Best Compact Disasters Podcasts (2025)

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Tulip Mania 9:34

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44m ago9:34

9:34

In the 1600s, the Dutch Republic witnessed one of history’s most infamous financial frenzies, the Tulip Mania. Prices for rare bulbs skyrocketed and then crashed almost overnight. But was it really the world’s first bubble, or just a case of economic myth-making? In this episode, we dig into the petals, the profits, and the popular misconceptions. …

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The Sinking of the Prestige 9:44

5d ago9:44

9:44

In 2002, the oil tanker Prestige broke apart off the coast of Spain, spilling thousands of tonnes of toxic fuel into the Atlantic and unleashing one of Europe’s worst environmental disasters. In this episode, we trace the ship’s final hours, the fateful decisions that led to catastrophe, and the massive ecological and political fallout that followe…

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The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster 9:23

12d ago9:23

9:23

In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia was just minutes from landing when it broke apart high above Earth, killing all seven astronauts aboard. In this episode, we explore how a routine mission turned tragic, from the unnoticed damage during launch to the catastrophic failure during re-entry. It’s a story of foam, fire, and fatal assumptions that reshaped…

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Meltdown at Three Mile Island 9:10

23d ago9:10

9:10

In 1979, America came dangerously close to a nuclear catastrophe. In this episode, we unpack the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island, the worst nuclear accident in U.S. history. From a stuck valve and human error to mass panic and global fallout for the nuclear industry, this disaster changed how the world views atomic energy. Tune in to discover…

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The Brazilian Amazon Deforestation Crisis 9:48

26d ago9:48

9:48

The lungs of the Earth are under attack. In this episode, we explore the ongoing deforestation crisis in the Brazilian Amazon — a disaster unfolding not with explosions, but with chainsaws and bulldozers. Learn how illegal logging, agriculture, and political tensions are devastating the rainforest, fuelling climate change, and threatening countless…

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Meet the EMS Avenger: Saving lives with kindness and content 29:52

28d ago29:52

29:52

In this high-impact edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with EMS influencer and educator Jimmy Apple, known widely across platforms as The EMS Avenger. With nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok and a growing presence on Instagram and Facebook, Jimmy has mastered the art of compressing complex clinical topics into digestibl…

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Growing the next generation of changemakers in rural EMS 47:47

1M ago47:47

47:47

In this special crossover edition of EMS One-Stop and The Bridge Podcast from the Kentucky Office of Rural Health, host Amelia Holliday leads the conversation, joined by Scott Helle, rural project manager at KORH; and Rob Lawrence, host of EMS One-Stop and EMS leader. Recorded live at the 2025 Kentucky EMS Leadership Academy, this episode explores …

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From info overload to instant clarity: Lifeline EMS puts AI to work 42:48

1M ago42:48

42:48

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Danielle Thomas, chief operating officer, Lifeline EMS of Los Angeles, to explore how her team is harnessing “actual intelligence” — through a proprietary, closed-source AI platform called InCheck — to solve a perennial EMS headache: information overload. Thomas explains …

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The 2008 Global Financial Crisis 9:00

1M ago9:00

9:00

In 2008, the world watched as banks collapsed, stock markets crashed, and economies unravelled. In this episode, we explore how risky loans, financial greed, and a housing bubble combined to trigger the worst economic disaster since the Great Depression. From Wall Street to high streets around the globe, millions felt the shockwaves — and the after…

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The Sinking of the RMS Lusitania 9:37

1M ago9:37

9:37

In 1915, the RMS Lusitania was a symbol of luxury and speed — until a German U-boat turned it into a symbol of tragedy. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the torpedo strike that sent the grand ocean liner to the bottom of the sea, the international outrage that followed, and how one sinking ship helped push the world closer to total…

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The Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse 9:16

2M ago9:16

9:16

In 1981, a night of dancing and celebration at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City turned into one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. In this episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we unpack the shocking collapse of two skywalks packed with people, the design flaw that sealed their fate, and the lasting legacy on engineering practices world…

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Paramedics without borders: Celebrating global unity on International Paramedic Day 34:29

2M ago34:29

34:29

In this international edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence welcomes Lewis Andrews, the chief operating officer of the United Kingdom’s College of Paramedics, for an insightful discussion on two major topics shaping global paramedicine. First up is International Paramedic Day, taking place on July 8, 2025. Now in its third year, th…

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The Costa Concordia Wreck 8:26

