Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they share the remarkable story of Zach DeMoss, a 24-year-old motorcyclist whose perfect afternoon ride along Idaho's Highway 12 turned into a desperate fight for survival.

Separated from his motorcycle, facing catastrophic injuries, and trapped in one of the most isolated stretches of backcountry in the lower 48, Zach had to make an impossible choice: give in to overwhelming pain and despair, or find a way to survive against impossible odds.

This gripping episode explores the realities of wilderness trauma, the psychology of survival, and the thin line between life and death when you're truly alone. It's a story about resilience, determination, and why some people refuse to give up—even when giving up seems like the only option.

00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:30 A Ride Through Idaho's Wilderness

01:04 The Crash: A Split-Second Decision

01:29 Zachary DeMoss: The Fight for Survival Begins

02:22 The Dangerous Beauty of Highway 12

07:03 The Physics of a Motorcycle Crash

13:52 Freddy the Hero Dog

15:15 Zach's Desperate Measures for Survival

17:40 The Search Efforts Begin

19:49 The Agonizing Waiting Game

21:57 The Agonizing Wait

23:09 The Search Begins

24:32 The Wilderness Challenge

25:31 Scaling Back the Search

25:52 A Friend's Determination

27:17 The Miraculous Discovery

30:19 The Rescue Operation

31:47 Zach's Recovery

35:44 Lessons Learned

38:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Primary Sources

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - CNN https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/24/us/zachary-demoss-found-idaho/index.html Detailed account of DeMoss's survival, rescue by Greg Common, and use of leather jacket for water collection

A month lost in the North Cascades without food or shelter: Hiker details improbable rescue - Cascadia Daily https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2024/sep/19/a-month-lost-in-the-north-cascades-without-food-or-shelter-hiker-details-improbable-rescue/ Background information on wilderness survival and search operations

Montana man survives in Idaho wilderness for five days after motorcycle crash - NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/injured-montana-man-survives-creek-water-5-days-motorcycle-crash-mount-rcna167935 Details on search efforts and DeMoss's survival methods

Missing Missoula area motorcyclist found alive in Idaho - KPAX https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/search-continues-for-missoula-area-motorcyclist-reported-missing-in-idaho Timeline of official search operations and rescue coordination

Injured Montana man survives on creek water for 5 days after motorcycle crash on mountain - NBC Montana https://www.nbcmontana.com/news/local/injured-montana-man-survives-on-creek-water-for-5-days-after-motorcycle-crash-on-mountain Information on DeMoss's injuries and mother's statements

Montana motorcyclist missing for 5 days swerved to miss a deer - Cowboy State Daily https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/08/19/montana-motorcyclist-missing-for-5-days-swerved-to-miss-a-deer/ Details about riding companions' search efforts and decisions

Biker survives in Idaho wilderness for five days by drinking creek water after crash - Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/biker-survives-idaho-wilderness-five-194310043.html Greg Common's search efforts and discovery details

Missing Missoula biker found alive in Idaho - Montana Right Now https://www.montanarightnow.com/missoula/missoula-county-sheriff-looking-for-missing-man-last-contacted-in-kooskia-idaho-on-sunday/article_190f2978-5996-11ef-903d-8bbba8c64081.html Official law enforcement response and search coordination

Motorcyclist Zachary Demoss found alive after five days missing - Clearwater Tribune https://www.clearwatertribune.com/news/community_news/motorcyclist-zachary-demoss-found-alive-after-five-days-missing/article_d9b7adec-5fe7-11ef-83ca-9ffd42fd7f2e.html Details on crash location and rescue timeline

Additional Resources

Idaho County Sheriff's Office - Official statements and press releases regarding search operations

U.S. Border Patrol - Search and rescue coordination information

Providence St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula, MT - Medical treatment facility

Geographic and Route Information

Clearwater-Lochsa Scenic Byway (Highway 12) - Route description and characteristics Idaho Department of Transportation - Highway safety information

Wilderness Medicine Context

Wilderness First Aid and medical trauma information provided by Julie Henningsen, Headwaters Field Medicine

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, host Julie Henningsen interviews Sheryl Ramstad, a burn survivor, former criminal trial attorney, and Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections, who shares her harrowing story of surviving an airplane crash. Sheryl details the events leading up to the crash, the critical decisions she made during the incident, and her miraculous survival despite extensive injuries. She recounts her recovery process, her mother's unwavering support, and the challenges of living with severe burns. Sheryl also talks about her remarkable life post-recovery, including running marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and transitioning to a career in nursing to help other burn survivors. This episode highlights Sheryl's resilience, her focus on service, and her drive to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:19 Introducing Sheryl Ramstad

01:56 Sheryl's Life Before the Crash

02:50 The Plane Crash Incident

05:05 Immediate Aftermath and Rescue

06:23 Survival and Recovery in the Burn Unit

13:09 Rehabilitation and Setting New Goals

18:47 Training for a Marathon

22:22 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

27:31 A New Career Path: From Judge to Nurse

30:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Nursing

34:11 The Harsh Realities of Burn Treatment

41:13 A Second Chance at Life

47:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References:

https://www.sherylramstadauthor.com/

Sheryl’s book, Living Life Full Throttle; Surviving, Serving and Summiting, is available on Amazon.com

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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing ordeal of Andrew Barber. On July 28, 2025, while searching for his missing dog in the remote Cariboo region of British Columbia, Andrew's tire blows out, leaving him stranded in the wilderness. With no cell service and miles from help, Andrew faces a brutal nine-day survival fight against extreme heat, contaminated water, and treacherous terrain. Discover how Andrew's quick thinking, resourcefulness, and sheer will to survive led to his miraculous rescue just in time, and learn important lessons about wilderness survival, resilience, and preparedness.

