In The Wild

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.

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.

When 8-year-old redbone coonhound Buddy vanished into the vast Hubbard State Forest in Charlestown, New Hampshire, his owner refused to give up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When Sam Benastick set out on his adventure, he never expected to find himself battling the unforgiving forces of nature.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join us on an extraordinary journey with Tom Williams, the founder of Desert Island Survival, an adventure travel company that offers unique survival experiences on uninhabited tropical islands. In this podcast, Tom shares his incredible story of transitioning from a desk job selling software in England to winning the first season of "Alone" UK, where he outlasted his competitors in the harsh Canadian wilderness. Discover how his passion for survivalism led him to create Desert Island Survival, inspired by the desire to provide fellow adventure enthusiasts a chance to challenge themselves in their own survival getaways. 

In this heart-wrenching episode of "In The Wild," we recount the devastating story of Courtney Henderson and Gavin Caruso, whose adventurous spirit led them on a hiking trip that turned into a tragic ordeal. What began as a beautiful escape into the wilderness soon descended into a fight for survival as unforeseen challenges arose, testing their endurance and bond to the limits.

Born into a family of explorers and adventurers, Ryker Webb's life seemed destined for extraordinary experiences. From a young age, he exhibited an insatiable curiosity for the unknown, often disappearing into the wilderness for days on end, leaving behind only cryptic notes and clues to his whereabouts. Though his last expedition into the depths of the Amazon rainforest, Ryker Webb vanished without a trace. Despite extensive search efforts, no sign of him was ever found.

Setting sail in 1914 with the goal of crossing the frozen continent, Shackleton and his crew faced unimaginable challenges as they became trapped in the ice of the Weddell Sea. With their ship crushed by the relentless pressure of the ice, they found themselves stranded on the desolate ice floes, thousands of miles from civilization. Join us on an incredible journey through one of the greatest survival stories in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we recount the events leading up to that fateful day, when a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra triggered a series of devastating tsunamis that ravaged coastlines across South and Southeast Asia. The Alvarez Bayon family, vacationing in Thailand's Khao Lak region, found themselves directly in the path of the oncoming tsunami. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gripping episode, we step back in time to the spring of 1945 as we uncover the tragic story of the Gremlin Special, a sightseeing tour that ended in disaster for the twenty-four men and women aboard a Douglas C-47 Skytrain. From excited anticipation to unforeseen peril, their journey was about to take a dark turn. Don't pay hundreds of dollars for private tutors or waste hours on apps that don't really help you speak the language. Babbel's quick 10 minute lessons are handcrafted by over 200 language experts to help you start speaking a new language in as little as three weeks. Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription but only for our listeners at babbel.com/inthewild Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to this episode of Unbreakable, where we share stories of resilience, perseverance, and triumph in the face of adversity. Today, we'll be diving into the incredible journey of Eric Lemaque, a former professional hockey player turned snowboarder who survived eight days lost in the French Alps. Join us as we uncover the harrowing tale of survival, determination, and the will to never give up. This is the story of Eric Lamarque. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incredible story of Mauro Prosperi, a participant in the Marathon des Sables, a grueling six-day endurance race through the Sahara Desert. When a unexpected sandstorm hits and sends Prosperi off course, he finds himself lost and alone in the vast desert with limited supplies for 10 days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this gripping episode, we delve into the remarkable true story of Ada Blackjack, a woman who found herself thrust into the unforgiving wilderness of the Arctic. Stranded on Wrangel Island with a group of ill-fated explorers, Ada's resilience and determination became the stuff of legend as she faced unimaginable challenges to survive. Join us as we unravel the harrowing tale of Ada's fight against the elements, isolation, and despair, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity. http://greenchef.com/60inthewild “Go to greenchef dot com slash 60inthewild and use code 60inthewild to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the episode unfolds, we learn of the myriad challenges Harry encountered—from a serious head injury to battling malnourishment and dehydration. Through sheer willpower and resourcefulness, Harry devised ingenious ways to procure food, build shelter, and signal for rescue, despite being weakened by his injuries and the harsh conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Surviving in cold temperatures under precipitation all alone, with no plan or equipment to speak of, is a tall order for any human being. Multiply that several times for how tough it must be on a small three year old, but that was exactly the scenario for Ryker Webb. The Montana toddler was playing on June 3rd of 2022 with the Webb family dog outside of their Troy, Montana home. The backyard of that home consists of plenty of forest land that goes on for miles. Troy is the type of town that most would consider to be “in the middle of nowhere.” It's only a couple of hours of a drive North to the Canadian border. Its population: well under a thousand people in total. A very very small town by any metric. Even a Google search for places to eat will only show you a handful of restaurants within the town's borders. …No wonder Max Brooks labeled Troy a “safe zone” for humanity in his post-apocalyptic novel “World War Z.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Grimm is a free-spirited adventurer who has always had a passion for exploring the unknown. Born and raised in a small town in Oregon, Mary had a deep love for nature and a curiosity that could never be quenched. From a young age, Mary dreamt of traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. She spent hours reading books about far-off lands, immersing herself in the stories and dreaming of the day she could embark on her own journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

