On this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories podcast, our story comes directly from one of our listeners. Tune in today as Kaycee interviews Melanie, an outdoor enthusiast who had a less than pleasant and unexpected encounter with a kangaroo. Originally from England, Melanie has lived in Australia since she was six months old and shares a love for outdoor activities with her son.

In this gripping two-part episode, listeners are transported back to the stormy sea on January 23rd, 1995, where Coast Guard rescuer Michael Odom faces the ultimate test of skill and courage. Part one sets the stage as Coast Guard Helicopter 6019 hovers above the turbulent waves, and Odom prepares for the perilous mission ahead - the rescue of survivors from the battered sailboat Mirage. But just as the rescue operation is underway, a sudden twist throws everything into chaos.

In part two, the tension escalates as Odom finds himself alone in the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean, left behind by the very helicopter he served to save others. Buffeted by waves and battling exhaustion, Odom's harrowing struggle for survival unfolds against the backdrop of a relentless winter storm. With each passing moment, the odds of rescue grow slimmer, and Odom is forced to confront the grim reality of his situation.

As listeners hold their breath, they are drawn into Odom's desperate fight for survival, wondering if he will defy the odds once again or if the stormy sea will claim yet another victim. Tune in to this pulse-pounding conclusion of high-stakes rescue on the high seas to discover the fate of Michael Odom and the sailors he fought so bravely to save.

In this gripping episode, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the stormy sea on January 23rd, 1995, Coast Guard rescuer Michael Odom faces the ultimate test of skill and courage.

As Coast Guard Helicopter 6019 hovers above the turbulent waves, Odom meticulously prepares for the perilous mission ahead - the rescue of survivors from the battered sailboat Mirage.

But just as Odom braces himself for the daunting task of plucking sailors from the angry sea, a sudden twist throws the mission into chaos. The captain of the Mirage refuses to abandon ship, defying the Coast Guard's orders and jeopardizing the lives of everyone onboard.

Caught in a tense standoff, Odom and his fellow rescuers face a heart-wrenching dilemma: save all or risk losing them all. But before a decision can be reached, a desperate sailor takes matters into their own hands, plunging into the icy waters below.

Now, with time running out and the storm raging fiercer than ever, Odom must summon every ounce of strength and determination to save not just the stranded sailors, but also himself. Battling exhaustion and the relentless fury of the elements, he knows that the odds are stacked against him.

Will Odom defy the odds and emerge victorious in his race against time? Or will the stormy sea claim yet another victim in its unforgiving embrace? Find out in this pulse-pounding episode of high-stakes rescue on the high seas.

Resources:

https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1995/august/nineteen-talk-me

https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1995/vp950126/01260374.htm

Join us on a journey through one of history's most harrowing natural disasters in this episode of The Crux, led by our host Julie Henningson. Picture yourself amidst the ordinary rhythms of life, navigating through your day on a rainy afternoon, when suddenly, a cataclysmic force interrupts the tranquility.

In 1889, in the heart of Pennsylvania, the South Fork Dam burst, and what followed was a monstrous wall of water, holding within it 3.8 billion gallons, surged forth with terrifying speed for the towns below. But this was not just water; it was a relentless force of nature, carrying along with it a deadly payload of buildings, livestock, and debris. Its origins traced back to the Cambria Ironworks, where it amassed a deadly arsenal of barbed wire and railroad cars before hurtling towards unsuspecting communities.

At 40 miles per hour, there was no escape from its wrath. Residents were thrust into a nightmare scenario, facing the impossible task of outrunning a deluge of biblical proportions. The sheer force of the flood tore through the landscape, ripping the very topsoil from the earth as it swept everything in its path with the unstoppable ferocity only moving water can possess.

In today's episode, we delve into the chilling details of the Great Johnstown Flood, a calamity etched into the annals of history as a stark reminder of nature's awesome power and humanity's vulnerability in the face of its fury. Tune in as we uncover the tragic events and explore the profound impact this disaster had on the lives of those caught in its merciless grip.

Join Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen as they uncover the gripping tale of sea captain Christopher B. Sheldon and his fateful journey aboard the Albatross. In this episode of "The Crux True Survival Stories" podcast, listeners are transported back to 1961, where Sheldon's Ocean Academy becomes the backdrop for a chilling encounter with nature's fury.

Through Julie's narrative, audiences are introduced to the Albatross's rich history, tracing its journey from the North Sea to its role as an educational vessel. With vivid detail, she recounts the tragic events of May 2nd, 1961, when a sudden white squall capsizes the Albatross, leaving its crew, including Sheldon's wife Alice, in a fight for survival on the open sea.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Julie delves into the courageous efforts of the survivors and the enduring legacy of Christopher Sheldon. From Coast Guard investigations to Sheldon's later endeavors with the Peace Corps, the Albatross saga exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship.

