Dead or Survive

Rob and Cheryl Riches
  • 3.7 (3)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Some lived to tell the tale. Others weren’t so lucky. Dead or Survive dives into the most gripping true stories of human endurance — from savage animal attacks and chilling crimes to wilderness battles and near-death escapes. Each episode explores the razor-thin line between life and death, spotlighting those who made it out... and those who didn’t. Twisted fate, raw survival, and a dash of dark humour — because sometimes the line between brave and boneheaded is thinner than you think. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.

  1. 4.2 Trapped in the Dark: The Thai Cave Rescue + Darwin Awards & the Male Idiot Theory

    06/30/2025

    4.2 Trapped in the Dark: The Thai Cave Rescue + Darwin Awards & the Male Idiot Theory

    In this episode of Dead or Survive, Cheryl takes you deep into one of the most incredible survival stories of our time—the 2018 Thai cave rescue. Twelve boys and their soccer coach are trapped four kilometers underground as monsoon rains flood the cave behind them. For ten days, no one knows if they're alive. What follows is a global rescue effort involving divers, engineers, medics, monks, and one impossible plan that should never have worked... but did. You'll meet unsung heroes, brave kids, and a Buddhist coach who kept them calm in total darkness. Then Rob lightens the mood with a new Darwin Awards segment, complete with stats from the Male Idiot Theory and a tale of a cliff dive that went very, very wrong. 🍪 Snacks are forgotten. 😱 Oxygen runs low. 🙏 And somehow, humanity pulls off a miracle. 🎧 Follow, like, and send us YOUR survival stories. 🧠 And remember—common sense is the best survival tool.

    50 min
  2. 4.1 ARCTIC TERROR — and What NOT to Do with That Thing

    06/09/2025

    4.1 ARCTIC TERROR — and What NOT to Do with That Thing

    We’re back! Did you miss us? Because we’ve got an episode that’ll make you clutch your limbs and your pearls. Cheryl kicks things off with a chilling survival story straight from the Arctic — a terrifying polar bear attack that left victims fighting for their lives. It’s brutal, it’s real, and it’s exactly what we do best: people surviving the unthinkable. Then Rob… well, Rob brings the heat (and the cringe) with some of the most unfortunate Darwin Award winners yet. This time, it’s all about body parts, bad decisions, and a penis-themed parade of idiocy you truly have to hear to believe. 🐻 Polar bears, panic, and pure survival 🍆 Explosive Darwin moments with a heavy dose of “what were they thinking?” 🎧 Don’t worry — we’re back, and we brought the chaos

    34 min
  3. 3.5 ROOTED in RESISTANCE — A Tree, a Woman, and a Mission

    11/12/2023

    3.5 ROOTED in RESISTANCE — A Tree, a Woman, and a Mission

    This week on Dead or Survive, Cheryl shares the remarkable story of Julia Butterfly Hill, the environmental activist who lived in a redwood tree for over 700 days to save it from being cut down. Perched high above the ground on a small platform in a 1,500-year-old redwood named Luna, Julia endured brutal storms, loneliness, and threats — but never gave up. Her peaceful protest became a global symbol of environmental resistance and personal conviction. Then Rob swings in with Darwin Awards that prove fitness isn’t always healthy — especially when Johnny goes full beast mode with no plan and zero common sense. From ill-fated lifts to jogs that go very wrong, this week’s batch is more “ouch” than “gym gains.” 🌲 A peaceful protest in the treetops 🏋️ Dumbbells, dumb ideas, and Darwin-worthy cardio 🎧 Nature, grit, and a whole lot of why would you do that?

    52 min
  4. 3.4 8 YEARS UNDERGROUND — The Escape of Natascha Kampusch

    11/05/2023

    3.4 8 YEARS UNDERGROUND — The Escape of Natascha Kampusch

    This week on Dead or Survive, Cheryl shares the harrowing and inspiring story of Natascha Kampusch, the Austrian girl who was abducted at age 10 and held captive for over eight years in a hidden cellar. Subjected to intense psychological and physical abuse, Natascha’s survival — and eventual escape — is a powerful testament to resilience. Cheryl walks you through her disappearance, confinement, daring escape, and her life in the public eye after freedom. Then Rob brings the chaos with some of the most absurd Darwin Awards yet. These stories defy logic, stretch the imagination, and yes… somehow end with a motorcycle stealing the show. 🚪 Locked away, but never broken 🧠 A survivor’s will vs. her captor’s control 🏍️ And a final reminder: don’t be a Johnny

