In this gripping story of survival and heartache, David Cicotello finds himself stranded on a ledge after a tragic accident claims his brother's life. Alone, with dwindling supplies and the weight of despair, he embarks on a 6-day struggle for survival waiting for a rescue that seems uncertain. 

In this gripping story of survival and heartache, David Cicotello finds himself stranded on a ledge after a tragic accident claims his brother's life. Alone, with dwindling supplies and the weight of despair, he embarks on a 6-day struggle for survival waiting for a rescue that seems uncertain.

In Death's Wake, He Decided to Survive

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a large carnivore wildlife ecologist, recounts her heart-pounding survival story of being chased by a wild elephant. With unflinching honesty, Dr. Wynn-Grant reveals that the true dangers in her work often transcend the wild creatures she dedicates her life to. For more candid and thought-provoking conversations, don't miss Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant's own podcast, PBS's Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, where she further explores the intricate bond between humans and nature.

<a href="https://www.raewynngrant.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>, a large carnivore wildlife ecologist, recounts her heart-pounding survival story of being chased by a wild elephant. With unflinching honesty, Dr. Wynn-Grant reveals that the true dangers in her work often transcend the wild creatures she dedicates her life to. For more candid and thought-provoking conversations, don't miss Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant's own podcast, PBS's <a href="https://link.chtbl.com/LTZFSlMP?sid=OutAlive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant</a>, where she further explores the intricate bond between humans and nature.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant on Being Chased by an Elephant and Why She’ll Take Her Chances with Bears

Join us as we follow two friends, Dan and Jim, on their annual climbing trip in the stunning yet treacherous terrains of the Tetons. Their adventurous spirits are tested when a glissading misstep sends one plummeting 50 feet below the snow surface into a hidden ice cave.A special thanks to the Jenny Lake Park Rangers for their part in this rescue.

Join us as we follow two friends, Dan and Jim, on their annual climbing trip in the stunning yet treacherous terrains of the Tetons. Their adventurous spirits are tested when a glissading misstep sends one plummeting 50 feet below the snow surface into a hidden ice cave. A special thanks to the Jenny Lake Park Rangers for their part in this rescue.

Fallen Into An Ice Cave

In this episode of Out Alive we dive into a summer riddled with unsettling animal encounters worldwide. From cougars and bears on American soil to Orcas causing chaos off Portugal's shores, one question lingers: Are animals growing weary of us? To shed light on these events, we invite renowned bear biologist, Dr. Tom Smith, and his former student-turned-wildlife biologist and podcast host, Wes Larson. Together, they unpack the intricacies of these animal-human confrontations, with a special emphasis on bears.Wes is the co-host of a show all about animal encounters - listen to Tooth &amp; Claw here. You can also follow Wes on Instagram @grizkid

In this episode of Out Alive we dive into a summer riddled with unsettling animal encounters worldwide. From cougars and bears on American soil to Orcas causing chaos off Portugal's shores, one question lingers: Are animals growing weary of us? To shed light on these events, we invite renowned bear biologist, Dr. Tom Smith, and his former student-turned-wildlife biologist and podcast host, Wes Larson. Together, they unpack the intricacies of these animal-human confrontations, with a special emphasis on bears. Wes is the co-host of a show all about animal encounters - listen to <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tooth-claw-true-stories-of-animal-attacks/id1530064872" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tooth &amp; Claw here</a>. You can also follow Wes on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/grizkid/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@grizkid</a>

Are the Animals Sick of Us?

In the rugged terrain of the Wind River Mountains, what begins as a routine ultramarathon training session for Gabe Joyes quickly escalates into a life-threatening ordeal. After a misstep leads him to inadvertently pierce himself with his trekking pole, Joyes finds himself isolated in a remote canyon. Now, he faces his most formidable test of endurance yet, as his wife Jenny and SAR volunteer David Englert try to reach him in time. 

In the rugged terrain of the Wind River Mountains, what begins as a routine ultramarathon training session for <a href="_wp_link_placeholder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gabe Joyes</a> quickly escalates into a life-threatening ordeal. After a misstep leads him to inadvertently pierce himself with his trekking pole, Joyes finds himself isolated in a remote canyon. Now, he faces his most formidable test of endurance yet, as his wife Jenny and SAR volunteer David Englert try to reach him in time.

