A Close Call with Death

Joey Wood is a true miracle, having faced just a 3% chance of survival after his accident. While mountain biking in the stunning Utah mountains, he crashed at high speed, careening off the track and into the woods. Joey sustained a punctured heart, marked by a visible hole in the center of his chest, a stark reminder of the life-threatening risk he faced that day. Join us to hear Joey share his incredible story of survival!

In this episode, we sit down with @Kristi Whittingham, who experienced a harrowing close call while vacationing in Oahu, Hawaii, to celebrate a friend's birthday. While crossing a highway with her friends, Kristi was nearly run down by a driver who swerved directly at her, seemingly intent on causing harm. Join us as Kristi recounts the details of that fateful day. We're grateful to have you on our show, Kristi, and we're truly blessed to hear your story!

In this powerful episode, we are joined by Zac Matthews, a miraculous survivor of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck that resulted in a total paralysis for many months. Against all odds, Zac regained his feeling and now looks forward to a new life ahead of him. One year ago, in July 2024, Zac attempted to end his life with a bullet to the neck, leaving him paralyzed but ALIVE. Zac shares with us the events leading up to his suicide attempt and the moments of waking up award, unsure of what his future held in a life he had tried to end. Over the past year, Zac has risen from the brink of death to walking and functioning well once again. He believes his survival is a miracle and feels privileged to continue living when his life could have ended. Zac aims to be a beacon of hope for anyone in a dark place contemplating suicide. He wants to share the vision that it is possible to overcome the mental anguish that drives such thoughts without harming the your body. By making positive changes and redirecting pain and depression, one can find a new and healthy path. Life is a precious blessing and Zac's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Do not give up! With every hard day, there is a new day coming that can bring hope and happiness. Thank you Zac for being on the show!

In this session, we talk with guest Jenny Ahlstrom, a true survivor of one of life's most dangerous cancers in our lifetime. I person every 9 minutes is diagnosed with a (Myeloma) Blood Cancer each year and is 10% of all cancers. Jenny tells us of her battle to not only overcome this dreaded disease but she has gone on with her husband Paul to develop a company called HealthTree Foundation which has involved patients in the pursuit to finding a cure. Mother of 6 and survivor, we are so happy you are alive today to tell about your story and help fight the diseases of Cancer. Thank you so much Jenny! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

On a ten year anniversary of a near death incident my niece Elizabeth Howard said on this last Father's Day, that she had a desire to share her story and give thanks to her Dad Phil Howard, my brother, for the life saving action he provided to save Elizabeth from plummeting off a 50 foot cliff in Southern Moab Utah National Park. This will be the youngest interviewee I have had on the show and it is short in duration but a great reflection and tribute to a Dad on Father's Day of all days. Very timely and cute. Thanks Elizabeth for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Kyle Rivera is an action packed character who has sky dived, BASE jumped and Wingsuited hundreds of times from airplanes, hot air balloons, cliffs, buildings, everything you can imagine that test a persons nerves and bravery. On one recent flight, Kyle had a scary malfunction of his equipment causing the lines that operate his Shute to wrap around his leg in decent and nearly cause him to crash land. Tune in and listen to what Kyle's experience has done to promote a great appreciation for the rest of his life that was nearly taken away! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

This interview is with Peter Ballentine, a guy who lives life large!!! We get into a terrible crash in his 911 Porsche in San Francisco, Near Death Hypothermia on the Snake River, and a Firey Crash on his BMW Motorcycle when he went through a Black Angus Cow in the dark coming home from Jackson Hole Wyoming!!! Peter is an action hero and should have been a stunt man in the movies. Here, is Peter B ....Enjoy!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Our interview is with the lone survivor Stein Rosvquist, a flight Nurse Medic whose helicopter went down one night in a dense fog over Salt Lake City's western border near Salt Lake City International Airport. Stein suffered a severed lower back and other life threatening injuries and yet survived. The pilot and other medic on board did not make it. This story is of that fateful night and how Stein has found life through his close call with death. Thank you Stein for your story and brave grit filled ambition to take life on and live a full life despite such loss. You are one of the many brave heroes that help all of us in so many ways! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Kennedy Littledike, is a miracle! Kennedy was involved in a horrific car wreck that launched her 30 feet into the air and onto a power line in Idaho, breaking her femur and hanging for over an hour waiting for rescue. Two of her friends were also ejected out of the car breaking their necks and backs but lived and are fully recovered. Kennedy tells us about the incident and how now, having her leg amputated, has changed her life. For good :) It's amazing how people can find strength and a new perspective even in the midst of adversity. She is an inspiration and a miracle! Thank you Kennedy for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

