Twice-Rescued: The Student Who Needed Saving from Mount Fuji Two Times in Four Days | E 163

This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast with Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explores the harrowing tale of Ryan Wardwell, an experienced canyoneer who survived three days trapped in hypothermic conditions behind the Seven Teacups waterfall in California. The story delves into Ryan's ordeal, the geological and technical challenges of the canyon, the critical decisions made, and the incredible multi-agency rescue operation that saved his life. The episode also reflects on a similar tragic incident that happened a year prior, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of wilderness adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Ryan Wardwell's Ordeal Begins 03:00 The Seven Teacups: A Dangerous Beauty 06:29 The Impact of Social Media on Outdoor Adventures 07:27 Understanding the Technical Challenges of Canyoneering 13:40 Ryan's Decision and the Consequences 16:56 The Struggle for Survival 20:48 The Physical and Psychological Toll 26:32 Factors Contributing to Ryan's Survival 27:21 Psychological Resilience in Survival Situations 28:49 The Critical Role of Calories and Hydration 30:51 Friends' Life-Saving Decision 32:44 The Search and Rescue Operation Begins 33:37 Challenges of Aerial Detection 34:37 The Agonizing Decision to Delay Rescue 35:40 The High-Stakes Rescue Mission 41:36 Medical Treatment and Recovery 44:42 The Psychological Aspect of Survival 45:45 A Tragic History at Seven Teacups 52:40 Lessons from the Wilderness 54:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast 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.

8 Sep 55min

Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the extraordinary tale of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955. At 67 years old and with minimal gear, Grandma Gatewood’s journey defied modern hiking conventions and highlighted her resilience stemming from decades of domestic abuse and personal adversity. Discover her remarkable determination and how her story has inspired generations of hikers and contributed to the trail's preservation. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Meet Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Grandmother 02:15 Emma Gatewood's Early Life and Challenges 06:10 The Appalachian Trail: A New Adventure 06:35 Grandma Gatewood's First Attempt and Lessons Learned 08:05 The Successful Journey Begins 09:09 Challenges and Resourcefulness on the Trail 17:41 Media Attention and Recognition 22:47 Emma Gatewood's Legacy and Impact 31:24 Conclusion and Reflections References: Montgomery, Ben. Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Chicago Review Press, 2014. Primary biographical source with access to Emma's personal journals, family interviews, and historical documents Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives. Emma Gatewood Collection. Contains photographs and trail log entries from her hikes Appalachian Trail Conservancy Archives. Emma Gatewood materials. Historical trail documentation and correspondence Sports Illustrated. Articles on Emma Gatewood's 1955 thru-hike. Contains direct quotes: "I thought it would be a nice lark. It wasn't" and "This is no trail. This is a nightmare" National Geographic Magazine. August 1949 issue. The original article about Earl Shaffer that inspired Emma's hike The Baltimore Sun. 1955. Coverage of the "jovial little grandmother" who conquered the Appalachian Trail Congressional Record. June 1956. U.S. Representative Thomas A. Jenkins of Ohio's entry about Gatewood's accomplishments The Today Show with Dave Garroway. 1955. Featured guest appearance after completing her hike Welcome Travelers. 1955. Quiz show appearance where she won $200 Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "Emma Gatewood." Official trail history documentation. https://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Appalachian Trail Museum. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania. Houses Emma's Converse sneakers and other artifacts Appalachian Mountain Club. "Grandma Gatewood: The First Woman to Solo Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail." March 2025. https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/grandma-gatewood-the-first-woman-to-solo-hike-the-entire-appalachian-trail/ Blue Ridge Country Magazine. "Emma Gatewood's Walk." April 29, 2025. https://blueridgecountry.com/newsstand/magazine/emma-gatewood%E2%80%99s-walk/ Adventure Journal. "Emma Gatewood Survived Domestic Abuse to Become an Appalachian Trail Legend." https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/05/emma-gatewood-survived-domestic-abuse-to-become-an-appalachian-trail-legend/ Atlas Obscura. "The First Woman to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail Alone Did It as a 'Lark'." June 9, 2021. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/appalachian-trail-emma-gatewood Five Rivers MetroParks. "Grandma Gatewood, One of Ohio's Most Famous Hikers." March 22, 2024. https://www.metroparks.org/grandma-gatewood-one-of-ohios-most-famous-hikers/ Appalachian Trail Histories. "Emma Gatewood." https://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/hikers/gatewood Buckeye Trail Association. Emma Gatewood materials and trail documentation. Information about her role as founding member and trail builder "Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story." Emmy-nominated documentary. Features family interviews and historical recreation Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Burial records and grave marker documentation. Final resting place with marker reading "Emma R. Gatewood – Grandma" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1 Sep 33min

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen unravel the harrowing tale of 7-year-old Calena Areyan Gruber, who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Kalina's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement who miraculously survived a catastrophic accident during sailing camp in Biscayne Bay, Miami. The story highlights the resilience and incredible survival instincts of a child caught in an underwater disaster caused by a massive commercial barge. The episode also delves into the tragic loss of three other young sailors, the regulatory failures in maritime safety, and the urgent need for reform to prevent similar tragedies. The podcast underscores the unpredictable nature of life and the extraordinary capabilities of human survival, particularly in children. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: A Tragic Day in Miami Bay 09:53 The Collision: A Catastrophic Event 12:34 Calena's Extraordinary Survival 16:18 The Aftermath: Rescue and Recovery 24:23 Calls for Maritime Safety Reforms 28:46 Reflections on Youth Sailing Safety 31:23 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Miami Bay Miracle Podcast - References and Sources Primary Incident Sources ABC News "2 children dead after barge strikes sailboat from youth sailing program: Officials" July 29, 2025 https://abcnews.go.com/US/miami-beach-sailboat-capsized-youth-sailing-program/story?id=124149834 CBS Miami "Two children dead after sailboat and barge collision off Miami Beach, officials say" August 5, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/two-children-killed-sailboat-barge-collision-off-miami-beach/ CNN "Third girl dies after sailboat and barge collision in Miami" August 3, 2025 https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/us/miami-boat-accident-crash-death CBS Miami "Third girl dies after sailboat crash with barge near Miami Beach, family and officials confirm" August 4, 2025 https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/10-year-old-miami-beach-boat-crash-victim-ari-buchman-died/ Survivor and Family Information Fox Business "Miami sailboat crash survivor's family issues statement after deadly incident" August 2025 https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/miami-sailboat-crash-survivor-stared-death-face-lawyer-says NBC 6 South Florida "Parents of Calena Gruber, Miami sailing camp tragedy survivor, speak" August 2025 https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/family-of-7-year-old-miami-sailing-camp-tragedy-survivor-speaks/3672444/ PEOPLE Magazine "Family of 7-Year-Old Girl Who Survived Miami Boat Crash That Killed 3 Say It's a 'Miracle She's Alive'" August 2025 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/family-7-old-girl-survived-100808752.html Miami Herald via Sun Sentinel "'It's a miracle she's alive.' Girl injured in boat crash was trapped under barge" August 4, 2025 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/08/04/girl-seriously-injured-after-biscayne-bay-barge-sailboat-crash-recovering-family-says/ Legal and Investigation Coverage WLRN "Attorney for survivor of deadly sailboat crash calls tragedy 'preventable'" August 5, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/law-justice/2025-08-04/attorney-for-survivor-of-deadly-sailboat-crash-calls-tragedy-preventable Local 10 WPLG "Lawsuit IDs owner of barge in deadly Biscayne Bay crash with youth sailing camp boat" August 8, 2025 https://www.local10.com/news/local/2025/08/08/lawsuit-ids-owner-of-barge-in-deadly-biscayne-bay-crash-with-youth-sailing-camp-boat/ Leesfield & Partners "Leesfield & Partners Representing Family of Girl, 7, Injured in Miami Beach Deadly Sailboat Crash" August 5, 2025 https://www.floridainjurylawyer-blawg.com/leesfield-partners-representing-family-of-girl-7-injured-in-miami-beach-deadly-sailboat-crash/ Boating Safety Statistics U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety "2023 Recreational Boating Statistics" 2024 https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2023-Ch2.pdf American Boating