Episodes

Rivers should flow, not ooze. In this one, Ian and Liv are joined once again by Liv's sister/Ian's cousin Alexa once again to talk about the Cuyahoga River Fire, which took place in 1969. Like the name implies, the northeast Ohio river catches fire because it was so heavily polluted by local industry. Local politicians tried to address the pollution and clean up the ecosystem, but they had an extremely uphill battle ahead of them. If your water tastes like medicine, probably best not to drink ...

Human leadership has been compromised. In this one, Ian and Liv reach the conclusion of their two-part series on Heaven's Gate, a religious cult which ended tragically in mass suicide in 1997. This one has it all: full page newspaper ads, computer start-ups, telescopes, comets, so what more could you ask for? Aliens? Unfortunately for Marshall, that's the ONE thing his "alien cult" doesn't have. Also, Liv confirms that human leadership has indeed been compromised. Ian learns that cable TV stil...

Friends don't let friends join cults. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a religious cult that began in the 1970s, "The Class," which barely survived for 20 years until the remaining 39 cult members, along with their leader, committed mass suicide in 1997. Eventually, this became cult became known as "Heaven's Gate," and has since become famous not only for their mass suicide, but the sheer absurdity of events that the cult leaders orchestrated during its span of two decades. Spoiler Alert: T...

Just the tip. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about a mudslide/landslide/avalanche that struck the town of Aberfan, Wales, in 1966. Among the victims were children in a school that was in the center of the mudslide's path. Also, Ian discusses an alternate version of Shrek. Liv wants to go to Applebee's. The Aberfan Disaster official tribunal report: http://www.mineaccidents.com.au/uploads/aberfan-report-original.pdf

Y'all know the ocean is cold, right? In this one, Ian and Liv talk about an oil rig that sank in the middle of the night during an intense storm. Rogue waves were involved. Did you know they're a real thing? Also, Ian is delirious from working all day. Liv confirms that she only has one personality.

Part 2? It's time TWO sit down and listen. In this one, Ian and Liv conclude their story on the Radium Girls in the second part of their first ever Two-Parter. What becomes of the Radium Girls? Does USRC get screwed in court? Was Marie Antoinette involved? Lots, yes, no. Also, Liv is freaked out by the coyotes. Ian loves Erin Brockovich.

If it glows, it's probably dangerous. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the Radium Girls, five young women who filed a lawsuit against their employer for knowingly exposing them to a deadly radioactive chemical: Radium. And, as you can imagine, the corporate lawyers of the early 1900s will stop at nothing to prove their false innocence. Also, Liv is ready for a suppository. Ian got a new keyboard.

Special Alert: Katie's back. In this one, Ian and Liv are joined once again by Katie to talk about a triple train wreck back in 2005 that resulted in 11 deaths. Fun fact: Costco employees are the best people to walk the face of the Earth. Also, Katie argues about different types of trains. Liv learns about the original CSI show. Ian gets defensive over Thomas the Tank Engine.

Maritime safety is very important. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about two ships that crashed in 1917 in Halifax. If that wasn't bad enough, one ship was carrying a boat load (word play) of explosives, all which detonated simultaneously. Halifax was almost completely wiped off the map by the explosion, as well as the subsequent tsunami. To add insult to injury, there was a blizzard the following day in Halifax. Also, Ian struggles to speak English. Liv is not an official Uber sponsor.

For the record, volcanos can kill you. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the eruption of Mt. Pelee and the destruction of the nearby city, St. Pierre, on the island of Martinique in 1902. But the volcano isn't the only part of nature that claims the lives of civilians living near the volcano. Starving vipers, desperate for food and shelter, invade the city just before the eruption, adding more mayhem to the situation. Also, Liv wants to touch lava with her bare hands. Ian does not.

How much dancing is too much? In this one, Ian and Liv are joined by friend and special guest host Ashley while they talk about one of strangest plagues in history: Dancing Plague. In 1518, hundreds of people in Strasbourg were compelled to dance, and couldn't stop no matter how hard they tried. And yes, people died from dancing. Probably from dancing the Jitterbug. Also, Liv knows a lot of sayings. Ashley is reassimilated into society. Ian has never seen Footloose, staring Kevin Bacon.

