In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1914 expedition through the Amazon's River of Doubt. The podcast recounts Roosevelt's remarkable survival story, highlighting his struggle against tropical diseases, near-starvation, and the elements, alongside his son Kermit and a diverse team. The journey, driven by Roosevelt's sense of adventure and post-political defeat frustrations, led to unexpected scientific discoveries and significant contributions to South American geography. It also profoundly impacted Roosevelt's health, contributing to his death just five years later. This tale exemplifies the best and worst of human nature, blending bravery and hubris in one unforgettable adventure.

In this gripping episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing story of Anna Conrad, who survived five days buried under an avalanche at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in 1982. As the snow blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains, Anna's remarkable tale of survival defied all odds. They delve into the events leading up to the avalanche, the rescue operation, and the impact it had on avalanche safety and the skiing community. This episode also touches on other devastating avalanches, the science behind them, and the importance of respecting the raw power of nature. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the balance of risk and reward in mountain adventures and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

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This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Try online therapy today at betterhelp.com/CRUX and take the first step toward becoming your best self.

In this episode of The Crux, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the miraculous events of January 15, 2009, when U.S. Airways flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. With a calm and collected demeanor, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles navigated this high-stakes situation, ensuring the safety of all 155 passengers and crew aboard. The episode covers the preparation, quick thinking, and profound impact of this remarkable aviation story, highlighting Sully's extensive experience and the collective efforts of everyone involved in the rescue. Tune in to hear the gripping details and the legacy of the Miracle on the Hudson.

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Surviving the Bernese Alps: The Incredible 1946 C-53 Dakota Crash and Rescue

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen explore the dramatic 1946 crash and subsequent rescue of a C-53 Dakota aircraft in the Bernese Alps. Carrying eight passengers and four crew members, the plane's crash initiated one of the most legendary high-altitude rescue missions in Swiss history. The hosts delve into the challenges faced by the survivors amidst hazardous weather, harsh terrains, and primitive navigation systems. They discuss the swift, innovative rescue operation by the Swiss, which ultimately saved all passengers and set new standards for future Alpine rescues. The episode also touches on the long-lasting impact of this event and the ongoing discoveries being made from glacial movements in the region.

00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings

00:33 The Disappearance of C-53 Dakota

01:04 Challenges of the Bernese Alps

02:47 The Dawn of Post-War Aviation

04:21 The Fateful Flight

08:35 Crash Landing on the Glacier

10:08 Survival and Immediate Aftermath

12:38 Psychological Challenges and First Night

14:36 A Mother's Pride: Role Reversal in Crisis

15:17 Survival Tactics: Radio Signals and Winterization

17:11 Rationing and Radio: The Struggle for Survival

18:34 The Breakthrough: Spotting the Glint of Metal

19:31 Legendary Rescue: Swiss Mountaineers to the Rescue

20:23 Aviation Feats: Glacier Landings and Evacuations

22:07 Legacy of the Ghouli Glacier Rescue

24:53 The Alps' Secrets: Air India Flight 101

26:54 Modern Discoveries: Jewels and Bodies in the Ice

29:00 Conclusion: The Impact of Survival Stories

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Articles & Primary Sources Used

1. "US military plane that crashed in 1946 will emerge at bottom of Alpine glacier in the coming years"Stars and Stripes - December 10, 2020Author: Karin Zeitvogelhttps://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/us-military-plane-that-crashed-in-1946-will-emerge-at-bottom-of-alpine-glacier-in-the-coming-years-1.654796

2. "Development of a combined empirical index for a 5-day forecast of heavy precipitation over the Bernese Alps"Environmental International - February 2020Authors: Liliane Nguyen, Mario Rohrer, Manfred Schwarb, Markus StoffelDOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105357

3. "Steep rise of the Bernese Alps"University of Bern - March 24, 2017Published in Scientific ReportsDOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00440-0

4. "Teens find famed 1946 plane wreck in Swiss glacier"The History Blog - August 11, 2012http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/18382

5. "Flying in the Alps is That Dangerous"AOPA - March 14, 2021Author: Garrett Fisher

6. "Lost plane wreck and bodies emerge after glacier melts and reveals its secrets"Metro UK - August 10, 2022.

https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/10/lost-plane-wreck-and-bodies-emerge-after-glacier-melts-17157777/

7. "Wreckage Preserved By A Glacier: The Story Of Air India Flight 101"Simple Flying - December 30, 2023 https://simpleflying.com/air-india-flight-101-mont-blanc-crash/

8. "Vintage plane crashes in Swiss Alps, killing 20 on board". Associated Press - August 5, 2018 https://apnews.com/article/europe-ap-top-news-switzerland-international-news-accidents-9f0fb2952d4d4e31902e1d0c899fb977

