Selfless Acts
/Why are some people overly generous?
BILL APPEL TALKS WITH A TRAVELER AT HIS AID STATION ALONG THE COLORADO TRAIL. (PHOTO BY WILLOW BELDEN)
“I think even the most selfless people ultimately may be doing it for their own ego.”
Season 3 // Episode 4
Bill Appel has devoted his retirement years to helping strangers.
He’s a “trail angel,” which means he hangs out on long-distance trails (the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, etc.) and brings treats to thru-hikers. He gives them food and water, offers rides into town to resupply, and cheers them on at some of the most demoralizing points in their journeys.
It’s a year-round operation, and he does it all for free.
On this episode, we pay a visit to one of his aid stations, and we explore what makes a person act so selflessly. (Hint: it’s probably not what you’d expect).
This story first aired in 2018, and it won a gold medal for best independent podcast from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, or PRNDI.
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Episode Notes
Credits
Story and sound design by Willow Belden
Story editing by Becky Jensen
Music includes selections from AudioBlocks and Blue Dot Sessions
Additional Links
This episode sponsored by
PeakVisor
Kula Cloth
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