The “I Survived” podcast from A&E has become a gripping staple for anyone who enjoys true survival stories that are equal parts harrowing and inspiring, or for those of us who just need a reminder that our bad days could be significantly worse. With hundreds of episodes featuring real people recounting their brushes with death, from natural disasters to animal attacks to human threats, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Some episodes hit harder than others, whether because of the sheer improbability of survival, the resilience of the storyteller, or the nail-biting tension that keeps you glued to your headphones even when you’re mentally screaming at someone’s questionable decision-making. I’ve waded through countless tales of terror and triumph to bring you the absolute best episodes this podcast has to offer.
His Eyes Were Black
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Lynda remains in recovery from a challenging marital separation when she encounters a man through online platforms. Their romantic connection quickly diminishes, but when he contacts Lynda requesting urgent assistance, she becomes ensnared in his scheme.
I Saw Half The House Just Collapse
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Mike tries to safeguard his grandparents’ residence during Hurricane Sandy. As the structure crumbles, he attempts escape but gets pulled into the bay by strong currents. Chris serves aboard the HMS Bounty, which departs seeking safer waters during Hurricane Sandy. After abandoning the vessel, Chris and others face overturning on a life raft in turbulent seas. Neza and her family shelter during Hurricane Sandy when their home ignites from exploding power lines.
The Only Light Inside the Plane was Fire
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Three individuals who survived UA Flight 232 recount the harrowing experiences before and following one of the nation’s most catastrophic aviation incidents. A young woman experiences a brutal attack by two men near her residence.
I Was Drowning and I Never Thought I’d Make It Out
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Experienced climber Singer and three partners are captured by rebels during a Kyrgyzstan expedition. Following an execution, the group seeks escape. Romina and John vacation in Thailand during Christmas when a tsunami strikes, separating them and destroying the area.
I’m Gonna Risk My Life
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A retail employee feigns death to evade her kidnapper. An endurance competitor confronts her most demanding trial after plummeting 60 feet in an isolated canyon. Two parents risk their safety defending their children during a break-in at their residence.
I Couldn’t Understand What Was Bringing My Neighbor To Do This To Me
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Debbie is abducted and held captive by a man who murdered her husband. Christine and Heidi visit Greece when their ferry crashes on rocks, forcing evacuation. Jim suffers a knife attack from his crack-addicted neighbor.
I Could Feel Snow All Around Me
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Teri’s former spouse assaults her in a fit of jealous fury and abandons her to perish, trapped inside a snow-filled garbage container. Throughout 27 frigid hours, Teri forces herself to survive for the sake of her children.
I Did Not Allow Myself To Consider The Probable Outcome
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Danielle is shot by a 14-year-old male after hesitantly agreeing to transport him. Amy is hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains when she plunges from a 60-foot cliff, fracturing her legs. While mooring at a Mexican marina, an unknown individual boards Mark’s vessel and viciously attacks him with a knife.
Shut That Door Again or You Don’t Survive
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Two students and one faculty member from Virginia Tech University survive the campus massacre on April 16, 2007. A Minneapolis school bus carrying 52 children falls 45 feet during a bridge collapse in August 2007.
I’m Dying Today, This is My Last Day on Earth
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A special feature examines three remarkable accounts of individuals who clinically died and were revived. Deb’s heart ceases functioning moments after giving birth to her second baby. Michaela sustains critical injuries in a fatal vehicle collision. Steve is stabbed by his schizophrenic sibling who has discontinued his medication.
Read our review of I Survived