Disasters happen all time, but why? And how? Join us in exploring some of history's most infamous disasters, from small accidents to absolute catastrophes. Sit back and relax with Ian & Liv while we deep dive into these disasters and the events that led to it, and ask the big questions: was the disaster avoidable, and is anyone to blame?
Ian Terbovich & Olivia Scarano
Just remember, there were no rules in the 80's.In this one, Ian scrapped notes for his planned episode to cover a topic that was highly requested by *all of you.* The walkway at the Hyatt Regency in Missouri collapsed in 1981, killing more than 100 people, and the following investigation was incredibly shocking in terms of negligence and immaturity.Also, Ian loves himself more than anyone. Liv plans to rebuild society through classy dinner parties.
Kindling 'R Us did not sponsor this episode.In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a haunted house from the 1980s that caught fire, causing the death of 8 people at Six Flags. Spoiler alert: the victims were all teenagers, and Ian & Liv hate episodes that involve children.Also, Ian lost a toenail in a lazy river. Liv enjoys margs by the pool, especially in the summer.
Sometimes, free tequila is a red flag.In this one, Ian and Liv talk about Fyre Fest, a concert/bash weekend in the Bahamas that would have been super cool-IF it had actually happened. But why didn't it happen? What were the road blocks? Where were the adults? Why was the FBI involved? Find out in Episode 78!Also, Ian learns about Coachella. Liv turned down Ja Rule on more than one occasion.
You can definitely be harmed by airplane debris.In this one, one of Ian's favorite people, Libby, fills in for Liv during a discussion about the supersonic jet, the Concorde, and the horrific and deadly Concorde crash that took place just outside of Paris in 2000. They also discuss how Ian is old, inflation, and how they've been lied to by Lindsay Lohan.Also, Libby has an obsession with the Pope. Ian can't speak French.
Liv and Ian finally had a REAL audience!Disaster Hour is celebrating 2 YEARS! To celebrate, Ian and Liv recorded an episode in front of a live, in-studio audience! There was real laughter, real applause, no do-overs, fire, party fouls--this episode has it all!Also, Ian has a lot in common with Tinker Bell. Liv is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie.
Just like Ian and Liv, these episodes only get better with age. In this one, Ian and Liv revisit the Crash at Crush, a train wreck from 1896 that was orchestrated for entertainment. Now, the podcast has come a long way in two years, and being one of Ian's all time favorite disasters, he felt it was time to re-record the episode to give it the justice it deserved.Also, Liv reminds us that she failed math in high school. Ian can't imagine life without technology.
Every deck was a poop deck.In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a Caribbean cruise from 2013 that took an unexpected left turn when the ship's sewage system failed, causing many of the toilets onboard to overflow with human waste. The ship's engines failed as well, which left the 4000+ people on board stranded in the Caribbean on the stinky, sloppy poop cruise. Grade-A bummer.Also, Ian has a very regimented morning routine. Liv would turn to a life of crime during a tragedy.
Spoiler alert: This episode contains entirely too much cannibalism. It's the conclusion of Ian and Liv's three-part series on the Donner Party: a group of migrating pioneers whose journey ends in the worst dinner party. Will anyone from the Donner Party escape the mountains? Will they ever make it to California? And most importantly, will Lansford Hastings pay for the lies and misery? Find out now! Did someone say "Donner Dinner Party?" Also, Liv's brain is not a sponge. Ian commandeers Bob's voice.
The Oregon Trail was ruthless.In Part 2, Ian and Liv get back on the Oregon Trail with the Donner Party, who has just embarked on Hastings' Cutoff. The food runs out, the desert is brutal, and the mountains are impassable. This puts the pioneers on a direct path to their final destination: cannibalism. Also, Ian loves Burger King. Liv is surprised by snow.
Avoid people with tuberculosis.In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the infamous Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became stranded on the Oregon Trail and turned to cannibalism to survive. In part 1, Ian and Liv set the scene for how the party came face to face with such a miserable fate.Also, Liv confuses Dahmer with the Donners. Ian reminisces about having hair.
Even in the 1800s, nobody used their turn signals.In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a steamboat that sank in the River Thames after it was struck and split in half by a much larger boat. Of course, there was mayhem, an investigation, and a trial that could only happen more than a century ago.Also, Liv sounds like she smokes 20 packs a day. Ian is becoming a mature adult.
The science is in: poison is bad. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the Olympic marathon at the 1904 Summer Olympics, which took place in the fine, fine city of St. Louis, Missouri. The marathon was full of unexpected obstacles, such as wild dogs, oncoming traffic, and poison. It's almost like the course was specifically designed to be difficult. Also, Ian can't imagine the fourth dimension. Liv is running from her inner demons.
