Against The Odds

Fitz and Holly FitzGerald set out on their handmade raft, the Pink Palace, drifting down the Madre de Dios under sparkling sunlight. But when night falls, everything changes. After a tense encounter at the border, a violent storm hurls them off course, into a flooded maze of dark water and trees with no way out.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 1973, American newlyweds Fitz and Holly FitzGerald travel to Peru, hoping to ride a riverboat down the wild Madre de Dios River on their way to Bolivia — and ultimately, the Amazon. But from the start, nothing goes as planned. Watching their dream slip away, the couple makes a fateful decision: they’ll push forward on their own, on a homemade raft, into one of the most remote stretches of jungle on earth.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 kidnapped children and their bus driver are trapped underground in the back of a moving truck, and they’re running out of food and water. They decide the only way out is to dig their way to the surface. Meanwhile, the amateur criminals who hijacked the school bus are trying to deliver a five million dollar ransom demand to the California government. Soon, the tables are turned, and the kidnappers are the ones trying to escape an international manhunt.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 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 fisherman faces a harrowing ordeal after his boat capsizes in frigid Atlantic waters. Driven by a survival mindset, he battles hypothermia and navigates using the northern lights and a distant lighthouse as his guide. Shedding heavy gear boosts his mobility, helping him push through treacherous currents to reach safety. Once rescued, his incredible story captivates the media, leading to a scientific exploration of his extraordinary resilience, but he struggles with survivor guilt over lost crewmates.

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.