Walk or Wait: Carolina Wilga's Fight to Survive the Outback | E191

In this episode of Disaster Strikes, host Kaycee McIntosh tackles the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, often referred to as the 'silent killer.' This episode examines real-life tragedies, explaining how carbon monoxide exposure occurs and the devastating effects it can have on the human body. McIntosh emphasizes the importance of prevention through the use of carbon monoxide detectors and provides practical tips to protect yourself and loved ones at home and while traveling. The episode highlights shocking statistics and heart-wrenching stories to drive home the importance of being vigilant about this invisible threat. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:27 Understanding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 01:48 Common Sources and Risks 03:49 Real-Life Tragedies 07:32 Survivor Stories and Lessons Learned 10:13 How Carbon Monoxide Affects the Body 12:54 Symptoms and Diagnosis 13:31 Emergency Treatment and Recovery 15:08 Preventative Measures 16:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action First link is to a version you can plug in, the second is battery operated, lots of options on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-Monoxide-Detector-AC-Plug-Replacement/dp/B00M48BH30/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L6p3p3xFBriLwhQDpPfKpy3021_vNUEm16d6rWSXOZzKEVusxoEc0FfpNbR-dYIHzrXr1_R-wNa81N9LDsxFUX0Lf0t7Cjib9qVc5QDJDL0O3Pyflsq_fwgeDIyZWuuvHslr9prjmexImcOcTCycfe7EFB6zVHmnCRGHcrygwQroO5TehbWmjHgpZeApfAqgqWpjbpO813hhCxK8u0p6Rbu3k2LhaQ0dNQT-a6BuiKc9zkkRnKsujuDtTyGzjK2En2g9FwtSRVXC_bycgu5y-3k7efoRYeAsqSdCI3v9IoU.ql4ZAwQPFnzBit-O0QqRXQE99_bWBxD6vVE0IUC8Y94&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable%2Bcarbon%2Bmonoxide%2Bdetector%2Bfor%2Btravel&qid=1746676517&sr=8-5&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-Battery-Operated-Monoxide-KN-Copp-B-LPM/dp/B004Y6V5CI/ref=sr_1_10?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.L6p3p3xFBriLwhQDpPfKpy3021_vNUEm16d6rWSXOZzKEVusxoEc0FfpNbR-dYIHzrXr1_R-wNa81N9LDsxFUX0Lf0t7Cjib9qVc5QDJDL0O3Pyflsq_fwgeDIyZWuuvHslr9prjmexImcOcTCycfe7EFB6zVHmnCRGHcrygwQroO5TehbWmjHgpZeApfAqgqWpjbpO813hhCxK8u0p6Rbu3k2LhaQ0dNQT-a6BuiKc9zkkRnKsujuDtTyGzjK2En2g9FwtSRVXC_bycgu5y-3k7efoRYeAsqSdCI3v9IoU.ql4ZAwQPFnzBit-O0QqRXQE99_bWBxD6vVE0IUC8Y94&dib_tag=se&keywords=portable%2Bcarbon%2Bmonoxide%2Bdetector%2Bfor%2Btravel&qid=1746676586&sr=8-10&th=1 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

8 Touko 21min

In this episode, join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh as they dive into the astonishing story of Dr. Alain Bombard, a French physician and biologist who, in 1952, undertook an audacious scientific experiment. To prove that humans could survive adrift at sea using only ocean resources, Bombard set off to drift across the Atlantic Ocean in a small inflatable dinghy, without food or water. Over the course of 65 harrowing days, he endured severe conditions, subsisting on raw fish, plankton, and minimal sea water. Explore his motivations, the challenges he faced, and how his journey revolutionized maritime survival techniques. Despite criticism and controversy, Bombard's story is a testament to human endurance, ingenuity, and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. 00:00 Introduction and Setup 00:23 The Craziest Ocean Experiment in History 01:30 Meet Dr. Alain Bombard 03:19 The Motivation Behind the Journey 05:42 The Harsh Realities of Maritime Survival 08:30 Bombard's Unwavering Determination 24:28 Preliminary Voyages and Lessons Learned 31:16 The Resilience of Seaweed and Plankton 32:43 Bombard's Departure and Initial Challenges 36:00 Surviving on Plankton and Isolation 37:48 Nature's Cruel Challenges 40:22 Wildlife Encounters and Near-Death Experiences 45:24 The Encounter with the British Cargo Vessel 49:15 Final Stretch and Arrival in Barbados 55:32 Bombard's Legacy and Influence 01:00:25 Modern Survival Stories and Techniques 01:03:34 The True Lesson of Bombard's Journey Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Read Dr. Bombard's book for free online. https://archive.org/details/the-bombard-story-1953/page/n27/mode/2up Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5 Touko 48min

