The CRUX: True Survival Stories

By: Kaycee McIntosh Julie Henningsen Bleav
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Disaster Strikes! The Silent Killer Next Door: Carbon Monoxide's Deadly Deception | E 162

    Disaster Strikes! The Silent Killer Next Door: Carbon Monoxide's Deadly Deception | E 162
    May 8 2025

    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
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    21 mins
  • The Voluntary Castaway: Dr. Bombard's Revolutionary Atlantic Crossing | E 161

    The Voluntary Castaway: Dr. Bombard's Revolutionary Atlantic Crossing | E 161
    May 5 2025

    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
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    48 mins
  • A Boy, A Desert, and A Hero Dog: The Incredible Survival of Bodin Allen | E 160

    A Boy, A Desert, and A Hero Dog: The Incredible Survival of Bodin Allen | E 160
    Apr 28 2025
    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
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    33 mins

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