48 Best Disaster Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Who is to blame for history's greatest tragedies? The Plague. The sinking of The Titanic. The break-up of the Beatles. Writer/Comedian Rebecca Delgado-Smith, along with a special guest, scrutinizes history's greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who's to blame. This comedy podcast is the perfect remedy to our everyday anxiety! They say history repeats itself, not on The Alarmist's watch! Thrillist called The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2019 saying, 'It's hilarious, informative and addictive.' Maria Claire named The Alarmist one of the best new podcasts of 2020. Sign up for our Patreon for ad-free listening, post-aftermath interview discussions & final verdict and exclusive bonus episodes Tell us who you think is to blame at http://thealarmistpodcast.com Email us at ****@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram @thealarmistpodcast Follow us on Twitter @alarmistThe Follow us on TikTok @thealarmistpodcast Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/alarmist . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

This is a podcast about engineering disasters and systemic failures, from a leftist perspective, with jokes

A podcast about disasters throughout history - what caused them, how people survived, and how we've responded to keep those disasters from happening again. more

We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable lessons, but these Cautionary Tales are for the education of the grown ups and they are all true. Tim Harford (Financial Times, BBC, author of 'The Data Detective') brings you stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, and hilarious fiascos. They'll delight you, scare you, but also make you wiser. New episodes every Friday. more

From LAist Studios, the creators of The Big One, the second season of The Big Disaster series will provide you with a wildfire survival guide that includes not just tangible safety tips — but hope for our future.  As the world enters a new age of wildfires, science reporter Jacob Margolis hosts Season 2: The Big Burn, a deep dive into personal stories that illuminate the history of how we got here, why we keep screwing things up, and what we can do to survive and maybe even thrive while the world around us burns.Season 1: The Big One -  When The Big One hits it'll take under two minutes for more than 10 million Southern Californians to lose internet, power, and a sense of security. Host Jacob Margolis and Producer Misha Euceph take you on a journey to understand what the catastrophic earthquake will mean for Los Angeles, the U.S., and the world. This is what you need to know to survive. Support for this podcast is made possible by Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live, the Strelow Family, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. more

Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by two practicing physician assistants, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine. Our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday! Our bonus 'Disaster Strikes' series episodes air every other Thursday. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support . more

A comedy survival podcast about the disasters you fear, the chaos you don't expect, and the daily hassles that make you wish you were dead. Hosts Danielle Koenig and Kristine Kimmel break down everything from natural disasters to unnatural medical scares to wild animals you don't want to encounter- plus guest stories you truly won't believe. If it can endanger your life—or simply ruin your day—they'll tell you how to survive it, with plenty of laughs along the way. Featuring guests like Rainn Wilson, Jon Hamm, Tig Notaro, Patton Oswalt, Oscar Nunez, Lauren Ash, Paul F. Tompkins & Andy Richter. more

Welcome to the show where everything goes wrong, historically. A podcast covering disasters of all kinds throughout history. From tornadoes and earthquakes to mining disasters and arson. From the perspective of a professional fire investigator, I provide the history of the area, a breakdown of how and why the disaster occurs, a timeline of the event, and the resulting aftermath. Sometimes delving into the specific failure mechanisms that occurred if the disaster (or disasters) did not come from nature. Listen along as we go through them together. more

Welcome to Unsinkable, an intense look at the cultural history of Titanic and its era. The history of the ship is laden with: women, people of color, families that have spoken up and lived out loud to leave a legacy we cannot ignore. The past is present and the future. We cannot make the mistakes of our ancestors. more

The UK's rail network is one of the safest in the world, but this is a reputation that has been hard-won through a dark history of death and destruction. Each of these accidents has helped to prevent another in the future. Signals to Danger is a series of Podcasts exploring and explaining the worst disasters on the UK rail network. Using reports, inquiries, news articles and first hand accounts, we will dive deep into these accidents and understand what went wrong, who was effected and how each incident went on to change the railway going forwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Beyond The Breakers is a podcast about shipwrecks, loss, and lessons learned from maritime disasters. 

