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.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable saga of The Gremlin Special, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain that tragically crashed during a sightseeing flight over the Baliem Valley, also known as Shangri-La valley, in New Guinea back in 1945. This gripping narrative of survival amidst treacherous terrain, enemy troops, and native inhabitants captured global attention and remains the subject of Mitchell Zuckoff's acclaimed book, "Lost in Shangri-La." Join us as we unravel the harrowing events surrounding the crash, the resilient spirit of the survivors, and the heroic efforts that led to their miraculous rescue.

Resources:

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/women-wwii?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAopuvBhBCEiwAm8jaMfvmQnUSNx7brpmuCs-AU5LfJECzjdAQ924aNfv5xuiQ0YDpGop79xoChfYQAvD_BwE

https://www.historynet.com/margaret-hastings-shangri-la/

https://www.papua-explorer.com/the-papua-blog/the-baliem-valley/

In this week's episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henning delve into the incredible journey of Yaya Abdi, a 15-year-old Somali immigrant who made headlines around the world for his daring feat. Yaya's story begins with a desperate longing to reunite with his mother, leading him to embark on a perilous flight from California to Maui, Hawaii, hidden in the wheel well of an airplane. Despite the odds stacked against him, Yaya's determination and will to survive are nothing short of remarkable.

Kaycee and Julie dissect the events leading up to Yaya's audacious journey, exploring the family dynamics and circumstances that fueled his decision. They paint a vivid picture of Yaya's experience, from sneaking into the San Jose International Airport to braving freezing temperatures and extreme altitudes during the five and a half hour flight.

As they recount Yaya's harrowing ordeal, the hosts discuss the physiological mechanisms that may have enabled his survival and share insights from similar stowaway incidents. They reflect on the emotional turmoil faced by Yaya and his family, highlighting the profound longing for reunion and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Through captivating storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Kaycee and Julie shed light on the complexities of Yaya's journey.

Don't miss this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, where courage knows no bounds and every journey holds the promise of redemption.

Today we're talking about Victoria Grover, a woman from Maine whose love for the wilderness runs deep within her veins.

She was going to a hiking trip in southern Utah and she learned a profound rule about the consequences of mistakes, something that she would experience firsthand. In 2012, Victoria embarked on what was meant to be a rejuvenating, hiking trip, leaving behind the bustle of her medical career in northern Maine.

Little did she know this journey would become a testament to resilience and the stark reality of human fallibility.

https://www.wbur.org/onlyagame/2018/05/11/stranded-hiker-victoria-grover

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box-Death_Hollow_Wilderness

https://bushcraftbuddy.com/victoria-grover-5-nights-in-the-utah-desert-with-a-broken-leg/

https://www.ksl.com/article/20191396/woman-who-survived-4-days-in-desert-avid-outdoorswoman

In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh takes listeners on an adrenaline-fueled journey into the heart-stopping world of skydiving, focusing on Jordan Hatmaker's harrowing experience. Despite her training, Jordan's parachute fails, leading to a life-threatening crash. Through Jordan's resilience and determination, we witness her remarkable recovery, highlighting the risks and rewards of the sport.

The episode also explores the history of flight and parachuting, from ancient myths to modern-day adventures, and discusses notable skydiving disasters like the Lake Erie Disaster, emphasizing the importance of safety measures.

Join us as we delve into the exhilarating world of skydiving and uncover the incredible stories of survival, tragedy, and resilience that define this adrenaline-charged realm.

https://www.readersdigest.ca/culture/parachute-malfunction/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9859333/

https://www.theskydivingcompany.com/blog/the-truth-about-skydiving-safety/