Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman was working at a job he loved, making enough money to provide for his family. At just 14, he was the father figure in his home in Honduras. One night after work he was abducted and smuggled into the United States. He was sold into sexual exploitation. For months he was tortured, beaten, drugged, starved and raped.But he was rescued.Sabrina Goosby took Suamhirs under her wing and taught him how to use his experiences to change the lives of others. As an adult, he has become an advocate for those suffering and was enlisted by former President Barack Obama to find real solutions.We also speak to Dr. Minh Dang, executive director of Survivor Alliance, to hear about the types of human trafficking, how to respond to an industry that affects people worldwide, and what you should and shouldn’t do if you think someone may need help.If you suspect someone is in a dangerous situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or visit the website. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is accessible by dialing 988. Trained professionals are available 24 hours a day. For more information on this episode or to learn how you can use OnStar to help others in need, click here.

Tell Me What Happened

Human Trafficking Survivor Gets New Life and Thrives

Arapahoe Basin is a legendary ski resort in Colorado, and when it’s a powder day, skiers wake up at the crack of dawn to get up the hill for those fresh tracks. That’s exactly what Richard Dempsey did, except he only got a few runs in before everything changed. Richard is able to recount his story thanks to a slackliner named Mickey Wilson who risked his own life to save someone he met that morning.We also speak to author and retired ski patroller Patti Burnett about what dangers to look out for while skiing at resorts and in the backcountry, as well as what to do if you find yourself or someone else in an emergency situation while enjoying the mountains in wintertime.For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website.

Slackliner Saves Skier Hanging From Chairlift

Lindsay Bull has worked at Scales and Tails for years. She has hosted numerous demonstrations with the animals at the facility, but one wrong move can end in disaster. That’s what happened during a child’s birthday party. The main attraction, a nine foot long alligator named Darth Gator mistook her hand for food and the race was on to save Lindsay’s hand. Thanks to Donnie Wiseman who attended the birthday party with his niece, Lindsay is still able to use both hands.You’re much more likely to come across an aggressive dog than an alligator. So we also speak to dog expert Jennifer Shyrock about safety tips for kids and dogs.

Heroic Bystander Saves Handler From Alligator Death Roll

Sixty-five horses live at Tamara Boole’s equestrian center. That is a lot of large animals to move to safety in a short period of time. But that’s what had to be done as the fires from the CZU Lightning Complex Fires bore down on Felton, California in August 2020.Thanks to local ranchers, including another stable owner - Michelle Le Clair,  the horses at Tamara Boole’s Covered Bridge Equestrian Center were safely evacuated in the knick of time.We also speak to vet and UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team member Dr. Lais Costa, about how to safely evacuate horses, chickens, house cats, and even llamas!For more information on this episode or to share your own story, visit OnStar’s website.

Walking Through Fire to Save 65 Horses

Gabe Rosescu had driven on the highway numerous times and was used to driving in all types of weather. But the day Gabe took his then new partner of six months, Sheri Niemegeers, on an epic road trip to see his friends, he could never have planned for what was about to occur. It’s not every day you see a tree crossing the road in front of you. Thanks to four motorists who risked their own lives, Sheri and Gabe are here to tell their story.We also speak to Mary Ann Adams, OnStar Member disaster response leader, about how to look for signs that the road ahead could become hazardous; what to do if you find yourself on a flooded roadway, in a mudslide or in a snowstorm; and what equipment you should keep in your vehicle.For more on this episode, or to learn what can happen if raging floodwaters wash your car off the road, click here.

Mountain of Mud Buries Motorists

A seizure can happen anywhere at any time. It just so happened that when Aidan Jackson suffered a seizure there was no one there to witness it or call for help. But there was someone 5,000 miles away — another gamer who he had been talking to online. Raven Wolvesbane realized Aidan was having a seizure and quickly set to work trying to figure out how to send First Responders to his home. The only problem: she was in Texas and he was in England.We also speak with Dr. Kelli Dunlop, a psychologist who specializes in the relationships built through gaming, and discuss why online friendships are commonly misunderstood.For more on this episode, or to learn what to do if you encounter a medical emergency on a road trip, click here.

R U OK? Virtual Friend Saves Gamer’s Life

It wasn’t the first time that Ryan Osmun had been hiking in a National Park, nor was it the first time he had hiked in the winter. Ryan knew what equipment to take and packed accordingly. As a photographer he enjoys hiking trails when they’re less populated. But he never expected to find himself or his girlfriend stuck on the trail, literally. A desperate phone call for help brought lifesaving assistance.We also speak to Faris ‘Faz’ Ali, Deputy Station Officer of Bay Search & Rescue about how to look for signs of quicksand and what to do if you find yourself sinking on a beach or riverbed. As well as what to do if you get your vehicle or ATV stuck.For more on this episode, or to learn how to keep your outdoor adventures safe, click here.

12 Hours Trapped In Quicksand

Seven stories that will remind you just how kind strangers can be, and how you can help keep others safe, are on their way.Tell Me What Happened - the award winning podcast about people helping people - is returning!Look for stories about quicksand and ski hills; stories about horses and mudslides; and stories about human trafficking and video games.As in season one, the series is produced by OnStar. They are committed to keeping you safe and so are we. Each episode will feature an expert with “what to do if…” tips for all sorts of situations.Every story celebrates the power of a true human connection. Join us for this exciting and heartwarming journey.Check us out here.