We are a weekly podcast here to give you insights into commercial aviation disasters and how they shape the aviation industry and make it safer to fly! Listen and check out our sources on our website at: www.hardlandingspodcast.com and check out our Patreon at: www.patreon.com/hardlandingspodcast. Please email us at ****@hardlandingspodcast.com with suggestions/feedback. more

Doomsday is a history lesson that easily disguises itself as a horror story. We explore the most traumatic, bizarre and most awe-inspiring but largely unheard-of disasters from throughout human history and around the world including the science behind every disturbing detail. If you like shipwrecks, decapitations, things that melt, living blankets of insects and people screaming for their lives, Doomsday is the podcast for you. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/doomsday-history-s-most-dangerous-podcast--4866335/support . more

I'm a pilot obsessed with flying and all things aviation. This podcast series covers more than a century of commercial aviation and how its shaped the world. Aviation is now safer than its ever been, but it took one hundred years of learning and often through accidents and incidents to reduce the risk of flying. more

When It Goes Wrong explores accidents, disasters and when everything falls apart. Join your host Jasmin to discuss what went wrong from areas like mountaineering disasters, to shipwrecks to true crime. Things go wrong all the time - lets chat about it! more

A maritime history podcast about shipwrecks, maritime disasters, and seafaring legends. Hear tragic stories of loss, as well as heroic tales of triumph. Host Rich Napolitano explores maritime history like you've never heard, including occasional guests such as authors, historians, mariners, divers, and archaeologists. If you love history, you will love Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs. more

Chain of Events. Cause and Effect. We analyse what went right and what went wrong as we discover that many outcomes can be predicted, planned for and even prevented. more

The Disaster Tough Podcast is for emergency managers, by emergency managers. We share stories, lessons learned, and tips to help you make informed decisions. Our host, John Scardena is a former Federal Emergency Response Official with Type 1 response experience. He now leads Doberman Emergency Management, from which this is being recorded. Our guests are also field experts who provide their insights in our conversation based podcast. Discussions with emergency managers revolve around the entire disaster life-cycle. We provide solutions based on training and backed by data. We share experiences of emergency response and identify the lessons learned through our own version of after action reporting. This is conversation mode activated. We are known for flipping from serious to humor without warning. Try to keep up in our weekly podcasts!About Doberman Emergency Management. We provide customized plans, mitigates hazards, delivers training, and supplies emergency products to meet the unique needs of clients. We identify and solve the Nation's most complex incidents. That's our job. more

A FEMA podcast highlighting innovation in the field of emergency management and sharing stories of communities and individuals recovering after disasters. more

A journey through a diverse collection of remarkable communities and movements figuring out how to build power, solidarity, and connection in a world beset by disasters — both natural and human-caused. From hurricanes to wildfires to reactionary politics and more, The Response's audio documentaries and interviews highlight some of the most inspiring stories of response and pave a path towards the better world we know is possible. more

Disasters happen all time, but why? And how? Join us in exploring some of history's most infamous disasters, from small accidents to absolute catastrophes. Sit back and relax with Ian & Liv while we deep dive into these disasters and the events that led to it, and ask the big questions: was the disaster avoidable, and is anyone to blame? more

We bring you stories of history's most notorious disasters and epic failures. Join us as we analyze the red flags and ask the important questions. How did things go so wrong? Could these disasters have been avoided? Join us as we laugh, learn, and explore the most epic failures of all time. more

For Emergency Responders at All Levels

Nature is breathtaking, but it is also unforgiving. Tragedy with a View is a true crime and outdoor survival podcast exploring real life tragedies, wilderness mysteries, remarkable rescues and unbelievable survival stories. Every episode dives into disasters involving hiking, camping, climbing, wildlife encounters, National Parks, extreme weather and the unpredictable power of nature. Hosted by Kayla, this is a podcast for outdoor adventures who appreciate gripping storytelling, true crime, and the lessons hidden within every expedition gone wrong. Every trail has a story. Some end in trimuph. Others end in disaster. Tragedy with a View, a podcast where wilderness meets on the darkest trails. more

Final Boarding Call dives into the true stories of aviation disasters, survival tales, and near misses that have shaped history. Hosted by Alice, a disaster-obsessed frequent flyer, and her reluctant, homebody husband Zach, each episode explores the history, mechanics, and human decisions behind these harrowing events. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, we examine how small oversights and miscommunications can cascade into catastrophe, revealing the fragility of complex systems and celebrating the heroism that emerges in crisis. From ghost planes circling on autopilot to pilots sucked out of windshields at 17,000 feet, we unpack these incidents with equal parts fascination and respect for the lessons they've taught us. So stow your tray tables, fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for turbulence—because not every trip reaches its final destination. more

Welcome to Wreckage & Ruins!Each week we investigate disasters: man-made and natural, legendary last stands, medical mishaps, and everything in between.Each of the ruins unfold into a story, and we're here to understand why it happened and what came after. more

'Radar Contact Lost: The Podcast' will discuss the tragic circumstances involved with some of the worst airplane crashes. When weather conditions are at fault or are a contributing factor to the accident (as is so often the case), the meteorology will be examined and explained. Hosted by a meteorologist with 40 years of professional experience including U.S. Air Force, broadcast and commercial meteorology. The Radar Contact Lost team includes experts from the fields of commercial meteorology, commercial aviation and air traffic control. more

Reflecting on human society from diverse disciplinary and ideological perspectives to understand the root causes of disasters. more

Australia's Leading Disaster Podcast

Welcome to the DisasterClass Podcast, your trusted source for expert guidance on disaster preparedness, emergency management, and building resilience in a chaotic world. Hosted by real emergency responders, EMTs, and risk professionals, this show is dedicated to helping you educate, prepare, and equip yourself for life's disruptions—whether personal, professional, or community-wide. Each episode features powerful insights, real-world case studies, interviews with industry leaders, and practical tips on topics like: Emergency planning for families, businesses, and schools Crisis leadership and decision-making under pressure Bleeding control and life-saving medical interventions Business continuity and disaster recovery strategies Risk mindset development for everyday resilience Emerging threats and real-time lessons from recent disasters Whether you're an emergency manager, first responder, school administrator, business owner, or proactive individual, DisasterClass delivers actionable content that empowers you to face any crisis with clarity and confidence. 🔔 Subscribe now and join the class—because preparedness isn't paranoia, it's power. disaster preparedness podcast, emergency management, emergency planning, bleeding control, business continuity, crisis leadership, disaster recovery, risk mindset, community resilience, emergency response podcast, family emergency planning more

Extreme Weather and Disaster Scientist, Dr. 'Hurricane Hal' hosts the Geotrek podcast, exploring the world to tell stories about extreme weather and natural disasters not covered by the mainstream media. Each conversation takes a deep-dive into the world where extreme forces of nature threaten to inflict fatalities and economic losses on vulnerable populations. These engaging stories help listeners prepare for extreme events, making their families and communities more resilient. Our guests include meteorologists, innovators, science communicators, thought leaders, filmmakers, insurance professionals, emergency management specialists, scientists, and storm chasers. Visit 👉 https://www.geo-trek.com/ Subscribe on Youtube 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@geotrekpodcast Listen on Apple 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/geotrek/id1577259065 Listen on Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/73GLqlNgdJr04KoI5yU6h5 Follow on Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/geotrekpodcast Join the Facebook Group 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/515960219869748 Follow on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/_geotrek/ Part of Stormline Network Follow on TikTok 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@_geotrek Connect on LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/geotrekpodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

IEM Unscripted presents DisasterSmiths™, a dynamic podcast that dives into the heart of disaster resilience. Join us as we explore the practical solutions, innovative programs, and dedicated service delivery crafted to aid disaster survivors and fortify communities. Our mission is clear to make our communities more resilient in the face of adversity. more