This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast follows the remarkable tale of 2-year-old Boden Allen who survived a seven-mile journey through the hazardous Arizona desert, thanks to the protective instincts of a ranch dog named Buford. Host Kaycee McIntosh delves into the Allen family's terrifying ordeal, the resilience of young children in wilderness situations, and the heroics of Great Pyrenees dogs. The episode also highlights other incredible child survival stories and provides crucial safety tips to prevent and handle similar incidents. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 01:11 Setting the Scene: Arizona's Harsh Desert Environment 04:02 The Disappearance of 2-Year-Old Boden Allen 05:46 The Search and Rescue Efforts 08:00 The Heroic Dog Buford and Boden's Rescue 12:37 Reflections on Child Survival Instincts 14:33 Other Remarkable Child Survival Stories 21:08 Personal Stories and Lessons for Parents 23:51 The Protective Instincts of Working Dogs 28:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References Arizona Republic. (2025, April 19). A sleepless, terrifying night ends with good news for Arizona family. Yahoo! News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/sleepless-terrifying-night-ends-good-155612035.html Caplan, A. L. (2022, December 9). Great Pyrenees attacks pack of coyotes to protect animals on Georgia farm: 'Not a normal dog'. People. https://people.com/pets/great-pyrenees-named-casper-attacks-coyote-pack-to-protect-sheep/ Chiu, D. (2025, April 21). Parents speak out after toddler was found walking through wilderness by rancher's dog. People. https://people.com/parents-speak-out-after-toddler-found-by-ranchers-dog-after-walking-through-wilderness-11719081 Gabrielle Sales. (2022, April 15). Dangers of hiking in the desert and safety tips. From One Girl to One World. https://from1girlto1world.com/dangers-of-the-desert/ Golightly, C. (2025, April 18). 'It's like the worst living nightmare any parent can feel,' 2-year-old reunited with family after 7 mile journey through mountain lion territory. 11Alive. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/arizona-toddler-found-safe-after-night-missing-in-wilderness/75-b30e1fd8-8f84-4853-83aa-5956c609aca2 Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario. (2024). Great Pyr and Bear - Pet or working dog? https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/Great-Pyr-and-Bear.html Happy Puppy Team. (2023, April 21). Great Pyrenees temperament traits. The Happy Puppy Site. https://thehappypuppysite.com/great-pyrenees-temperament/ Mattinson, P. (2023, September 27). Great Pyrenees temperament: What's a Great Pyrenees's personality like? iHeartDogs. https://iheartdogs.com/great-pyrenees-temperament-whats-a-great-pyreneess-personality-like/ Simon, D., & Riess, R. (2019, May 18). Kentucky toddler lost in woods for days is found. Rescuers heard his cries. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/16/us/missing-kentucky-toddler-survived/index.html Simpson, K. (2016, May 8). Childlike behavior helps kids survive. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2006/06/03/childlike-behavior-helps-kids-survive/ US SAR Task Force. (2021, July 23). Child survival – Lost in the woods. https://ussartf.org/child_survival_.htm Weather Atlas. (2024, May 24). April weather forecast: Arizona, USA. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/arizona-usa-weather-april Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Huhti 33min

In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' host Julie Henningsin dives into the haunting story of Randy Morganson, a legendary backcountry ranger who vanished without a trace in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1996. This episode explores Randy's life, his profound connection to the wilderness, and the tragic series of events that led to his disappearance. Over nearly three decades, Randy was known for his extensive knowledge of the Sierra Nevada, his ability to find lost hikers, and his dedication to protecting the wilderness. Despite his experience, he fell victim to the very dangers he had spent his career rescuing others from. Through Randy's story, listeners are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the importance of respecting its power. The episode provides valuable lessons on wilderness safety and the psychological and physical demands faced by backcountry rangers. It concludes with a reflection on Randy's legacy and a call to learn from past mistakes to improve future survival. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:51 The Story of Randy Morganson Begins 02:17 Randy's Background and Experience 05:06 The Sierra Nevada Wilderness 10:59 The Disappearance of Randy Morganson 12:09 The Search and Discovery 16:26 Lessons from Randy's Story 18:20 Other Notable Wilderness Disappearances 21:19 Conclusion and Legacy To see photos of Randy and for more information about the book The Last Season visit: https://www.ericblehm.com/books/the-last-season   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.

