• Catastrophic Dive: Lessons from the Titan Submersible Tragedy | Disaster Strikes E199
    Dec 4 2025
    In this episode of the Crux podcast segment 'Disaster Strikes,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the harrowing story of the Titan submersible tragedy that occurred on June 18, 2023. The episode recounts the fateful dive that aimed to explore the Titanic's resting place but ended in the instant death of all five passengers due to a catastrophic implosion. The narrative highlights the lives and motivations of the victims, and details the cascade of ignored safety warnings that led to the disaster. Through a thorough examination of the events, this episode underscores the dangerous allure of extreme tourism and the critical importance of adhering to established safety standards in perilous environments. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:43 A Tragic Tale Begins 01:56 Meet the Passengers 05:55 Ocean Gate's Ambitious Vision 08:13 Ignored Warnings and Red Flags 13:22 The Fatal Flaws of Titan 17:21 The Power of Marketing and Blind Faith 18:43 The Tragic Dive Begins 20:48 Inside the Titan: Final Moments 23:19 The Desperate Search Effort 25:52 False Hope and Heartbreak 29:25 The Aftermath and Broader Implications 31:14 Lessons Learned from the Titan Tragedy 33:57 Final Thoughts and Reflections references: Primary Sources - Official Investigations: U.S. Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Final Report (August 2025) 327-page comprehensive investigation into the Titan implosionChairman: Jason NeubauerAvailable at: U.S. Coast Guard official website National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Investigation (Ongoing as of 2025) Hull failure analysis Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) Investigation Canadian component of international investigation News Media - Major Coverage: NPR - "Coast Guard says Titan submersible deaths were preventable" (August 2025) Coast Guard final report analysis ABC News - "Titan submersible implosion final report critical of CEO's inadequate oversight" (August 2025) David Lochridge whistleblower testimony details NBC News - "Titan submersible disaster that killed 5 people was 'preventable,' Coast Guard report says" (August 2025) By David K. Li and Melissa Chan CBS News - "Titan submersible owner OceanGate used 'intimidation tactics'" (August 2025) Coast Guard findings on regulatory evasion ABC News - "'All good here': Last messages revealed from Titan submersible before implosion" (September 2024) Final communications timeline CNN - "Titanic submersible: Christine Dawood let son take her place on doomed trip" (June 2023) Family interviews and survivor testimony TODAY.com - "Mother Of Suleman Dawood Says She Was Originally Supposed To Go On Titan Sub" (June 2023) Christine Dawood exclusive interview NBC News - "Teen who died on Titanic sub brought Rubik's Cube in bid to break world record" (June 2023) Suleman Dawood profile BBC/CBC News - "19-year-old Titan passenger wanted to break Rubik's Cube world record" (June 2023) Christine Dawood interview about son's goals Comprehensive Reference Sources: Wikipedia - "Titan submersible implosion" Comprehensive timeline and technical detailsRegularly updated with investigation findings Wikipedia - "Titan (submersible)" Technical specifications and history Encyclopedia Britannica - "Titan submersible implosion" Overview and context Boat International - "US Coast Guard releases report into Titan submersible implosion" (August 2025) Industry expert analysis Documentary Sources: Netflix Documentary - "Titan: The OceanGate Disaster" (June 2025) Director: Mark MonroeInterviews with former employees and whistleblowers Passenger Profiles: Wikipedia - "Hamish Harding" Biography and exploration history Wikipedia - "Shahzada Dawood" Family background and business profile Wikipedia - "Stockton Rush" OceanGate founder biography Wikipedia - "Paul-Henri Nargeolet" Titanic exploration career Technical and Expert Analysis: PBS NewsHour - "Experts say the Titan sub's unconventional design may have destined it for disaster" Engineering analysis Engineering.com - "The Titan Tragedy—A Deep Dive Into Carbon Fiber" Material science analysis SYFY - "Titan Tragedy: James Cameron On Why Design Was 'Horrible Idea'" Expert filmmaker perspective Safety and Whistleblower Reports: TechCrunch - "A whistleblower raised safety concerns about OceanGate's submersible in 2018. Then he was fired" (June 2023) David Lochridge case details CBS News - "Years before Titanic sub went missing, OceanGate was warned about 'catastrophic' safety issues" 2018 industry letter warning Timeline and Search Operation: Al Jazeera - "Titan sub timeline: When did it go missing and other key events" (June 2023) Comprehensive timeline CNN - Live coverage: "Missing Titanic sub crew killed after 'catastrophic implosion'" (June 22, 2023) Real-time search operation coverage Extreme Tourism Context: NationalWorld - "The reasons why the super rich go on extreme expeditions, according to psychologists" Psychology of extreme tourism ScienceDirect - "Exploring the ...
