Join Octavia and Em on False Summit for two unforgettable tales that redefine "epic fails."

First, in Helicopter Hijinks, a group climbing trip in Washington’s Dutch Miller Gap spirals into chaos thanks to an overconfident novice. From botched self-arrest drills to a rogue crawl through the wilderness, this story is equal parts hilarious and nerve-wracking, with rescue operations that snowball wildly out of proportion.

Next, in Dialing from the Depths, a listener recounts their daring (and disgusting) mission to rescue a phone that took a nosedive into a vault toilet on Isle Royale. Ingenious teamwork, makeshift tools, and a ShamWow-turned-shamPOO save the day—but not without leaving some lingering questions about what’s truly worth saving.

Plus, Em curates a mellow, reflective Trail Mix with songs from Devendra Banhart, The Tallest Man on Earth, and Still Woozy. Then stick around for trail etiquette tips and some light-hearted banter about movie outings, arcade nostalgia, and more.

Prepare for laughs, lessons, and a bit of secondhand wilderness stress in this episode of False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails.