In January 2025, a deadly fire blazed through the hills north of Los Angeles. Amidst the inferno, Aaron Samson needed to get his 83-year-old father-in-law, Ron, to safety. Aaron didn’t have a vehicle, and Ron has Parkinson’s disease. They tried 911. They tried to get a rideshare. They were on foot when they encountered Andrew Lin. He was attempting a different rescue when he stopped to save them instead.

We also talk with Jennifer Oteng, a geriatric outreach nurse, about helping people during an emergency — specifically elderly people with physical or cognitive limitations.

Guests include:
Aaron Samson
Andrew Lin
Jennifer Oteng — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-oteng-aa945768/

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

While on vacation, Colt Johnson went in search of a little fresh air and headed toward Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Five hours into his hike, he began to feel lightheaded. He knew the heat was probably getting to him. His water was gone. Colt started losing his balance, and then his body started to fail. He laid down under a thorny bush and passed out. Before that, however, he fired three shots into the sky and hoped someone heard them. We also talk with Tami Hew-Butler about the dangers of dehydration and of having too much water.

Guests include:
Colt Johnson
John Zeto
Tamara ‘Tami’ Hew-Butler — https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-hew-butler-dpm-phd-facsm-86390742/

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.

Antoinette Foley has had a tough life. She lost her children, struggled with addiction and ended up living in a tent by a river in Ireland. Her story could have ended there if not for a stranger who asked an unusual question. One day, on the sidewalk outside his shop, James Mahon asked if he could take her photo. That began an unlikely friendship that has lasted and greatly impacted both of them.

We also talk with Donald Whitehead Jr., the executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless based in Washington, D.C., about the perception and reality of people who live on the street.

Guest include:
Antoinette Foley
James Mahon
Donald Whitehead Jr

James and Antoinette have released a book of their photographs titled, “The Hawk Against the Dove.” You can view some of the photographs and order the book here: https://www.hawkagainstthedove.com/

For more about the series, check out https://www.onstar.com/podcast.