Real Survival Stories: "Crumbling Mountainside: Into the Void"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Real Survival Stories
- Host: John Hopkins
- Production: Joel Duddell, Ed Baranski, Luke Lonergan, Miri Latham, Jacob Booth, Liam Cameron, Rob Plummer, Cian Ryan-Morgan, Cody Reynolds-Shaw
- Music: Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink
- Episode: Crumbling Mountainside: Into the Void
- Release Date: June 18, 2025
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The episode opens with a tranquil depiction of New Zealand's Mount Cook National Park on Friday, September 1, 1989. Host John Hopkins introduces listeners to Paul Rogers and Marty Sinclair, seasoned climbers embarking on a challenging ascent of Forbes Glacier toward Mount Dashiak's south face.
Notable Quote:
John Hopkins [04:03]: "Ever wondered what you would do when disaster strikes? If your life depended on your next decision, could you make the right choice?"
Paul Rogers: The Adventurous Spirit
John delves into Paul Rogers' background, highlighting his passion for adventure that began in his teenage years. From skateboarding in California to developing his climbing skills in Britain, Paul's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of exploration and resilience.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Rogers [07:44]: "I decided my first big adventure overseas was to go to California and go skateboarding. I was 17 at the time..."
Paul Rogers [09:45]: "One of my mates was a bit of an idiot really. ... I managed to leg it and get away."
The Climb to Mount Dashiak
In August 1989, fresh from a climb in Pakistan, Paul and Marty plan to tackle Mount Dashiak's formidable south face—a feat never before attempted. Despite differing approaches, they agree to ascend Forbes Glacier to Separation Col as their initial objective.
Notable Quote:
Paul Rogers [13:54]: "We're gonna climb up the Forbes Glacier to Separation Cold and that will be our first objective, which for me wasn't ideal."
The Ascent and Equipment Challenges
The duo's journey progresses smoothly until Paul experiences doubts about the climb’s demands due to his equipment's malfunction. Despite considering turning back, Marty's determination persuades him to continue after a quick fix to Paul's crampons.
Notable Quote:
Paul Rogers [19:52]: "Obviously crampons is a really important piece of equipment... So at that point I said to Marty, I said, oh well, that's it, let's just turn around here..."
The Avalanching Nightmare
As they near Separation Col, a sudden avalanche triggered by a shifting wind slab engulfs Paul and Marty. Amid the chaos, Paul loses sight of Marty and is thrust into a deep crevasse, awakening his worst fears of being trapped alone.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Rogers [22:08]: "Just shy of Separation Cold, all of a sudden, we hear a big whoomph and her big crack... We're on the top of this snow slope and we're going for a ride."
Paul Rogers [24:06]: "It's like getting hit with a wet dishcloth, but the only thing is that this dishcloth is frozen solid."
Surviving Alone: Paul's Struggle
Paul finds himself injured and isolated within a crevasse. Struggling with limited equipment and severe injuries, he narrowly escapes being buried by snow thanks to his parachute roll. Despite his efforts to locate Marty using an avalanche rescue beacon, Paul discovers that Marty did not survive.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Rogers [26:21]: "It was like a trap door on a stage just opening up and like an actor disappearing off the stage."
Paul Rogers [35:48]: "And I start digging and I'm digging as fast as I possibly can... I managed to dig the backpack out and then I get Marty's hand and then I'm digging more and I managed to get Marty's arm and finally I got Marty's head, but it was too late."
The Aftermath: Rescue and Reflection
After facing severe physical and emotional turmoil, Paul manages to notify authorities and participates in the rescue mission. Returning to Christchurch, he grapples with survivor's guilt and PTSD but channels his experiences into outdoor education and search and rescue operations.
Notable Quotes:
Paul Rogers [44:31]: "I think survivor's guilt would be a normal part of the process... I strongly believe that I honoured my climbing partner on the day."
Paul Rogers [46:08]: "I've kind of always steered clear of that particular area. It's almost a bit of a sacred site for me."
Life After the Tragedy
Over the next two decades, Paul becomes a respected mountain guide and search and rescue consultant, though he avoids returning to Mount Dashiak. His survival story underscores themes of resilience, the fragility of life, and the enduring human spirit.
Notable Quote:
Paul Rogers [46:08]: "I've lived a pretty full life from that time. I think I'd managed to get myself back on my feet. Still like going into the mountains and I'm still putting up new climbs."
Conclusion: Honoring a Survivor
John Hopkins wraps up the episode by highlighting Paul's enduring passion for mountaineering and his commitment to helping others, despite the trauma he endured. The story serves as a powerful testament to the strength and determination inherent in individuals facing life-threatening situations.
Preview of Next Episode: John teases the next episode featuring Jonathan Ritchie's harrowing encounter with one of Africa's deadliest animals during a fishing trip in the Ivory Coast.
Overall Summary: "Crumbling Mountainside: Into the Void" narrates the harrowing true story of Paul Rogers' survival after a catastrophic avalanche on Mount Dashiak in 1989. From a passionate adventurer to a survivor grappling with loss and trauma, Paul's journey is meticulously chronicled, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the resilience required to overcome extraordinary adversity.
Notable Quotes Highlighted:
- Paul Rogers [04:48]: "I broke down when the old lady came along. Gave me a cup of tea and a biscuit and I had a bit of a cry."
- Paul Rogers [38:20]: "I have a really rough night. I'm just getting quite bad flashbacks to the avalanche."
This episode of Real Survival Stories masterfully combines vivid storytelling with authentic emotions, providing a comprehensive and engaging account of survival against the odds. Whether you're an avid mountaineer or someone fascinated by true survival tales, Paul's story offers valuable insights into the human capacity to endure and persevere.