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    38 mins
  • Surviving the Killer Mountain: Three Nights in the Death Zone | E198
    Dec 1 2025
    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into one of mountaineering's most dramatic stories: the 2018 winter ascent of Nanga Parbat by Élisabeth. Revol and Tomasz Mackiewicz. Experience the grueling journey and impossible decisions that unfolded on the 'Killer Mountain.' This episode takes you through the extreme challenges of high-altitude climbing, including Tomasz's severe altitude sickness and Élisabeth's fight for their survival. Learn about the heroic rescue mission led by elite climbers from a nearby K2 expedition and the extraordinary efforts that were mobilized to save Élisabeth. This compelling story highlights the indomitable human spirit and the remarkable will to survive in one of the most hostile environments on Earth. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Setting the Scene: Nanga Parbat 02:10 The Climbers: Élisabeth and Tomash 03:53 The Dangers of Nanga Parbat 06:08 The Summit and the Descent 11:35 The Crisis Unfolds 14:30 The Desperate Descent 17:23 The Rescue Attempt 21:43 Unbelievable Human Endurance 22:26 The Call for Help 23:09 The Rescue Mission Begins 24:43 Helicopter Risks and Challenges 26:16 Night Climb to Save Élisabeth 27:21 Finding Élisabeth 28:21 The Agonizing Decision 30:21 Descent and Evacuation 31:49 Aftermath and Scrutiny 32:19 Medical Perspective on High Altitude Sickness 38:39 The Power of Community and Resilience 39:18 Élisabeth's Recovery and Return to Climbing 41:46 Recognition for the Rescuers 42:28 Final Reflections on Human Capability 43:47 Podcast Closing Remarks Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Sources Book by Elisabeth Revol: Revol, Élisabeth. To Live: Fighting for Life on the Killer Mountain. Translated by Natalie Berry. Vertebrate Publishing, 2020. AlpinistAdventurebooks (Originally published in French as Vivre in 2019) Major News Coverage & Mountaineering Publications Wikipedia Articles: "Élisabeth Revol" - Wikipedia article documenting her mountaineering career and the 2018 Nanga Parbat rescue Wikipedia"Adam Bielecki" - Wikipedia article covering his role in the rescue operation Wikipedia American Alpine Club: AAC Publications - "Nanga Parbat: Second Winter Ascent, First Complete Ascent of Northwest Face, and Rescue" (2018) American Alpine Club Planetmountain.com (extensive coverage): "Nanga Parbat: ordeal ends for Elisabeth Revol!" (January 28, 2018) Planet Mountain"Nanga Parbat, Elisabeth Revol reached by Adam Bielecki and Denis Urubko" (January 27, 2018) Planet Mountain"Drama on Nanga Parbat, fears for Tomek Mackiewicz and Elisabeth Revol" (January 26, 2018) Planet Mountain Other Major Sources: NPR: "After Harrowing Weekend Rescue, One Climber Saved, One Lost To 'Killer Mountain'" (January 29, 2018) NPRFrance 24: "Rescued French climber recalls horror descent on frozen feet" (February 2, 2018) France 24UKClimbing.com: "Elisabeth Revol and Tomek Mackiewicz on Nanga Parbat" (2018) UKC NewsAlpinist Magazine: "Elisabeth Revol's book 'To Live' is an ode to Tomasz Mackiewicz and Nanga Parbat" Alpinist National Geographic: "Meet Denis Urubko and Adam Bielecki, National Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year" National Geographic First Winter Ascent of Nanga Parbat (2016) Referenced for context about the first winter ascent: AAC Publications: "Nanga Parbat: First Winter Ascent" (2016) - documenting Simone Moro, Alex Txikon, and Ali Sadpara's achievement American Alpine ClubPlanetmountain: "Nanga Parbat: summit and first winter ascent by Simone Moro, Ali Sadpara and Alex Txikon" (February 26, 2016) Planet Mountain Awards and Recognition For the rescue team: David A. Sowles Memorial Award 2019 (American Alpine Club) Wikipedia"The Spirit of Mountaineering Commendation" (British Alpine Club, 2018) WikipediaLegion of Honour (France's highest civilian distinction) WikipediaNational Geographic 2019 Adventurers of the Year (Bielecki and Urubko) National Geographic Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    46 mins
  • Floating in 90-Foot Waves Without a Life Raft: The La Conte Fishing Vessel Tragedy in Alaska | E197
    Nov 24 2025

