Against The Odds

In the summer of 1910, a severe drought turns Idaho's forests into a blazing inferno. Forest rangers like Ed Pulaski confront escalating fires and the threat of gunpowder explosions. Immigrants seek firefighting jobs, while tensions rise between locals and Buffalo Soldiers. As danger looms, rangers scramble to warn towns and organize evacuations. Packed with gripping accounts of heroism and survival, this tale uncovers the chaos of the largest megablaze in American history.

Veteran mountaineer Simon Yates, renowned for his incredible survival story on Siula Grande, shares insights on the risks and decisions involved in extreme climbing. He vividly recounts the harrowing moment he had to cut the rope to save his life during a disastrous descent. Yates delves into the emotional turmoil and guilt that followed, revealing how he found peace with his past actions. He reflects on the evolution of his perspective over the years and discusses the significance of honesty and trust in climbing partnerships.

Simon Yates begins his lonely return to base camp, convinced that his partner Joe Simpson is dead. He wrestles with guilt and grief, unsure how he’ll ever explain what happened to those back home. Meanwhile, Joe manages to haul himself out of the crevasse. But with a shattered leg and six miles of brutal terrain ahead, his fight to stay alive is just beginning.Our story consultant for this series is Simon Yates. If you’d like to learn more about his adventures in mountaineering, check out his books: Against the Wall, The Flame of Adventure, and The Wild Within - available wherever you get your books.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.