Carolyn Hochlowski never liked the outdoors. But when she turned 36 she realized life was passing her by. So she bought a cheap tent and sleeping bag and set off on a solo road trip across the country with a dog named Thor.

In the frigid month of February, three companions embark on an ice fishing expedition on Lake Huron. Initially, the camaraderie is palpable, but as the story unfolds, a collision of friendship, peer pressure, and the stark reality of facing mortality takes center stage.

Doreen Cunningham always loved whales. So when she got the chance to live with an Iñupiaq tribe, whose survival depends on whales, she jumped at it. Years later, back in her home in the UK, Doreen would once again turn to whales, this time to help her heal.

It’s back! This week we are doing another installment of our fan favorite series “Close Encounters of the Wild Kind.” This week we will bring you two stories from listeners who have gotten a little too close for comfort with some of nature’s critters while spending time outdoors.

In September, 2014 writer Ben McGrath had a chance encounter with Dick Conant; a 63 year old man on a solo paddling trip from Canada to Florida. Months later, Ben received a phone call from an unknown number which set him off on a journey of his own.

Mike Sarvey was an experienced hunter who felt confident in his outdoors skills. But one day he ventured in the Wyoming wilderness and lost his bearings. As the sun began to set, he realized he had made a huge mistake and that you can never be too prepared.

When Brady Brandwood decided to see what would happen when he bought a lobster to keep as a pet, he never expected it to change his life. This is the story of Leon the Lobster and his unlikely journey from grocery store tank to social media sensation.