This episode of the Stuff You Should Know podcast is a co-hosted discussion about the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The hosts begin with background information on stratovolcanoes and Mount St. Helens' history, including its previous major eruption 4,000 years ago and the significance of the indigenous name, Lewitt. They then detail the events leading up to the eruption, highlighting the role of volcanologists like David Johnston in predicting and mitigating the disaster. The episode culminates in a vivid description of the eruption itself—a lateral blast followed by a Plinian eruption—and its devastating aftermath, including lahars and widespread destruction. Listeners gain a detailed understanding of the geological processes involved and the human impact of this significant event, including the tragic loss of life.