This episode is with guest Ben Gunn who 20 years ago experienced a tragic plane crash into the frigid waters of the ocean in Alaska on his way with his family to Anchorage for go fishing. Ben and his five family members went down into 42 degree ocean waters losing four of his family that day and only he and his brother in law survived. Tune into this heart felt testimonial of an experience that left Ben with great grief but at the same time, great lessons in survival, love, and appreciation for the gift of life he has as a take away from this tragic event. Thank you Ben for your story. This episode is a rather long one and a story you will want to hear the whole story in its entirety. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

This episode we re-launch episode #31 with David Osmond who wrote the new music for our podcast series A Close Call With Death, with the song "Last Day" from the Reflected Album. David's lyrics in this song truly reflect the meaning of the podcast series with looking at our survival stories with the eye of living life like it just may be the last day of our lives. Thank you David for your beautiful song and dedication of it to this series. With the launch of the new music, it seemed perfect to have it launch on your episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

John Knab, "Life is Moving At A 2x Pace: not sure how to slow it down!" John comes to the show with a close call with death due to a change in physical condition impacted by long corporate travel internationally reaching a status of Diamond Medallion 2.7 million miles in the air and with that plus work stress and weight gain, John experienced many negative health risks such as obesity, high blood pressure, blood clots, spots of cancer, etc. sending him to die in the hospital from a terrible blot clot in his head was told by doctors that he had hours / minutes until he passed away. But, he didn't die. John was tremendously blessed by the faithful and his own faith to overcome his death sentence and turns his life over to doing as much as he could to get in shape, manage is stress, and get on a Peloton to become one of the worlds highest ranking rider in the world on Strava. His life changed as he set his mind to becoming an athlete again like when he was younger. Now, in his 70's John is living his best life with his wonderful wife Robyn being like a kid again and loving his new life. John has now rode over a million miles on his bike and looking forward to inspiring all those who dream of a better life and want an amazing second half of life. Thank you John for being on the show! You are such a great mentor and inspiration!!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Moka Best. Super cool name to go with someone who has been the best in many athletic events. Moka accomplished many goals in sports and actually reached a level of professionalism in the world of triathlon and became an Olympic hopeful for the United States. But, a deadly disease fell upon Moka called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) where the blood doesn't circulate properly and connective tissues fail. Leaving muscles, tendons, and organs all at risk of failing to work or return to a natural shape and function, bringing on overall system failure. Moka has suffered major surgeries that repostured organs and systems, kidney autotransplant, Gallbladder removal, etc etc. Now, fighting for normal, days are filled with pain. Moka smiles through it all most of the time finding life is worth fighting for and her family is worth staying alive for. Listen in on Moka's story of survival and goals for her life. Thank you, Moka, for your positive attitude and sharing your story with us all. You are a warrior with a smile! One tough woman! For more info on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549814/#:~:text=Ehlers%20Danlos%20syndrome%20(EDS)%20is,and%20fragility%20of%20blood%20vessels --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Mark Webb, active guy, sports enthusiast, golfer, motorcycle enthusiast, family man with a wife and four kids, and fighter.... Mark suffers with Stomach Cancer and this month celebrates a two year period of fighting for his life. Mark has found over the last two years more about life, what is life, how fragile it can be, and what next? How is Mark dealing with his condition and battling for more time? Listen in on how Mark has changed and how we views life going forward. He is not giving up and in fact, doing his best to get the very most out of life and never let a day go by that he hasn't done everything he can to enjoy his family and friends around him. As he says in the interview, we "need people " and Mark will tell you why. Thank you Mark for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Mark Haley, Survivor of a tragic hot rod crash that caught fire and burned Mark over much of his body and nearly leaving him dead in the cockpit. First responders sped to Marks aid to pull him unconscious and on fire from his wreck. Mark suffers a majority of his body having to be skin grafted back together, the loss of his left arm and all the fingers from his right hand and even facial burns and grafting to help him live. Mark was sedated into an induced coma for six months! He survived this fiery tragedy to come back and live out a life of getting back to his new normal and loving to rebuild hot rods again and spend time with family. It is a miracle that he survived this accident. We are grateful that he has come on the show. Thank you Mark! so glad you are alive to share your story. Your attitude is like your blood type B+ :) Be Positive!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