October 29th, 2012. A couple of days before Halloween. New Yorkers were told to prepare for this day starting the week prior. Hurricane Sandy had formed in the Western Caribbean Sea on October 22nd, and meteorologists feared for the worst for residents nearest to the coast. Kim Joyce, a resident of Staten Island, was one of those told to evacuate her home on the weekend preceding that Monday. Kim resided in the Great Kills section of Staten Island, and for 15 years she lived in a bungalow right there on the beach. Kim had a boyfriend, but the home was her own. She wasn't alone however, she lived there with quite a number of cats. Nine, to be exact. Truthfully though, she wasn't convinced of the severity of these warnings. Just one year prior, Hurricane Irene had hit the same region. Some of you may remember Governor Chris Christie of nearby New Jersey sternly warning residents to, “get the hell off the beach.” During Irene though, Kim's small beach bungalow went unscathed. Sandy would be different, however. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New England is a huge area of the Northeast in the U.S. consisting of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Although these states all possess their own unique charm, scattered throughout them you will find some of the most amazing hikes that our country has to offer. These hikes are far from the big city, and out in the wilderness. Many would agree that the fall season is the most beautiful time of year for the area, where you will find endless trees of magnificent color painting the scenery. This seemingly infinite mass of leaves scattered about however, along with unpredictable weather conditions, can create great danger for those looking to explore. Especially those who are not prepared. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Gordan, a wildlife enthusiast and adventurer, became widely known for his remarkable friendship with a polar bear. Bruce grew up in a small town in Alaska, surrounded by the beauty and magnificence of nature. From an early age, he developed a deep love and fascination for wildlife. As a young boy, Bruce would spend hours observing animals in their natural habitats, often venturing into the wilderness alone. His passion for the animal kingdom led him to pursue a degree in zoology, where he learned extensively about different species and their behaviors. After completing his studies, Bruce embarked on a journey to explore the Arctic regions, particularly focusing on polar bears, one of the most majestic creatures in the world. He spent months studying the behavior and habitat of these bears, gaining insights that few had experienced before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristie Cataffo-O'Brien was visiting Bahia Beach with her husband Thomas over this past summer of 2023. A beautiful area with clear waters and of course palm trees, a staple of The Sunshine State. Thomas and Kristie's trip to Bahia was about as far from the daring adventures of Steve Irwin as you could get, both geographically and in the events planned. The couple took a 40 minute drive from their home in Tampa to try a new spot for lunch followed by some relaxation in the sun, and cooling off in the water. That was about it. They weren't in Bahia to surf, dive, or partake in any type of thrill-seeking activity. On August 25th, while sitting in only knee-deep water, Kristie felt a painful sting dig into her right shoulder blade. A jellyfish maybe? She wasn't quite sure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wilderness can be an unforgiving environment. While you may be just miles from civilization, if something unexpected happens, you need to deal with the matter utilizing your wits and tools, supplies, and preparations you made for the trip. Some are ill-equipped for such difficulties, while others will rise above the situation and display extraordinary courage and determination.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we hear of shark attacks, the species we think of most often is usually the deadly Great White. This could be due to movies so deeply embedded in popular culture (specifically “Jaws”) or even the focus on Great Whites in the highly popular Shark Week series that has aired every July for an amazing 35 years. If you're a huge fan of Shark Week, a host that you might even recognize from the annual series is Paul de Gelder. You might be familiar with him from his distinct Australian accent, but the most distinct thing about his appearance would be his prosthetic right arm and right leg. These limbs were brutally taken from him in a shark attack. This was no Great White however, this was the lesser known but certainly no less vicious bull shark. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While urban areas populate the state of Maine, particularly along the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean, there are vast wilderness areas across the state, even along the oceanside coast. Popular with tourists, the state and local economies benefit from an influx of $8.2 billion in outdoor recreation dollars. Acadia National Park, called the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, draws 4 million visitors annually, ranking in the top ten most-visited national parks in the United States. The park features 27 historic roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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