Let's face it our future will be one with more natural and unnatural disasters - whether we want them or not, they are here to stay. Doing Disasters Differently: The Podcast, hosted by corporate2community founder and disaster resilience specialist Renae Hanvin, brings you informal conversations with global and local leaders in emergency management and disaster resilience across government, corporate, small business, non-profit and community stakeholders. Perfect for building your understanding and disaster-related toolkit, there's no doubt you'll be inspired to start doing disasters differently today. Visit https://resilientready.org/ to find out more and don't forget to connect with Renae Hanvin + Resilient Ready on LinkedIn. more

Disasters like hurricanes, hailstorms, tornadoes, and wildfires can be devastating and frightening. They displace families, drive financial loss, and destroy communities. Join us as we sit down with science, insurance, and building industry professionals who will help us explore the intersection of these hazards with the built environment and steps being taken to prevent future devastation. more

HURRICANE CENTER: The people, science and decisions that protect communities before, during and after the storm. more

Florida is a national leader in emergency management—and now, we're bringing the conversation to you. This podcast goes beyond hurricanes and hazard plans to explore the people, innovation, and expertise that make the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) a model for the nation.Each episode dives into a key aspect of preparedness, response, and recovery, with guest speakers from across a wide range of professions—showing that emergency management is more than a single job title. Whether you're a student, a job-seeker, or a seasoned professional, you'll gain fresh insights, discover new career paths, and hear stories that shape Florida's approach to resilience.Tune in to learn, connect, and be part of the future of emergency management in Florida. more

Fascinating Horror tells the true stories behind some of history's greatest disasters... but without sensationalism or disturbing imagery. Fascinating Horror is all about in-depth research, respectful storytelling, and learning what we can from the mistakes of the past. You might be surprised to discover just how much of today's world is shaped by long-forgotten disasters from decades gone by. more

Uses dramatic, deeply researched storytelling and archival footage to explore some of the worst disasters caused by man. Some are accidents sprouting from hubris, greed or incompetence, others a result of malice and a complete disregard for fellow human beings. Whether it's collapses, fires, riots, stampedes, crashes, explosions, famines, massacres, war crimes or genocide, every manmade calamity has lessons we can learn from—both about the complex human follies that enabled them, as well as how they can be prevented from ever happening again. more

How to Disaster is a podcast for people navigating the aftermath of disaster — and for the leaders, helpers, and decision-makers working to support them. Hosted by Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After the Fire USA, the show makes disaster recovery clearer, more human, and less overwhelming. Each episode helps listeners understand what happens after the headlines fade: how recovery systems work, why decisions matter, what communities need, and how people find their way forward. Through thoughtful conversations with survivors, practitioners, policymakers, storytellers, and community leaders, How to Disaster translates complex issues into grounded, accessible insight. Alongside Jennifer's conversations, wildfire survivor, Kim Marshall, brings listeners closer to the lived reality of recovery through on-the-ground conversations with people impacted by disaster. The show does not sensationalize crisis or debate climate politics. Instead, it offers clarity, context, and connection for people living through disaster and those trying to help. If you are recovering, supporting someone who is, or trying to better understand how disaster reshapes lives and communities, this podcast is here to help you feel less alone and understand what comes next. more

History's A Disaster is a darkly funny true-history podcast digging into shipwrecks, train wrecks, and other real-life catastrophes — no sugarcoating, no boring lectures. more

Compact Disasters is a podcast that delivers bite-sized episodes exploring some of the world's most catastrophic events, from natural disasters to human-made tragedies. Each episode, lasting less time than it takes to enjoy a coffee, dives into the causes, consequences, and lasting impacts of these events, offering listeners a concise but comprehensive overview. Whether it's hurricanes, industrial accidents, or historical calamities, the podcast aims to engage and inform audiences with well-researched, fast-paced content that is both educational and gripping. Perfect for history enthusiasts, curious minds, or anyone looking to learn about significant disasters without a huge time commitment. more

The All Hazards Hour podcast explores every aspect of disaster management, featuring real stories and practical insights from emergency managers and disaster responders. Tune in for candid conversations that reveal how communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Email us with comments, suggested topics and guests, and flowery praise at ****@katmaisolutions.com . To learn more about our sponsor go to www.katmaisolutions.com . New episodes drop every Friday at 12am Alaska Time. more

