
The Epic Mt. St. Helens Eruption: Venus Dergan and Ronald Reitan's Unexpected Survival | E122
In this episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing events of the Mount St. Helens eruption. They share vivid survivor stories, including Venus Dergan, Ronald Reitan's narrow escape, and explore the geological forces that led to the catastrophic 1980 event. The episode delves into the science behind the eruption, the warning signs observed by volcanologists, and the legacy of the event that claimed 57 lives, including that of USGS volcanologist David Johnston. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Podcast 00:18 Mount St. Helens Eruption: A Personal Connection 01:33 Survivors' Harrowing Experiences 01:59 Memories and Impact of the Eruption 07:42 Scientific Insights and Volcanic Activity 15:35 The Growing Danger and Public Response 19:44 Mount St. Helens: The Unseen Danger 20:27 The Terrifying Escape 21:06 A Nightmare Come True 23:06 The Aftermath and Rescue 28:40 Understanding Volcanoes 30:56 The Eruption's Impact 34:13 Remembering the Victims 37:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Further Reading: https://www.pdxmonthly.com/arts-and-culture/2017/10/survivors-of-the-mount-st-helens-eruption-tell-their-story https://www.columbian.com/news/2005/may/15/survivors-story-taste-death/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toutle,_Washington https://www.census.gov/history/www/homepage_archive/2020/may_2020.html#:~:text=When%20Mount%20St.%20Helens%20erupted%20on%20May%2018%2C,1980%2C%20the%20county%20was%20home%20to%207%2C919%20people. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
26 Elo 202439min

Torpedoed: The Remarkable WWII Survival of Ray Downs and His Family | E121
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the remarkable WWII-era survival story of 8-year-old Ray Downs and his family. On May 19, 1942, aboard the merchant ship Heredia, the Downs family’s voyage from South America to New Orleans takes a devastating turn when their ship is struck by torpedoes from a German U-boat. The episode recounts young Ray’s vivid memories of the terrifying moments following the attack, the incredible ordeal the family faced floating for 18 hours at sea, and the miraculous series of events leading to the rescue and reunion of the entire family. By the end of their harrowing tale, listeners will be amazed by the resilience and ingenuity displayed by Ray and his family in the face of overwhelming odds. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:15 Setting the Scene: World War II Era 00:55 The Downs Family Background 01:53 Voyage on the Heredia 04:30 The Night of the Attack 09:10 Chaos and Survival 14:11 Adrift in the Open Ocean 14:47 A Father's Ingenious Distraction 16:55 A Miraculous Rescue 18:56 Reunion Against All Odds 23:20 Life After the Ordeal 26:38 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ More reading about this story: https://www.historynet.com/conversation-with-u-boat-survivor-ray-downs/ https://www.amazon.com/So-Close-Home-American-Survival/dp/1681774321 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
19 Elo 202427min

100 Miles in the Sonoran Desert: Pablo Valencia's Fight for Survival | E120
In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the incredible survival story of Pablo Valencia, a prospector who endured eight days in the treacherous Sonoran Desert with minimal water. The narrative delves into the perilous journey along the 100-mile stretch of El Camino del Diablo, Pablo’s battle against dehydration and extreme heat, his desperate survival measures, and the eventual rescue that saved him. The episode also explores the physiological impacts of heat exhaustion and dehydration, drawing parallels to other survival stories and highlighting the critical importance of hydration. 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:18 Setting the Scene: Montana's Heatwave 00:27 Introducing the Sonoran Desert Survival Story 01:01 Historical Context: El Camino del Diablo 02:17 The Journey Begins: Pablo Valencia's Expedition 05:26 The Separation and Initial Struggles 08:30 Desperation and Survival Tactics 16:25 Understanding Dehydration and Heat Challenges 25:10 Understanding Basal Metabolic Rate and Heat Production 25:22 The Ideal Temperature for Human Comfort 26:25 Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke 27:32 Pablo's Desperate Measures for Survival 30:19 The Final Struggle and Near-Death Experience 33:04 Rescue and Recovery 40:10 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned 41:03 Stay Hydrated and Support the Podcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
12 Elo 202443min

