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KQED Presents ‘Epic Bill’ — A Story of Resilience and Reinvention

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Bill at the start of Arrowhead 135 in International Falls, Minnesota.

KQED is proud to present Epic Bill, a 56-minute documentary that delves into the extraordinary journey of Bill Bradley, a bankrupt millionaire who reinvents himself as an extreme endurance athlete. The film will premiere on KQED 9 on Friday, September 13th at 8pm, National Positive Thinking Day, and will also be broadcast on public television stations nationwide (check local listings).

Once the owner of a thriving video store empire, Bill Bradley saw his fortune evaporate with the collapse of the industry. Stripped of his former identity and facing bankruptcy, Bill found solace in an unexpected realm: extreme endurance athletics.

A decade later, Bill has accomplished remarkable feats, including a Quadruple Badwater and a world record for running rim to rim through the Grand Canyon seven times. As he approaches his 60th birthday, Bill embarks on his eighth attempt at the Arrowhead 135, one of the world’s toughest cold-weather endurance races, and his second attempt at Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas.

In pushing beyond his limits, Bill confronts the internal demons of his past. He faces a critical decision: seek external success or find validation from within.

Epic Bill immerses viewers in the demanding world of endurance sports, showcasing Bill’s rigorous preparation, the physical and mental challenges of the races, and the unwavering support of his family and friends.

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The film features breathtaking cinematography, capturing landscapes from the mountains of Argentina to the frozen tundra of Northern Minnesota, and includes archival footage from other epic races. Epic Bill is both a visual feast and an emotional odyssey.

Director Quinnolyn Benson-Yates observes, “Epic Bill explores the balance between living a safe life and embracing one full of passion, danger, and joy. Watching Bill push his body to its limits as he chases his greatest dreams will challenge audiences to reflect on the cost of going big.”

Audiences will find inspiration in Bill’s story of resilience. Beyond showcasing athletic success, Epic Bill is a film about discovering joy amidst adversity and embracing the invaluable lessons learned from failure, no matter the challenges.

For more information about the documentary, contact:
Pat Simmons
(208) 484-8906
pat@redwrap.tv

Distributor: National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA)
Presenting Station: KQED, San Francisco

Websites and Social Media
Website: epicbillfilm.com
Instagram: instagram.com/epic_bill_film
Facebook: facebook.com/epic.bill.film
YouTube: youtube.com/@epicbillfilm7489

About NETA
The National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA) is a professional association representing 304 member stations in 49 states, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. NETA provides leadership, general audience content, educational services, professional development, and trusted financial management services, including human resources and benefits administration, to individual public media licensees, their affinity groups, and public media as a whole. For more information, visit netaonline.org and follow us on X @NETA_Tweets, Facebook @NETAstations, Instagram and Threads @NETA_grams, and LinkedIn @NETAbusiness.

About KQED
KQED serves the people of Northern California with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services and an award-winning education program helping students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas. kqed.org

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