In The Wild: Recent Episodes
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While hiking through Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, experienced climber Minko Nikolov noticed a storm building overhead and made the smart decision to turn back. But before he could reach safety, a bolt of lightning struck him with devastating force, leaving him critically injured and alone on the trail. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
At 79 years old, Ann Rodgers set out for what should have been a routine hike in Washington's Cascade Mountains with her loyal dog by her side. As an extensive search stretched on with no sign of the missing pair, Ann faced freezing nights, difficult terrain, and the constant challenge of staying alive in one of the Pacific Northwest's most unforgiving landscapes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In the shadow of Queensland's highest mountain, Shannon Fraser disappeared into unforgiving rainforest terrain. Seventeen days later, scarred, sunburned, and dramatically weakened, she emerged alive from a wilderness that many believed would claim her life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 2011, Canadian couple Rita and Albert Chretien left British Columbia for a trip to Las Vegas, but a wrong turn onto a remote Nevada backroad changed everything. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Alexander Lofgren and Emily Henkel set out on a remote camping trip in Death Valley National Park that took a devastating turn when their vehicle became disabled. Stranded in extreme terrain and heat, the couple attempted to hike for help. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In December 2018, four people entered the abandoned Rockhouse Powellton Mine in West Virginia, a risky decision that quickly turned into a desperate fight for survival. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1971, what began as a simple outdoor adventure quickly turned into a life-or-death struggle for Steve and Karen when they found themselves stranded in a harsh, unforgiving wilderness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Forced to flee into the wilderness, Nachema Tec entered a world just as dangerous as the one she left behind. Forests became both refuge and prison, offering cover from patrols while hiding hunger, cold, and constant uncertainty. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Every trail promises a way back, until one doesn’t. When Mike Turner found himself stranded on July 30, 1998, familiar ground turned unfamiliar fast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When John Chaney found himself stranded in the wild, distance became his greatest enemy. With no easy rescue and the environment closing in, every step forward carried risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
After a devastating cabin fire left him injured and stranded in remote Alaska, Tyson Steele had only one goal: survive long enough to be rescued. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1906, the passenger steamship SS Valencia ran aground along the treacherous coast of Vancouver Island, an area sailors feared. Stranded on jagged rocks during a violent storm, passengers and crew faced towering waves, failed rescue attempts, and heartbreaking decisions as chaos unfolded offshore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 2013, South African businessman Brett Archibald fell overboard from a yacht in the middle of the night while sailing through remote Indonesian waters. With no life jacket, no supplies, and no immediate rescue in sight, he was left alone in the vast ocean, forced to battle exhaustion, dehydration, jellyfish stings, and circling sharks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1898, Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache led the Belgian Antarctic Expedition aboard the ship Belgica to explore the waters of Antarctica. When the vessel became trapped in the ice of the Bellingshausen Sea, the crew was forced to survive the first Antarctic winter ever spent locked in the ice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1996, a routine canoe safari turned into a fight for survival when a massive hippopotamus attacked, crushing and swallowing Paul Templer alive before spitting him back out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Kenneth Howard was one small child in an enormous landscape. This episode explores how scale, terrain, and time work against even the most determined search efforts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Most people fear isolation. Christopher Thomas Knight embraced it. From 1986 to 2013, he lived entirely alone in the Maine wilderness, avoiding human contact at all costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In May 1996, Beck Weathers stood near the summit of Mount Everest when a sudden storm turned the world’s highest peak into a death trap. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
After being kidnapped and abandoned in the Colombian jungle, Marina Chapman survived alone as a child by observing and mimicking a troop of monkeys. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Just off the coast of South Carolina, near the quiet shores of Sullivan’s Island, a routine day on the water turned into a fight for survival that few believed would end in rescue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In January 2006, Ricky Megee set off across Western Australia for what should have been a routine drive to a new job. Instead, a wrong turn and a series of devastating missteps left him stranded deep in the unforgiving Australian outback. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
A shattered leg. A storm closing in. Two climbers roped together on an impossible slope. This is the story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, whose 1985 Siula Grande expedition became one of the greatest survival tales in mountaineering history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In November 1942, a quiet ship’s steward named Poon Lim was thrust into one of the greatest survival trials in maritime history. After his vessel was torpedoed in the South Atlantic, he found himself alone on a wooden raft with almost no supplies and thousands of miles of open ocean in every direction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1704, a Scottish sailor named Alexander Selkirk made a decision that would change the course of his life. Fearing his ship was unfit for the voyage ahead, he demanded to be left ashore on a remote island in the South Pacific. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 1982, Debbie Kiley set out on what was supposed to be a routine yacht delivery trip from Maine to Florida. Instead, she found herself fighting for her life when a sudden storm capsized the boat, leaving her and her crewmates stranded in the open Atlantic with no supplies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake struck Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that swept entire towns into the sea. Among the countless lives upended was Hiromitsu Shinkawa, a 60-year-old man from Fukushima, who found himself clinging to the roof of his home as it was carried miles offshore. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
On December 31, 2011, Australian traveler Erin Langworthy leapt from Victoria Falls Bridge in a bungee jump meant to cap off her adventure through southern Africa. But when her cord snapped, she plunged into the raging Zambezi River, still tethered and fighting to survive. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In May 2013, off the coast of Nigeria, a routine day at sea turned into an unthinkable nightmare for ship’s cook Harrison Okene. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In 2001, a six-year-old girl vanished while hiking with her grandparents in the dense wilderness of Arkansas’s Ozark National Forest. For more than 48 hours, rescuers searched desperately, fearing the worst. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In March 2025, 41-year-old Brieonna Cassell, a mother of three, embarked on what seemed like an ordinary drive in rural Newton County, Indiana. After falling asleep at the wheel, she veered off the road into a hidden ditch that concealed her vehicle from passersby. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In June 2025, Samuel Vengrinovich set out for what he thought would be a short hike in India’s Himalayan foothills. But when he ventured beyond the Triund Trail without gear, water, or a phone, the journey turned into a harrowing fight for survival.https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-vlad-find-his-missing-son-samuel-in-india Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In April 2025, two-year-old Boden Allen wandered nearly seven miles through harsh Arizona high desert terrain after slipping away from his family’s property near Seligman. Facing rugged canyons, wild animals, and dropping temperatures, he survived alone for about 16 hours. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When 16-year-old Esther Wang set out for a hike in Golden Ears Provincial Park, she had no idea she would soon be fighting to survive alone in the dense wilderness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In this episode of In The Wild, we follow the incredible story of Cheryl Strayed, a woman who set out alone to hike over 1,100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with no experience, driven by grief, loss, and a desperate need for transformation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When a hiking trip into Washington's rugged Cascade Mountains takes a sudden turn, Robert Schock finds himself battling the brutal forces of nature. With limited supplies, dropping temperatures, and the endless wilderness closing in, Robert's survival instincts are pushed to the limit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When 8-year-old redbone coonhound Buddy vanished into the vast Hubbard State Forest in Charlestown, New Hampshire, his owner refused to give up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When 2-year-old JJ Rowland vanished from his Brooksville, Florida, home on a February morning in 2023, the community sprang into action. As night fell, a massive search ensued, with hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement officers combing through dense woods and challenging terrain, determined to find the missing toddler. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When Lukas McClish set out for a hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he expected a peaceful escape into nature. But when a wrong turn led him deep into the rugged wilderness without food, water, or cell service, a casual day hike turned into a fight for survival. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Hidden deep in the Montana backcountry lies one of the most pristine and protected landscapes in America—The Bob Marshall Wilderness, or simply “The Bob.” In this episode of In The Wild, we journey into this breathtaking wilderness retreat, tracing the legacy of its namesake, Bob Marshall. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In this episode of In The Wild, we journey to the heights of Australia’s tallest peak—Mount Kosciuszko—through the eyes of Hadi Nazari, a refugee-turned-mountaineer whose climb is about more than just altitude. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Deep in the heart of Zimbabwe, Tinotenda Pudu found himself trapped in one of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth. With scorching heat, dangerous wildlife, and dwindling supplies, every decision meant the difference between life and death. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When Sam Benastick set out on his adventure, he never expected to find himself battling the unforgiving forces of nature. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
For nearly two decades, Juana Maria lived alone on the remote and windswept San Nicolas Island, surviving against all odds. The last known member of her tribe, she was left behind when missionaries evacuated her people, forcing her to rely on her skills, resilience, and deep connection to nature. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In this episode of In The Wild, we unravel Jack Renton's remarkable story of resilience, survival, and cultural transformation in one of the most remote places on Earth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
When a weekend hike in the Oregon wilderness went disastrously wrong, Pamela Salant found herself alone, injured, and miles from help. In this gripping episode of In The Wild, we recount her incredible journey of survival against the odds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
In this gripping episode of In The Wild, we recount the harrowing survival story of the Robertson family, who set out on a dream voyage around the world in 1972, only to find themselves stranded in the vast and unforgiving Pacific Ocean. With limited supplies and no hope of rescue, the family’s determination, resourcefulness, and will to survive were tested in ways most of us can’t even imagine. Tune in to hear how they battled the elements and their own fears to stay alive against all odds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
n this compelling episode of In The Wild, we uncover the extraordinary survival story of brothers Justin and Jeremy Harris. Bound by family but shaped by their individual strengths, the Harris brothers faced the wilderness in ways few could imagine. Through trials of endurance, brotherly conflict, and moments of sheer determination, their journey is a testament to resilience and the power of teamwork. Tune in as we retrace their steps through the untamed landscapes that tested their limits and shaped their legacy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Cast away on an uninhabited island off the coast of Canada, Marguerite de La Rocque's incredible tale of survival defies the odds. Left to fend for herself in the 16th century, Marguerite endured isolation, harsh weather, and unimaginable challenges.
In 2012, José Salvador Alvarenga set out on a routine fishing trip off the coast of Mexico. What followed was an unimaginable ordeal—438 days lost at sea, surviving on raw fish, rainwater, and sheer determination. Battling storms, sharks, and isolation, Alvarenga became a living testament to the will to survive against impossible odds.
After a daring mission went wrong, Baalsrud found himself hunted by German forces in the icy wilderness of Norway. Wounded and alone, he embarked on a treacherous journey to evade capture, battling the elements and facing life-threatening challenges. This is a story of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit’s determination to stay free. Tune in to hear how Jan Baalsrud defied fate and outran the storm.
In 2010, Abby Sunderland set out to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. But what started as an audacious adventure quickly turned into a fight for survival when she encountered treacherous seas in the Indian Ocean. At just 16 years old, Abby faced towering waves, relentless storms, and the chilling reality of being lost at sea.
In 2018, the world held its breath as twelve boys and their soccer coach became trapped deep inside Thailand’s Tham Luang cave after sudden flooding blocked their exit. For over two weeks, rescuers from around the globe raced against time and rising waters to find and extract them. In this episode of In The Wild, we explore the incredible survival story of the "Wild Boars" soccer team, the challenges they faced in the darkness, and the harrowing rescue mission that brought them back to safety.
In this episode of In The Wild, we uncover the awe-inspiring tale of the Lykov family, who fled persecution in 1936 and vanished into the Siberian wilderness—remaining isolated from the outside world for over 40 years. Discover how this resilient family thrived amidst brutal winters, wild predators, and scarce resources, relying on ingenuity, faith, and an unbreakable family bond. Join us as we explore their extraordinary story of survival, the challenges they overcame, and the legacy they left behind.
In this episode of In The Wild, we explore the remarkable life of Zain Waliany, a man whose journey through the untamed wilderness took him from survivalist to legend. Zain's path led him deep into the heart of unexplored forests, where he survived against all odds, developed unique survival techniques, and forged a powerful connection with nature.
In this episode of In The Wild, we dive into the world of survival skills and nature immersion with Matt Howe and Ansley Roberts, founders of Rainwalk Rewild. Their outdoor survival school is more than just a place to learn essential skills—it's a journey back to our roots, connecting with the land and rediscovering ancient practices that have kept humans alive for millennia. From tracking animals and foraging to building shelters and fire-starting, Matt and Ansley share the core principles of survival, and how their mission is about not just surviving but thriving in harmony with the wild. Join us as we explore their philosophy on rewilding, fostering a deeper relationship with nature, and what it means to live with the rhythms of the outdoors.
