This is a taster episode from our sister show, Short History Of… which is also hosted by John Hopkins.
Daniel Defoe’s 1719 novel Robinson Crusoe is one of the most widely published books in history. This story of a man stranded alone on an island is said to be second only to the Bible in its number of translations. But who was Defoe’s inspiration for creati ... Show More
Jul 8
Seaplane Crash: Flipped Upside Down
In May 2025, a hardworking Dutch couple book an extended holiday to Canada. Désirée and Marko Kruithof hope to reconnect and take some time to plan the next phase of their lives, now their children have left home. But all plans are thrown out the window when, just days into their ... Show More
50m 5s
Jul 1
Apex Predator: Stalked by a Wild Beast
A young park ranger wakes up late, skips his chores, and heads out for an invigorating hike instead. It will prove a monumentally fateful decision. On the forested slopes of Carpenter’s Peak, Andy Peterson is stalked then attacked by a nimble and lightning-quick apex predator int ... Show More
51m 32s
Apr 2011
Alexander Selkirk: Who was the real Robinson Crusoe?
<p>In 1695, Alexander Selkirk ran away and joined a band of buccaneers. In 1704, after a fight with his captain, Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island about 400 miles west of Valparaiso. Tune in to learn more about the real-life Robinson Crusoe.</p><p> </p> Learn more a ... Show More
27m 53s
Oct 2024
Introducing: Real Survival Stories - Tsunami in Sri Lanka
This is a taster episode from our sister show, Real Survival Stories. Hosted by our very own John Hopkins, the show brings you astonishing tales of ordinary people thrust into extraordinary survival situations.
In this episode, we meet Pat and Pete Etheridge. One tranquil day on ... Show More
51m 41s
Aug 2023
Deserted Island: Two More Books for a Stranded Podcast Host
Reading material is essential for anyone headed to a deserted island. Today, the retired host of Renewing Your Mind, Lee Webb, continues a discussion with Stephen Nichols about which books he would bring with him to a deserted island. Read the transcript: https://www.5minutesinch ... Show More
5 m
Sep 2020
SYMHC Classics: Alexander Selkirk
In this 2011 episode, prior hosts Sarah and Deblina talk about privateer Alexander Selkirk, who became a buccaneer in 1695. In 1704, after a fight with his captain, Selkirk was put ashore on an uninhabited island about 400 miles west of Valparaiso. Learn more about your ad-choic ... Show More
28m 23s