The Woman Who Saved Me on 9/11
Summary
In this BBC World Service episode, host Colin Flynn interviews Paul Karus, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks, on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy. Karus recounts his harrowing descent from the 71st floor of the North Tower, where he helped Judith Toppen, a stranger, navigate the stairs despite the chaos. Their shared experience sparked a profound spiritual awakening for Karus, leading him to confront his past hypocrisies and eventually become an ordained Catholic deacon. The story explores how this act of kindness not only saved Toppen’s life but also transformed Karus’s faith and identity.
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and show introduction
Paul Karus recounts the moment the tower fell
Episode context: 25th anniversary of 9/11
Paul's current life as a deacon and PTSD triggers
Paul's career history and return to the Port Authority
The morning of September 11th and the first impact
Encountering Judith and the decision to help
Descending 71 floors with Judith
Ignorance of the second attack and the wind blast
Praying during the descent and exiting the lobby
Navigating the debris field and seeing the bodies
The North Tower collapse and physical reaction
Sponsorship segments for Addie and Schwab
Sponsorship segment for Wise and recap
Ambulance ride through traffic to the hospital
Reunification with family and Judith's call
Post-9/11 anger and seeking spiritual help
Therapy, Judith's book, and feelings of hypocrisy
The Curillo retreat and deepening faith
Ordination as a deacon and mutual salvation
Judith's passing and Paul's final reflections
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