00:30 Setting the Scene: A Remote Wilderness Search

02:22 Andrew Barber's Ordeal Begins

04:04 The Decision to Leave the Truck

06:51 Survival Tactics and Challenges

25:21 The Search and Rescue Effort

31:48 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

37:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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References

Primary News Sources - Andrew Barber Case:

Geographic and Regional Information:

Weather and Climate Data:

Wilderness Medicine and Water Safety:

Search and Rescue Operations:

Comparative Case - Ryan Davenport:

Additional Context:

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In this episode of 'The Crux: True Survival Stories,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing tale of Vesna Vulović, a Serbian flight attendant who miraculously survived a fall from over 33,000 feet without a parachute. The episode explores Vesna's early life, the fateful flight in 1972, and the extraordinary series of events that led to her survival. It also discusses the psychological and political aftermath of her experience. With detailed storytelling and insightful commentary, this episode celebrates Vesna's incredible resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Introducing Vesna's Story

02:09 Vesna's Early Life and Aspirations

06:26 The Fateful Flight

16:10 Miraculous Survival and Rescue

24:27 Life After the Crash

30:36 Legacy and Final Years

36:45 Conclusion

References:

1.     "JAT Flight 367" - Wikipedia. Comprehensive details about the flight, crash investigation, and official findings.

2.     "Vesna Vulović" - Wikipedia. Biographical information, personal life, and political activism.

3.     "How Vesna Vulović survived the highest fall ever with no parachute" - Guinness World Records (April 2022). Official record details and survival analysis.

4.     "JAT Flight 367, A Cabin Crew Perspective: The Woman Who Fell To Earth" - Simple Flying (January 2023). Aviation industry perspective on the crash.

5.     "The Miraculous Survival Story of Vesna Vulović" - Bygonely (February 2024). Detailed biographical account and historical context.

6.     "Life After Death – Vesna Vulovic: Survivor's Guilt" - Europe Between East And West (May 2019). Analysis of psychological impact and later life struggles.

7.     "Remembering Vesna Vulović" - CBC Radio (December 2016). Interview excerpts and obituary coverage.

8.     "THE SERBIAN WOMAN WHO DEFEATED DEATH" - Serbian Times (February 2025). Cultural perspective and legacy in Serbia.

9.     Various aviation safety reports and Czech Civil Aviation Authority findings regarding the bombing investigation and crash analysis.

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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they discuss one of the most remarkable survival stories in maritime history. The episode delves into the harrowing tale of 11-year-old Terry Jo Duperrault, whose family vacation in 1961 turned into a nightmare when their chartered boat, the Blue Bell, was sabotaged by the captain, Julian Harvey. After a brutal attack that left her family dead, Terry Jo was left alone at sea for four days before being miraculously rescued. This episode covers the details of the night of the tragedy, Terry Jo's incredible survival, and the subsequent revelations about Harvey's criminal past. The story not only highlights Terry Jo's resilience and courage but also serves as a cautionary tale about trusting strangers. Listener discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the content.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:41 The Perfect Family Vacation Turns Tragic

03:45 The Mysterious Captain Julian Harvey

06:40 The Night of Terror on the Blue Bell

14:59 Terry Joe's Miraculous Rescue

21:30 Unraveling Harvey's Web of Lies

35:56 Terry Joe's Life After the Ordeal

40:24 Reflections and Lessons from Terry Joe's Story

46:14 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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Email us! [email protected]

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

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

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor

01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing

12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains

16:42 Surviving the Descent

28:56 Reflecting on the Experience

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor

01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing

12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains

16:42 Surviving the Descent

28:56 Reflecting on the Experience

35:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

References

• Ollestad, Norman. Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival. Ecco, 2009.
• ABC News Nightline interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 3, 2009.
• CNN interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 30, 2009.
• Los Angeles Times interviews and reporting, 1979 and 2009.
• Ollestad, Norman. Gravity (Kindle Single). Amazon Digital Services, 2015.
• Wikipedia entry: "Norman Ollestad" - biographical information and crash details.
• Time Magazine review and coverage of Crazy for the Storm, June 22, 2009.
• San Gabriel Mountains geological and geographical information from Wikipedia and Britannica.
• Ontario Peak details from PeakVisor and hiking resources.
• Contemporary newspaper reports from February 1979 crash coverage.
• Vanderbilt Television News Archive footage from crash coverage.
• Starmythworld.com analysis of the crash anniversary, February 18, 2019.
• Various book reviews and literary criticism from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and major newspapers.
• Author interviews from Men's Journal, Outside Magazine, and other publications.

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

References

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This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast with Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explores the harrowing tale of Ryan Wardwell, an experienced canyoneer who survived three days trapped in hypothermic conditions behind the Seven Teacups waterfall in California. The story delves into Ryan's ordeal, the geological and technical challenges of the canyon, the critical decisions made, and the incredible multi-agency rescue operation that saved his life. The episode also reflects on a similar tragic incident that happened a year prior, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of wilderness adventures.

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

Email us! [email protected]

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

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

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

Email us! [email protected]

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

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

Join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the extraordinary tale of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955. At 67 years old and with minimal gear, Grandma Gatewood’s journey defied modern hiking conventions and highlighted her resilience stemming from decades of domestic abuse and personal adversity. Discover her remarkable determination and how her story has inspired generations of hikers and contributed to the trail's preservation.

00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

References:

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