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“Every adventure—on the trail or in life—is shaped by what we carry, what we let go of, and what we discover just around the next bend.”
— Goldilocks
Goldilocks has spent a lifetime wandering wild places—starting in the woods at the end of her childhood street in Garwood, New Jersey, and stretching all the way to Mt. Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, along the Appalachian Trail. She has hiked trails in nearly every state and is currently pursuing the SHEN500 patch, marking completion of every mile in Shenandoah National Park.
Most recently, Goldilocks completed 645 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Front Royal, Virginia to Stratton, Vermont—slackpacking with the support of her life and trail partner, and their tiny-but-mighty teardrop trailer, Lovebug. Along the way, she gathered more than miles: stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical life skills for navigating both the peaks and valleys of the trail—and of life itself.
Goldilocks describes herself as an “Aliver”—not merely a survivor or a thriver—because she believes in living this life with intention, abundance, zest, and love. Her talks blend trail stories, humor, vulnerability, and insight, inviting audiences to reconnect with themselves, the outdoors, and the courage it takes to step into what’s next.
Across every talk, Goldilocks returns to a single truth: the trail teaches us how to live. Through long-distance hiking, life transitions, and a walk of faith, she explores how paying attention, letting go, and moving forward—one step at a time—can reshape the way we show up for ourselves, our relationships, and the world.
Each talk stands on its own, yet together they tell a larger story of becoming unencumbered, finding voice, and choosing an abundant, intentional life.
Speaking Engagements with Goldilocks
Available Talks
Tales from the Trail
Stories from Goldilocks ♥ Rana Hike the Appalachian Trail
An epic collection of trail stories born from Goldilocks’ 2025 long section hike of the Appalachian Trail—645 miles of grit, grace, hard lessons, and holy-wow moments. From wrong turns and sore feet to unexpected joy and deep connection, these stories reveal what the trail teaches us about resilience, partnership, patience, and trusting what’s waiting just around the next bend—on the trail and in life.
"Flipping the Tables"
How One Couple Changed Their Life on the Appalachian Trail, The Journey to Nomadic Living
What happens when life quietly—and then all at once—reveals that the future you’ve been fighting for no longer fits? This talk explores a moment of reckoning, when letting go created space to receive something new.
Unencumbered is not empty—it’s open.
What that “something” would be wasn’t clear. What was clear was the invitation to trust. Within weeks, everything changed and an epic long-distance section hike of the Appalachian Trail began. Each step became a walk of faith—forward without a full map, guided by discernment, courage, and grace.
From that first step grew a series of intentional choices: a life increasingly immersed in nature, travel, service, and abundance. This is a story of surrender and strength, of listening deeply, and of redefining success by alignment rather than accumulation.
Alive on the Appalachian Trail
A Story of Resiliency, Transformation, Self-Advocacy, and Hope
This deeply personal talk traces a journey of reclaiming voice, strength, and joy through long-distance hiking and backpacking. On the trail, skills like preparation, endurance, decision-making, and situational awareness become more than outdoor tools—they form the foundation for clarity, confidence, and the courage to speak up.
Self-advocacy is learned one step at a time.
As the miles unfold, Goldilocks reveals how the trail became a place of healing and discernment, where physical challenges forged an essential life skill: self-advocacy. Choosing when to push forward, when to rest, when to ask for help, and when to say no becomes practice for navigating life with intention and integrity.
This talk invites audiences to consider what it truly means to be alive—to listen to your inner compass, trust your voice, and show up fully for yourself and others, on the trail and beyond.
Perfect For Audiences Including:
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Women’s groups and retreats
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Outdoor and conservation organizations
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Nonprofits and community groups
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Corporate teams seeking inspiration, resilience, and reset
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Conferences, festivals, and special events
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Educational institutions and youth organizations
Each talk can be tailored to fit your audience, timeframe, and setting—indoors or out.
Talk Formats & Length Options
Goldilocks’ talks are flexible and can be adapted for a variety of formats and schedules, including:
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Keynote Presentations (45–60 minutes)
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Interactive Talks / Workshops (60–90 minutes)
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Lunch-and-Learn Sessions (30–45 minutes)
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Fireside Chats & Moderated Conversations
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Retreat or Multi-Session Programming
Each presentation can be adjusted for tone (inspirational, reflective, practical), audience size, and setting.
Booking & Speaking Inquiry
Ready to start the conversation?
Interested in bringing Goldilocks to your event, retreat, or organization?
Speaking engagements are available year-round and can be customized to fit your audience, goals, and setting—indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between.
Complete our Speaking Engagement Inquiry Form below or contact us directly, and we’ll explore how Goldilocks can tailor a talk that meets your needs and leaves your audience inspired, grounded, and ready for their own next bend.
“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” – Alexander Supertramp Mccandless