All sports are soccer now. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a stadium that collapsed at a professional football match in Scotland in 1902. And by football, of course, we mean "soccer" as it's called in the United States. Also, Ian kicks ass at doing "the wave." Liv really dislikes the Chiefs.
Something magical has happened again: Ian and Liv got more hate mail! Another bonus episode, full of negative comments and reviews about the podcast. As much as Liv and Ian appreciate the kind words from our cherished listeners, the occasional angry comments bring a little extra spice to the podcast. Enjoy! Also, Liv is prone to physical harm. Ian yells a lot.
How can anyone hate Mick Jagger? In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a free festival in 1969 that featured performances from The Rolling Stones, Santana, plus other famous rock bands. The festival, which was held at Altamont Speedway in California, offered a unique experience, in that the Hell's Angels were hired "not as security," but to "hang out and drink beer in front of the stage during the performances." What could go wrong? Also, Liv gets an adrenaline rush from cleaning. Ian wants to go hitch-hiking.
Again, magma and lava are not the same thing. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a volcano that erupted in New Zealand in 2019, on Whakaari / White Island. A beautiful day turned tragic when the island's volcano unexpectedly erupted while tourists were hiking the volcano's summit. Also, Ian fantasizes about owning his own island. Liv fantasizes about touching lava.
You asked for bonus content, here it is! While Ian and Liv are taking a few weeks off from your regularly scheduled programming, Ian plays a dinosaur-themed horror game on PS5, which is full of jump-scares. Spoiler alert: Ian gets killed more than once.
Prepare for a lot of human kills. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about 5 different animal attacks. They've got bears, tigers, crocodiles, mystic wolves, and goonch catfish. Yes, that's right, goonch. This is one of those episodes where Ian and Liv really aren't taking anything seriously. Also, "goonch" becomes Liv's new favorite word. Ian is a "grizzly bear apologist."
Some people just can't see the vision. It's been one year since Ian and Liv first covered OceanGate's disastrous Titan submersible implosion. The investigation in the tragedy is still ongoing, and this past fall, a two-week long hearing was held to collect the testimonies of people who had any involvement with OceanGate, or the infamous Titan. And if that didn't tickle your fancy, guest hosts Dylan and Katie joined for Part 1, and they're both returning for Part 2! Life is beautiful, isn't it? Also, Dylan suggests a Black Friday deal. Katie panics while doing simple math. Liv in unimpressed by corrupt politics. Ian is in the mood for soup.
Fireworks, because fire works! In this one, Ian and Liv discuss a fireworks explosion from 2021. In an LA neighborhood, homemade fireworks are confiscated by law enforcement and eliminated in a controlled explosion. However, things don't quite go as planned, and "controlled" is the last word that describes the explosion. Also, Liv hates email. Ian learns about envelope pushing.
Don't be your own hero, be your own scapegoat. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the salvaging, investigation, and trial for the Costa Concordia Shipwreck. What becomes of the wrecked cruise ship? What evidence does the investigation uncover? Who is formally charged with causing the disaster? Does the video quality look better than it did in Part 1? We hope so. Also, Liv tries to shame Ian with words. Ian creates a clothing brand for the delusional.
The batteries aren't supposed to get wet. Season 6 is here! Also, we have video! In this first episode of a two part series, Ian and Liv talk about the sinking of the cruise ship Costa Concordia. In 2012, a Mediterranean cruise struck a rock bed just off the coast of a small island near Tuscany. The ship, after sinking on an underwater cliff, came to rest while it was half above/half under the water. How did this happen, and how did everyone on board react when the ship began sinking? Also, Liv claims to have experience as a sailor. Ian bought the drink package.
Doing nothing is so much easier sometimes. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a fire that broke out in a coal mine beneath the small town of Centralia, Pennsylvania. What's the kicker? The fire started in 1962, and it's still burning today, in 2024. How did the fire start? Why has it been burning for 62 years? What's the proper way of referring to Pennsylvania state in casual conversation? All will be answered in the Season 5 finale! Also, Ian still can't find his carbon monoxide detector. Liv has a profound revelation on the concept of human ideas.
You all wanted more content, so here you go! Ian revisits a video game for the first time that he played in, like, 4th grade: Resident Evil 2. Obviously the game has been remastered, since PS5 wasn't around when Ian was in elementary school. Spoiler alert: Ian still sucks at video games.
That's grimoire!In this one, Ian and Liv continue their discussion on witch trials, witchcraft, and how the both of them would've instantly been convicted of witchcraft during the 1600s. Fair warning, if you have something funny/topical to say, and you're a woman in the 1600s? You're probably a witch. Right? Maybe? History seems misleading and confusing. Also, Liv's alter ego is Joe Cool. Ian doesn't know how to pronounce French words.
Keep your familiars in line, everyone. In this one, Ian and Liv keep the spirit of Spooky Season alive as they discuss the absolutely absurd history of witch trials. The Middle Ages were a time where anything was possible, but only if you didn't use too much common sense. Also, Liv would've been among the first witches to be executed in the 1500s. Ian likely would've negotiated with the devil for the power to cast evil spells.
