Those Times That Restored My Faith in Humanity on the Appalachian Trail

In this week's episode, Paul, also known as Paladin from the Appalachian Trail class of 2022, will tell us about his flip flop thru hike. After many years of frustration in the healthcare field, he retired early and set out into nature. However, interactions with other people were enough to change his mind about a thing or two. This is a story that many hikers can relate to, and many non-hikers need to hear.
What is That Time on That Trip?
This is my new podcast about real life events where experiences outdoors helped, challenged, or changed the storyteller! To apply to tell your story on an upcoming episode, apply here:
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What is Beer in Beautiful Places?
Hi, I’m Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!
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Song: My Valentine
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[@stevethornton3539]

What a lovely tale. Many thanks!

[@Goruckyourself68]

I loved that. This was a awesome story

[@Daisygirl0729]

Wow Maddie, Great episode!

[@GoddessMimiLove]

This brought tears to my eyes, this was great, it was so beautiful it really touch my heart.❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I had similar reaction the first time I heard it too 🩵

[@phetsamayg]

Yesss! Me too. Hi Maddie, we met at the Hiawassee brewery and at Trail Days. Always watching y’all and even my on-hiker husband 😅 love this episode ❤

[@rachelkarcher2565]

Thanks for sharing a great story.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@JRoss707]

A salute to this gentleman, such an interesting man. Thank you for your service “Mr. Paladen”

[@sharrison3974]

That was really great. Bring this guy back for another episode please!

[@earlenepreher193]

I really enjoyed this. Happy Holidays

[@adventuresofpineappleshort4600]

That was beautiful. As a 26yr hospital nurse and section hiker, I felt that to my core. Thank you for sharing!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It's good to know it resonated with you! 😊

[@suehayes7891]

Wow, just wow! Hearing Paul talk about the changes and decline in health care from the perspective of being a surgeon, confirms the frustration I've been experiencing in the last several years. I was lucky enough to have naturopathic doctors for over 30 years, and the time and care I received was 100% what everyone deserves from a health care professional. I'm medicare age now. I've got 15 minutes to state my case, then it's out the door. I'm so happy Paul retired and restored his faith in humanity and continues to give back to his community. Great episode Maddie. Thank you both!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I’m so glad Paul was able to share his story!

[@mamamuffin7170]

Well said!

[@lindabraden5723]

Paul’s story was very, very interesting. He is a great speaker. Great job finding him Maddie!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’ve been very lucky that well spoken people with great stories have found out about the show and applied!

[@pegspun]

Thank you Maddie for sharing this! I’m really enjoying your new format!!🤍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay, thanks so much! I’m so glad you like it!

[@jimmymalone3494]

Paul story was so interesting i enjoyed it very much.Thank you Maddie for sharing his with us.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks, Jimmy, I was lucky to be able to

[@cozytrails17]

This was my favorite episode so far because we can all relate in some way. Paul, thanks for your service. Congratulations on completing the Appalachian and John Muir Trail! Thanks to all the trail angels who helped you and many hikers along the way. We hope you continue to have many, happy trails ahead.

[@Get_Some_Nature]

I successfully thruhiked the PCT this year. This episode reminds me of when I saw a hiker come check out the camp area where I had already set up for the night. The next morning as I was hiking back to the trail, I discovered a CNOC bag a few feet from trail. I picked it up and knew that I would probably pass the hiker I had seen the night before because I was faster than him. I passed a sobo hiker about an hour later and asked him if he had seen the hiker I was looking for. He said that he had and even told me to that the other hiker was sad about losing his bag and didn't know what he was going to do about collecting water. I hiked even faster and met up with the hiker about 45 minutes later. I asked him if he was missing the bag and he started to tell me he didn't know what he was going to do without the CNOC as I reached into my pocket. You should have seen his face go from sad to happy! 😆🤗😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That's awesome!! The trail really brings out the best in people!

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Great story Maddie. Thanks to you and Paul for sharing!