JR Celski, a phenomenal Olympic star and team mate to famous Apollo Ono has won many national and international competitions including winning the Bronze medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver Canada. He has won many silver and bronze medals over this career and at the top of this game he had a terrible accident on the ice qualifying for the Olympics in 2010 when he fell on the last turn slashing his thigh muscles in half and nicking his femoral artery! JR thought his Olympic dreams were over and he may never skate again. Despite this accident and set back JR pushes through and lets us in on how it all went down and how he worked his way back. Tune in on this heart touching story of resilience and perseverance that can give any of us listeners the drive to get back into life again no matter how hard or challenging. Thank you JR for this great story of reflection and heart. This was truly, A Close Call With Death! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Darren Ewell's life was spared when a fast action hero nurse came to his rescue and started immediate CPR on Darren after suffering cardiac arrest! Darren was playing softball one night in Murray Utah when suddenly he fell onto the playing field without a heart beat and unconscious. Darren had complete blockage to his heart and it stopped. Immediate and aggressive CPR was provided on scene by a Cardiac Nurse Danya Topham acting quickly and, with that bravery and technical training, saved Darren's life! Never really expecting Darren to live she provided CPR and kept going until Darren was transferred to a very close hospital just up the street. Miracles took place that day. The team of first responders including an off duty K9 police officer all were awarded hero awards from the city for their act of bravery and life saving from the City of Murray Utah. Tune into this inspiring story of a truly close call with death and we are grateful for Darren being alive to tell about it. . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bob-howard9/message

