Episoder

  • In this weeks episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh unravel one of history’s most unusual disasters—the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. Sparked by listener Amy from Stockton Springs, Maine, this episode dives into the bizarre yet tragic tale also known as the Boston Molasses Disaster. When a massive steel storage tank collapsed, it sent a towering wave of molasses flooding through Boston’s North End, killing 21 people and injuring over 150.

    Julie and Kaycee explore the factors that led to the disaster, the devastating aftermath, and the extraordinary personal survival stories that emerged. From firsthand accounts to the legal battles that followed, this episode highlights the lasting impact of the event and the crucial lessons on industrial safety and corporate accountability. Tune in as the hosts also share listener messages and encourage fans to continue suggesting stories that deserve a spotlight.

    Episode Breakdown:

    00:00 – Welcome and Host Introductions 00:20 – Listener Shout-out and Story Setup 00:58 – Unfolding the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 02:43 – The Infamous Molasses Tank: A Disaster Waiting to Happen 06:39 – The Moment of Collapse: A Molasses Tsunami 10:02 – Chaos in the Aftermath: Eyewitness Accounts 12:22 – A Wave of Destruction: The Molasses’ Initial Impact 12:47 – Survivor Spotlight: Martin Cloherty’s Narrow Escape 14:35 – Survivor Spotlight: Frank P. Smith’s Quick Thinking 16:51 – Survivor Spotlight: Anthony Distasio’s Harrowing Experience 17:47 – The Herculean Cleanup Effort 19:58 – Legal Ramifications and the Fight for Accountability 24:12 – Remembering the Great Molasses Flood: Its Legacy 24:50 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action for Listeners

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • In this gripping episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen sit down with Shane Burke, who recounts his terrifying encounter with a grizzly bear in the Tetons. Shane, an avid nature enthusiast and photographer, describes how his search for a great gray owl turned into a life-threatening ordeal. Despite the adrenaline and chaos, Shane's survival was a result of quick thinking, bear spray, and the support of his EMT-trained wife, Chloe. Shane's story is not just about the attack but also about overcoming immense personal challenges and finding solace in photography. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of preparedness in the wild.
    00:00 Introduction to True Survival Stories
    00:43 Meet Shane Burke: A Life of Resilience
    01:54 Shane's Love for the Outdoors
    02:27 The Honeymoon Adventure
    03:24 The Day of the Bear Attack
    05:59 The Grizzly Bear Encounter
    08:55 Surviving the Attack
    16:25 The Rescue Operation
    22:57 Moment of Relief and Rescue
    23:23 Concerns and First Aid
    25:21 Evacuation and Hospitalization
    27:17 Bear Spray Aftermath
    29:36 Reflections and Recovery
    30:58 Lessons and Advocacy
    42:28 Conclusion and Gratitude

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

    Shayne's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/n0beefstew4u/
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  • In this gripping episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the harrowing and heroic tale of United Flight 232. On July 19, 1989, Captain Al Haynes and his crew confronted a nightmarish scenario at 37,000 feet, grappling with a catastrophic engine failure that rendered them powerless over the aircraft's vital hydraulic systems, leaving the pilots with complete loss of control of the aircraft. Join us as we uncover the courageous decisions and collaborative efforts that transformed what seemed inevitable disaster into one of aviation's most astounding feats of survival. Explore the immediate, life-saving rescue operations that rescued 185 out of 296 passengers, and discover the enduring impact this incident had on aviation safety standards.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:19 Setting the Scene: United Flight 232

