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How I Survived

by Pacific Podcast Network

Amazing, first-hand survival stories from people who have faced the unimaginable and escaped with their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 13, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Tracy Hall Fell in Love With a Con Man. Then He Stole $317,000

    What happens when the person you loved, the person you trusted with your future, wasn’t who they said they were? And ends up stealing your life savings. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re...

  2. Dr Lucy Hone: The Day My 12-Year-Old Daughter Died - and How I Survived It

    How do you keep going after losing your child? Dr Lucy Hone lost her twelve-year-old daughter, Abi, in a tragic road accident. What followed was an extraordinary journey through grief, resilience and learning how to live again. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing…

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  3. Alexa Leary Was Told She’d Die - Now She’s a Gold Medallist

    She was told she wouldn’t survive. Years later, she’s a Paralympic gold medallist. This is the extraordinary story of Alexa Leary. A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear...

  4. Danielle Bensky: I Was A Teenage Ballerina When I Met Jeffrey Epstein

    At 17, Danielle Bensky was a ballerina in New York with dreams of making it in dance. She thought she had found a way to earn some extra money. Instead, she was drawn into Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network and spent years carrying the silence, trauma and shame that followed. Now, Danielle is...

  5. Robbed Of Her Childhood: Bek Condello On Escaping A Cult

    What if leaving your faith meant losing everyone you'd ever loved? CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains themes of childhood abuse, physical punishment, sexual trauma and coercive control. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call 000. For confidential 24/7 crisis support,...

  6. Stephanie Browitt: “I Survived the Volcano. Half My Family Didn’t.”

    Could you survive a volcanic eruption? It's a question Stephanie Browitt never thought she'd have to answer. And yet in 2019, a volcanic eruption on New Zealand’s White Island changed Stephanie's life forever. At just 23, she suffered burns to 70 per cent of her body and lost her younger sister,...

  7. The Day I Learned My Stepdad Was A Child Killer - Sherele Moody

    What does it mean to put a name and a story to every woman and child lost to violence? For more than a decade, journalist and activist Sherele Moody has been documenting the lives behind the statistics, creating a record of Australia’s femicides through Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart...

  8. Jess Denham: The Story She Was Never Allowed To Tell

    What if the person who was meant to protect you was the one you needed protection from? This is a story of survival, resilience and reclaiming your voice after years of being silenced. Jess also speaks publicly for the first time about living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), sharing…

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  9. Charlie Verco: He Paddled Towards The Shark To Save Her

    When everyone else swam for shore, Charlie Verco paddled the other way: straight towards a great white shark. On a clear, busy Saturday morning at Coogee Beach in June 2026, the 25-year-old surf lifesaver and elite board paddler was training when a woman, Leah Stewart, was attacked just ahead of...

  10. BONUS: You’re Gonna Want To Hear This — Stories of Survival

    A special bonus series for How I Survived listeners! We’re bringing you some of the best stories of survival from Marie Claire's podcast, You’re Gonna Want To Hear This. From extraordinary stories of survival and resilience to raw, intimate conversations about style, substance and the moments…

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  11. An Ordinary Day Turned Violent - This Is Chloe & Christine's Story Of Survival

    You've been patiently waiting on new episodes of How I Survived, so please accept this little treat from us! On Marie Claire Australia's podcast, You're Gonna Want to Hear This, you'll hear extraordinary stories of style, substance and survival. If you like this incredible episode, just pop on…

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  12. Trapped in the desert for THREE NIGHTS

    Setting off to hike to the Lost Palms Oasis, hidden deep within the Joshua Tree National Park, 35-year-old Kiwi Claire Nelson couldn't wait to immerse herself in the Californian desert's otherworldly beauty. She had everything she needed for the four-hour hike, including plenty of water. She'd…

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  13. "I wrestled a CROCODILE for 25 minutes"

    It was a steaming hot March afternoon in Weipa, a mining town on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Australia. At a safety course, 28-year-old mine worker Todd Bairstow couldn't wait to knock off, treat himself to an ice-cold beer and go fishing. But, finishing up and trudging down…

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  14. Crushed in an erupting volcano

    *Quick note: We're working from home due to Covid-19, so this podcast is coming to you from Beth's wardrobe. Enjoy, and we hope you're all staying safe and sound. Lots of love, the HIS team xxx Heaving his massive backpack on, 22-year-old Kiwi William Pike was itching to get up the mountain. He…

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  15. A stranger stabbed me, then stole my baby

    With the TV murmuring softly in the background, Desiree Page, 39, relaxed back into the reclining sofa, cuddling her 13-month-old son Cory. It was late at night, and her husband Gary, a long-haul charter bus driver, was away for work. Usually, Desiree would religiously lock every door and window...