The Gripping Tale of Captain James Riley and the Shipwreck of Commerce Part 2 | E118
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, host Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing tale of Captain James Riley and his crew shipwrecked off the coast of Northern Africa in 1815. Facing relentless hardships including slavery, starvation, and forced labor in the Sahara Desert, Riley's unbroken spirit and strategic relationships play crucial roles in securing their release. This narrative explores the extremes of human endurance and the complex dynamics of ransom negotiations, showcasing Riley's unwavering leadership and resourcefulness in dire situations. Their journey inspired historical literary works and impacted notable figures like Abraham Lincoln. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:24 The Harrowing Tale of Captain James Riley 01:00 The Struggles and Despair of the Crew 02:00 Captain Riley's Bold Plan for Ransom 05:31 The Journey to the Moroccan Coast 09:35 The Dramatic Rescue and Aftermath 13:51 The Legacy of James Riley 18:57 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Email us! We love hearing from listeners! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie Henningsen in outdoor wilderness medicine https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
29 Heinä 202420min

The Gripping Tale of Captain James Riley and the Shipwreck of Commerce Part 1 | E117
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh arecount the harrowing survival story of Captain James Riley and the ship Commerce's ill-fated voyage in 1815. The American merchant ship, led by Captain Riley, runs aground off the coast of North Africa, leading the crew into a dire struggle for survival amidst harsh desert conditions and captivity by nomadic tribes. As they face starvation, dehydration, and abuse, listeners are left on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what becomes of these shipwrecked sailors. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:19 Setting the Scene: The Commerce's Ill-Fated Voyage 01:56 Captain James Riley: A Background 05:24 The Shipwreck and Immediate Aftermath 07:22 Captured by the Sahrawi Tribe 17:58 Struggles and Survival Tactics 23:47 Conclusion and Call to Action Thank you for your support! Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in Outdoor Wilderness Medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 Heinä 202425min

The Remarkable Survival of John Vihtelic: 16 Days Trapped in a Ravine | E116
In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the incredible survival story of John Vitalik. After a spontaneous detour to Mount Hood in September 1976, John's car plunged 150 feet down a steep ravine. With his foot pinned by a tree root and swelling from a punctured lung, John used his resourcefulness and mechanical skills to survive by creating makeshift tools to access water and eventually free himself. Despite his dire situation, John maintained routines that kept his morale high. After 16 days, he managed to escape and seek help, ultimately surviving and leading an inspiring post-ordeal life. 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories 00:41 John Vitalik's Background and Journey 01:48 The Accident on Mount Hood 03:14 Trapped in the Ravine 10:03 Resourcefulness and Survival Tactics 16:04 The Importance of Routine in Survival 16:26 Ingenious Escape Plan 18:24 The Final Breakthrough 20:32 Rescue and Recovery 22:27 Life After the Ordeal 24:35 Survival Tips and Reflections 28:14 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Thanks for your support! Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
15 Heinä 202429min

Desert Tragedy: The Untold WWII Sahara Survival Story | E115
In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing tale of the South African aircrew during World War II. In May 1942, navigational errors led to a forced desert landing near the Kufra oasis in Libya, resulting in a tragic fight for survival in the unforgiving Sahara. Of the 12 crew members, only one survived the harsh conditions. The episode delves into the crew's desperate attempts to find their way back, their unfortunate mistakes, and the relentless sandstorm that sealed their fate, while also highlighting the critical importance of preparation and experienced navigation in survival scenarios. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Story Overview 00:52 Setting the Scene: The Tragedy at Kufra 02:09 Historical Context: World War II and North Africa 05:48 Mission Briefing and Preparations 12:43 Navigational Challenges and Initial Errors 16:16 Stranded in the Desert: The Struggle Begins 27:11 Evaporative Cooling and Survival Tactics 27:38 Major de Wet's Desperate Search 27:57 Sandstorms and Stranded Men 28:33 Grim Reality Unfolds 30:58 Major de Wet's Diary Entries 32:21 Final Rescue Efforts 41:59 Aftermath and Inquiry 47:37 Reflections and Lessons Learned 51:11 Podcast Wrap-Up and Announcements https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Email: thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8 Heinä 202452min





