24 Huhti 22min

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing survival story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in July 1945. The episode covers the catastrophic events leading up to and following the ship's sinking, where the crew faced extreme conditions, including dehydration, exposure, and shark attacks. The hosts discuss the psychological and physical trials endured by the survivors, the failures in communication that led to a delayed rescue, and the eventual exoneration of Captain Charles McVay. The story emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, group cohesion, and hope in survival situations. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader implications of the disaster, including changes in naval procedures and the enduring legacy of the survivors. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Introduction to the USS Indianapolis Tragedy 02:22 Historical Context and Crew Background 11:25 The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis 15:57 Survival in the Open Ocean 19:35 The Ordeal of the Survivors 22:12 Communication Failures and Rescue Challenges 23:03 Critical Communication Failures 24:34 The Remarkable Rescue 29:58 The Controversial Court-Martial 34:48 Lessons in Survival 39:05 The Sullivan Brothers' Tragedy 43:58 Modern Reflections and Resources 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.

21 Huhti 47min

In this episode of The Crux, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delve into the terrifying encounters between humans and polar bears. The episode recounts the harrowing survival stories of individuals like Matt Dyer and Elijah Carner, who faced life-threatening polar bear attacks in remote Arctic regions. The hosts discuss the increasing frequency of such encounters due to climate change, which causes bears to move closer to human territories. They also explore the biology of polar bears, the environments where attacks typically occur, and the essential survival tactics and safety measures required when traveling in polar bear regions. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and the evolving strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in an ever-changing Arctic landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 Polar Bear Encounters: A Growing Concern 02:07 Understanding Polar Bears and Their Habitat 08:13 Matt Dyer's Harrowing Survival Story 25:05 Elijah Carner's Close Call 29:09 A Tragic Incident in Wales, Alaska 29:49 First Fatal Polar Bear Attack in 30 Years 31:08 Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bear Behavior 31:42 Recent Polar Bear Attacks and Their Implications 32:47 Survival Factors in Polar Bear Attacks 38:15 Psychological Impact of Surviving a Polar Bear Attack 41:49 Notable Polar Bear Incidents 45:44 Practical Advice for Polar Bear Encounters 53:18 Community Efforts to Reduce Polar Bear Conflicts 54:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References Arctic Today. (2021, August 18). Polar bear attack survivor played dead to save his life. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-attack-survivor-played-dead-to-save-his-life-1.1389918 BBC News. (2020, August 28). Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard islands. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53945950 BBC News. (2023, January 20). Alaska polar bear attack: Mother and son killed while walking in Wales. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq20qd59yyo Dyer, M. (2017, March 24). I survived a polar bear attack. Backpacker. https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/i-survived-a-polar-bear-attack/ Lester, K. (2014, July 28). A year after surviving polar bear attack, he is mellowed, undaunted, and ready to hike again. Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2014/07/28/a-year-after-surviving-polar-bear-attack-he-is-mellowed-undaunted-and-ready-to-hike-again/ Hopper, T. (2021, August 18). Nunavut man who survived polar bear attack recounts experience. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/polar-bear-attack-survivor-1.6142932 Hymas, D. (2015, January). The man who survived a polar bear attack. Sierra. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-1-january-february/feature/man-who-survived-polar-bear-attack Pappas, S. (2023, January 18). Polar bear attacks and kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/polar-bear-attack-alaska Polar Bears International. (n.d.). Polar bear attacks: Causes & prevention. https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention Slisco, A. (2014, July 26). Maine man survives polar bear attack. WMTW. https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-survives-polar-bear-attack/1996996 Welz, A. (2017, July 12). Polar bear attacks on people set to rise as climate changes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2140701-polar-bear-attacks-on-people-set-to-rise-as-climate-changes/ Wikipedia. (n.d.). Polar bear. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

14 Huhti 57min

In this inaugural episode of the new podcast segment 'Disaster Strikes,' host Kaycee McIntosh, joined by Julie Henningsen, explores a tragic outdoor adventure case. They recount the story of four German tourists who vanished in Death Valley in 1996, leading to one of the park’s most enduring mysteries. Through an in-depth examination of their journey and the subsequent discovery of their remains over a decade later, the episode highlights the extreme dangers of Death Valley and provides essential lessons for wilderness survival. The narrative underscores the importance of preparation, understanding the environment, and making prudent decisions in the face of nature's unforgiving challenges. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 01:25 The Death Valley Germans: A Mysterious Disappearance 01:57 Understanding the Dangers of Death Valley 04:05 The Fateful Journey Begins 08:11 The Search and Discovery 17:25 Piecing Together the Tragedy 21:52 Lessons Learned from the Death Valley Germans 28:14 Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Source Documentation Mahood, Tom. "The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans." OtherHand.org. Accessed March 2025. A comprehensive account written by the person who ultimately solved the case in 2009. News Articles and Official Resources "Death Valley Germans." Wikipedia. Last edited February 23, 2025. A general overview of the case with multiple sources cited. "Death Valley skeletons solve riddle of missing German tourists." The Telegraph. November 14, 2009. "Remains May Be Tourists Missing 13 Years." CBS News. November 13, 2009. Flinchum, Robin. "Interest continues in 20-year Death Valley mystery." Pahrump Valley Times. July 22, 2016. Flinchum, Robin. "Twentieth anniversary of one of Death Valley's baffling mysteries." Pahrump Valley Times. July 20, 2016. "Van of Missing German Tourists Found in Death Valley Park." Los Angeles Times. October 25, 1996. Gorman, Tom. "Search Ends for 4 Missing German Tourists." Los Angeles Times. October 31, 1996. "Children Still Missing in 1996 German Tourist Case." Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News. March 8, 2010. National Park Service. "Safety." Death Valley National Park. Official park safety guidelines. Online Resources and Documentaries "One Family's Desperate Attempt to Survive in the Scorching Desert | The Death Valley Germans Story." Outdoor Disasters YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjEOYOZpGPo "Death Valley Germans - companion reading." Medium.com. September 11, 2016. "The German Tourists in Death Valley - Disturbing deaths in U.S. national parks and deserts." StrangeOutdoors.com. "Searching for the Death Valley Germans." Compiled by Cassidy Garrett. June 3, 2021. "Death Valley Germans." OddMurdersAndMysteries.com. August 10, 2020. "Missing German Family." Vanished.us. Death Valley Cases. Technical Information Death Valley National Park. "Weather and Climate." Information on temperature records and climate conditions in Death Valley. National Weather Service. Historic weather data for Death Valley, July 1996. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

