Justin Downey had a choice — change his life or die. At 16, he was addicted to heroin. In his 20s, he was in and out of prison. While serving a three-year sentence, Justin’s kids were taken into state custody. He knew he had to become a new man for his family and for himself. Getting clean was the first step. But he also had to find purpose, community and a way to support himself.

Margo Walsh started drinking when she was 15. By the time she graduated from college, she was an alcoholic. After she got sober, she founded MaineWorks — a company that helps people with substance issues and felony convictions reintegrate into society. There, Justin found what he needed.

We also speak with Nancy Dauphinais, a licensed mental health counselor and addiction professional, about the signs someone is struggling with substance use and how to support them.

For a limited time, OnStar is offering a special promotion for eligible Tell Me What Happened listeners with an OnStar equipped vehicle – 20% off a new annual plan. To get activated, call us at 1-888-466-7827 or push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to speak to an advisor and be sure to give them the promo code OnStarPodcast. Terms and conditions apply, offer excludes data plans. Please visit onstar.com or speak to an advisor for service details and information about plans and pricing.

On September 11, 2001, Stanley Praimnath went to work on the 81st floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center, same as he always did. When a plane struck the north tower, Stanley and many others began their evacuation. But when he reached the lobby, he was told his building was safe and to return to work. He was back in his office minutes later when a plane hit the south tower and tore through his floor.

Brian Clark’s office was three floors up from Stanley on the 84th floor. When the tower was hit, Brian and a few of his co-workers headed to the stairwell to escape. When they reached the 81st floor, Brian heard a voice crying out for help.

We also speak with NYFD firefighter Regina Wilson about how to prepare for an evacuation in the office or at home.

For a limited time, OnStar is offering a special promotion for eligible Tell Me What Happened listeners with an OnStar equipped vehicle – 20% off a new annual plan. To get activated, call us at 1-888-466-7827 or push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to speak to an advisor and be sure to give them the promo code OnStarPodcast. Terms and conditions apply, offer excludes data plans. Please visit onstar.com or speak to an advisor for service details and information about plans and pricing.

In April 2023, Liv Titor visited Dreamtime beach on Australia's Gold Coast. What happened to her that day felt like a nightmare. After a quick swim, Liv walked out onto a sandbar beside some rocks. Then she felt a pull at her legs and fell into the water. Liv stepped into a rip current that quickly pulled her out to sea towards massive waves and jagged rocks.

John Gordon, a local surfer, was making the most of the big swells at the beach when he saw Liv get swept away. He knew if he didn’t act quick, she would drown so he ran into the ocean, hopped on his surfboard and paddled towards the deadly current with the hopes of rescuing a stranger.

We also speak with Kelsey Cummings, a lifeguard with the California Surf Life Saving Association to talk about ocean safety.

For a limited time, OnStar is offering a special promotion for eligible Tell Me What Happened listeners with an OnStar equipped vehicle – 20% off a new annual plan. To get activated, call us at 1-888-466-7827 or push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle to speak to an advisor and be sure to give them the promo code OnStarPodcast. Terms and conditions apply, offer excludes data plans. Please visit onstar.com or speak to an advisor for service details and information about plans and pricing