Tell Me What Happened

While on vacation, Colt Johnson went in search of a little fresh air and headed toward Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Five hours into his hike, he began to feel lightheaded. He knew the heat was probably getting to him. His water was gone. Colt started losing his balance, and then his body started to fail. He laid down under a thorny bush and passed out. Before that, however, he fired three shots into the sky and hoped someone heard them. We also talk with Tami Hew-Butler about the dangers of dehydration and of having too much water. Guests include: Colt Johnson John Zeto Tamara ‘Tami’ Hew-Butler — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-hew-butler-dpm-phd-facsm-86390742/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Antoinette Foley has had a tough life. She lost her children, struggled with addiction and ended up living in a tent by a river in Ireland. Her story could have ended there if not for a stranger who asked an unusual question. One day, on the sidewalk outside his shop, James Mahon asked if he could take her photo. That began an unlikely friendship that has lasted and greatly impacted both of them. We also talk with Donald Whitehead Jr., the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless based in Washington, D.C., about the perception and reality of people who live on the street. Guest include: Antoinette Foley James Mahon Donald Whitehead Jr James and Antoinette have released a book of their photographs titled, “The Hawk Against the Dove.” You can view some of the photographs and order the book here: https://www.hawkagainstthedove.com/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Minko Nikolov is an avid rock climber. Bouldering? Big vertical walls? He does it all. But he’s no risk-taker. In fact, on this day, he was only hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. The weather didn’t look good, so Minko turned around and was heading back to his car when he was struck by lightning. When hikers found him, his body was smoking. We will also talk with Katie Flanagan about the dangers of lightning strikes and dispel a few myths in the process. Guests include: Minko Nikolov Philip Magistro Katie Flanagan — http://www.lightningsafetycouncil.org/LSC-About%20Katie%20Flanagan.html For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Blaine Russell-Webster was going about his day when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest, lost consciousness, and rolled his work truck in front of a cemetery in Buffalo, New York. People rushed to help, even breaking the front windshield to pull him out. But what Blaine needed was someone who knew CPR, and he needed them fast. We also talk with Drew Ashley about the time he used lifesaving techniques to save a fellow passenger on an airplane. Guests include: Blaine Russell-Webster Sarah Brown Drew Ashley — https://thelifesaviours.com/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Janet He likes to ski. She does the blue runs and a few of the blacks, but she sticks to the in-bounds slopes and always minds weather warnings. None of that mattered one morning in Lake Tahoe. Out of nowhere, she heard a thunderous roar. Within seconds, Janet was buried alive under an avalanche. If not for the quick action of a passing skier, she never would have survived. We also talk with Leslie Desrosiers, an injury prevention expert and doctor of Physical Therapy with ACL Strong. She will provide tips for high-level and recreational skiers. Guests include: Janet He Loren Ennis Leslie Desrosiers For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

As a sports columnist in Washington, D.C., Mike Wise loved unwinding with a run along the C&O Canal with his dog Looly. One fiercely cold night, Looly chased a stick onto a thin layer of ice and fell through. Soon, they were both in the frigid water and in danger of drowning, despite being blocks from the shops and restaurants of Georgetown. We also talk with Jay Ingram about the special bond between people and their pets. Guests include: Mike Wise — https://www.facebook.com/mike.wise.5621/ Jason Coates Jay Ingram — https://www.jayingram.ca/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Tell Me What Happened is back for a sixth season with eight new heroic, true stories of people helping people. This season, we’ll take you to a raging river in Alaska, the searing heat of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, the chaos of the Los Angeles fires, the icy waters of a Washington, D.C., canal and beyond. Each episode features a harrowing tale told by the people who were there and includes an expert who can offer practical tips that could help keep you and your loved ones safe. Tell Me What Happened, the award-winning original podcast by OnStar, returns January 26. Tell Me What Happened was created by OnStar to showcase the importance of a human connection when you are in trouble. The series launched in 2021, has been downloaded more than 1 million times and has a back catalog of more than 35 episodes. Enjoy! For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Six hundred miles from where Hurricane Helene slammed into the Florida coast, a group of bridesmaids found themselves trapped on a mountainside. Kayla Donnelly is getting married in a couple months… but before her big day, she’s planned a bachelorette weekend to remember. She’s booked a cabin in the mountains of North Carolina for herself and her 10 best friends. Her idyllic plans turn disastrous when the remnants of Hurricane Helene flatten the surrounding forest and flood the nearby city of Asheville. They are trapped with no food, water, or electricity, and they have no idea how to escape. But thanks to a stranger, who was actually looking for other people who might need help, they get what they need to find their way home. We also talk to travel influencer Johnny Jet about travelling during hurricane season. Kayla Donnelly and her friends started a GoFundMe page to raise money to send to the citizens of Asheville, NC. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-families-stranded-on-asheville-mountainside Ben Moore still lives in the Asheville area. He continues to help with the recovery efforts. Johnny Jet has flown millions of miles and visited over 75 countries. If something can go wrong while travelling, it has probably happened to him! https://johnnyjet.com/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

