Lived to Tell
Hosted by Caitlin Van Mol, this podcast features stories of people who have survived harrowing experiences and lived to tell the tale. Each episode shares firsthand accounts of overcoming life-threatening situations.
Episodes
S3 Ep21: Kayleigh Bonus Episode
This episode is more from my interview with Kayleigh. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, go listen to that first.Kayleigh's Instagram: @knfecrimekayKayleigh's TikTok: @knfecrimekayShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep20: Kayleigh - "There Was Not a Single Chance I Was Coming Out of This"
17-year-old Kayleigh White was walking to her best friend's house when she crossed paths with a strange man with a knife. What happened next would completely change the course of her life. Kayleigh's Instagram: @knfecrimekayKayleigh's TikTok: @knfecrimekayShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep19: Phil - "I Could Just Feel This Bone Snap"
Phil White was hiking in the Grand Tetons with his two friends when they heard a strange rumbling sound. Phil got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and it would change his life forever.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep18: Carlesha - "I Can Tell You One Thing, She's a Fighter"
Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was walking home and was snatched off the street by a man. Carlesha's quick thinking in the moment and throughout her abduction helped investigators find her before it was too late. To speak to someone at RAINN, call 1-800-656-4673. You can also live chat with someone at rainn.org. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @cait
S3 Ep17: Carla - "I Pictured My Parents Getting the Call That I Was Murdered"
Carla Reading was trying to be safe by calling a ride share to take her home after a night out. Her driver had other plans.Learn more about PAVE - survivors.orgTo speak to someone at RAINN, call 1-800-656-4673. You can also live chat with someone at RAINN.org. Carla's Instagram: @the.carla.filesShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolema
S3 Ep16: Bill - "This is Not Good, This Might Be the End"
Bill Durden went out in the Gulf of Mexico on the first day of grouper season in 2016. He was out there alone, and when reeling in a big catch, he fell off his boat. The boat drove away, leaving Bill to swim 20 hours for rescue.The Charles Schwab Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRNoKuIueM0A very good article about his ordeal, with photos: https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/news/a45615/bil
S3 Ep14: Gina - "Let My Kids Forgive Me for Dying in This Place"
Gina Russo was out with her boyfriend Fred, listening to live music at The Station Nightclub when a fire broke out at the bar. Gina made it out but was severely burned, and 100 people lost their lives. https://www.thestationfirememorialfoundation.org/Gina's Facebook: facebook.com/gina.russo.336Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail
S3 Ep13: Dave - "Bones Really Are White"
Dave Pearson was out for a surf like any other day when, out of nowhere, a shark came out of the water and bit his left arm. Doctors were able to not only save his life, but they also saved his arm from amputation. Dave went on to create a support group for bite survivors called Bite Club.Dave's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.pearson.16Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedT
S3 Ep12: Jessica - "I Believed We Were Going to Be Executed"
Jessica Buchanan was working in Somalia in 2011 when she and her colleague were kidnapped and ransomed. After 93 days of being held captive, they were rescued by SEAL Team 6. In this episode, we talk about her captivity, identity, motherhood, and purpose. Buy Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team SixBuy How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turnin
S3 Ep11: Chris - "Are We IN The Volcano Right Now?"
While working as a camera assistant on a large film production, Chris Duddy joined a crew tasked with filming aerial shots of Hawaiʻi’s Kīlauea Volcano. The assignment took a dramatic turn when their helicopter crashed, stranding the team inside the volcano for days as they waited for rescue.Chris's Instagram: @christopherjonduddyChris's Website: https://christopherduddy.com/Show Instagram: @Live
S3 Ep10: Heather - "I Couldn't Move Any of My Body"
Heather Grossman's ex-husband told her that if she ever left him, he would kill her. He tried, but failed, to deliver on that promise, leaving Heather paralyzed from the neck down. Heather's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/paralyzed-in-paradiseHeather's Book: https://a.co/d/0a4FFCvIHeather's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.grossman.2025Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok:
S3 Ep9: Dan Part Two - "I'm Going to Survive This"
This episode is part two of Dan's story. If you haven't listened to part one, go back and listen to that episode first.Dan was blinded by a bear and now has to figure out how to live a full life without his sight.Buy Dan's Book: Beyond the BearDan's FacebookDan's Website: http://danbigley.com/family/Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol
S3 Ep8: Dan Part One - "She Turned Her Head Sideways, Bit Down Across My Face, and Chewed"
Dan Bigley was wrapping up a long day of fishing when he inadvertently got on the wrong side of a mama bear. This encounter would alter the way he moved in the world permanently.Buy Dan's Book: Beyond the BearDan's Facebook Dan's Website: http://danbigley.com/family/Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep7: Vernetta - "He Told Me, 'I Killed Her'"
Vernetta Cockerham did everything she could to protect herself from her estranged husband, Richard. But probation, an order of protection, and an active warrant didn't stop him from bringing Vernetta's nightmares to life.