Association "Boating Fatality Facts" May 30, 2025 https://americanboating.org/boating_fatality.asp Children's Safety Network "Boating Safety" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/boating-safety Child Drowning and Near-Drowning Research Children's Safety Network "The Facts On Childhood Drowning" https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/facts-childhood-drowning American Red Cross "Drowning Prevention & Facts" https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine "Neurologic long term outcome after drowning in children" August 15, 2012 https://sjtrem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-7241-20-55 NeuroLaunch "Near-Drowning's Psychological Impact: Long-Term Effects and Recovery" September 15, 2024 https://neurolaunch.com/psychological-effects-of-near-drowning/ Maritime Safety and Regulation Information NOAA Fisheries "Understanding Vessel Strikes" https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-vessel-strikes Frontiers in Marine Science "A Global Review of Vessel Collisions With Marine Animals" April 14, 2020 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.00292/full Witness Accounts and Community Response Sailing Anarchy Forums "Two children dead after barge hits sailboat in Biscayne Bay" July 28, 2025 https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/threads/two-children-dead-after-barge-hits-sailboat-in-biscayne-bay.252661/ WLRN "Sailboat crash victims ages 7 and 13, says Coast Guard. Two other kids in critical condition" July 29, 2025 https://www.wlrn.org/south-florida/2025-07-29/biscayne-bay-sailboat-crash-victims-ages-7-and-13-two-other-kids-hospitalized-in-critical-condition Key Facts Confirmed by Multiple Sources: Incident Details: Date: July 28, 2025 Time: Approximately 11:15 AM Location: Between Hibiscus Island and Monument Island, Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach Victims: 6 total (5 children ages 7-13, 1 adult counselor age 19) Casualties: Deceased: Mila Yankelevich (7), Erin Ko Han (13), Arielle Buchman (10 - died August 4) Survivors: Calena Areyan Gruber (7), one unnamed child, adult counselor (19) Survivor Information: Calena Areyan Gruber from Seattle Parents: Karina Gruber Moreno and Enrique Areyan Viqueira Attorney: Justin B. Shapiro, Leesfield & Partners Released from Jackson Memorial Hospital: August 1, 2025 Injuries: Lacerations and contusions throughout body Trapped under 60-foot barge before swimming to safety Legal/Investigation: Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission investigating Barge owned by Waterfront Construction (Jorge Rivas) Tugboat under 26 feet (no licensed captain required) Multiple lawsuits filed alleging negligence Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 Aug 32min

This episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosted by Kaycee McIntosh, recounts the harrowing tale of Eric Murda, a 43-year-old irrigation contractor from Sarasota. On July 17, 2022, Eric’s routine day turned into a nightmare when a seven-foot alligator attacked him while he swam across Lake Manatee in Florida. The attack resulted in Eric losing his arm, leading to a grueling 72-hour survival ordeal in the harsh Florida swamp. He faced severe blood loss, venomous snakes, disease-carrying water, and other predators. Despite being disoriented and gravely injured, Eric's mental resilience and instinctive survival skills allowed him to navigate through dense vegetation, signal for help, and eventually find rescue. His story underscores the importance of preparation, mental fortitude, and situational awareness in wilderness survival. The episode also touches on winter travel preparation and survival strategies, reflecting on another tragic survival story and discussing improvements in search and rescue protocols. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:49 Setting the Scene: A Deadly Encounter 02:07 Eric Murda's Fateful Decision 04:36 The Alligator Attack 08:29 Surviving the Swamp 19:20 The Psychological Battle 21:56 Lessons in Wilderness Survival 24:42 Necrotizing Fasciitis and Waterborne Pathogens 25:06 Venomous Snakes: A Deadly Threat 26:37 Survival Skills: Plant Identification and Shelter 28:39 Eric's Final Push to Civilization 30:07 Medical Challenges and Psychological Transformation 31:31 Lessons from Eric's Ordeal 33:05 Eric's New Role as a Motivational Speaker 34:22 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 Aug 35min

