In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Belinda Coker about reinventing life through adventure and self-discovery, focusing on solo multi-day hiking as a transformative tool. Belinda splits her time between Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. In this conversation she shares a change she made starting in her mid-50s that resulted in challenges, unexpected joys, and a profound sense of self-worth. About Belinda Coker:
Belinda Coker is an Australian hiker and educator who shows women how practical adventure can restore confidence and clarity in midlife. After years of building businesses and raising three children on her own, she began hiking to find space and perspective, a journey that took her from the deserts of Australia to a solo crossing of Greenland inside the Arctic Circle. Belinda is also the founder of Soul Treader and The House Sitting Collective, where she teaches a structured, professional approach to trusted, responsible travel.
Main Topics Covered:
How to return to adventurous pursuits during midlife, even after decades away from the trail.
Practical steps for women to build confidence, safety, and skills for solo travel and multi-day hiking.
The emotional and physical transformation that comes from embracing new challenges after 50.
Why Belinda swapped business travel for wilderness hikes—and how she found healing in nature.
Navigating setbacks, unpredictable weather, and safety emergencies on remote trails.
The role of community and how to surround yourself with the right support when starting something new.
Early retirement and minimalist travel: making adventure possible on a budget through house sitting and frugal living.
The mindset shift from “just a housewife” to self-affirmed adventurer and educator.
Quote from the Episode:
“I just felt that I really was someone to myself...I just really felt like I’d done something for myself, and that really was just so, so important. I can’t stress how good that made me feel.”—Belinda Coker
Timestamps: [00:00:06] Amy welcomes Belinda and discusses where she calls home and her ties to New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland
[00:01:42] Initial impressions of Scotland and the allure of wilderness versus developed environments
[00:03:05] Belinda’s three stages of solo travel: from youthful adventures to international business trips and a post-pandemic return to hiking
[00:06:05] The moment of self-realization at 55 and how the pandemic fueled her return to the outdoors
[00:09:05] Starting over with day hikes, joining a local meetup group, and rediscovering health and confidence
[00:12:27] First foray into overnight hiking, overcoming obstacles, and the liberating experience of her seven-day solo hike
[00:17:00] How friends and family reacted to her decision and the importance of choosing supportive confidants
[00:20:03] Lessons learned on the first multi-day hike: food, safety, preparation, and the realities of trail life
[00:28:25] Pursuing skills to level up: Wilderness first aid, writing educational resources, and the dangers of unprepared hiking
[00:29:43] Most recent hiking setback in the Canary Islands: managing gear failure, dangerous weather, and emergency decision-making
[00:39:20] Upcoming hiking projects, the practicality of early retirement, and the value of simple/frugal living
[00:42:49] Life as a full-time traveler, house sitter, and educator—plus a special offer for the podcast audience
[00:45:29] Belinda’s quick takes on weather, travel routines, and what animals she really fears in Australia
[00:48:09] Final thanks and closing remarks from Amy
ABOUT THE SHOW: The Art of Imperfect Adulting elevates the voices of experience by sharing real stories from real people figuring out adult life. Every episode features honest conversations about life's choices, changes, and challenges—interviews with individuals (not celebrities) who share their personal experiences and insights. Through these authentic stories, listeners find validation, motivation, and inspiration for navigating their own path through modern life. Because there's a big difference between expert advice and shared experience, and hearing another person's lived experience helps us feel less alone in our own situations.
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