From television screens to Arizona’s hiking trails, Kristen Keogh has built a career around storytelling and connection. The Arizona native studied broadcast journalism at Arizona State University, and worked as a news anchor, weather forecaster and sports reporter at Fox 10 Phoenix, 12News Phoenix and 10News San Diego.
While at Fox 10 Phoenix in 2012, Kristen Keogh started her Instagram, @kristenkeogh and discovered her love for social media. Today Keogh is the host of “Trail Mix’d”on Arizona PBS, a hiking-focused series.
We sat down with Keogh for a Q&A to hear more about her career path, evolution of her content and her newest role as the host of “Trail Mix’d.”
Q: Can you tell us about your social media platform and what first motivated you to start posting?
A: I fell in love with social media when I began sharing my true passion – the outdoors. I started posting less about news and more about the hiking and camping adventures I went on.
I became passionate about hiking when I was diagnosed with a painful disorder called Interstitial Cystitis about 13 years ago. I was in a ton of pain and struggling to find my way until I started hiking. It didn’t take the pain away, but it helped me see how beautiful life could still be, and it brought me immeasurable peace.
I knew then that I could help other people by encouraging them to go outside and empowering them with the information they needed to do so safely. I wanted to get everyone on the trails so they could experience the peace I found!
In 2017 I launched a blog, herewithher.com, about solo female outdoor experiences to encourage other women to explore.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about connecting with others through your platform?
A: I love the sense of community. Interacting with people on social media is generally a joyful experience for me. So many of my followers are hilarious and I really get a kick out of their commentary.
I know life is hectic so my goal is to tell people how to make the most of their free time and give them ideas for how to create joy and make memories.
My content has changed over the years and my audience has stayed loyal. I used to be a solo female adventurer and adrenaline junkie and now I am a mommy who is mostly sharing adventures with my son and destinations for families. I really appreciate everyone who has followed along the entire journey.
Q: What are your short and long term goals?
A: I recently got my dream job as the host of “Trail Mix’d” on Arizona PBS. I get to combine my love for hiking with my passion for media. While “Trail Mix’d” is a television show, I will be working to expand the show’s presence on digital platforms. This will give me the opportunity to reach new audiences and get even more people exploring our beautiful state. Long term, I am committed to the protection of public lands and want to use my platform to bring more awareness to the issue.
Q: Since starting your account, what moments stand out and what do you find most rewarding?
A: In March of this year I had brain surgery to remove a mass from the center of my brain and my recovery was complicated due to a post surgical blood clot. I will never forget the numerous words of encouragement and prayers I received from people who only know me from social media.
It is truly an honor to be able to get support from people who chose to follow me because they felt connected to my content. To feel how deeply they cared meant the world to me and I just feel so grateful for everyone who took the time to think of me or say a prayer when I needed it most. Also, I am doing great now!
Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through building your platform?
A: I have learned that taking the road less traveled is worth the risk. When I became a blogger I was mocked and I was misunderstood. I didn’t know influencing would be an option but my heart was telling me to write and share my adventures. Listening to my gut led me to this career and I’m glad I didn’t quit because other people couldn’t see the value of what I was creating.
I did not grow up being adventurous or even hiking. I never went camping until I was 28. I loved how nature made me feel so I dedicated my life to being in it starting in my late twenties.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I just want people to know that there are endless opportunities to make a career out of being creative. I think very often people take a job or choose a career path they don’t love because it seems like the “safe” option. There are no guarantees in life, so you may as well bet on yourself.
Follow Kristen Keogh’s adventures on Instagram @kristenkeogh. For more information on “Trail Mix’d”on Arizona PBS visit azpbs.org/trailmixd.