    42 min
  5. 3.3 FLASH FLOOD HELL — and COMMON SENSE GONE MISSING

    10/29/2023

    3.3 FLASH FLOOD HELL — and COMMON SENSE GONE MISSING

    On the night of July 31, 1976, a wall of water tore through Big Thompson Canyon in Colorado, triggered by an unexpected and devastating thunderstorm. The flood caught residents and tourists off guard, killing 144 people in one of the deadliest flash floods in U.S. history. But not everyone was lost. Cheryl tells the stories of those who faced the torrent and lived to tell the tale — stories of resilience, last-second choices, and unimaginable luck. Then Rob follows with his own brand of disasters — this time, caused entirely by human stupidity. From bad ideas to zero forethought, these Johnny stories are a crash course in what not to do when faced with danger… or a decision at all. 🌊 A flood that changed everything 💡 Survivors who ran, climbed, and refused to give up 🤦‍♂️ Johnny logic at its finest (and dumbest

    45 min
  6. 3.2 HE WAS ALREADY INSIDE — A Survivor’s Nightmare

    10/22/2023

    3.2 HE WAS ALREADY INSIDE — A Survivor’s Nightmare

    This week on Dead or Survive, Cheryl shares the chilling story of Tina Bowen, a young woman who survived an encounter with one of the most disturbing predators in modern true crime — Daniel LaPlante. Before becoming a convicted murderer, LaPlante was already breaking into homes, stalking his victims, and “phrogging” — hiding inside their houses for days at a time. Tina survived. Others weren’t as lucky. Then Rob follows with a chaotic collection of Darwin Award winners. This week’s theme: “It seemed like a good idea at the time…” From pranksters with zero foresight to burglars who clearly skipped planning class, these stories prove that bad decisions have explosive consequences. 🧠 A hidden intruder with deadly intent 🏠 Phrogging nightmares you’ll double-check your closets for 🫣 Dumb crooks, dumber plans, and Darwin on full blast

    46 min
  7. 3.1 BRAINWASHED or BAD GIRL? The TRIAL of the CENTURY

    10/15/2023

    3.1 BRAINWASHED or BAD GIRL? The TRIAL of the CENTURY

    This week on Dead or Survive, Cheryl unpacks the wild, head-spinning tale of Patty Hearst — the kidnapped heiress who became one of America’s most controversial figures. In 1974, Patty was abducted by the radical Symbionese Liberation Army, and what followed was a transformation no one saw coming. She went from victim to revolutionary, wielding guns in bank robberies and sparking a national debate: Was she brainwashed… or did she choose the fight? Cheryl takes you through the twists and trials of a story that includes radical politics, courtroom drama, presidential pardons, and the deeper questions about identity and survival. Then Rob follows with explosive Darwin Award winners — literally. This week’s batch features individuals who thought handling explosives was a good idea… without experience, safety, or logic. From homebrew bombs to backyard “experiments,” it’s a one-way ticket to disaster. 💣 Explosions, ideology, and radical transformation 🧠 Stockholm syndrome, survival, or something else? 🎧 Tune in for the chaos — and maybe don’t touch dynamite

    48 min

  8. 05/31/2023 · BONUS

    Ten second survival part 1

    It's the off season, summer has begun! We know that you will miss us though, so from time to time we will be posting these mini episodes throughout the summer. This episode is Cheryl's turn. This week's submissions include a scary bike trail ride, an evil aunt and listening to your gut. Hope you enjoy!

    6 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Some lived to tell the tale. Others weren’t so lucky. Dead or Survive dives into the most gripping true stories of human endurance — from savage animal attacks and chilling crimes to wilderness battles and near-death escapes. Each episode explores the razor-thin line between life and death, spotlighting those who made it out... and those who didn’t. Twisted fate, raw survival, and a dash of dark humour — because sometimes the line between brave and boneheaded is thinner than you think. Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob and Cheryl Riches
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rob and Cheryl Riches
  • Show Website
    Dead or Survive