Against The Odds
Wondery
Humans are resilient. In our toughest moments, we will fight, we will struggle, and we will triumph...often against the odds. In this immersive series from Wondery, host-adventurers Mike Corey and Cassie De Pecol will share thrilling stories of survival. From the daring rescue of a soccer team trapped in an underwater cave in Thailand, to a woman taken hostage by Somali pirates, these stories made headlines around the world. AGAINST THE ODDS will make you feel as though you’re living these experiences with our heroes as they push themselves to their limits.Listen to Against The Odds on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/shows/against-the-odds now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 9, 2025 • 42min
Siula Grande: Over the Edge | Long Way Down | 2
Two climbers face a life or death situation after one suffers a devastating leg fracture during their descent. As one dangles precariously over a cliff, emotions run high, blending guilt and desperation. The story explores the human spirit's resilience against nature's challenges and the intense decisions that define survival. With themes of hope ignited by a sunbeam in a crevasse, the podcast delves into the mental struggles, pride, and the heavy toll of choices made in the face of peril.
Sep 2, 2025 • 45min
Siula Grande: Over the Edge | First Ascent | 1
In June 1985, two British climbers set out to conquer Siula Grande's challenging west face. The ascent is filled with breathtaking views and intense emotional dynamics. Joe suffers a catastrophic fall, forcing Simon into a heart-wrenching decision between loyalty and survival. As they battle perilous conditions, the episode also touches on the broader implications of environmental justice in climbing. Their gripping story paints a vivid picture of human resilience against nature's terrifying odds.
Aug 28, 2025 • 44min
FAN FAVORITE: Trapped on Mt. Hood | Discovery | 4
A gripping rescue operation unfolds on Mount Hood as a team battles blizzards to locate 11 stranded climbers. The emotional strain on families waiting for news intensifies, creating a poignant tension between hope and despair. As rescuers dig through the ice, they encounter both daunting challenges and moments of unexpected hope. Following the tragedy, a father's journey of healing reveals the complexities of loss and the bonds of family. This heart-wrenching story is a testament to courage and resilience in the face of nature's fury.
Aug 26, 2025 • 48min
FAN FAVORITE: Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon Expedition | River's End | 4
The tension rises as Theodore Roosevelt battles illness on his Amazon expedition. His determination clashes with his son Kermit's growing leadership amid crises. Survival becomes a precarious dance, with rare discoveries of rubber tappers offering hope. As health declines, the team seeks desperate aid from locals while facing starvation. The relentless struggles in the jungle showcase remarkable resilience and the human spirit's will to endure against all odds.
Aug 26, 2025 • 44min
FAN FAVORITE: Trapped on Mt. Hood | Search and Rescue | 3
A group of climbers finds themselves trapped high on Mount Hood without food or water during a relentless snowstorm. As two brave souls attempt a dangerous journey for help, elite rescuers undertake a fierce battle against blizzard conditions. The uncertainty builds as families anxiously await news of their loved ones, while a glimmer of hope emerges when the climbers manage to communicate their survival. The gripping tension of survival and the bravery of rescuers highlight the gripping reality of life-or-death decisions in the mountain's harsh embrace.
Aug 21, 2025 • 37min
FAN FAVORITE: Trapped on Mt. Hood | Considered Lost | 2
A blizzard traps a group of student climbers and their chaperones inside a makeshift snow cave. As temperatures drop, their leader faces hypothermia while fears escalate among the group. Meanwhile, search and rescue teams face their own challenges in the storm. The tension mounts as one climber's panic sets in, threatening their survival. Amid relentless nature, desperation grows, making the struggle for life more intense than ever as they wait for their rescue.
Aug 19, 2025 • 45min
FAN FAVORITE: Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon Expedition | A Killer in Their Midst | 3
The expedition into the Amazon faces mounting challenges as hunger and disease wreak havoc. Colonel Rondon grows suspicious of potential threats from indigenous tribes lurking nearby. Tensions within the group rise, culminating in violence. Amid these struggles, Theodore Roosevelt suffers a seemingly minor injury that spirals into a life-threatening situation. The episode delves into themes of justice, survival, and the emotional toll on relationships, especially between father and son, during this harrowing adventure.
Aug 19, 2025 • 48min
FAN FAVORITE: Trapped on Mt. Hood | Whiteout | 1
In May 1986, high school students and a teacher face a brutal storm while climbing Mount Hood. As conditions worsen, they are pushed into a terrifying survival situation. The tension rises with every decision as the climbers battle nature and their own limitations. One climber's desperate search for a snow cave becomes a focal point for their survival instincts. Grit, camaraderie, and a fight against despair unfold as they contend with the harsh realities of extreme mountaineering.
Aug 12, 2025 • 44min
FAN FAVORITE: Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon Expedition | River of Doubt | 2
The expedition down the River of Doubt quickly becomes a struggle for survival as Roosevelt and his team face boiling rapids and the harsh Amazon jungle. When food supplies dwindle, Kerman takes a risky leap that leads to a capsized canoe and a frantic search for him. Emotional moments arise as Roosevelt worries for his son, framed by the loss of a crew member, Simplicio. The podcast captures the chaotic adventure, showcasing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the haunting atmosphere of exploration in uncharted territory.
Aug 11, 2025 • 8min
Business Wars Presents: The AOL-Time Warner Disaster
Explore the dramatic saga of the AOL and Time Warner merger, a partnership that turned into a cautionary tale of corporate chaos. Discover how AOL evolved from a struggling online service into a digital titan, only to face a turbulent downfall. The podcast details the hurdles of slow internet speeds and the strategic rebranding that defined America Online's identity. With insights into the risky business decisions that shaped this disastrous merger, listeners are taken behind the scenes of a monumental moment in corporate history.
