The CRUX: True Survival Stories

In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh and guest Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing tale of the Alaska Ranger's sinking on Easter morning 2008 in the Bering Sea. With treacherous conditions, the crew faced a nightmare situation as the vessel took on water. The story showcases incredible bravery, tragic losses, and the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard in what became the largest cold-water rescue in their history. The episode also dives into the technical aspects of the disaster, revealing the series of events and shortcomings that led to the tragedy. Special guest Matt Dewitt, a commercial fishing captain, provides insights into the challenges of operating in such deadly waters and preparing for emergencies at sea. 00:00 Introduction and Apology to Australian Listeners 01:17 Preview of Today's Episode: The Bering Sea Rescue 02:41 Understanding the Deadly Bering Sea 05:35 The Alaska Ranger and Its Crew 07:59 The Sinking Begins: March 23, 2008 09:47 Mayday Call and Coast Guard Response 11:36 Survival in the Freezing Waters 14:37 Coast Guard Rescue Operations 18:36 Vomit Chain Reaction 19:14 Midair Refueling and Rescue Efforts 19:41 Tragic Losses and Survivors 20:33 Investigation and Findings 21:44 Industry Changes and Recognition 23:43 Another Tragic Incident: The Destination 26:37 Interview with Captain Matt Dewitt 29:22 Safety Measures and Training 39:00 Technical Aspects of the Alaska Ranger Sinking 45:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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# References

Aviation History Branch. (n.d.). The Alaska Ranger rescue. Coast Guard Aviation History. https://cgaviationhistory.org/sar/the-alaska-ranger-rescue/

Bernton, H. (2018, March 23). 'The truth needed to come out': A decade after the sinking of the Alaska Ranger, a survivor changes his story. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/the-truth-needed-to-come-out-a-decade-after-the-sinking-of-the-alaska-ranger-a-survivor-changes-his-story/

FV Alaska Ranger. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FV_Alaska_Ranger

Snow, R. (2022, March 23). The Long Blue Line: Alaska Ranger—The historic Bering Sea rescue that defied the odds. MyCG. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2953466/the-long-blue-line-alaska-rangerthe-historic-bering-sea-rescue-that-defied-the/

Thompson, K. (2010). Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History. William Morrow.

The Bering Sea. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Sea

Additional Media Coverage:

- Discovery Channel. (n.d.). Mayday! Bering Sea [Television broadcast]

- Disasters at Sea - Shipwrecked in Alaska. (n.d.). Season 1, Episode 5. Quest (UK) & Smithsonian Channel (US)

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into gripping recounts of snakebite survival stories. Julie takes us on a journey from Montana's fearsome wilderness to the perilous Australian outback, narrating extraordinary tales of people managing to survive venomous snake encounters. Highlights include the terrifying experiences of a man bitten by a rattle-less rattlesnake, a teenager's close call with the world's most venomous snake, a shocking incident at a bowling club, and a courageous Golden Retriever's encounter with a rattlesnake. Additionally, we explore the astounding lives of individuals who have turned snake venom immunity into a lifelong mission. These stories underscore the unpredictability of nature and the sheer resilience of both humans and animals. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions as we unravel these true survival battles.

Web References

Official Health & Safety Resources

News Coverage

The Montana Standard - Original source for Bill Childrey's story (local Montana newspaper):

NBC Montana - Original coverage of Jason Hauge incident:

Research & Educational Resources

Additional Snake Safety Resources

For the most current and accurate information about snake safety and bite prevention, please consult official health organizations like WHO, CDC, or your local poison control center.

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The Crux True Survival Stories, hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delves into the harrowing accounts of survival and devastation brought by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The episode explores the widespread impact of these storms, sharing reports of record-breaking rainfall, unprecedented tornado outbreaks, and intense flooding. Listeners hear tales of heroism from ordinary people who stepped up in times of crisis and recount the emotional and physical toll on affected communities. The episode also highlights the long-term consequences of these natural disasters, urging preparedness and support for those who have lost homes and loved ones.

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Based on the provided links, here's a formal reference list for the Hurricane Helene and Milton coverage, the last on the list is the link where you can support victims:

News Articles:

Yahoo News (2024). "Where did Hurricane Helene make landfall?"

BBC News (2024). "Hurricane Helene: Devastating impact across southeastern United States"

CNN (2024). "How Helene devastated western North Carolina"

MSN News (2024). "Georgia man shares story of survival in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene"

Yahoo News (2024). "North Carolina family thankful to be alive"

MSN News (2024). "'I couldn't watch her die': Wake County man jumps into river to rescue woman in Ashe County"

The American Retiree (2024). "Heroic rescue amid Helene's fury: Meteorologist saves Atlanta woman from rising floodwaters"

CNN Coverage:

CNN (2024). "Hurricane Helene live updates: Florida, North Carolina, Georgia"

CNN (2024). "Georgia flooding rescue van Dillen"

Resources for Support:

Note: All articles are from 2024 coverage of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. For the most current information, please consult official sources and emergency management agencies.

