Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Imagine that moment. You're climbing to the top of the summit. You think once I get there, once I get to the summit, it's going to be good. I'm going to see Chile. I'm going to see Greenfields. We're right on the other side and you climb up and you see nothing but more mountains. You see 20 more peaks just like the one you just climbed." — Marcus Parks
"Nando told him that he would rather walk to meet death than wait for death to find him." — Ed Larson
"It's permissible in extreme situations. Therefore, the priest had nothing to forgive because nobody had done anything wrong in the eyes of God." — Ed Larson
This episode chronicles the extraordinary survival of Nando Parrado and Roberto Canesa following the Andes plane crash. After leaving the main group of survivors, the two men embarked on a perilous trek across the treacherous mountain range, facing extreme cold, hunger, and the constant threat of death. Their journey highlighted incredible resilience, as they navigated difficult terrain with minimal resources, relying on sheer determination and each other for support. The narrative emphasizes the psychological fortitude required to endure such conditions and the profound human drive to return to civilization.
The story details their eventual discovery of a river and their subsequent journey down it, which eventually led them to signs of human habitation. This arduous 10-day trek, covering 38 miles, culminated in their rescue by locals and subsequent transport to safety. The podcast also touches upon the broader impact of the event, including the rescue of the remaining survivors, the media's sensationalist coverage, and the long-term psychological effects on the survivors, many of whom found ways to rebuild their lives.
Ultimately, the episode underscores the remarkable human capacity for survival against overwhelming odds. It highlights the critical decision-making, physical endurance, and unwavering hope that characterized Parrado and Canesa's journey, presenting a powerful narrative of human resilience that resonated with the hosts as a rare moment of hope within their usual dark storytelling.