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Lived to Tell

Lived to Tell

Hosted by Caitlin Van Mol, this podcast is about people who have been through something they almost didn’t come back from but lived to tell the tale.
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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 43 min
  • English
  • S3 · E25
    August 19 · 46 min

    S3 Ep25: Anjali - "I Wanted a Divorce and He Wanted Me Dead"

    Anjali Krongard just wanted an amicable divorce from her husband. He didn't want to let her go. Anjali's Instagram: @anjalileann Anjali's TikTok: @anjaliserpico Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol Email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • August 5 · 15 min

    S3: Cecil Bonus - The Shadow People

    There was much more to the conversation Cecil and I had about the shadow people he saw after the tornado that didn't fit into his episode. If you haven't already listened to his episode, go do that first and then come back here to hear Cecil talk about all the spooky encounters he's had. Cecil's Facebook Cecil's Instagram Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol Email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E24
    July 29 · 48 min

    S3 Ep24: Cecil - "It's the End of the World, It's the Rapture"

    Cecil Cornish was putting in a shift at his new job at a yogurt shop when a massive, deadly tornado hit his hometown, Joplin, Missouri. Cecil, 17, took charge to make sure all the patrons would be safe but their safety left him exposed. Cecil's Facebook Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol Email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • July 22 · 46 min

    S3: True Crime Unwind Bonus Episode - Mysterious Deaths - Saugerties, NY

    Hey everyone! As a bonus episode, I’d like to introduce you to a podcast I’ve come to really enjoy - True Crime Unwind. This episode has some similarities to the Mackenzie Shirilla case from The Crash on Netflix and a case close to host Mercedes. So I thought this was a great introduction to their show. Enjoy! Episode 59: Jeff McQueen, Dante Crump, Kaireem Meeks, and Jonté Clark - Saugerties, NY Before there was Mackenzie Shirilla, there was Meredith McSpirit The Netflix documentary The Crash has reignited conversations about the controversial case of Mackenzie Shirilla. But years before that case made headlines, another devastating crash left four young men dead, one young woman alive, and a community searching for answers that never seemed to come. Episode Summary In August 2015, Jeff McQueen, Dante Crump, Kaireem Meeks Jr., and Jonté Clark were heading home from work at the Saugerties HITS Horse Show when tragedy struck. The car they were riding in left the roadway, traveled down a private dirt road, plunged down a 110-foot embankment, struck a house, and came to rest upside down. All four young men were killed. The driver, 19-year-old Meredith McSpirit, survived. What followed was a years-long controversy filled with conflicting statements, questions about possible impairment, rumors, lawsuits, and a grand jury decision that left many family members and community members outraged. Investigators found no evidence of mechanical failure and ultimately cleared McSpirit of criminal wrongdoing, but for many, that decision only created more questions than answers. This week, Kinsley and Mercedes take a deep dive into the lives of the four young men whose stories are too often overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the crash. We examine the investigation, Meredith McSpirit’s changing accounts of what happened, the evidence that was considered, and why this case continues to spark debate more than a decade later. Because before there was Mackenzie Shirilla, there was Meredith McSpirit. If you have any information, please contact the Saugerties Police Department at (845) 246-9800 Connect With Us: • Instagram: @TrueCrimeUnwind • TikTok: @TrueCrimeUnwind • Facebook: @TrueCrimeUnwind

  • S3 · E23
    July 15 · 46 min

    S3 Ep23: John & Jean - "I Don't Want My Family to Die"

    When their catamaran struck a reef in the middle of the South Pacific, John and Jean Silverwood had minutes to save their four children — and each other. As the boat was breaking up from smashing again and again into the reef, the mast crashed down on John's leg, severing it. Buy John and Jean's Book Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E21
    July 1 · 24 min

    S3 Ep21: Kayleigh Bonus Episode

    This episode is more from my interview with Kayleigh. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, go listen to that first. Kayleigh's Instagram: @knfecrimekay Kayleigh's TikTok: @knfecrimekay Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E20
    June 24 · 52 min

    S3 Ep20: Kayleigh - "There Was Not a Single Chance I Was Coming Out of This"

    17-year-old Kayleigh White was walking to her best friend's house when she crossed paths with a strange man with a knife. What happened next would completely change the course of her life. Kayleigh's Instagram: @knfecrimekay Kayleigh's TikTok: @knfecrimekay Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E19
    June 10 · 32 min

    S3 Ep19: Phil - "I Could Just Feel This Bone Snap"

    Phil White was hiking in the Grand Tetons with his two friends when they heard a strange rumbling sound. Phil got caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and it would change his life forever. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E18
    May 27 · 29 min

    S3 Ep18: Carlesha - "I Can Tell You One Thing, She's a Fighter"

    Carlesha Freeland-Gaither was walking home and was snatched off the street by a man. Carlesha's quick thinking in the moment and throughout her abduction helped investigators find her before it was too late. To speak to someone at RAINN, call 1-800-656-4673. You can also live chat with someone at rainn.org. Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E17
    May 13 · 48 min

