‘Against The Odds’ just wrapped up its first month on air. We sat down with the podcast’s hosts to learn what it’s all about — and why you should listen.
The “Against The Odds” podcast essentially retells (in vivid detail) some of the greatest survival stories to make headlines around the world. It’s stories of adventure, survival, daring rescues, and tough decisions.
Hosts Mike Corey and Cassie De Pecol are two travel experts and self-described “adventure junkies.” They are also a podcasting dream team, the voices behind the “Against The Odds” audio series. And they’ve never even met.
The duo records the podcast remotely, and they collaborate and connect over the internet. They’ve recorded podcast episodes everywhere, from stateside motel rooms to tents in Tanzania.
Mike Corey’s Bio: Mike Corey is a Canadian adventure travel YouTuber (Fearless & Far) and TV host who aims to inspire others to chase their fears in a “teaching-by-doing” style. He doesn’t have a home or a car, and he travels the world full time. He frequently participates in cultural celebrations in the locale he’s visiting — whether it be exploding sledgehammer festivals, Kambo frog venom rituals, or camping in abandoned castles.
Cassie De Pecol’s Bio: In 2017, Cassie De Pecol became the first woman on record to travel every country in the world, breaking two Guinness World Records for the fastest person and fastest female to do so. She works as a motivational speaker, author, and content creator, and she is an avid Ironman triathlete.
Behind the Microphone: Q&A
GearJunkie: How and when did you get involved with the podcast?
Mike Corey: I received the email for the “Against The Odds” casting call at 2 a.m. in Romania, after returning from a week of camping in Transylvania. Normally, I would wait until the next day to tackle these things, but I was called at that moment to record.
The first season was [going] to be the Thai Cave Rescue, a rescue story that had captured my heart a few years prior. I read the script right there on the hotel bed, and ended up getting the gig!
De Pecol: My manager presented me the opportunity to work with Wondery, and I thought it was a wonderful concept for a podcast. It really resonated with me based on my travel and adventure experience.