The Crux True Survival Stories

Latest Episodes:

The Remarkable Survival of John Vihtelic: 16 Days Trapped in a Ravine | E116 Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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 resourcefulness and mechanical skills to survive by creating makeshift tools to access water and eventually free himself. Despite his dire situation, John maintained routines that kept his morale high. After 16 days, he managed to escape and seek help, ultimately surviving and leading an inspiring post-ordeal life.
00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories
00:41 John Vitalik's Background and Journey
01:48 The Accident on Mount Hood
03:14 Trapped in the Ravine
10:03 Resourcefulness and Survival Tactics
16:04 The Importance of Routine in Survival
16:26 Ingenious Escape Plan
18:24 The Final Breakthrough
20:32 Rescue and Recovery
22:27 Life After the Ordeal
24:35 Survival Tips and Reflections
28:14 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Thanks for your support! Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
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Desert Tragedy: The Untold WWII Sahara Survival Story | E115 Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

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 members, only one survived the harsh conditions. The episode delves into the crew's desperate attempts to find their way back, their unfortunate mistakes, and the relentless sandstorm that sealed their fate, while also highlighting the critical importance of preparation and experienced navigation in survival scenarios. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Story Overview
00:52 Setting the Scene: The Tragedy at Kufra
02:09 Historical Context: World War II and North Africa
05:48 Mission Briefing and Preparations
12:43 Navigational Challenges and Initial Errors
16:16 Stranded in the Desert: The Struggle Begins
27:11 Evaporative Cooling and Survival Tactics
27:38 Major de Wet's Desperate Search
27:57 Sandstorms and Stranded Men
28:33 Grim Reality Unfolds
30:58 Major de Wet's Diary Entries
32:21 Final Rescue Efforts
41:59 Aftermath and Inquiry
47:37 Reflections and Lessons Learned
51:11 Podcast Wrap-Up and Announcements https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Email: thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
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Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Debunking Common Survival Myths with Expert Insights | E114 Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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 more heat from your head than the rest of your body. The episode emphasizes the importance of accurate survival knowledge and provides practical tips to stay safe in the wild. The hosts also express their gratitude to their listeners and invite them to suggest future topics.
00:00 Introduction to Survival Myths
00:56 Shark Attack Myths Debunked
02:47 Snake Bite Myths and Facts
10:01 Moss and Navigation Myths
11:16 Hypothermia Myths and Survival Tips
14:40 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
email: thecruxtruesurvival@gmail.com
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Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Fact or Fiction? Survival Trivia Quiz | E 113 Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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 effectiveness of wearing seatbelts, and the importance of planning when flying. The duo also demystifies survival in bear encounters, the importance of appropriate dress and footwear on a plane, survival rates in airplane crashes, and the efficacy of drinking alcohol in cold conditions. The episode wraps up with life-saving tips on preventing heat stroke. Tune in for practical survival tips, trivia, and intriguing insights.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:32 True or False: Airplane Safety Tips
06:21 True or False: Cardiac Arrest Survival in Las Vegas
08:56 True or False: Surviving a Fall into a Frozen Lake
12:52 True or False: Bear Encounter Survival Tips
15:30 Bear Encounters: Tips and Myths
15:56 Survival Water Sources: Myths and Realities
20:14 Water Purification Methods
22:27 Survival Quiz: True or False?
26:28 Heat Stroke: Prevention and Myths
29:16 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
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Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Surviving Against All Odds: Eddie Rickenbacker's Journey – Part 2 | E112 Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

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 mission in 1942 to deliver war plans to General Douglas MacArthur. Disaster strikes when his B-17 Flying Fortress is forced to make an emergency landing in the Pacific Ocean. Over 24 days, Rickenbacker and his crew face near-impossible odds of survival, battling dehydration, limited supplies, and mental despair. With unexpected miracles, strong leadership, and sheer resilience, seven members ultimately survive, transforming the ordeal into a powerful story of hope and endurance. Their saga leads to significant changes in military survival gear, ensuring that future crews never face the same dire conditions. Email us! thecrux@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ 00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:21 Eddie Rickenbacker's Mission
01:53 The Crew and Initial Concerns
04:23 First Mishap: Takeoff Trouble
08:05 Navigational Challenges
13:05 Crash Landing in the Pacific
15:27 Survival at Sea
22:36 Desperate Measures and Morale Challenges
23:38 Sergeant Kazmarchuk's Tragic End
26:31 Survival Tactics and Rickenbacker's Leadership
28:42 Miraculous Seagull and Renewed Hope
30:46 Faith and Unity in Adversity
31:48 Breaking Up the Rafts
33:56 Rescue and Reunion
38:32 Aftermath and Legacy
40:37 Conclusion and Reflections
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Surviving Against All Odds: Eddie Rickenbacker's Journey – Part 1 | E111 Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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 Ocean during World War II, Eddie's story is one of resilience and tenacity. This episode traces his early life, his rise to fame, and the perilous events that tested him to the limit. Stay tuned for the next segment, where the incredible survival saga continues. 00:00 Introduction to Crux True Survival Stories
00:19 Eddie Rickenbacker's WWII Ordeal Begins
03:36 Eddie Rickenbacker's Early Life and Career
12:48 The First Survival Story: Plane Crash in Atlanta
21:36 The Ultimate Survival Story: Lost at Sea
22:40 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Email: thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram: @thecruxpodcast
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