As a luxury cruise ship sinks, unlikely heroes come to the rescue. Rose-Marie Howe was shocked when her cruise was interrupted by a blackout. But she soon realized the loss of power was the least of her concerns. The ship was sinking, and no one seemed to know what to do. Moss Hills, a guitarist in the ship’s band, decided to go to the lounge to investigate. He found instruments thrown about the stage and realized he couldn’t hear the ship’s engines. He also couldn’t find the captain or any of the senior crew. This is the story of how a guitarist, a bass player and two magicians saved hundreds of lives. We also talk to marine historian Mallory Haas about what we can learn from disasters at sea. Rose-Marie Rowe maintains a blog dedicated to the disaster. Moss Hills is still working on cruise ships and is currently a cruise director for Silversea Cruises. He maintains a webpage dedicated to the disaster. Mallory Haas is the director of The SHIPS Project, a volunteer non-profit organization that undertakes research and exploration of maritime historical sites and events. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A simple drive home becomes a life-or-death struggle. The weather wasn’t great, but Bryan Pederson was just a few blocks from home on a street he had driven a thousand times. Still, the wind was howling and rain was pouring down. Sitting at a traffic light, he heard a loud crack. Instantly, he was trapped in a car being crushed by a tree. Ten cars drove past the scene, peering through the rain at the crumpled SUV and the tree blocking the road. Nine of them turned around and drove away. This is the story of the driver who didn’t: a single mom with three kids in the car. Later, Bryan would have an opportunity to thank her in an unexpected way. Also, we talk with David Bennett, a driving safety expert who explains the importance of your tires when it comes to making your vehicle “road ready.” Bryan Pederson and Veronica Marin have remained close friends. David Bennett is the manager of repair systems for AAA. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

From a crowd of onlookers, one person steps forward to help. A teenage girl named Maddie walked to a highway overpass and stopped. As dozens of cars sped past, she climbed a railing, looked over the edge and considered stepping off. A few cars stopped then and people began to gather, but only person, David Johnson, sat down and talked to Maddie. That conversation led to a scream, a laugh and eventually a hug. This is the story of how someone was saved and someone else was changed. We also speak with Martha Thomas, the mother of a young woman who took her own life and the co-founder of an organization called “The Defensive Line.” Maddie is now in college and wants to work in the mental health field to help people who find themselves in a situation like hers. David Johnson is now a mental health counselor. (https://yourmindinmyhand.com/). Martha and Chris Thomas and their son Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman in the NFL, have founded The Defensive Line. (https://thedefensiveline.org/) It is an organization focused on reducing stigma and creating connections to save young lives. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A leisurely float with friends nearly ends in tragedy. On a hot summer afternoon, Abi Sherman and some friends decided to cool off by floating down the Snoqualmie River in Washington. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she had plenty of experience in rivers. This time, however, everything went wrong. Her tube got stuck on a stump and she slipped into the freezing cold water. Without a life jacket, she was unable to stay afloat in the fast-moving river and her friends were too far downstream to help. As she was tossed by rapids and smashed into rocks, a stranger came to her rescue. We also talk with Peg Phillips, a boat safety expert, about what you can do to stay safe in and around the water. Abi Sherman is now a high school special education teacher. Hannah Hailee is a counselor with Meadow Counseling. Peg Phillips is the executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Social media comes to the rescue. Stacey Eno loves to travel. Her friend Mikey does too, and so they made plans to meet up and explore Bali. After settling into their hotel, they decided to take a scooter to the town of Ubud for dinner. As they returned to the hotel in the dark, they veered off the road and tumbled into a ravine.   They were left there for hours, critically injured, unable to move. Mikey was, however, able to send a six-word Facebook post. That set in motion hundreds of people trying to help. In the end, it was the unrelenting effort of a freelance writer in the Poconos that led to their rescue. We also talk with world traveler Jessica Nabongo about what to do when things go wrong in a foreign country. Stacey Eno has resumed teaching and still loves traveling the world.  Aimee Spevak is a freelance medical writer. Jessica Nabongo visited every country in the world by the age of 35. She is currently writing a cookbook of recipes from her travels. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Something good emerges from something awful. Chantal Melanson was a country girl from Canada. Austin Monfort was a college student from California. They met at a country bar in Las Vegas the night before the Route 91 Harvest Festival. By the next day, they were living the plot of a romance novel until gunfire erupted. The mass shooting claimed the lives of 60 people. The story of how Chantal and Austin escaped, helping another along the way, is terrifying and, ultimately, heartwarming.   We also talk to Daniel Ward, a crowd security expert about what you can do to stay safe when you go to a large event. WARNING: This episode describes gun violence and mass panic. ------------------------------------------ Chantal and Austin Monfort are happily raising their kids in Southern California. Daniel Ward is director of training and integrated systems at the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A fight for life in the Canadian wilderness. Colin Dowler spent his whole life looking at the mountain named after his grandfather. Finally, at the age of 45, he decided to climb it. What should have been a two-day hike turned into a fight for his life when he encountered a massive grizzly bear. It took an extraordinary sequence of events to save his life. We also talk with Dr. Matt Levy with the American Red Cross about the things that had to line up for Colin to survive and what you can do to help someone who needs blood. WARNING: This episode describes a graphic and violent attack that may be disturbing to some listeners. ------------------------------------------------- Kalani Polson is the unit chief for Vancouver’s Critical Care Team at Station 280 YVR. Dr Matt Levy is a doctor with the American Red Cross. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Tell Me What Happened returns for a fifth season of stories that will make you wonder, “What would I do?” If a grizzly attacked? If a cruise ship was sinking? If a night out on the other side of the world ended in a ravine?  These are true stories of people stepping up to help strangers in peril, from Indonesia to Las Vegas, from the Oregon backcountry to British Columbia and beyond. As always, each of the seven new episodes includes experts weighing in with practical tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe. Tell Me What Happened, an award-winning original podcast by OnStar, returns January 13. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

On May 10, 2022, Darren Harrison was one of two passengers flying home to Florida from the Bahamas. They were still over the Atlantic Ocean when the pilot suffered a medical emergency and passed out at the controls, sending the plane into a nosedive. Darren was able to pull out of the dive and regain altitude. But he had no idea how he was going to land the plane. Robert Morgan is an air traffic controller in West Palm Beach, Florida. He was on his break when a call came over the PA for him to go to the radar room. His supervisor explained Darren’s predicament. It was Robert’s job to direct Darren to the airport and get him safely back on the ground. We also speak with psychologist Dr. Fanny Ng about how to manage stress and improve decision making under pressure. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Justin Downey had a choice — change his life or die. At 16, he was addicted to heroin. In his 20s, he was in and out of prison. While serving a three-year sentence, Justin’s kids were taken into state custody. He knew he had to become a new man for his family and for himself. Getting clean was the first step. But he also had to find purpose, community and a way to support himself. Margo Walsh started drinking when she was 15. By the time she graduated from college, she was an alcoholic. After she got sober, she founded MaineWorks — a company that helps people with substance issues and felony convictions reintegrate into society. There, Justin found what he needed. We also speak with Nancy Dauphinais, a licensed mental health counselor and addiction professional, about the signs someone is struggling with substance use and how to support them. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

