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. Become a Patron The Almost There Adventure Podcast is and will always be free. If you’d like to help us keep the lights on, we are now on Patreon, where you can support our work with a bus or two (or more) each month. Send us some green and help us keep the pod rolling!  Connect with us! Like Almost There on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almostthereadventurepodcast/ Follow Almost There on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostthere_ap/  Send us a voice message! https://www.speakpipe.com/AlmostThere 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.  The Almost There Adventure Podcast is a celebration of outdoor activities both local and epic. Discussing the big topics and talking to adventurers, artists, legends and activists within the outdoor community.