Matt Blanchard is most likely one of the only human beings on the planet that have experienced TWO near death experiences that resulted in two head on wrecks, being extracted TWICE from the scenes with Jaws of Life equipment from his first responders, TWICE LifeFlighted to the emergency room nearby and TWICE Paralyzed...... Seriously a unique experience of pain and suffering! He is another one of those that now, understands his purpose. Matt has inspired millions of people with his stories of triumph over physical, mental and emotional challenges. Matt says, "I am powerful beyond measure, I am capable of accomplishing anything". He is the father of three amazing children and the husband of 28 years to his wife Natalie. Matt's attitude now, as he says, "I choose to be positive, happy, and I choose to Live!" We are blessed to have Matt Blanchard in the studio as he rolled in on his sporty wheelchair designed to break land speed records! :) and had the biggest smile on his face. Love this guy! He joins the interviewees we've had on the show and it is always inspirational!! Again, I am a better person having met Matt. Podcast series sponsored by @rustico fine leather --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Peter Vidmar! Peter is one of the most decorated American gymnasts in Olympic History. The winner of numerous national and international titles, he finished his successful career at the 1984 Olympic Games. As the USA men's gymnastics team captain, he led his teammates to America's first ever team gold medal, with their stunning upset victory over the defending world champions, the People's Republic of China! Peter went on to win the silver medal in the individual all-round competition (the first American to have won an Olympic All-Around medial), and with a perfect score of 10, captured the gold medal on the pommel horse. Peter is one of only three athletes inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame twice; first as an individual, then as a member of the historic 1984 USA Men's gymnastics team. He is also the author of Risk, Originality, and Virtuosity; The Keys to a Perfect 10. Now, listen in on how this incredible athlete had his very own close call with death and nearly found his life end way too soon! Thank you Peter for being on the show! It was an honor. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Neal Middleton is our guest on the podcast series, A Close Call With Death, and Neal comes to us from an intro from my daughter Adrienne who sends me some of the most amazing touching stories on the planet. Adrienne knows Neal and his wife who he talks about very lovingly in the interview. Adrienne said "You have to talk with Neal! He has a close call with death and his life is incredible!" I connected with Neal and between performances he came and sat down with me to share his story. I was so touched buy his incredible caring soul and kindness plus an unreal raspy baritone voice that I could listen to for hours. Neal is a long time member of a successful band called @Royal Bliss. They have reached the top of the music charts with their albums and have toured with the likes of greats like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Buckcherry, Candlebox, Kid Rock, Brett Michaels and others. Mixed in with Neals success has been trauma and tragedy. We are very lucky to have him here to tell and sing his story. I will for ever be inspired and moved by his spirit and story. Thank you Neal for being on our show! Session sponsored by @Rustico fine leather. Every guest is given a leather bracelet that has a scripture on it that indicates The Worth of Souls is Great In the Sight of God. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This week we sat down with another miracle story of survival and A Close Call With Death for Lori Higbee. Back in 1994 Lori was 16 years old and had plans to spend some fun in the sun on Utah Lake with her friends. While out Jet Skiing, a storm blew in and created dangerous conditions that ultimately stalled the craft her and her friend were on and engine stopped. They were stranded on the lake for most of the day all through the afternoon into the night but most of that time Lori was in the 63 degree water separated from her friend and the craft. All alone and waiting for rescue the experience challenged Lori's desire to survive. Tune in to this session to hear how Lori dealt with such an emotional blow and how she is alive today. Thank you Lori for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Leslie Hubrich, what an inspiration of incredible power and upbeat attitude that came fiercely from this small super strong 5 foot nothing human being! Leslie Hubrich was out for the day doing what she loves and that is extreme sports with her husband Dan in southern California. Suddenly the Powerglider she was flying had mechanical failure and she plummeted 60 feet approximately to the ground! Leslie survived this near death experience but the impact broke her back and fractured her hips and pelvis into pieces leaving her very close to dying that day. Her shear will and upbeat desire to live brought her back and into the gift of life she enjoys today but with no small amount of pain and suffering daily she has overcome and defeated. Tune into this story of one of the most inspirational stories of a loving, kind, gift to us all. Meeting Leslie, you have met an angel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Wayne Roberts. Miracle. It was mind blowing to meet Wayne. I was told he had a tragic ski accident just a couple of months prior to a meeting with him and he was walking, talking, and mixing with a group of people without much physical impairment or any mental impact. Wayne looked normal as can be and yet, Wayne had wrecked while skiing at Solitude Ski area on an icy double black diamond run and even being a ski instructor, he went down hard! Wayne hit so hard on his face that it broke his neck and then slammed into a grove of trees head first where the damage continued. Wayne guarded his head with his arm and when he smashed into the trees, it broke his arm completely and his back! 21 bones broke in total. 4-5 broken ribs and bruised lungs on top of that. Wayne's son Dillon was by his side the whole time and remained stoic and brave at the age of 14. This story resonates pain, healing, and bravery + love. So happy Wayne is here today to tell us his story and is healing well. Tune in to hear his story. Thanks Wayne for your story!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This episode is a true miracle where the Mathis family was engulfed in flames when the trailer they were sleeping in while camping and deer hunting had a slow propane leak and filled the space with explosive gas. It took three clicks of Mike Mathis's lighter to cause a huge explosion that burned the whole family leaving Mike, Amie and their three children on fire and later fighting for their lives at the University of Utah Hospital Burn Unit for over a month in ICU. Mike induced into a coma to survive. Listen to this heart touching story of survival, love and gratitude. Amazing family! Remarkably, this Close Call With Death brought them all together even more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Abigail Ward, Abby, survived a terrible fall while climbing to Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon in Utah with her 15 year old brother. Abby survived this 70 foot fall down the granite lined spout into only 6 inches of ice cold glacier water and rock resulting in afterwards being in a coma for nearly three months! This is only the epic most tragic close call with death as Abby has also been hit by a distracted driver at age 5, again hit by a car in her early teens, and having a bout with cancer at age 16, then falling from a horrific and terrifying height of 70 feet at age 18. Abby agreed to talk on this podcast Labor Day Weekend and like a cat with nine lives, on Monday leading up to the record date, she was struck by a drunk driver totaling her car and she walked away from it to be here with us. Her story will include her mother Janie Ward by her side. Janie drove her to the interview because her car is totaled! Janie will chime in from a mothers perspective and validation of her story. What you are about to hear is the truth and real. I am so grateful for Abby's story and have been able to meet such an angel. Thank you Abby and Janie for your story and your incredible lives! Welcome, to A Close Call With Death! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This episode is interesting sitting down with a young man age 22 Ulrick Humes who was in Utah for just a week and then going back to his homeland Belize where he grew up as a boy with 8 siblings and a single Mother who had to leave them in an orphanage to gain the care they needed to live. Ulrick is a shy, happy, kind young man who had the determination to get out of a crime infested country and find a new life here in the USA. Ulrick is turning his life around and looking for a very bright future and someday wants to help his siblings find there way out too. Thank you for enlightening me and our audience Ulrick of the dangerous places on the earth, escaping death every day, and looking to the light with God and friends to play basketball and get an education. If anyone is going to do something to survive, it has to start with you and you are doing just that! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This episode is an incredible conversation with Kacey McCallister who is a 32 year old Spartan Athlete and international motivational speaker who, as a 6 year old, was struck down by a semi truck resulting in him losing both of his legs. Kacey has proven to himself and all those who come to know him, that he can do anything he puts his mind to. Kacey's mother always told him that he can do everything and anything he ever wants to and he didn't need legs to live and thrive. Kacey helps us understand just how important having a purpose is and doing something to help others around them. He is a motivator and inspirational leader that helps us realize just how valuable life is and how we should take advantage of every moment of it. Check out Kacey's book he has authored "Rise Up". Also his website www.riseupwithkacey.com. Thank you Kacey for spending time with our podcast and we wish you the very best going forward you are truly an inspiration! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Isaac Childs sits down with me to discuss his recent as well as a past survival of cancer and then a heart attack that nearly took his young life. Isaac shares with us a very vulnerable story of battling a cancer time of his life then, when working hard to be top physical shape of his life and staying on top of a very demanding schedule as CEO of Rustico, INC., he suffered a near fatal heart attack that caused him to take life a bit differently in priority to focus on what is most important and, he unfolds that for us in this session. I am grateful this wonderful, kind, human being is alive still to tell about his journey and how that story can effect us for good. Thank you Isaac for this great story and for staying alive to tell about it! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

