Script:

Hello and welcome back to Day 5 of my flexible 30-day microcast challenge, where I share slow-paced, reflective thoughts over a month.

Today I’m talking about hiking narration as voice training.

Last autumn, I went on a small, impromptu road trip because I wanted to see a few nature trails in Downeast Maine before winter arrived.

I’d never really recorded videos before, but I decided on a whim to try capturing the point‑of‑view of hiking.

I’ve been posting some on my tiny YouTube channel (@JessWriting).

I grew up in Singapore, where hiking is a very different experience.

ᨒ↟ 𖠰

By the way, I love the YouTube channel Hiking Poh!

He films these beautiful, long urban‑based walks around Singapore, which are relaxing and educational to watch.

ᨒ↟ 𖠰

What surprised me on my own trip was how calming the whole thing felt.

I guess you could call it a kind of forest bathing, where you’re just:

• surrounded by trees,
• paying attention to the sounds and the light, and
• letting your nervous system settle.

A lot of my usual anxieties faded into the background because all my attention went into the actual environment…and also into staying alert while driving. It ended up being a really solid mental reset.

Recording little clips helped me become less self‑conscious and more present.

I didn’t film everything, as I like having some “no‑recording time” where I just let my senses breathe without any digital layers or interruptions. But the moments I did capture helped me discover my on‑the‑go, unscripted voice. It felt natural, curious, and unforced, with occasional tragicomic comments thrown in.

That’s today’s reflection: small hikes, small recordings, and a voice that feels a little more alive each time.

I’ll see you in the next episode for another tiny reflection on YouTube Shorts.