Against The Odds

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.

In a gripping tale of survival, firefighters and locals face a terrifying megafire. Ed Pulaski guides his crew to an old mining tunnel while his wife Emma rushes to evacuate with their daughter. Chaos unfolds as residents scramble to escape, confronting panic and uncertainty. Tensions rise on a full train, where racial issues emerge amidst the smoky turmoil. The episode delves into harrowing moments of brave decisions, revealing the human spirit's resilience against nature's fury.

As the fires spread, ranger Ed Pulaski tries to lead his men on a last-ditch effort to save the town of Wallace. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Soldiers race to build firebreaks around Avery, and head ranger Bill Weigle realizes he’s made a terrible mistake. 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.

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.