It's episode 96... and we're all in a spin... Twister (1996) tells the story of Jo and Bill, an estranged husband and wife who share a love of chasing tornadoes in the name of scientific research. Brought back together, they seek to use Bill's invention to record what happens INSIDE a tornado - but in order to do that, they have to get dangerously close to the monstrous cyclone... We discuss how intellectual property laws can save lives when chasing deadly weather; we offer a quick word on the b...
Jun 14, 2017•1 hr
It's episode 95... and It hasn't got a name. It's a new system. I wanted us all to discover it! No one's ever been down here before. The Descent (2005) tells the story of a group of women who travel deep into an underground cave system in the name of adventure. As is the way with horror movies, they become trapped, and soon begin to realise that they might not be alone... We wonder at length why anyone would want to go into a narrow cave; we bring advice to the caving world from the world of wat...
Jun 07, 2017•1 hr 3 min
It's episode 94... and the future's not set. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves... Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) tells the story of John Connor, the son of Sarah Connor. John is the fresh target of Skynet's time-travelling Terminator unit, but help comes from an unexpected source. We talk about the benefits of simply ignoring the effects of your sedatives; the thin line between being too insane for prison, but just sane enough for a mental asylum; and the benefits of 'Divide and...
May 31, 2017•1 hr 2 min
It's episode 93... and look on my works ye might, and despair... Alien: Covenant (2017) tells the story of a group of space colonists travelling from earth to their new planet. On the way, their ship becomes damaged. Receiving a distorted signal from a nearby Earth-like planet, they decide to investigate, but they soon get more than they bargained for... We talk about the benefits of wearing helmet, space suit and breathing apparatus during space exploration; the merits of having crew members wh...
May 24, 2017•1 hr 11 min
It's episode 92... and we just made the international sign of the donut... Mars Attacks (1996) tells the story of an ensemble cast of politicians, soldiers, scientists, tv hosts and donut shop workers, as they fight back against attackers... from Mars! We talk about how lucky we are to live in a world where Slim Whitman's hit 'Indian Love Call' can be played with three seconds notice; how the best defence is a good offence; and how easily the scientific method can be forgotten in place of positi...
May 17, 2017•48 min
It's episode 91... and statistical probability of survival just went up to fifty-three per cent. Jason X (2001) tells the story of Jason Voorhees, the undead, unkillable monster who kills teenagers near a lake. Except now they've taken him away from the lake and put him on a spaceship. So now he's killing teenagers in space. No, really... We talk about the benefits of a well-lit combat environment; the importance of remembering your magical abilities of possession in combat situations; and the s...
May 10, 2017•46 min
It's episode 90... and why did it have to be snakes? Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) tells the story of Indiana Jones, a world-renowned archaeologist, who spends his free time raiding tombs hunting for lost treasure. Jones is happy with his lot in life, until two spies from the US Intelligence Service inform him that the Nazis have begun searching for the mysterious 'Ark of the Covenant', which is said to make any army who holds it immortal. Now Jones is in a race against time (and the Nazis) to ...
May 03, 2017•1 hr 13 min
It's episode 89... and my name is The How to Survive Podcast. The purpose of today's experiment is to prove the object behind me is responsible for at least 45 deaths in the 4 centuries of it's recorded existence. Oculus (2013) tells the story of Kaylie and Tim Russell. A decade ago, their parents were killed in mysterious circumstances, and Tim was blamed. Now, years on, they are reunited and set out to get their revenge on the real culprit: a haunted mirror! We talk about the benefits of blami...
Apr 26, 2017•1 hr
It's episode 88... and I miss my f*cking dog. Goodnight. Life (2017) tells the story of the crew of the International Space Station. After successfully intercepting a soil sample, sent from Mars, the team begin analysing a dormant single-cell lifeform. Before long, the cell has come to life, and before much longer the single cell has evolved into something much more deadly... We talk about the appropriate risk analysis when you're an astronaut aboard the ISS; the importance of clear and comprehe...
Apr 19, 2017•54 min
It's episode 87... and the guns are out... Free Fire (2017) tells the story of an arms deal gone wrong. On one side, a group of IRA terrorists, on the other, a swindling South African and his associates. After some bad blood between the group re-emerges, it's not long before both sides are locked into an all-out gunfight - as each individual battles to make it out alive. We talk about the appropriate clothing to wear to a gunfight; the benefits of streamlining your deceit; and the difficulties o...
