Against The Odds

In the summer of 1976, three masked gunmen hijack a school bus full of children in rural Chowchilla, California. The twenty-six kids and their bus driver are driven to a quarry and buried alive. Back in town, no one has any idea where the children went, who took them, or why. The local sheriff and the FBI launch a massive manhunt to track down the kidnappers and locate the children, but the trail quickly runs cold.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1984, a young fisherman named Gudlaugur Fridthorsson — better known as “Laugi”— headed out to sea off the coast of Iceland in a small fishing trawler. But the first night of the trip, their boat capsizes, leaving Laugi and his crewmates stranded in frigid waters miles from shore.  Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1984, young fisherman Gudlaugur Fridthorsson faces a life-or-death struggle after his trawler capsizes in icy Atlantic waters. The crew grapples with chaos and desperation as they realize they haven't called for help. Clinging to hope, Laugi fights the frigid temperatures while swimming towards safety. With his crewmates losing strength, he confronts heartbreaking choices in his quest for survival. This harrowing tale of resilience highlights the human spirit's tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.

In December of 2023, Matt Reum spun off a freeway in Indiana to avoid something in the road. His pickup truck rolled down a hill and landed under a bridge where no one could see him. Matt spent the next six days – including Christmas Day – pinned inside the wreckage of his truck, praying that someone would find him. On this episode of In Their Own Words, Matt shares the story of his fight for survival. In this episode, we discussed suicide and depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 9-8-8. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The chaos following the 2004 tsunami is vividly recounted, with police racing to rescue stranded tourists and overwhelmed hospitals battling a flood of victims. Personal stories emerge, like Wiman's heart-wrenching search for his family amid the wreckage and Watcheri's frantic plea for her missing daughter. Survivors navigate trauma and loss while international rescue efforts bring hope. The aftermath highlights the devastating loss of life and the challenges in implementing better warning systems for the future.

Survivors of the devastating tsunami in Thailand faced life-or-death challenges in the aftermath of the waves. As debris trapped them, one mother fought to rescue her daughters while others navigated treacherous waters in damaged boats. Heart-wrenching rescues and desperate choices unfolded amidst the chaos, highlighting the relentless human spirit. Listening to tales of bravery, like Ed's swim to safety while caring for his critically injured wife, underscores the harrowing realities faced during this catastrophic event.

Experience the chaos as a massive tsunami strikes Thailand's coast, leaving destruction in its wake. Hear first-hand accounts of survival against overwhelming odds, with people grappling to find their loved ones amidst the turmoil. Fisherman Wimon ingeniously maneuvers his boat to withstand the waves while individuals like Ed and Monica navigate harrowing encounters and desperate escape attempts. Gripping tales of bravery showcase how ordinary people faced an extraordinary disaster, all while urgency and heartbreak unfold in real-time.

On December 26, 2004, a powerful 9.1 earthquake unleashed a catastrophic tsunami on Thailand's coast. Tourists and locals, like Ed, Helen, and fisherman Wimon, faced a dire struggle for survival. As the wave approached, signs like a receding sea went unnoticed by many. The chaos of frantic warnings, and harrowing escapes unfolded amidst holiday festivities. The podcast captures the raw, heart-wrenching moments before disaster struck, telling how lives were forever changed in mere seconds.

In the summer of 2005, 17-year-old Alex Messenger sets out on a 42-day canoe trip in the remote wilderness of northern Canada. For nearly a month, he and his fellow campers paddle through rivers and lakes, and live completely cut off from the outside world. But on Day 29, Alex takes a short solo hike up a ridge—and suddenly comes face-to-face with a 600-pound grizzly bear. On this episode of In Their Own Words, Alex shares the story of what happened next—and how the experience changed his life forever.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. Learn more at SurvivalGuidebook.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Buffalo Soldiers evacuate women and children from Avery, Idaho by train, but they don’t get far before the fire catches up to them. Emma Pulaski receives terrible news about her husband. With the fire closing in, rangers and soldiers take radical measures to save Avery.  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. Learn more at SurvivalGuidebook.com.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen 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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.