Seven Years, 10,000 Miles & One Film: Brendan Hall on Capturing the Soul of America's National Parks
Seven Years, 10,000 Miles & One Film: Brendan Hall on Capturing the Soul of America's National Parks  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon May 18 2026
Description: Send us Fan MailWhat if the most powerful story in a national park isn't the landscape — it's the people inside it?NYU-trained filmmaker, Explorers Club member, and director Brendan Hall joins us to share the journey behind Out There: A National Parks Story — a feature documentary seven years in the making, born from a post-graduation road trip across 10,000 miles of America's public lands.Brendan opens up about the Grand Canyon moment under the Milky Way that redirected his entire filmmaking career, how two friends with no plan found trail builder Gary in Acadia simply by asking a librarian, and why his relationship with Yosemite has evolved from a solo sunrise at Tunnel View to a surprise engagement in El Capitan Meadow.We cover the human tapestry behind the film: Jack Gladstone's Blackfeet stories at Glacier, photographer QT Luong's overlooked legacy, and a filmmaking philosophy built around accessibility over conquest. Brendan also reflects on his time as a selected crew member of the Dear Moon mission, what an Antarctica voyage with Neil deGrasse Tyson and William Shatner revealed about our planet, and how to carry hope in the face of ecological grief — from bleached coral reefs to smoke-filled wilderness.Out There has screened at 25+ festivals and 75+ community events nationwide. A screening tour and digital release with nonprofit partnerships are rolling out through 2026.Screenings & updates: outthere.filmEpisode Links:Brendan on InstagramOut There Film on InstagramBrendan's WebsiteThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.