    This episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosted by medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen dives into the harrowing account of the fishing vessel La Conte, which sank in the Gulf of Alaska on January 30th, 1998. The vessel, carrying five experienced fishermen, met its fate in one of the worst storms in Alaska's history. The lack of a life raft, combined with extreme weather conditions and the vessel's age, led to a catastrophic series of events. The crew's ordeal of surviving in 38-degree water in survival suits under hurricane-force winds is recounted in gripping detail. The podcast highlights the extraordinary efforts of three Coast Guard helicopter crews who braved impossible conditions to rescue three of the five men, making it one of the most challenging maritime rescues ever attempted. This story serves as a stark reminder of the ocean's unforgiving nature and the critical importance of proper safety equipment.

    Timestamps-

    00:31 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

    00:55 Setting the Scene: A Nightmarish Survival Situation

    02:49 The Sinking of the Fishing Vessel

    04:09 The Fairweather Grounds: Dangerous Waters

    05:18 The La Conte: An Aging Vessel

    06:36 The Crew's Desperate Last Run

    08:09 The Storm Intensifies

    10:27 Abandoning Ship: Into the Freezing Waters

    15:54 The Coast Guard's Harrowing Rescue Attempt

    23:14 Desperate Attempts at Rescue

    26:38 The Final Hope: Third Helicopter Crew

    27:14 A Race Against Time and Hypothermia

    29:48 The Heart-Wrenching Choices

    32:57 The Aftermath and Investigation

    40:31 Lessons Learned from the Tragedy

    44:44 Conclusion and Reflections

    Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast

    Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

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

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

    References-

    1. Alaska Shipwrecks Database - La Conte entry with crew information and incident details (alaskashipwreck.com)
    2. "Coming Back Alive" by Spike Walker - Detailed account based on survivor interviews
    3. "The Last Run" by Todd Lewan - Associated Press investigative report and book
    4. U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange records
    5. Daily Sitka Sentinel, February 3, 1998 - "CG to Investigate Why Boat Didn't Have Raft"
    6. NOAA Storm Data, January 1998 - Gulf of Alaska weather conditions
    7. Coast Guard Aviation History archives - Rescue mission documentation

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    46 mins
  • Christopher McCandless: The True Story Behind Into the Wild's Tragic Alaska Death | Disaster Strikes E 195
    Nov 21 2025

    In this episode of the Crux podcast's biweekly segment, Disaster Strikes, host Julie Henningsen explores the tragic story of Christopher McCandless, also known as Alexander Supertramp. Julie shares her personal experience traveling in Alaska, including her visit to important locations tied to McCandless's story, such as the replica Magic Bus and the actual bus 142 being restored. The episode dives deep into McCandless's life, his motivations, and his ill-fated adventure into the Alaskan wilderness, highlighting the lore, debates, and ramifications surrounding his journey. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of preparation and respect for nature, while also prompting listeners to reflect on what it means to live an authentic life.