On September 11, 2001, Stanley Praimnath went to work on the 81st floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center, same as he always did. When a plane struck the north tower, Stanley and many others began their evacuation. But when he reached the lobby, he was told his building was safe and to return to work. He was back in his office minutes later when a plane hit the south tower and tore through his floor. Brian Clark’s office was three floors up from Stanley on the 84th floor. When the tower was hit, Brian and a few of his co-workers headed to the stairwell to escape. When they reached the 81st floor, Brian heard a voice crying out for help.  We also speak with NYFD firefighter Regina Wilson about how to prepare for an evacuation in the office or at home. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

In April 2023, Liv Titor visited Dreamtime beach on Australia's Gold Coast. What happened to her that day felt like a nightmare. After a quick swim, Liv walked out onto a sandbar beside some rocks. Then she felt a pull at her legs and fell into the water. Liv stepped into a rip current that quickly pulled her out to sea towards massive waves and jagged rocks.  John Gordon, a local surfer, was making the most of the big swells at the beach when he saw Liv get swept away. He knew if he didn’t act quick, she would drown so he ran into the ocean, hopped on his surfboard and paddled towards the deadly current with the hopes of rescuing a stranger. We also speak with Kelsey Cummings, a lifeguard with the California Surf Life Saving Association to talk about ocean safety. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Lani Williams and her mother, Sincerity, could smell smoke, but that wasn’t rare on Maui. Brush fires happen with some regularity. This fire, they quickly learned, was different.  Five hundred miles to the south, Hurricane Dora had kicked up unusually troublesome winds. In Lahaina, Hawaii, where Lani and Sincerity lived, those winds downed power lines and whipped sparks into a full-blown wildfire that was closing in on them. They tried to escape the blaze by car, but the main roads were either closed or blocked by a crush of panicked drivers trying to leave town. They were stuck between the fire on one side and the ocean on the other. Benny Reinicke smelled smoke that morning too and found himself in the same logjam of frightened drivers desperately trying to flee Lahaina. Amidst smoke and flames and exploding cars, he spotted Lani struggling to help her mom climb the seawall and get to safety. He took it upon himself to make sure they made it. We also speak with wildfire expert Michele Steinberg from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) about how you can identify hazards and strategies to help protect against wildfires. If you’d like to help the residents of Lahaina and others impacted by natural disasters, you can donate to the American Red Cross at redcross.org/donate/cm/onstar-pub.html/ For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Bob Tillotson knew the avalanche danger was high when he set out with friends into the Utah backcountry on his snowmobile. But he also knew which areas to avoid. Or so he thought. On January 13, 2024, an avalanche hit Bob without warning, carrying him down the mountain in a wave of snow. When he stopped, he was completely buried and separated from his group. Dustin Sweeten was snowmobiling with a separate crew that day. Just before he was ready to head home, he saw what looked like an avalanche in the distance and went to go check it out. When he got there, he saw two people from Bob’s group. They told him their friend was buried. Then they saw a glove poking out of the snow.  We also speak with Sandra Riches, the executive director of British Columbia AdventureSmart, about outdoor winter safety and what to do if you or someone you’re with is in an avalanche. Video credit: Ammon Sweeten / YouTube @MountainWolf-ut. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