  16. UPDATE: "My husband tried to gas me to death"

    When Pepita Nicholls asked her husband of 18 years, Robert Ridgeway, for a divorce, he hatched a dark plan to get revenge. Now, there's been an update in Pepita's incredible story... Host: Beth Young/Interview: Riah Matthews/Producer: Denis Duggan *Police interview published with permission from...

  17. Hang-gliding horror: "I wasn't attached!"

    It was a sunny, crisp winter's day in Interlaken, Switzerland, and Florida couple Chris and Gail Gursky, married for 26 years and parents to a grown-up son, had the perfect plan to get their hearts pumping - hang-gliding over the gorgeous terrain. They loved zip-lining. Now, it was time to up the...

  18. "I was bashed with a baseball bat"

    A devoted single mum-of-three, Simone O'Brien, then 37, was looking for love. She'd been divorced amicably from her ex, the kids' dad Trevor, for more than four years. But, working two jobs to make ends meet, and ferrying her kids between school, basketball and playdates didn't leave much time…

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  19. Joe woke up without a penis

    Knocking off after a hard day of work as a labourer, 32-year-old Joe Green, from Indiana, in the United States, was looking forward to an icy cold beer. Meeting his mum and brother for dinner and drinks, he planned to head home around 10pm. Instead, he dropped off at another bar and kept…

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  20. We're back next week....

    Season 4 of How I Survived is back on the 25th of February. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  21. BEST OF: The 3-year-old lost in the bush for 17 hours

    You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. When Leisa Bennett couldn't be there for her three-year-old granddaughter Aurora, Max the dog stepped in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  22. BEST OF: Bill sliced his face off with a chainsaw

    You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. Victorian grandpa Bill Singleton, 70, was working in the bush when horror struck. He'd accidentally sliced his face while cutting wood. He joins Beth to share his story... See omnystudio.com/listener for...

  23. BEST OF: The surgeon stabbed in his own hospital

    You're listening to the Best Of series of How I Survived...We'll be back soon with season 4. Victorian neurosurgeon Dr Michael Wong was stabbed at the hospital where he worked 14 times by a former patient, Kareem Al-Salami. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  24. Tiffany fell down a waterfall

    At the age of 21, Tiffany Johnson was having the time of her life. Travelling Europe on a Contiki tour, she was waking up in a new place almost every day and making incredible friends along the way. It was July 1999 and her tour had stopped in the beautiful tourist town of Interlaken in...

  25. Bourke Street Massacre: My brother, the killer

    Growing up, Angelo Gargasoulas knew his brother James "Jimmy" Gargasoulas was strange. They had a difficult relationship and Jimmy could be unpredictable and violent, but Angelo never thought he'd hurt him. Then, one night, Jimmy not only attacked Angelo to within an inch of his life but he also...

  26. Susan drank her own breastmilk to survive!

    It was Mother's Day - and at Susan O'Brien's home in Wellington, New Zealand, it was hectic. Instead of waking up to breakfast in bed, she was getting ready to compete in a 20-kilometre fun run at the Remutaka Forest Park. Her husband, Daniel, and their two kids, Meisha, nine months, and Jayden,...

  27. Introducing: Investigates, a podcast you might love

    Friends, we have a new podcast that you might love. It's called Investigates and if you love mystery shows, you will love this. Investigates lifts the veil on some of the world's most horrific crimes and baffling mysteries. From Australia's most haunted house to the 37-year-old missing person's...

  28. "I was swallowed by a hippo"

    Each stroke of 27-year-old safari guide Paul Templer's paddle took his canoe closer to the stunning mist-shrouded Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Along with two local guides, Ben and Evans, and a safety kayaker, Mac, they were paddling six clients - a German couple, Joe and Gundy, and four Air France...

  29. Kelly went for a run when she felt a chill

    Training for her first marathon 38-year-old Kelly Herron, would often find herself pounding the pavement after work. She lived in the Pacific Northwest in the US, which often meant that Kelly would be running in the dark, by herself. Sometimes she'd feel a flicker of fear. So when Kelly's work...

