Where Have I Been? It's Not What You Think.

[@SouthernHike]

The algorithm decided I didn't want to see this video. So sorry John. Injuries truly suck. I'll always support you at anytime. Your a huge asset to this community!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

We all have dark periods my friend. I greatly appreciate you talking about it openly. It makes it easier for others to relate and it helps diminish the feelings of loneliness that come with the darker days. I'm very angry to hear about all this crap with filming on our OWN lands. It makes me sick. Keep your head held high buddy!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, my friend. I’m really enjoying your Hilltop Packs videos! Keep it up!

[@terryweaver9770]

My good sir, I don’t care what anyone says, U’r channel is 1 of my fav hiking channels.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much, Terry!

[@backpackingadventures4813]

I’m sorry to hear about everything you had happen to you. This year is a new year and one that will be great. Keep thinking positive. I can relate to the pneumonia and the sciatica. I’ve had both. Fractured two ribs from coughing so hard. Not fun. All the best to you in this new year! 👍

[@john_kelley]

Thanks man! I appreciate it!

[@steveyost5530]

In the words of the great show "Hee Haw" -- "If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all." Wow John! What a year. Hang in there, it will improve. Your faith will see you through. We have missed your wonderful videos but don't feel like you need to rush things. Your health, both physical and mental are more important. Stay strong!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Steve!

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

Take your time to get everything straight. We'll be here. I'm in a creative funk too but I might have pushed through that. I just feel like none of the videos I've done this year are any good and I'm searching for a new approach to them. As a guy with back issues, my chiropractor has made it possible for me to live a fulfilling life. Also, getting in a gym and lifting does wonders for not only your body but your mind, too. The stronger you are, the better you can respond to injury or avoid it all together. Those two things have made a world of difference to me.

[@john_kelley]

I just started weight lifting again. I'm realizing, as I get older, weight lifting is the key to staying on top of your health......and not eating french fries with every meal.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

So sorry brother. Praying for you and this journey you're on. Keep your head up!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Doug! I think we to get on a trail together this year.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

@@john_kelley Dude that would rule - come see Yosemite!

[@johnbuhrmann5748]

I've suffered similar injuries and problems trying to get out hiking and camping. It's super frustrating. Here's to better luck going forward.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, John!

[@stefaniegalvan]

Life happens and we're all glad you are okay. Looking forward to your 2023 trips.

[@john_kelley]

Me too! Thanks!

[@larchlarch9851]

We love you and your channel 💖. You are so genuine. We have missed you.

[@john_kelley]

Thank you so much!

[@tracyazhikes]

Sorry to hear about all the bad luck, and your friend. Prayers for you.

[@john_kelley]

I'll take them! Thanks!

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Oh man, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@CameronHall88]

Don't always comment but appreciate all your content, John. Sorry for the bad run you had last year. Hopefully 2023 brings better luck and more time on trail for you and all of us.

[@john_kelley]

That would be amazing! Thanks!

[@Slow_poke_hiker]

Thanks for the candid honestly. I too have had a rough year and couldn't get out. Wife and Mom both got diagnosed with Cancer. Stay Strong! (hike when you can)

[@john_kelley]

So sorry to hear that, John! Cancer took my dad years ago. It's pure evil. I'll be praying for both of them.

[@lightwalker4558]

John, I'm praying that you have a healthy 2023 and will be able to go on as many backpacking trips as possible. 🙏🏻

[@john_kelley]

Now that sounds like a great year! Thank you!

[@robwilson7851]

So good to have you posting again. Great you are planning new adventures. Stay strong hike long!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you! Will do!

[@HuckOutdoors]

Here's to a way better 2023 bud! Hope you have some amazing trips and adventures!

[@john_kelley]

Yessir! I still need to get out west with you California boys!

[@TylerCampbellOutdoors]

Prayers sent up this morning that God will use this past year to make you even stronger. Thank you for sharing this. I'm sure it will be an encouragement for someone who is going through their own struggles as well.

[@john_kelley]

Thank you so much, Tyler!

[@cachemacstrailtime]

I really hope things start working out for you. I know hiking is what keeps me moving along and keeps my sanity in check. I can't imagine going that long without hiking. Take care!

[@mac1guy11]

Hang in there, it really was great to hear from you again.

[@john_kelley]

It's good to be back, for sure!

[@klei42]

Hope you recover fully soon and have better luck. Take your time...and then I'm really looking Forward to watch your new Videos 🤗

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it!

[@HikerDoc]

Bro! Sorry you've had such a rough year John! I understand the frustration and depression when life (injury, personal, etc) details you. A lot of times the trail is our zen and how we "make right with the universe"...at least it is for me. Very brave to speak so openly about it. Nothing but love brother. DB

[@john_kelley]

Thanks! I've told a couple other people, this video was more for me, probably, than anyone else.

[@martymorissette]

Bro tough run indeed! Glad to hear you are getting back out there!

[@john_kelley]

Yessir! Congrats on all the growth on your channel! You’ve been beasting it!

[@sebastienparent4659]

An unfortunate chain of events for sure but you’re getting better now, this is the most important.

[@john_kelley]

Yea it is, and yes I am. Can’t wait to be sleeping in the woods soon!

[@dwightrider5713]

God bless you and I pray for your improving health. Take care, get outside, and keep making videos. A fellow Kentuckian.

[@john_kelley]

Gotta love our Bluegrass State!

[@samanthaprice4537]

Sounds like you've had a rough time. I wish you good health and a better year in 2023. Your videos are awesome, I've loved every one. God bless you and your family 🙏🏻

[@john_kelley]

Thank you Samantha!

[@raygunn654]

Much love brother. I can relate to so much of what you said. I was forced into retirement this year. I nearly lost everything including my life. The world is a different place now for me. I'm going to pursue a YT presence. You are partly to thank. The format and style are what made me sub from the "get". I have a lot to say and do. Thank you. Keep-on Keepin-on .....

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it, Ray! I sincerely hope you get to enjoy your retirement!

[@Finest1920]

God bless and may you stay happy and healthy throughout 2023!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, Alicia!

[@DGColin]

I'm two spinal fusions in that took me away from everything I loved to do so I understand your pain and frustration. Heal up and get strong, no one thinks any less of you. Take care of yourself!

[@john_kelley]

Wow! I hate that for you. Thanks for the positivity!

[@DGColin]

@@john_kelley there, nothing titanium can’t fix! I’m back out and enjoying things more than ever because I know what it’s like to be taken away. I just have to adjust my personal limits. No more luxury camp items. Haha.

[@carolczina9235]

Keep at it as best you can, John. I love you and your work online. I hope this year goes better for you.

[@john_kelley]

I hope so too! Thanks!

[@brycewalburn3926]

I feel for you, man. I sincerely hope this year is a big improvement over last year for your physical and mental health.

[@john_kelley]

I’m sure it will be.

[@RyanSchell]

Thanks for sharing what you didn't have to share, you don't owe us anything, but you still chose to. Sorry to hear how rough your year has gone. I didn't get out as much as I wanted, and right now chomping to bits to just get out for an overnighter because I need the woods. And I have not dealt with a quarter of what you have, so I can only imagine how hard it has been on you. Your closing motto is a perfect reminder that it applies to more than just hiking. Stay Strong! Can't wait to see your upcoming content and to hear you are getting out there again!! See you on the next go round 😉

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Ryan! I’m so ready to get back out there.

[@pnw22]

Good to see you back! Wow, what a tough year. Looking forward to seeing your new content.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Gina!

[@BosomBuddyCreations]

You poor thing! We all have slumps but I am so glad to see you smiling in this video. Praying for healing of your mind and body and those people you mentioned and their families. Dont stress over supplying "us" with material. Just go out there and enjoy the gifts of nature. On the subject of the laws now in place, I am really bummed about it. Considering removing any videos I have in state or national parks. Although I am not monetized so dont know if it applies to me. I have learned so much watching others videos and I just like to return the favor and share my adventures and it really stinks that we cant now.

[@john_kelley]

I don’t think it’s retroactive. I think it’s more from here forward.

[@olivierdechelette6944]

So sorry to hear what you've been thru these last months. Don't worry these times don't last forever and you'll be back on the trails sooner or later. But take great care of yourself first and be patient, your body will thank you in a few years. All the best from France. Olivier.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much, Olivier!

[@nickrambles]

Blessings to you John, you rock! Hope you’re able to get out there more this year

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Nick!

[@Caveman_OS_Hiking]

Between my struggles and yours I so glad I had a chance to meet you at the gorge last year. I really enjoyed our conversations. As a beginner to the whole KZbin thing I for sure struggle with the imposter syndrome. Hope you have a quick recovery so we can hopefully meet up on trail again.

[@john_kelley]

It’s was great meeting you, too! I know the meetup is supposed to happen again this fall.

[@daux05]

Thanks for sharing what's been going on in your life with us. I've been missing your videos, so it is good to see you again, but I hate to hear of the tough '22 you had. I can definitely relate to struggles getting out on the trail (I've had to postpone my last 4 planned trips due to a combination of health and work/church emergencies), but I can't imagine having the added pressure of a backpacking youtube channel on top of that. Hopefully, your '23 goes better! And, for the record, we love hearing from you even if it's just you in a garage telling us you haven't been backpacking in a while, so don't let a lack of backpacking keep you away!

[@john_kelley]

I really appreciate that, David!

[@brookberry9959]

What a crazy 2022! Glad your better and can't wait to run into you again in the RRG 😊

[@john_kelley]

Absolutely!

[@jennabenningfield5583]

John, I’ve always loved your content and now am grateful for your honesty and transparency. That’s important! I’m glad to hear that you’re gearing up to hit the trails again!

[@john_kelley]

I'm so ready! I need to be outside!

[@robertclark8044]

Sorry to hear this brother. Been dealing with severe anemia since September. Had to be transfused once. Hand in there. I've had bad problems before and know that life gets better.

[@john_kelley]

That sounds terrible. Praying for you on that big time!

[@loaferx5409]

I appreciate the reality of your story. Part of the healing power of nature is talking about how much we need it and why. 100% support for what you do and how you do it.

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@craigpaul2902]

Have missed your vids, John. Thanks for the update. I can feel your pain as I had a similar year to you last year. I hope this year is way better for you and your dreams for the channel go the way you envision. Cheers Aussie Craig

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Craig!

[@dewdrop6400]

I hear you. I started with an issue in June that snowballed into a major issue in October from which I am now just recovering. Don't worry about what others "might" think, just make your videos that are true to yourself and let 'em fly.

[@john_kelley]

Injuries are definitely no fun. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@brittanyconley4794]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I had a YT channel and I totally bailed on making videos for much the same reason after I had some health issues for most of 2022, when the medications I was given left me in either horrific pain or with unbearable insomnia. I've only now started to feel the fog of that lift. I have always enjoyed watching your videos and I am glad you're on the mend and ready to get back on trail. I miss hiking so much but I am too afraid of going it alone anymore and I almost always went solo.

[@john_kelley]

I really hope you can get back out there soon !

[@isabelledrolet4297]

I'm so sorry to hear that you had a massively crummy 2022. Wishing you a much healthier 2023!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much!

[@t8rtot84]

Stay safe John Kelly! Glad to see you’re getting back out there. Crossing my fingers, toes, and also my eyes that you don’t have anymore issues.

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it!

[@joshjuckett8671]

Appreciate you John. Love the channel and pod, you make great stuff! Bummer to hear about the new permit issues. Hopefully that process loosens up. Best of health to you!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@STEPS-THRU-MOUNTAINS]

My sympathies, that depression is real! I’ve had the worst depression of my life this past year and a half because of not being able to hike after breaking my leg on the PCT in 2021 3 surgeries later I’ve not been able to walk more than 1/2 a mile much less hike and it’s really taken a toll on my mental health. I’ve really had to go to the ends of the earth looking into meditation and yoga (what I can do anyway) all kinds of stuff to stay out of that whirlpool of depression. Thank you for sharing what your going through, it helps so much to know we’re not alone, and that things do get better… eventually lol ❤

[@john_kelley]

Depression is real. This was the first time my wife ever saw me go through it. She’s been an angel. She now helps me recognize when it’s hitting before it gets too far.

[@sidebysidegear3329]

Aww! Take your time John and I hope everything goes back to normal in the coming days. We are so excited to see your upcoming videos.

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Whether you are backpacking or not, you are valuable to the backpacking world. You ever need someone to go on a trip w you, let me know! Prayers for a better 2023, bud.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, brother! We definitely need to do that.