"The Crux True Survival Stories" offers a captivating exploration of courage and tragedy, where each twist and turn reveals the extraordinary lengths we'll go to survive against all odds. Join Kaycee and Julie on this unforgettable voyage, where every moment is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

Today we delve into four more of our top stories, recapped into a shorter version. We intended on including our most listened to episode, our first ever, Beck Weathers Left for Dead on Everest. Unfortunately, we were not able to recover this from our computers, but you can still hear it if you wish on any platform you are listening as episode number one. Next week we will move into new stories. Please feel free to reach out to us with stories you would like to hear or your own survival story moving forward. You can reach us via email at [email protected]. Have a wonderful week and we can not begin to express our gratitude to all of you who support us, believe in us and listen in regularly. We do this for you! xo

Welcome to a special celebration on the Crux True Survival Stories Podcast! In honor of reaching our 100th episode milestone, we're taking a trip down memory lane by revisiting some of our most gripping and unforgettable tales of survival.

Join us this week as we recap five of our most popular episodes, each showcasing the remarkable resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. From Autumn Veatch's harrowing wilderness survival following a plane crash to Anne Hjelle's daring escape from the fangs of a mountain lion, these stories will leave you on the edge of your seat.

We'll also delve into the incredible survival journey of Juliane Koepcke, who miraculously survived a plane freefall into the jungle, as well as Michael Packard's surreal experience of being swallowed by a whale. And finally, we'll recount Bill Durden's astonishing 20-hour open water swim, a testament to the power of determination and endurance.

Don't miss this special episode as we celebrate our 100th milestone by revisiting some of our most captivating survival stories. Tune in and prepare to be inspired by the resilience and courage of these incredible individuals

In December 2013, Adam Herman, 24, and Conor Lodge, 22, embarked on what was supposed to be a routine descent down New Hampshire's Mount Washington. Little did they know, their journey would take a treacherous turn when they found themselves caught in the midst of an avalanche in Tuckerman Ravine.

The sheer force of nature swept them a daunting 800 feet down the mountainside, leaving them battling against the elements for survival. Despite the harrowing circumstances, both men miraculously emerged from the avalanche, defying the odds against them.

A snow ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, Jeff Lane described the treacherous terrain of Tuckerman Ravine, characterized by exposed rock, water-ice, and cliffs reaching heights of up to 70 or 100 feet.

Given the unforgiving nature of the early winter conditions and the potential for fatal consequences, the fact that Adam and Conor were able to walk away from the incident under their own power is nothing short of remarkable.

Their tale of survival amidst the wrath of nature serves as a testament to their resilience and the unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Join us as we delve into the gripping account of Adam Herman and Conor Lodge's fight for survival against the formidable forces of Mount Washington's Tuckerman Ravine.

https://www.backpacker.com/survival/survival-stories/out-alive-survive-an-avalanche/#_soft-wall

https://vineyardgazette.com/news/2013/12/31/two-oak-bluffs-men-survive-new-hampshire-avalanche

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/12/30/Two-men-survive-Mount-Washington-avalanche-in-New-Hampshire/49741388385624/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J37u_usbJHc

In this episode of The Crux Podcast, we delve into the world of surviving superstorms, featuring expert tips and real stories from those who have weathered the most powerful hurricanes. Join us as we explore the lessons learned from hurricanes like Sandy, Irma, and Odiele, and discover practical strategies for preparation, survival, and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. From proactive planning to innovative solutions, this episode is your guide to staying safe and secure when the next superstorm strikes, and will hopefully get you thinking about ways you could be better prepared if you live in areas where hurricanes occur.

Resources:

https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-survivors

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/09/29/hurricane-ian-survival-stories/

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

https://time.com/5696288/hurricane-names/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/atlantic-hurricane-season-summer-storms

https://www.unitetolight.org/blog/emergency-supply-kit#/

In this episode, we delve into a tragic incident that unfolded in one of America's most iconic natural wonders: Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone, renowned for its breathtaking geothermal features and pristine landscapes, became the backdrop of a harrowing event that claimed the life of Sara Hulphers, a park concession employee. Alongside Sara, two others found themselves in critical condition after an unfortunate encounter with the park's formidable geothermal pools.

In the heart of Yellowstone's Lower Geyser Basin, amidst the mystical allure of its geysers and hot springs, a group of friends embarked on an evening adventure. Little did they know, their outing would take a devastating turn, leaving behind a trail of shock and sorrow.

Join us as we explore the implications of this incident, the precautions in place within the park, and the sobering reminder of the delicate balance between human exploration and the untamed forces of nature. This is a story that serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers lurking within Yellowstone's beauty, prompting reflection on the importance of responsible exploration and reverence for nature's wonders.