The vast wilderness of Wyoming became the backdrop for an incredible story of hope, determination, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions. In this episode of In The Wild, we delve into the harrowing tale of Jade, the beloved rescue dog of Tim Paul and Laura Wilderman, who went missing. Jade braved the unforgiving terrain of Wyoming's wilderness and evading predators.. As the days went on, Tim and Laura's search efforts became a community-wide mission.
In this gripping episode of Dirty Hands, we dive into the harrowing story of the Essex Whaleship, whose doomed voyage in 1820 inspired Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Journey with us as we explore the fateful encounter between the Essex and a vengeful sperm whale, leading to one of the most infamous shipwrecks in maritime history. Hear how the crew's desperate struggle for survival pushed them to the brink, facing starvation, isolation, and unimaginable choices in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Discover the resilience and tragic decisions that defined this extraordinary true story of human endurance.
Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers parts of North Carolina and Tennessee and features some of the highest mountains in eastern North America. The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a division of the Appalachian Mountain Range. The Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, passes through the park's center for 72 miles. Clingmans Dome is the park's highest summit, reaching 6,643 feet. Sixteen mountains in the park reach higher than 5000 feet. The park covers over 522,000 acres or 816 square miles, making it one of the most extensive protected tracts in the eastern United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it mean to live off the grid? Living off the grid means operating one's life without a physical connection to public utilities—self-reliance with your own energy sources, often renewable such as solar and wind. Off-grid living frequently means living in a secluded area, away from the country's population—actual wilderness survival, supplying your needs, and growing your food. But off-grid living today is much different than over a hundred years ago…
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Though you may feel you are in a safe location, you never know when you will be faced with a survival situation. There are no formal boundaries between the wilderness and humanity. Nature has a way of encroaching into areas which may surprise us.
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The Little Moose Mountain Wilderness Area is in the western middle section of Adirondack Park, south by southeast of Seventh Lake in the Fulton Chain. The area encompasses over 12,000 acres but is bordered on all sides by other regions of the Adirondack Park. If you were lost, wandering out of the region would not help facilitate a rescue, as you would still find yourself in the heart of the Adirondack wilderness. The Little Moose Wilderness was in the past and remains a little-visited region today. Very few tourists visit the area, as it is one of Adirondack Park's most remote and wilderness-like areas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, panthers, pumas, or catamounts, are all the same animal. In fact, the scientific name, 'Puma concolor,' is sometimes known as 'the cat of many names.' Naturalist, writer, and Utah native Claude T. Barnes listed 40 English names for a mountain lion, along with 18 names from South America and 25 from Native Americans. This large cat species is native to the Americas and is quite agile. They can leap 15 feet toward prey or into a tree, sprint 50 miles per hour, and maintain a 10-mile-per-hour gate over several miles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
These Boy Scouts in the Adirondack mountains of New York took a hike and a climb that lead to days they never knew were coming.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the Wild details amazing stories of survival. In our episode "Cougar Attack," we told the unbelievable true story of Marine Corps veteran Anne Hjelle living to tell about being pummeled by a vicious predator. Our "Mama Grizzly VS Father and Daughter" episode detailed father and daughter Johan and Jenna Otter surviving a grizzly attack. But not all stories on In the Wild are about escaping horrifying encounters with animals. Many people come prepared for a hike lasting a couple of hours in a hot or cold climate but don't expect to be out there for days or weeks and end up facing that reality. Even worse, sometimes the protagonists of our stories don't come prepared at all, and the harsh truth of extreme climate comes unexpectedly. Like on our episode "Stranded and Freezing," where Jim Stolpa and his wife at the time, Jennifer, got stuck in an avalanche for nine days on the way to Jim's grandmother's wake. To give you an idea of how extreme this avalanche occurring on the last day of 1992 was, it completely buried people at a Sierra ski resort, even killing one of them. So being prepared for extreme climates is a must; let's dig into that subject. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Long time listeners of this podcast know that a common theme of In the Wild are the dangers of national parks. All 63 of them designated in the U.S. are a sight to see, but it should not be overlooked that these parks experience a total of over 300 deaths each year. But what about if you take heed to the necessary precautions often mentioned, and come fully prepared for your journey? Even so, some unexpected circumstances can arise that may actually put your life in jeopardy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A scorpion symbolizes evil, death, destruction, and unpleasant situations. Filmmakers have long used imagery of scorpions to convey the above moods in a storyline. Scorpions themselves are unique. Classified as predatory arachnids, they are related to spiders. Scorpions have eight legs and a pair of pincers extruding from their front limbs. But what makes them unique is the narrow, segmented tail, curving up from behind and resting above the scorpion’s back. At the end of the tail is a stinger, always prepared to inflict two-fold damage: first with a painful sting and second with a deadly injection of poisonous venom. Many people find even the mere image of a scorpion extremely unsettling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For over three years here at In the Wild podcast, we’ve told dozens of real-life stories of survival. Many of these situations take place deep in the woods, with families and individuals simply looking to escape and enjoy nature, only to be unsuspectingly attacked by ferocious predators in their natural habitat. We asked our listeners what their greatest fear would be if they were to be out in the woods with things taking a major turn for the worse. They answered overwhelmingly that the greatest terror they could imagine would be a bear attack. So it’s certainly no coincidence that our show’s logo depicts a massive grizzly bear with its mouth open and ready to inflict carnage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We all have dreams, or accomplishments that we wish to check off the ol’ bucket list during our time here. Some of them are more ambitious than others, and some that you’d need a nice chunk of time to complete. That’s why many of these milestones are put off until retirement, with people wishing they had the time off from work to get out and make a certain dream come true. This was true of 76-year-old Joe DiTommasso, a recreational sailor and a native of the South New Jersey/Philadelphia region. He dreamt of one day taking a boat from around there, all the way to beautiful and sunny South Florida. His friend and fellow sailor, Kevin Hyde (64) had done it before himself. So, with some planning in place, the two made the decision that they were going to do it. On a cold day this past December of 2022, dreaming of the sun and the sands, their voyage began. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Steven Callahan was born in 1952 and grew up in Needham, Massachusetts. As a boy, he had a natural attraction to all things boats and ocean life from the young age of 10. By high school, he was already building boats of his own. It was in 1981 however, when Callahan would begin embarking on a voyage that would change his life forever.