2M ago8:26

8:26

When the Costa Concordia set sail, no one expected a disaster worthy of Titanic comparisons—but that’s exactly what happened. In episode 34 of 5 Minute Disasters, we dive into the chaotic wreck of the cruise liner off the coast of Italy in 2012. With a captain’s fateful decisions, a dramatic evacuation, and a ship lying on its side like a stranded …

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How ‘One big beautiful bill’ could break EMS 52:32

2M ago52:32

52:32

In this vital episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Matt Zavadsky and attorney Doug Wolfberg of Page, Wolfberg & Wirth for a deep-dive into three financial flashpoints currently impacting EMS. First, the trio unpack the launch of the new PWW|AG/EMS|MC EMS Financial Index, a quarterly report leveraging billing and revenue cycle dat…

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Safe streets for all: MVC care funding in action 42:39

2M ago42:39

42:39

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with returning guest Chief Robbie MacCue of Colonie EMS (New York) to explore the transformative potential of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) federal grant program. Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, SS4A aims to prevent roadway fatalities and enha…

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Inside the EMS Compact: How REPLICA transforms disaster response, licensing & leadership 41:47

3M ago41:47

41:47

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence kicks off a special series spotlighting national EMS associations, beginning with a deep dive into the EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA). His guest, Donnie Woodyard Jr., executive director, Interstate Commission for EMS Personnel Practice, brings decades of EMS experi…

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Insights, actions and the future of EMS: The 2025 ESO EMS Index 56:26

3M ago56:26

56:26

In this special data-driven edition of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Brent Myers, chief medical officer, ESO, and Dr. Remle Crowe, ESO’s director of clinical and operational research, to unpack the newly released 2025 ESO EMS Index. This annual report provides a powerful, real-world snapshot of national EMS trends — d…

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Barriers to prehospital whole blood implementation 41:17

3M ago41:17

41:17

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Christine Carico and Dr. Matt Levy to discuss the peer-reviewed paper, “Nationwide Trends in Prehospital Blood Product Use After Injury.” The paper, published in “Transfusion” in April 2025, explores the use of blood products in prehospital trauma care. Despite the proven benefits …

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EMS in the ash zone: Alaska’s Mount Spurr and the volcanic challenge 23:04

3M ago23:04

23:04

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Deputy Director Tracey Loscar from Mat-Su Borough EMS in Alaska. Together, they discuss the looming threat of Mount Spurr, a volcano located 75 miles west of Anchorage, which is currently showing signs of potential eruption. Loscar provides insights into disaster management…

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The human side of EMS: Culture, compassion and clinical courage 30:46

4M ago30:46

30:46

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, recorded live from the ABC 360 and XI Conference, host Rob Lawrence chats with keynote speaker Catherine Kuhlmann, a firefighter-paramedic with over 26 years of experience. Kuhlmann discusses the importance of understanding both internal and external customer service in EMS, emphasizing the need for a healthy organi…

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Future-proofing EMS: How a new course is building results-driven problem solvers 1:01:48

4M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

NOTE: Be sure to check out the Inside EMS podcast this month where Rob Lawrence will be joining Kelly Grayson as a guest cohost for Chris Cebollero. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, Dr. Dave Williams discusses an exciting new master's-level course designed for EMS and fire leaders, focused on advanced improvement science. Along with Mik…

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Sleep, safety & fatigue: Improving EMS health with Dr. Dan Patterson 38:02

4M ago38:02

38:02

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Dr. Dan Patterson, a clinician-scientist specializing in safety in emergency care settings. Dr. Patterson’s work centers around critical factors in EMS safety, such as sleep health, shift work, fatigue and their combined effects on clinician well-being. Timeline of key discussion point…

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The Great Kantō Earthquake 8:46

4M ago8:46

8:46

In Episode 33 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. Striking the Tokyo-Yokohama region on 1 September, the powerful earthquake and the subsequent fires destroyed entire cities, leaving over 140,000 people dead. The disaster reshaped J…

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The Looting of the National Museum of Iraq 8:40

5M ago8:40

8:40

In Episode 32 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating looting of the National Museum of Iraq, one of the greatest cultural losses in modern history. In April 2003, amid the chaos following the US-led invasion of Iraq, the museum was ransacked, with thousands of priceless artefacts stolen or destroyed. Treasures spanning millen…

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The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami 9:14