[@cinramirez8627]

There are still great and selfless humans out here in the world. That makes my heart happy. ❤

[@kristymoore7052]

Excellent. I am 61, was too burned out working for an agency that supports others with our food bank, homeless shelters and other supportive programs. Draining after many years. I completed the JMT in the summer of 2024. I traveled NOBO. It was HARD and enlightening. Wish i would have encountered the DR. Planning to hike the AT.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Wow, sounds like you all have a lot in common. Glad your JMT hike turned out well!

[@smoketownjane]

Great story, great guy, great job Maddie!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you for listening!

[@tomellis3218]

Maddie, this was a good story your guest was wonderful. You have hit on a great way & means of presentation. I can see so many possibilities. Thank you & yes the AT does possess magic and it can realign, recharge and renew your sole if you let it. It seems it is hard to let go of the simplicity daily life of the trail brings by no means do I mean easy just simple. Merry Christmas ❤😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much! I agree, the trail is magical!

[@TeeGreen222]

Oh Maddie! A huge portion of his life was spent serving others; the trail made sure that others served him! It was truly a magical thru-hike! I will never grow tired of hearing about the kindness of others. To Paul, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful experience, wishing you lots more magic in 2025 🎉

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That's so true!! Great observation

[@carolynclark588]

Loved his story and now understands the level of stress on folks. ... and why getting out in nature is what we all should do....thank you Maddie

[@jeannenimmo5]

Great video. Many had lost credibility with Paul, but the trail changes people, including Paul. I refer to it as experiential commonality - sometimes we are called to help one another and the trail is what calls us. The trail does not equivocate - it treats us all the same, playing no favorites. That translates to each of us and tends to bring out the best in humanity. I feel sorry and empty for those who do not or cannot empathize and show compassion for others in times of need. "Cynics are not born - they're made."(Unknown). Be well, stay safe. 🥾

[@gabriele1975]

Fabulous work Maddie! Your talents were already noticed on your successful and entertaining AT thru hike! I’m looking forward to seeing you grow more and more in all your endeavors.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks, I'm really enjoying helping other folks share their stories!

[@gabriele1975]

@ interviewing skills and people skills is certainly a place where you thrive in! Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@amyoatley2307]

Maddie… and Paul - another outstanding episode! Good job! Looking forward to the next one. God bless and happy trails!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@yesidtac7863]

Aun buenas personas

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Gracias!

[@db.mc2]

Hi Maddie 👋🏻 Thank you, always great to hear from you my friend 🙂 Appreciate you always 🙏🏻 God Bless

[@jetv1471]

Okay who is peeling onions 😭😭.. I went through a box of tissue ! What a great Podcast !! Thank you Maddie ❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It really is a beautiful story

[@phetsamayg]

Ikr

[@Minnesota_Girl-m6z]

Great story Maddie!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for listening!

[@barythompson4781]

Maddie, I’m enjoying these KZbin podcasts. Looking forward to many more!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay!! I really appreciate that!

[@Minnesota_Girl-m6z]

Paul, Thank you for sharing your journey in the AT.😊

[@TheNosoup4u]

Ranger! Thanks guys! I was wonderin what Paladin's deal was...!!!! What a great story teller too! Hope all is well!

[@lindab8774]

Loved, loved, loved this episode. What a great story and storyteller.

[@dorotheaholder2370]

Great testimony!!

[@marilynboyd2175]

Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing this.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks for listening!

[@NYDaughter1972]

Great video! Thank, Maddie! ❤

[@Eric-i2g8u]

Hi Maddie I'm Eric great to see you friend

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hey Eric! Hope you’re staying warm these days!

[@Eric-i2g8u]

Yes Maddie I'm warm hope you are

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

Keep it up!

[@calex9398]

Yippee!

[@calex9398]

Wait its a podcast for like the first 10 minutes than it fades to black and shows a montage with what sounds like the guest reading from a book 😂

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

There’s different types of podcasts. Personally, I prefer listening to people get to tell a full story instead of listening to a conversation

[@calex9398]

quite an interesting take I must say!

[@rivernorcal679]

Love the Life you Live

[@SteveLeingang-q3o]

Great job again Maddie! Look out Joe Rogan! You've got some competition now! You've got the honesty and kindness with hard work! Don't forget us when you're famous. Lol! Little dusting of snow here in Cincy. Cold and windy:(

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha thank you!