When Gabriel Otrin and Klever Freire stepped into their office elevator, they naturally assumed they’d be able to get out. It was August 2018, and a massive downpour was causing floods all over Toronto. Gabriel and Klever were working late and went to check on Klever’s car in the basement garage. Before they reached the bottom, however, the elevator stopped with a jerk and began to quickly fill with water. They couldn’t open the doors. They were trapped. Police officers Ryan Barnett and Josh McSweeney had just finished a call when another came over the radio. Two men were trapped in an elevator. When they arrived, the garage was completely flooded and Ryan had to swim to the elevator doors. He could hear Klever and Gabriel inside calling for help. He needed to act fast. We also speak with Julie Munger, an internationally acclaimed swift-water rescue instructor, about how to safely navigate fast-moving water and urban floods. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Nicole Rakowski arrived in Iceland looking for adventure. She left in a wheelchair. In February 2017, Nicole and two friends hiked to a natural hot spring just south of Reykjavík. When they arrived, Nicole took off her boots, changed into her bathing suit and stepped onto the riverbank beside the steaming water. She immediately began to sink into the mud and felt excruciating pain. She screamed for help.  Lee Ricasa was taking a relaxing dip in a nearby mud pool when he heard a scream followed by the sight of panicked hikers carrying Nicole and desperately searching for help. A retired firefighter, Lee knew Nicole was in bad shape. She had third-degree burns on her legs and feet. She couldn’t walk. She was drifting in and out of consciousness and could go into shock at any moment. He knew he had to take control of the situation if Nicole was going to survive. We also talk to Tod Schimelpfenig, an instructor at the National Outdoor Leadership School since 1973, about how to treat burns in the wilderness. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

In 1941, in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the Bogancha family saved two young Jewish girls from Nazi soldiers, giving them fake identities and hiding them in an orphanage. That act of kindness would ripple across time and, amazingly, lead to the help their descendants needed after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Connecting those dates begins with a book. In 2009, Greg Dawson published Hiding in the Spotlight, a book about his mother, Zhanna Arshanskaya Dawson. She was a 14 year-old piano prodigy in 1941 when German soldiers rounded up her family along with the rest of the Jews in her Ukrainian town. Miraculously, Zhanna and her sister, Frina, escaped and found temporary shelter with the Boganchas. With new identities, they survived by playing concerts for German soldiers. After the war, they emigrated to the United States and started over. In 2013, Marina Orlovetsky, also from Kharkiv, Ukraine, read Greg’s book. She was so moved by the story that she tracked down and befriended Zhanna, Greg and the descendants of the Boganchas.  When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2023, the Boganchas fled their home in Kharkiv.  Marina, who had never met the Boganchas in person, offered to help their 18-year-old son, Alex, get to the United States and go to college. Marina turns to Zhanna’s son, Greg, offering the Dawsons the opportunity to return a kindness to the Boganchas.  We also speak with Una Bilic, a deputy director with the International Rescue Committee, to discuss the process refugees go through to move to the U.S. and how we can support them. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

When her crowded New York City subway train screeched to an emergency stop, K.Page Stuart Valdes melted in fear. She’d recently had a stroke nobody could explain. Terrified it would happen again, right there surrounded by strangers, K.Page felt anxiety wash over her. Until one warm voice cut through the fog.  That stranger, just another face on a train moments before, helped K.Page find her way out of the panic attack and get on with her day. Then the stranger was gone. But her kindness was critical and helped K.Page realize that she needed mental health support.  Today, K.Page would love nothing more than to find the woman who stepped up and steadied her world. Please share this episode and let’s see if we can find her.  We also speak with Natalia Dayan, a licensed social worker and the global strategy director at Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization that provides free, high-quality, text-based 24/7 mental health support and crisis intervention in English and Spanish.   If you need mental health resources or support please reach out: Visit the Crisis Text Line website or text 741741.Call 988 or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.Or visit the OnStar Veterans support website.  -- Cuando su tren abarrotado del subterráneo de la Ciudad de New York chillaba hasta parar por emergencia, K. Page Stuart Valdes se descomponía por el miedo. Ella recientemente había tenido un infarto que nadie podía explicar. Aterrada de que volvería a pasar, ahí mismo rodeada por extraños, K. Page sentía como la ansiedad la abrumada. Hasta que una cálida voz cortó por la neblina. Ese extraña, un acara cualquiera en el tren momentos antes, ayudó a K. Page a encontrar su forma de salir del ataque de pánico y a seguir con su día. Luego la extraña había desaparecido. Pero su amabilidad fue crítica y ayudó a K. Page a darse cuenta que ella necesitaba ayuda en su salud mental.  Hoy, a K. Page no le encantaría nada más que encontrar a la mujer que dio un paso adelante y puso su mundo en firme. Por favor comparta este episodio para ver si la podemos encontrar a ella.  También hablamos con Natalia Dayan, una trabajadora social licenciada y la Directora de Estrategia Global en la Crisis Text Line (Línea de Texto de Crisis) para discutir la salud mental y cómo apoyarnos mutuamente. Si usted necesita recursos para la salud mental o apoyo por favor comuníquese: Visite la página web de la Crisis Text Line o envíe un texto al 741741.Llame al 988  o visite la página web del 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline(Línea de Suicido y Crisis).O visite la página web de OnStar Veterans support (Apoyo a Veteranos de OnStar). For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

