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Trapped by Fire, He Texts Goodbye Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Driving through the Rocky Mountains usually means spectacular views and up-close encounters with wildlife. But on the wrong stretch of road at the wrong time of year, it can also mean coming face-to-face with deadly wildfires. Robert Craig found himself trapped by flames and didn’t think he would escape — until, suddenly, a stranger arrived.

We also speak to Tony Briggs, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central California Region. Tony discusses what to do if you find yourself caught in a wildfire, how to prepare yourself and your home in case you must evacuate, and what should be in a go bag.

The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

They Nearly Drowned, Then Fell in Love Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Nupur Gupta was enjoying a swim in the ocean after a day at a yoga retreat. But the waves, current and setting sun all added up to a dangerous situation. This episode features a story that will warm the heart of even the most cynical listener: It’s not just about survival, but also about true love across continents.

We also speak to Dr. Denise Marigold, associate professor and chair of Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada, about how a chance meeting in an emergency may help spark a relationship. Dr. Marigold also offers advice about how couples can navigate challenging situations, such as natural disasters or financial ruin.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

With Floodwaters Rising, Help Swoops In Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

When Debra Ashton’s community was hit by a flash flood, her first step was to check on her senior tenant next door. When she came back outside, floodwaters were raging and her street had become a river. Debra ended up in the water and was swept away several blocks, praying she would make it out alive. Those prayers were answered when a helicopter pilot named Joel Boyers got a frantic phone call asking for help. The weather was far from ideal, but Joel felt he needed to help.

We also speak with Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs at the American Red Cross, about how to prepare for flooding if you’re in a flood-prone region. Jennifer also talks about what you should have in your “go bag,” plus what to do during and immediately following a flood.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A Helping Hand When a Winter Road Trip Goes Awry Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

When her husband was stationed in Alaska, one woman had to relocate her family from Georgia. It was a long drive across a foreign country, made worse by travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays meant the family left later than expected, which put them right in the middle of the Canadian winter, driving their truck and towing a rented trailer with all their possessions through snow and ice. When it got to be too much, a stranger — who is also in the military — stepped in to help his own in the most incredible way.

We also speak to Wesley Irek, a lead instructor at the Road America racing circuit, where he teaches a number of high-performance driving classes, including winter driving. Wesley discusses safe winter driving techniques and provides tips on what to do if you’re caught in a blizzard or hit black ice.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A Mother’s Intuition Leads to Rescue Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

A German hiker has a dream of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, from the Mexico border to the Canada border. All 2,650 miles, alone. Katharina Gröne, aka City Girl, met numerous hikers along her journey, and made great memories. But quitting wasn’t in her vocabulary, and even though several people suggested it was too late in the season to continue, she kept going until she couldn’t go any farther. But, thanks to a mother’s intuition, Katharina lived to hike another trail.

We also speak to Cheri Higman, chairperson of Seattle Mountain Rescue, about the challenges faced by those hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheri also shares tips on how to stay safe on a day-long or multi-day hike.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

A New Kidney & A Big Surprise Dec 13, 2021

Show notes

We all interact with people in our day-to-day lives that we never expect to meet again: a clerk at the mall, a bus driver or the person sitting next to you on an airplane. But what if one of those strangers turned out to be the most important person in your life? This is the story of how someone from a police officer’s past ended up saving his life.

We also speak to Dr. Naomi Grant, professor of social psychology at Mount Royal University. Dr. Grant talks about the psychological impact of helping a stranger in such an enormous way, as well as how helping others, even in small ways, can benefit our own mental health.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

An Epic Journey Proves Too Painful Nov 29, 2021

Show notes

Jill Brown sets ambitious goals for herself. For example, one summer she decided she would paddle across the country from Oregon to Florida. Along the way she faced physical dangers such as rapids, broken bones and rattlesnakes, but also deep personal challenges such as hunger and loneliness. Just when Jill was at her limit, a chance encounter changed the path of her journey.

We also speak to Dr. Cratissa Schley, a clinical psychologist at Deeply Rooted Psychological Services, about why people help others in crisis situations. Dr. Schley explores why a stranger would go above and beyond in helping someone they didn’t know — not just offering shelter but also becoming a trusted confidant — and provides suggestions about how anyone can mentally prepare ahead of time for a trip and overcome challenges on the road.

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

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