Have you ever wondered about the experiences of those who survived the Titanic disaster? Ever pondered the stories of resilience, strength and a fight for survival from the perspective of a third-class passenger?

Dr. Shelley Binder, the great-granddaughter of Leah Aks, a survivor of the ill-fated Titanic, takes us through a gripping journey of the events of that fateful night, and her family's enduring legacy.

Amidst the excitement and anticipation, Leah Aks boarded the Titanic with her 8-month-old son, Phillip, unaware of the impending catastrophe. Shelley captivates us with Leah's harrowing escape from the sinking ship as a young mother, her traumatic experience of losing her son during the sinking and their emotional reunion aboard the Carpathia. Her story of survival is truly a testament to the human spirit and its will to endure adversity in the face of the unimaginable.

This episode also goes beyond the bounds of Leah's personal story. We discuss the enduring legacy of the Titanic, the views of descendants of the survivors, and the moral arguments around exploring the ship's remains. This voyage through the Titanic's legacy, the incredible tale of Leah Aks, and the importance of preserving family history is a journey you won't want to miss.

If you'd like to learn more about Shelley, her research and her great-grandmother's story, please visit her YouTube Channel at: Shelley Binder, Titanic Descendant - YouTube

As mentioned in the episode, the re-enactment of Leah's escape from Titanic can be seen in a video with 10 News WBIR here: UT students reenact real Titanic rescue | wbir.com

For further reading, please check out On a Sea of Glass, recommended by Shelley for the primary source research conducted. A bit about the book can be found here and it's available for purchase at bookstores: On a Sea of Glass: The Life & Loss of the RMS Titanic | Atlantic Liners

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