Why are some people overly generous? On this episode, we visit with a “trail angel" (someone who offers free food, drinks, and encouragement to thru-hikers on long trails), and we explore what makes a person commit acts of altruism for total strangers. (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.  SUPPORT OUT THERE: Become a patron Click here to see the full show notes for this episode. 

Selfless Acts

Out There is a podcast that explores big questions through intimate stories in the great outdoors.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Sports

Wilderness

For many of us, getting outside is more than just fun; it’s how we find inner stillness. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we decided to turn the mic over to you, our community. We asked how silence in nature has been significant to your mental health. On this episode, we’re sharing some of our favorite responses. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Tell a story at our  Campfire Stories night Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

The Tonic of Silence

For Paul Barach, hiking is an antidote to depression. Is it that way for everyone? This episode takes us from Washington State to Joshua Tree National Park and explores what happens when we try to impose our own life solutions on a loved one. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Tell a story at our  Campfire Stories night Follow Out There on Facebook and Instagram --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke

My Dad's Depression

We’re told to follow our dreams. But often, that’s disappointing. Reality typically doesn’t measure up to what we’d imagined. So what then? How do you reignite your passions? On this episode, we travel from an observatory in Puerto Rico to a hillside in New Jersey, and explore how one scientist overcame the disillusionment of academia. --- Links: Support Out There on Patreon Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Rekindling the Spark

Our upcoming season is all about silence. From the Grand Canyon to South Korea, we’ll travel the globe, exploring how we find stillness amidst the noise — whether literal or figurative. Here’s a sneak peak at some of the stories. The season launches April 4, 2024. --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Silence

Maya Kroth’s goal for the New Year was to build self-confidence, and she decided to start by taking herself snowboarding. But things did not go well. In this episode, Maya shares her story and explores how we can get our mojo back when life throws us curveballs. --- Links: Support Out There Subscribe to our email newsletter --- Out There is a proud member of Hub & Spoke  

Selfless Acts

Download our free app to listen on your phone