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The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav

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Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine, our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating ...
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In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the incredible survival story of Pablo Valencia, a prospector who endured eight days in the treacherous Sonoran Desert with minimal water. The narrative delves into the perilous journey along the 100-mile stretch of El Camino del Diablo, Pablo’s battle…
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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the remarkable WWII-era survival story of 8-year-old Ray Downs and his family. On May 19, 1942, aboard the merchant ship Heredia, the Downs family’s voyage from South America to New Orleans takes a devastating turn when their ship is struc…
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In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the harrowing experiences of individuals who fell overboard from cruise ships and survived. They recount the survival stories of James Michael Grimes, who endured nearly 20 hours in the Gulf of Mexico, and Tim Sears, who swam for 17 hours after fall…
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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, host Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing tale of Captain James Riley and his crew shipwrecked off the coast of Northern Africa in 1815. Facing relentless hardships including slavery, starvation, and forced labor in the Sahara Desert, Riley's unbroken spirit and strat…
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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh arecount the harrowing survival story of Captain James Riley and the ship Commerce's ill-fated voyage in 1815. The American merchant ship, led by Captain Riley, runs aground off the coast of North Africa, leading the crew into a dire struggle for sur…
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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the incredible survival story of John Vitalik. After a spontaneous detour to Mount Hood in September 1976, John's car plunged 150 feet down a steep ravine. With his foot pinned by a tree root and swelling from a punctured lung, John used his resour…
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In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing tale of the South African aircrew during World War II. In May 1942, navigational errors led to a forced desert landing near the Kufra oasis in Libya, resulting in a tragic fight for survival in the unforgiving Sahara. Of the 12 crew …
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Debunking Common Survival Myths with Expert Insights In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, hosts Kasey McIntosh and Julie Henningsen tackle common survival myths. Julie, with her extensive knowledge of outdoor wilderness medicine, debunks myths such as punching a shark in the nose, sucking venom from a snake bite, and losing mo…
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The Crux True Survival Stories: Fun with True or False Survival Questions In this engaging episode of 'The Crux True Survival Stories,' host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen venture into an entertaining and informative quiz on survival myths and truths. They discuss the safest seats on an airplane, survival strategies in icy waters, the…
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Eddie Rickenbacker's Survival Odyssey: From Aviation Hero to Castaway In this episode of 'The Crux: True Survival Stories,' hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh and revisit the harrowing tale of World War I fighter pilot Eddie Rickenbacker. Following a storied career in race car driving and aviation, Rickenbacker embarks on a top-secret missi…
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Eddie Rickenbacker's Unbelievable Journey: From Ace Pilot to Unforeseen Waters In the debut episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Casey McIntosh and Julie Henningsen dive into the astonishing life and near-death experiences of Eddie Rickenbacker. From being an ace fighter pilot in World War I to surviving brutal conditions in the Pacific Oce…
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Surviving the 1997 Thredbo Landslide: A Tale of Heroism and Resilience In this episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, hosts Casey McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the catastrophic 1997 Thredbo landslide that devastated an Alpine village in New South Wales, Australia. The hosts discuss the geological triggers of landslides, the tragic ev…
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We’re excited to bring you the second half of the incredible tale of Slavomir Rawicz. When we last left off, Slavomir and his fellow escapees had just reached the formidable Gobi Desert. If you missed the first portion of this journey, I would encourage you to listen to the last episode. Stay tuned as we continue this gripping journey of survival a…
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In this gripping episode of the Crux True Survival Story podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the incredible tale of Slavomir Rawicz, a Polish army lieutenant who survived the horrors of WWII imprisonment and a treacherous escape through the Siberian wilderness. Hear about his tortuous confinement, agonizing journey to a S…
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On this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories podcast, our story comes directly from one of our listeners. Tune in today as Kaycee interviews Melanie, an outdoor enthusiast who had a less than pleasant and unexpected encounter with a kangaroo. Originally from England, Melanie has lived in Australia since she was six months old and shares a love…
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In this gripping two-part episode, listeners are transported back to the stormy sea on January 23rd, 1995, where Coast Guard rescuer Michael Odom faces the ultimate test of skill and courage. Part one sets the stage as Coast Guard Helicopter 6019 hovers above the turbulent waves, and Odom prepares for the perilous mission ahead - the rescue of surv…
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In this gripping episode, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the stormy sea on January 23rd, 1995, Coast Guard rescuer Michael Odom faces the ultimate test of skill and courage. As Coast Guard Helicopter 6019 hovers above the turbulent waves, Odom meticulously prepares for the perilous mission ahead - the rescue of survivors from the battered …