Tell Me What Happened is Returning!

Driving through the Rocky Mountains usually means spectacular views and up-close encounters with wildlife. But on the wrong stretch of road at the wrong time of year, it can also mean coming face-to-face with deadly wildfires. Robert Craig found himself trapped by flames and didn’t think he would escape — until, suddenly, a stranger arrived.We also speak to Tony Briggs, regional chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Central California Region. Tony discusses what to do if you find yourself caught in a wildfire, how to prepare yourself and your home in case you must evacuate, and what should be in a go bag.The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

Trapped by Fire, He Texts Goodbye

Nupur Gupta was enjoying a swim in the ocean after a day at a yoga retreat. But the waves, current and setting sun all added up to a dangerous situation. This episode features a story that will warm the heart of even the most cynical listener: It’s not just about survival, but also about true love across continents.We also speak to Dr. Denise Marigold, associate professor and chair of Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo, Canada, about how a chance meeting in an emergency may help spark a relationship. Dr. Marigold also offers advice about how couples can navigate challenging situations, such as natural disasters or financial ruin.

They Nearly Drowned, Then Fell in Love

When Debra Ashton’s community was hit by a flash flood, her first step was to check on her senior tenant next door. When she came back outside, floodwaters were raging and her street had become a river. Debra ended up in the water and was swept away several blocks, praying she would make it out alive. Those prayers were answered when a helicopter pilot named Joel Boyers got a frantic phone call asking for help. The weather was far from ideal, but Joel felt he needed to help.We also speak with Jennifer Pipa, vice president of Disaster Programs at the American Red Cross, about how to prepare for flooding if you’re in a flood-prone region. Jennifer also talks about what you should have in your “go bag,” plus what to do during and immediately following a flood.The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The American National Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

With Floodwaters Rising, Help Swoops In

When her husband was stationed in Alaska, one woman had to relocate her family from Georgia. It was a long drive across a foreign country, made worse by travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delays meant the family left later than expected, which put them right in the middle of the Canadian winter, driving their truck and towing a rented trailer with all their possessions through snow and ice. When it got to be too much, a stranger — who is also in the military — stepped in to help his own in the most incredible way.We also speak to Wesley Irek, a lead instructor at the Road America racing circuit, where he teaches a number of high-performance driving classes, including winter driving. Wesley discusses safe winter driving techniques and provides tips on what to do if you’re caught in a blizzard or hit black ice.

A Helping Hand When a Winter Road Trip Goes Awry

A German hiker has a dream of hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail, from the Mexico border to the Canada border. All 2,650 miles, alone. Katharina Gröne, aka City Girl, met numerous hikers along her journey, and made great memories. But quitting wasn’t in her vocabulary, and even though several people suggested it was too late in the season to continue, she kept going until she couldn’t go any farther. But, thanks to a mother’s intuition, Katharina lived to hike another trail.We also speak to Cheri Higman, chairperson of Seattle Mountain Rescue, about the challenges faced by those hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Cheri also shares tips on how to stay safe on a day-long or multi-day hike.

A Mother’s Intuition Leads to Rescue

We all interact with people in our day-to-day lives that we never expect to meet again: a clerk at the mall, a bus driver or the person sitting next to you on an airplane. But what if one of those strangers turned out to be the most important person in your life? This is the story of how someone from a police officer’s past ended up saving his life.We also speak to Dr. Naomi Grant, professor of social psychology at Mount Royal University. Dr. Grant talks about the psychological impact of helping a stranger in such an enormous way, as well as how helping others, even in small ways, can benefit our own mental health.

A New Kidney & A Big Surprise

Jill Brown sets ambitious goals for herself. For example, one summer she decided she would paddle across the country from Oregon to Florida. Along the way she faced physical dangers such as rapids, broken bones and rattlesnakes, but also deep personal challenges such as hunger and loneliness. Just when Jill was at her limit, a chance encounter changed the path of her journey.We also speak to Dr. Cratissa Schley, a clinical psychologist at Deeply Rooted Psychological Services, about why people help others in crisis situations. Dr. Schley explores why a stranger would go above and beyond in helping someone they didn’t know — not just offering shelter but also becoming a trusted confidant — and provides suggestions about how anyone can mentally prepare ahead of time for a trip and overcome challenges on the road.

An Epic Journey Proves Too Painful

Season 2 is Here! Things don’t always go as planned: Sometimes a drive in the mountains, or a swim in the ocean, suddenly turns into a dangerous situation. Other times it might be a medical emergency, or a family lost in a foreign country. These are the true stories of people helping people during the most pivotal moments in their lives. Each episode also includes a conversation with an expert to provide added advice around crisis situations. Featured guests include a psychologist, a search-and-rescue expert offering practical tips for surviving a blizzard when you are caught in a remote area, an emergency management expert and many more. Tell Me What Happened is brought to you by OnStar.

hubhopper

Tell Me What Happened

hubhopper