Stabbed by a Trekking Pole

When we anticipate encountering bears, we come equipped with bear spray and knowledge of how to act. In avalanche terrain, we know to pack our beacon, shovel, and probe. Yet we tend to overestimate the danger of a bear attack. But when it comes to the most deadly natural hazard, heat, our readiness often wavers. Why do we consistently underestimate such a palpable threat, and what are the cognitive mechanisms at play? In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Peter Howe’s groundbreaking research reveals a startling truth. Join us as we venture into one of the hottest places on earth, Death Valley National Park. Our special guests, a climate researcher and a seasoned representative from the park, offer life-saving advice on navigating and staying safe in extreme heat conditions. The temperatures are rising, and our awareness should be, too.

When we anticipate encountering bears, we come equipped with bear spray and knowledge of how to act. In avalanche terrain, we know to pack our beacon, shovel, and probe. Yet we tend to overestimate the danger of a bear attack. But when it comes to the most deadly natural hazard, heat, our readiness often wavers. Why do we consistently underestimate such a palpable threat, and what are the cognitive mechanisms at play? In this deep-dive episode, Dr. Peter Howe’s groundbreaking research reveals a startling truth. Join us as we venture into one of the hottest places on earth, Death Valley National Park. Our special guests, a climate researcher and a seasoned representative from the park, offer life-saving advice on navigating and staying safe in extreme heat conditions. The temperatures are rising, and our awareness should be, too.

Why Extreme Heat is Nature's Stealthiest Killer

The harrowing journey of two adult brothers whose passion for spelunking takes a terrifying turn. Exploring the labyrinthine depths of a remote cave, they find themselves caught in a sudden rockfall, leaving one of them severely injured.

The harrowing journey of two adult brothers whose passion for spelunking takes a terrifying turn. Exploring the labyrinthine depths of a remote cave, they find themselves caught in a sudden rockfall, leaving one of them severely injured.

Hit by Rockfall Deep in a Cave

We sit down with survival expert Jessie Krebs to explore some of the most common survival questions. Drawing upon Jessie's extensive knowledge and experience in the field, we separate fact from fiction and debunk prevalent survival myths with invaluable insights and practical guidance from an expert who knows what truly works.

We sit down with survival expert Jessie Krebs to explore some of the most common survival questions. Drawing upon Jessie's extensive knowledge and experience in the field, we separate fact from fiction and debunk prevalent survival myths with invaluable insights and practical guidance from an expert who knows what truly works.

Liquid Gold or Fool's Errand? Should You Drink Pee to Stay Alive?

In this episode of Out Alive, we share a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and tragedy on Mount Rainier. Four climbers set out to conquer the mountain, only to face disaster on their descent when a dramatic fall results in catastrophic injuries, leaving them stranded on its icy slopes.

In this episode of Out Alive, we share a harrowing tale of survival, resilience, and tragedy on Mount Rainier. Four climbers set out to conquer the mountain, only to face disaster on their descent when a dramatic fall results in catastrophic injuries, leaving them stranded on its icy slopes.

A Deadly Rescue on Mount Rainier 

Join renowned survivalist, SERE instructor, and former "Alone" contestant, Jessie Krebs as she shares her knowledge and expertise on the crucial framework you need to know when it comes to packing for any trip.Drawing from her extensive experience in extreme survival situations, Jessie unveils the essential items and strategies that can make all the difference between a successful adventure and a perilous ordeal.

Join renowned survivalist, SERE instructor, and former "Alone" contestant, Jessie Krebs as she shares her knowledge and expertise on the crucial framework you need to know when it comes to packing for any trip.Drawing from her extensive experience in extreme survival situations, Jessie unveils the essential items and strategies that can make all the difference between a successful adventure and a perilous ordeal.

Pack Like Your Life Depends On It

Raging rivers, hungry bears, huge avalanches—no matter how prepared you are, a walk in the woods can go from innocent to disastrous in the blink of an eye. Out Alive is a podcast series about real people who survived the unsurvivable. Each survivor takes you through what happened, from the packing mistakes to the missed signals to the plain bad luck, while experts and witnesses weigh in on how things went wrong.

