Tell Me What Happened
Society & Culture
About
Every day we wake up not knowing exactly what will happen: A sportswriter finds himself drowning in a frozen canal, a hiker gets hit by lightning, and a service tech rolls his van off the road and into a cemetery. What they all have in common is that they were all saved by a stranger. Tell Me What Happened, the award-winning original podcast by OnStar, returns for a sixth season of stories about people helping people. Each episode also includes a conversation with an expert to provide context and advice about what to do if you find yourself in a...
Episodes
- Escaping the Palisades Fire
This episode explores the rescue of an elderly man and his son-in-law during the January 2025 Palisades Fire. It features accounts from those involved in the escape and advice from a geriatric outreach nurse on assisting vulnerable individ…
- Heatstroke in the Superstition Mountains
Colt Johnson recounts his experience with heatstroke while hiking in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. The episode also features Tami Hew-Butler discussing the health risks associated with dehydration and over-hydration.
- Seen and Saved Through a Camera Lens
Antoinette Foley and James Mahon discuss their unlikely friendship that began after Mahon photographed Foley while she was experiencing homelessness. Donald Whitehead Jr. of the National Coalition for the Homeless also joins to discuss the…
- Struck by Lightning on the Trail
Minko Nikolov shares his experience of being struck by lightning while hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Additionally, Katie Flanagan discusses the dangers of lightning strikes and addresses common safety myths.
- A Heart Attack and Help From the Crowd
This episode features Blaine Russell-Webster’s experience surviving sudden cardiac arrest after a truck accident in Buffalo, New York, and his rescue by bystanders. Drew Ashley also discusses his experience using lifesaving techniques to h…
- An Unlikely Avalanche
Janet He shares her experience of surviving an unexpected in-bounds avalanche in Lake Tahoe with the help of a passing skier. The episode also features physical therapist and injury prevention expert Leslie Desrosiers, who offers safety ti…
- A Jogger, His Dog, and an Icy Canal
Mike Wise recounts a dangerous incident where he and his dog, Looly, fell through the ice of a canal in Washington, D.C. Jay Ingram joins the program to discuss the bond between humans and their pets.
- A New Season of Uplifting Stories
The sixth season of the podcast Tell Me What Happened returns with eight new true stories of people helping others in emergencies. Each episode shares personal accounts of harrowing situations and offers practical safety tips from experts.
- Hiker Rescues Bridesmaids from Hurricane
A group of bridesmaids on a bachelorette trip were stranded in the mountains of North Carolina by Hurricane Helene. A hiker found and rescued them, enabling them to return home. The episode also features insights from travel influencer Joh…
- Musicians Rescue Hundreds on Sinking Ship
Musicians Rose-Marie Howe and Moss Hills recount the events of a sinking luxury cruise ship, where the ship's band members and magicians became unlikely heroes, saving hundreds of lives. Marine historian Mallory Haas discusses lessons lear…
- Pulled Free and Paid Forward
Bryan Pederson tells the story of being trapped in his car when a tree fell on it, and how a single mother stopped to rescue him when other drivers did not. The episode includes advice on vehicle safety and tire readiness from expert David…
- One Hug, Two Lives Changed
David Johnson talks to Maddie, a teen on a highway overpass, leading to a life saved and a change in his career path to mental health counseling. The episode also features Martha Thomas discussing her organization, The Defensive Line, focu…
- River Outing Takes a Twist
Abi Sherman recounts a near-fatal experience floating down the Snoqualmie River when her tube became stuck, leading to her falling into the water without a life jacket. A stranger ultimately rescued her, and boat safety expert Peg Phillips…
- Rescued From a Ravine
Stacey Eno and Mikey survived a severe scooter accident in Bali after Mikey posted a six-word message on Facebook. A freelance writer in the Poconos was instrumental in their rescue. The episode also features advice from Jessica Nabongo on…
- From Tragedy, a Love Story
Chantal Melanson and Austin Monfort met in Las Vegas and survived the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting. They recount their escape and discuss large event safety with expert Daniel Ward.
- Face-to-Face With a Hungry Grizzly
Colin Dowler describes his harrowing encounter with a grizzly bear while climbing a mountain and discusses the extraordinary events that led to his survival with Dr. Matt Levy.
- What Would You Do?
Tell Me What Happened's fifth season explores true stories of people helping strangers in perilous situations globally, like grizzly attacks or sinking ships. Experts provide safety tips in each episode.
- Learning to Land on the Fly
Darren Harrison, a passenger, found himself piloting a plane after the pilot's medical emergency. Air traffic controller Robert Morgan assisted him in landing, while psychologist Dr. Fanny Ng provided insights on managing pressure and deci…
- After Addiction, a Chance to Do Right
Justin Downey recounts his journey from heroin addiction and incarceration to recovery and rebuilding his family life. Margo Walsh, who founded MaineWorks to help individuals with substance issues and felony records, shares her experience.…
- A 9/11 Miracle
Stanley Praimnath describes his survival of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center's south tower, including being sent back to his office on the 81st floor before it was hit. Brian Clark recounts his escape from the 84th floor and heari…
- Rip Current Rescue
John Gordon rescued Liv Titor from a rip current at Dreamtime beach. Lifeguard Kelsey Cummings provides information on ocean safety.