5M ago9:14

9:14

In Episode 31 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Triggered by a massive undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, the tsunami unleashed towering waves that struck coastal communities across 14 countries, leaving destruction in its w…

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Emerging threat update: Avian influenza, Mpox, Ebola, seasonal flu 32:31

5M ago32:31

32:31

In this episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes back Dr. Alex Isakov, a leading expert in infectious diseases from NETEC and Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Isakov provides valuable updates on current and emerging infectious diseases; their global impact; and the critical role EMS professionals play in identifying, isolating and protec…

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The $21M Texas EMS recruitment and retention initiative 30:09

5M ago30:09

30:09

Recruiting and retaining EMS professionals has been an ongoing challenge across the U.S., made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of the EMS One–Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Joe Schmider, Texas State EMS director, to discuss the $21M Texas EMS Workforce Initiative — a data-driven approach to recruiting and retaining E…

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The 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption 8:43

5M ago8:43

8:43

Episode 30 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the catastrophic 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the most devastating volcanic disaster in United States history. On 18 May, a powerful explosion shattered the mountain, triggering a massive landslide and releasing an ash cloud that darkened skies for miles. The blast obliterated forests, destroyed homes…

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The Peshtigo Fire 8:29

5M ago8:29

8:29

Episode 29 of 5 Minute Disasters tells the harrowing story of the Peshtigo Fire, the deadliest wildfire in American history. On 8 October 1871, the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, was consumed by an inferno so intense that it melted metal and created firestorms. With winds fanning the flames and no means of escape, over 1,500 people perished in …

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‘The leader must own it’: General Robert Neller on ethical leadership and adaptability 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

In this special episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence welcomes General Robert B. Neller, the 37th commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to discuss leadership, decision-making, team building and the evolving challenges facing public safety professionals. General Neller shares his perspective on leading under pressure, making critical de…

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The 2009 Air France Flight 447 Crash: Mystery Over the Atlantic 8:13

6M ago8:13

8:13

Episode 28 of 5 Minute Disasters explores the tragic 2009 Air France Flight 447 crash, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in modern history. The Airbus A330 disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, claiming the lives of all 228 passengers and crew on board. For nearly two years, the mystery surrounding t…

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The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Ecological Devastation on the High Seas 9:30

6M ago9:30

9:30

In episode 27 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we examine the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, an environmental catastrophe that poured nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska. In just five minutes, we uncover the human errors and corporate negligence that led to the disaster, the…

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Lessons from the McClain case: Protecting first responders and improving EMS practices 53:54

6M ago53:54

53:54

In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, host Rob Lawrence is joined by Shana Beggan, Esq.; and Mike Pellow, Esq., defense attorneys representing one of the firefighters involved in the tragic Elijah McClain case. Beggan and Pellow discuss the complex legal and systemic issues surrounding the incident, including communication breakdowns, inadeq…

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The Eruption of Krakatoa: The Volcano that Shook the World 9:12

6M ago9:12

9:12

In episode 26 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we revisit the catastrophic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883, one of the most powerful volcanic events in recorded history. In just five minutes, we explore how the island's violent explosion devastated nearby regions, unleashing colossal tsunamis and killing tens of thousands of people. The eruption sen…

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From chaos to command: Lessons from the New Year’s Day tragedy in New Orleans 51:48

6M ago51:48

51:48

In this sobering episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Chief Bill Salmeron of New Orleans EMS to discuss the tragic events that unfolded on New Year’s Day 2025, when a vehicle plowed through crowds in the French Quarter, resulting in 15 fatalities and 57 injuries, including two police officers. Chief Salmeron provides a detailed…

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Navigating extreme weather: Insights from DHS Chief Meteorologist, Sunny Wescott 37:53

6M ago37:53

37:53

Join Rob Lawrence on EMS One-Stop as he welcomes Sunny Wescott, chief meteorologist at the Department of Homeland Security, for an eye-opening discussion about the impact of extreme weather on emergency services and critical infrastructure. Sunny shares her expertise on meteorological trends, the challenges of preparing for severe weather events, a…

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The Great Molasses Flood 8:50

6M ago8:50

8:50

In episode 25 of the 5 Minute Disasters podcast, we delve into the strange and tragic story of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. In just five minutes, we recount how a massive storage tank in Boston’s North End burst, unleashing a 25-foot wave of molasses that tore through the streets, destroying buildings and claiming 21 lives. This bizarre disast…

