The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Wrong Turn: The Kim Family Tragedy on Bear Camp Road | E 148

  In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh, joined by Julie Henningsen, delves into the tragic survival story of the Kim family. What began as a joyful Thanksgiving 2006 road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, ended in a perilous and fatal detour through Oregon's Bear Camp Road. The episode details the Kim family's struggle for survival, the critical search and rescue operations that followed, and how this incident led to significant changes in winter travel safety and emergency response systems. The discussion also covers essential winter travel safety guidelines and the importance of preparation, ultimately highlighting the enduring lessons from this heartbreaking yet instructive saga. 00:00 Introduction to the Kim Family's Fateful Journey 00:23 Setting the Scene: Thanksgiving 2006 01:09 The Kim Family's Background and Aspirations 03:33 The Journey Begins: From San Francisco to Seattle 05:56 The Wrong Turn: Bear Camp Road 08:57 Stranded: The Kim Family's Ordeal Begins 15:16 Survival Strategies and Initial Challenges 18:50 James Kim's Critical Decision 19:07 Search Efforts Intensify 19:52 Challenges in Coordination 21:53 The Role of Cell Phone Data 24:06 James Kim's Heroic Journey 28:03 The Tragic Outcome 29:12 Lessons Learned and Changes Made 31:20 Winter Travel Safety Tips 36:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References Documentary & Video Sources: "Wrong Turn: The Kim Family Tragedy" (2023), YouTube Documentary ABC News 20/20 Interview with Kati Kim (2011) Print & Digital Sources: The Oregonian, "Kim Family's Fatal Oregon Journey" (2013) San Francisco Chronicle, "Stranded Father's Heroic Last Hours" (2006) The Oregonian, "Kati Kim Speaks Out" (2011) CNET, "Lessons Learned from Kim Tragedy" (2006) Times Colonist, "Widow Gives Thanks to Husband" (2011) Special thanks to all the journalists, rescue workers, and individuals who helped document this story and preserve its important lessons. For more information about winter travel safety and emergency preparedness, please visit your local search and rescue organization's website. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of survival situations and loss that some listeners may find disturbing.

  --------  

  38:18
• 12 Seconds: A Pro Snowmobiler's Life-Changing Moment | E 147

  In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Potratz, a former professional snowmobiler whose life changed forever in a devastating avalanche in 2009. Before the accident, Matt was living what many would consider a dream life - a successful career as a general sales manager at a Toyota dealership and appearances in seven different snowmobile motion pictures. But in just 12 seconds, everything changed. The avalanche left Matt with catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck, severe brain trauma, and permanent paralysis in his left arm. After spending 41 days in a coma and 88 days in the hospital, Matt had to rebuild his life from the ground up. Today, he shares his extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience, and transformation. Matt discusses: His early passion for snowmobiling and unexpected path to becoming a professional The day of the avalanche and his 41-day coma His grueling recovery process and battle with phantom nerve pain How his near-death experience transformed his relationship with his children Finding new purpose as a motivational speaker and author The importance of focusing on what we can change rather than what we can't Connect with Matt: Website: lifetradicallychanged.com Facebook: Life Radically Changed and Matt Potratz Follow The Crux: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecruxpodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more people with these important stories. Quotes from the episode: "Focus on things you can change. Don't waste time focusing on things you can't change." "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." "In life we almost face one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret... discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons."

  --------  

  40:41
• Hunted Becomes Hunter: The Vengeful Whale and the Essex | E 146

  This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Try online therapy today at betterhelp.com/CRUX and take the first step toward becoming your best self. On this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh dive into the harrowing account that inspired 'Moby Dick'—the tragic voyage of the whale ship Essex. Listeners are taken on a detailed journey through early 19th-century whaling, the catastrophic events that led to the ship's sinking, and the unimaginable ordeal the crew faced. From battling a vengeful sperm whale to the moral dilemmas of survival cannibalism, this story explores human resilience and the brutal realities of maritime life in the 1820s. Learn how these events left a lasting impact on maritime history and contributed to the decline of the whaling industry. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:09 Setting the Scene: The Whaling Industry in the 1820s 07:04 The Essex Sets Sail 09:36 The Whale's Attack 12:30 Survival at Sea 18:47 Rescue and Aftermath 21:46 Legacy of the Essex Disaster 25:32 Conclusion and Listener Engagement   Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

  --------  

  26:32
• When Pet Becomes Predator: A 10-Minute Battle with a Domesticated Buck | E 145

  In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Mike Theis from Balltown, Iowa, who recounts his terrifying encounter with his own pet deer. After a decade of peaceful coexistence, Mike faced a sudden and violent attack during rutting season, leading to a life-threatening struggle. Mike's quick thinking and resourcefulness using his belt as a restraint helped him survive multiple near-fatal injuries. This episode highlights the unpredictable nature of domesticated wild animals and the critical role of split-second decision-making in survival situations. 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories 00:18 Mike's Harrowing Encounter Begins 01:43 Mike's Background and Life in Balltown 02:47 Raising Deer and the Start of Trouble 05:58 The Attack: A Fight for Survival 10:44 Escape and Aftermath 17:38 The Painful Experience with Laticane 17:53 Dealing with a Rogue Pet Deer 18:25 Safety Concerns and Family 19:28 Owning Deer: Permits and Regulations 20:24 Dealing with Injuries in Deer 21:06 Misconceptions About Keeping Deer as Pets 23:57 Near-Death Experience with an Elk 25:17 Reflecting on Life After a Near-Death Experience 26:52 Domestication and Safety of Wild Animals 30:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  --------  

  31:15
• Terrors on the River of Doubt: Roosevelt's Most Dangerous Adventure | E 144

  In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1914 expedition through the Amazon's River of Doubt. The podcast recounts Roosevelt's remarkable survival story, highlighting his struggle against tropical diseases, near-starvation, and the elements, alongside his son Kermit and a diverse team. The journey, driven by Roosevelt's sense of adventure and post-political defeat frustrations, led to unexpected scientific discoveries and significant contributions to South American geography. It also profoundly impacted Roosevelt's health, contributing to his death just five years later. This tale exemplifies the best and worst of human nature, blending bravery and hubris in one unforgettable adventure. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:18 Setting the Scene: Roosevelt's Perilous Journey 01:03 Theodore Roosevelt: A Larger Than Life Figure 02:03 The River of Doubt Expedition Begins 02:46 Roosevelt's Legacy and Personal Struggles 05:50 The Expedition Team and Their Challenges 10:34 The Journey's Harsh Realities 18:44 Infection in the Amazon 19:41 Desperate Food Shortages 21:08 Murder in the Jungle 24:29 Roosevelt's Near-Death Experience 27:48 Scientific Discoveries Amidst Hardship 29:48 Roosevelt's Legacy and Final Years 36:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

  --------  

  38:14

More Society & Culture podcasts

Trending Society & Culture podcasts

About The CRUX: True Survival Stories