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Join us on a journey through one of history's most harrowing natural disasters in this episode of The Crux, led by our host Julie Henningson. Picture yourself amidst the ordinary rhythms of life, navigating through your day on a rainy afternoon, when suddenly, a cataclysmic force interrupts the tranquility. In 1889, in the heart of Pennsylvania, th…
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Join Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen as they uncover the gripping tale of sea captain Christopher B. Sheldon and his fateful journey aboard the Albatross. In this episode of "The Crux True Survival Stories" podcast, listeners are transported back to 1961, where Sheldon's Ocean Academy becomes the backdrop for a chilling encounter with nature's…
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Today we delve into four more of our top stories, recapped into a shorter version. We intended on including our most listened to episode, our first ever, Beck Weathers Left for Dead on Everest. Unfortunately, we were not able to recover this from our computers, but you can still hear it if you wish on any platform you are listening as episode numbe…
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Welcome to a special celebration on the Crux True Survival Stories Podcast! In honor of reaching our 100th episode milestone, we're taking a trip down memory lane by revisiting some of our most gripping and unforgettable tales of survival. Join us this week as we recap five of our most popular episodes, each showcasing the remarkable resilience of …
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In December 2013, Adam Herman, 24, and Conor Lodge, 22, embarked on what was supposed to be a routine descent down New Hampshire's Mount Washington. Little did they know, their journey would take a treacherous turn when they found themselves caught in the midst of an avalanche in Tuckerman Ravine. The sheer force of nature swept them a daunting 800…
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In this episode of The Crux Podcast, we delve into the world of surviving superstorms, featuring expert tips and real stories from those who have weathered the most powerful hurricanes. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from hurricanes like Sandy, Irma, and Odiele, and discover practical strategies for preparation, survival, and resilience …
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In this episode, we delve into a tragic incident that unfolded in one of America's most iconic natural wonders: Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, renowned for its breathtaking geothermal features and pristine landscapes, became the backdrop of a harrowing event that claimed the life of Sara Hulphers, a park concession employee. Alongside Sara…
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In this episode, we delve into the remarkable saga of The Gremlin Special, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain that tragically crashed during a sightseeing flight over the Baliem Valley, also known as Shangri-La valley, in New Guinea back in 1945. This gripping narrative of survival amidst treacherous terrain, enemy troops, and native inhabitants captured glob…
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In this week's episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henning delve into the incredible journey of Yaya Abdi, a 15-year-old Somali immigrant who made headlines around the world for his daring feat. Yaya's story begins with a desperate longing to reunite with his mother, leading him to embark on a perilous flight from…
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Today we're talking about Victoria Grover, a woman from Maine whose love for the wilderness runs deep within her veins. She was going to a hiking trip in southern Utah and she learned a profound rule about the consequences of mistakes, something that she would experience firsthand. In 2012, Victoria embarked on what was meant to be a rejuvenating, …
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In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh takes listeners on an adrenaline-fueled journey into the heart-stopping world of skydiving, focusing on Jordan Hatmaker's harrowing experience. Despite her training, Jordan's parachute fails, leading to a life-threatening crash. Through Jordan's resilience and determination, w…
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Welcome to "The Crux: True Survival Stories," where each episode takes you on a riveting journey through tales of human resilience in the face of extreme adversity. In Part one of our series on self-amputation for survival, your hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the harrowing experiences of individuals who found themselves in un…
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Listen in this week to The Crux Podcast as Julie takes us on a gripping journey through history, unraveling the remarkable tale of Tunnel 29 in Cold War Berlin. Beneath the Bricks: Tunnel 29's Daring Escape explores the daring endeavors of a group of young Germans and Italians who, against all odds, sought to defy the imposing Berlin Wall. Join us …
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Our focus today is on Robert Kay, a man whose pursuit of conquering Everest took an unexpected turn when he encountered one of the most treacherous challenges faced by mountaineers—high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. This story is a testament to the power of determination, the bonds formed in the face of adversity, and t…
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Today we have a guest on the show, Alvero Cerezo. Alvero has created an incredible business called Docastaway in which he transports his clients to desert islands (or as most of you may know them as deserted islands). He fell in love with the beauty and isolation that desert islands offer at a young age and has taken that passion and shared it with…
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In April 1989, climbers Jim Sweeney and Dave Nyman embarked on a challenging ascent of the Elevator Shaft on Mount Johnson in the Ruth Gorge, Alaska. Their expedition took a perilous turn when Sweeney, leading the climb, experienced a harrowing fall due to a collapsing formation. The incident resulted in a fractured right hip for Sweeney. Facing tr…