[@lennynichols6809]

Thanks for keeping it real. I appreciate your comments, reviews, etc. I look forward to seeing more.

[@19stoney64]

With not hearing back from you on emails, I just took that as a concern to just be praying for you more. Being paralyzed before and 17 years of complications that have told me over and over that I’ll never do this or that, I know how tough it can be. You’re an amazing brother and I know you come through all this. As for me, I am putting in more mikes than ever in my life and like I say, I would never imagine I’d get to do what I am right now. Our best days are ahead.

[@john_kelley]

Hey Stoney! Sorry about that. I went back and looked for your emails after I read this, and they were all in my junk folder. So sorry I haven't responded. You're right. It'll all pass. I'm really excited for 2023!

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I understand the feeling of not wanting to do make videos when we’re not backpacking. I had a similar issue with a pinched nerve. It was so hard to find the headspace to film anything. But I can say as a regular viewer here, we care about YOU. Thank you for the update. I’m sorry you’ve been through so much, but I’m happy to see you again!

[@jasonmorrow216]

I hope things turn around and glad your feeling better. Kinda delt with some issues with my wife last year and her health that prevented us from getting on trail as much.

[@john_kelley]

I hope she’s doing better!

[@jasonmorrow216]

@@john_kelley Thank you!

[@deborahhill3105]

I’m glad you shared. Will be praying this year goes much better on multiple levels. I know how frustrating it must have been.

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Rough run of luck there John. I’m sure now that makes even more special to get out. 👍😎

[@john_kelley]

Yes it does! I'm so appreciative when I get out!

[@MaggieValera]

John, I am so sorry, seriously. {{{hugs}}} Unfortunately I know exactly what you are going through because you took a page out of my playbook. I am messed up from C2 to S1, have COPD, and sciatica is like getting struck by lightning! Make sure you let that ankle heal and baby it, or it will remain a "trick ankle" that will just buckle for no reason at completely random times. Very sorry for your loss, that's a hard one to process. I can't hike or backpack now, the closest I get is with my Girl Scout troop. I pack as though I'm hitting the trail to teach them, while another adult takes them on the trail. In the meantime I live vicariously through you, Jeremiah Springer, Homemade Wanderlust, Dan Becker, and several others. So you have definitely been missed and I'm glad you made it back to that side of the camera. Be well.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much! 2023 is going to be a good year!

[@mkultrahikes]

That's a challenges you faced. I tend to believe that obstacles are put in our place to make us stronger down the road. Keep your headup and I hope you get some good hiking in this year.

[@john_kelley]

Great outlook! You actually saw me on my last true backpacking trip before all of this happened.

[@mkultrahikes]

@@john_kelley Hopefully I didn't spread bad juju on you or something lol

[@john_kelley]

@@mkultrahikes 😂

[@donaldriley6934]

It's good to hear what's been going on. Keep your head up and hike on when you can.

[@john_kelley]

I’ll be out as often as I can!

[@swampyhiker]

What a run of bad luck. And sorry to hear that. I got a high ankle sprain doing a shakedown,for my shakedown on the AT in just 2 weeks time. It’s improving and I hope it’s better. And now I’m laid up with a chest infection (should be better in a couple of days). Looking forward to your return to the screen. Happy hiking 🥾 Swampy

[@john_kelley]

That really stink! I hate that for you!

[@swampyhiker]

@@john_kelley I am confident I will be hiking though. It's just the warmup I can't do. I really hope you get fully fixed and get out on the trail soon 🙏

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Thanks for sharing. You shared something very similar to a lot of our experiences including myself. So inspired me to think about putting out my own.

[@john_kelley]

I'm not kidding when I say this was kind of like therapy for me. LOL

[@theonlynikki27]

I am so sorry all this happened! Thanks for sharing and thank you for being so honest. Sending you all good vibes.

[@jeffpeters5347]

Keep your head up John. Keep on fighting the good fight. There are plenty of us out here that really appreciate you, myself included. You rock!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Jeff! You’re the man!

[@tktdog]

JK! Glad to see you back! I was wondering what happened to you since I had not seen any videos in a while. Take care and be strong!

[@Reneeberry28]

I am so sorry you went through all that! Praying for you!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, Renee!

