I, Survivor

by Wondery
1,587

Women get assaulted. Women get attacked. Women get harassed, manipulated, intimidated, but women are survivors. Time and time again, she persists, even against all odds. Hosts Jenna Brister and Wagatwe Wanjuki share their stories, and those of the men and women who fought back, who won, and who live rising above the trauma of their experiences. 

Binge all episodes of I, Survivor exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/i-survivor/ now. 

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Recent Reviews
  • Roscoe Van Damme
    Disappointing
    I thought this podcast would be more in line with shows like I Survived, or I Shouldn’t Be Alive. It’s not. It’s about 2 minutes of a person recounting their tragic story and the rest just filler. The hosts sharing anecdotes, laughing and giggling. Good premise, poor execution.
  • Worldview81
    I’m not sure WHY…
    These are not actually survival stories. They’re just people telling perhaps slightly aberrant events. If you’re waiting for the interesting part of an episode…well, still am I.
  • snastalgia
    Horrible!
    Have to pay to listen
  • Rigged spin wheel
    To more compassion who wrote humans aka feelings
    What gives anyone the power or right? Idk about power but the first amendment gives us all the right. It’s called freedom get over it. Everything is a decision. Just like people “choose” to listen and “choose” to write reviews the same as people “choose” to read the reviews after sharing an experience. It’s all choices so don’t think your virtue signaling smack down is any different. What gives you the right to condemn people that write reviews you don’t like? Is it okay for you to bag on people because you think you ride a virtuous white horse? Check your ignorant logic because it is very flawed and contradictory
  • L Swan
    Hosts are cheesy and annoying
    but the stories are interesting, not great but listenable!
  • CMHughes01
    Advertisements
    I’m really missing the podcast. The advertising is irritating. When are you coming out with more episodes?
  • Lavander Blu
    Season 1 Episode 4
    Great episode. The poem was poignant and well written. I do think it’s sad that none of the host’s friends could come get her when she had her accident. Honestly appalled. With friends like these... Anyway, I hope she has since gained a new set of friends.
  • jamieT125
    Ah a podcast?
    Are you going to have a podcast or advertise? This just pisses people off. Stop advertising or have a podcast one or the other.
  • ramwolv
    Stop playing ads and play your podcast
    I’ve been waiting for it to come back bc I do love it-but I’m giving one star bc literally all this podcast is now is an ad spot for other podcasts -it’s getting ridiculous
  • CShells79
    Great stories, delivery not so much
    I love the stories, love the interviews but cannot stand the sound affects and music that randomly play in the background of the story that don’t go along with the story at all. It’s super confusing.
  • S.E.Murphy
    Thank You!
    I want to say thank you to everyone who shared their stories, but specifically Michelle Sims from episode 18. Hearing Michelle's story was like listening to my journey. It made me feel validated & not alone. Because my physical bruises were few and far between I always felt funny identifying as a Domestic Abuse Survivor. However, the psychological bruises have proven to be the most challenging to overcome. So difficult that suicidal thoughts/substance abuse were much easier ways to cope than living in reality. Not to say the scars don't open up at times, but with a ton of help & hard work, I've come out on the other side. It is sooooo not normal for your partner to make you to feel trapped, controlled & worthless!! Thank you Wagatwe, Jenna & Michelle for bringing awareness to this prevalent issue!
  • Potato_wook
    I’m not surprised by the negative responses
    As a survivor myself— I’m well aware that there is a stigma involved with speaking about your experiences. Society asks a lot of those who have been marginalized the most. Don’t speak too casually about it, don’t shame men, don’t shame white people, don’t make people uncomfortable by being vocal about your trauma, don’t have commercials..(?!) etc, etc. It comes as no shock to me that people have negative things to say about this podcast. That’s ok— to some people who have actually experienced some of the things talked about on the podcast; these types of conversations normalize our right to heal, to be heard, and to feel safe. The hosts do a great job of keeping a light and open atmosphere. Again, it’s not surprising to see how people shame them for being “girls.” How dare they speak like humans, right? In my honest opinion, their dialogue is of paramount importance, as it sets the stage for the survivor to feel comfortable sharing the intimate details of their trauma. If they were so horrible at their jobs, they wouldn’t be producing such amazing content and stories. Well done. P.S. Your listeners miss you! What happened to the show? Tuesday’s are a little less powerful without you.
  • amberjane05
    Sound effects
    I am a new listener, and I really like the content. However, the sound effects are really irritating. Hopefully you caught onto this in future episodes.
  • pictureprizeme
    Waiting way to long
    I love to hear the stories of survivors as I try to be patient for the next episode. Seems like this podcast is an advertising podcast for other podcast. Am I missing something did you guys switch names of podcast?!?!? Will there ever be a new episode
  • JessG1991
    Love it!
    Great podcast, I don’t mind that it is interview form. Hopefully they will be back for another season!