Apr 12, 2017•44 min
It's episode 86... and a the worst sequel to Meet the Parents yet... Get Out (2017) tells the story of Chris, a young black man who is visiting his white girlfriend's parents for the first time. Once at their secluded home, Chris passes off their overly accomodating behaviour as awkward friendliness, but as the visit wears on, he begins to realise everything is not as it seems. We talk about the importance of calling out racism wherever you see it; the difficulties of taking photographs using on...
Apr 05, 2017•52 min
It's episode 85... and let me list all the ways you're gonna die: rain, heat, disease-carrying flies, and we haven't started on the things that want to eat you alive. Kong: Skull Island (2017) tells the story of a group of scientists and soldiers who travel to the newly discovered Skull Island in the name of scientific exploration. The Vietnam War has just ended, but no war could prepare them for what they face there: a really big gorilla! We talk about a How to Survive staple: always listen to ...
Mar 29, 2017•54 min
It's episode 84... and we have ten minutes until the ectoplasmic sh*t hits the fan. Thir13en Ghosts (2001) tells the story of Arthur, a widower who moves himself, his children and their nanny into a haunted house left to them in a wealthy uncle's will. Before long, the family is trapped in the house, and have to fight against the other residents: twelve ghosts who have been captured and locked in the basement. We talk about the benefits of coating your clothing in protective spells; the importan...
Mar 22, 2017•59 min
It's episode 83... and there's something strange in the neighbourhood... Ghostbusters (1984) tells the story of three parapsychologist researchers who lose their jobs and decide to open a ghost hunting service. Calling themselves the Ghostbusters, they set out to rid New York City of paranormal threats, but before long find themselves in a battle to save humanity from an invading demigod. We talk about the importance of establishing a sustainable strategy for acquiring start-up capital; the very...
Mar 15, 2017•1 hr 2 min
It's episode 82... and I'm so glad you're here. We have a lot to talk about. So much to say tonight. The Invitation (2015) tells the story of Will, a man who is invited to a dinner party at the home of his estranged ex-wife. Also in attendance are all of Will's closest friends, (also estranged). As the night wears on, the mood shifts from awkward to extremely awkward before settling on terrifying. Why were the group really invited over? We talk about the importance of leaving as soon as things a...
Mar 08, 2017•37 min
It's episode 81... and Jason Voorhees is back to Crystal Lake... Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) tells the story of Diana and Jessica Kimble, two women whose lives are turned upside down by the return of Jason Vorhees. As it transpires, both women are members of the Voorhees family, and only they can stop Jason's rampage. Also Jason can now possess people... We talk about recommended improvements to the aim of a team of armed FBI sharpshooters; the dangers of staying in a town where ...
Mar 01, 2017•48 min
It's episode 80... and you weren't supposed to help her... The Ring (2002) tells the story of Rachel Keller, a woman who falls foul of a cursed videotape. The curse means that anyone who watches the video tape will die exactly seven days after they see it - and after Rachel's son watches the video too, the race is on to find out what's really going on. We talk about how quick-fix internet marketing could save your life; the merits of recognising when your behaviour is upsetting wild animals; and...
Feb 22, 2017•51 min
It's episode 79... and possession is nine tenths of the law... The Exorcist (1973) tells the story of Chris MacNeil, a hollywood actress whose daughter, Regan becomes possessed by a demon. Will enlisting the help of a local priest be enough to save Regan's soul? We talk about the necessity of stringent diagnostic criteria in modern medicine; the benefits of trusting your colleagues in tense situations; and the importance of listening to experts of all kinds - especially when you've brought them ...
Feb 15, 2017•1 hr 18 min
It's Valentine's Day, and what better way to celebrate than by watching a mediocre slasher film? But this is no ordinary episode! To celebrate the official day of lovers around the world, we've invited our better halves onto the show to help us tackle the greatest love story ever told (about a mining village that gets attacked by a rogue miner...) Normal service resumes tomorrow.
Feb 14, 2017•59 min
It's episode 78... and we are what we believe we are... Split (2017) tells the story of Casey. A young girl who is kidnapped along with her two friends by a man calling himself Dennis. It turns out Dennis is one of twenty-three personalities living inside the body of one man, and there could be an even more menacing twenty-fourth personality on the way... Will Casey and her friends escape before it's too late? We talk about the key principles of controlling a conversation; the benefits of excess...