Eric Larsen

In this episode of the Out Alive podcast, we delve into the awe-inspiring story of polar explorer Eric Larsen, who has fearlessly navigated treacherous icy terrain, but faced an entirely different kind of challenge when he confronted cancer head-on.Follow Eric's polar adventures, train, or go on a trip with him.Out Alive is made possible by the members of Outside+

In this episode of the Out Alive podcast, we delve into the awe-inspiring story of <a href="http://www.ericlarsenexplore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">polar explorer Eric Larsen</a>, who has fearlessly navigated treacherous icy terrain, but faced an entirely different kind of challenge when he confronted cancer head-on.Follow Eric's polar adventures, train, or <a href="http://www.ericlarsenexplore.com/adventures" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">go on a trip with him</a>.Out Alive is made possible by the members of<a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/outsideplus/?utm_term=Google_US_Brand_Outside%20&amp;utm_campaign=memorialdaypromo23&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid-media&amp;utm_content=125413191595&amp;gad=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAOEgS59Rn6ZYnqz2dhEmvZ9XX5BA0r1xZzA54lBgkQYwLgnBekm-IRoClrAQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Outside+</a>

Eric Larsen on Surviving Cancer and Polar Travel

Francis Zuber was enjoying the kind of powder skiing you’re lucky to get once a season. Just out of bounds at the Mt. Baker Ski Area, Zuber was enjoying deep turns when he caught sight of something weird. A snowboard, still attached to a pair of boots, stuck out of the snow next to a partially-buried tree.

Francis Zuber was enjoying the kind of powder skiing you’re lucky to get once a season. Just out of bounds at the Mt. Baker Ski Area, Zuber was enjoying deep turns when he caught sight of something weird. A snowboard, still attached to a pair of boots, stuck out of the snow next to a partially-buried tree.

Skier Rescues Stranger From a Tree Well

Join us on Out Alive for the incredible story of Shannon Baruth and her aid dog, who survived for four nights in the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico after getting lost. What began as a beautiful day hike turned into a harrowing ordeal when they took a wrong turn and became disoriented off-trail. Battling extreme weather conditions and relying on their human-animal bond, they fought to make it back to safety. Don't miss this remarkable tale of resilience and survival in the face of adversity, as we explore the power of gratitude in survival.

Join us on Out Alive for the incredible story of Shannon Baruth and her aid dog, who survived for four nights in the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico after getting lost. What began as a beautiful day hike turned into a harrowing ordeal when they took a wrong turn and became disoriented off-trail. Battling extreme weather conditions and relying on their human-animal bond, they fought to make it back to safety. Don't miss this remarkable tale of resilience and survival in the face of adversity, as we explore the power of gratitude in survival.

Four Nights Lost in the Cold

In this episode of Out Alive Survival Shorts, we discuss the crucial role of signal fires in emergency situations, using a real case story to highlight important dos and don'ts. Former Air Force SERE instructor Jessie Krebs offers expert analysis and practical tips on site selection, fuel choice, smoke color, and other factors critical for survival.Take a few minutes to tell us what you want from Out Alive!

In this episode of Out Alive Survival Shorts, we discuss the crucial role of signal fires in emergency situations, using a real case story to highlight important dos and don'ts. Former Air Force SERE instructor Jessie Krebs offers expert analysis and practical tips on site selection, fuel choice, smoke color, and other factors critical for survival.<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W6GWQLR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Take a few minutes to tell</a> us what you want from Out Alive!

Signal Fire Strategies: Dos and Don'ts for Survival

We've written about the Spearhead Traverse before as The Best Worst Ski Trip Ever. But in this story, we explore the challenges of neurological illness in the backcountry. Backpacker Magazine’s former Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon, shares his personal journey battling a rare brain disease while backcountry skiing on a glacier in British Columbia. From navigating double vision on a treacherous ski trail to overcoming a neurological condition in the wilderness, this episode is a testament to the power of determination and "there's nothing going slow can't fix".You can see a transcript of this story here.

