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The CRUX: True Survival Stories

The CRUX: True Survival Stories

By: Kaycee McIntosh Julie Henningsen Bleav
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About this listen

 Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine, our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday!Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Survival Skills Competition Turned Reality TV Show | E 178

    Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Survival Skills Competition Turned Reality TV Show | E 178
    Aug 11 2025

    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
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    43 mins
  • Bear Mauls Alaskan Hiker, Rescued thanks to a Drone | E 177

    Bear Mauls Alaskan Hiker, Rescued thanks to a Drone | E 177
    Aug 4 2025
    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 areaAlaska's News Source - Bear mauling sparks large rescue response near Anchorage trailheadFox News - Alaska hiker mauled by bear rescued with help of advanced drone technology on remote trailAlaska Public Media - Brown bear mauls hiker on Dome Trail in Anchorage Search and Rescue Drone Technology DJI Enterprise - Search and Rescue SolutionsUAV Coach - Search and Rescue Drones: An In-Depth GuideIEEE Public Safety Technology - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and RescueDHS Science and Technology - First Responders Assess Drones for Search and Rescue Missions Professional SAR Organizations DRONERESPONDERS - Global network of drones in public safetyNational Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR)Search Investigations - Thermal Drone Services Training and Certification DARTdrones - Search and Rescue Drone Training CourseDrone Pilot Ground School - Public COA vs. Part 107 Certification Technical Resources Alaska DOT - Public Safety Drone PlaybookDJI Enterprise Study - Drone Efficacy in Search and RescueScientific American - How Drones Are Revolutionizing Search and Rescue Wilderness Safety Resources Washington Trails Association - A hiker's guide to drones and unmanned aircraft systemsUS Forest Service - Recreational Drone TipsOutside 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 StudyVirginia Tech - Making search and rescue drone swarms a realityScience Robotics - An autonomous drone for search and rescue in forests using airborne optical sectioning
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    42 mins
  • Deserted Island Survival: 6 Teens Defied Odds for 15 Months | E 176

    Deserted Island Survival: 6 Teens Defied Odds for 15 Months | E 176
    Jul 28 2025
    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. WikipediaDocastawayOne 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"
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    36 mins
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