S3 Ep6: A Hit on Travis Tritt
Today, I present to you what was initially a Patreon bonus episode. I may incorporate this format into the regular feed going forward, but let me know if you like this or not. But do not worry - this would not replace the regular interview episodes! Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep5: James - "I Just Remember Thinking, 'I’m Dead'"
James stopped to help a stranded car on an icy overpass. While on the phone with 911, trying to get help, a truck slipped on the ice and hit James, throwing him over the side of the bridge. His rehab and recovery journey spanned years, with some permanent injuries. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep4: Natasha - "They Made Them Kneel Down and Shot Them in the Back of the Head"
Natasha Aeriel recounts the 2007 Newark schoolyard shootings, where her brother and two friends were murdered. Natasha survived several stabbings and a gunshot to the face, barely. She reflects on grief, forgiveness, and rebuilding her life, ultimately finding purpose in youth outreach and community empowerment. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @
S3 Ep3: Nicholas - "I Didn’t Know He Had a Knife in His Hand Until It Was in My Left Lung"
Nicholas Iwamoto went on a hike to test his physical abilities, but he would end up being tested beyond his worst nightmares. Nicholas's FacebookNicholas's InstagramShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S3 Ep2: Christy - "I Knew He Was Going to Kill Me"
Christy Salters Martin was a trailblazer in women's boxing, but her husband/trainer Jim Martin kept her in his complete control. This went on for years until Christy decided she'd had enough.Christy's book, "Fighting for Survival: My Journey through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder, and Resurrection," is available here."Christy," starring Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Merritt Wever, and Chad L. Coleman,
S3 Ep1: Paul - "The Bullet Bounced off My Head"
Paul Rousseau was accidentally shot in the head by his best friend. What happened after would change Paul's life forever. Paul's book, "Friendly Fire: A Fractured Memoir," is available here or in audiobook here.Paul's Instagram: @paulwrites47Paul's website: paul-rousseau.com Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmai
S3: Announcement - Season 3 & Patreon!
Season 3 coming October 22! Patreon available now at Patreon.com/livedtotell!
S1 Ep35: Improved Audio - Vivian - "I Looked Behind Me and Saw the Wolves"
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience! Vivian Mayo and her husband, Scott were experienced campers in Alaska. But one trip up to their camp in Monahan Flats was anything but typical. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedto
S1 Ep34: Improved Audio - Sheri - "I Could See the Bone Sticking Out of My Face"
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience!While on vacation in Hawaii, Sheri was brutally attacked when out for a run. She struggled with PTSD for years, but the attack inspired her into activism.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail:
S1 Ep33: Improved Audio - Peter - "Read my lips: F. B. I."
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience!Peter Brandt trusted his contractor enough to let him temporarily stay in his home. But when Peter threatened to call the police over a missing video camera, the contractor brutally attacked him.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast
S1 Ep32: Improved Audio - Julia - "Why Is My Arm Not Moving?"
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience!Julia Kwamya was thrown from a cab in 2019, severing her foot and fracturing her spine. Her spinal injury caused her to lose the use of her right arm and Julia was up against the clock to get it addressed before the damage became permanent.You can hear Julia
S1 Ep31: Improved Audio - Johan - "The First Things I See Are Teeth and Claws"
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience!Johan Otter and his daughter, Jenna are attacked by a bear in Glacier National Park in 2005. He would have to spend three months in a medical halo for his spinal injuries but was determined to run a marathon less than a year after the attack.You can find J
S1 Ep30: Improved Audio - Melissa - "He said, 'You're Worth Going to Prison For'"
While the show is on hiatus, I'm re-releasing some episodes with better audio quality. Hopefully, these will be a better listening experience! Melissa Benson finally broke it off with her abusive ex-boyfriend, LaShawn King. But when he tells her he's leaving town for good, she meets up with him one last time. What should have been a 5-minute goodbye ends up being a horrifying night kidnapped in
S1: Announcement/Appology
Hey everyone! I've been down for the count for two weeks at this point and have not been able to finish today's episode.