In this episode my wife Karrie and I were traveling overseas to Ireland to hike the "Dingle Trail" along the gorgeous cliff, beaches and farmland of Ireland. We stayed in Bed and Breakfast Inns along the way between hikes navigating between little villages. On our stay in Dingle Ireland, we stayed at the Brosnan B&B. that is where we met John Brosnan a retired fisherman at the age of 75. John told me of his being washed out to sea overboard into the raging sea 6 times and on the last incident he broke both of his legs! He also shared with us a story of him being saved by miracle with a person who just happened to walk by his home and make a connection with John that resulted in John having surgery on his heart saving his life. I had to capture this touching story on this podcast because people all over the world have close calls with death. His story is one I wanted to share with you all and more to come as I will ask always, have you ever had a time you almost died and didn't and the experience after was life changing. Tune into John. He's an incredibly cool old Irishman I will love for ever after just spending a little while with him. Thanks for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

JB Ellison. One lucky young man who in his teen football hero days of high school, was engulfed by a homecoming bon fire along with friends, and survived. JB was always the epicenter of unintentional mischief and things going bad, and this time, he experienced a "Close Call With Death". Tune into this episode and see how this type of experience can literally change a persons outlook on life. Thank you, JB, for being on the show! We are grateful you are still here to tell about it!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

