• Fact or Fiction? Survival Trivia Quiz | E 113
    Jul 1 2024

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

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

    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

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

    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 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, Casey 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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    36 mins
  • The Unbelievable Survival of Slavomir Rawicz: Part 2 | E109
    Jun 3 2024

    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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    19 mins
  • The Unbelievable Survival of Slavomir Rawicz: Part 1 | E108
    May 27 2024

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

    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.

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    33 mins
  • Part Two: Left for Dead-Michael Odom's Ocean Standoff | E106
    May 13 2024

    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 survivors from the battered sailboat Mirage. But just as the rescue operation is underway, a sudden twist throws everything into chaos.

    In part two, the tension escalates as Odom finds himself alone in the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean, left behind by the very helicopter he served to save others. Buffeted by waves and battling exhaustion, Odom's harrowing struggle for survival unfolds against the backdrop of a relentless winter storm. With each passing moment, the odds of rescue grow slimmer, and Odom is forced to confront the grim reality of his situation.

    As listeners hold their breath, they are drawn into Odom's desperate fight for survival, wondering if he will defy the odds once again or if the stormy sea will claim yet another victim. Tune in to this pulse-pounding conclusion of high-stakes rescue on the high seas to discover the fate of Michael Odom and the sailors he fought so bravely to save.

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    31 mins