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What was the biggest responsibility you were tasked with at 10 years of age? For many of us, the answer would be taking out the garbage, or some other simple chore around the house. How about…saving your father’s life? Sounds far-fetched, or nearly impossible, but for Cody Sloot, that was what he was called to do, and only days after celebrating that 10th year of birth nonetheless.
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The cougar (or “mountain lion” as they are sometimes known) is a hypercarnivore with a diet consisting of 70% meat. It is as alpha as it gets, at the top of the food chain, and is never prayed upon. No other animal would dare go up against a mountain lion in the wild, knowing that this vicious creature would tear upon them ferociously and feast upon its flesh instinctively. Luckily for humans, cougar attacks are rare, with 126 documented attacks in North America. For those unlucky individuals, however, the wrath of the cougar has no comparison, with 27 of these brutal attacks ending in death.
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Craig Demartino grew up in the small town of Exeter, 10 miles West of Scranton, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was an adventurer, a risk taker, and you could even say a daredevil. Discovering mountain climbing was just the thrill that Craig was looking for, and right out of high school, the extreme hobby became a fixture in his life.
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Craig Demartino grew up in the small town of Exeter, 10 miles West of Scranton, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was an adventurer, a risk taker, and you could even say a daredevil. Discovering mountain climbing was just the thrill that Craig was looking for, and right out of high school, the extreme hobby became a fixture in his life.
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One of America's last great wilderness areas, Glacier National Park, is home to some of the most majestic and dangerous animals on the planet. Among them is the grizzly bear, a massive creature that can weigh over 1,000 pounds and stands up to 9 feet tall when on its hind legs.
Johan Otter and his daughter Jenna were visiting Glacier National for a vacation out in the wilderness to celebrate her graduation. While preparing their backpacks for their day of adventure, they grabbed a bottle of bear spray and put it into their backpacks, thinking they would never have to use it. They were ready for their hiking outing - but the day’s ambitious hike would test them in more ways than they could have ever imagined.
One of America's last great wilderness areas, Glacier National Park, is home to some of the most majestic and dangerous animals on the planet. Among them is the grizzly bear, a massive creature that can weigh over 1,000 pounds and stands up to 9 feet tall when on its hind legs.
Johan Otter and his daughter Jenna were visiting Glacier National for a vacation out in the wilderness to celebrate her graduation. While preparing their backpacks for their day of adventure, they grabbed a bottle of bear spray and put it into their backpacks, thinking they would never have to use it. They were ready for their hiking outing - but the day’s ambitious hike would test them in more ways than they could have ever imagined.
Wherever you may be, there could be hidden dangers lurking. We are talking about insects and small invertebrates which blend into their environment. While hiking trails in National or State Parks and other public areas, it is essential to be aware of these hidden hazards that may present themselves when you least expect them.
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Wherever you may be, there could be hidden dangers lurking. We are talking about insects and small invertebrates which blend into their environment. While hiking trails in National or State Parks and other public areas, it is essential to be aware of these hidden hazards that may present themselves when you least expect them.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/in-the-wild/donations
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On Monday, January 3, 2022, a winter storm swept into Virginia, pelting the region with ice and snow, shutting down I-95 and stranding commuters for more than 24 hours. With snow falling at a rate of up to 4 inches an hour, tractor trailers and passenger vehicles struggled to maintain control, causing multiple accidents. Along a 48 mile stretch of the East Coast’s busiest highway, commuters found themselves trapped on the road, many without food, water and soon, without gas to heat their vehicles. Here is what happened.
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On Monday, January 3, 2022, a winter storm swept into Virginia, pelting the region with ice and snow, shutting down I-95 and stranding commuters for more than 24 hours. With snow falling at a rate of up to 4 inches an hour, tractor trailers and passenger vehicles struggled to maintain control, causing multiple accidents. Along a 48 mile stretch of the East Coast’s busiest highway, commuters found themselves trapped on the road, many without food, water and soon, without gas to heat their vehicles. Here is what happened.
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Mammoth Mountain is the California destination for avid snowboarders, and Eric decided he needed to be there. So he found a way to trade skate lessons for a condo right nearby. LeMarque partied a little too hard though, and held a dark secret from friends when he wasn’t snowboarding fresh powder with them.
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Mammoth Mountain is the California destination for avid snowboarders, and Eric decided he needed to be there. So he found a way to trade skate lessons for a condo right nearby. LeMarque partied a little too hard though, and held a dark secret from friends when he wasn’t snowboarding fresh powder with them.
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In July 2015, a teenager boarded a small propeller driven plane with her step-grandparents to travel home to Washington after a visit to Montana. Inclement weather delayed their departure, but her step-grandfather’s fateful decision to proceed before the weather conditions improved would have dire consequences. Clouds soon enveloped the small plane, leaving the pilot disoriented and heading toward the unforgiving forests of the Northern Cascades.
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In July 2015, a teenager boarded a small propeller driven plane with her step-grandparents to travel home to Washington after a visit to Montana. Inclement weather delayed their departure, but her step-grandfather’s fateful decision to proceed before the weather conditions improved would have dire consequences. Clouds soon enveloped the small plane, leaving the pilot disoriented and heading toward the unforgiving forests of the Northern Cascades.
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One of the most popular swimming and diving destinations in the southwestern United States is the Blue Hole of Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Stretching only 80 feet in diameter at the surface, the Blue Hole has beckoned wildlife and travelers as a desert oasis for hundreds of years. When Route 66 was constructed in the 1920s, the Blue Hole and its enticing deep blue, clear, pure waters became a popular tourist attraction for motorists passing through the area. But beyond the allure of the refreshing waters, locked beneath a gate, is an extensive underwater cave system which has claimed several lives.