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic Halloween Night Coliseum Explosion in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 31, 1963. During an ice show at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum, an explosion caused by a propane gas buildup led to 74 fatalities and 384 injuries. The episode features vivid survivor accounts, historical context, and dramatic rescue efforts led by ice skaters and fire captain Richard Wells, including heroic acts by John Whitaker, Margaret Cook, Barbara Reeves, and Margaret Whitlow. Themes of resilience, community support, and lasting impacts on survivors, supported by insights from the Indiana Historical Society, are examined. The hosts emphasize the importance of safety during Halloween, invite listeners to share their survival stories, and hint at future episodes.

Resources:

WRTV Indianapolis - "'It was a good place': Survivor reflects on Coliseum explosion 20 years later"

Wikipedia - "1963 Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion"

Indianapolis Star - RetroIndy: "Coliseum explosion"

History.com - "This Day in History: Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum explosion"

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the extraordinary true story of Peggy Jones in Silsbee, Texas. While mowing her lawn, Peggy experienced a terrifying ordeal when a venomous snake dropped from the sky, latched onto her arm, and was soon followed by an aggressive hawk attempting to reclaim its prey. The harrowing encounter left Peggy with severe injuries and a battle for survival in the middle of her expansive property. This episode explores the science behind phenomena like 'animal rain,' the potential dangers of Texas's venomous snakes, and offers vital safety tips. Peggy's resilience and humor, despite her traumatic experience, shine through, making this a truly inspiring listen.

Sources for this episode:

For more information about animal rain phenomena:

For snake safety and identification in Texas:

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Hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh, dive into Amy Racina's extraordinary survival story in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 2003. Amy's solo adventure in Kings Canyon National Park takes a harrowing turn when she falls 60 feet into a remote valley. Despite severe injuries, she survives for four days, using her resourcefulness and resilience until a rescue team, alerted by a passerby with hearing impairment, saves her. The episode delves into Amy's inspiring recovery and return to hiking, the importance of survival tools like personal locator beacons, and Amy's efforts to spread awareness through her book and presentations. Essential safety tips and budget-friendly survival tools are also discussed, emphasizing preparation and knowledge for wilderness adventures.

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In this episode of 'The Crux True Survival Stories,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the riveting story of Austin Riley, a ranch hand in Texas Hill Country who narrowly survived a vicious attack from his pet warthog, Waylon Jennings. Raised on a ranch with a variety of exotic animals, Austin faced a life-threatening ordeal when his beloved 250-pound warthog turned on him unexpectedly. The hosts explore Austin's unique bond with animals, particularly Waylon, and the subsequent tragic incident that raises questions about human-animal relationships and the risks of keeping exotic pets. The episode also reflects on other harrowing stories of exotic pet attacks, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of wild animals and highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership.

https://factanimal.com/warthog/

https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/warthog-attack-texas-exotics/

https://www.livescience.com/58337-warthog-facts.html

https://pangovet.com/statistics/exotic-pets-statistics/#:~:text=Around%2017.6%20million%20exotic%20pets%20are%20currently%20owned%20in%20the

https://allthatsinteresting.com/charla-nash

https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2009/10/06/saylorsburg-woman-kept-bear-who/51843642007/

https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/exotic-deer-mauls-keeper-in-waskom/article_e420bd02-d640-5aae-8ac2-7269dd2f5c27.html#:~:text=WASKOM%20-%20A%2067-year-old%20Waskom%20man%20died%20Friday%20after%20his

https://www.ktbs.com/news/man-mauled-to-death-by-deer/article_623d0c15-41bb-5b47-853a-5930d5f56557.html#:~:text=An%20East%20Texas%20man%20who%20raised%20exotic%20deer%20was%20mauled

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The Incredible Journey of the Tamwoy Siblings

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References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnJ5BhcNEqs

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jul/14/davidfickling

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/children-survive-sixday-ordeal-on-desert-island-after-boat-capsizes-553136.html

In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen dive into the gripping tale of Robert Schock, a 39-year-old drifter who vanished during a day run in the North Cascades with his dog. Schock defied the odds, surviving nearly a month in the wild with no shoes and minimal supplies before being miraculously found by trail crew members.

The episode explores the treacherous terrain of the North Cascades, known for its high disappearance rates, and examines the psychological and physical toll survival takes in such hostile environments. Other chilling stories of lost hikers, like Rachel Lakoduck and Samantha Sayers, are also discussed, highlighting the unforgiving and unpredictable nature of the wilderness. The hosts emphasize the vital importance of preparation, proper equipment, and awareness for anyone venturing into remote areas.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

References:

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

https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/missing-persons-by-state#google_vignette

https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2024/sep/19/a-month-lost-in-the-north-cascades-without-food-or-shelter-hiker-details-improbable-rescue/

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chilliwack-river

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2021/02/deadliest-national-park-would-you-believe-north-cascades-national-park

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/how-the-body-of-missing-hiker-rachel-lakoduk-was-found-in-the-north-cascades-almost-two-years-after-she-disappeared/

https://nypost.com/2020/07/04/why-hundreds-of-people-vanish-into-the-american-wilderness/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/national-park-highest-death-rate-country-rcna68317

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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:

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