Join Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they dive into the extraordinary journey of Tony Peniche, Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games. Discover how a backyard BBQ among friends evolved into a viral survival competition, attracting contestants and survival celebrities from popular TV shows. Tony shares his transition from a serial entrepreneur to a key figure in the survival community, the challenges and excitement of organizing survival events, and the importance of problem-solving and realistic survival training. This episode is packed with thrilling tales, insights into survival skills, and the spirit of camaraderie and competition. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Meet Tony Panish: Founder of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games 01:42 The Accidental Viral Event 03:57 From Marketing Consultant to Survival Event Creator 05:12 Personal Journey: Sobriety and New Beginnings 06:33 Inspiration from Family and Community 08:58 The Power of Seizing Opportunities 09:37 Connecting with the Survival Community 10:38 What Makes the Pacific Northwest Survival Games Unique? 15:08 Challenges and Competitions: Testing Real-World Skills 23:37 Transformations in Confidence and Skills 23:54 A Memorable Example: Joel's Journey 25:37 The Importance of Problem Solving in Survival 26:36 Essential Survival Gear 27:11 The Role of Signaling Devices 28:37 Logistical Challenges of Survival Events 29:21 Expanding Survival Games: Future Plans 32:34 Memorable Moments from Past Events 35:25 Casting and Celebrity Involvement 41:26 Final Thoughts and Farewell Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

11 Aug 42min

In this episode, we dive into a harrowing story of a bear attack on a popular hiking trail in Anchorage, Alaska, involving a 67-year-old woman. She is attacked and dragged into the dense wilderness but manages to call 911. With her life hanging in the balance, cutting-edge drone technology is deployed to find her. We explore the specifics of the rescue operation, the capabilities of search and rescue drones, and how modern technology is revolutionizing wilderness rescues. The episode also highlights the importance of preparation, the effectiveness of bear spray, and survival tips for anyone finding themselves in similar situations. Join us as we unravel this remarkable story of survival and technological innovation in the wilderness. 00:00 A Peaceful Hike Turns Deadly 00:19 The Terrifying Bear Encounter 01:06 The Aftermath and Rescue 01:45 Julie’s Alaska Experience 04:10 The Dome Trail Description 08:11 The Bear Attack Details 15:54 The Rescue Operation 20:13 The Role of Technology in Rescue 25:11 The Search for the Bear 26:59 The Importance of Public Safety on Popular Trails 28:22 The Role of Technology in Modern Search and Rescue 29:07 The Evolution and Accessibility of Drone Technology 30:05 The Future of Search and Rescue Operations 35:47 Bear Spray vs. Firearms: Effectiveness in Bear Encounters 37:14 The Psychological Impact of Bear Attacks 38:19 Balancing Public Access and Wildlife Protection 39:48 Surviving Bear Attacks: Tips and Strategies 42:55 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice   Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary News Sources - Alaska Bear Attack Anchorage Daily News - Hiker mauled by brown bear in Anchorage's popular Basher Trail area Alaska's News Source - Bear mauling sparks large rescue response near Anchorage trailhead Fox News - Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trail Alaska Public Media - Brown bear mauls hiker on Dome Trail in Anchorage Search and Rescue Drone Technology DJI Enterprise - Search and Rescue Solutions UAV Coach - Search and Rescue Drones: An In-Depth Guide IEEE Public Safety Technology - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue DHS Science and Technology - First Responders Assess Drones for Search and Rescue Missions Professional SAR Organizations DRONERESPONDERS - Global network of drones in public safety National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) Search Investigations - Thermal Drone Services Training and Certification DARTdrones - Search and Rescue Drone Training Course Drone Pilot Ground School - Public COA vs. Part 107 Certification Technical Resources Alaska DOT - Public Safety Drone Playbook DJI Enterprise Study - Drone Efficacy in Search and Rescue Scientific American - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue Wilderness Safety Resources Washington Trails Association - A hiker's guide to drones and unmanned aircraft systems US Forest Service - Recreational Drone Tips Outside Magazine - Why Drones Are the Future of Outdoor Search and Rescue Academic and Research Sources PubMed - Using an Unmanned Aircraft System (Drone) to Conduct a Complex High Altitude Search and Rescue Operation: A Case Study Virginia Tech - Making search and rescue drone swarms a reality Science Robotics - An autonomous drone for search and rescue in forests using airborne optical sectioning Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4 Aug 41min