On the morning of Christmas Eve 2022, Joe White set out on the long walk to his job in the North Park neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. Joe has autism and he didn’t realize he was walking into the deadliest winter storm to hit the region in a century. Severely frostbitten and disoriented, Joe stumbled into snowdrifts and called out for help. A stranger heard his plea. Sha’Kyra Aughtry bundled Joe into her home. She was able to call Joe’s sister, Yvonne, who didn’t know he was out in the storm, and they quickly realized that he needed serious medical attention. But the storm had shut the city down, and emergency services couldn’t get out to anyone. After watching Joe deteriorate over 24 hours, Sha’Kyra turned to social media and put out a call for help to save Joe and get him to a hospital.   We also talk to winter survival expert Dr. Teimojin Tan for advice on how to stay warm during a storm.  For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Taylor Hash, a student pilot, had just taken off on her third solo flight when she got the shock of her life. Over the radio, she heard another pilot telling air traffic control that her front wheel fell off during takeoff. Taylor knew she’d have to land the plane with no front wheel, but she had no idea how or what to do next.  In a case of right place, right time, a veteran pilot named Chris Yates happened to be at the airport that day, getting ready to co-pilot a private flight. It was his voice Taylor heard tell air traffic control that her front wheel had fallen off. When he realized Taylor was still learning to fly, he stepped in to guide her down.  We also speak to psychotherapist Amy Morin for tips on coping with anxiety around flying and how to support others who are struggling with air travel. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Kristy Millar spent days preparing for Hurricane Ian, but when the storm hit, her family ended up trapped in their rapidly flooding home. They escaped, but the storm had turned their street into a river. To get to higher ground, Kristy and her 3-year-old son were going to have to swim. Enter Kevin Ott. Ott was also out in the storm, determined to rescue his kids’ grandmother — who happened to be Kristy’s neighbor. Driving a borrowed pontoon boat through canal-like streets in a Category 4 hurricane, Kevin and his kids ended up rescuing Kristy, her son and 10 other neighbors, including Grandma, that day.  We also talk to Grace Meinhofer, a spokesperson with the American Red Cross who has personal experience with hurricanes, for advice on how to prepare for storm season.  The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Phil Mummert was in the middle of a perfect day of surfing at Bunker Bay, one of his regular spots in western Australia, until he was suddenly knocked off his board. When he surfaced, his board was broken, his leg was bleeding, and there was a great white shark charging at him.  Using only his bare hands, feet and what was left of his surfboard, Phil fought for his life. But he knew he wouldn’t last long against a 16-foot shark. That’s when three more surfers arrived to help.  Thanks to them, Phil survived, kept his leg, and is still surfing.  We also speak with shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez to understand the risks around sharks and what you should be aware of when sharing the water with them. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

