From Near‑Death to New Purpose - Dave Sanderson (ep. 978)

From Near‑Death to New Purpose - Dave Sanderson (ep. 978)

From The Gratitude Podcast by Georgian Benta

March 3, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Dave Sanderson shares his harrowing experience as a survivor of the Miracle on the Hudson and discusses the transformative power of gratitude in his life.

Welcome back to The Gratitude Podcast , where we uncover the stories that spark hope, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the everyday moments that shape our lives. In today’s episode, we sit down with Dave Sanderson —entrepreneur, former head of security for Tony Robbins, bestselling author, and, most notably, a survivor of the historic “Miracle on the Hudson.” Dave takes us back to that harrowing January 15, 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 plunged into the Hudson River. From the split‑second before impact, through the frantic scramble for the exit, to the seven minutes he spent waist‑deep in 36‑degree water, Dave paints a vivid, front‑row account of survival. He shares how a voice from his late mother reminded him to “do the right thing, and God will take care of you,” prompting him to help his fellow passengers before making his own escape. But the story doesn’t end with a safe landing. In the weeks that followed—hospital stays, hypothermia, a whirlwind of media appearances—Dave discovered that true gratitude isn’t just feeling thankful; it’s giving back . Whether speaking at his church, confronting skeptics about miracles, or supporting the Red Cross, he learned that…

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