Why Kokoda Changes Some People (and Not Others)

Two people can walk the same Kokoda Track — and come away with very different experiences. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores why Kokoda has a profound, lasting impact on some people, while leaving others largely unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, this episode examines the role of mindset, ego, curiosity, attention, and reflection — and explains why hardship alone does not guarantee growth. This is a deeply reflective episode for anyone considering Kokoda, or anyone interested in why some challenges change us, while others simply pass us by.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why hardship doesn’t automatically create transformation
The role of mindset and openness on Kokoda
How ego and expectation shape experience
Why attention matters more than toughness
What Kokoda reveals when distractions are stripped away

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for future episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, culture, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

Why Kokoda Changes Some People (and Not Others) Two people can walk the same Kokoda Track &mdash; and come away with very different experiences. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores why Kokoda has a profound, lasting impact on some people, while leaving others largely unchanged. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, this episode examines the role of mindset, ego, curiosity, attention, and reflection &mdash; and explains why hardship alone does not guarantee growth. This is a deeply reflective episode for anyone considering Kokoda, or anyone interested in why some challenges change us, while others simply pass us by.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="6700" data-start="6442">
<li>Why hardship doesn&rsquo;t automatically create transformation</li>
<li>The role of mindset and openness on Kokoda</li>
<li>How ego and expectation shape experience</li>
<li>Why attention matters more than toughness</li>
<li>What Kokoda reveals when distractions are stripped away</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for future episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, culture, and the deeper lessons found along the Track. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

An insight into the lessons learnt from people that have trekked the Kokoda Track in PNG. We will interview trek leaders, local PNG villagers and trekkers who have undertaken the arduous 96km jungle trek.

Kokoda Track

Why Kokoda changes some people and not others

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/f2fb1336-20b0-4bd9-b9fa-b3c6000bcbee/transcript

Fitness for Kokoda: What Actually Matters

Fitness is one of the biggest concerns people have before trekking Kokoda — and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar breaks down what kind of fitness Kokoda actually demands, drawing on more than 90 crossings of the Track and years of preparing people for the journey. Rather than focusing on speed or aesthetics, this episode explains why leg endurance, load tolerance, pacing, and consistency matter far more than peak fitness, and why mental fitness plays such a critical role in success on Kokoda. If you’re training for Kokoda — or wondering whether you’re capable — this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight into how to prepare properly.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why Kokoda rewards durability over speed
The difference between fitness and preparedness
Why leg conditioning matters more than cardio alone
How load and pacing affect fatigue
What successful Kokoda trekkers have in common

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, Papua New Guinea culture, and the realities of trekking the Track with respect and preparation.

This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

Fitness for Kokoda: What Actually Matters Fitness is one of the biggest concerns people have before trekking Kokoda &mdash; and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar breaks down what kind of fitness Kokoda actually demands, drawing on more than 90 crossings of the Track and years of preparing people for the journey. Rather than focusing on speed or aesthetics, this episode explains why leg endurance, load tolerance, pacing, and consistency matter far more than peak fitness, and why mental fitness plays such a critical role in success on Kokoda. If you&rsquo;re training for Kokoda &mdash; or wondering whether you&rsquo;re capable &mdash; this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical insight into how to prepare properly.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="7424" data-start="7182">
<li>Why Kokoda rewards durability over speed</li>
<li>The difference between fitness and preparedness</li>
<li>Why leg conditioning matters more than cardio alone</li>
<li>How load and pacing affect fatigue</li>
<li>What successful Kokoda trekkers have in common</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, Papua New Guinea culture, and the realities of trekking the Track with respect and preparation. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Fitness for Kokoda what actually matters

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/4c289887-8050-4c6c-95ff-b3d6003e7ded/transcript

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Cameron, a young man who trekked the Kokoda Track with his mum. They dive into Cameron's experiences, sharing stories of his mum's determination and his own growth. From the physical challenges of the trek to the emotional connections made along the way, this conversation explores what it means to push through adversity and find strength in community. With a mix of humor and heart, Cameron opens up about his journey and the lessons he's learned from his mum's example.


This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

In this episode of the Kokoda Track Podcast, host Glenn Azar chats with Cameron, a young man who trekked the Kokoda Track with his mum. They dive into Cameron's experiences, sharing stories of his mum's determination and his own growth. From the physical challenges of the trek to the emotional connections made along the way, this conversation explores what it means to push through adversity and find strength in community. With a mix of humor and heart, Cameron opens up about his journey and the lessons he's learned from his mum's example. This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Cameron on trekking Kokoda with his Mum, a Military Veteran

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/fc140e91-8fa4-4572-9609-b3da003c3e85/transcript

Village Life Along the Track: What Trekkers Often Misread

The Kokoda Track is not an empty wilderness — it is a living corridor of villages, families, and communities. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores village life along the Kokoda Track and unpacks the common misunderstandings trekkers bring with them when passing through these communities. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, Glenn explains why simplicity does not equal ease, why hospitality is rooted in relationship rather than abundance, and how small actions from trekking groups can have a lasting impact — positive or negative. This episode is an essential listen for anyone who wants to walk Kokoda with respect, humility, and awareness.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What daily life in Kokoda Track villages actually looks like
Why trekkers often misinterpret village culture
How Wantok shapes community life
The importance of respect, permission, and behaviour in villages
Why responsible trekking operators matter

Follow The Kokoda Track Podcast for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.


This podcast is proudly brought to you by ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS

Village Life Along the Track: What Trekkers Often Misread The Kokoda Track is not an empty wilderness &mdash; it is a living corridor of villages, families, and communities. In this episode of The Kokoda Track Podcast, Glenn Azar explores village life along the Kokoda Track and unpacks the common misunderstandings trekkers bring with them when passing through these communities. Drawing on decades of experience and more than 90 crossings, Glenn explains why simplicity does not equal ease, why hospitality is rooted in relationship rather than abundance, and how small actions from trekking groups can have a lasting impact &mdash; positive or negative. This episode is an essential listen for anyone who wants to walk Kokoda with respect, humility, and awareness.
<hr>
In This Episode, You&rsquo;ll Learn:
<ul data-end="7262" data-start="6994">
<li>What daily life in Kokoda Track villages actually looks like</li>
<li>Why trekkers often misinterpret village culture</li>
<li>How Wantok shapes community life</li>
<li>The importance of respect, permission, and behaviour in villages</li>
<li>Why responsible trekking operators matter</li>
</ul>
<hr>
Follow&nbsp;The Kokoda Track Podcast&nbsp;for upcoming episodes covering Kokoda history, trekking preparation, and the deeper lessons found along the Track.
 This podcast is proudly brought to you by <a href="https://www.adventureprofessionals.com.au/">ADVENTURE PROFESSIONALS</a>

Kokoda Village Life Along the Track

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/e1e1cdc4-321a-4349-8547-b3d6003e753d/transcript

Why Kokoda changes some people and not others

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