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Australian-born Ricky Megee lived a life that could be described as anything but dull prior to his disappearance at the age of 35 in 2006. Born in 1971 in Victoria, Ricky would see a lot of moving throughout Australia as a kid and well into his adulthood. About 350 miles West of where he was born, his parents had a dairy farm in the town of Gippsland. This is where he would spend the first five years of life, which he would describe as living in his father’s shadow, taking in all the farmwork he would partake in daily, from milking cows to hunting rabbits. He loved everything about it, and had a great admiration for his dad. Along with his parents, Ricky had three sisters. Not yet in grade school, Ricky’s parents made the decision to leave farm life behind and move to the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine. Despite the town’s name, Ricky’s father Peter’s outlook was not one of optimism. He now worked for a gas company, and not knowing anyone in the region, he started spending more and more time in the pub drinking heavily in an attempt to socialize. Ricky’s mother Wendy confronted him about it, but the short but feisty man of Irish heritage had a bad temper at times, and it led to a lot of heated arguments in the Megee household.
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High on Life is a Youtube channel with over 600 thousand subscribers created over 10 years ago. The channel started out as a group of friends living in Canada essentially goofing off in short videos. These early videos had no production value, but the feel good energy of the crew of pals was contagious, and the channel amassed followers. As things progressed, they stepped their production value up, and High on Life became a channel about friends traveling all around the globe and living to the fullest. High on Life would travel everywhere; Thailand, Croatia, Bali, Indonesia, Greece, Cambodia, Peru, Argentina, and Italy just to name a few spots in no particular order. The guys from High on Life were looked up to by aspiring modern day nomads, and their Instagram became a must follow racking up nearly a million followers, and same for the individual Instagram feeds for the members. Ryker Gamble with nearly 50 thousand followers, and Alexey Lyakh at nearly 900 thousand. Beyond social media stardom, that kind of attention also earned them six figure brand ambassador deals. They would see all of the great attractions that the cities had to offer, meet new people, and also capture some of the wildest daredevil stunts, namely a great deal of dangerous cliff diving. Some of these stunts would get them into very serious trouble.
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Mechanicsville, Maryland is not a particularly exciting place. Outside of having a considerable Amish population, it’s not really known for much at all. Amanda Eller is not Amish, this is just where she happened to grow up; and this may be why a free spirit like Amanda had a desire to go somewhere more scenic, warm, interesting, and most of all, spiritual.
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City traffic, gas stations, coffee chains, grocery stores, and fast food restaurants that congest our cities and suburbs can at times be overbearing when trying to escape the noise of our everyday lives. To be fair, of course these constructions have made life more convenient for the average citizen. We all need to be efficient with our time in order to effectively get work done as well as have time for other commitments. For those looking to escape to somewhere quiet however, and truly see the beauty that is America, any of the 63 designated national parks are a sight to see, and an experience that you will never forget. Be prepared though, because nature in its rawest form can be as dangerous as it is beautiful.
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In 1971 at the age of 17, Juliane Koepcke took a flight from her hometown of Lima, Peru to Pucallpa, Peru with her mother that would forever haunt her and yet inspire those who hear her story. Juliane grew up in Lima, but in her teens, her parents (both scientists) established a biological research station, Panguana, exploring flora and fauna biodiversity and ecological relationships.
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A mountain so incredibly large that its parent peak is named none other than “Mt Massive.” Mt. Rainier, however, previously known as Tacoma, is currently considered the world’s most dangerous volcano. It lies in the Cascade Range in the Pacific Northwest within Mt. Rainier National Park, just 59 miles south of Seattle. This mountain is the most topographically visible peak in the United States and stands the tallest within the Cascade Volcanic Arc.
Yellowstone National park offers stunning scenery, excellent wildlife observation, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. And the vastness of the park allows for choices to visit the popular sites or those less traveled. Yellowstone should be on everyone's bucket list, but be aware, dangers lurk throughout the park. In 1870, however, the region was mostly unexplored. Here is the story of Truman Everts, who was part of an early exploration commission called the Washburn Expedition.
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Freelance writing, remote work and exhilarating outdoor adventures can be a dream come true for the right person. Add in a house sitting gig for friends in a new location and the adventure begins. The Lost Palms Oasis Trail offers beautiful scenery and plant life while exploring the southern portion of Joshua Tree National Park. But even on what is considered a heavily trafficked path, preparations are crucial as you never know what you may face IN THE WILD.
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Douglas Legg was eight years old on a visit to the family-owned compound, the Santanoni Estate. He had followed his uncle on a hike around the property, but because he was wearing shorts, he was sent back to the camp to put on long pants because of the biting insects. It was only a half-mile away, and the house could even be seen through the trees where he and his uncle stood. But what happened on that short walk back remains a mystery.
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Edwyn Sandys, an old-time woodsman, tells his accounts of survival stories from North America's forests from 1906. Entering the woods well prepared is a prerequisite both yesterday and today, no matter how different the available equipment and supplies may be between today and over one hundred years ago. Because you may never know when you may become lost, disorientated, or imperiled IN THE WILD…
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Recounting the deadliest disaster on Oregon's Mount Hood. In May 1986, twenty students and adults representing the Oregon Episcopal School departed on what was to be a day hike after a school year learning and preparing for high-altitude climbing. Abrupt changes in weather conditions proved calamitous, and nine members of the party would lose their lives.
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Recounting the deadliest disaster on Oregon's Mount Hood. In May 1986, twenty students and adults representing the Oregon Episcopal School departed on what was to be a day hike after a school year learning and preparing for high-altitude climbing. Abrupt changes in weather conditions proved calamitous, and nine members of the party would lose their lives.
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The group of ten young men and three adults slowly made their way up the winding trail leading to a peak of 11,440 feet. But this was not an ordinary group of hikers out on a winter backpacking trip. These were convicted felons taking part in a unique opportunity to work out their sentences in a wilderness adventure program. Maybe one would think there would be a daring exploit of escape, but in this case, it is quite the opposite.
