S2E4 PnP Vanny Mwamba Walking 62 Miles to Build Community

What if the simplest path to connection, mental clarity and cultural understanding was right beneath your feet? For Vanny Mwamba, founder of Urban Hikers, it started with a pair of shoes, a group of friends and the streets of Cincinnati. Originally from the Congo, Vanny has spent 21 years walking his way into a sense of belonging.

In this People & Projects episode of the Streets and People podcast, Vanny Mwamba describes how Urban Hikers is more than a walking group. It’s a way to experience your city and your neighbours like never before. Vanny took the first steps with friends from different cultural backgrounds. The goal? Comfort and connection in unfamiliar places.

Here’s something you won’t forget: Vanny led a 62-mile (100km) walk inspired by abolitionist John Brown’s 1859 journey. That’s roughly the distance of two marathons back to back. It wasn’t about the miles. It was about what walking does to your mind, body and relationships. It builds stamina, perspective and trust in the people walking beside you.

Walking makes numbers real. A 30-minute walk can reduce stress and improve mood more effectively than a quick fix of screens or snacks. Now imagine what walking 62 miles with others can do.

Vanny’s story proves this: If you can walk your way to cultural connection in Cincinnati, you can walk your way to it anywhere.

Listen in for:

Urban Hikers isn’t just a group. It’s a movement. One step at a time. Urban Hikers: ⁠https://www.urban-hikers.com⁠

Why We Walk movie: ⁠https://www.whywewalkfilm.com⁠and⁠https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/why-we-walk⁠

This is a People & Projects episode on the Streets and Peoplepodcast presented by ⁠GetAroundCaboolture.au