- Escaping the Hawaii Wildfires
Lani Williams and her mother Sincerity describe their escape from the Maui wildfires, which were intensified by hurricane winds, trapping them between the fire and the ocean. Benny Reinicke assisted them in reaching safety. The episode als…
- Under an Avalanche
Bob Tillotson was buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling in Utah on January 13, 2024. Dustin Sweeten discovered him after seeing a glove protruding from the snow. Sandra Riches from AdventureSmart provides insights on winter safety and…
- Trapped in a Flooding Elevator
Gabriel Otrin and Klever Freire were trapped in a flooding elevator in Toronto while trying to check on a car during a heavy downpour. Rescued by police officers, the episode also features advice on navigating urban floods from a swift-wat…
- Badly Burned in Iceland
Nicole Rakowski experienced severe third-degree burns to her legs and feet after sinking into mud near a hot spring in Iceland in February 2017. Retired firefighter Lee Ricasa assisted her. The episode includes wilderness burn treatment ad…
- Saved from the Nazis, Rescued from Ukraine
In 1941 Kharkiv, Ukraine, the Bogancha family saved two Jewish girls from Nazis. The story, detailed in a 2009 book, later connected descendants, leading to the Bogancha family's rescue from Ukraine in 2022.
- A Panic Attack and a Calming Voice
K.Page Stuart Valdes describes experiencing a panic attack on a crowded subway following a recent unexplained stroke. A stranger offered critical support, helping K.Page manage the attack and realize her need for mental health assistance.…
- Frozen and Fading in the Buffalo Blizzard
Joe White, an individual with autism, was caught in a severe blizzard on Christmas Eve 2022 while walking to work. Sha'Kyra Aughtry rescued him from the storm and sought medical help, eventually using social media to find assistance. The e…
- A Lost Wheel, A Daring Landing
Student pilot Taylor Hash's third solo flight took a terrifying turn when her plane's front wheel detached during takeoff. Guided by veteran pilot Chris Yates, she managed a difficult landing. Psychotherapist Amy Morin provides insights in…
- Hero Battles Hurricane, Finds New Family
During Hurricane Ian, Kristy Millar and her son were trapped in their flooding home and had to swim to safety. Kevin Ott, using a pontoon boat, rescued them along with 10 other neighbors. The episode also features American Red Cross spokes…
- Face-to-Face With a Great White Shark
Phil Mummert describes a terrifying encounter with a 16-foot great white shark while surfing in Western Australia, where he fought back and was ultimately rescued by fellow surfers. Shark expert Melissa Cristina Márquez provides insights i…
- Internet Sleuth Saves Lost Hiker
When hiker René Compeán got lost in Angeles National Forest, a technical expert helped rescue him. Wilderness survival instructor Jessie Krebs also shares tips on preparation and what to do if lost.
- Human Trafficking Survivor Gets New Life and Thrives
Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman, a survivor of sex trafficking and torture, was rescued and became an advocate. He was enlisted by former President Obama to find solutions. Dr. Minh Dang discusses human trafficking types, responses, and how to hel…
- Slackliner Saves Skier Hanging From Chairlift
Mickey Wilson, a slackliner, saved a skier who was hanging from a chairlift at the Arapahoe Basin ski resort. The episode also features retired ski patroller Patti Burnett discussing mountain safety.
- Heroic Bystander Saves Handler From Alligator Death Roll
Handler Lindsay Bull was bitten by a 9-foot alligator named Darth Gator during a child's birthday party. Bystander Donnie Wiseman saved Bull's hand from the alligator. The episode includes dog safety tips from expert Jennifer Shyrock.
- Walking Through Fire to Save 65 Horses
During the August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fires, 65 horses were safely evacuated from Tamara Boole’s Covered Bridge Equestrian Center in Felton, California, with help from local ranchers and advice from vet Dr. Lais Costa on animal evac…
- Mountain of Mud Buries Motorists
Motorists Gabe Rosescu and Sheri Niemegeers recount their harrowing experience of being trapped in a mudslide. Mary Ann Adams of OnStar provides guidance on recognizing hazardous road conditions and safety measures during emergencies like…
- R U OK? Virtual Friend Saves Gamer’s Life
A gamer named Aidan Jackson suffered a seizure while alone in England. Another gamer, Raven Wolvesbane, located in Texas, recognized the medical emergency and contacted First Responders to assist Aidan. The episode also features psychologi…
- 12 Hours Trapped In Quicksand
Ryan Osmun and his girlfriend were trapped in quicksand while hiking, requiring a rescue. Faris Ali from Bay Search & Rescue provides information on identifying quicksand and rescue techniques.
- Trapped by Fire, He Texts Goodbye
Robert Craig shares his harrowing experience of being trapped by wildfires in the Rocky Mountains and his unexpected rescue. Tony Briggs from the American Red Cross offers guidance on wildfire safety, preparation, and evacuation procedures.
- They Nearly Drowned, Then Fell in Love
Nupur Gupta survived a dangerous ocean swim and found love. Dr. Denise Marigold explains how chance meetings in emergencies can lead to relationships and offers advice for couples facing challenges.
- With Floodwaters Rising, Help Swoops In
After a flash flood swept Debra Ashton away, she was rescued by helicopter pilot Joel Boyers. Jennifer Pipa from the American Red Cross provides guidance on flood preparedness, essential items for a go-bag, and actions to take during and a…
- A Helping Hand When a Winter Road Trip Goes Awry
This episode details a family's difficult winter road trip to Alaska during COVID-19 and features advice on winter driving safety from instructor Wesley Irek.
- A Mother’s Intuition Leads to Rescue
The episode features Katharina Gröne's solo 2,650-mile hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and her rescue, aided by a mother's intuition. Cheri Higman of Seattle Mountain Rescue discusses PCT hiking challenges and safety tips.
- A New Kidney & A Big Surprise
This episode shares the story of a police officer whose life was saved by a stranger connected to his past. Dr. Naomi Grant, a social psychologist, joins to discuss the psychological effects of significantly helping someone and the mental…
- An Epic Journey Proves Too Painful
Jill Brown shares her arduous cross-country paddling trip, detailing the physical dangers and personal challenges she faced. The episode also features psychologist Dr. Cratissa Schley discussing the psychology of altruism and how to prepar…