Advertise on podcast: The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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, hiking trip, leaving behind the bustle of her medical career in northern Maine. Little did she know this journey would become a testament to resilience and the stark reality of human fallibility. https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2018/05/11/stranded-hiker-victoria-grover https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box-Death_Hollow_Wilderness https://bushcraftbuddy.com/victoria-grover-5-nights-in-the-utah-desert-with-a-broken-leg/ https://www.ksl.com/article/20191396/woman-who-survived-4-days-in-desert-avid-outdoorswoman --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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, we witness her remarkable recovery, highlighting the risks and rewards of the sport. The episode also explores the history of flight and parachuting, from ancient myths to modern-day adventures, and discusses notable skydiving disasters like the Lake Erie Disaster, emphasizing the importance of safety measures. Join us as we delve into the exhilarating world of skydiving and uncover the incredible stories of survival, tragedy, and resilience that define this adrenaline-charged realm. https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/parachute-malfunction/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9859333/ https://www.theskydivingcompany.com/blog/the-truth-about-skydiving-safety/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 unimaginable circumstances, forced to make the ultimate sacrifice for their own survival. Join us as we uncover the gripping accounts of individuals who, confronted with imminent peril, resorted to the unthinkable act of self-amputation. From remote wilderness expeditions gone awry to unforeseen accidents in the most unlikely of places, each story unfolds with raw emotion and stark realism. But fair warning, this episode may not be for the faint-hearted. As we delve into the logistics and mindset behind such drastic measures, we invite you to explore the depths of human determination and courage in the face of life-threatening situations. We begin with the legendary tale of Aron Ralston, whose entrapment in a Utah canyon led to a desperate decision and an extraordinary fight for survival. From there, we journey into the unexpected challenges faced by individuals like Jonathan Metz, trapped in the confines of their own homes, and Jon Hutt, battling the hazards of the logging industry. We also shed light on the remarkable resilience of Ramlan, who found himself trapped in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. As we explore these gripping narratives, we gain insight into the physical and psychological challenges of self-amputation, highlighting the extraordinary lengths individuals will go to ensure their survival. But amidst the darkness, we find stories of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. So tune in to "The Crux: True Survival Stories" on your favorite podcast platform as we uncover the incredible tales of those who dared to defy the odds and emerge victorious in the face of unimaginable adversity. Stay tuned for Part two, where we continue our exploration of self-amputation for survival. Resources: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2003/may/08/thisweekssciencequestions3 https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101420504https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/dec/15/story-danny-boyles-127-hours https://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/15/connecticut.trapped.man/index.html,https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/man-rescued-after-being-trapped-for-days/1865808/,https://www.deseret.com/2010/6/12/20120887/man-recovering-after-trying-to-cut-off-his-trapped-left-arm https://www.reuters.com/article/us-logger-toes-idINTRE7805EP20110901/https://abcnews.go.com/US/colorado-logger-pinned-trailer-amputates-toes/story?id=14425919 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/oct/09/indonesian-earthquake-survivor-saws-leg,https://listverse.com/2018/12/20/10-unbelievable-cases-of-self-amputation-for-survival/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 as we delve into the challenges they faced, the risks they took, and the unexpected collaboration with NBC News that turned this underground escape into a dramatic chapter of resilience and courage. Resources: Tunnel 29: The True Story of an Extraordinary Escape Beneath the Berlin Wallamazon.com BBC Radio 4 - Intrigue, Tunnel 29 - Ep1: The Escapebbc.co.uk video link on YouTube of tunnel rescue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRuQwb4fbbI --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 the unwavering support that can arise from a community of climbers. Descending from the summit of Mount Everest, Robert Kay found himself in a perilous race against the debilitating effects of high altitude in the unforgiving "Death Zone" of the world's highest peak. About his descent, Robert said “It was a detached sensation,” he recalled. “I didn’t feel scared or upset. I know where when I'm going to die and it's right here in a few seconds. Not many people get to know exactly where and when they're going to die, and I do and that's interesting. It didn't seem terrifying at the time.” Listen in this week and learn about Robert Kay's determination to climb Everest, and the determination of his team and other teams on the mountain to rescue him from his life threatening conditions. Robert is eternally grateful for the following individuals who rescued him; "The bottom line for me in this story is that I have been given a second chance at life due to the bravery, skills, hard work and sacrifice of others. I feel like a soldier returning from battle after his buddies carried him through a hail of bullets. Were it not for Pasang Ongchu Sherpa, Sange Sherpa, Ben and Laura Darlington, Barbara Padilla, Lysle Turner, Billy Nugent, Phil Crampton, Jason the pilot, the doctors at the CIWEC Clinic, the six men who carried me to my tent and the six men who carried me over a mile in the snow and dark into C2 there is no doubt in my mind that I would be dead on the side of the mountain that has held my attention for 39 years." Resources: https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/a-nebraskan-climbed-mount-everestand-it-almost-killed-him/ https://www.alanarnette.com/blog/2013/03/20/everest-2013-interview-with-robert-kay-nepal-connections/ https://www.markhorrell.com/blog/2016/a-long-overdue-heroic-story-of-rescue-high-on-everest/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1922_British_Mount_Everest_expedition#:~:text=The%201922%20British%20Mount%20Everest,climb%20Everest%20using%20bottled%20oxygen. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 others who would never otherwise have the experience. Alvaro has had an interest in castaway stories since his childhood and he has had the opportunity to speak to a number of castaways himself. One of these such castaways is Maurice Baley. Alvaro had the opportunity to befriend Maurice and hear the story first hand. Maurice and his wife Maralyn Bailey, were a British married couple who, in 1973, embarked on a journey that turned into an extraordinary tale of survival. The couple sold all of their things and bought a yacht. Their intended journey in 1973 was from Southampton, England, to New Zealand. They set sail on their 31-foot yacht Auralyn with the plan to reach New Zealand, passing through the Panama Canal in February and heading towards the Galapagos Islands. However, their voyage took a tragic turn when their yacht was struck by a whale on March 4, 1973, leading to a series of events that resulted in their survival at sea for 118 days on a rubber raft in the Pacific Ocean. They later wrote a book titled 117 Days Adrift, despite their actual ordeal lasting longer than 117 days. Join us today as we delve into the fascinating world of Docastaway and explore the incredible story of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey—a testament to the will to survive, resilience in the face of adversity, and the unwavering support the couple provided each other to keep going against all odds. For more information about this story and Docastaway, including an interview with Alvaro and Maurice, visit https://paradise.docastaway.com/maurice-maralyn-bailey/ If you are interested in an incredible vacation on a desert island, or if you are just curious, visit docastaway.com. Thank you for listening, we appreciate all of your support! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 treacherous conditions, Nyman initiated an extraordinary self-rescue mission, spending six hours lowering the injured Sweeney to safety. The climbers encountered multiple avalanches, losing crucial gear, and enduring extreme conditions. Nyman's subsequent attempt to seek help faced unforeseen challenges, further complicating their dire situation. As their ordeal unfolded, a plane piloted by Mark Niver inadvertently entered the scene, leading to a crash. Niver and his passengers, undeterred by the crash, became unwitting witnesses to the climbers' struggle. The situation took an unexpected turn when the climbers faced additional avalanches, losing more gear and battling the elements. The story underscores the critical importance of communication tools in remote climbs, as the absence of radios significantly impacted the rescue process. Ultimately, a complex rescue mission involving helicopters and skilled mountaineers led to the safe evacuation of Sweeney and Nyman on April 26. The climbers' resilience, coupled with a stroke of luck, played a crucial role in their survival. In this podcast episode, we sit down with Mark Niver, the pilot whose unplanned presence became a pivotal element in this gripping tale of survival and resilience. Join us as we delve into the details of this harrowing adventure, exploring the challenges faced by climbers in remote terrains and the unforeseen events that can shape the course of such expeditions. This story was turned into an episode of "I Shouldn't Be Alive", link is below. I grew up in Minnesota, loved to hunt and fish. My father took me to Alaska at the age of 13 to go on a mountain goat hunt. I knew right then and there if I ever got the chance to come to Alaska I would. Three years later I came back and worked in a fish processing plant in Bristolbay Bay Alaska for a summer job. Then after high school in Minnesota I drove to Alaska to try and find employment. Landed a job with BP at their oilfield in Prudhoe Bay.  Three years later I also started commercial fishing in Bristolbay during my vacation time from the oilfield. In the meantime I learned to fly at the age of 19.  Got married and raised three boys, who all started fishing with me on my boat at the age of 10. Also managed to race the Iron Dog snow machine race 4 times…. It’s a 2200 mile race through the heart of Alaska.  I retired from the oilfield but continue to commercial fish now. I’m 65 years old , still running the human race …..:) Here is the link to the "I Shouldn't Be Alive" episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ykz3ktlbI Here is a detailed article to give you some background information on the story: https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13199002000/Fall-on-Ice-Avalanches-No-Radio-Alaska-Mount-Johnson Thank you SO SO SO much for listening and supporting us. I love you all!! Have a great week. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 bargained for when navigating a seemingly insurmountable rapid. With determination and quick thinking, he found himself yanking off his kayak skirt, thrust into the icy water, and compelled to swim two miles through treacherous, deadly rapids. Surviving the seemingly impossible, Steve's ordeal was far from over. Stranded in the remote wilderness of Idaho without a paddle, kayak, or even a cell phone, he had to rely on his instincts to navigate the unfamiliar terrain. Tune in to hear Steve's riveting account of resilience and resourcefulness as he vividly describes the challenges he encountered, the unexpected allies he met along the way, and the incredible story of survival that unfolded against all odds. Get ready for an episode filled with suspense, courage, and the indomitable human spirit as Steve Rodgers shares his captivating tale of adventure, survival, and the remarkable individuals who played a crucial role in getting him home. Don't miss this gripping episode of "The Crux" that proves sometimes the line between danger and triumph is as thin as the river's edge. And here is some about Steve Rodgers: Steve is an avid whitewater kayaker, mountain biker and skier (backcountry and resort). For work he is an Adventure Travel Guide for Austin/Active Adventures, guiding trips mainly in Utah's National Parks but also Yellowstone and Grand Canyon Areas. He is a canoe guide for Upper Missouri River Guides during the heart of the summer. When not guiding, Steve helps educate and enroll employees throughout the U.S. in their health insurance benefits as a benefits counselor for Mutual of Omaha. He also likes hot dogs and long walks on the beach. Hope you enjoy Steve's story, he was really fun to interview! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 the calm surface. An otter, with sudden aggression, turned their peaceful evening into a fight for survival. Jen's harrowing experience unfolds through the lens of her Facebook post, recounting the heart-pounding moments when the otter left her face and extremities badly injured. The attack, lasting an astonishing five minutes, unfolded in chaos, leaving Jen and her friends grappling with the relentless assault in the deep stretch of the river. Join us as we delve into the rarity of otter attacks, with experts revealing that only 59 recorded incidents with injuries or fatalities have occurred worldwide since 1875. Jen's ordeal sheds light on the unpredictability of nature and the resilience required when faced with unexpected wildlife encounters. Please consider donating to Jen's go fund me, she has not met her goal. https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-this-montana-family References: https://people.com/rare-otter-attack-woman-missing-half-right-ear-7643523 https://nypost.com/2023/08/13/woman-loses-half-her-ear-in-angry-otter-attack-while-tubing-down-montana-river/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12402389/Otter-attacks-Montana-woman-tubing-Jefferson-River-friends.html https://www.forbes.com/sites/amandakooser/2023/08/18/when-otters-attack-expert-weighs-in-on-spate-of-incidents/?sh=2768aed97d38 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 Jessica sang "Winnie the Pooh" from her precarious position. Media frenzy ensued, with CNN covering the global outpouring of support. President Ronald Reagan even declared the nation as Jessica's collective godparents. Photographer Scott Shaw received a Pulitzer for the iconic image capturing her rescue. The aftermath revealed Jessica's resilience, facing potential amputation but emerging with only a toe lost. Yet, the impact lingered, with paramedic Robert O'Donnell tragically succumbing to PTSD. This brief episode encapsulates the highs and lows, from the triumphant rescue to the personal struggles faced by those involved. Join us as we revisit the unforgettable events and the enduring impact on Baby Jessica and her rescuers. References: https://snakkle.com/snakkle-exclusive-looking-back-on-baby-jessica/baby-jessica-pulitzer-photo-610x410/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rescue_of_Jessica_McClure https://www.mamamia.com.au/baby-jessica-well/ https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-10-17-mn-3702-story.html --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 the traumatic incident as the lion, unprovoked, seized Hjelle by her shoulders, dragging her by the back of her neck. The tension escalated when Hjelle's friend, Debi Nichols, bravely intervened, initiating a desperate tug-of-war with the ferocious feline. The drama unfolded as fellow riders joined forces, pelting rocks at the lion to force it to release its grip on Hjelle. Join us as we unravel the courage, quick thinking, and resilience displayed by these individuals in the face of a cougar's relentless power. This episode is a riveting exploration of the human spirit's ability to confront the unexpected and emerge stronger from the most terrifying ordeals. And, to clear up any confusion here are some stats 1) Mountain Lion attacks in the US: In the past 100 years there have been 126 attacks, 27 of which were fatal. 2) Bear attacks (in comparison) 180 fatal bear attacks in the US since 1784. There are about 11 bear attacks in the US per year, with roughly half of them being fatal. All that to say, cougar attacks are rare! References: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=127825&page=1 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jan/04/saw-big-set-of-white-teeth-coming-towards-me-people-who-survived-wild-animal-attacks https://www.orangecountyoutdoors.com/wildlife/land-mammals/mountain-lion --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support

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 nearly claimed his life. Glass, facing the sheer brutality of nature, finds himself in the jaws of a ferocious grizzly bear. Severely injured and left for dead by his expedition team, the odds seem insurmountable for Glass. However, what follows is nothing short of miraculous. Listen as Julie describes Glass's astounding journey as he defies death and embarks on an arduous 200-mile trek back to civilization. With determination as his only companion, he battles the elements, hunger, and the constant threat of hostile Native American tribes. Hugh Glass left behind legacy and lore, of a riveting journey through the wilderness, a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and an exploration of one man's incredible determination to defy the odds and make his way back from the brink of death to civilization. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kaycee-mcintosh/support