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There are many tales of survival on the high seas. But when you take a luxury cruise, the furthest from your mind are thoughts regarding survival. Cruise lines cater to your every whim, from dining choices, entertainment and creature comforts.
Take, for example, Elizabeth Weed Shutes. She was traveling first class on a magnificent ocean liner, one of the finest and most opulent ships ever built. While Elizabeth was not one to afford such luxurious travel and accommodations, she was employed as a governess to the sixteen-year-old daughter of a wealthy businessman. Elizabeth accompanied the businessman's wife, Edith Graham, and her daughter Margaret on a European vacation.
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A parent's worst nightmare is when their child goes missing. Alone and lost in the wilderness is a frightening experience for anyone, let alone a young child. Luckily, though, some children find they aren't alone at all. If their dog accompanies them, they may find they have a loyal companion looking out for them.
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The Hawaiian Islands. If you haven't been yet, perhaps lifting off in a helicopter for an aerial view of a luminescent lava stream or views of incredible rushing waterfalls has been on your bucket list. Dreams of escaping to a warm sandy beach, drink in hand, as the sounds of waves crashing and vitamin D-soaked laughter delighting ears have enticed millions upon millions of tourists every year. It is a destination noted for its hospitality in warmth and relaxation.
Though hospitable to your dream vacation, these islands of volcanic origin are home to the Hawaiian hot spot - at present boiling underneath the Big Island of Hawaii. Five different major volcanoes decorate the Big Island with their torrid presence: Kilauea (kill lawe way yuh), Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea (kay-ah) , Hualalai (hoo-la-la-aye), and Kohala (koe-hal-uh.) The largest active volcano on Earth is Mauna Loa. But at present, the most productive volcano on Earth in terms of lava flow production is Kilauea.
In the early morning on Sunday, January 25, 2004, Doyle Alexander Russell boarded his fishing boat, the Lady Maxi, and headed out from his home port in Nassau on New Providence Island. He turned south, heading toward the southern-westering part of the Tongue of the Ocean, to fishing grounds known as the Southern Bores. Little did he know, this trip would prove more perilous than most.
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Intense heat, relentless exposure, treacherous and dry terrain. The Sahara Desert stands as the largest hot desert in the world. This vast waterless ocean of baked and circulated sand is a force of nature that demands fierce respect from any form of life crossing within its borders. The Sahara is both forbidding and alluring; its beauty is uncluttered yet mesmerizing. The desert hosts the Sahara Marathon, an ultramarathon in southern Morocco covering 156 miles of desert in six days. What could go wrong?
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The year is 1704, and Alexander Selkirk signed up as a sailing master on the Cinque Ports, an English vessel under commission by the King of England during the War of Spanish Succession. In years prior, Selkirk had joined buccaneering voyages. Buccaneering is a more pleasant-sounding term for piracy and was usually the term used for pirates in the Caribbean. The Caribbean was far away from governing authorities frowning on such activity, and there were many benefits to reap from this line of work.
But this voyage was different.
There is much online information available on the benefits of hiking for an individual's mental health, especially during pandemic times where we have all been sequestering indoors and avoiding public areas. Cabin fever is uncommonly intense due to the pandemic and combined with what seemed like a long winter. But the good news is that the weather is finally breaking, COVID appears to be on the downward trend, and service-based businesses are getting ready to gear up for increased capacities for patrons.
While many of us may not be ready to endure crowds yet, you can still enjoy outdoor activities away from most of the bustle and hustle of urban life. Hiking, backpacking, and camping all offer ways to get outdoors, take in the fresh air, and still socially distance.
Many of the real life survival stories told on this podcast involve people in frightful and desperate scenarios, stranded for days and sometimes weeks on end. This particular story went on for far longer. A Chinese sailor by the name of Poon Lim found himself in one of the worst survival scenarios ever recorded when at the height of World War 2, a Nazi U-Boat sunk the merchant ship he was on, the SS Benlomond.
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During the final days of the year 1992, a young Army private by the name of Jim Stolpa got a call that felt like a gut punch. It was an otherwise jubilant time; Christmas had just ended, and he was newlywed with his wife Jennifer, also an active-duty service member with the Army Reserves, they additionally just celebrated the birth of their first child, Clayton.
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On March 31, 2017, Ann Rodgers, age 72, set off from home with her small dog and cat to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit her grandchildren. While driving through the White Mountain Apache Reservation, she became lost and ran out of gas on a deserted stretch of Arizona desert. Ann had a cell phone but no signal. Knowing it was best to stay with her car, she waited out the rest of the day and that night, hoping for someone, anyone, to come along to aid her.
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Have you ever dreamt of “getting away from it all?” Off the grid. Moving to a new place away from civilization, in peace and quiet? For many, their idea of being off the grid is similar to how Governor Jesse Ventura lives half the year. When he’s not in his home state of Minnesota, he splits his time at his home in Baja, Mexico an hour away from the nearest stores and neighborhoods.
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It was the last weekend before the official start to summer in 2010, and Zak Anderegg of Salt Lake City, Utah decided to spend it alone enjoying nature. An explorer of sorts, he made the trek all the way to the other side of his state’s border in Page, Arizona, a nearly 6-hour drive. The destination being a slot canyon; these are narrow canyons created by the water from floods rushing through rocks long ago. There are a number of these breathtaking canyons in the region, and if you’ve never seen them before, a quick Google search of slot canyons in the region of Arizona and Utah is likely to make you eager to book a flight to take in its beauty.
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Many of us are familiar of the Biblical story of Jesus Christ fasting in the desert for 40 days and nights. Could it be possible for a mere mortal replicate this journey and survive?
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Throughout the years, there have been instances of conflict between people and cougars, with the ferocious animal making a permanent impact on those with whom the animal encounters. Cougars go by several different names, depending upon the region in which you live. Mountain lion, puma, panther, painter, and catamount are all common names for cougars, the largest and most fearsome of the six wild cats living in the United States and the second-largest cat in the western hemisphere after the jaguar.
