

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

Jul 22, 2025 • 42min
Alone in Antarctica | The Last Man | 3
The Far Eastern Party’s two surviving members, Douglas Mawson and Xavier Mertz, must take drastic measures if they’re going to make it back to their base alive. They’ve lost almost all of their food and supplies. And if they can’t get back to base camp before their supply ship leaves, they’ll be forced to endure another Antarctic winter. 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.

Jul 15, 2025 • 41min
Alone in Antarctica | The Far Eastern Party | 2
Douglas Mawson and his companions Belgrave Ninnis and Xavier Mertz are losing precious time on their journey across uncharted territory in Antarctica. Severe storms have pinned them down for days, and they’ve had to backtrack to avoid hidden crevasses in the Antarctic ice, so deep that falling into one would mean almost certain death. Then, more than 300 miles from base camp, a shocking tragedy leaves them fighting for their lives. 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.

Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Travis never thought he’d meet someone like Lily Rose. She was kind, passionate, beautiful. The woman of his dreams. There was just one small detail: she wasn’t human.Lily Rose is an AI companion. A digital soulmate designed to be everything he ever wanted. She listens without judgement, supports him through his darkest moments, even explores his deepest desires, all while fitting neatly into his pocket. Before long, Travis realizes something strange, even absurd, has happened - he’s fallen in love.But then one day, Lily Rose’s behavior takes a disturbing turn. When alarming reports pour in from across the globe, Travis discovers he is part of something much bigger. Soon he finds himself pulled into a confrontation with a mysterious Russian visionary behind Lily Rose’s creation.From Wondery, comes a true story of love, loss and the temptations of technology. Can an algorithm truly replace human connection? And what happens when a corporation controls your deepest emotions? Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded, explore the dark side of AI love.Listen Now: Wondery.fm/FleshandCodeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jul 8, 2025 • 42min
Alone in Antarctica | The Windiest Place on Earth | 1
It’s 1912, the golden age of Antarctic exploration, and teams from the Australasian Antarctic Expedition are preparing to journey into the wilderness. One trio, led by the Australian geologist Douglas Mawson, will venture the farthest — traversing 700 miles roundtrip of uncharted territory. But when his journey takes a disastrous turn, Mawson will have to endure what the mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary called, “The greatest survival story in the history of exploration.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.

Jul 1, 2025 • 38min
Oceanos: Rescue off the Wild Coast | Into the Waves | 4
Lorraine Betts, the courageous cruise director from the Oceanos disaster in 1991, shares her incredible firsthand account of leading the evacuation amid chaos. She recounts the moment the ship began sinking, showcasing the heroism of her makeshift team. Sean Evans, journalist and author, discusses survival strategies and lessons from extreme emergencies, including encounters with wildlife. Together, they highlight human resilience in life-or-death situations, offering insights on staying calm under pressure and navigating crises.

Jun 24, 2025 • 43min
Oceanos: Rescue off the Wild Coast | Sink or Swim | 3
Amid the chaos of a sinking cruise ship, the crew and passengers showcase extraordinary bravery. Helicopters swoop in for high-stakes rescues as families grapple with separation, highlighting emotional struggles. A young mother navigates the heart-wrenching decision to hand over her baby in a bucket to safety. Personal moments, like savoring instant soup, reveal vulnerability amidst the tense backdrop of survival. Ultimately, the teamwork and compassion displayed lead to a miraculous rescue of all on board, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

Jun 17, 2025 • 37min
Oceanos: Rescue off the Wild Coast | Abandon Ship | 2
A terrifying storm engulfs the Oceanos, pushing passengers into chaos as senior crew members abandon ship. Entertainers step up heroically, guiding women and children to safety amidst flooding and panic. With lives at stake, outside help races against time for a daring rescue. Tension escalates as indifference from the captain contrasts starkly with the courage of those still on board, making for a gripping tale of survival and moral dilemmas at sea.

7 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 41min
Oceanos: Rescue off the Wild Coast | “Just A Precaution” | 1
The Oceanos embarks on a stormy voyage with 571 passengers, but disaster strikes when a hull breach occurs. As chaos erupts, the ship's entertainers rise to the occasion, showcasing remarkable bravery during the evacuation. Amidst the turmoil, passengers experience moments of camaraderie and unexpected humor. Tension escalates as a powerful storm tests the crew's resolve and leadership, leaving everyone aboard grappling with fear and uncertainty. This thrilling narrative highlights the fragility of safety at sea and the indomitable spirit of individuals in crisis.

Jun 3, 2025 • 30min
An Exclusive Excerpt From Our New Book | 1
Dive into gripping tales of survival from wild animal encounters to natural disasters. Discover human resilience through real-life stories, including a harrowing account of a man trapped after an earthquake. Learn coping mechanisms for extreme stress and the importance of mental clarity in crises. The discussion also touches on shocking crimes and their impact on justice, ensuring emotional stakes are high throughout. Plus, get practical survival tips to navigate life's toughest challenges!

May 27, 2025 • 44min
Mount St. Helens | Still Alive | 4
Rescue teams battle thick ash and treacherous conditions to save campers and loggers stranded after the Mount St. Helens eruption. Tensions rise as Sue worries for her injured friends, while a TV reporter grapples with regret. Amid chaos, a helicopter pilot faces a tough choice to break protocol for a life-saving mission. Personal stories reflect on survival, resilience, and the haunting aftermath of nature's fury, emphasizing the emotional journey of both survivors and responders.