logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
2h 20m

From Rookie Cop to 9/11 Hero: Will Jimen...

Jon Bernthal
About this episode

Jon Bernthal speaks with Will Jimeno, a former Port Authority police officer who survived being trapped for 13 hours under the World Trade Center rubble on September 11, 2001. Jimeno shares his extraordinary story of survival, his challenging journey of physical and emotional recovery, and how he found purpose in the aftermath of tragedy.

Key topics include:

  • Will's experience as a rookie cop on 9/11
  • The collapse of the towers and 13 hours trapped underground
  • The rescue operation and Will's last radio call
  • Battling PTSD and the long road to recovery
  • Finding meaning and helping others after trauma
  • Lessons on resilience, hope, and the human spirit

This episode contains discussions of traumatic events which some listeners may find distressing.

Support Real Ones and join the community on Patreon-- https://www.patreon.com/realones

Up next
Jul 2024
From Gangs to Growth: Father Greg Boyle on Healing and Hope in a first look of RESILIENCE with Richard Cabral
Join Richard Cabral as he sits down with Father Greg Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries, in this inspiring episode of RESILIENCE. Explore the transformative journey from gang life to community leadership, and discover how healing-centered approaches are changing lives. Father G ... Show More
59m 11s
Dec 2024
Sir Byron Rodgers: 'A Warrior Without a War is Soulless'
Former Marine and elite protection specialist Sir Byron Rodgers joins Jon to discuss his remarkable journey from surviving multiple IED explosions in Iraq to becoming one of the most respected figures in executive protection. Byron shares the near-death experience that transforme ... Show More
2h 11m
Nov 2024
Agent Zero: Gilbert Arenas
NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas sits down with Jon for an honest conversation about his journey from second-round pick to NBA superstar. Arenas shares stories about his father's influence, the mental toughness that drove his success, and his unique perspective on leadership in sports ... Show More
2h 16m
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
Ep 208 | Katurah Topps | Civil Rights Lawyer, Motivational Speaker, and Fan Favorite on Survivor 45
The Lawyer Stories Podcast Episode 208 features Katurah Topps, a NYC civil rights lawyer and motivational speaker, most recently known for her appearance on CBS’ Hit Reality TV Show “SURVIVOR,” season 45. While on Survivor, Katurah revealed that she spent her childhood raised in ... Show More
1h 37m
May 2019
"Careful What You Wish For" Season 2 Episode 17 '9-1-1' Review
Hosts Porchia Carter and Courtney Allen discuss Chim’s promotion, Bobby’s therapy moments and Eddie’s tragedy. Tune in for more!  Join us as we break down Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear's new first responder drama masterpiece! Every week on the 911 AFTERBUZZ TV AFTER S ... Show More
47m 28s
Sep 2024
What if you were on the 68th floor? [Rebroadcast #203]
A Port Authority employee narrowly escapes from the 68th floor after a plane hits the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, but the most devastating impact comes from the psychological wounds that haunt her life for decades after. Today's episode featured Kayla Bergeron. In ... Show More
50m 34s
Jan 2023
The World Trade Center | 1
February 26, 1993. Stockbroker Tim Lang parks his car beneath the Twin Towers, and a bomb explodes. Rookie emergency services officer Cory Cuneo carries Lang to safety. Bomb-maker Ramzi Yousef is disappointed the towers did not fall.Operation: Tradebom is an Apple Original podcas ... Show More
22m 42s
Jan 2023
Introducing Operation: Tradebom
Everybody remembers the morning of September 11, 2001, when two passenger jets flew into the World Trade Center in downtown Manhattan. But the idea of toppling the towers was not new. Thirty years ago, a group of men set off a bomb in the garage beneath the North Tower, hoping it ... Show More
1m 35s
Sep 2023
#184 How Storytelling Saves Lives with Kevin Hines
Today's episode has such a special guest, Kevin Hines is a world renowned speaker, advocate, and author. When Kevin was 19 he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge and survived and used his experience and story to help other people ever since. We talk a lot about the validation o ... Show More
45m 38s
Sep 2024
9/11: Rescue on the Water (Replay)
HISTORY This Week returns with new episodes starting September 16th! In the meantime, listen to a favorite classic from the archives. September 11, 2001. On a clear and sunny day, Captain Richard Thornton is piloting his ferry boat back and forth between New Jersey and New York C ... Show More
34m 7s
Mar 2025
241 | Advanced - Short Story: The Soldier's Return [English Listening Practice]
Title: The Soldier's ReturnLevel: Advanced (C)Story :Jack, an American soldier, returns home after years of war, greeted by his family and community with pride and admiration. The town views him as a hero, but inside, Jack feels disconnected from the world around him. As he tries ... Show More
6m 54s
Jun 17
Experiencing the world through my senses, by Fred Minnick
When Fred Minnick returns from his military service as a photographer documenting the war in Iraq, he finds himself haunted by what he saw through the lens of his camera. Trauma, as a result of the battlefield and his childhood, holds a grip on him until a bag of barbecue potato ... Show More
38m 54s
Jan 2024
The Landlord - Yung Spielberg
Dive into riveting tales and raw realities of U.S prison life in this captivating episode of "Stranger Fruit Podcast". Explore the fierce prison hierarchies, racial tensions, challenging survival strategies, and the legacy of revolutionary figures like George Jackson. Understand ... Show More
39m 55s