Mount St. Helens is back in the podcast spotlight as hosts revisit the harrowing final moments of those who documented its historic 1980 eruption. On No Such Thing As A Fish, co-host Andy Murray detailed the tragic story of photographer Robert Lansburg, who "lived quite near Mount St. Helens in, um, Washington State" and captured his final images just before being engulfed by the blast.
The discussion on No Such Thing As A Fish focused heavily on Lansburg's preparation and familiarity with the volcano. Andy Murray noted that "in 1980, uh, it looked like it was having a little eruption as they do, sometimes a little belch," which prompted the photographer to capture the unfolding disaster despite the extreme danger.
While other history and science shows often debate the warning signs and evacuation protocols leading up to the disaster, the focus here remains on the raw human element of those who stood their ground. Lansburg's decision to film the approaching ash cloud—and protect his film with his own body—remains one of the most striking acts of dedication in the history of photojournalism.
As geologists continue to monitor the active Cascade Range for any signs of renewed activity, these archival deep-dives remind listeners of the unpredictable power of Mount St. Helens and the enduring legacy of the creators who risked everything to document it.