It’s not every day a sitting U.S. Senator joins us to talk about the places that shaped him.

In this special bonus episode, Senator Tim Kaine reflects on his journey across Virginia—on foot, by bike, and by kayak—and how that experience shapes his approach to conservation, policy, and legacy.

In 2019, to celebrate turning 60 and marking 25 years in public service, Kaine hiked all 559 miles of the Appalachian Trail within Virginia, biked 321 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and paddled the full 348-mile length of the James River. The result was his new book, Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside – part travelogue, part love letter to Virginia’s wild places.

We talk about the deep value of public lands and Kaine’s recent introduction of two major conservation bills: the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act and the Shenandoah Mountain Act, which together aim to protect nearly 100,000 acres of forest and watershed in the George Washington National Forest. Kaine also pulls back the curtain on how bipartisan public lands legislation gets done, from field trips to coalition-building, and why supporting each other’s home-state efforts can lead to national wins.

He shares personal stories from snowy hikes, riverside camps, and the ruins of Brown Mountain Creek offering reflections on progress, place, and the power of doing the things that can’t be undone.

Whether you’re a public lands advocate, a policy nerd, or someone who simply loves a good map and a great hike, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Books, resources, and other notes from today’s episode:

• Walk Ride Paddle by Senator Tim Kaine
• Virginia Wilderness Committee
• Appalachian Trail Conservancy
• James River Association
• Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area Proposal
• Virginia Wilderness Additions Act (S.1680)
• Shenandoah Mountain Act (S.1681)
• Brown Mountain Creek
• Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness
• Dragon Run
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Friends of Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area
• Photo by Striebig Photography and Design, LLC

Tim Kaine has dedicated his life to public service, as a missionary, civil rights lawyer, educator, and elected official. One of just a few Americans to serve as a mayor, governor, and U.S. senator, Kaine began his career running a Jesuit technical school in Honduras before practicing civil rights law in Richmond and entering public office. A lifelong outdoorsman, he’s a passionate advocate for public lands protection and has introduced legislation to preserve nearly 100,000 acres of Virginia wilderness. In the U.S. Senate, he focuses on job creation, career and technical education, military readiness, and expanding access to affordable health care—all while championing bipartisan cooperation and defending the role of Congress in matters of war and peace.

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