David Osmond, amazing talk with him discussing how cool life can be coming from a famous family of musical artistry and decades of fame being the son of Alan Osmond of the Osmond brothers who performed all over the world and, nephew to Donny and Marie Osmond. David has been a performer at an early age and professionally very busy with music industry and corporate work. Fighting the result of being diagnosed with MS has been the burden and challenge of his life and we talk about how David deals with that and consistently stays upbeat and positive!! This is a touching story of a wonderful human being. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Noelle Pikus Pace, US Silver Medalist Olympic Champion in the Sochi Russia 2014 Winter Olympics. Noelle experienced a tragic accident when a bobsled left the track and hit Noelle on the right leg resulting in a compound fracture that took her out of the sport for a period of time and nearly ended her carrier. Noelle has come so far developing her skills as an athlete in track and field leading her to have the skills to compete on the world tracks. She went to the 2010 Olympics representing the USA and again in 2014 bringing home the silver medal! Noelle has a wonderful family inclusive of her supportive husband Janson who actually designed her winning Skeleton sled. Noelle has incredible energy and influence as a mentor, leader, and friend. She lets us in on how she views life now and takes advantage of every moment she has to help others. Tune in and listen now to her story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Terry Grant is our guest in this episode of A Close Call With Death. Terry is a well known dynamic professional in the Salt Lake City Community and currently President of Alta Bank and former President of Key Bank where I first met Terry. Terry and his wife Janet were traveling along a southern route in Utah on a vacation outing when their rear tire blew and caused them to launch into the median of the highway and caused a tragic result of Janet suffering a brain injury leaving her in an unresponsive state for two years and Terry providing care for her 24/7. Terry's wife at the time of the accident, Janet Grant, passed away as a result of the accident and we talk with Terry about how to live on and survive and help others. Listen in as Terry shares his story of life again with family and friends. What a bright light in this world despite a dark time in Terry's past. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Landon Pitcher was this cool guy with a huge smile and smart looks that was introduced to me by another friend at an open house for ISO Talent here in Utah. Austin Miller, Owner and President of ISO Talent said, "Meet Landon, he's a high energy business development executive for us and you will like this guy". It only took a moment of business talk to dig a little deeper into life and what makes life interesting. When Landon found out about my podcast and the subject of being close to dying and how that changes ones perspective, Landon said, "You might like what happened to me." I did. His story is touching and inspiring to me and I hope you all feel the impact of this event, the gravity, and how life can be so delicate. Thanks Landon for this capture of life from your experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Christian Deputy is our guest experiencing what every outdoor enthusiast fears most and that is, a severe accident that can cause life long physical and emotional trauma on you and how do you live out the rest of your life from that event or in this case, A Close Call With Death. Christian went out one day in the Wasatch Crest mountains of Utah and had a tragic wreck on his mountain bike hitting a tree with his head. That trauma fractured Christian's C-Spine (C-2), pinching his spinal chord and caused him to be life flighted to the IMC hospital in critical condition and, paralyzed from the neck down. Today, we talk through that day, the miracles that kept Christian alive, his treatments and therapy, the road back and where he is today in his life. Christian is one of the kindest, friendliest men I know and I am personally grateful he is alive to tell about this incredible story. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Dave Saljestad comes to me as a friend of a friend who over lunch tells me of a story where he faced certain death when washed overboard a fishing boat in the treacherous waters of the Bearing Strait off the coast of Alaska in 15 degree water that instantly froze the decks as they fished throughout the night. Scarey! yes! Dave is alive to tell about this adventure trying to make serious money to make a living. Ironic how working so hard to make a living is the cause of so many deaths. Dave's occupation is one of the most dangerous in the world. Tune in on this story and see how this experience has effected Dave and those who love him. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Bret Hutchings is our guest representing the men and women who risk their lives going out in adverse conditions often to respond to the efforts to save the lives of people in accidents, lost, injured, and need urgent care with a helicopter rescue mission. Bret has been a pilot for The University of Utah Airmed, Intermountain Healthcare LifeFlight, and Utah Highway Patrol Helicopter Service. Bret has spent many many hours in his helicopter flying over rugged terrain and adverse weather making every effort to get to the people that need him. This humble guy is in our chair to talk about what his life is like, who he serves, and what life means to him. He has been close to death and has seen death. Bret is all about his team and never about him. He puts everyone first especially his family. He is truly one of the good guys. If you need the heck out of somewhere and it is bad, Hutch can get you out. "Revered as one of the greatest pilots that professionals can rely on". Mike Kelsey, Retired Battalion Chief, Unified Authority Fire Department. Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, Utah. Thank you Bret for your service! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This session is the first of Season #3, A Close Call With Death, providing some personal commentary and a personal close call as this new season gets kicked off. I wanted to first thank all of our listeners from Season 1 and 2 and growing with us through a recovery year of 2021 where we heard from many people with fascinating stories of challenges, struggles, dissappointments, and close calls that caused them to over time, gain strength and growth that made them just a little bit taller and stronger. These stories capture those that gained strength from their experiences and I am one that has benefited and have been extremely blessed by them. The conversations have been powerful and touching and every time I sit down with someone, it becomes like a purging, release, healing and vulnerable session. I am so grateful for the time others have taken to share these stories and I have heard feedback that people are hearing and relating to what they have heard and it is making an impact for good in others lives. This year, there will be some diversity in close calls to include not only those that have experienced a close call but, have been close to others that have nearly died or have died and moved on and what did that impact do to influence their attitude and outlook on what life they have ahead of them. I will be talking with Doctors / Nurses, First Responders, Rangers, Firefighters, Morticians, Athletes, etc. Again, thank you for listening in and sharing these stories. There are those out there that need to hear these stories and could use some inspiration and strength through others. Let's all grow and gain more love and closeness with each other in this new year. Until we hear from each other again, "Stay Alive to Tell About It!" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Sadie Hawkes, age 37 is a strong athlete I have come to know in a daily workout routine at the Orange Theory Gym here in Utah, where her mom, Susan Anderson comes all the way across town to work out at 6:00 am with her daughter.  Sadie is strong and competitive and that personality is most likely the grit it took to overcome the powerful adversity of prescription drug abuse and addiction starting at a young age.  Overcoming the intense need for drugs and fighting off crippling waves of depression related to the addiction, Sadie shares what it was like to fight this battle, and her mom, Susan chimes in from a mother's perspective what it was like during those years that nearly took Sadie away.  This story will test your heart strength.  Thank you both for a very vulnerable interview and allowing me to experience what you went through.   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Fatu Matagi. - What an inspiring story of the brother to Sam Matagi from episode #11. Sam lost both arms in a tragic accident where over 7,000 volts of electricity went through him resulting in both arms having to be amputated. Today, I talk to Fatu Matagi, the brother of Sam, who in a very similar accident lost his right arm having the same 7,000 + volts of electricity ran through his body causing him to have his right arm amputated. Fatu shares his journey with me and tells how his life was before, and how his life is now, after this terrible accident. Fatu's power pole lineman co-worker and friend he worked with every day was killed, leaving Fatu the lone survivor of that day. How does a person get through it all? How do two brothers cope and help each other and others along the way? This strong, brave, and full of grit young man shares how you do it in a powerful yet humble way. That incident, that day, does not define Fatu. He writes his own story and it was a gift to me to be able to talk with this extraordinary human being. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