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the astonishing real-life story of six teenage boys from Tonga who were stranded on a deserted island for 15 months in 1965. Contrary to the dark narrative of 'Lord of the Flies,' these boys formed a harmonious and organized mini-society, showcasing the best of human nature under harrowing conditions. The hosts dive deep into the boys' journey from near-death encounters and sheer survival to their eventual rescue by an Australian sea captain. Join us for this heartwarming tale of ingenuity, camaraderie, and the indomitable human spirit. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:28 Introducing the Real-Life 'Lord of the Flies' 01:22 The Boys' Bold Plan to Sail to Fiji 06:44 Disaster Strikes: The Storm and Shipwreck 10:32 Surviving on Ata Island 13:07 Creating a New Society 16:25 The Boys' Ingenious Solutions 19:14 Losing Hope and the Community's Desperation 20:40 A Miraculous Survival 22:27 The Rescue by Peter Warner 28:19 The Boys' Homecoming 31:22 Life After the Island 34:06 The Story Goes Viral 39:45 Lessons from the Castaways 40:51 Closing Remarks and Call to Action Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1C4BSRzak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHO_RlJxnVI Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways" VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island" CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island" My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived" RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965" The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation" Wikipedia: "Peter Warner" Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology" Existing Films and Media "The Castaways" (1966) A Channel 7 television documentary/reenactment was filmed in October 1966, just after the boys were rescued. Peter Warner arranged with Channel 7 in Sydney to film their story and used £150 (USD $203) from the sale of the rights to compensate the stolen boat's owner. The Channel 7 television crew sailed with Warner and the boys back to ʻAta to film a re-enactment of their story, which was broadcast in October 1966. WikipediaDocastaway One 16mm film copy of the 1966 documentary survives today and is available on YouTube. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies Documentary by Álvaro Cerezo (2020) In 2015, Spanish explorer Álvaro Cerezo spent 10 days on ʻAta island with Kolo Fekitoa, one of the castaways (by then in his mid-60s). The two men lived there alone and survived on coconuts, fish, and seabirds, exactly as the boys did back in 1965. In summer 2020, Cerezo released a documentary of his experience with Kolo and a book detailing the 15-month ordeal of the castaways. The Six Tongan Castaways of Ata Island | The Real Lord of the Flies CBS 60 Minutes Feature (2021) CBS News produced a detailed segment about the story for 60 Minutes, featuring interviews with survivors Mano Totau and Sione Fataua, as well as Peter Warner. Wikipedia: "Tongan castaways" VICE: "I Spent 15 Months Shipwrecked on an Uninhabited Island" CBS News: "A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island" My Modern Met: "In 1965, Six Boys Were Stranded on a Deserted Island for 15 Months—and They All Survived" RNZ: "The true story of six Tongan teenage castaways in 1965" The Guardian (Rutger Bregman): "The 'real Lord of the Flies': a survivor's story of shipwreck and salvation" Wikipedia: "Peter Warner" Matangi Tonga: "'Ata and its archaeology" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Juli 36min

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explore the harrowing survival stories from the South Tower during the 9/11 attacks. When United Airlines Flight 175 struck between floors 77-85, only one stairwell remained intact - Stairwell A. Faced with conflicting information and impossible choices, 18 people made the critical decision that saved their lives. The episode follows the remarkable stories of Brian Clark, who risked his own escape to save a trapped stranger, and Stanley Praimnath, who survived the plane's wing slicing through his office.  Kaycee and Julie examine how split-second decisions, leadership under pressure, and trusting your instincts can mean the difference between life and death. A powerful reminder that in our darkest moments, the choices we make and the compassion we show can change everything. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:28 The Harrowing Tale of Stairwell A 02:01 Brian Clark: A Leader in Crisis 02:57 The Twin Towers: Engineering Marvels and Vulnerabilities 03:53 The First Impact: North Tower Hit 05:05 A Fatal Announcement in the South Tower 07:22 The Second Impact: South Tower Hit 12:13 The Critical Decision: Up or Down? 15:40 A Miraculous Rescue Amidst Chaos 18:37 Brian and Stanley's Harrowing Escape 19:43 Ron DCO's Fateful Decision 21:18 The Descent Through Stairwell A 24:04 Reaching the Ground Floor 26:10 The Collapse of the South Tower 27:37 Ron De Francesco's Miraculous Survival 29:34 The Aftermath and Psychological Impact 32:37 Lessons Learned from 9/11 35:20 The Power of Human Connection 37:36 Reflections 