Feb 08, 2017•56 min
It's episode 77... and no more being kept in the dark... Under the Shadow (2016) tells the story of Shideh, a young woman trying to protect her daughter during a major barrage attack in the Iran-Iraq War. During the attack, a missile hits their apartment but fails to detonate. A neighbour claims that the bomb brought with it an evil spirit, and Shideh's world is turned upside down... We talk about the importance of getting your priorities right; a balanced approach to stress-management; and some...
Feb 01, 2017•48 min
It's episode 76... and no more keeping you in the dark... Lights Out (2016) tells the story of Rebecca and Martin, two siblings whose lives are turned upside down when a ghost from their mother's past re-emerges. But this is no figurative ghost... it's an actual demon who can only attack in the dark. We talk about the very real risk of killer candles; the dying art of neighbourly charity; and the importance of rigorous ethical approval in experimental science. All of which leads to one big quest...
Jan 25, 2017•51 min
It's episode 75... and everything is permitted... Assassin's Creed (2016) tells the story Cal Lynch, a man who is taken from death row (after being executed) to a research facility run by The Knights Templar. Cal is forced to live out the memories of his ancestor, a master assassin whose only goal in life was to keep the mysterious Apple of Eden from falling into the hands of The Knights Templar. We talk about the benefits of having nothing to lose; the merits of doing a thorough job in killing ...
Jan 18, 2017•1 hr
It's episode 74... and time to wake up... Passengers (2016) tells the story of Jim, a passenger aboard an interstellar spaceship which is heading to a new settlement. The passengers are all kept in a state of hibernation for the 120 year journey. Disaster strikes, and Jim wakes up. Driven mad by loneliness, will he wake up another passenger, Aurora, sentencing her to death for his own selfish ends? Yes he will. But will they survive? We talk about the difficulty of creating working robotic legs ...
Jan 11, 2017•43 min
It's episode 73... and have you ever seen fire in zero gravity? It's beautiful... Event Horizon (1997) tells the story of the crew of the Lewis and Clark, a spacecraft on a mission to recover another ship (the Event Horizon) which has been missing for seven years. When they reach the Event Horizon (accompanied by the ship's designer, Dr. Weir), the crew are overwhelmed by ghostly events and their very survival is soon at stake. We talk about how keeping your hands to yourself is generally a safe...
Jan 04, 2017•40 min
It's episode 72... and the cash cow is ready for milking... Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) tells the story of Jyn Erso, a young woman who is caught up in the rebel's fight against the empire directly before the events of Star Wars (1977). Jyn and her new friend Casian head a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star to give the rebels a chance to blow it up. We talk about the benefits of wireless communication; the advantages of having an entire droid army at your disposal; and the risk...
Dec 28, 2016•50 min
It's the second of our 2016 Christmas Special! Die Hard (1989) tells the story of John McClain, an NYPD cop who will stop at nothing to save a group of hostages from Hans Gruber, a terrorist mastermind who is staging a complex robbery at McClain's wife's Christmas Party! We talk about the greatest movie villain of all time; the importance of professionalism from emergency services staff; and the dangers of shouting your thoughts when you're trying to remain inconspicuous. All of which leads to o...
Dec 26, 2016•40 min
It's the first of our 2016 Christmas Specials! Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy who becomes separated from his family at the airport, and ends up fending for himself in New York City. To make things even more complicated, Kevin is facing off against his past foes, The Wet Bandits (who have now rebranded...). We talk about the importance of learning from your mistakes; the risks of a lax approach to workplace safety, and a professional weighs...
Dec 23, 2016•1 hr 2 min
It's episode 71... and it's all hands on deck... Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) tells the story of a group of hapless teenagers who get killed by Jason Vorhees. Some of them get killed on a boat. 5 minutes of the movie takes place in Manhattan where some others are killed and then Jason gets killed (but he's probably not dead). There we saved you having to watch it. We talk about the risks of holding unlicensed boxing matches whilst at sea, with no medical personnel anyw...
Dec 21, 2016•1 hr 1 min
It's episode 70... and everybody's favourite metamorphosing pets... Gremlins (1984) tells the story of Billy, a young man whose father buys him a strange mystical pet for Christmas. Before long, Billy accidentally causes the pet to multiply, generating dozens of gremlins who terrorise his town - and its up to Billy to stop them. We talk about the importance of clear communication when the stakes are high; the simple mechanics of kicking small animals; and just how an inventor can be so badly was...
Dec 14, 2016•52 min
