• Surviving Niagara Falls: The Impossible True Story of 7-Year-Old Roger Woodward | E207
    Jan 5 2026

    In the summer of 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was just a kid looking forward to a boat ride on the Niagara River to celebrate his sister's birthday—he had no idea he was about to experience something that should have been impossible. When a simple mechanical failure turned their peaceful afternoon into a nightmare, Roger found himself being swept toward the edge of Niagara Falls, powerless against 750,000 gallons of water rushing past him every second. What followed was a series of moments so improbable, so perfectly timed, that witnesses called it a miracle—from his sister's desperate fight for survival just feet from the brink, to Roger's own journey over a 188-foot waterfall. This is the story of the boy who fell into Niagara Falls and lived, and the ordinary people who became heroes in the most extraordinary circumstances.

    Time Stamps:

    00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Story Podcast
    00:31 Listener's Suggestion: Roger Woodward's Story
    01:23 Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder
    02:34 The Fateful Boat Ride
    05:49 The Upper Niagara River: A Deceptive Calm
    06:47 The Point of No Return
    12:06 The Rapids: A Fight for Survival
    16:52 Deanne's Rescue
    21:23 Roger's Ordeal in the Rapids
    22:34 The Calm Before the Plunge
    22:53 Facing the Abyss
    24:34 Over the Edge
    25:07 Rescue by the Maid of the Mist
    27:41 Miraculous Survival
    29:58 The Aftermath and Media Frenzy
    36:17 A Life Beyond the Falls
    40:02 Reflecting on Survival and Legacy
    42:25 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement

    Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast

    Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

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    Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

    REFERENCES & SOURCES

    • "Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls," Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe podcast, August 16, 2024
    • 30th anniversary speech at Glengate Alliance Church, 1990
    • "50 years later, survivor recalls accidental plunge over Niagara Falls," Deseret News, July 17, 2010
    • "Sean Kirst: Survivor of plunge over Niagara at age 7 recalls terror at the brink," Buffalo News, July 13, 2019
    • "'Miracle at Niagara' — 50 years later," Lockport Journal, July 2, 2010
    • "Alabama man recalls fall over Niagara Falls 50 years ago," Rapid City Journal, 2010
    • "Miracle At Niagara Falls: The Roger Woodward Story," B&B Niagara, July 30, 2017
    • "Miracle At Niagara -- 7-Year-Old Survived A Plunge Over The Falls," The Seattle Times, November 26, 1998
    • "Roger Woodward - Niagara Falls Miracle, Incidents, Survivor, Story," InfoNiagara.com
    • "History of Niagara Falls Daredevils - Roger Woodward," NiagaraFallsInfo.com, February 8, 2017
    • "The 7-year-old who survived going over Niagara Falls," INniagararegion, March 31, 2023
    • "7-Year-Old Boy Survives Plunge Over Niagara Falls," Go Niagara Tours, July 31, 2025
    • "Amazing Story of a Seven-Year-Old who Survived Niagara Falls," The Vintage News, August 11, 2018
    • "Roger Woodward and Psalm 139," Words of Hope, April 19, 2021
    • "Niagara," The History Channel documentary, 1999
    • "Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic," IMAX film

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    43 mins
  • Audrey Mestre's Fatal World Record Freedive | Disaster Strikes E206
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of Disaster Strikes on the Crux Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic story of Audrey Mestre, a world record freediver whose attempt ended in her untimely death on October 12, 2002. Audrey, a talented marine biologist and wife of famed freediver Francisco 'Pipin' Ferreras, attempted a No Limits dive to 171 meters off the coast of the Dominican Republic but never resurfaced alive. The episode delves into the mysteries surrounding her death, the possible negligence involved, and the ongoing controversy that has gripped the freediving community for over two decades. Featuring insights into the unique physiological demands of freediving, the mechanics of No Limits dives, and the subsequent safety improvements inspired by this tragedy, the discussion also touches on the fictionalized representation of her death in the 2022 Netflix film 'No Limit' and Pipin's subsequent defamation lawsuit. Audrey Mestre's story is a poignant reminder of the thin line between triumph and tragedy in extreme sports

    Primary References

    Books:

    1. Serra, Carlos. The Last Attempt: The True Story of Freediving Champion Audrey Mestre and the Mystery of Her Death. Xlibris Corp, 2006. ISBN: 9781425738396.
      • Critical investigation by Pipin's former business partner alleging negligence
    1. Ferreras, Francisco "Pipin" with Linda Robertson. The Dive: A Story of Love and Obsession. HarperCollins, 2004. ISBN: 9780060779528.
      • Pipin's account of his relationship with Audrey and her death

    Magazine Articles:

    1. Smith, Gary. "Rapture of the Deep." Sports Illustrated, June 16, 2003.
      • Comprehensive feature article on Audrey and Pipin's story

    Documentaries:

    1. Ellwood, Alison (Director). No Limits. ESPN Films, Nine for IX series, July 23, 2013.
      • Documentary examining the circumstances of Audrey's death
    1. Rosenthal, David M. (Director). No Limit (Sous Emprise). Netflix, September 2022.
      • Fictionalized French film inspired by the story (subject of Pipin's lawsuit)

    Official Reports:

    1. International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) / McCoy Report. Investigation into Audrey Mestre's death, October 2002.
      • Official investigation concluding accidental death
    1. Dominican Republic Autopsy Report. Dr. Danyd Moquete Mendez and Dr. Ana Falete Mercedes, October 13, 2002.
      • Official cause of death: asphyxia by submersion (accidental)

    Legal Documents:

    1. Ferreras v. Netflix et al. Superior Court of LA County, California, filed March 29, 2023; dismissed April 9, 2024.
      • Defamation lawsuit regarding the Netflix film No Limit

    Additional Sources:

    1. Women Divers Hall of Fame. Audrey Mestre posthumous induction, 2002.
    2. DeeperBlue.com - Various articles and community forums on Audrey's death and the freediving community's response

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    37 mins
  • The Surgeon Who Rewires Lives - Part 2 | E205
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Dr. Mitchell Seruya, a board-certified plastic surgeon and peripheral nerve specialist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Seruya discusses his pioneering work in nerve surgery, including groundbreaking procedures that offer new hope to patients with paralysis and chronic pain. He shares his journey into medicine, the intricacies of his surgical techniques, and the remarkable recoveries of his patients, including a first-of-its-kind surgery for a previous guest. The conversation delves into the future of nerve surgery and the potential for advanced prosthetics and stem cell therapies. Dr. Seruya also emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindset, and the spiritual aspect of healing in his practice.

    00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mitchell Seruya
    01:23 Dr. Seruya's Career Path and Inspirations
    02:43 Understanding Nerve Injuries and Surgeries
    04:09 The Impact of Nerve Surgeries
    06:22 Dr. Seruya's Hollywood Experience
    08:38 Common Nerve Injuries and Treatments
    11:34 Nerve Grafting and Transfer Techniques
    16:32 Challenges and Considerations in Nerve Surgery
    19:29 Personal Practice and Cadaver Nerve Usage
    19:51 Theresa's Unique Case and Surgical Approach
    21:09 Innovative Nerve Rerouting Techniques
    25:42 Post-Surgery Recovery and Patient Mindset
    31:18 Time Sensitivity in Nerve Damage Treatment
    33:12 Future of Nerve Transplant Surgery
    35:40 Addressing Chronic Nerve Pain
    38:18 Training and Collaboration in Peripheral Nerve Surgery
    39:33 Finding the Right Specialist
    40:22 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/mitchel-seruya-2624729.html


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    41 mins
  • Surviving Paralysis: The Fight to Walk Again - Part 1 | E204
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh explores the incredible story of Theresa and Brian, a couple who faced unimaginable challenges after a routine surgery left Theresa with a paralyzed leg. The episode delves into their journey of resilience, recovery, and the strengthening of their marriage. From initial shock to groundbreaking nerve transplant surgery performed by Dr. Mitchell Seruya, Theresa’s fight for independence and the unwavering support from her husband highlight the power of love and determination. This episode will inspire you to appreciate the small movements we often take for granted and find hope in the most daunting situations.
    00:00 Introduction and Reflections
    01:04 Theresa's Scoliosis Journey
    02:12 The Surgery and Its Aftermath
    03:54 Rehabilitation and Realizations
    11:18 Discovering Nerve Transplant Surgery
    14:47 The Nerve Transplant Procedure
    18:20 Recovery and Progress
    21:04 Brian's Perspective and Support
    24:04 Voice-Controlled Comfort: Enhancing Home Environment
    24:34 Caregiver Self-Care: Balancing Support and Wellbeing
    25:23 Theresa's Fight: Motivation and Micro Victories
    26:42 Finding Humor in Hardship: Laughter and Joy
    28:48 Community and Support: The Power of Connection
    34:23 Medical Guidance: The Role of General Practitioners
    39:24 Theresa's Journey: Gratitude and Positivity
    40:53 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and Hope
    43:42 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey


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    47 mins
  • Buried Alive: Surviving a Himalayan Avalanche at 14,000 Feet | E203
    Dec 22 2025

    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, host Julie Henningsen delves into the harrowing survival story of Taylor Pajunen, a NOLS mountaineering course participant. On April 20, 2023, an avalanche hit Taylor's mountaineering camp at 14,000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, burying their tents and leaving the group to face terrifying conditions. Taylor recounts the moments leading up to the disaster, the immediate aftermath, and the incredible teamwork and luck that helped them survive. The episode highlights the importance of quick thinking, the unpredictability of nature, and the deep impact the experience had on Taylor's life.

    Time Stamps:

    00:50 Meet the Hosts: Kaycee and Julie

    01:11 Avalanche in the Garhwal Himalayas

    01:44 Interview with Survivor Taylor Pajunen

    02:39 Taylor's Journey to NOLS

    06:02 Challenges and Group Dynamics

    10:53 The Avalanche Strikes

    18:38 Surviving the Avalanche

    28:13 Instructors' Struggle and Superhuman Feats

    29:44 Realization of the Seriousness

    31:24 The Pep Rally Poem

    32:27 Survival Strategies and Challenges

    36:44 High Altitude Farting Explained

    38:33 Morning After the Avalanche

    41:05 Self-Rescue Decision

    42:43 Reaching Zero Camp

    43:59 Debrief and Reflection

    45:17 Returning to Civilization

    46:54 Post-Rescue Reflections

    54:43 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

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    55 mins
  • Tragedy on Victory Peak | Disaster Strikes E202
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the tragic story of Natalia Nagovitsyna, a Russian mountaineer who perished while attempting to summit Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan. Despite having already conquered four of the five Snow Leopard Peaks, Natalia's climb ended in heartbreak on August 2025, with her and fellow climber Luca Sinigaglia losing their lives in one of the world's most unforgiving mountain terrains. The episode explores the brutal conditions of Victory Peak, the heroic but ultimately futile rescue efforts, and the sobering realities of high-altitude mountaineering. The story highlights not only the relentless pursuit of mountaineering dreams but also the high cost that comes with scaling the world's most dangerous peaks.