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The Mojave rattlesnake, sometimes referred to as the Mojave green, is a highly venomous pit viper found in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. It has what is considered one of the world's most toxic venoms. The Mojave rattlesnake can grow up to four and a half feet long. Their color can range from different shades of brown or pale green, depending upon their habitat. A dark diamond pattern runs along their backs. Their color enables them to blend well with their surroundings for protection from predators, such as coyotes, eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. But they are far from helpless when encountering a potential adversary.
One Month Lost in the Canadian Wilderness
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This is a popular episode that we are rerunning, originally published on June of 2020: West Virginia is a state widely known for it’s coal mining industry, a job that brings many men and their families financial stability, but it comes with an expense of great danger. There is probably no one more understanding of that danger than Randal McCloy Jr.
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The gentle breezes whispering through the trees. The wonderful scent of pine and cedar. But the life of a lumberman was hazardous when without warning, an accident could occur, and the remote forest was turned into a place of pain, suffering, and panic.
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Dozens of people who venture into the Adirondacks every year are reported missing. Sometimes they are found and reunited with their family and friends. Other times, the results are not so joyful. Unfortunately, the remains of some hikers and hunters are found long after their demise. And in some cases, they are never found, seemingly disappearing into the vast wilderness.
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Blizzards. Severe snowstorms, accompanied by high winds and low visibility, can be terrifying to endure. Before World War II, blizzards were especially menacing to people because the lack of forecasting technology allowed storms to appear without warning. People had to live through a blizzard with what they had on hand because help would not be accessible immediately. Communications, such as phones, were not readily available until 1920, and even then, only thirty-five percent of homes had them. Outlying rural areas were the last to obtain indispensable services, and these regions certainly lacked what we consider essential today. Even during a short commute, one could find oneself in the wild.
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With the recent Northeastern storm dumping up to 46 inches of snow in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states, skiers and slope owners are rejoicing with the early winter snow cover. Ski areas rushed to open their slopes to skiers and boarders anxiously waiting for the new season to begin. Add Covid fatigue into the mix, and the ski industry has increased optimism for the coming season. Outdoor recreational opportunities provide for those struggling with extended isolation lethargy, and ski areas are happy to provide an outlet.
But alpine skiing and boarding are not without significant risks. Injury rates have fallen from five to eight per 1000 skier-days in the 1970s to two or three per 1000 skier-days now. A skier day represents one individual day of skiing. Advancements in binding technology have improved skier safety, but helmet efficiency is still debatable. The main dangers include hitting rocks, trees, or other people, getting hit by another person, falls resulting in injury, sunburns, snow blindness, falling into tree wells, and avalanches.
Alpine skiers and riders reach summits by way of chairlifts or gondolas. What are the safety statistics for this equipment? Chairlifts are safe, right?
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Would you burn $150 in 10s and 20s if you were lost and cold? That's what Shawn Dougher and Ralph Vecchio did when lost on Mt. Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. But it was to no avail as the branches were wet. The feeble fire lasted only a few minutes before it fizzled out.
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White iced chocolate cake, root beer, and butterscotch sundaes are delightful treats for everyone, but to someone who spent five nights lost, alone, cold and hungry in the Adirondack Mountains, they taste better than ever imagined.
Before we continue with our story, we need a little background information. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, referred to as ASD, is a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. There are many subtypes of autism, presenting a unique set of strengths and challenges for each affected individual. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States, and its impact is likely lifelong.
The word dangerous doesn’t even begin to describe the risk to those who dare come near it. One of several avalanche chutes on the north flank of Mt. Werner in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Hell’s Wall has earned its name by reputation.
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Some consider space exploration as the pinnacle of off the grid survival experiences. And there are no grizzlies to bother you. But are there? The early days of space exploration were fraught with dangerous outcomes—even grizzlies. When the Soviet Union's empire collapsed, classified stories slowly leaked out to the rest of the world. The following is a miraculous tale of determination and survival, which began with a space shot.
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A spontaneous training exercise, turned an adventure leading it's survivors onto greater accomplishments.
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Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana on the United States Canadian border covers more than 1 million acres. The park, established in 1910, contains two distinct mountain sub-ranges and borders Waterton Lakes National Park to the north in Canada. Waterton Lakes National Park makes up almost another 125,000 acres of protected wilderness to the area. Together, the two parks are known as Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, established in 1932.
What began as an exciting adventure in Wyoming, ended with a young couple scared they may never see their 1-year-old daughter again. It’s every parent's worst nightmare.
California in the mid-1800s was a dangerous and relatively unsettled area. The annexation of California from Mexico began in 1846, with the start of the Mexican-American War. Eight years prior, the non-Indian population was about 8,000. The region provided an abundance of game animals, including deer, elk, and antelope, and was a hunters paradise. Food resources were abundant. But the land also was home to the mighty California grizzly bear, a ferocious animal, weighing up to over 1000 pounds.
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This past August, a ferry was running between Rio and Antirrio , Greece, when passengers noticed a white floating object in the distance.
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Joseph told his friends that he would be in the woods for only one hour. Joseph Robinson from Menasha , Wisconsin, had decided to take his revolver into the woods with the intention of hunting for partridges. It was Friday, November 9, 1874, and though he was employed by the Wisconsin Central Railroad as a so-called "train boy," he was very much a grown man.
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The setting is Shaw Island, Middle Saranac Lake, Ampersand Mountain and the surrounding Adirondack region. The time is the summer of 1912. Billy and his pal Buttsey set out to camp on the Island and this is his story as he remembers it…
One must always prepare for the unexpected when heading out into the woods. Even routine tasks, a short distance away from your home, can become life-threatening situations. One man, an experienced woodsman, set out to perform a regular chore, cutting trees for the coming winter's firewood.
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People travel from all over the world to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and explore the uncountable trails connected to the twisting road. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah (Piz-gah) National Forest, and other wildlands in the area offer breathtaking views.
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It was a pleasant summer Sunday in July of 1962 when the Bronx's Boyle family had traveled to Hardscrabble Lake in Pleasantville, New York to relax, enjoy a picnic, a little fishing, and take in the lakeside scenery. James Boyle, his wife Margaret, his three and a half-year-old son Kevin, and the boy's aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Boyle, looked forward to getting out of the city and enjoying the day together.