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In this adrenaline-fueled episode of "The Crux True Survival Stories," join us for an exclusive interview with Steve Rodgers, a fearless adventurer whose self-supported kayak trip on the Salmon River in Idaho turned into a heart-stopping tale of survival. Steve takes us on a gripping journey as he recounts the moment he faced more than he ever barg…
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In this weeks episode, we bring you the shocking story of Jen Royce, a courageous adventurer from Bozeman, Montana, who faced a perilous otter attack while celebrating her birthday on the tranquil waters of the Jefferson River. On August 2, Jen and her friends set out for a tubing excursion, blissfully unaware of the imminent danger lurking beneath…
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In this episode, we revisit the riveting tale of Jessica McClure Morales, famously known as "Baby Jessica," who, at just 18 months old, fell into a well in Midland, Texas, in 1987. Over 56 tense hours, rescuers battled to free Jessica from the 8-inch well casing, employing innovative waterjet cutting technology. Amid drilling, the world listened as…
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In this episode of The Crux, we delve into the harrowing story of 30-year-old Hjelle, who faced a life-threatening encounter with a mountain lion on January 8, 2004. Tune in as we explore the chilling details of the attack that unfolded while Hjelle was bike-riding in the serene Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Orange County, California. We recount…
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In this episode, we delve into the incredible story of Hugh Glass, a frontiersman and fur trapper whose will to survive surpassed the limits of human endurance. The narrative unfolds in the early 19th century as Glass embarks on a perilous expedition through the untamed wilderness. The focal point of the episode is the harrowing bear attack that ne…
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In our story today, we delve into the harrowing experience of Ruth Woroniecki, a 40-year-old adventurer who embarked on a seemingly idyllic hike to Cucamonga Peak, one of Los Angeles' most sought-after mountaintops, towering over 8,000 feet. Little did she know that her descent from the summit would become a life-changing ordeal. Picture this: the …
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Today, we're taking on a tale of unparalleled grit and resilience as we delve into the incredible survival story of Lincoln Ross Hall on the unforgiving slopes of Mount Everest in 2006. Imagine the chilling heights of 8,700 meters, the thin air biting at your every breath, and the fierce winds howling through the icy expanse. It's here, in the hear…
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Today, we take you back to a fateful day, April 26, 1976, when a simple journey turned into an extraordinary tale of resilience and survival. On that day, Lauren Elder made a life-altering decision to be the third passenger in a Cessna 182P, tail number N52855, embarking on a flight from Oakland International Airport in Oakland, California, with a …
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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, we bring you the incredible account of Warren McDonald, who overcame immense challenges when trapped under a colossal boulder for two relentless days on the remote Hinchinbrook Island. Join us as we explore the stark reality of Warren's struggle, from life-threatening injuries to a perilous environ…
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In a heartbreaking incident at the picturesque Mammoth Mountain ski area, three dedicated ski patrol members lost their lives when they fell into a geothermal vent. These selfless heroes were working tirelessly to secure the area and protect skiers from the inherent dangers of this natural phenomenon. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Eas…
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In this episode, we'll take you deep into the heart of France, where the largest underground rescue operation in the country's history unfolded. Imagine being trapped underground for over a week, surrounded by turbulent floodwaters, with only hope and the heroic efforts of rescue teams keeping you alive. We'll be diving into the extraordinary story…
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In a rare and harrowing incident that occurred on September 21 and 23, 2023, the picturesque beauty of Yosemite National Park's Half Dome witnessed a dramatic turn of events. Join us as we delve into the gripping story of two hikers who found themselves at the center of nature's fury at the summit of Half Dome, when lightning struck not once, but t…
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In this riveting episode of The Crux True Survival Stories we dive deep into the incredible story of Bill Durden, a man who defied the odds and survived against nature's relentless fury. Imagine being lost at sea for a staggering 20 hours, with nothing but your sheer determination and willpower to keep you afloat. Bill's tale is a testament to the …
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In this gripping podcast episode, we delve deep into the harrowing events of August 5, 1949, when the serene beauty of Montana's Gates of the Mountains Wilderness was engulfed by an unimaginable catastrophe. Join us as we unravel the tragic story of the Mann Gulch fire, a devastating wildfire that forever etched its mark in history. Fifteen courage…
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Tune in to Episode 74 of The Crux for a gripping tale featuring Justin, 31, and Jeremy Harris, 27 – two adventurous brothers and Utah natives with a deep passion for the great outdoors, especially canyoneering in Southern Utah’s San Rafael Swell. Their journey began with the anticipation of an exciting outdoor weekend – a camping and canyoneering a…
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In May 1986, a routine adventure program turned into a harrowing tale of survival and tragedy. Join us on a gripping journey as we delve into the chilling events that unfolded during a fateful excursion on Oregon's iconic Mount Hood. This podcast uncovers the untold story of the disaster that became the second deadliest alpine accident in North Ame…
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In today's episode, we're diving deep into an incredible survival story that captured the world attention. Four indigenous children (aged 13,9,4 and 11 months old!) disappeared in the heart of the Amazon jungle after plane crash showcasing the remarkable power of human resilience. Imagine this incredible scene, a rescue mission in Southern Columbia…
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