    00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes

    00:50 Christopher McCandless: The Man Behind the Legend

    03:29 The Journey Begins: From Suburbia to Wilderness

    08:13 Into the Wild: The Alaskan Adventure

    16:56 The Final Days: Trapped and Alone

    20:06 Legacy and Controversy: The Aftermath of McCandless's Story

    27:14 Reflections and Lessons Learned

    31:18 Conclusion: The Enduring Questions

    Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast

    Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

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

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


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    33 mins
  • Broken and Alone: Six Days on a Norwegian Mountain | E 195
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the gripping survival story of Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old climate journalist, who endured six days stranded on a remote Norwegian mountain. After a catastrophic fall left him with a broken femur, fractured pelvis, and multiple fractured vertebrae, Luhn faced treacherous weather conditions and severe dehydration. Despite insurmountable odds, his relentless will to live and eventual rescue by the Norwegian Red Cross highlight an incredible tale of human endurance, love, and the extreme measures taken to make it home. Join us as we explore the crucial moments that dictated Luhn's fate and the lessons learned from this incredible true story.
    00:00 Introduction to Case Knives
    00:33 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast
    00:57 Alec Loon's Harrowing Tale Begins
    02:47 Alec Loon: The Experienced Adventurer
    05:07 The Treacherous Terrain of Ful Gana National Park
    08:46 Alec's First Mistake: The Broken Boot
    10:57 The Catastrophic Fall
    12:47 Stranded and Injured: Alec's Fight for Survival
    14:35 The Struggle for Water and Shelter
    19:42 The Crushing Solitude
    20:26 Family as a Beacon of Hope
    21:09 Hallucinations and Helicopters
    22:55 The Rescue Mission
    25:17 Medical Breakdown of Survival
    29:33 Lessons and Reflections
    35:18 A New Lease on Life
    38:39 Final Thoughts and Gratitude


