<p><strong>Guest:</strong> Bridgette Mongeon — Artist, Author &amp; Founder of the Houston Women’s Hiking Group <strong>Host:</strong> Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Just Hyke</p><p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p><p>In this inspiring episode, Melanie sits down with <strong>Bridgette Mongeon</strong>, an accomplished sculptor, author, and community leader who brings together art, nature, and empowerment in truly trailblazing ways.</p><p>Bridgette shares the story behind her commissioned <strong>bronze sculptures of Grandma Gatewood</strong>, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail - one statue destined for the <strong>AT</strong>, and the other for <strong>Ohio</strong>, Grandma Gatewood’s home state.</p><p>We also talk about how Bridgette founded the <strong>Houston Women’s Hiking Group</strong>, now more than <strong>18,000 strong</strong>, and what it means to create spaces where women can find connection, confidence, and courage on the trail.</p><p><strong>Topics We Explore</strong></p><ul><li>The creative process behind the <em>Grandma Gatewood bronze sculptures</em></li><li>What inspired the founding of the <em>Houston Women’s Hiking Group</em></li><li>How art and nature intersect as healing and empowering forces</li><li>The legacy of Grandma Gatewood and what she continues to teach us today</li><li>Why showing up - in art, in hiking, and in life - matters</li></ul><p><strong>Connect with Bridgette</strong></p><ul><li>On Amazon: One Foot in Front of the Other: Art, Hiking, and Healing <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://amzn.to/48PyZti">https://amzn.to/48PyZti</a></li><li>Join the Houston Women’s Hiking Group: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://houstonwomenshiking.com/">home - Houston Women's Hiking</a></li></ul><p><strong>Grandma Gatewood Tribute Project</strong> — every share and donation helps bring this incredible tribute to life.</p><p>Learn more: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://grandmagatewood.com/statue-project💚">grandmagatewood.com/statue-project</a> </p><p>Donate: <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/grandma-gatewood-tribute-statue">GoFundMe – Grandma Gatewood Tribute Statue</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Just Hyke</strong></p><ul><li>Website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.justhyke.com">www.justhyke.com</a></li><li>Listen on: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/just-hyke-for-women-who-are-ready-to-hike-their-way-to-strength-confidence-and-adventure/?listen-on=true">Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure | Podcast on </a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://RSS.com">RSS.com</a></li><li>Newsletter: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://justhyke.com/subscribe/">Subscribe – Just Hyke</a></li><li>Facebook @ Just Hyke</li></ul><p>“Grandma Gatewood proved that it’s never too late to take the first step — and Bridgette is showing us how to keep walking with purpose.”</p><p>If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who loves hiking, art, or stories of strong women making a difference. Don’t forget to leave a review — it helps other trailblazers find our community!</p>