We've written about the Spearhead Traverse before as <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/trips/skiing-british-columbias-spearhead-traverse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Best Worst Ski Trip Ever</a>. But in this story, we explore the challenges of neurological illness in the backcountry. Backpacker Magazine’s former Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon, shares his personal journey battling a rare brain disease while backcountry skiing <a href="https://www.trailforks.com/trails/spearhead-traverse/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">on a glacier in British Columbia</a>. From navigating double vision on a treacherous ski trail to overcoming a neurological condition in the wilderness, this episode is a testament to the power of determination and "there's nothing going slow can't fix". You can see <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/survival/out-alive-podcast/neurological-disease-on-a-glacier/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a transcript of this story here</a>.

Battling the Brain: A Neurological Illness Backcountry Skiing

In addition to our regular episodes, we're thrilled to introduce a brand new monthly series called Survival Shorts. These episodes take a deeper dive into the world of survival, with expert advice, fascinating inquiries, and conversations with rescue professionals. These Survival Shorts episodes promise to be informative, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of survival in the backcountry.In this episode, we're sitting down with Jeff, a Search and Rescue dog trainer and handler to chat about the world of canine search and rescue. He'll share his personal experiences working alongside his dog, Kismet, and give us a glimpse into the unique bond that develops between a handler and their furry companion.We'll be diving into the nitty-gritty of the rigorous training process for SAR dogs and learning all about the specialized skills and abilities that make them such an important part of search and rescue operations. We'll be talking about everything from tracking scents to navigating tricky terrain – it's all in a day's work for these highly trained pups!

In addition to our regular episodes, we're thrilled to introduce a brand new monthly series called Survival Shorts. These episodes take a deeper dive into the world of survival, with expert advice, fascinating inquiries, and conversations with rescue professionals. These Survival Shorts episodes promise to be informative, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities of survival in the backcountry.In this episode, we're sitting down with Jeff, a Search and Rescue dog trainer and handler to chat about the world of canine search and rescue. He'll share his personal experiences working alongside his dog, Kismet, and give us a glimpse into the unique bond that develops between a handler and their furry companion.We'll be diving into the nitty-gritty of the rigorous training process for SAR dogs and learning all about the specialized skills and abilities that make them such an important part of search and rescue operations. We'll be talking about everything from tracking scents to navigating tricky terrain – it's all in a day's work for these highly trained pups!

Survival Short: Unleashing the Secrets of Search and Rescue (SAR) Dog Training

 A climber in the right place at the right time leads a daring rescue of a BASE jumper stranded high on a cliff.

A climber in the right place at the right time leads a daring rescue of a BASE jumper stranded high on a cliff.

A Bystander Saves a BASE Jumper's Life

After Karissa Akin’s brother died tragically, she turned to the outdoors for healing. But as she explains in this episode of Outside’s new podcast, The Daily Rally, it took a near-fatal mountain biking accident for her to finally move forward again.The Daily Rally is a new weekday podcast featuring short stories of resilience in the face of big challenges and unexpected adventures. You can follow The Daily Rally on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you like to listen, and nominate someone to be featured on the show here.

After Karissa Akin’s brother died tragically, she turned to the outdoors for healing. But as she explains in this episode of Outside’s new podcast, The Daily Rally, it took a near-fatal mountain biking accident for her to finally move forward again.<a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/tag/the-daily-rally/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Rally</a> is a new weekday podcast featuring short stories of resilience in the face of big challenges and unexpected adventures. You can follow <a href="https://www.outsideonline.com/tag/the-daily-rally/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Daily Rally</a> on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6m3YcJSf3B1gm2opCOOFg5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-rally/id1671011216" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-daily-rally" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, or wherever you like to listen, and nominate someone to be featured on the show <a href="https://forms.gle/jwqqjWye4182wWGL9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

The Bike Crash That Helped Her Find Her Way

A pair of hunters wearing camouflage become lost for six days in Alaska. Help is tantalizingly close but just out of reach, as rescuers are unable to see them. 

A pair of hunters wearing camouflage become lost for six days in Alaska. Help is tantalizingly close but just out of reach, as rescuers are unable to see them.