    01:27 Debunking Airplane Safety Myths

    05:30 Captain Al Haynes: The Man Behind the Miracle

    07:40 The Fateful Flight: Catastrophe at 37,000 Feet

    09:34 The Emergency Landing: A Fight for Survival

    14:56 Aftermath and Legacy of United Flight 232

    19:22 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing experiences of photographers Robert Landsburg and Reid Blackburn during the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18th, 1980. They explore the immense power of the volcano and its impact on both human lives and the natural landscape. The episode also highlights David Crockett’s incredible survival story, emphasizing quick thinking and resilience amidst chaos. With heartfelt shoutouts and fascinating insights, this episode is a gripping exploration of nature's fury and human courage.
    00:00 Introduction and Greetings
    00:38 Special Shoutout to Teva
    01:24 Recap of Mount St. Helens Eruption
    04:15 Impact on Wildlife
    05:00 Photographers at Mount St. Helens
    05:38 Robert Landsberg's Final Moments
    13:57 Reed Blackburn's Story
    17:21 David Crockett's Survival
    18:17 David Crockett's Intuition
    18:36 The Morning of the Eruption
    20:49 David's Harrowing Escape
    22:04 Reflections on Intuition
    24:56 The Eruption's Aftermath
    30:14 A Miraculous Rescue
    33:46 Lessons from Survival
    36:37 Podcast Outro and Next Episode Teaser

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

    Further reading:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reid_Blackburn

    https://thatoregonlife.com/2022/05/mt-st-helens-eruption-images/

    https://allthatsinteresting.com/robert-landsburg

    https://vintagenewsdaily.com/photographers-brave-final-shots-of-the-1980-mount-st-helens-eruption/
  • In this episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing events of the Mount St. Helens eruption. They share vivid survivor stories, including Venus Dergan, Ronald Reitan's narrow escape, and explore the geological forces that led to the catastrophic 1980 event. The episode delves into the science behind the eruption, the warning signs observed by volcanologists, and the legacy of the event that claimed 57 lives, including that of USGS volcanologist David Johnston.
    00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Podcast
    00:18 Mount St. Helens Eruption: A Personal Connection
    01:33 Survivors' Harrowing Experiences
    01:59 Memories and Impact of the Eruption
    07:42 Scientific Insights and Volcanic Activity
    15:35 The Growing Danger and Public Response
    19:44 Mount St. Helens: The Unseen Danger
    20:27 The Terrifying Escape
    21:06 A Nightmare Come True
    23:06 The Aftermath and Rescue
    28:40 Understanding Volcanoes
    30:56 The Eruption's Impact
    34:13 Remembering the Victims
    37:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    Email us! [email protected]

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

    Further Reading:

    https://www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-culture/2017/10/survivors-of-the-mount-st-helens-eruption-tell-their-story

    https://www.columbian.com/news/2005/may/15/survivors-story-taste-death/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toutle,_Washington

    https://www.census.gov/history/www/homepage_archive/2020/may_2020.html#:~:text=When%20Mount%20St.%20Helens%20erupted%20on%20May%2018%2C,1980%2C%20the%20county%20was%20home%20to%207%2C919%20people.

  • 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 struck by torpedoes from a German U-boat. The episode recounts young Ray’s vivid memories of the terrifying moments following the attack, the incredible ordeal the family faced floating for 18 hours at sea, and the miraculous series of events leading to the rescue and reunion of the entire family. By the end of their harrowing tale, listeners will be amazed by the resilience and ingenuity displayed by Ray and his family in the face of overwhelming odds.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:15 Setting the Scene: World War II Era

    00:55 The Downs Family Background

    01:53 Voyage on the Heredia

    04:30 The Night of the Attack

    09:10 Chaos and Survival

    14:11 Adrift in the Open Ocean

    14:47 A Father's Ingenious Distraction

    16:55 A Miraculous Rescue

    18:56 Reunion Against All Odds

    23:20 Life After the Ordeal

    26:38 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

    Email us! [email protected]

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

    More reading about this story: https://www.historynet.com/conversation-with-u-boat-survivor-ray-downs/

    https://www.amazon.com/So-Close-Home-American-Survival/dp/1681774321

  • 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 against dehydration and extreme heat, his desperate survival measures, and the eventual rescue that saved him. The episode also explores the physiological impacts of heat exhaustion and dehydration, drawing parallels to other survival stories and highlighting the critical importance of hydration.

