How To Survive

We spoke with industrial designer Bezhad Rashidizadeh about his groundbreaking prototype for the Aquapack, a flash flood survival kit. We discussed hidden dangers of flash floods and the importance of empathy in product design.

00:00 - Introduction to the Aquapack
01:05 - Kit Components and Functions
01:52 - Water Filtration and Use
05:20 - Emergency Radio Beacon
06:06 - Inspiration and Climate Change
08:33 - User-Centered Design Principles
13:13 - Recognition and Future Improvements
13:56 - Thermal Blanket and Medical Kit
15:56 - Manufacturing and Market Challenges
23:04 - Flood Survival and Preparation
28:41 - How to Follow Progress

If you'd like to follow and support Behzad's work, check it out here: Behzad Rashidi's Website
Instagram: @be_rashidi

Whether it's an earthquake, mudslide, or shark attack, learn to survive life-threatening moments with science and survivor stories.

Note: This content is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek professional guidance for medical concerns. In emergencies, contact a doctor or emergency services immediately.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 9, 2019, Whakaari (White Island) in New Zealand experienced a catastrophic volcanic eruption, trapping 47 tourists and guides. This documentary delves into the timeline leading up to the tragedy, acts of heroism by local pilots and tour guides, and survival strategies that helped 25 people escape.

We also examine the resulting safety investigations, legal outcomes, and the island's cultural significance to the Māori tribe. This content is intended for educational, historical, and disaster-preparedness purposes.

Our thoughts and respect go to the victims, survivors, and their families.

Discover more real stories of survival by subscribing for future episodes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On December 3, 1984, Bhopal, India suffered the deadliest industrial disaster in history. This episode delves into the chemical chain reaction at the Union Carbide plant, the ignored warnings, and the heroic efforts to save thousands. Discover survival lessons and the ongoing impact on the community four decades later.

A special thanks to Rachna Dhingra for sharing her insights on this crisis.

If you'd like to help, consider donating to The Bhopal Medical Appeal.

00:00 India's Chernobyl: The Bhopal Tragedy
02:12 The Chemical Time Bomb
05:58 The Night of Hell
10:30 Cover Ups & Containment
13:50 The Evasion of Justice
17:09 The Disaster That Never Ends

Some survived, many didn't. This episode dives into the real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and extreme moments, focusing on the critical decisions made.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A penny-stock fraudster constructed America's most perilous amusement park, luring New Jersey teens into risking injury for thrills, until tragedy struck. Discover the story of Action Park, its chaotic rides, and the legal loopholes that enabled its operation.

Some survived the chaos, many didn't. This episode dives into the true tales of Action Park's engineering flaws, infamous rides, and the decisions that led to catastrophes.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this educational documentary, we delve into the history and survival conditions of Guantanamo Bay. From its origins in 1903 to its role in the post-9/11 "War on Terror" and its 2025 expansion, the episode examines survival during long-term isolation and the psychological toll of indefinite detention.

This content provides critical context on international law and human rights, featuring first-hand accounts from award-winning journalist Michelle Shephard about the facility's operations and the legal battles surrounding detainees.

0:00 - The World's Most Controversial Prison
1:30 - The 1903 Lease: A Legal In-Between
4:00 - Post-9/11: The Shift to "War on Terror"
7:15 - Interrogation Science vs. Reality
11:20 - Survival Strategies: Maintaining the Mind
15:45 - The "Forever Prisoners" & Legal Challenges
20:10 - Guantanamo in 2025/2026: The New Expansion

Some survived. Many didn't. Dive into real stories of survival amid disasters and extreme moments, exploring the decisive factors at play.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into historical aviation disasters to highlight safety protocols, survival rates, and engineering improvements that emerged afterward. Topics include mental health, pilot suicide (Germanwings Flight 9525), and hijacking—with a viewer discretion warning.

If you're in crisis, help is available. In the US and Canada, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In the UK, call 111. These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

A special thanks to Melanie A. Folcik-Barillaro for her valuable insights on aviation safety!

Some survived, many did not. Discover real stories behind disasters, tragedies, and crucial decisions.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode explores the potential of artificial intelligence in predicting future pandemics before they occur. Discover how AI analyzes vast datasets to identify unusual disease patterns early.

This speculative simulation is crafted for educational purposes, focusing on how AI is becoming a crucial tool for scientists in the fight against global outbreaks.

00:00 Introduction
02:45 Phase 1
08:01 Phase 2
13:31 Phase 3

Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice. This content is for informational purposes only.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Think you know how harsh prisons can be? Discover the most notorious prisons globally as we rank them into categories: Hard Knock Life, Maximum Misery, Abandon All Hope, and Welcome to Hell. Some of these facilities are consigned to history, but others remain operational. Trust us; you wouldn't want to find yourself in these grim places.

Some survived these living nightmares, many didn't. Explore the real stories behind these extreme experiences and the crucial decisions that made all the difference.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disclaimer: This episode is entirely hypothetical. We input real-world research into Google's Gemini to simulate a worst-case scenario through a survival perspective.

Our scenario begins with NATO's collapse after a broken promise, and the U.S. seizing Greenland by force. In a world on high alert, could a hack or glitch be more dangerous than missiles?

Can the rest of the world muster enough military strength to counteract the U.S.? This timeline ignites with intensity at Greenland's forefront. So, prepare yourselves, grab some popcorn, and stay vigilant. Here's how it unfolds.

Some survived, many did not. We delve into real stories of disasters and extreme scenarios, exploring the crucial decisions that mattered.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the crucial role spiders play in our ecosystems, from rainforests to bedrooms. While they aid in cancer treatment, some encounters with spiders can be dangerous.

Explore harrowing tales: a man's flight turns frightening, a father's urgent antivenom journey, and a woman with a spider in her ear.

Some survived, many didn't. We delve into the true stories behind these disasters and the pivotal choices made.

Additional Resources:
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram

Merch

What If – Science Hypotheticals
Aperture – Philosophy & Psychology

Disclaimer: This content is not a substitute for professional advice or treatment. For emergencies, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices