• by Sara Guaglione , March 29, 2016

Outsidemagazine and Public Radio Exchange (PRX) have teamed up to launch a podcast called “Science of Survival,” the first series of the magazine’s new Outside Podcast.

Each episode is inspired by a story from Outside’s archives or by a theme its editors have explored.

According to a statement from the magazine, every episode will “apply Outside’s literary storytelling methods to the audio realm.”

“The kinds of captivating tales that have worked so well for Outside in print and online make for incredibly immersive listening experiences,” stated Michael Roberts, executive editor of Outside, adding that this partnership with PRX partnership brings their storytelling to a new format.

Support for the “Science of Survival” comes from the Arthur P. Sloan Foundation, which is dedicated to storytelling around STEM issues. Bombas Socks is the initial sponsor of the series’ first four episodes.

Roberts told Publishers Daily, while skiing atop a mountain, that they are in active discussions for additional sponsorship as well.

Roberts added that Outside will promote the podcast on their social media platforms,  including Facebook, Twitter, and video on Instagram - as will PRX. As the podcast develops, Outside will create an official Web launch page for the series, where there will be additional opportunities for sponsors. PRX is distributing the series on radio.

The “Science of Survival” series investigates how humans endure extreme live-or-die scenarios. The first episode, “Frozen Alive,” is inspired by contributing editor Peter Stark. Listeners will hear about the experience of being nearly frozen to death.

The next two upcoming episodes will look at how humans go without water in the desert and cover the uncanny stories of lightning strike survivors.

“[Outside] saw instantly the value of working with PRX to expand science reporting and reach the broad, captive podcast audience we provide,” stated John Barth, Chief Content Officer at PRX, which is the distributor of podcasts like “This American Life” and the “Moth Radio Hour."

Roberts said “Science of Survival” is for anyone interested in “grand tales of adventure,” with a science twist.