René Compeán had hiked in Angeles National Forest many times. So he didn’t think twice when he set out on one of his favorite trails for a quick hike. But to save time, he went off trail — and ended up lost and relying on a rapidly dying cell phone to call for help. René was unprepared to spend a cold night in the mountains with wildlife roaming around him, and his mental and physical health deteriorated quickly. Rescue teams struggled to find him in a thick fog and a massive search area, until a stranger with a unique set of technical skills stepped in with key information. We also speak to Jessie Krebs, wilderness survival instructor of OWLS Skills, about what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re lost in the wilderness, and how to prepare, no matter the length of hike. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman was working at a job he loved, making enough money to provide for his family. At just 14, he was the father figure in his home in Honduras. One night after work he was abducted and smuggled into the United States. He was sold into sexual exploitation. For months he was tortured, beaten, drugged, starved and raped. But he was rescued. Sabrina Goosby took Suamhirs under her wing and taught him how to use his experiences to change the lives of others. As an adult, he has become an advocate for those suffering and was enlisted by former President Barack Obama to find real solutions. We also speak to Dr. Minh Dang, executive director of Survivor Alliance, to hear about the types of human trafficking, how to respond to an industry that affects people worldwide, and what you should and shouldn’t do if you think someone may need help. If you suspect someone is in a dangerous situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or visit the website. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible by dialing 988. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day.  For more information on this episode or to learn how you can use OnStar to help others in need, click here. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Arapahoe Basin is a legendary ski resort in Colorado, and when it’s a powder day, skiers wake up at the crack of dawn to get up the hill for those fresh tracks. That’s exactly what Richard Dempsey did, except he only got a few runs in before everything changed. Richard is able to recount his story thanks to a slackliner named Mickey Wilson who risked his own life to save someone he met that morning. We also speak to author and retired ski patroller Patti Burnett about what dangers to look out for while skiing at resorts and in the backcountry, as well as what to do if you find yourself or someone else in an emergency situation while enjoying the mountains in wintertime. For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Lindsay Bull has worked at Scales and Tails for years. She has hosted numerous demonstrations with the animals at the facility, but one wrong move can end in disaster. That’s what happened during a child’s birthday party.  The main attraction, a nine foot long alligator named Darth Gator mistook her hand for food and the race was on to save Lindsay’s hand. Thanks to Donnie Wiseman who attended the birthday party with his niece, Lindsay is still able to use both hands. You’re much more likely to come across an aggressive dog than an alligator. So we also speak to dog expert Jennifer Shyrock about safety tips for kids and dogs. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Sixty-five horses live at Tamara Boole’s equestrian center. That is a lot of large animals to move to safety in a short period of time. But that’s what had to be done as the fires from the CZU Lightning Complex Fires bore down on Felton, California in August 2020. Thanks to local ranchers, including another stable owner - Michelle Le Clair,  the horses at Tamara Boole’s Covered Bridge Equestrian Center were safely evacuated in the knick of time. We also speak to vet and UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team member Dr. Lais Costa, about how to safely evacuate horses, chickens, house cats, and even llamas! For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Gabe Rosescu had driven on the highway numerous times and was used to driving in all types of weather. But the day Gabe took his then new partner of six months, Sheri Niemegeers, on an epic road trip to see his friends, he could never have planned for what was about to occur. It’s not every day you see a tree crossing the road in front of you. Thanks to four motorists who risked their own lives, Sheri and Gabe are here to tell their story. We also speak to Mary Ann Adams, OnStar Member disaster response leader, about how to look for signs that the road ahead could become hazardous; what to do if you find yourself on a flooded roadway, in a mudslide or in a snowstorm; and what equipment you should keep in your vehicle. For more on this episode, or to learn what can happen if raging floodwaters wash your car off the road, click here. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A seizure can happen anywhere at any time. It just so happened that when Aidan Jackson suffered a seizure there was no one there to witness it or call for help. But there was someone 5,000 miles away — another gamer who he had been talking to online. Raven Wolvesbane realized Aidan was having a seizure and quickly set to work trying to figure out how to send First Responders to his home. The only problem: she was in Texas and he was in England. We also speak with Dr. Kelli Dunlop, a psychologist who specializes in the relationships built through gaming, and discuss why online friendships are commonly misunderstood. For more on this episode, or to learn what to do if you encounter a medical emergency on a road trip, click here. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