No good comes from charting uncharted territory. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about a group of nine people who went on a cross-country skiing expedition in 1959. Sadly, all nine of the skiers would be found dead after they never returned from their journey. How did this happen? Were the elements of nature too much? Was espionage involved? Perhaps aliens? All are a possibility. Also, Ian becomes overwhelmed. Liv is underwhelmed.
It's all about the space between. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about an explosion inside of a coal mine, which then caused most of the mine to collapse, trapping and killing the miners working at the time. And, to nobody's surprise, corporate negligence plays a role, as does legal fraud. Also, Liv is only somewhat claustrophobic. Ian unplugged his carbon monoxide detector.
Warning: Adult supervision required for this episode. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a pressurized habitat on a drilling rig that instantly depressurizes, causing instant death for the people inside the habitat. Specifically, their bodies basically exploded from the inside out. How did this happen? What is a pressurized habitat? Was Ariel suffering from a case of the bends? Listen up and find out. Also, Liv continues struggling with the concept of PSI. Ian makes plans to buy helium from Walmart.
Introducing Pizza Hut Magneto. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the Four Pests campaign. What is it? A 1950s Chinese communist propaganda campaign that was intended to convince the Chinese citizens to kill all of the rats, mosquitos, flies, and sparrows in China. However, this mass extermination seriously damaged China's ecological system, leading to famine. Also, Liv proposes theatrical performances as a solution to famine. Ian knows the difference between crack and cocaine.
National. Ass. Station. Anonymous. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the Challenger, a United States Space Shuttle that exploded during it's launch back in 1986. Despite all of the warning signs in the years preceding the tragedy, officials at NASA proceeded with the launch, which ultimately claimed the lives of the seven astronauts on board. And did you know it gets cold in Florida? Also, Liv has what it takes to be a rocket scientist. Ian is a shockingly ideal astronaut candidate.
Time to break stuff. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the last two days of Woodstock '99. The chaos continues, there's more violence, more rage, and a LOT more arson. Figurative shit explodes, and there's still not enough water. Also, Liv condones destruction of personal property. Ian fantasizes about participating in riot control. Here's the links to the Saturday night performances that Ian and Liv watched: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7ffjitpLlA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YGfoIdgpFE
Surprise! We're back a day early! Double surprise, it's another two-parter! In this one, Ian and Liv kick off Season 5 with the mega-catastrophe that was a the 3 day long music festival in 1999, known as Woodstock '99. Violence, filth, drugs, blistering heat, and nudity were just a portion of the mayhem at this festival. Also, Ian learns about the yellow pages and Pay-Per-View TV. Liv humble brags about attending a One Direction concert.
It's the 50th Episode Spectacular! In this one, Ian and Liv revisit some of their favorite moments from the past 50 episodes, as well as compete against each other in several different trivia games with content from the podcast. Get ready for some nostalgia, life advice, Bob, gameshow hostility, and more nostalgia. A horse was not involved. Thank you all for listening for the last 50 episodes! Cheers to 50 more! Also, Liv recommends finding a better use of your free time. Ian reveals his competitive nature.
In this one, Ian and Liv talk about an airplane that crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972. The survivors were stranded and presumed dead, and were forced to take drastic measures to remain alive until they were rescued. Also, Liv recounts an eventful experience at Chili's. Ian was a frost mage in World of Warcraft.
Did the windows on zeppelins open or not? In this one, Liv's dad/Ian's Uncle Joe returns for a good ol' fashioned discussion about The Hindenburg disaster. Who would've guessed that the inside of a zeppelin is comparable to a cruise ship? By the end of the episode, you'll be familiar with a "flying moor" and how the Nazi regime affected SpongeBob. Also, Liv hates noisy aircrafts. Joe isn't a fan of actress Ally Sheedy. Ian learns where Lactaid is made.
Ian and Liv got hate mail for the first time! In this new segment, Ian and Liv will read through negative reviews of Disaster Hour and give their own feedback of the review from an AngryFan. In their first AngryFans segment, the "human" reviewer was "so appalled."
Prepare to be 1 in 27. In this episode, Ian and Liv talk about 8 different elevator accidents from the last 100 years or so. Ian and Liv also had been drinking for hours before the recording of this episode. Have fun getting on an elevator after listening to these horrific accidents. Also, Ian gets really sweaty. Liv strongly dislikes C-3PO.
Rivers should flow, not ooze. In this one, Ian and Liv are joined once again by Liv's sister/Ian's cousin Alexa once again to talk about the Cuyahoga River Fire, which took place in 1969. Like the name implies, the northeast Ohio river catches fire because it was so heavily polluted by local industry. Local politicians tried to address the pollution and clean up the ecosystem, but they had an extremely uphill battle ahead of them. If your water tastes like medicine, probably best not to drink it. Also, Liv struggles with basic sentence structure. Alexa makes plans to win an award. Ian goes on a failed beer run.