Dave Olesen, a pilot, author, and veteran dog musher, came face-to-face with the darker side of Northwest Territories.
A research mission went sour, and Dave's plane ended up in the icy waters. This is a tale that involves a floatplane capsizing, as well as the perfect combination of proactive preparation, luck, and survival instincts. Special guest on this episode, Dave Olesen!
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Tham Luang Nang Non, a cave in the Chiang Rai Province of Thailand spanning nearly 6.5 miles in length, and at an elevation of nearly 1,500 feet. On Saturday June 23rd 2018, a group of boys from the Wild Boars soccer club, ages 11-16, set off to go exploring.
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It was a warm Saturday in July of 1926 in Upper New York State. Earl Gates, a student of the Forestry Camp of Syracuse University, decided to take advantage of the day off and head out for an afternoon walk in the woods nearby.
There was no distinct trail for Gates to follow - no semblance of a path at all. Not thinking much of it, as he was just out for a nice walk, he just casually blazed his own.
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Just imagine being a group of young boys, all between the ages of 16 and 18, embarking on a month-long survival course in the Alaskan wilderness. This is admirable in itself, as Alaska's great outdoors can be very unforgiving.
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In the early 1880s, Dan Doty lived in a log cabin that he had reclaimed from the wilderness, not far from the small hamlet of Vermontville in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. Dan's wife had died two years prior, and his mother, Mrs. Betty Doty, was keeping house for him and his children.
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It was a clear day in the Chugach Mountains near Anchorage Alaska, on April 27, 2003, Nick, age 19, a thrill-seeker, always dreamed of visiting Alaska and jumped at the chance to see it through a mutual friend, without even having met his hiking partners before.
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Big Sur. 89 miles of breathtaking coastline located between Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, California. Home to only a small group of the ultra-wealthy, but visited by millions each year to take in its natural beauty. It’s also the highest coastal mountain in the continental U.S. with a peak reaching 5,155 feet...that’s just short of a mile. Now imagine the most peaceful scenic drive that one can fathom, and in the blink of an eye stopping short and tumbling down a cliff right into the rocks and thrown violently into the Pacifc Ocean. This is the kind of scenario that many of us have awoken to in a cold sweat...a horrifying nightmare. But 23-year-old Angela Hernandez experienced just this. This is her story.
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One of the five million people each year who made that journey was Amber Van Hecke in March of 2017. A lover of the outdoors, the college student planned on a 3,000-mile solo road trip for spring break with this as the ultimate destination. First, she wanted to see the nearby Havasu Falls, but when she turned onto a road that did not exist due to a Google maps error, things took a turn for the worst.
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The party of six had left the Katahdin Stream campsite in Maine around 1 o'clock to make the Hunt Trail climb. The group included Donn Fendler, twelve years old, his father, two brothers Tom and Ryan, and his friends, Henry and Fred.
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Flying in a private plane with your bros headed back to California, after a gig in South Carolina with Gavin DeGraw and Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction. It’s what many of us dream of as kids, but for Travis Barker of Blink-182 and Adam Goldstein (better known as DJ AM,) that dream became an unspeakable nightmare.
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Aron Ralston is a classic example of someone who did the unthinkable. After slipping into a canyon slit, he amputated his arm from the elbow down in order to escape an 800-pound boulder. He was then rescued after making his way out of the canyon which he called home for nearly a week.
In 2013, another astonishing story took place involving Marco Lavoie. A 44-year-old outdoorsman of Canada facing likely death under the most extreme of conditions. Sometimes nature’s most terrifying moments can only be faced head-on with the fiercest determination and will to survive.
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Kaden and Arden Laga thought that they would enjoy a vacation in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness that straddles Montana and Idaho before welcoming their first child into the world. Fate had a different plan for the Iowa couple.
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Mount Goddard — an isolated mountain that is home to the largest peak in its immediate region. Located in Kings Canyon National Park, Mount Goddard is 500 feet higher than any of its neighboring peaks. The surrounding area is incredibly wild and alpine — but Gregg Hein, a 33-year-old hiker, knew this. For him, it was just another adventure — an opportunity to connect with the great outdoors, just as he had dozens of times prior to this trip.
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It was early Sunday morning on May 26, 2013. The Jascon 4, a tugboat contracted by Chevron Corporation, was out at sea in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 20 miles off the coast of Nigeria. The waters were rough, and as dawn had not broke yet, it was still dark. Carrying a crew of twelve, most of the workers were still in their locked bunks.
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West Virginia is a state widely known for it’s coal mining industry, a job that brings many men and their families financial stability, but it comes with an expense of great danger. There is probably no one more understanding of that danger than Randal McCloy Jr.
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It was going to be a quick trip to a place she knew well: Obstruction Point, one of Jack’s favorite places in the whole world. There, as she’d promised, she’d scatter his ashes among the pine trees and summer flowers he loved.
Little did she know, Sajean Geer’s final tribute to her husband nearly cost her life.
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March often brings chilly, rainy weather to Humboldt County, California. When the clouds finally parted one spring day in 2019, sisters Leia and Caroline couldn’t wait to get out of the house and venture onto the trails of Richardson Grove State Park, which sits next to their family’s property. At first, they bugged their mother, Misty, to come out for a hike. Misty had some chores to finish, though, so she told them that they would have to wait. The girls, just 5 and 8 years old, didn’t want to hear that. They needed the fresh air, sunshine, and woods that they loved to explore.
When Misty finished her housework and packed a couple of bags for the hike, she went to find her daughters. She says that she didn’t worry at first because the girls often took short walks in the woods without supervision. They knew their way around, so she expected them to come back within a few minutes.
Unfortunately for the family, that’s not what happened.
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Raging rivers, hungry bears, drastic avalanches, roaring seas—no matter how prepared you are, a walk in the woods can go from innocent to disastrous in the blink of an eye.
Join us as we visit the most heroic, gruesome, terrifying, and phenomenal stories of real people who survived the unsurvivable.
Learn what went wrong, what went right, and how you can make it out alive if the worst case ever happens to you. This, is In The Wild.