    S3 Ep17: Carla - "I Pictured My Parents Getting the Call That I Was Murdered"

    Carla Reading was trying to be safe by calling a ride share to take her home after a night out. Her driver had other plans. Learn more about PAVE - survivors.org To speak to someone at RAINN, call 1-800-656-4673. You can also live chat with someone at RAINN.org. Carla's Instagram: @the.carla.files Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E16
    April 29 · 46 min

    S3 Ep16: Bill - "This is Not Good, This Might Be the End"

    Bill Durden went out in the Gulf of Mexico on the first day of grouper season in 2016. He was out there alone, and when reeling in a big catch, he fell off his boat. The boat drove away, leaving Bill to swim 20 hours for rescue. The Charles Schwab Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRNoKuIueM0 A very good article about his ordeal, with photos: https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/news/a45615/bill-durden-stranded-at-sea/ Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E14
    April 15 · 52 min

    S3 Ep14: Gina - "Let My Kids Forgive Me for Dying in This Place"

    Gina Russo was out with her boyfriend Fred, listening to live music at The Station Nightclub when a fire broke out at the bar. Gina made it out but was severely burned, and 100 people lost their lives. https://www.thestationfirememorialfoundation.org/ Gina's Facebook: facebook.com/gina.russo.336 Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E13
    April 1 · 48 min

    S3 Ep13: Dave - "Bones Really Are White"

    Dave Pearson was out for a surf like any other day when, out of nowhere, a shark came out of the water and bit his left arm. Doctors were able to not only save his life, but they also saved his arm from amputation. Dave went on to create a support group for bite survivors called Bite Club. Dave's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.pearson.16 Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E12
    March 18 · 56 min

    S3 Ep12: Jessica - "I Believed We Were Going to Be Executed"

    Jessica Buchanan was working in Somalia in 2011 when she and her colleague were kidnapped and ransomed. After 93 days of being held captive, they were rescued by SEAL Team 6. In this episode, we talk about her captivity, identity, motherhood, and purpose. Buy Impossible Odds: The Kidnapping of Jessica Buchanan and Her Dramatic Rescue by SEAL Team Six Buy How to Survive Survival: A Guide to Turning Life's Hardest Moments into Meaningful Contribution for the World Jessica's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessicabuchananpage Jessica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicacbuchanan/ Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E11
    March 4 · 55 min

    S3 Ep11: Chris - "Are We IN The Volcano Right Now?"

    While working as a camera assistant on a large film production, Chris Duddy joined a crew tasked with filming aerial shots of Hawaiʻi’s Kīlauea Volcano. The assignment took a dramatic turn when their helicopter crashed, stranding the team inside the volcano for days as they waited for rescue. Chris's Instagram: @christopherjonduddy Chris's Website: https://christopherduddy.com/ Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E10
    February 18 · 49 min

    S3 Ep10: Heather - "I Couldn't Move Any of My Body"

    Heather Grossman's ex-husband told her that if she ever left him, he would kill her. He tried, but failed, to deliver on that promise, leaving Heather paralyzed from the neck down. Heather's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/paralyzed-in-paradise Heather's Book: https://a.co/d/0a4FFCvI Heather's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.grossman.2025 Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E9
    February 4 · 35 min

    S3 Ep9: Dan Part Two - "I'm Going to Survive This"

    This episode is part two of Dan's story. If you haven't listened to part one, go back and listen to that episode first. Dan was blinded by a bear and now has to figure out how to live a full life without his sight. Buy Dan's Book: Beyond the Bear Dan's Facebook Dan's Website: http://danbigley.com/family/ Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E8
    January 28 · 32 min

    S3 Ep8: Dan Part One - "She Turned Her Head Sideways, Bit Down Across My Face, and Chewed"

    Dan Bigley was wrapping up a long day of fishing when he inadvertently got on the wrong side of a mama bear. This encounter would alter the way he moved in the world permanently. Buy Dan's Book: Beyond the Bear Dan's Facebook Dan's Website: http://danbigley.com/family/ Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

  • S3 · E7
    January 14 · 49 min

    S3 Ep7: Vernetta - "He Told Me, 'I Killed Her'"

    Vernetta Cockerham did everything she could to protect herself from her estranged husband, Richard. But probation, an order of protection, and an active warrant didn't stop him from bringing Vernetta's nightmares to life.

  • S3 · E6
    Dec 31, 2025 · 46 min

    S3 Ep6: A Hit on Travis Tritt

    Today, I present to you what was initially a Patreon bonus episode. I may incorporate this format into the regular feed going forward, but let me know if you like this or not. But do not worry - this would not replace the regular interview episodes! Show Instagram: @LivedToTellPodcast TikTok: @LivedToTellPodcast Caitlin's Instagram: @caitlinvanmol email: livedtotellpod@gmail.com

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