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

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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

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References- 

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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.

00:50 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

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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.

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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

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Okanogan County Sheriff's Office - Official Statements

Methow Valley News - "Surviving climber shares harrowing account of fall"

Spokesman-Review - "Report offers details on North Cascades climbing accident"

CBS News - "Climber who survived fall that killed 3 friends was unconscious for hours, awoke in dark before seeking help"

CBS News - "Dramatic details emerge after climber survives 400-foot fall that killed 3 friends in Washington state"

Seattle Times/Spokesman-Review - "What we know about the North Cascades climbing accident that killed three"

KOMO News - "Seattle climber recounts survival after 400-foot fall in North Cascades accident"

NCW Life - "Report: Piton failure sent mountaineers to their deaths"

Your Source One - "Report: Missteps Caused Fatal Climb Fall in Okanogan County"

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

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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.

00:10 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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**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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Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on the Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing tale of Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the remote Karroun Hill Nature Reserve of Western Australia. After a vehicle rollover left her with a severe head injury, Carolina made the decision that every survival expert warns against—she left her vehicle. What followed was a nearly two-week ordeal through 740,000 acres of unforgiving outback, enduring freezing temperatures that dropped below 3°C, navigating prickly terrain barefoot, and surviving on nothing but rainwater from puddles. Against impossible odds, Carolina kept walking even after convincing herself she would never be found. Her incredible rescue by a local farmer driving down a rarely-used road is a testament to resilience, the will to survive, and the power of being in the right place at the right time. This episode explores the critical decisions that can mean life or death in the wilderness and reminds us why staying with your vehicle could save your life.

00:25 Setting the Scene: Carolina's Journey Begins

01:17 The Nightmare Unfolds: Carolina's Accident

01:46 Survival Against the Odds: Carolina's Struggle

03:46 The Harsh Realities of the Australian Outback

07:10 The Search Begins: Tracking Carolina's Movements

15:46 The Rescue: A Miraculous Encounter

19:14 Aftermath and Reflection: Carolina's Statement

20:41 Survival Instincts and Key Factors

21:41 The Critical Decision: Staying with the Vehicle

22:52 Preparation for the Australian Outback

23:13 Vehicle Essentials and Navigation

26:38 Water, Food, and Shelter

28:14 Legal and Cultural Considerations

31:43 The Psychological Component of Survival

32:30 Survival Stories from the Outback

37:07 The Miracle of Rescue

39:53 Final Thoughts and Lessons

43:09 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

RESOURCES

"Carolina Wilga, German woman who went missing in Australia's remote Outback, found alive after 12 days" - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/carolina-wilga-german-backpacker-found-australia-missing-12-days-outback/ Core facts about the incident timeline, location details, search operations, and initial rescue information. Includes quotes from Inspector Martin Glynn.

"Carolina Wilga's outback rescuer describes her survival after 12 days in Western Australia as 'miracle'" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566750/carolina-wilga-s-outback-rescuer-describes-her-survival-after-12-days-in-western-australia-as-miracle Tania Henley's firsthand account of finding Carolina, police statements about her condition, and details about survival methods (drinking from puddles, sheltering in cave).

"Carolina Wilga releases statement after being found alive in WA's outback" - RNZ News https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/566923/carolina-wilga-releases-statement-after-being-found-alive-in-wa-s-outback Carolina's first-person account of the crash, head injury, and explanation for leaving the vehicle. Her complete statement from hospital.

"German backpacker Carolina Wilga thanks Australians for 'courage, helpfulness, and warmth'" - SBS News https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-thanks-australians-for-courage-helpfulness-and-warmth/uw1sqncjc Carolina's full gratitude statement from hospital, details about the search operations, and community response.

"Carolina Wilga survived 12 days in the Australian outback. She just told us how." - Mamamia https://www.mamamia.com.au/carolina-missing-backpacker-australia/ Additional context about Carolina's decision-making, Tania Henley interview, and expert commentary on survival.

"German backpacker Carolina Wilga survives 12 days lost in WA outback" - NZ Herald https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/german-backpacker-carolina-wilga-survives-12-days-lost-in-wa-outback/OB2WNNTJE5GP5JML5GW3DB6YJI/ Details about van location (35km off-track), walking distance (20km from nearest track), search operations, and friend Denise Kullick's account.

