8 episodes

In this gripping limited series podcast, "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East
Palestine," we delve into the harrowing tale of a toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment that shook the small town of East Palestine and its surrounding communities. Through in-depth interviews, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis, we uncover the devastating effects of the derailment and the industry-wide negligence that led to this catastrophic event.


Our journey takes us through the rail industry's consolidation, exposing the startling lack of safety regulations that have paved the way for disasters like the East Palestine derailment. We also examine the controversial decision to burn not one, but five rail cars full of vinyl chloride, resulting in a toxic plume that hovered over multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As one HAZMAT specialist chillingly puts it, "We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open."

Join us as we navigate the complex world of corporate greed, regulatory shortcomings, and environmental disaster, all woven together in this heart-wrenching tale of a community in crisis. "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" is an eye-opening investigation into the dark underbelly of the rail industry and the dire consequences that befall the innocent when corners are cut, and profits are prioritized. Don't miss a single episode of this must-listen series.

Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine Calliope Media

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 17 Ratings

In this gripping limited series podcast, "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East
Palestine," we delve into the harrowing tale of a toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment that shook the small town of East Palestine and its surrounding communities. Through in-depth interviews, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis, we uncover the devastating effects of the derailment and the industry-wide negligence that led to this catastrophic event.


Our journey takes us through the rail industry's consolidation, exposing the startling lack of safety regulations that have paved the way for disasters like the East Palestine derailment. We also examine the controversial decision to burn not one, but five rail cars full of vinyl chloride, resulting in a toxic plume that hovered over multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As one HAZMAT specialist chillingly puts it, "We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open."

Join us as we navigate the complex world of corporate greed, regulatory shortcomings, and environmental disaster, all woven together in this heart-wrenching tale of a community in crisis. "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" is an eye-opening investigation into the dark underbelly of the rail industry and the dire consequences that befall the innocent when corners are cut, and profits are prioritized. Don't miss a single episode of this must-listen series.

    Ep. 06 - Final Thoughts

    Ep. 06 - Final Thoughts

    The creators of "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" share their thoughts about the town's current state and residents still fighting for clear answers. With introspection and frustration, they share their emotional journey telling this story, and making sure East Palestine, Ohio, isn't forgotten. And to be clear -- the story isn't over.

    • 14 min
    Ep. 05 - Fighting Back

    Ep. 05 - Fighting Back

    We talk to Jessica Conard who is an East Palestine resident leading the charge in the community for Justice for East Palestine -- a team of attorneys, Erin Brokovich, medical & scientific experts, and community members. We also speak with Misti Allison who teamed up with Jessica Conard during a visit to Washington, D.C. where they spoke to Congress shortly following the derailment.

    • 16 min
    Ep. 04 - Health Implications

    Ep. 04 - Health Implications

    Residents of East Palestine, OH experienced acute symptoms such as headaches, sore throats, persistent coughing, and nausea. And, now, fear of increased rates of cancer in the decades to come after possible exposure to vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and dioxins.

    • 20 min
    Ep. 03 - Environment Impact

    Ep. 03 - Environment Impact

    From the air to the water, the question remains -- are residents safe? The EPA claims that the air and water are safe. An independent researcher and professor at Purdue University says his results show a different story. How will the toxic chemicals affect surrounding watersheds including private wells?

    • 20 min
    Ep. 02 - Railroad Industry

    Ep. 02 - Railroad Industry

    We focus on the railroad industry's practices and the de-regulation that has led to a lack of safety measures within the industry. We talk to a former railroad worker who blew the whistle on Union Pacific, and the author of Bomb Trains which highlights the derailment of a train in Lac-Megantic, a small town in Quebec, Canada in 2013 that killed 47 people.

    • 20 min
    Ep. 01 - What Happened?

    Ep. 01 - What Happened?

    We talk to Bill & Margery Slavic who were forced to evacuate from their East Palestine home on the night of the derailment and the subsequent 'controlled burn' of five rail cars carrying toxic chemicals.

    • 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

carbunload ,

Impressive and engaging look into devastating crisis

Jarid and Priscilla do an amazing job bringing to light the events surrounding the train derailment and the tragic effects for the residents of East Palestine. The pacing and editing are perfect, making it an engaging listen. I’m so glad they are investigating this story and amplifying the voices of those negatively effected….hopefully so they get the help that they deserve and so nothing like this happens again.

Gangster Gma ,

Disaster in East Palestine

Very gripping and informative. Could not stop listening!

guppyroad ,

Great Reporting

The interviews and the sound bites really bring to light just how bad this disaster really was and how the people living there had their lives in danger. Recommend giving the podcast a listen for a deeper dive and learning about how people came second, corporate greed came first.

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