
Against The Odds
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 10, 2024 • 41min
Nine Days in the Desert I Delirium | 2
A harrowing tale unfolds as Mauro Prosperi wakes up lost in the Sahara Desert. Struggling with dehydration, he resorts to extreme measures, including drinking his own urine and surviving on bats. His desperate attempts to signal for help reveal his determination amidst despair. Meanwhile, his wife faces the emotional turmoil of his disappearance, highlighting the fragility of hope. As fellow runners confront their fears, themes of survival and resilience resonate throughout this gripping narrative.

Dec 3, 2024 • 44min
Nine Days in the Desert I The Race | 1
Set in the unforgiving Sahara Desert, a dedicated ultramarathoner faces the ultimate survival test after a sandstorm leaves him disoriented and stranded. The podcast explores Mauro Prosperi's emotional journey, balancing personal sacrifice with his passion for extreme sports. Competing against nature, listeners delve into the psychological struggles of endurance runners and the poignant reflections on family. As the tale unfolds, it captures the spirit of resilience in the most harrowing of circumstances.

Nov 26, 2024 • 33min
Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | Dad and Daughter Remember | 4
Join Geoff Hopkins, a pastor who found himself in a life-or-death situation, and his daughter Lillani, a geography student passionate about volcanoes, as they relive their harrowing experience during the Whakaari/White Island eruption. They share heart-stopping moments of joy before chaos struck and the frantic yet courageous efforts to rescue the injured. Their emotional journey highlights the bond between father and daughter, the importance of hope in despair, and the ongoing process of healing after trauma.

Nov 19, 2024 • 46min
Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | A Long Way Home | 3
Survivors grapple with shocking injuries and emotional turmoil as they board the Phoenix, searching for solace amidst despair. A young survivor's determination shines as he battles severe burns and seeks his family in the chaos. Helicopter pilots face agonizing decisions on who to evacuate after the White Island eruption. The aftermath reveals profound impacts on families and the selflessness of rescuers, interwoven with legal ramifications for those responsible for safety during the disaster.

Nov 12, 2024 • 38min
Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | Hell on Earth | 2
As a wave of burning steam, ash and debris rolls down toward the shore, 47 tourists and guides sprint for cover, but there is no avoiding the blast. Meanwhile, a boat full of tourists that just left White Island returns to help. And back on the mainland, a local helicopter pilot named Mark Law sees the eruption and makes a fateful decision to fly out to look for survivors.Listen 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.

Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Whakaari: Eruption on White Island | A Perfect Day | 1
On December 9, 2019, 47 tourists and guides set off to visit New Zealand’s most active volcano — Whakaari / White Island — located 30 miles off the country’s north coast. Visitors are amazed as they hike up to the edge of the blue lake at its center, and peer down into the steaming mouth of the crater. But on their way back down, awe turns to horror when the volcano suddenly erupts and blasts a wave of super-heated ash and steam right at them.Listen 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.

Oct 29, 2024 • 49min
Encore: K2 - The Savage Mountain I The Final Descent | 3
Unforeseen conditions have put the world's strongest climbers to the test as they battle their way down the mountain. Before it’s over, the savage mountain will bring on more avalanches and below-zero temperatures. It’s a race against the clock for the remaining climbers to get off the mountain before it’s too late.Listen 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.

Oct 22, 2024 • 43min
Encore: K2 - The Savage Mountain I The Death Zone | 2
An international group of climbers are close to summiting one of the world’s tallest, and most dangerous, mountains. Their goal was to reach the peak by mid-afternoon and get down before dark when temperatures drop to 40 below and the thin air and darkness can leave climbers confused and lost. But problems with the rope line have put them behind and they are using all of their strength to push past the traverse. The summit is so close… but so is nightfall, and not all of them will make it back.Listen 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.

Oct 15, 2024 • 40min
Encore: K2 - The Savage Mountain | Summit Fever | 1
In the summer of 2008, climbers from around the globe come together to tackle K2, the world's second tallest mountain. Pemba Giljay Sherpa prepares spiritually for the ascent, highlighting the blend of ambition and danger. As storms loom, tensions rise at base camp, exposing the fragile balance between teamwork and personal resolve. The perilous death zone tests their limits, leading to tragic miscommunications and tough decisions. Amidst breathtaking beauty, the essence of loyalty and shared dreams shine through the harrowing journey.

Oct 8, 2024 • 44min
Encore: USS Indianapolis: Disaster at Sea I Rescued | 4
Amidst the chaos of World War II, a bomber pilot stumbles upon survivors of the USS Indianapolis after days adrift in treacherous waters. The podcast dives into their desperate fight for survival, battling exhaustion and lurking dangers, like sharks. Tensions rise as the rescuers navigate the perilous sea, showcasing bravery and hope. The aftermath also reveals the personal struggles of Captain McVeigh and his journey through blame and redemption, revealing a story of heroism, tragedy, and the pursuit of truth in history.