  • MoreCompassion
    Survivors AKA humans
    I'd like to start off by saying that everyone is entitled to their opinion and there is a "review" section on these things for a reason. With that being said, you obviously chose to listen to this podcast for a reason, and I am doubting that that reason was to bash the stories of survivors and discount them as something worthy of speaking about. It takes a lot of courage for people to come forward and share their life struggles and one person's struggles is not the same as another's. They are discussing things that HAPPENED TO THEM. Step away from the titles of the episodes and listen to the deep-down message of each one before you jump to your review. The survivors who came forward and shared their stories on this podcast are likely to check the reviews to see how people reacted ot what they had to say. Imagine if you built up the courage to share and then checked the reviews to find complete strangers (who CHOSE to listen to a podcast about people sharing events that they survived) completely tearing them down and disregarding their tragedies. What gives you the power or right to disregard another human's hardship? Now not only do these survivors have to survive whatever it is that occured in their lives, they also have to survive your inconsiderate, rude comments-- which attaches a whole new layer to their grief. Do us all a favor and think before you rush to the review section and tear other humans down.
  • Preggers1038
    Meh
    The stories are interesting but I lose interest in all the back and forth discussions between the hosts. Their thoughts seem a bit disorganized and more like I’m listening to two people gossiping over coffee and I move on.
  • Rusty Shacklef0rd
    July Effect is UNLISTENABLE
    This is painful to try and listen to. I am trying to accept the up-speak but it is ROUGH on this one.
  • ............Hmmm............
    I miss you guys!
    Please record more!
  • Louie 34
    Military and universities - failed
    Excellent interviews from a lot of brave women. Provided me with additional awareness in this huge problem. The military and universities need to change to help their own. Very disappointing to hear how they have failed helping their students and troops.
  • Kristin1714
    Where did you go?
    I’d love to hear more episodes. You guys haven’t been on in a couple of weeks.
  • Tonidin
    Awesome show!
    Ur doing great things ladies. These stories are amazing and I give props to every single one of them for going thru these horrifying things and being able to not only overcome it but also able to come out of it in a positive way. And then to b activists for other people is just amazing!!!
  • MaraVlad
    Topic suggestion
    Can you tell the story of Galina Messmer? Or, Galina Loseva, as she was formerly called during her previous marriage? It is a story of tragedy yet hope & of breaking out of the cycle of abuse so many find themselves in She has written a book, as well, and I grew up with her & knew her family. Please, and thanks
  • mylifehustle
    Question?
    How can I tell my story on here?
  • Mildre's Marie
    Thin skinned doctors...
    ... storming the site to 1 star. To one physician reviewer, treatment of pain is a right, doctor. Opiates can cause and most often do slow the bowels down, but you don’t just DC opiates when a patient is in agony. The ignorance about narcotics remains among doctors and nurses. But chalk one up for another self-righteous doctor passing judgment. Those who are in agony need to be treated and her words were not claiming she herself was drug seeking, but stating staff might be thinking that. Good podcast on July effect. I worked with residents for years in labor and delivery, and was impressed by the number of quality individuals in these groups of residents. These residents were mostly becoming G.P.’s and not in it for the money as those who are more specialized sometimes are. To sum it up, I’m not coming down on either side of the debate on July effect. It does however reinforce the FACT that every patient in a hospital needs advocates. And I would recommend giving this podcast a listen.
  • quiltfish
    Different hosts
    The podcast is informative and interesting, until the hosts speak. I’m having a flashback to valley girls in the 80’s.
  • Kimimilla
    Review
    I like the podcast, but the hosts are absolutely awful.
  • andrea_in_brooklyn
    Lockey Maisonneuve
    Just wow. That was incredible. I would have never thought that a person could rebound from all she went through. She is beautiful!
  • RussellMower
    Not constructive
    I thought that the hosts did an injustice to their story and points they were trying to make by using vulgar and derogatory language directed towards those with whom they disagree. They have a lot of passion, but come off as immature and unintelligent. I bet eve that they are mature and intelligent, but need to work on how they express their views to really highlight what they bring to the table.
  • subwayy2sallyy
    hosts are obnoxious
    I thought it was an interesting concept. But the hosts aren't great at getting the best out of the stories or asking pertinent questions. I listened to a handful and unsubscribed.
  • colec1324
    The hosts are horrible
    What a great idea for a podcast I thought.....but I can’t listen any more because the hosts are horrible. I didn’t even mind the shallow content of surviving a Christmas with a ticked off mom but I’m unsubscribing due to the annoying hosts. Too much irritating and senseless chatter about themselves.
  • denialjames
    Great job ladies!
    The stories you showcase are incredible! I love the variety! You have emotional, psychological and physical stories of survival! You rock!
  • lmbk1111
    Valley girls
    These topics are so important, but it’s killed by these hosts who aren’t listening to the hosts, make their own conclusions and sound like valley girls.
  • Mike@4610$&"
    Lost listener
    As of today I will no longer listen to this podcast due to the July effect episode.
  • nickname the second
    Love It!!!
    These stories are inspiring and I just love to hear about people who persevere. GO HUMANS!!
  • COdocDisgusted
    Disturbingly one sided story telling
    Wow. I typically can look past the mediocre hosting for the interesting stories on this podcast. As a physician I take offense to the implication throughout the latest episode, “The July Effect”, that this young woman’s bowel obstruction was “caused by” doctors who were “willing to let some things slide” so they could go on vacation. Though the new physicians who start on July 1st each year are certainly green, there is never more oversight and double checking of their work than when they first begin. I wonder how much of this patients views were skewed by the fact that she appeared “drug seeking” - her words- and the fact that her narcotic drips were limited APPROPRIATELY as narcotics may worsen obstructions. I am disgusted and you certainly lost a subscriber today.
  • Cififfidididudhlf
    Garbage
    Absolutely nonsense
  • raeganN27
    Love this podcast!
    I’m so grateful for this podcast. I discovered it last year at such a vulnerable time in my healing journey and it’s really helped me to hear other survivors stories. I love everything about this show.
  • WeekendWalkingNB
    You ARE a Survivor, Tara!
    Listening to this podcast while walking The Peninsula I am shocked at the victim attacking that Tara endured! You are amazing and I salute you as a role model for survival! (BTW, you may have groomed my girls!)
  • mnhernan
    Hosts are annoying
    For the most part, the stories are really interesting but the hosts are hard to listen to. I find myself fast forwarding when they speak so I don’t have to deal with it.
  • ycfxfyjyxxfhxfhjcjhgcighc
    Love it
    I think this is a great podcast I like listening to it while I’m doing something or while I’m just lying in my bed.
  • CortniWelch
    good content, bad hosting
    The hosts feel unnatural.
  • WaGithathu
    Touchy subjects that need to be addressed
    Sexual abuse or rape is one of most touchy subjects that have been buried over the carpet much to the detriment of athletes.
  • Cookiekiller31
    The Tonsillectomy Complication of Podcasts
    The hosts slowly get on your nerves, and while the first episode is riveting because it’s actually about someone surviving an attempted rape/assault, quality-wise it all goes down hill from there. We get a story about a gay couple who’s spent a Christmas stranded in a house with in-laws. Did anything life threatening happen? NO, they simply gripe about how uncomfortable it is. The clincher for me was the episode about the tonsillectomy complication... Told by someone who had a miserable and superficial person as a Mother... Overall the podcast is a complete letdown. It seems more and more like they’re just interviewing friends and family. How about you interview someone who HAS survived something, maybe something that is relevant to our times like the case of immigration? My parents crossed the border illegally we’ve experienced family separation, they grew up poor, didn’t have a pair of functional shoes until they were in their teens. How about you use this platform as already privileged people to give a voice to the voiceless. Your initial premise was good but you slacked and got lazy.
  • Amber3956
    Great podcast!!
    I really love this podcast, I love the guests and stories, being open and honest about tragic times in ones lives is not only brave but truly helps others to see that they aren’t alone and can still have success in their lives.. I see some comments about the hosts, and yes they sound in their 20s, 30s but other then their tone of voice I don’t see anything wrong with what they say!???? Obviously they are trying their best to connect with other survivors that may not have had the courage to come out yet, so u here them trying to get on someone’s level but isn’t that normal for a host with this type of topic?? I think the hosts are great! Love this podcast and can’t wait for season 2!
  • steveenie
    Meaningful, Resonant, Beautiful
    This is my current favorite podcast. As I make my way through the season, I haven't found a single episode that feels repetitive. Each one is unique, addressing a different survivor's story and examining the issues, science, and treatment around it. While it features many survivors of sexual violence, it also has a variety of survival stories, everything from near-drowning to plane crash, Traumatic Brain Injury to grief at losing a loved one to suicide. Wagatwe and Jenna do an incredible job hosting. They listen empathetically to each survivor, and I always look forward to their dialogue at the end of the episodes where they discuss what's been covered and offer personal feedback. Listening feels like you're a part of a conversation with close friends. This is an especially important show right now, since survivors are coming forward more and more. I can imagine that many episodes of I, Survivor have given survivors the courage to speak about what they've been through. If you are not a survivor, it is still crucial to listen to this show to grow in empathy and learn how to respectfully engage with survivors who want to share their stories. Some episodes can be triggering depending on what kind of trauma you've experienced, but Jenna and Wagatwe always give a trigger warning at the start of the episode. I cannot recommend this show highly enough!
  • violetjohnson
    Great guests, bad hosts
    5 stars for guests and topics, 1 star for hosts, so a 3 star average. As others have stated, the hosts are just really hokey, and they say “like” every sentence.
  • Tammy Brumm
    Needs new hosts
    The subject of this podcast is great, empowering for other survivors. But I have a heard time with the hosts. It feels to me that they don’t take the topics seriously & often seem to be reading a script or just sound over practiced. I think the show would benefit from more mature host, or even just host. The guests are amazing. I commend them for sharing their stories.
  • mjk3476
    Get rid of the hosts
    I unsubscribed because of the hosts. Guests are great. Hosts make everything about themselves and the contrast between how mature and eloquent the guests are and how childlike and annoying the hosts are is remarkable. Others might like the hosts but not me.
  • Endostx
    Struggling through the episodes
    Really liked the first couple of episodes so continuing to listen, but finding myself fast forwarding through the hosts talking. Jenna is fine, but Wagatwe is annoying AF. She sounds like a valley girl that tries to make a joke out of everything. This would be so much better if they replaced her!
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