[@ozarkhiker23]

Totally can relate, keep your head up and your one foot in front of the other. Just like there are good and awesome years of exploring the outdoors, there will be the opposite years, thanks for the video and stay strong.

[@chrisholmes5765]

I wondered where the heck you've been!? Sorry for your loss!! "The trail provides"

[@john_kelley]

It's good to be back!

[@cmcfalls2]

Appreciate the transperency. Stay strong and faithful brother! Looking forward to the future!

[@john_kelley]

Absolutely! Thanks!

[@biscuitblanco5599]

Appreciate your honesty, brother, but I doubt anyone who follows you would question you. The last three years have been a struggle for me as well. I went from running Tough Mudders and regular camping and backpacking to have my two discs replaced in my neck and one in my back. Getting old sucks! All the best to you and your family, brother!

[@john_kelley]

Dang! That’s rough! Getting old is no fun.

[@iceman857]

My heart goes out to you bro- I know lots of folks who have experienced a snowball of bad circumstances like you, myself included. Keep the faith and hopefully you’ll be encouraged by all the awesome folks showing you some love in these comments.

[@john_kelley]

I’m definitely feeling that today! Thanks!

[@KirstenBayes]

Sending you healing and good luck no-injury no-illness no-misfortune vibes!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks Kirsten!

[@ALORDW]

I have always enjoyed all your content. The "stay strong, hike long" ending resonates for me. Your weight struggles always reflect back to my own struggle. I wish for you a year of blue skies, great hikes, great support and the time that will make the past year just a memory on the road to the best hiking year ever!!

[@john_kelley]

That’s very kind of you! Thanks for the encouragement!

[@russellteee]

Sorry to hear this, John. Hopefully through this you have been able to spend more quality time with your kids and your family - that is important too!

[@john_kelley]

Definitely have loved the family time.

[@brandonkidd5963]

I'm sorry for the difficulties you've experienced. I've recently been looking into backpacking again and trying to decide on a new backpack and during my search, noticed the scarcity of your uploads. I'm hopeful that you'll be back in the woods soon!

[@john_kelley]

Hoping to get out next week!!!

[@markheming3507]

John we’re the same age & I went through some physical stuff also and it sucks but that shouldn’t stop you from doing videos about something you love if people don’t like it then they don’t enjoy you or your videos. So hang in there brother

[@john_kelley]

Thanks Mark. This getting old thing is for the birds! 😂

[@bigmikehikez2927]

I hope you feel better in both body and soul. Sometimes life feels like your living a chapter out of the book of Job. Push through, you will get through it. God bless.

[@john_kelley]

Well said! Thanks so much, Mike!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

Dang bro! I'm sorry you've had a rough year 😔. Similarly, I deal with IT Band, and if I'm not hiking often enough, it locks up and puts me in severe pain! Praying for healing and good times in the woods!

[@john_kelley]

I think I remember that happening in one of your videos. Was that with Jason Wish? That’s rough!

[@Smokeybeesnatural]

@@john_kelley yep! Jason is tough to keep up with 🤣 Happened again with Jason on a 2nd trip, but I'm sure that was a shoe issue.

[@john_kelley]

@@Smokeybeesnatural Jason is a beast! 😂

[@Backpacksandtrails]

We feel you brother. We have had a lot of things going on over the last few months ourselves that have prevented us from getting out and also just from making videos at all. I feel your pain. Blessings to you and your family, and hope to get to do a hike with you sometime this year as well. Take care of yourself.

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it very much!

[@UmbraSTI]

Thank you for sharing your struggles. I appreciate YOU; I wish more people would make videos like this. While these may not get as many views as "regular" videos, I would venture to say that the impact it has is much more profound.

[@john_kelley]

I really hope so! Thanks!

[@martinoutside]

Good to see you back my friend.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

I feel ya, man! Wrecked my ankle two years ago this coming July and haven't been able to backpack since. I'm guardedly optimistic I'll be backpacking this summer! Like you, not being able to get out weighs heavily on my mood/fighting depression. Anyway, it's good to see you back and I hope you have a full recovery and can hit the trails once again!

[@gailwind4168]

Great to see you back.

[@john_kelley]

It’s good to be back!

