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Real Survival Stories

NOISER
Survival
Hypothermia
Canada
Survival Stories
California
Mountaineering
Search and Rescue
Tsunami
Trauma
Colombia
Avalanche
North Sea
Zambezi River
Sri Lanka
Sierra Nevada
Superior National Forest
Wildfire
Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster
Oakland Firestorm
Grizzly Bear

True stories of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary survival situations. Stranded in the desert. Lost in the jungle. Marooned in the mountains. Shipwrecked on the high seas. You'll hear from individuals who had everything against them. But even then, they refused to give in… Hosted by John Hopkins. New episodes Thursdays. Get every episode a week early and ad-free with Noiser+. Click the ban... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes170Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySportsWilderness

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Artwork for Real Survival Stories

Latest Episodes

It’s August 1981. On a lazy Sunday, an impromptu sailboat trip around the coastal waters of Volusia County, Florida seems the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine. But then things start to unravel. One small setback becomes a series of disasters, leavin... more

In 2008, James Osborne sets out on his first winter hike, guided by his friend and colleague, Fred. But a combination of bad luck and bad judgement means a simple day trip in New Hampshire’s White Mountains snowballs into a desperate battle against t... more

A perfect spring morning in the English countryside becomes something else entirely. High above the patchwork quilt of green and golden-brown fields a balloon glides through the air. Safely ensconced inside its basket, little does Rebecca Hay know th... more

Les Morlang is a mechanic at a gold mine in the mountains of Colorado. In November 1985, he’s racing to complete some essential construction work before a blizzard rolls in. But he and his colleague Jack will be caught off guard. As a devastating nat... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Tami Ennis
21-year-old waitress from Daytona Beach who survived a shark attack and long ocean swim
Survivor of the 1981 Florida incident
Episode: Seven-Hour Swim: Real-Life Jaws
James Osborne
Outdoor sports enthusiast, 36, survivor
Self/Survivor
Episode: Winter Storm: Two Friends in a Swirling Vortex
Fred Fredrickson
55-year-old companion, veteran four-seasons hiker
Self/Survivor
Episode: Winter Storm: Two Friends in a Swirling Vortex
Rebecca Hay
Private hot air balloon passenger who survived the 2016 accident in England
None specified
Episode: Electrocuted in a Hot Air Balloon
Les Morlang
31-year-old mine mechanic and equipment operator who survived a massive avalanche in 1985
Bessie G mine, La Plata County, Colorado
Episode: Avalanche at the Mine: Buried Under a Machine
Jack Ritter
Veteran Colorado miner turned contractor; Les's colleague and partner at the Bessie G mine
Bessie G mine
Episode: Avalanche at the Mine: Buried Under a Machine
Désirée Kruithof
A survivor who was on the seaplane and narrates her experience
Survivor
Episode: Seaplane Crash: Flipped Upside Down
Marko Kruithof
Désirée's husband and fellow survivor who helped navigate the crash
Survivor
Episode: Seaplane Crash: Flipped Upside Down
Andy Peterson
Park Ranger, Roxborough State Park
Roxborough State Park
Episode: Apex Predator: Stalked by a Wild Beast

Host

John Hopkins
Host of Real Survival Stories, Noiser Podcast Network presence across multiple listings.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 7.2k ratings
  • Narrator is Awesome

    Great Podcast, great narrator! If you like survival stories, then this podcast will quickly become your favorite!

    Audible
    5
    SlimJames
    United States21 days ago
  • Great

    This is a great road trip pod at

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MagdaLip
    Australiaa month ago
  • Excellent podcast. Interesting, entertaining, educational...

    Podcast Addict
    5
    NewTom
    a month ago
  • Compelling stories

    These stories are well researched and documented. They are presented in a way that captures your interest. We look forward to the latest release every week.

    Audible
    5
    Steph
    United Statesa month ago
  • I've listened to every single episode, and I can't get enough. Each week they surprise me with yet another new tale. I've laughed, I've cried, I've reflected on hard parts of my life while listening to this wonderful host and their courageous guests tell all. It's a truly remarkable podcast, give it a listen.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Realsurvivor
    a month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many appreciate the host's clear, calm delivery and strong real-life context.
Feedback frequently highlights the range of diverse survivor and expert guests.
Listeners praise gripping narration and immersive storytelling that pulls you into the danger.
Some note high-quality production, though a few find certain episodes overly dramatized.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Eruption in the Andes: Veil of Ash
Q: What prompted you to evacuate instead of waiting out the ash storm?
We weighed the risks of staying versus leaving—sticky ash, potential pyroclastic flows, and dwindling water—and chose to act, because taking action gave us a chance to survive rather than waiting for an uncertain return.
One Earthquake, Then Another: Chaos on Mount Logan
Q: What lessons did you take away from this mountain experience?
I know mountains are very good teachers. I love to expose myself to certain risks because I know I can handle it.
Clinging to a Mast: Boat Going Down
Q: What thoughts went through your mind regarding fatherhood while you were stranded?
I looked forward to being with my child and was curious about their name and appearance instead of panicking about my situation.
Clinging to a Mast: Boat Going Down
Q: How did you cope with the physical pain after the accident?
I used meditation techniques and mindfulness learned from the Naval Academy to manage my mental state.
Clinging to a Mast: Boat Going Down
Q: What was your experience during the storm?
It was chaos as the winds reached 70 miles an hour and I was at the intersection of the most remote ocean stretch.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Real Survival Stories

What is Real Survival Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show curates real-life survival tales drawn from a wide array of extraordinary events, anchored by a steady narration that emphasizes the human element, resilience, and practical survival lessons. Across episodes, listeners encounter first-hand accounts from scientists, adventurers, explorers, and everyday people who faced life-threatening crises at sea, in deserts, mountains, and urban disaster sites, often paired with expert context and reflective takeaways. Notable is the consistent focus on the psychology of endurance, the dynamics of teamwork under pressure, and the evolving understanding of risk, decision-making, and safety in extreme environments. The format blends immersive storytelling with instructive insight, making it appea... more

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How many listeners does Real Survival Stories get?

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How many subscribers and views does Real Survival Stories have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Real Survival Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Real Survival Stories:

1. The CRUX: True Survival Stories
2. Against The Odds
3. Short History Of...
4. History Daily
5. Real Dictators

How many episodes of Real Survival Stories are there?

Real Survival Stories launched 3 years ago and published 170 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Real Survival Stories?

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What guests have appeared on Real Survival Stories?

Recent guests on Real Survival Stories include:

1. Tami Ennis
2. James Osborne
3. Fred Fredrickson
4. Rebecca Hay
5. Les Morlang
6. Jack Ritter
7. Désirée Kruithof
8. Marko Kruithof

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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