Books Referenced

- "Twelve Walked Away" (1948) Author: Marguerite Gaylord Tate. Publisher: Harcourt, Brace and Company, New York

Wikipedia Articles Referenced

- Bernese Alps

- 1946 C-53 Skytrooper crash on the Gauli Glacier

- Post-war aviation

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the riveting survival tale of Mary Rowlandson from colonial America. Set against the backdrop of King Philip's War in 1676, the episode explores Rowlandson's harrowing eleven-week ordeal of captivity among Native American tribes. Listeners will learn about the cultural conflicts of the time, Mary Rowlandson's resourcefulness, and the eventual ransom that led to her release. This story, captured in her own words in the book 'A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson,' offers a gripping look at resilience, survival, and colonial history.

Check out Mary's Book, Narrative Of The Captivity And Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson

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In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing survival story of Captain Brian Udell, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot who ejected from his aircraft at an unprecedented supersonic speed of 780 miles per hour. The episode explores the extreme physical and engineering challenges of such an ejection, the incredible technology behind ejection seats, and the mental fortitude required for survival. Despite enduring severe injuries and incredible odds, Udell survived and returned to flying, showcasing unparalleled resilience. This episode also covers his later life challenges, including an aortic dissection and the eventual grounding by the FAA, emphasizing the extraordinary risks fighter pilots take.

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References and Further Reading

"Fighter Pilot Mentality: Breaking Down the Military Mindset." NCESC.

"Life and Training of an F-35 Pilot." Task & Purpose.

"Fighter Jet Pilot Training: From Civilian to Combat Ready." Sky Combat Ace.

"How Air Race Pilots Handle Extreme G-Forces." Red Bull.

"Pulling Gs: The Effects of G-Forces on the Human Body." Go Flight Medicine.

"Top Gun Trauma: The Effects of Ejecting from a Fighter Jet on the Spine." University of Notre Dame.

"Why Fighter Jet Ejections Can Be Deadly for Pilots." Business Insider.

"Breaking Point: What's the Strongest G-Force Humans Can Tolerate?" Medical Daily.

"Clipped Wings." Phoenix Magazine.

"In the Saddle: Ejection Seat History." The Ejection Site.

"The Man Behind High-Speed Safety Standards." National Air and Space Museum.

"Spinal Injury Pattern Associated with Ejection Seats." PubMed.

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the catastrophic events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia on January 13, 2012. This maritime disaster, caused by Captain Francesco Schettino's reckless decision to perform a risky maneuver close to shore, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and exposed significant failures in leadership and emergency procedures. The episode explores survivor accounts, the chaotic evacuation process, the captain's controversial actions, and the subsequent legal and engineering efforts to right and salvage the massive cruise ship. The story underscores the importance of decisive leadership and proper safety protocols in preventing such tragedies.

Main sources that verify these details about the Costa Concordia:

Legal Documents:

Key Survivor Accounts Verified By Media:

Official Communications:

Technical Analysis:

Mary Rowlandson-

Primary Sources-

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In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story podcast, hosts Kayce McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the catastrophic Frank slide of 1903 in Frank, Alberta. The episode explores how the small town's rapid growth led to a horrifying night when Turtle Mountain collapsed, burying parts of the town under 82 million tons of limestone. Survivors' tales, including miners digging their way out and heroic acts like Brakeman Sid Choquette's race to stop an oncoming train, highlight human resilience. The episode also discusses the town's recovery, ongoing geological risks, and lessons learned from indigenous wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Center to witness the historic site and reflect on the power of nature and human endurance. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:21 The Frank Slide: Listener's Recommendation 02:08 A Town's Rapid Rise 05:06 Geological Background of Turtle Mountain 08:02 The Night of the Disaster 10:06 Immediate Aftermath and Heroic Acts 14:50 Miraculous Survivals Amidst Tragedy 16:27 The Miners' Desperate Struggle 18:33 Unexpected Discoveries and Heartbreak 20:38 Frank's Resilience and Future Threats 21:37 Modern Monitoring and Indigenous Wisdom 27:02 Conclusion and Reflections

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In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the harrowing survival story of Roy Hallums, an American contractor held captive for 311 days in Iraq. Kidnapped from his workplace in Baghdad in 2004, Hallums endured brutal conditions in a small underground bunker, facing physical and psychological torments. Despite the dire circumstances, Hallums employed mental strategies to keep hope alive. His eventual rescue by U.S. Special Forces underscores a tale of human resilience and the unyielding efforts of military personnel. Tune in to discover how detailed mental exercises, unwavering hope, and determined rescue operations culminated in Hallums' remarkable story of survival and return to his family.

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)