It wasn’t the first time that Ryan Osmun had been hiking in a National Park, nor was it the first time he had hiked in the winter. Ryan knew what equipment to take and packed accordingly. As a photographer he enjoys hiking trails when they’re less populated. But he never expected to find himself or his girlfriend stuck on the trail, literally. A desperate phone call for help brought lifesaving assistance. We also speak to Faris ‘Faz’ Ali, Deputy Station Officer of Bay Search & Rescue about how to look for signs of quicksand and what to do if you find yourself sinking on a beach or riverbed. As well as what to do if you get your vehicle or ATV stuck. For more on this episode, or to learn how to keep your outdoor adventures safe, click here. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Driving through the Rocky Mountains usually means spectacular views and up-close encounters with wildlife. But on the wrong stretch of road at the wrong time of year, it can also mean coming face-to-face with deadly wildfires. Robert Craig found himself trapped by flames and didn’t think he would escape — until, suddenly, a stranger arrived. We also speak to Tony Briggs, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central California Region. Tony discusses what to do if you find yourself caught in a wildfire, how to prepare yourself and your home in case you must evacuate, and what should be in a go bag. The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Nupur Gupta was enjoying a swim in the ocean after a day at a yoga retreat. But the waves, current and setting sun all added up to a dangerous situation. This episode features a story that will warm the heart of even the most cynical listener: It’s not just about survival, but also about true love across continents. We also speak to Dr. Denise Marigold, associate professor and chair of Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada, about how a chance meeting in an emergency may help spark a relationship. Dr. Marigold also offers advice about how couples can navigate challenging situations, such as natural disasters or financial ruin. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

When Debra Ashton’s community was hit by a flash flood, her first step was to check on her senior tenant next door. When she came back outside, floodwaters were raging and her street had become a river. Debra ended up in the water and was swept away several blocks, praying she would make it out alive. Those prayers were answered when a helicopter pilot named Joel Boyers got a frantic phone call asking for help. The weather was far from ideal, but Joel felt he needed to help. We also speak with Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs at the American Red Cross, about how to prepare for flooding if you’re in a flood-prone region. Jennifer also talks about what you should have in your “go bag,” plus what to do during and immediately following a flood. The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

When her husband was stationed in Alaska, one woman had to relocate her family from Georgia. It was a long drive across a foreign country, made worse by travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays meant the family left later than expected, which put them right in the middle of the Canadian winter, driving their truck and towing a rented trailer with all their possessions through snow and ice. When it got to be too much, a stranger — who is also in the military — stepped in to help his own in the most incredible way. We also speak to Wesley Irek, a lead instructor at the Road America racing circuit, where he teaches a number of high-performance driving classes, including winter driving. Wesley discusses safe winter driving techniques and provides tips on what to do if you’re caught in a blizzard or hit black ice. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A German hiker has a dream of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, from the Mexico border to the Canada border. All 2,650 miles, alone. Katharina Gröne, aka City Girl, met numerous hikers along her journey, and made great memories. But quitting wasn’t in her vocabulary, and even though several people suggested it was too late in the season to continue, she kept going until she couldn’t go any farther. But, thanks to a mother’s intuition, Katharina lived to hike another trail. We also speak to Cheri Higman, chairperson of Seattle Mountain Rescue, about the challenges faced by those hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheri also shares tips on how to stay safe on a day-long or multi-day hike. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

We all interact with people in our day-to-day lives that we never expect to meet again: a clerk at the mall, a bus driver or the person sitting next to you on an airplane. But what if one of those strangers turned out to be the most important person in your life? This is the story of how someone from a police officer’s past ended up saving his life. We also speak to Dr. Naomi Grant, professor of social psychology at Mount Royal University. Dr. Grant talks about the psychological impact of helping a stranger in such an enormous way, as well as how helping others, even in small ways, can benefit our own mental health. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Jill Brown sets ambitious goals for herself. For example, one summer she decided she would paddle across the country from Oregon to Florida. Along the way she faced physical dangers such as rapids, broken bones and rattlesnakes, but also deep personal challenges such as hunger and loneliness. Just when Jill was at her limit, a chance encounter changed the path of her journey. We also speak to Dr. Cratissa Schley, a clinical psychologist at Deeply Rooted Psychological Services, about why people help others in crisis situations. Dr. Schley explores why a stranger would go above and beyond in helping someone they didn’t know — not just offering shelter but also becoming a trusted confidant — and provides suggestions about how anyone can mentally prepare ahead of time for a trip and overcome challenges on the road. For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.