Lost in Plain Sight

Jeremy Evans takes us through a first-hand account of the catastrophic injuries he sustained after being mauled by a grizzly bear three times while deep in the Canadian backcountry.

Jeremy Evans takes us through a first-hand account of the catastrophic injuries he sustained after being mauled by a grizzly bear three times while deep in the Canadian backcountry.

I Fought Off a Grizzly

I’ve tried a number of hiking and backcountry podcasts. This is the first one that’s consistently held my interest. It’s really well-done and offers riveting stories about the backcountry.

Great podcast

Really interesting stories with a narrator that sounds like a 6-year old girl. She needs help with enunciation and has trouble pronouncing letters such at &#34;t&#34;. Very annoying, grade-school issues that mar this otherwise wonderful podcast.

Great Show / Horrible Narrator

Out Alive from Backpacker

On a 600 mile canoe trip, Alex Messenger encounters a grizzly while hiking alone on the Canadian tundra. 

On a 600 mile canoe trip, Alex Messenger encounters a grizzly while hiking alone on the Canadian tundra.

The Twenty-Ninth Day

Todd Orr was out for a morning hike in Madison Valley near Ennis, Montana when he encountered a sow grizzly and her cubs. 

Todd Orr was out for a morning hike in Madison Valley near Ennis, Montana when he encountered a sow grizzly and her cubs.

Mauled by a Grizzly

Alone and distraught, a canyoneer fights to survive.

Alone and distraught, a canyoneer fights to survive.

Stranded on a Ledge

Ryan Osmun, 35, took a wrong step while hiking in Zion National Park in February, and became trapped in quicksand.

Ryan Osmun, 35, took a wrong step while hiking in Zion National Park in February, and became trapped in quicksand.

Trapped in Quicksand

An afternoon hike very nearly turned deadly when Scott Vuncannon was bit by a rattlesnake in the North Carolina backcountry without cell reception. 

An afternoon hike very nearly turned deadly when Scott Vuncannon was bit by a rattlesnake in the North Carolina backcountry without cell reception.

Bit by a Rattlesnake

For Stacy Liedle and her team, reaching the summit of Washington's Mt. Rainier was the accomplishment of a lifetime. But a fall while descending the Emmons Glacier leaves the four climbers severely injured and in need of a rescue—before a winter storm strands them on the mountain. 

For Stacy Liedle and her team, reaching the summit of Washington's Mt. Rainier was the accomplishment of a lifetime. But a fall while descending the Emmons Glacier leaves the four climbers severely injured and in need of a rescue—before a winter storm strands them on the mountain.

Disaster on Mt. Rainier Part 1

Stacy Liedle and her team continue to fight for their lives on the Emmons Glacier. With a storm fast approaching, the SAR team rushes to get everyone down safely—and then, tragedy strikes. 

Stacy Liedle and her team continue to fight for their lives on the Emmons Glacier. With a storm fast approaching, the SAR team rushes to get everyone down safely—and then, tragedy strikes.

Disaster on Mt. Rainier Part 2

Gregg Hein spent 6 days in Kings Canyon National Park alone after suffering a brutal open leg fracture.

Gregg Hein spent 6 days in Kings Canyon National Park alone after suffering a brutal open leg fracture.

Alone with a Compound Fracture

In 1999, Malcolm Daly fell 200 feet while climbing a remote Alaskan peak. He spent the next two nights stranded and alone on an ice ledge.

In 1999, Malcolm Daly fell 200 feet while climbing a remote Alaskan peak. He spent the next two nights stranded and alone on an ice ledge.

Injured on an Ice Ledge 

In our season finale, hear from experts to learn what's happening inside your brain during a survival scenario, what you can do to beat the odds, and how a former BACKPACKER editor nearly succumbed to the greatest threat out there—ourselves. 

In our season finale, hear from experts to learn what's happening inside your brain during a survival scenario, what you can do to beat the odds, and how a former BACKPACKER editor nearly succumbed to the greatest threat out there—ourselves.

The Science of Survival

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Physical Health & Your Body

The best philosophy podcast episodes. Asking questions about how to live a better life, what it means to be and do good, to the idea of God. This topic includes episodes that bring about important questions that everyone should be asking themselves. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!