10 Huhti 29min

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the harrowing experience of Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd in Antarctica during the winter of 1934. Byrd, already famous for his polar explorations, volunteered for a solo mission to collect meteorological data in a tiny buried shack during the Antarctic winter. With temperatures plummeting to -70°F in perpetual darkness, Byrd's scientific dedication was tested when his poorly ventilated stove began leaking carbon monoxide, slowly poisoning him over months. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued his meteorological observations and initially concealed his condition during radio check-ins to prevent endangering potential rescuers. After a failed first attempt, a rescue team led by Dr. Thomas Poulter finally reached Byrd, finding him emaciated but alive. Byrd's ordeal, which he later documented in his book "Alone," not only contributed valuable scientific data but influenced isolation studies for military and space programs and led to the prohibition of solo Antarctic missions. The episode presents a remarkable testament to human endurance in one of Earth's most unforgiving environments. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: Antarctica, 1934 01:00 Meet Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Bird 01:27 Bird's Polar Expeditions 04:25 The Second Antarctic Expedition 06:14 Bird's Solo Winter Mission 07:52 Life in Isolation 12:08 The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide 18:04 Struggling with the Stove 19:17 Bird's Deteriorating Condition 19:52 Maintaining the Facade 22:04 Rescue Mission Begins 25:25 Second Rescue Attempt 27:53 Bird's Return and Recovery 30:36 Legacy and Impact 33:18 Epilogue and Final Thoughts   Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Sources Byrd, Richard E. (1938). Alone. G.P. Putnam's Sons. [Byrd's personal memoir of his five months at Advance Base] Byrd, Richard E. (1935). Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Byrd, Richard E. (1930). Little America: Aerial Exploration in the Antarctic, The Flight to the South Pole. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Poulter, Thomas C. (1935). "The Advance Base Rescue." Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 79(4), 593-609. [First-hand account of the rescue mission by Dr. Poulter] Byrd Antarctic Expedition Papers, 1925-1938. Ohio State University Archives & Special Collections. [Includes original journals, logbooks, and correspondence] Secondary Sources Hoyt, Edwin P. (1968). The Last Explorer: The Adventures of Admiral Byrd. John Day Company. Rose, Lisle A. (2008). Explorer: The Life of Richard E. Byrd. University of Missouri Press. Goerler, Raimund E. (1998). To the Pole: The Diary and Notebook of Richard E. Byrd, 1925-1927. Ohio State University Press. Beekman, Daniel (2014). "The Worst Journey in the World: Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Lonely Antarctic Winter." Weatherwise, 67(5), 18-25. Murphy, David Thomas (2002). German Exploration of the Polar World: A History, 1870-1940. University of Nebraska Press. [Provides context for international polar exploration] Darack, Ed (2011). "Against the Cold: Admiral Byrd's Dangerous Antarctic Winter." Alpinist, 13, 54-61. Demas, Coleen (2016). "Searching for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Advance Base." Antarctic Sun, National Science Foundation. [Information on the 2016 search for the Advance Base] Johnson, Charles W. (1971). Antarctica: First Person Accounts. Dodd, Mead & Company. Pyne, Stephen J. (1986). The Ice: A Journey to Antarctica. University of Washington Press. [Contextual information on Antarctic exploration] Sullivan, Walter (1957). Quest for a Continent: The Story of Antarctic Exploration by the Men Who Did It. McGraw-Hill. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

7 Huhti 38min