S1 Ep29: Bryon - "I Was Paralyzed and the Pain Was So Intense"
Bryon Jones was out spending a day with his dog, Buddy, when a storm that seemed miles away literally struck Bryon. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep28: Tamecka - "Did You Just Say I Had a Pair of Scissors in My Head?"
In the early hours of 1996, Tamecka was coming home from celebrating the New Year. An act of kindness for a neighbor turned into a bloody New Year's Day.Check out Tamecka's Book: https://www.tameckafrazier.com/bookTamecka's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tameckafrazier?_rdrShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gm
S1 Ep27: Dave Part Two - "Give Me the Knife Right Now"
Part Two of David's story. If you haven't listened to part one, "Dave Part One - "Darkness Falls Quick in the Forest," go listen to that first. Dave and Crystal have been lost in the Amazon Rainforest for six days. Crystal's feet have been rubbed raw from her boots, and she can barely walk. If they can't walk, they have no hope of survival. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTe
S1 Ep26: David Part One - "Darkness Falls Quick in the Rainforest”
David Boyer and his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Crystal, take their dream vacation to the Amazon Rainforest. But a misunderstood map and a confusingly marked trail led them to get lost in one of the most remote places on earth. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep25: Angela - "You're Lucky You're a Fighter"
Angela Champange-From was leaving work one day when a man attacked her in the parking garage. But he got more than he bargained for with Angela. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep24: Tom - "Soaked in Aviation Fuel Burning Alive"
In 2008, Tom Wilson, six of his coworkers, and a pilot took off from Vancouver in a small floatplane. Tom would be the only one who would make it home. More about Tom:https://www.momentsofimpact.online/https://www.facebook.com/momentsofimpactbytomwilsonShow Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep23: Julie - "This Dude Just Stabbed Me"
Julie Carlson was enjoying a night home alone when a man burst through her back patio door. Later, she learned she was the 19th victim of a serial rapist plaguing the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the past 2 years. But Julie's quick thinking during her attack would put him away for the rest of his life. Julie's Instagram: @jujusamuraicreationsThis episode also contains descriptions of sexual assau
S1 Ep22: Kenn - “There Was Blood All Over the Wall, There Was Blood All Over the Ceiling”
Manager Kenn Perrier and his team at an assisted living facility were trying to move resident Linda into a different housing situation better suited to her needs. But Linda was NOT going to go quietly. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep21: Audra - "This Is an Awful Way To Die"
Audra Dillon was finally going to be with the man of her dreams after circling each other for many years. But trying to help a woman in distress would end that dream for good. This episode contains mentions of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinv
S1 Ep20: Anne - "I Felt Fire Going Through My Body"
After several unsuccessful relationships, Anne decided to give an old boyfriend another chance. But that would prove to be a near-fatal mistake. This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800.799.SAFE or 1-800-799-7233. You can also find resources at thehotline.org.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @Liv
S1 Ep19: Lana - "You're About to Feel the Most Pain You've Ever Felt in Your Life"
Lana Hudspeth had a terrible 2005. Within a span of months, she was drugged and raped, and in a rollover car accident that ended with her getting hit by a freight train. This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800.799.SAFE or 1-800-799-7233. You can also find resources at thehotline.org.This episode also cont
S1 Ep18: Ronny - "Is This Really How I'm Going to Die?"
Ronny Ahmed was shot by an active shooter on the Florida State University campus in 2014. He was immediately paralyzed and had to figure out how to live a whole new life. This episode contains mentions of suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol
S1 Ep17: Elaine - "We Both Lunged for the Knife"
Elaine Winn was happily married and pregnant with their first child when her husband randomly attacked her. This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800.799.SAFE or 1-800-799-7233. You can also find resources at thehotline.org.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @c
S1 Ep16: Vivian - "I Looked Behind Me and Saw the Wolves"
Vivian Mayo and her husband, Scott were experienced campers in Alaska. But one trip up to their camp in Monahan Flats was anything but typical. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep16: Season 2 - Coming December 4th
We're back! I mean, I'm back. It's back? Season two of Lived to Tell starts Wednesday, December 4th. Subscribe now so you don't miss anything!
S1: Announcement!
I'll be back as soon as I can! If you have any feedback on the show, you can email livedtotellpod@gmail.com. Thanks!
