
What Was That Like - True Stories. Real People.
A storytelling podcast, with first-hand amazing stories presented by Scott Johnson and Meredith Hackwith Edwards. Each storyteller tells their own personal true story, with all the details of what happened. Animal attacks, plane crashes, mass shootings, and more – you'll hear what happened directly from the person who experienced it, and the inspirational outcome of how they came out on the other side.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 13min
STAS 2: Floyd Collins
Dive into the gripping tale of Floyd Collins, a passionate cave explorer whose dreams turned into a nightmare. Discover how his enthusiasm for tourism led to a fateful exploration where he became trapped beneath a boulder. The podcast reveals the intense rescue efforts that captivated a nation, ultimately ending in tragedy. Explore the haunting legacy of Collins, whose story continues to inspire modern culture, even leading to a new musical in New York City. Adventure, ambition, and tragedy—this saga has it all!

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 9min
210: Tiffany had a fake landlord
The thing about living in an apartment or renting a room is… you have to deal with other people.Depending on how the building is laid out, it’s almost like living with strangers. If your next door neighbor accidentally starts a fire, your home could burn too. If the person above you has a flood, it’s very likely that you’ll be dealing with that problem as well.Not to mention, what if your neighbors in this same building are jerks? Or they have 20 drunk people at their place for a party? Or they practice their drums at 3 am?These are all things to consider, and you might not even be able to research all of this before moving in.My guest today is Tiffany. She was in a different country, and she rented a room to live in. There were other rooms, and other people living in those rooms, and they were mostly nice. But there was one guy who was not so nice. And he was pretending to be the landlord.Tiffany’s socials:Her podcast on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/bittersweetlifepodcast/Her podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thebittersweetlifepodcastTiffany’s Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyparksromeTiffany’s book:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HD869DFull show notes and pictures for this episode are here:https://WhatWasThatLike.com/210Graphics for this episode by Bob Bretz. Transcription was done by James Lai.Want to discuss this episode and other things with thousands of other WWTL listeners? Join our podcast Facebook group at WhatWasThatLike.com/facebook (many of the podcast guests are there as well)Get every episode ad-free, AND get all the Raw Audio exclusive episodes to binge, by joining the other listeners at What Was That Like PLUS.Try What Was That Like PLUS free:iPhone: at the top of the What Was That Like podcast feed, click on “Try free”Android: on your phone, go to WhatWasThatLike.com/PLUS and click to try it free on any appSponsor deals:Head to http://Lumen.me/WWTL for 20% off your purchase.Go to bluenile.com to shop Blue Nile, the original online jeweler since 1999!Follow “MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories” on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/WHATWAS and get on your way to being your best self.To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/WHATWAS Sign up today at https://www.butcherbox.com/whatwas and use code whatwas to get chicken breast, salmon or ground beef FREE in every order for a year, plus $20 off your first order.Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/WHATGo to Quince.com/whatwas for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!Go to cookunity.com/What or enter code What before checkout for 50% off your first week.Go to Seed.com/what and use code 25WHAT to get 25% off your first month.Go to storyworth.com/what to save $10 on your first purchase!Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [WHATWAS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodCancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/whatwas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 18, 2025 • 28min
TQ33: What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve found in someone else’s home?
Every Tuesday, we grab a past question from the Facebook group, then Meredith and Scott answer it and read some of the answers given by other listeners.The question for this episode:What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve found in someone else’s home?Links for this episode:Using hollowed-out fruit for ice cream bowls:https://www.tastingtable.com/1616069/hollowed-out-fruit-ice-cream-bowls/Dogs eating condoms:https://pawp.com/dog-ate-a-condom/ Meredith’s podcast is Meredith For Real – the Curious Introvert:https://MeredithForReal.comTo check out the new Tuesday Question and get in the discussion, join us at WhatWasThatLike.com/facebook.Sponsor deals:Head to http://Lumen.me/WWTL for 20% off your purchase.Go to bluenile.com to shop Blue Nile, the original online jeweler since 1999!Follow “MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories” on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/WHATWAS and get on your way to being your best self.To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/WHATWASSign up today at https://www.butcherbox.com/whatwas and use code whatwas to get chicken breast, salmon or ground beef FREE in every order for a year, plus $20 off your first order.Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/WHATGo to Quince.com/whatwas for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!Go to cookunity.com/What or enter code What before checkout for 50% off your first week.Go to Seed.com/what and use code 25WHAT to get 25% off your first month.Go to storyworth.com/what to save $10 on your first purchase!Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [WHATWAS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodCancel your unwanted subscriptions by going to RocketMoney.com/whatwas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 14, 2025 • 47min
209: Kevin did CPR on the golf course
Kevin Purcell, an executive director of the State Golf Association and an everyday hero, shares his gripping story about performing CPR on a fellow golfer who collapsed on the course. He discusses the crucial moments during the life-saving intervention, highlighting the importance of CPR knowledge in emergencies. Kevin also reflects on the psychological barriers that prevent bystanders from helping and emphasizes the need for better training and preparedness in recreational settings. His tale underlines how quick action can forge lasting bonds and save lives.

