In a harrowing tale of survival, a group of campers finds themselves caught in the fiery eruption of Mount St. Helens. As chaos reigns around them, they grapple with thick ash and rising heat, while their lives hang in the balance. The passionate love story between Sue and Bruce unfolds amid the terror, as a heartfelt proposal brings a glimmer of hope. Vivid accounts from loggers and a frantic reporter reveal the raw human spirit faced with nature’s wrath. It’s an intense exploration of courage against overwhelming odds.
41:36
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Campers Caught in Eruption Blast
Sue Ruff and friends were camping 13 miles north of Mount St. Helens when the eruption began.
They were caught in a searing ash cloud and had to run for their lives to their tents.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Logger Survives Fiery Blast
Logger Jim Shymankey was caught in the eruption's heat and ash, suffering burns and suffocation.
Despite the odds, he managed to survive the scorching blast and chaos around him.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Reporter Escapes Mudflow Hazard
Reporter David Crockett drove from the eruption site but faced rapidly advancing mudflows.
He barely escaped being overrun by debris flows while capturing footage of the disaster.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships[1][3][5].
Volcano Cowboys
Dick Thompson
Eruption
James Patterson
Michael Crichton
This epic thriller, a collaboration between Michael Crichton and James Patterson, revolves around a catastrophic volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii. The story, initiated by Crichton before his death in 2008, was completed by Patterson. It combines Crichton's deep scientific research with Patterson's breakneck suspense, tackling themes of love, loss, and the terrifying secrets held by the US military. The novel is a cinematic tale rooted in science, making it a thrilling and unforgettable read.
In the Path of Destruction
In the Path of Destruction
Richard Waite
A Hero on Mount St. Helens
Melanie Holmes
When Mount St. Helens erupts, Sue Ruff and her boyfriend Bruce Nelson are camping with four friends about 14 miles north of the volcano. They were told this was well out of range of any eruption, but soon they find themselves caught in a searing-hot cloud of ash and debris, fighting for their lives.
Pre-order your copy of the new Against the Odds book, How to Survive Against the Odds: Tales & Tips for Animal Attacks and Natural Disasters, for stories of everyday people confronted by life-or-death situations, showing you how they survived—and how you can too.
Listen to Against The Odds on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting http://wondery.com/links/against-the-odds/ now.
Against The Odds 