A Man is Buried Alive by the Thredbo Landslide for Sixty Five Hours | E110 Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Surviving the 1997 Thredbo Landslide: A Tale of Heroism and Resilience In this episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, hosts Kaycee 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 events of the night of July 30th, and the heroic rescue of Stuart Diver, who miraculously survived for 65 hours under the rubble. The story covers the immediate rescue efforts, the environmental challenges faced, and the subsequent changes in policies and emergency responses. The episode also touches on related historical landslides such as the Mount St. Helens landslide in 1980 and the Veyant Dam disaster in Italy. Throughout, Kaycee and Julie highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preparedness and infrastructure maintenance to prevent future tragedies. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings
00:24 Overview of the 1997 Thredbo Landslide
01:13 Understanding Landslides: Causes and Examples
02:12 Personal Anecdotes and Geological Insights
06:02 Thredbo Village: Setting the Scene
09:05 The Night of the Landslide
10:21 Rescue Efforts and Challenges
15:37 The Remarkable Survival of Stuart Diver
18:03 Fun Summer Activities for Kids
18:19 The Tragic Condition of Diver
19:20 The Rescue Operation
20:43 Diver's Miraculous Survival
22:53 The Aftermath and Investigation
29:22 Lessons Learned and Memorials
33:21 Conclusion and Community Engagement; Write us on instagram @thecruxpodcast, or our email thecruxsurvival@gmail.com. Thank you for your support! Some resources

Book: "Surviving the Thredbo Landslide" by Stewart Diver
- A firsthand account of the disaster and Diver's incredible survival story, providing personal insights and details about the event.
Film: "Heroes' Mountain"
- A made-for-TV drama featuring Craig McLachlan as Stewart Diver, dramatizing the events of the Thredbo landslide and the heroic rescue efforts.
Wikipedia: Thredbo Landslide
- A comprehensive overview of the event, including causes, the rescue effort, and aftermath, offering a detailed summary for quick reference.
- Thredbo Landslide Wikipedia Page

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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

The Unbelievable Survival of Slavomir Rawicz: Part 2 | E109 Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

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 against all odds. If you wish to reach us and suggest episode topics or stories, or if you would like to tell your own story, reach us at our email; thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Thank you so much for listening!
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

The Unbelievable Survival of Slavomir Rawicz: Part 1 | E108 May 27, 2024

Show notes

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 Siberian gulag (work prison), and the extraordinary escape plan he devised with the help of fellow prisoners and an unlikely ally. Join us next week as we continue to explore their journey across Mongolia and beyond. If you or someone you know has a story to tell or any story recommendations, reach out to us at our email; thecruxsurvival@gmail.com or on Instagram @thecruxpodcast. Thank you so very much for supporting our efforts and have a wonderful week!
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Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Surviving a Kangaroo Attack: Melanie's True Outback Encounter | E107 May 20, 2024

Show notes

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 for outdoor activities with her son.
During the episode, Melanie recounts the dramatic story of hiking with her son, friends, and their children when they tried to free a baby kangaroo stuck in a fence. This well-intentioned act led to a terrifying attack by the mother kangaroo. Melanie describes how she was injured during the attack, the emergency response, and her recovery process. She emphasizes the unpredictability of wild animals and the importance of calling professionals in such situations.
The discussion also covers Melanie's reflections on the aftermath of the incident, including her scar and the public reaction to her story. Throughout the interview, she shares insights into her passion for the outdoors and the lessons she's learned from this harrowing experience.
If you have a story to share or a topic you would like us to explore, you can email us here thecruxsurvival@gmail.com or on instagram @thecruxpodcast. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-crux-true-survival-stories--7265181/support.
Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast
Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
Get schooled by Julie in wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

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