[@GrayMan7070]

Good to hear from you!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@12STONESADVENTURES]

Gosh you've had a rough year! I can understand why you felt depressed, I would've too. I felt like that in December, it took me four weeks to get rid of a cough resulting from the flu. Sorry for the loss of your friend, sure will be praying for ya buddy! 👍

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it, my friend.

[@mbikesrulee]

John you're awesome hang in there. I appreciate this video. Get well!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Chris. I really appreciate that!

[@pappytrails]

So sorry to hear about everything that’s been going on my bro. I feel ya. I slammed into my shoulder in July and tore the rotator cuff and that sidelined my Sheltowee Trace section hike with friends (we’ve covered from the northern terminus to a few miles north of Heidelberg). Praying for you big time to get back out there. And if you ever need a friend to talk to work things through biblically, don’t hesitate to reach out. And please, don’t be concerned about the imposter syndrome. You and your sidekick are putting some fun content out there. I Enjoy what you do.❤

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much! I hope that shoulder has healed up!

[@tammydennison1025]

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your friends. It has been a tough year for you--I can't say I understand your illnesses and injuries except the ankle sprain by stepping in a hole you couldn't see. (We were moving my daughter to college the next day and I went with a walking boot--couldn't move anything but I was a very good supervisor!). My thoughts and prayers for your continued recovery and health. Hang in there!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you, Tammy!

[@sueb860]

Thanks for making this. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and it hasn't been under control in almost 2 years. Hiking and backpacking have both been off the table since lasy Oct., and that is my main source of exercise and freedom! I am sorry for what you have been going through.

[@sferris5316]

What a tough year! Hang in there and keep making videos! Even if they’re not strictly about backpacking. Do video podcasts, gear reviews, just anything you’re into! Most people that subscribe do so because they like the person first, and then the content. So shoot what you like!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jeffinBrooklyn1]

Hey man, glad that you’re getting back to making videos. Sorry to hear about the bad luck this year, keep your head up and it will definitely get better

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate it!

[@richardb.5036]

Dang man, that is a horrible run of events. I’m glad that you are getting better and getting trips planned!

[@john_kelley]

Me too!

[@KrizAkoni]

What a series of events…hoping things turn around for you. ❤

[@john_kelley]

It’s definitely been nuts!

[@kevind5396]

It feels like we should be telling you to stay strong and hike long. Seriously, hope you’re doing better and all the best in ‘23.

[@john_kelley]

I have to admit, I laughed out loud when I read that! You’re probably right.

[@seanfarmer6571]

What a crappy year! Still love the videos! Keep doing what you do, thank you!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Sean!

[@NJHeart2Heart]

Thanks for sharing what's been happening. I've never heard of imposter syndrome, but I can TOTALLY understand it! You've got great supporters out there. Realize that you have some time to get back to where you were and don't push yourself into more troubles. Have a GREAT next trip!

[@john_kelley]

Thank you!

[@celestialhikes]

Sounds like an awful year! Here's praying 2023 will be a much better year for you. Imposter syndrome is real (I've been a business owner and general manager of ~300 employees for almost 20 years and still feel like I'm not qualified half the time!) However, I can definitely tell you that I would have loved to cheer you on during your journey of PT and injury recovery, just as much as a trip video (and you're still perfectly qualified to give backpacking tips etc!!) What about doing some videos that discuss training for backpacking and/or recovery from injuries? I had to take some time off hiking last spring with a hamstring injury and while I know you can't give specific PT advice, I think videos along that line would be really valuable.

[@john_kelley]

Those are some great ideas! I may have to look in doing some of those.

[@JCandCo.]

John, sorry you’ve been forced to eat a crap sandwich this past year. Hopefully the new year will bring positive change. Keep doing what you’re doing. I enjoy your videos and podcast with Jeremiah, and listen to them on my way to work in the am. The information is helpful, and the humor is much needed!😂Hit me up if you ever have any trips planned in MI. Would love to join you guys!

[@john_kelley]

Thanks so much, Jeff.

[@barbaraadams-daugherty4584]

Sending you healing vibes! You are extremely good at what you do. I really enjoy the content of your videos.

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Barbara!

[@TheRealBeardedEagle]

Glad you’re doing better. Huge respect for your honesty. Watched end to end.

[@john_kelley]

I appreciate that! This was personal therapy. 😂