    00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes

    00:38 The Death Zone: A Place of No Mercy

    01:18 Victory Peak: The Ultimate Challenge

    03:43 Natalia Nagovitsyna: A Story of Determination and Tragedy

    06:10 The Climb and the Fall

    09:21 The Deadly Descent

    18:22 The Rescue Attempts

    22:30 The Legacy of Victory Peak

    26:59 Conclusion: Lessons from Tragedy

    References
    • Fox News - "Rescue effort halted for stuck climber on treacherous mountain after climber dies trying to help her: reports" (August 2025)
    • CBS News - "Climber dies trying to rescue injured Russian woman from Kyrgystan's highest mountain; search halted" (August 2025)
    • CNN - "Victory Peak, Kyrgyzstan: Hopes fade for injured climber stuck up icy mountain for 12 days after breaking her leg" (August 2025)
    • The Moscow Times - "Russia's Top Investigator Orders Rescue of Climber in Kyrgyzstan" (August 2025)
    • Meduza - "Kyrgyzstan's mountains turn deadly Russian climber is stranded in Kyrgyzstan with broken leg and no food as weather thwarts rescue attempts" (August 2025)
    • Explorersweb - "Pobeda: The Snow Leopards' Most Dangerous Summit" (2025)
    • Explorersweb - "The Tragic End of Natalia Nagovitsyna's Ordeal on Pobeda Peak" (August 2025)
    • Ultimate Kilimanjaro - "Natalia Nagovitsyna: Stranded (Who Was She & How Did She Die?)" (2025)
    • Gripped Magazine - "Rescuer Dies as Climber's Ordeal Continues" (August 2025)
    • Adventure Mountain - "Drama on Kyrgyzstan's highest mountain – rescue operation called off" (August 2025)
    • Wikipedia - "High-altitude pulmonary edema" (Medical information on HAPE)
    • Cleveland Clinic - "High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Causes & Treatment" (2025)
    • NCBI Bookshelf - "High Altitude Pulmonary Edema" (StatPearls, 2023)
    • Physiopedia - "High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema"
    • Expeditions Unlimited - "Mountaineering expedition Kyrgyzstan: climb Victory Peak" (Route descriptions and logistics)
    • SummitPost - "Abalakov route - Pobeda" (Technical climbing information)
    • Central Asia Travel - "Pobeda Peak. Expedition to Pobeda Peak (7439 m)" (Route details)
    • Wikipedia - "Jengish Chokusu" (Mountain history and climbing statistics)
    • KULUAR - "Pobeda Peak 2021. Season results. Three dead on 21 successful ascents" (2024)
    • KULUAR - "Top 5 Deadliest Peaks in the World" (2024)

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    28 mins
  • Plane Disintegrated Midair: Juliane Koepcke Falls Two Miles Into the Amazon | E201
    Dec 15 2025
    On December 24th, 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke boarded LANSA Flight 508 with her mother Maria, bound for a Christmas reunion with her father in the Peruvian Amazon. What should have been a routine one-hour flight became one of aviation's most catastrophic disasters—and one of its most miraculous survival stories. When lightning struck the aircraft at 21,000 feet, the plane disintegrated mid-air. Juliane fell nearly two miles through the sky, still strapped to her seat, and somehow survived the impact with the jungle canopy below. She was the sole survivor among 92 people. But survival was just the beginning. Injured, nearly blind without her glasses, and wearing only a mini-dress and one sandal, Juliane spent 11 days navigating the Amazon rainforest alone. With a broken collarbone, deep arm wound, torn knee ligament, and severe concussion, she drew on lessons learned from her zoologist parents to find her way to rescue. This is a story about preparation meeting catastrophe, about knowledge becoming instinct, and about the thin line between miracle and tragedy. 00:00 Introduction to Case Knives 00:31 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:55 Celebrating 200 Episodes 01:23 Revisiting Julianne Koepcke's Survival Story 02:21 The Plane Crash 04:15 Julianne's Background and Upbringing 08:43 The Fateful Flight 17:09 Julianne's Miraculous Fall 26:10 Surviving the Jungle 28:43 Julianne's Immediate Reaction and Isolation 29:15 The Terrifying Reality of the Amazon 30:35 Survival Odds and Strategies 31:56 Julianne's Remarkable Composure 34:34 Navigating the Jungle 35:01 Jungle Dangers and Misconceptions 39:06 The Real Killers in the Jungle 42:44 Julianne's Journey to Rescue 53:53 The Aftermath and Julianne's Legacy 57:20 Conclusion and Listener Engagement 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: "LANSA Flight 508." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LANSA_Flight_508 "Juliane Koepcke." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliane_Koepcke Koepcke, Juliane. "Juliane Koepcke: How I Survived a Plane Crash." BBC, March 24, 2012. Pleitgen, Frederik. "Survivor still haunted by 1971 air crash." CNN, July 2, 2009. https://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/07/02/germany.aircrash.survivor/ Herzog, Werner. Wings of Hope (Documentary). 1998. Koepcke, Juliane. When I Fell From the Sky (German: Als ich vom Himmel fiel). Piper Verlag, 2011. "How Juliane Koepcke Survived the Crash of LANSA Flight 508." HowStuffWorks, March 12, 2024. https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/juliane-koepcke.htm "The Incredible Story Of Juliane Koepcke, The Teenager Who Fell 10,000 Feet Out Of A Plane And Somehow Survived." All That's Interesting, April 28, 2025. https://allthatsinteresting.com/juliane-koepcke "The Story Of Juliane Koepcke: Surviving The Amazon Rainforest." Rainforest Cruises, July 28, 2021. https://www.rainforestcruises.com/guides/the-story-of-juliane-koepcke "The Incredible Survival Story Of Juliane Koepcke And LANSA Flight 508." Simple Flying, November 15, 2022. https://simpleflying.com/lansa-flight-508-survival-story-juliane-koepcke/ "Her Plane Disintegrated in Mid-Air, and That Was the Easy Part: How This Teen Survived An Impossible Ordeal." Explorersweb, January 16, 2025. https://explorersweb.com/juliane-koepckes-impossible-peruvian-survival/ "Was Teenager Juliane Koepcke the Lone Survivor of a 1971 Plane Crash?" Snopes, April 15, 2021. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/juliane-koepcke-plane-crash/ "Maria Koepcke." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Koepcke "Panguana Research Station." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panguana "Lockheed L-188 Electra." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_L-188_Electra "Amazon Rainforest." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_rainforest "Terminal Velocity and Skydiving." Skydive California. https://www.skydivecalifornia.com "Clavicle Fractures (Broken Collarbone)." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org "Myiasis: Fly Larva Infestation." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov "Survival in Tropical Rainforest Environments." Adventure Alternative, jungle survival guidelines for Borneo expeditions. "Amazon Basin Biodiversity and Population Density." World Wildlife Fund (WWF). https://www.worldwildlife.org Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    58 mins
  • 10 Days Lost: California Hiker Survives Santa Cruz Mountains Against All Odds | E200
    Dec 8 2025