Human leadership has been compromised. In this one, Ian and Liv reach the conclusion of their two-part series on Heaven's Gate, a religious cult which ended tragically in mass suicide in 1997. This one has it all: full page newspaper ads, computer start-ups, telescopes, comets, so what more could you ask for? Aliens? Unfortunately for Marshall, that's the ONE thing his "alien cult" doesn't have. Also, Liv confirms that human leadership has indeed been compromised. Ian learns that cable TV still exists. Double Also, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's completely free to call. Check in on your friends!
Friends don't let friends join cults. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a religious cult that began in the 1970s, "The Class," which barely survived for 20 years until the remaining 39 cult members, along with their leader, committed mass suicide in 1997. Eventually, this became cult became known as "Heaven's Gate," and has since become famous not only for their mass suicide, but the sheer absurdity of events that the cult leaders orchestrated during its span of two decades. Spoiler Alert: The aliens don't arrive in Part 1. Also, Liv gains self-confidence. Ian learns about the post office.
Just the tip. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about a mudslide/landslide/avalanche that struck the town of Aberfan, Wales, in 1966. Among the victims were children in a school that was in the center of the mudslide's path. Also, Ian discusses an alternate version of Shrek. Liv wants to go to Applebee's. The Aberfan Disaster official tribunal report: http://www.mineaccidents.com.au/uploads/aberfan-report-original.pdf
Y'all know the ocean is cold, right? In this one, Ian and Liv talk about an oil rig that sank in the middle of the night during an intense storm. Rogue waves were involved. Did you know they're a real thing? Also, Ian is delirious from working all day. Liv confirms that she only has one personality.
Part 2? It's time TWO sit down and listen. In this one, Ian and Liv conclude their story on the Radium Girls in the second part of their first ever Two-Parter. What becomes of the Radium Girls? Does USRC get screwed in court? Was Marie Antoinette involved? Lots, yes, no. Also, Liv is freaked out by the coyotes. Ian loves Erin Brockovich.
If it glows, it's probably dangerous. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the Radium Girls, five young women who filed a lawsuit against their employer for knowingly exposing them to a deadly radioactive chemical: Radium. And, as you can imagine, the corporate lawyers of the early 1900s would stop at nothing to prove their false innocence. Also, Liv is ready for a suppository. Ian got a new keyboard.
Special Alert: Katie's back. In this one, Ian and Liv are joined once again by Katie to talk about a triple train wreck back in 2005 that resulted in 11 deaths. Fun fact: Costco employees are the best people to walk the face of the Earth. Also, Katie argues about different types of trains. Liv learns about the original CSI show. Ian gets defensive over Thomas the Tank Engine.
Maritime safety is very important. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about two ships that crashed in 1917 in Halifax. If that wasn't bad enough, one ship was carrying a boat load (word play) of explosives, all which detonated simultaneously. Halifax was almost completely wiped off the map by the explosion, as well as the subsequent tsunami. To add insult to injury, there was a blizzard the following day in Halifax. Also, Ian struggles to speak English. Liv is not an official Uber sponsor.
For the record, volcanos can kill you. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the eruption of Mt. Pelee and the destruction of the nearby city, St. Pierre, on the island of Martinique in 1902. But the volcano isn't the only part of nature that claims the lives of civilians living near the volcano. Starving vipers, desperate for food and shelter, invade the city just before the eruption, adding more mayhem to the situation. Also, Liv wants to touch lava with her bare hands. Ian does not.
How much dancing is too much? In this one, Ian and Liv are joined by friend and special guest host Ashley while they talk about one of strangest plagues in history: Dancing Plague. In 1518, hundreds of people in Strasbourg were compelled to dance, and couldn't stop no matter how hard they tried. And yes, people died from dancing. Probably from dancing the Jitterbug. Also, Liv knows a lot of sayings. Ashley is reassimilated into society. Ian has never seen Footloose, staring Kevin Bacon.
Sometimes, "stop drop and roll" isn't enough in the event of a fire. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a fire that broke out in a sweatshop in NYC more than 100 years ago. Pro tip: if you're looking to save a few bucks on the construction of a factory, the fire sprinkler system isn't the cut you should make. Don't learn that the hard way. Also, Ian begins falling apart when he's tired. Liv has personal experience as a "town crier."
The most dangerous part of racing? When your race car is launched off of another car and then explodes when it lands on the track. That usually ruins the experience for everyone. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about the 1955 LeMans disaster, a race where that exact scenario happened. Yikes. Also, Liv is entertained by the Kardashians. Ian is glad Liv isn't dead.