Appalachian thru hiker Bill "Big Willy Dawg" Zyckowski joins Doc in the studio to talk about his relationship with Mother Appalachia. Settle in and buckle up as Big Willy Dawg shares how his unstructured childhood led to his structured service in the Army and a career in law enforcement. Following his retirement, BWD found himself adrift, at the bar, divorced, and in pain, and in this episode, he discusses the sequence of events that led to the Appalachian Trail and the process of healing. An instant classic. (This is Part II. Be sure to listen to Part I.)

Show Notes

In this episode of Hiker Trash Radio, host Doc interviews Bill Zyckowski, also known as Big Willy Dawg (BWD), about his life-changing experience hiking the Appalachian Trail. BWD shares his emotions, challenges, and unexpected joys from the trail, including forming deep connections with fellow hikers, overcoming personal struggles, and finding healing in nature. He reflects on his departure from a troubled past, discussing how the trail helped him recover mentally and physically. BWD also delves into the post-trail depression he experienced, the support from his 'trail family,' and his plans for future hikes. This heartfelt conversation captures the highs and lows of a transformative journey and highlights the therapeutic power of long-distance hiking.


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