    00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings

    00:18 Setting the Scene: Montana's Heatwave

    00:27 Introducing the Sonoran Desert Survival Story

    01:01 Historical Context: El Camino del Diablo

    02:17 The Journey Begins: Pablo Valencia's Expedition

    05:26 The Separation and Initial Struggles

    08:30 Desperation and Survival Tactics

    16:25 Understanding Dehydration and Heat Challenges

    25:10 Understanding Basal Metabolic Rate and Heat Production

    25:22 The Ideal Temperature for Human Comfort

    26:25 Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

    27:32 Pablo's Desperate Measures for Survival

    30:19 The Final Struggle and Near-Death Experience

    33:04 Rescue and Recovery

    40:10 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

    41:03 Stay Hydrated and Support the Podcast

    Email us! [email protected]

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • 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 falling off a carnival cruise ship. The episode also covers some missing persons cases, statistics on overboard incidents, and safety tips for cruise ship passengers, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior and preparedness.
    00:00 Introduction to True Survival Stories
    00:18 Terrifying Cruise Ship Incidents
    01:28 Personal Cruise Experiences
    02:23 Alcohol and Safety on Cruises
    03:25 Cruise Ship Safety Statistics
    04:10 Falling Overboard: Risks and Realities
    08:44 Survival Stories and High Falls
    14:01 Cruise Ship Safety Tips
    18:42 Mysterious Disappearances on Cruises
    22:13 Investigating Cruise Ship Disappearances
    22:34 The Tragic Case of Annette Meisner
    23:31 James Michael Grimes: A Miraculous Survival
    30:16 Tim Sears: Lost in the Gulf of Mexico
    38:54 Lessons in Resilience and Survival
    41:15 Conclusion and Safety Tips

    Email: [email protected]
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
    Article mentioned about people who went missing on cruise ships https://www.ranker.com/list/cruise-ship-disappearances/juliet-bennett-rylah

  • 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 strategic relationships play crucial roles in securing their release. This narrative explores the extremes of human endurance and the complex dynamics of ransom negotiations, showcasing Riley's unwavering leadership and resourcefulness in dire situations. Their journey inspired historical literary works and impacted notable figures like Abraham Lincoln.

    00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
    00:24 The Harrowing Tale of Captain James Riley
    01:00 The Struggles and Despair of the Crew
    02:00 Captain Riley's Bold Plan for Ransom
    05:31 The Journey to the Moroccan Coast
    09:35 The Dramatic Rescue and Aftermath
    13:51 The Legacy of James Riley
    18:57 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

    Email us! We love hearing from listeners! [email protected]
    https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
    Get schooled by Julie Henningsen in outdoor wilderness medicine https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • 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 survival amidst harsh desert conditions and captivity by nomadic tribes. As they face starvation, dehydration, and abuse, listeners are left on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what becomes of these shipwrecked sailors.
    00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
    00:19 Setting the Scene: The Commerce's Ill-Fated Voyage
    01:56 Captain James Riley: A Background
    05:24 The Shipwreck and Immediate Aftermath
    07:22 Captured by the Sahrawi Tribe
    17:58 Struggles and Survival Tactics
    23:47 Conclusion and Call to Action
    Thank you for your support! Email us! [email protected]
    https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
    Get schooled by Julie in Outdoor Wilderness Medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com

  • 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! [email protected]
    https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/
    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • 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: [email protected]
    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  • 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: [email protected]

  • 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

  • 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! [email protected]
    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

  • 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: [email protected]
    Instagram: @thecruxpodcast

  • 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 [email protected]. 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
  • 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; [email protected]

    Thank you so much for listening!

  • 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; [email protected] or on Instagram @thecruxpodcast. Thank you so very much for supporting our efforts and have a wonderful week!

  • 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 [email protected] or on instagram @thecruxpodcast. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support.