  30. Lost at sea – saved by a bucket!

    With his young son in his arms, Maike faced a fight for their lives. Interviewed and hosted by Beth Young/sound design by Denis Duggan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  31. Shot as we shopped

    Andrew and Kathy McLaren were at the mall when a terror attack unfolded Interviewed by Riah Matthews/hosted by Beth Young/sound design by Denis Duggan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  32. A bear ripped off my face!

    Allena Hansen was working on her property with her faithful dogs when disaster struck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  33. A freak wind tore off my hand!

    Harriet Davis, 12, was enjoying a nice day out on the river when her life changed forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  34. Stabbed 14 times in the hospital!

    Dr Michael Wong was at work when his shift turned to terror. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  35. My husband tried to gas me to death

    When Pepita Nicholls asked her husband of 18 years, Robert Ridgeway, for a divorce, he hatched a dark plan to get revenge. Interviewed by Riah Matthews/ host Beth Young/ producer Denis Duggan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  36. I sliced off my face with a chainsaw!

    Victorian grandpa Bill Singleton was working in the bush when horror struck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  37. Lost in the bush for 17 hours - saved by her dog!

    When Leisa Bennett couldn't be there for her three-year-old granddaughter Aurora, Max the dog stepped in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  38. Season 2 out now!

    Each fortnight, How I Survived brings you the shocking and unbelievable true story of a person who has survived against the odds, told in their own words. Hosted by Beth Young, these stories are terrifying, inspiring and ultimately prove the power of the human will to live. See...

  39. KIDNAPPED - How I escaped my hostage hell

    'I wasn't just gonna take a bullet to the back of the head.' When Nigel Brennan and his colleague Amanda Lindhout were kidnapped by Somalian rebels, it was the beginning of a living nightmare. Interviewed by Riah Matthews/ host Beth Young/ producer Denis Duggan See omnystudio.com/listener for...

  40. CLIFF HORROR: 'She's gone over the edge!'

    For Shannon Bennett and her 13-year-old daughter Trinity a day out ended in disaster. Interviewer and host: Beth Young/Producer: Denis Duggan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  41. Hostage terror - I was used as a human shield

    On an everyday Monday morning, Louisa Hope found herself at the centre of a deadly terrorist attack. Interviewed by Riah Matthews/ host Beth Young/ producer Denis Duggan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  42. "I was scalped at 13 weeks pregnant"

    Michelle Dowsett, 42, worked as a school teacher but lived on a farm with her husband, Bob, and two young kids, Josh, 2, and Liv, 18 months, so it wasn't unusual for her to lend a helping hand when it came to yard work. Bob and her uncle, Craig, were having some trouble with one of the farm...

  43. Abducted, drugged and left for dead.

    Rachele Godsall was kidnapped and had her throat slashed by the man she'd loved for nine years. 'He just looked at me and he didn't say anything, and he just cut my throat.' Now, she tells her shocking story in her own words on our podcast 'How I Survived'. If you need help, please call 1800...

  44. "I survived Ted Bundy - the world's worst serial killer"

    For 37 years, Rhonda Stapley hid a terrifying secret...At age 21, Rhonda was offered a ride by Bundy in his signature tan Volkswagon, where he later assaulted her. Bundy attempted to choke Rhonda to death and raped her. Amazingly, she escaped his clutches by plunging into a fast-moving river…

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  45. "I was shot in the face by a stranger"

    After a quiet night in at home in Newcastle, James Myers went to bed - he had no idea, but his worst nightmare was about to begin. Two hours later, a masked intruder burst into his bedroom wielding a gun and started shooting. James was shot in the face five times, but somehow he survived. James...

  46. Introducing the How I Survived podcast

    Each week, How I Survived brings you the shocking and unbelievable true-story of a person who's survived against the odds, told in their own words. Hosted by Beth Young, these stories are terrifying, inspiring and ultimately prove the power of the human will to live. See omnystudio.com/listener…

    more

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Amazing, first-hand survival stories from people who have faced the unimaginable and escaped with their lives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOSTED BY

Pacific Podcast Network

Produced by Matthew Denby

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does How I Survived have?

How I Survived currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is How I Survived about?

Amazing, first-hand survival stories from people who have faced the unimaginable and escaped with their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How often does How I Survived release new episodes?

How I Survived has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to How I Survived?

You can listen to How I Survived on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts How I Survived?

How I Survived is created and hosted by Pacific Podcast Network.
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