Howdy, Andy! I’m stoked to be chatting with you. I absolutely love your mission of using hiking and positive motivation to inspire others. Let’s lace up and step into this interview!
- Where are you from? And what inspired you to start promoting hiking as a way to improve mental health? Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your journey?
I’m from Ventura, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. I spent most of my childhood and early teen years in Ventura, and my later teen years, high school, early college, and mid-20s in Las Vegas. These days, I call Southern Oregon home.
My journey of promoting hiking as a tool for mental health began during a transformative period in my 30s. For 15 years, I was a pastor and had gone to Bible college, but in 2017, I made the difficult decision to step away from that life. I left behind a deeply ingrained belief system and decided to go to film school at Southern Oregon University in Ashland. I graduated with honors in 2019, an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.
After graduating, I found myself at a crossroads. Moving my family—my wife and three kids, all adopted from foster care—to Los Angeles to pursue a film career didn’t feel right. Two of my kids have special needs and endured unimaginable trauma before joining our family. Balancing those challenges and healing from my own experiences in a controlling religious group had taken a serious toll on my mental health.
That summer, at the suggestion of my therapist, I decided to try hiking as a way to reconnect with something bigger than myself. At first, I was hesitant, but it quickly became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. That summer of 2019, I fell in love with the outdoors and the way it helped me clear my mind and lift my spirit.
I started posting about my hikes on social media, and the response was incredible. People connected with my openness about mental health and body positivity. Over the next couple of years, my following grew steadily. By 2021, I began receiving modeling opportunities with brands like Columbia Sportswear and started collaborating with outdoor companies like Eddie Bauer.
In January 2022, everything changed. I posted a simple, funny video called “Going for a Stupid Hike for My Stupid Mental Health,” and it went viral. In just a few months, my Instagram following skyrocketed from 5,000 to over 150,000. Suddenly, I was able to turn my passion for hiking and mental health into a full-time career as a content creator and influencer.
It’s been an incredible journey, and it all started with that one hike back in 2019. Hiking has given me a sense of purpose, a way to connect with others, and a platform to share my story and help people prioritize their mental health.
- What kind of feedback do you receive from your followers about how hiking has helped their mental health? Do you have a particularly memorable story someone has shared with you?
The feedback I’ve received from my followers has been both humbling and inspiring. People often tell me how seeing someone like me—plus-size, openly discussing mental health—gives them permission to embrace the outdoors without fear of judgment. I think what resonates most is the idea that they’re not alone in their struggles and that healing can begin with something as simple as stepping onto a trail.
One story that stands out happened in downtown Portland. My wife and I were at a hotel valet when the attendant kept glancing at me. Finally, he approached and said, “Andy, you don’t know me, but I follow you, and your videos have changed my life. I started hiking, and it’s been transformative for my mental health.”
Hearing those words in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle, with horns honking and people rushing by, reminded me why I do this. He had tears in his eyes, and in that moment, it hit me how impactful even my simplest videos can be. There are dozens of stories like his, but moments like those, where I can connect with someone face-to-face, mean the world to me.
- Are there any trails or natural destinations that you consider especially therapeutic or uplifting? What makes them stand out to you?
Anything with a waterfall. I’m a waterfall chaser, even though TLC told us in the ’90s not to go chasing waterfalls! There’s something about standing next to one—the sound of crashing water, the cool mist on my face—it’s like nature’s reset button.
One of my favorites is Pearsony Falls, near Crater Lake National Park here in Oregon. It’s a short hike, but it’s incredibly serene, especially in the winter when the snow adds a magical touch. I could sit there for hours, listening to the water and watching it cascade over the rocks. There’s something about waterfalls that always reminds me to keep moving forward, no matter how turbulent life gets.
4. Hiking can be physically and emotionally challenging at times. How do you stay motivated, and what advice would you give to someone struggling to start?
My biggest motivator is my wife, Lindsey. Whenever I’m doubting myself, she reminds me, “You’re going to be glad you did it.” And she’s always right—I’ve never regretted a hike. Even on days when the view is fogged in or the trail is tougher than I expected, the act of moving my body through nature clears my mind and lifts my spirit.
For anyone struggling to start, I’d say: find your ‘why.’ Whether it’s for physical health, mental wellness, or simply connecting with nature, your reason will guide you. Not every hike needs to be a major trek—sometimes, just sitting by a river or walking through a park can be enough. For me, hiking is about connecting to something bigger than myself, and I always feel better afterward, both physically and mentally.
5. For someone new to hiking who wants to use it as a tool for mental wellness, what are three essential tips or pieces of advice you’d recommend?
Start Slow: You don’t need to conquer a 10-mile trail on your first outing. Begin with short hikes or even walks through green spaces nearby. Apps like AllTrails can help you find beginner-friendly paths in your area.
Avoid the Comparison Trap: Social media can make hiking look glamorous and unattainable, but don’t let that discourage you. Hiking isn’t about looking a certain way or ticking off bucket-list trails—it’s about your personal journey. Focus on what works for you.
Keep It Affordable: Hiking can feel intimidating when you see expensive gear in stores, but you don’t need to break the bank. Check out secondhand options on Facebook Marketplace or REI’s used gear section. Start with basics, and invest gradually as you figure out what you need. The goal is to enjoy nature, not stress over having the “perfect” setup.
Remember, hiking is about finding peace, connecting with the outdoors, and fostering your mental and physical health. It’s not about miles or gear; it’s about the journey—and your journey is worth it.
To follow Andy’s hiking journey and to see more waterfalls 🙂
Instagram: www.instagram.com/andyfilmsandhikes
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andyfilmsandhikes
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@andyfilmsandhikes
The Hiker Podcast: www.hikerpodcast.com
Portfolio: www.andyfilmsandhikes.com
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