Ep 26: The Definition of Insanity- And My Expensive Lesson

Episode: "I Got Stuck in a Flood Again – And I Knew Better"

In this raw and honest episode, host [Your Name] shares the embarrassing story of getting stuck in floodwater twice in two weeks – despite promising never to do it again. This isn't just another driving story; it's a vulnerable look at how we sometimes repeat our worst mistakes and the costly lessons that follow.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Universal Orlando flooding location that catches drivers off guard
• Critical water depth safety numbers (6", 12", 24") every driver must know
• Real-time emergency response when stuck in rising water
• The true cost of flood damage beyond financial impact
• Warning signs that most drivers ignore
• Why "turn around, don't drown" saves lives

Featured Audio:

• Original dashcam footage from both flooding incidents
• Real-time narration during the crisis
• Tow truck and recovery documentation

Resources Mentioned:

• Universal Orlando flood zone safety map
• Emergency contact numbers for Central Florida
• Additional dashcam footage on YouTube channel
• Flood safety guidelines and prevention tips

This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and educational resource for anyone driving in flood-prone areas. Whether you're a Universal Orlando employee, Florida resident, or driver anywhere that experiences flooding, these hard-learned lessons could save your vehicle, your money, and potentially your life.

Perfect for: Commuters, Universal Orlando employees, Florida drivers, flood safety educators, emergency preparedness advocates, and anyone interested in real-world driving safety experiences.

Chapters

• 0:00 Preview
• 0:22 Intro: Episode 26
• 0:42 My Story - Killing My Kia in a Flash Flood
• 7:58 Flooding Facts - KNOW Thee Numbers
• 8:47 Wrap-up/Call to Action

Transcript

So… I did it again.

I got stuck in floodwater.

Not because I didn’t know better.

But because I did—and chose wrong anyway.

 [Visual cue: Fade in from black, clip of your old video saying “I’ll never do that again.” Hard cut to rain pouring on windshield.]

 Segment 1: The Setup – A Familiar Storm

It was around 7:30 p.m. I was leaving work, same place as always, and the storm outside?

Just about identical to the one two weeks earlier.

That night, two weeks ago, I posted a dashcam clip of myself driving through standing water—and saying, “I’ll never do that again.”

 [Insert: Dashcam footage from 2 weeks ago. Include the audio of “I’ll never do that again.” Overlay text: “Two weeks earlier…”]

The first red flag? Water bubbling up from the parking garage floor.

The drains were already overwhelmed.

I even narrated that into my dashcam. “This looks exactly like last time.”

 [Insert: Current dashcam footage of bubbling garage + narration. Overlay text: “7:32 p.m. – Déjà vu.”]

I started to take a different exit. But it was blocked off.

So… I went the same way I did two weeks ago.

And this time, I didn’t make it.

 [Insert: Dashcam of left turn being coned off → turning toward flood street.]

 Segment 2: The Stall – And the Panic

There was a deep stretch of water ahead. Maybe 8 to 12 inches deep.

I panicked.

Instead of crawling through slowly, like I knew I should…

I hit the gas.

And just about 3 feet from the end of the puddle… the car died.

 [Insert: Dashcam shows vehicle entering water. Cut to moment it stalls. Onscreen caption: “7:34 p.m. – Engine stalled.”]

 [Optional audio insert: Subtle sound of engine failing, if clean from dashcam mic.]

That moment—when your car stops moving, and you’re surrounded by water—you don’t forget it.

 [Insert: Clip of your hands reacting, shaking, or visible panic (if available).]

I sat there. Hands shaking. Trying to figure out if I should open the windows.

Get out. Stay in.

I didn’t know what to do.

 [Insert: Interior dashcam, slow zoom. Text overlay: “Now what?”]

Eventually, I picked up the phone and called 911.

 [Insert: Start of 911 call audio here. Optional captions if unclear. E.g., “911, what is your emergency?” / “I’m stuck in floodwater.”]

Told them I was stuck. Water surrounding me.

I stayed calm during the call… and broke down about five minutes later.

 [If available: insert silent visual of head drop, hand to face, or just car interior. Overlay: “Emotion hit me hard.”]

 Segment 3: The Roof – And the Realization

I decided to climb out.

Rolled the window down.

Hoisted myself up—half praying I didn’t slip.

I stood on the roof of my car.

In the rain.

Then made my way to the sidewalk, toward the parking structure across the street.

And that’s when I saw it.

The drain.

A large storm drain… right across from where I stalled.

Just overloaded.

 [Insert: Phone video from inside parking structure looking across street to the drain location. Overlay: “Blocked drain spotted.”]

Ten minutes after I got out, the water receded.

Ten minutes.

I could have made it through if I had waited just ten more minutes.

Or better yet—not gone in at all.

 [Insert: Timelapse or before/after phone footage of water level change.]

 Segment 4: Waiting in It – And the Aftermath

The police arrived about 15–20 minutes after the 911 call.

They were kind. Professional. Asked if I was okay.

Told me they’d notify Universal security.

 [Insert: Audio from police interaction on dashcam if available. Overlay: “Police arrive – 7:55 p.m.”]

But I didn’t see security for another hour.

And the tow truck? Took at least another hour after that.

 [Insert: Phone video of tow truck pulling up or car being hooked.]

At least I was able to find shelter in the parking structure.

And I watched from across the street as car after car drove by my stalled vehicle.

 [Insert: Phone footage of other drivers passing your car in the flooded lane.]

Eventually, the tow truck pulled it out.

I rode with them to the dealership, clothes still soaked.

Then took an Uber home.

 [Insert: Selfie-style clip or tow truck ride footage.]

 Segment 5: The Real Cost

And here’s the part I knew was coming:

• I’d have to return the next day just to drop off the keys.

• Then wait to hear the repair diagnosis.

• Then figure out how much it’s going to cost.

As of this recording… I still don’t know what the bill is going to be.

But I do know it’s going to cost more than just money.

It cost me time.

It cost me peace of mind.

It cost me pride.

 Segment 6: Why I’m Telling You This

I debated even making this episode.

I’m embarrassed. Deeply.

Not because I got stuck. But because I told everyone I wouldn’t do it again.

And then I did.

 [Insert: Flashback to “I’ll never do that again” clip. Overlay: “Famous last words.”]

But I’m sharing it anyway. Because I want you to learn from this.

If you’re ever driving out of Universal in a storm—

especially in the summer—

Don’t take that street.

You can actually see the flood from the parking structure before you get in your car.

I’m going to post a map so you can visualize it.

And if it helps just one employee, one family, one Uber driver…

Then maybe it was worth it.

 Segment 7: What I’d Do Differently (And What You Can)

If I could rewind to 7:28 that night, I’d do two things differently:

1. Trust my first instinct. When I saw the water bubbling up, I knew.

2. Wait. Just wait. Ten minutes later the water was gone.

Here’s what I want you to know:

• 6 inches of water can stall most cars

• 12 inches can float a vehicle

• 24 inches can carry it away

And just because you got through it once… doesn’t mean you will again.

The first time was luck.

The second time was a lesson.

 Closing

I messed up.

And I want to be better—not just as a driver, but as a voice.

So I’m sharing this with you not as an expert, but as someone who got it wrong.

I’m not proud of this. But I am proud that I’m being honest.

There’s more video on my YouTube—dashcam, tow truck, and maybe even the 911 call.

If you’ve ever made a mistake, doubled down on it, and had to eat crow…

I’m with you.

Thanks for listening. Stay dry.

Stay smart.

And as always…

thanks for riding with me.

[Fade out with montage of moments: stall, drain, tow, roof, walking away. Text: “Turn around. Don’t drown.”]