Mar 7, 2025 • 45min
208: Carly saved her neighbor's life
Dive into unbelievable true stories of life-altering moments from everyday people. Carly shares her gripping experience of a neighbor in urgent need of help, showcasing the importance of CPR. The podcast also features heart-pounding tales of survival, including a traumatic bombing and a terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear. Listen as they reflect on how crisis shapes community bonds and personal transformations. Each story underscores the unpredictability of life and the human spirit's resilience.

30 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 28min
TQ32: What always makes you laugh?
Join the hosts as they dive into hilarious stories about nudist camps in Florida and the unexpected humor that arises during a church outing. They explore laughter through personal anecdotes, highlighting the joys of childhood whimsy—including a wild 'poop knife' tale. The conversation turns to the amusing quirks of cruising life and the unpredictable nature of weather, encouraging listeners to embrace life's absurdities. It's a delightful mix of laughter and reflection on the bizarre moments that often make us chuckle.

16 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 10min
Stephen Slevin
Discover the chilling true story of Stephen Slevin, who faced nearly two years in solitary confinement after a DUI arrest. His harrowing experience sheds light on the dark flaws within the justice system and the psychological impact of isolation. Listeners will be captivated by the gripping details of his struggle for justice, making it a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience against overwhelming odds.

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 26min
207: Marsha's diner was hit by a plane
Ever wonder what it's like to be at ground zero during a plane crash? In a gripping narrative, listeners hear the chaos of a diner staff witnessing a plane crash while preparing for the day. The emotional turmoil and frantic 911 calls paint a vivid picture of panic and urgency. The aftermath explores community resilience, the power of connection in tough times, and how personal experiences shape our ability to move forward. This mix of harrowing stories and uplifting support highlights the unpredictability of life.

Feb 18, 2025 • 24min
TQ31: What overused word or phrase are you sick of?
Frustrated with corporate jargon, the hosts share their pet peeves, like the overused phrase 'ping me.' They humorously critique modern speech trends such as 'vocal fry' and 'up talk,' showcasing listeners' gripes about social media language. A light-hearted look at storytelling reveals the annoyance of 'long story short,' emphasizing the value of detail. The hosts also dive into cultural nuances of curse words and the emotional impact of language, highlighting the importance of self-correction in communication.

13 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 5min
206: Robert was shot at by pirates
Off the coast of Somalia, modern piracy thrives against a backdrop of poverty. This gripping narrative unfolds as a sonar technician recounts his harrowing experience with pirates while aboard a U.S. Navy warship. Listeners will feel the tension of naval life and the chaos of a pirate attack. The gripping tale touches on themes of bravery, trauma, and the moral dilemmas faced during confrontations with pirates. It highlights the resilience of crew members and the lasting impact of such traumatic events on mental health.