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 for Stairwell A Episode Primary Survivor Accounts Brian Clark (September 11 survivor) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Clark_(September_11_survivor) Detailed account of Clark's escape, the 81st floor decision point, and rescue of Stanley Praimnath Stanley Praimnath - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Praimnath Account of seeing Flight 175 approaching, diving under desk, and rescue by Brian Clark Canadian last known person to escape World Trade Center on 9/11 - TBNewsWatch.com https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/canadian-last-known-person-to-escape-world-trade-center-on-911-8660497 Ron DiFrancesco's story as the last person to escape the South Tower Final survivor of south tower collapse struggles with scars of 9/11 - Yahoo News https://www.yahoo.com/news/final-survivor-of-south-tower-collapse-struggles-with-scars-of-9-11.html Ron DiFrancesco's post-9/11 trauma and recovery Official Documentation & Reports 9/11 Commission Report/Chapter 9 - Wikisource https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/9/11_Commission_Report/Chapter_9 Official government analysis of evacuations and emergency response Casualties of the September 11 attacks - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casualties_of_the_September_11_attacks Comprehensive data on casualties, survivors, and evacuation details A timeline of the tragic events that unfolded on Sept 11, 2001 - Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/us/september-11-2001-timeline-events Includes exact wording of "Building Two is secure" announcement Theta Chi Remembers: 9/11 Timeline https://www.thetachi.org/9-11-timeline Detailed timeline with specific announcement times and wording Aircraft and Technical Details United Airlines Flight 175 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Airlines_Flight_175 Boeing 767 specifications, fuel capacity, impact speed, and hijacker details Collapse of the World Trade Center - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collapse_of_the_World_Trade_Center Technical details of impact zones, stairwell damage, and building collapse Boeing 767 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_767 Aircraft specifications and technical details Building Construction & Design Construction of the World Trade Center - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Construction_of_the_World_Trade_Center Tube-frame construction details, structural design, and stairwell layout How was the construction of the World Trade Center unique? - HowStuffWorks https://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/world-trade-center-construction-unique.htm "Tube within a tube" design explanation and structural innovations World Trade Center (1973–2001) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_(1973–2001) Comprehensive building specifications, including 236 perimeter columns and 47 core columns The World Trade Center's Construction: 8 Surprising Facts - HISTORY https://www.history.com/articles/world-trade-center-twin-towers-construction-facts Revolutionary structural design and construction innovations Evacuation Analysis How the Design of the World Trade Center Claimed Lives on 9/11 - HISTORY https://www.history.com/articles/world-trade-center-stairwell-design-9-11 Analysis of stairwell design, evacuation challenges, and Stairwell A survival September 11: Escaping the South Tower and a Framework of Surviving an Infrastructure Disaster - HS Today https://www.hstoday.us/featured/september-11-escaping-the-south-tower-and-a-framework-of-surviving-an-infrastructure-disaster/ Kevin Dorrian's escape account and survival analysis 14 individuals survived the collapse of the north tower by taking shelter in Stairwell B - Fox News https://www.foxnews.com/us/stairwell-b-story-14-survivors-north-tower-9-11 Context on North Tower Stairwell B survivors for comparison Emergency Response & Aftermath Surviving in stairwell B: A Port Authority officer's story - Police1 https://www.police1.com/september-11/articles/surviving-in-stairwell-b-a-port-authority-officers-story-of-survival-after-steel-concrete-came-crashing-down-on-him-during-the-world-trade-centers-north-tower-collapse-WZGuq2qQBiN5HV1u/ Emergency responder perspective and rescue operations Timeline for United Airlines Flight 175 - NPR https://www.npr.org/2004/06/17/1962517/timeline-for-united-airlines-flight-175 Official timeline of Flight 175 hijacking and impact Documentaries Referenced BBC docudrama "9/11: The Twin Towers" (2006) Featured Brian Clark and Stanley Praimnath's story National Geographic "9/11: One Day in America" (2021) Documentary featuring multiple survivor accounts "United by 9/11" (2006) Documentary chronicling various survivor stories Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. 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21 Juli 37min