Sometimes, "stop drop and roll" isn't enough in the event of a fire. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a fire that broke out in a sweatshop in NYC more than 100 years ago. Pro tip: if you're looking to save a few bucks on the construction of a factory, the fire sprinkler system isn't the cut you should make. Don't learn that the hard way. Also, Ian begins falling apart when he's tired. Liv has personal experience as a "town crier."

The most dangerous part of racing? When your race car is launched off of another car and then explodes when it lands on the track. That usually ruins the experience for everyone. In this one, Liv and Ian talk about the 1955 LeMans disaster, a race where that exact scenario happened. Yikes. Also, Liv is entertained by the Kardashians. Ian is glad Liv isn't dead.

If you listened to the second episode of this podcast and thought, "ya know, that wasn't their best," well you're not alone, because Ian thought so too. In this one, Ian and Liv retell one of their first disaster stories with more enthusiasm, more flair, and most importantly, more commentary. It was necessary, believe us. Also, Liv gives her career in music another chance. Ian knows a thing or two about shanty towns.

In this one, Ian and Liv didn't plan their vacations accordingly with each other, so Dylan fills in as the cohost for a discussion about several different stories of animal attacks. Although, is it really an "attack" if you jump into a polar bear's zoo enclosure and THEN it kills you? Also, Ian and Dylan learn about herpes.

This is a formal request for all Disaster Hour listeners: Please wash your hands after defecation, urination, and all other bathroom activities. In this one, Ian and Liv talk about the case of Mary Mallon, aka Typhoid Mary, who was a silent carrier of typhoid fever in the early 1900s. Spoiler alert: hand washing could've saved lives. Literally. Also, Liv was a disease-ridden child. Ian is still playing Lego Fortnite.

In this one, Ian and Liv start the new year off with another 1800s steamboat disaster. Unstable boilers, faulty repairs, ignoring safety regulations, explosions, all on the good ol' Mississippi! This one has it all. Southbound. Also, Ian has strong feelings against The Lord of the Rings. Liv knows a thing or two about tectonic plates. Southbound.

Remember that time the world stopped in its tracks to watch coverage of the missing OceanGate submersible? In this one, Ian and Liv are joined by two of Ian's closest friends: first time guest host Katie, and returning guest host Dylan. The crew talks about the disaster of the Titan submersible's demise and the many, many red flags that preceded the passengers' demise. Also, Katie gets hostile over Kate Winslet. Dylan knows entirely too much about barometric pressures. Liv always washes the dish...

In this one, Liv and Ian talk about a circus fire that resulted in the death of over 100 people, and injured hundreds more. And that doesn't even begin to broach the subject of arson and intrigue surrounding the fire's victims. Also, Liv showcases her singing talent. Ian is thankful he doesn't have children.

Part 2 of Life's a Circus features not only the story of Topsy the Elephant, but Liv's oldest sister and Ian's first first cousin Tricia! (First first, as in the first 1st cousin Ian ever had.) In this one, the crew talks about Topsy, a circus elephant who was tragically execute for "violent behaviors." That's in quotes, because is it violence or self-defense if the circus handlers are abusing Topsy in the first place? Also, Ian's baking skills are barely adequate. Tricia denies being a lawyer....

In this one, Ian and Liv talk about a train wreck in 1918 that tragically killed 86 members of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. To no surprise, this entire disaster could have been easily avoided. Also, Liv remembers being awake for 24 hours. Ian learns about Sigmund Freud.

In this one, the disaster is a human stampede that takes place in Russia in 1896 at the coronation celebration for Nicholas II. Did you know you can be smothered in crowed while still standing? Also, Liv has romantic feelings for a cartoon, and Ian is deeply concerned.

Happy Halloween! For this holiday special, Ian covers a series of UFO abduction stories, and Liv inserts logic into each situation. Also, if you stick around for the full episode, you'll find out what happens when Liv and Ian don't coordinate the rules of a drinking game ahead of time. Happy Halloween, everybody!

In this one, Liv and Ian are joined by Dylan (aka Ian's best friend) while they talk about the tragedy of Port Royal in 1692. A Jamaican island is decimated by not only an earthquake, but also by the following tsunami. Ian also talks about the rich culture and pirate history of Port Royal. Also, Liv rewrites a famous Kansas song. Dylan learns Captain Morgan was a real person. Ian insists drowning feels good.