S1 Ep15: Paul - "I’m up to My Waist Down a Hippo's Throat"
Paul Templer was an experienced river guide working on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe when an aggressive hippopotamus attacked him. Paul's first book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16704719-what-s-left-of-mePaul's second book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/marked-for-life-finding-grace-and-grit-where-you-least-expect-it/18954965?ean=9781955047494&next=t
S1 Ep14: Peter - "Read my lips: F. B. I."
Peter Brandt trusted his contractor enough to let him temporarily stay in his home. But when Peter threatened to call the police over a missing video camera, the contractor brutally attacked him. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep13: Jay - "He Put the Gun Right to My Temple"
Jay Wilson was just trying to help a friend when a stranger started shooting him, seemingly at random. Follow Jay:Instagram: @524movement Facebook: facebook.com/524bookWebsite: www.524book.com/Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep12: Monique - "Dead People Don't Shiver"
Monique Faison Ross and her husband Chris were high school sweethearts who got married when Monique got pregnant. The relationship was bad from the start but she couldn't have predicted just how dangerous Chris would be.
S1 Ep11: Joe - "If I Was Going To Die, I Was Going To Die Fighting"
Joe Lozito was minding his business on his morning commute to work when two cops and a man with a knife entered his subway car. What happened next would have shocking physical and legal consequences for years.
S1 Ep10: Craig - "All I See is Just Bright, Red, Bubbly Water Right Under Me"
Craig Hutto was fishing off the beach in Florida when he was attacked by a shark. His brother fought off the shark but the damage was so bad, Craig had to have his leg amputated.
S1 Ep7: Heather - "The Most Peace I've Ever Been with Death"
Heather Gladden was on a cruise with her husband when a zip-lining excursion went horribly wrong. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep9: Christian - "It Felt Like King Kong Had Struck Me in the Head"
13-year-old Christian Kimbrough begged his mom to sleep over at his best friend CJ's house. She allowed it, thinking he'd be safe in a home he had stayed at many times before. But CJ's family had another houseguest who decided to play Russian Roulette with Christian's life.In this episode, we used an alias for Christian's friend that we're calling CJ. Christian's socials-Facebook: https://www.f
S1 Ep8: Melissa - "He said, 'You're Worth Going to Prison For'"
Melissa Benson finally broke it off with her abusive ex-boyfriend, LaShawn King. But when he tells her he's leaving town for good, she meets up with him one last time. What should have been a 5-minute goodbye ends up being a horrifying night kidnapped in her own van.
S1 Ep6: Anthony - "My Daddy Killed Me"
Anthony Sukto was attacked by his father when he was just 8 years old. Almost 20 years later, Anthony has forgiven his father and made contact with him.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep5: Sheri - "I Could See the Bone Sticking Out of My Face"
While on vacation in Hawaii, Sheri was brutally attacked when out for a run. She struggled with PTSD for years, but the attack inspired her into activism.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep4: Keith - "PY879"
Keith Smith was abducted by a stranger in 1974. While he managed to escape, that day would change him for the rest of his life. His book, "Men in My Town," is available wherever books are sold. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep3: Johan - "The First Things I See Are Teeth and Claws"
Johan Otter and his daughter, Jenna are attacked by a bear in Glacier National Park in 2005. He would have to spend three months in a medical halo for his spinal injuries but was determined to run a marathon less than a year after the attack. You can find Johan's book, "A Grizzly Tale, A Father and Daughter Survival Story" here.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitli
S1 Ep2: Julia - "Why Is My Arm Not Moving?"
Julia Kwamya was thrown from a cab in 2019, severing her foot and fracturing her spine. Her spinal injury caused her to lose the use of her right arm and Julia was up against the clock to get it addressed before the damage became permanent.You can hear Julia's new single, "Say Yes" on Spotify or Bandcamp. You can follow her on instagram @JuliaKwamya.Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @Li
S1 Ep1: Donna - “He Had Taken the Knife and Just Punched It Directly Into My Chest”
Donna Ongsiako was attacked in her home by a teen boy in 2013. She tells the story of how he stabbed her multiple times and left her for dead. She went on to start a peer support group called Survivors of Violent Crimes for people in her area. You can learn more at www.survivorsofviolentcrimes.org. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastTikTok: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmo
S1: Lived to Tell - Coming February 28
Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcastCaitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmolemail: livedtotellpod@gmail.com
S1 Ep1: Welcome to Lived to Tell
Coming soon!