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    40 mins
  • The Lone Survivor of Early Winters Spire: Anton Tselykh's Impossible Escape from the Cascades | E194
    Nov 10 2025
    On Mother's Day weekend 2025, four friends set out to climb North Early Winters Spire in Washington's North Cascades, but a single rusted piton anchor failed during their descent, sending all four climbers plummeting 500 to 700 feet down the mountain. Three men died instantly from the fall, while 38-year-old Anton Tselykh miraculously survived despite suffering a cracked skull, broken ribs, internal bleeding, and head trauma. What followed was one of the most remarkable self-rescues in climbing history—and a mystery that even the U.S. Forest Service investigation couldn't explain: why did one man survive when three others didn't? 00:00 Introduction to Case Knives 00:25 Escape Ads with Patreon 00:59 Welcome to Crux True Survival Stories 01:34 Anton Tselykh's Nightmare Begins 03:15 The North Cascades: A Treacherous Terrain 05:38 Meet the Climbing Team 08:22 The Climb and the Descent 14:11 The Fatal Decision 19:01 The Climbers' Final Descent 20:03 The Fall and Its Immediate Aftermath 22:38 Anton’s Struggle for Survival 25:07 The Rescue and Recovery Efforts 30:00 The Investigation and Findings 33:45 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References U.S. Forest Service Climbing Accident Report - North Early Winters Spire, Early Winters Couloir https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/kxly.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/44/844567ae-de1f-463b-9ba0-3c157259fb33/6848c7bac1406.pdf.pdf Okanogan County Sheriff's Office - Official Statements Methow Valley News - "Surviving climber shares harrowing account of fall" https://methowvalleynews.com/2025/05/22/surviving-climber-shares-harrowing-account-of-fall/ Spokesman-Review - "Report offers details on North Cascades climbing accident" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/10/report-offers-details-on-north-cascades-climbing-a/ CBS News - "Climber who survived fall that killed 3 friends was unconscious for hours, awoke in dark before seeking help" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/surviving-climber-fall-killed-3-unconscious-awoke-dark-calling-help/ CBS News - "Dramatic details emerge after climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/triple-fatal-climbing-fall-washington-state-survivor-details/ Seattle Times/Spokesman-Review - "What we know about the North Cascades climbing accident that killed three" https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/may/14/what-we-know-about-the-north-cascades-climbing-acc/ KOMO News - "Seattle climber recounts survival after 400-foot fall in North Cascades accident" https://komonews.com/news/local/400-foot-fall-north-cascades-deadly-incident-accident-okanogan-couny-satisfactory-condition-cristine-woodworth-tragedy-anchor-piton-failure-washington-state-40-miles-april-22 NCW Life - "Report: Piton failure sent mountaineers to their deaths" https://www.ncwlife.com/news/report-piton-failure-sent-mountaineers-to-their-deaths/article_2c279af4-37d7-41bd-8fce-36d90492bd23.html Your Source One - "Report: Missteps Caused Fatal Climb Fall in Okanogan County" https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/report-series-of-missteps-led-to-deadly-north-cascades-climbing-fall-in-okanogan-county/article_f14ed12f-3b01-4a04-89b6-16a68de5529a.html KXLY News - "Report details what went wrong in accident that killed three climbers in the Washington Cascades" Fluke Corporation - Official Statement on Vishnu Irigireddy Facebook/GoFundMe - Olga Martynenko's Statements Okanogan County Search and Rescue (OCSAR) Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    39 mins
  • 60 Minutes to Survive: Inside the Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Bonus | E193
    Nov 9 2025

    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh chats with Tony Peniche, one of the founders of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. They discuss the intense challenges of wilderness survival, the adrenaline-filled competition, and exciting updates about expanding the games nationally. Tony shares insights from his recent trip to New Mexico and plans to team up with Scouting America for a broader rollout. Kaycee also reflects on her own experiences in the competition, including the need for bushcraft skills, the camaraderie built through shared challenges, and tips for future contestants.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:10 Overview of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games

    01:18 Tony Peniche's Exciting News

    04:28 Challenges and Experiences in the Survival Games

    05:55 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

    10:23 Future Plans and Opportunities

    23:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    https://www.pnwsurvivalgames.com/

    Instagram: @pnwsurvivalgames


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    25 mins
  • Sealed in Stone - The John Edward Jones Nutty Putty Cave Incident | Disaster Strikes E192
    Nov 6 2025

    **Content Warning: This story contains graphic details about a fatal cave accident involving prolonged entrapment in a confined space. It includes descriptions of claustrophobic conditions, failed rescue attempts, and a tragic death. The content may be particularly distressing for those sensitive to themes of confinement or helplessness.

    In this segment of the Crux podcast called Disaster Strikes, hosts Kaycee Macintosh and Julie Henningsen recount the tragic story of John Edward Jones and the Nutty Putty Cave incident. Unlike their regular episodes that focus on survival stories, this biweekly segment delves into outdoor adventures that ended in disaster, aiming to educate listeners on how quickly things can go wrong in the wilderness. The episode recounts John Jones' fatal caving expedition in November 2009, the rescue efforts, and the series of small but fatal decisions that led to his entrapment and death. The story serves as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in cave exploration and the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols.

    00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes

    00:44 The Nutty Putty Cave Tragedy

    01:37 John Edward Jones: A Life of Promise

    03:03 The Fateful Decision

    04:13 Exploring Nutty Putty Cave

    07:16 The Desperate Rescue Effort

    12:56 The Tragic Outcome

    21:44 Aftermath and Legacy

    27:38 Lessons Learned

    29:19 Conclusion and Sign-Off


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    30 mins