I met Cheyenne Schwein while in Alaska with a group of friends spending a week in the wild catching Silver Coho Salmon and Halibut. I was telling the group about my podcast A Close Call With Death when Cheyenne said, "I have a story of death and I think it would be an interesting story". Cheyenne had her best friend literally die in front of her while playing soccer and celebrating a goal and one moment there and one moment gone. What does a young girl at 12 years of age do at that moment and how does her life play out going forward. Is there a forward and what kind is it? Tune in to this moving discussion with a very interesting and strong willed individual. Thank you Cheyenne for the talk! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Welcome Jason Van Camp!  We are so privileged to have this leader join "A Close Call With Death", to reflect a little on life lessons as a world traveled, experienced operator in the military special forces for the United States of America.  Jason is the Chairman at Mission Six Zero, Executive Director at Warrior Rising, and author of "Deliberate Discomfort".  When you are in the military as a special operator, you put your life at risk each and every day for our country.  As he says, that person next to you is the most important thing to fight for.  He continues to support, train, and uplift those around him to this day with his own podcast, interviews, corporate and pro athlete level trainings, and family/friends.  We need more people like him in our lives.  Listen in and see why.  It is worth checking out what this powerful and humble warrior has to say!  Thank you Jason for your time, the interview, and for your service!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

In this episode I sat down with Matt Oehler again for a part 2 because in the first recording, Matt shared with me the intense experience he had as a young man in New York actually witnessing 911 as it happened. Then, offering aid as a trained Marine reserve attend to the injured and the dead that day, to going full time into the Marines to serve our country in Iraq surviving one of the areas most deadly attacks on his group to now, years later having served our country again as a law enforcement officer putting his life on the line year after year and what we can learn from that. We ran out of time in the first session and part two needed to be heard. As I sat and listened to Matt unfold his story of law enforcement, I realized even more clearly that he is a good man, a husband, father, and son. He loves to serve others. He would do anything to help another in trouble. And we sit back and hear judgement against these good men and women to serve and this behind the scene needed to be heard by not only me but anyone out there wanting to know some truth about these heroic people! Matt had many close calls with death in these years of Laws enforcement and he saw death take place all around him for years. That changes ones perspective on life and how precious it is. Matt gets that! Thanks again Matt for your devoted service to all of us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Our guest this week is Christine Wzorek. Christine is one of Utah's rising stars. She is a Human Capital professional that cares tremendously for the employers in the region and the people who make them successful. Christine suffered a life-threatening illness early in life with a ruptured appendix leaving her near death in a hospital in Idaho. Later, in her early marriage, while seeking a happy family life, she was subject to domestic violence including ongoing verbal abuse, sexual assault and dominance. Today, Christine has managed to leave that life and redefine her life. She is raising a son, now 14, and emersing herself in her professional career of "Redefining Business Strategy with Human Intelligence". Christine says, "The time is over for business to treat Human Capital as an afterthought once sales, marketing, and operations fulfillment are executed." Christine cares for herself and all those human beings that she now serves with passion and commitment. She is a powerful source! Tune in! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Nikki has a fascinating story of surviving a traumatic accident in New York City where she was hit by a car while walking through an intersection at night near China Town. Nikki flew over 30 feet ultimately landing on her head causing extensive damage to her left side of her head and suffering from major damage to bones and vital organs on her left side. Nikki has survived this accident and is still alive to share with us how you get though something like that and still go on and love others and stay vital in the success of others around her in this life. Nikki is one tough and resilient person and it was a pleasure to sit down with her. Thank you Nikki! *This recording has some technical issues with added vibration and added double voice. That goes away quickly. Thank you for understanding as this story would have been difficult to record all over again. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