Hello, my name is Dr. Christopher Potter and I am a wildfire scientist with over 30 years of experience working for NASA, and with local communities impacted by wildland fires.  I have studied wildfire on the urban interface using satellite imagery and ground measurements for all of the most destructive fires in the western United States, and I myself live in a high-risk wildfire zone in northern California.  In this weekly podcast, titled 'When Wildfire Comes', we will hear from a special guest about their close encounter with a major wildfire that occurred during the past several years.  This is not a breaking news report, but 30 minutes during which our guest recounts their emotions and their first-hand observations of a wildfire approaching and burning in their town or community, and the lessons to be learned from such a horrifying event.Note that the views and opinions expressed in this interview by the host are solely those of the host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of his employer. Content produced is for informational purposes only. more

The Human Side of Emergency Management Podcast is a raw, honest, and deeply human look into the people behind the emergencies — the leaders, volunteers, responders, and community members who show up when everything is on the line.Hosted by Australian emergency management leader Vivien Thomson, who brings nearly 40 years of rural firefighting and leadership experience, this podcast steps away from systems and procedures and focuses on what often gets left out of the conversation: the emotions, the courage, the connection, and the compassion that shape how we lead in high‑stakes environments.After decades of witnessing disasters become more frequent and more severe — and seeing the toll this takes on people and communities — Vivien created this podcast to talk about the part of the job everyone feels but rarely discusses. The exhaustion. The pride. The heartbreak. The humanity. The moments that shape us. The moments that break us. And the moments that remind us why we do this work at all.Each episode taps into the collective wisdom of people across the world who have lived this work — people Vivien has worked with, admired, learned from, or is meeting for the first time. Their stories carry lessons that don't come from a classroom or a slide deck. They come from lived experience, from standing in the thick of it, from leading when the stakes are high and the emotions are real.This podcast is not polished. It's not scripted. It's not pretending. It's real conversations about what it feels like to be human in emergency management — the vulnerability, the strength, the doubt, the resilience, and the love we bring to the people and communities we care for.Listeners will hear about the inner skills that matter most: reflection, connection, courage, compassion, and the ability to keep going when the work gets heavy. These conversations shine a light on the emotional load we carry, the relationships that sustain us, and the quiet moments of bravery that rarely make it into reports or debriefs.At its core, this podcast asks one simple question:What am I learning today, and how will I use it?Because if we don't lead with humanity, the cost will be far greater than any emergency we face.Whether you're in emergency services, community leadership, government, health, or simply someone who cares about people, this podcast offers a space to learn, reflect, and connect with the heart of what we do.Walk with Vivien through the stories, lessons, and wisdom of people who have lived this work. If it helps you — even in a small way — on your journey through emergency management, then it has done its job.That's the heart of what we do. more

We tell stories of man made unnatural disasters. A landfill in the Birthplace of Country Music is poisoning residents. We're digging into the story and it's not as clear as you might think. more

Disaster Zone is hosted by Eric Holdeman , an emergency manager with over 30 years of experience at the federal, state and local levels of government. Disaster Zone is a podcast that focuses on all facets of disasters; the before, during and after of events that are increasingly impacting communities around the world. Podcasts run between 35-45 minutes with a mix of guests covering a range of disasters and issues that flow from them. Story topics and suggestions for people to interview are welcomed. You can contact the host via email. more

The IDRiM Podcast covers all things related to disasters. Whether it's reviewing current and past disasters, exploring the latest research, providing a platform for young researchers to present their findings, or featuring senior researchers sharing their life stories and career journeys, the podcast delves into a wide range of topics in the field of disaster risk management.The IDRiM Society is a global network of experts, practitioners, and researchers dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. The Society is based at Kyoto University, Japan. more

All Bad Things is a weekly podcast about accidents, tragedies, natural disasters and other anxiety fuel. Hosted by wry GenXer David and bleeding-heart Millenial Rachel. Trigger warning for everything possible. more