to push budget cuts?

[@BackpackingTV]

Whenever you see that Eric has a camera operator, it's often because what you are watching is a segment from the PBS show. I just did a similar video about a Via Feratta. We were out there working on a show, and I repurposed some of the footage into a KZbin video. If you watch it, you'll notice that there is a significant jump in production value, as I've got a real pro with me. He did go out with friends from time to time, so I'm sure there was plenty of footage filmed by buddies as well

[@needtokeepwalking]

Hi mate, my 2 cents, however worthless, is that i don't really care about the channels drama. Sorry I'm selfish, i care about the hiking life. Hit the trails and show me what i can't see IRL. Help me destroying my bank account by reviewing gear I'll obsess over. Keep on walking mate and love from Australia.

[@BackpackingTV]

Not worthless at all, I'm not a drama guy either! I've got some good trips coming soon - happy to have you around

[@Zak_McKracken]

I think by myself-what does those "production companies" think? I mean this channel has an audience. You can't swap the channel hosts as you want, because the channel host is the channel, or the content creator of the channel. And the audience is bound to the person, and not the company. It doesn't make sense to simply "hire" a new host, because the audience doesn't think in terms of profitabiluty, they choose the channel, because they are bound to a host.

[@BackpackingTV]

Good question. Normally that would be true, but so much of this particular channel is content generated by the production of the show, which involves a lot of people. For example, I'm gonna be going to some really cool places for the TV show, and there will likely some fun adventures from those shoots that I will post here (I actually just posted one about the Via Feratta, that was from a TV shoot) With so many people involved in the production of that, I couldn't just take it with me if I were to go out on my own. Does that make sense?

[@Zak_McKracken]

@@BackpackingTV It just makes sense if you think in terms of profit, not when you think to do the best for your audience. But I wish you and the company good luck to be as profitable as possible...with or without the audience.

[@BackpackingTV]

It's not about profit, it's about time and effort. When it's only one person committing the time and effort and expenses (and yes, trips cost money... money that the production company pays to send me to all these places) then it's not 100% mine to claim. That's the case with any host. I have a lot of leeway with the kind of stuff I want to make, but at the end of the day, there's a team of talented people behind the bigger shoots.

[@ciscoB2183]

Welcome I think you’re a better fit for the channel.

[@flybyguy1450]

They never even gave Stella a real chance, then they just scrapped her and deleted all her videos without any explanation. This is too little too late. Not gonna follow this channel.

[@RC-qf3mp]

I don’t get it. Stella left b/c she couldn’t use the fancy camera/audio equipment, so you came in. But all you’re doing here is talking to what looks to be a cell phone quality camera, doing just what Stella was doing on her own channel. Also, Stella built up her audience doing what she was doing - so why would anybody want to hire her to do something different when what she was already doing was working? I get it, you’re just a messenger and new guy. But the message doesn’t make much sense.

[@BackpackingTV]

I'll do these little updates every now and then in a vlog style. I think she would have done a fine job with the equipment eventually. Equipment aside, the main issue was the hiring of a new person. Once that was presented in a "this needs to happen or this won't work" kind of way, then things were on their way to turning out the way they did. Hope that explains it better

[@FritzWashabaugh]

@RC-qf3mp She explains in her video. The production demands were big, she felt imposter syndrome. She said, she didn't know what to do for the show, and it sounds like the production company wanted her to handle content and recording like Eric did. Making good quality fresh content while controlling for lighting, sound, and video is really difficult. She was overwhelmed... so she moved on. It happens. Not everyone is right for every job. Eric ran a good show with great content and the production quality was very good. That's tough to do in the wild or in a studio. Clearly, this channel doesn't do Vlog style video on the regular. It appears this format for this video is a one-off, as a candid more personal/less corporate delivery method for explaining some hearsay and drama on the youtubes. Stella is back on her channel and I'm sure she would appreciate your viewership there.

[@BackpackingTV]

​@@FritzWashabaughdang man, I should have had you do this video

[@PositivelyKyleHikes]

Stella rocks and is definitely missed. Was nice having a POC host.

[@joankline343]

No offense to you Mike but Stella does an amazing job with her channel and videos without any fancy equipment. She's very well liked and delivers some enjoyable content. She is more than capable of still producing excellent content. I hope that when she realizes that and she will move on. I myself enjoyed her KZbin channel more because she's being real and doing it for herself and not a business. I think you'll find that she still has lots of followers who would gladly watch her channel any day over the Epic Trails. Best wishes to you.