This session I talk with Mike Jones. Mike comes from Southern California and recently Gilbert Arizona where he shares a story of being raised in a violent drug and mental health crisis life being kidnapped and then stashed away in a dark motel room for days on end suffering from malnutrition and psychological terror. In his early teens being welcomed into a Southern California gang he became involved with drug traffic, and gang retaliation. Facing later bouts of depression there were attempts of suicide. When friends came to the rescue, Mike was saved and brought back to the light. Mike, now a converted Christian, lives a life of family, productive work and, actively pursuing a professional career advancement in Utah to provide for a family he loves and his goal is to take care of them in a manner he never experienced in his earlier life. Lesson learned, never count a human being out. Anyone can make a comeback! Thank you Mike for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Matt Oehler is our guest this week with an amazing life of serving our country from a missionary for the LDS Church in New York City, to a Marine in Iraq, witness to the planes flying into our World Trade Center towers, and currently serving our community as a police officer in today's challenging world. Matt shares with us different sides of A Close Call With Death personally as well as seeing it take place from New York to Salt Lake and everywhere in-between. Tune in on this one! Thanks Matt for your service! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Audrey Overton walked into the recent networking meeting I was in and told a short story of how she has a uniqueness about her as she bit her tongue off when she was a child AND, had a terrible near death car accident that nearly took her life. I knew my show needed to record her story. This session will unfold how this life threatening event played out and why Audrey is here today to talk about it. Thanks Audrey for being on the show! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Teri Benson is our guest on the show bringing with her the story of her Aortic Dissection. This heart and major heart valve / artery malfunction left her without a heartbeat for over 25 minutes as a talented surgical team operated on her for 18+ hours and brought her not only back to life, but she was able to continue her active life ever since. Teri has written a book called "How my ordinary became extraordinary," telling her story of going from healthy and active to near death in a moment. This story is hers of fighting back and living to tell about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Our special guest today is Jeff Smith. Jeff is a great man and a "Serial Entrepreneur" in life. Jeff has grown and exited some great Utah companies and is currently Chairman of the Board of Jet Dental that he and his son Jordan currently President, created a few years ago. The cool thing is that Jeff donates large sums of money to some wonderful causes like Make A Wish, ShelterKids, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Operation Underground Railroad! Jeff does a lot of good for others and perhaps this Close Call With Death has prompted him to even more. Jeff and his other son Josh were in Kauai Hawaii in 2004 hiking the Na Pali Coast trail when their family of 5, Jeff, his wife Sandee, and their three kids, came to Kanakapi ai Beach about 2 miles in. Josh, then 14 years of age goes out into the waters for a swim in Rip Tide conditions prior to Jeff and his wife and family arriving. Josh got sucked out in a rip tide with 16 foot waves crashing in and when he was in trouble, Jeff jumped into the scenario and both became dangerously close to death in a battle of time, brutal conditions, and a fight for survival. This story will blow your mind. Hug your children and your spouse just a little tighter tonight and just imagine what it would have been for you to have gone through this experience like they did! Jeff is an avid family man, traveler, golfer, mountain climber, and surfer!!! You will feel Jeff's energy and his love for his son and family --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message

Sue Urses joins the show today as a Utah native with a past as a Las Vegas Police Officer. She later moved back to Utah and pursued a career change to a Human Resource Executive serving in a national and international role to some of Utah's largest technology companies with employees that span the globe. Sue traveled all over the world in her role. In the last few years she has fought a tough battle with breast cancer that she won while still working full time and traveling all over the world. We listen in to how Sue battled this terrible disease while being a wife, mother and leader of thousands of employees. Sue, now at age 57, leads a full life with her sights set on living an active life. We have the opportunity to learn from her perservering attitude while having come dangerously close to death. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bob-howard9/message