"Backpacker Found Alive After Nearly 2 Weeks Missing in Australian Outback" - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/backpacker-found-alive-after-nearly-2-weeks-missing-australian-outback-2098187 Information about Carolina's 2-year travel history in Australia, work on mine sites, expert quotes about hostile environment from Inspector Glynn.

"German tourist found alive 12 days after she was lost in the Australian Outback" - CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/11/australia/missing-german-tourist-outback-intl Temperature data (2.6°C/36.7°F), reserve size (300,000 hectares), recovery boards details, and timeline verification.

"Police say aircraft are best chance of finding tourist lost in Australian Outback" - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-search-aircraft-best-chance-finding-german-tourist-123668195 Mother Katja Will's appeals, information about Carolina's hometown (Castrop-Rauxel), and Western Australia Premier Roger Cook's statements.

"Carolina Wilga ist zurück in Castrop-Rauxel" - Ruhr Nachrichten (German) https://www.ruhrnachrichten.de/castrop-rauxel/zurueck-in-der-heimat-carolina-wilga-nach-ueberlebenskampf-im-outback-in-castrop-rauxel-angekommen-w1056958-2001740732/ Carolina's return to Germany on July 19, 2025, medical accompaniment on flight, treatment at Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, detail about losing approximately 12 kilograms.

"German backpacker's survival story unfolds after 12 days in the outback" - YourLifeChoices https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/travel/german-backpackers-survival-story-unfolds-after-12-days-in-the-outback/ Jed Currey (Explore WA 4WD Adventures) expert commentary on outback preparedness and safety advice for international travelers.

"Wilderness Survival Lessons from the Recovery of Carolina Wilga" - Modern Warrior Project https://modernwarriorproject.com/wilderness-survival-lessons-carolina-wilga/ Technical survival analysis, community role in rescue, expert perspective from Shane Blevins (20-year Army Special Operations veteran), STOP and PLAN survival frameworks.

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing 20-hour survival and rescue ordeal of 65-year-old Lithuanian adventurer Valdas Bieliauskas in the wilderness of Tasmania. After a tragic fall left Valdas' leg wedged between two boulders in freezing rapids, his friends and a dedicated Australian rescue team faced impossible decisions and extraordinary challenges. The rescue's climax involved an underwater amputation performed with minimal resources, saving Valdas' life. This story underscores human resilience, the capabilities of modern emergency medicine, and the extraordinary courage of wilderness rescue professionals.

01:32 The Incident on the Franklin River

04:03 The Rescue Operation Begins

07:04 The Struggle to Free Valdas

16:24 Critical Decisions and Final Attempts

21:13 A Desperate Situation

21:43 The Arrival of Dr. Kippax

22:57 The Underwater Amputation

26:39 A Race Against Time

29:15 The Miracle of Hypothermia

30:42 A Remarkable Recovery

34:14 Reflections on Risk and Rescue

38:52 Valdas' Future Plans

41:44 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

42:57 Closing Remarks

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Welcome back to Disaster Strikes! In this episode of The Crux podcast's biweekly segment, Disaster Strikes, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the heartbreaking tale of 66-year-old Geraldine Largay, a retired Air Force nurse, who tragically lost her life on the Appalachian Trail in 2013. Despite Jerry's extensive hiking experience, her poor sense of direction led to her getting lost just two miles off the trail. The ensuing search operation became one of the largest in Maine's history. Gerry survived alone for 26 days, documenting her struggle in a journal. Her final entries became poignant messages to her family. Gerry's story has since prompted improved safety and navigation education within the hiking community. This episode examines how her ordeal underscores the thin line between adventure and tragedy while highlighting the importance of preparedness and the enduring power of love.

01:02 The Story of Geraldine Largay Begins

02:19 Jerry's Journey on the Appalachian Trail

04:13 The Tragic Turn

11:58 The Search Efforts

14:02 Jerry's Final Days

20:13 Lessons Learned and Legacy

28:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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