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The Black Death 9:12

7M ago9:12

9:12

In the 24th episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the devastating story of the Black Death, one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. In just five minutes, we explore how this plague swept through Europe, Asia, and North Africa in the 14th century, killing millions and reshaping societies. From its mysterious origins and terrifying sy…

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The Destruction of the Library of Alexandria 9:04

7M ago9:04

9:04

In the twenty-third episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the tragic story of the destruction of the Library of Alexandria, one of history’s greatest cultural losses. In just five minutes, we recount how this ancient centre of knowledge, renowned for its vast collection of texts from across the ancient world, was lost to history through a mix o…

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Malaysian Airlines Flight 370: The Plane that Disappeared 8:38

7M ago8:38

8:38

In the twenty-second episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the enduring mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared on 8 March 2014 with 239 people on board. In just five minutes, we recount the timeline of the flight, the painstaking search efforts, and the fragments of evidence that have been uncovered. The episode explores …

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The Dust Bowl 9:12

7M ago9:12

9:12

In the twenty-first episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the Dust Bowl, a devastating environmental catastrophe that swept through the Great Plains of the United States during the 1930s. In just five minutes, we examine how poor agricultural practices, combined with severe drought, turned once-fertile farmland into barren wasteland, displacing…

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The Apollo 1 Tragedy 9:13

8M ago9:13

9:13

In the twentieth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we recount the tragic Apollo 1 disaster of 1967, a devastating event that claimed the lives of three NASA astronauts—Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee. In just five minutes, we explore how a fire broke out during a routine pre-flight test, engulfing the command module and highlighting critic…

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The Spanish Flu Pandemic 8:57

8M ago8:57

8:57

In the nineteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we examine the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, one of the deadliest outbreaks in human history. In just five minutes, we explore how this devastating influenza virus spread rapidly across the globe during the final months of World War I, infecting a third of the world’s population and claiming an estim…

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The Great Smog of London 8:27

8M ago8:27

8:27

In the eighteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the Great Smog of London, a deadly environmental disaster that engulfed the city in December 1952. In just five minutes, we explore how a combination of coal smoke, industrial pollution, and a weather phenomenon created a toxic fog that lingered for five days, claiming thousands of live…

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The Concorde Crash of 2000 9:10

8M ago9:10

9:10

In the seventeenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we examine the tragic Concorde crash of July 2000, which marked the end of an era for supersonic passenger travel. In just five minutes, we recount the chain of events that led to the catastrophic crash shortly after take-off from Paris, resulting in the deaths of all 113 people on board. The episod…

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The Johnstown Flood 8:42

8M ago8:42

8:42

In episode 16 of 5 Minute Biographies, we take a look at the Johnstown Flood of 1889, which was one of the deadliest disasters in American history, claiming over 2,200 lives. It occurred when the South Fork Dam in Pennsylvania collapsed after days of heavy rain, unleashing 20 million tons of water onto the town of Johnstown. The flood destroyed hom…

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An inside look at the New Orleans EMS body-worn camera program 37:36

9M ago37:36

37:36

In this insightful episode of EMS One-Stop, host Rob Lawrence revisits New Orleans EMS to explore their pioneering use of body-worn cameras, joined by Chris Keller, chief of operations at New Orleans EMS. The discussion dives into the motivations, challenges and successes of implementing this technology. From its initial deployment on tactical medi…

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The Bhopal Gas Tragedy 10:21

9M ago10:21

10:21

In episode 15 of 5 Minute Disasters, we explore the devastating Bhopal Gas Tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. In just five minutes, we recount the events of December 1984, when a leak of toxic methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, exposed hundreds of thousands of residents to lethal chem…

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The 1977 Tenerife Airport Disaster: Aviation's Deadliest Collision 8:55

9M ago8:55

8:55

In the fourteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we recount the tragic events of the 1977 Tenerife Airport disaster, the deadliest aviation accident in history. In just five minutes, we’ll take you through the sequence of miscommunications, dense fog, and procedural errors that led to two jumbo jets colliding on the runway, resulting in the deaths …

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The Wall Street Crash of 1929 8:14

9M ago8:14

8:14

In the thirteenth episode of 5 Minute Disasters, we delve into the Wall Street Crash of 1929, a financial catastrophe that triggered the Great Depression and sent shockwaves through economies worldwide. In just five minutes, we’ll explore the speculative bubble, risky investments, and sudden panic that led to this historic market collapse. The epis…