    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the harrowing ten-day ordeal of Lukas McClish, an experienced hiker who became lost in the fire-ravaged landscape of Big Basin Redwood State Park. Navigating through treacherous terrain transformed by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, Lukas used his wilderness skills and mental resilience to survive without food, relying on creek water, wild berries, and an extraordinary will to live. The podcast also highlights the massive search and rescue effort involving nearly 300 individuals and drone technology that eventually led to Lukas' miraculous rescue. This story underscores the importance of preparation, mental fortitude, and the unyielding spirit of community support in wilderness survival scenarios.

    Time Stamps:

    00:32 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast

    00:56 Lukas McClish's Struggle for Survival

    03:16 The Start of Lukas' Journey

    05:12 Lukas' Unplanned Ordeal

    10:56 The Harsh Reality Sets In

    20:22 The Search Begins

    24:36 Surviving the Santa Cruz Mountains

    25:09 Close Calls and Hypothermia

    25:26 Desperation and Yelling for Help

    26:46 The Search Intensifies

    28:07 Challenges of the Burn Scar

    30:14 Day 10: A Glimmer of Hope

    31:28 The Rescue Operation

    34:22 Reunion and Recovery

    39:59 Lessons Learned

    44:16 Community Support and Reflection

    45:49 Conclusion and Gratitude

    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:

    • ABC7 News (KGO-TV San Francisco) - Multiple reports, June 2024
    • KSBW Salinas - Video interviews and reports, June 2024
    • Santa Cruz Sentinel - Detailed local coverage, June-July 2024
    • San Lorenzo Valley Post - In-depth feature with family quotes, July 2024
    • The New York Times / Seattle Times - Feature story, June 2024
    • CNN - National coverage, June 2024
    • CBS News - National coverage, June 2024
    • NBC News - National coverage, June 2024
    • GearJunkie / The Inertia - Investigative analysis by Evan Quarnstrom, July 2024
    • Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office - Official statements and social media posts
    • Cal Fire CZU - Official statements
    • Boulder Creek Fire Department - Official statements


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    48 mins