The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Matt Reum's Remarkable Recovery After Being Trapped in His Truck for Six Days | E 154

  In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee Macintosh revisits the remarkable survival story of Matt Ruem, who endured six grueling days trapped in his truck after an accident on I-90 in Indiana. From enduring severe injuries and contaminated rainwater to the complex rescue operation and difficult medical decisions, including the amputation of his left leg, Matt shares his transformative experience. This compelling tale highlights Matt's resilience, his journey through medical recovery, and the profound impact the ordeal had on his life, inspiring countless others worldwide. Tune in to hear how he overcame unimaginable odds and what he's learned from his darkest moments. 00:00 Introduction to Matt's Survival Story 01:15 The Moment of Rescue 04:37 The Complex Rescue Operation 10:30 Medical Challenges and Recovery 16:27 Media Attention and Personal Reflections 23:16 Detailed Medical Assessment 26:24 Facing the Reality of Amputation 26:48 Family Support and First Amputation 28:23 Second Amputation and Recovery 29:29 Navigating Hospital Life 31:03 Media Attention and Social Media 33:02 Writing a Book and Public Speaking 35:54 Adjusting to Life with a Prosthetic 38:33 Running Again and Overcoming Challenges 41:08 Mental and Emotional Healing 44:15 Lessons Learned and Advice for Others 49:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Follow Matt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matt_reum/ Matt's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Still-Standing-SEVEN-MIRACLES-MATTHEW/dp/1665764104

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• Six Days Trapped in his Truck: The Impossible Survival of Matt Reum | E153

  Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ This episode explores attempted suicide. While we believe these conversations are important, please prioritize your mental health and well-being. If you find this topic triggering, it's completely okay to skip this episode. In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Matt Reum, a 28-year-old industrial construction worker whose seemingly routine drive turned into a six-day fight for survival. In December 2023, Matt's truck crashed on I-90 in Indiana, leaving him trapped, injured, and invisible to those passing by. With broken bones, no food, contaminated water, and cold temperatures, Matt endured both physical and mental battles, facing thoughts of self-harm in his darkest moments. Despite the torment, Matt demonstrates incredible resilience until his eventual rescue. This episode delves into the depths of human endurance and the mental strength required to survive against all odds. 00:00 Introduction to Matt's Harrowing Survival Story 01:06 Matt's Background and the Fateful Night 02:11 The Crash and Immediate Aftermath 06:08 First Day of Survival: Yelling for Help 14:01 Second Day: Rainwater and Desperation 21:05 Third Day: Dark Thoughts and Desperation 28:48 Fourth Day: Time Dilation and Mental Struggles 33:47 Fifth Day: The Breaking Point 39:10 Sixth Day: Rescue and Reflection 42:09 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

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• Swallowed by Sandy: The Hollywood Ship's Last Voyage and the Heroes Who Saved Its Crew | E 152

  In this episode of 'The Crux True Survival Story Podcast,' medical professionals and wilderness survival enthusiasts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the dramatic tale of the Coast Guard's rescue of the HMS Bounty crew during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The episode delves into the fateful decisions made by Captain Robin Walbridge, the harrowing experiences of the 16 crew members, and the heroic efforts of Coast Guard rescue swimmers Randy Haba and Daniel Todd. Sadly, the disaster resulted in the loss of Captain Walbridge and crew member Claudene Christian. Through detailed storytelling, the episode highlights both the human capacity for error and acts of extraordinary bravery. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: Hurricane Sandy 01:12 Captain Walbridge's Decision 01:43 The HMS Bounty: A Star of the Sea 02:56 Facing the Storm: Crew and Challenges 07:03 The Coast Guard to the Rescue 08:56 Survival in the Water 10:49 Rescue Operations Begin 13:15 The Heroic Efforts of Rescue Swimmers 16:55 Chaos in the Waves 17:11 Todd's Heroic Efforts 18:32 Aerial Ballet: Helicopter Pilots' Challenge 19:48 Tragic Losses and Near Misses 21:49 Claudine Christian: A Fascinating Character 25:05 The Aftermath and Investigation 30:30 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts 32:08 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

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• Against All Odds: How a 13-Year-Old Boy Saved His Father in the Wilderness | E151

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen bring you the extraordinary tale of David Finlayson and his 13-year-old son Charlie—a story that redefines courage in the face of disaster. When their August 2015 climbing expedition in Idaho's remote Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness took a devastating turn after a massive boulder struck David, it was young Charlie who transformed from teenager to hero. With remarkable composure and ingenuity, Charlie embarked on a life-saving mission that would test the limits of their father-son bond and demonstrate the incredible capacity of the human spirit. This edge-of-your-seat episode explores not only the harrowing ordeal but also the treacherous beauty of one of America's most isolated wilderness areas, the inherent risks of rock climbing, and the critical importance of wilderness preparedness that can mean the difference between life and death. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 The Story of David and Charlie Finlayson 01:29 The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness 06:26 The Dangers of Rock Climbing 07:40 The Climbing Accident 12:41 Charlie's Heroic Efforts 15:22 The Descent and Struggle for Survival 19:54 Charlie's Search for Help 22:57 A Chance Encounter in the Wilderness 23:49 The Rescue Effort Begins 24:17 Charlie's Determination and Faith 25:35 David's Medical Journey 26:19 Life After the Ordeal 28:12 Lessons from the Wilderness 36:00 Famous Climbing Survival Stories 42:24 Essential Wilderness Gear 44:36 The Power of the Human Spirit 45:48 Closing Remarks 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/ References and Sources Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (2015, August 29). Idaho boy saves father after boulder crushes him during camping trip. Retrieved from Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Idaho Statesman. (2015, August 27). Man crushed by boulder in Idaho wilderness aided for days by his young son. By Katy Moeller. NBC Chicago. (2015, August 28). 13-Year-Old Boy Scout Helps Save Dad After Hiking Accident. By Jessica Glazer. NBC News. (2015, August 27). Teen Scout Helps Save Dad Hurt By Falling Boulder in Rugged Wilderness. By Phil Helsel. WFLX. (2015, August 31). Charlie Finlayson: Idaho Boy Scout saves dad trapped by boulder. Originally aired on KTVB/NBC. Wikipedia. (2025, January 9). Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org. MacDonald, D. (2022, August 18). Six Near-death Climbing Accidents Analyzed and Explained. Outside/Climbing. Green, S. (2018, June 10). The Five Most Common Rock Climbing Deaths. TripSavvy. Foxfield, A. & Clarke, J. (2024, July 3). Is rock climbing dangerous? We look into the risks and how to manage them. Advnture. Goalcast. (2022, October 20). Dad Nearly Killed by Boulder Miles Away From Civilization - His 13-Year-Old Son Jumps Into Action. By Heidi Hamm

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• The Barefoot Bandit: Colton Harris-Moore's Extraordinary Crime Spree and Survival Saga | E 150

  In this episode of 'The Crux True Survival Stories,' hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the extraordinary life of Colton Harris Moore, also known as the Barefoot Bandit. The episode explores Colton's troubled childhood, his years-long crime spree of burglaries, plane thefts, and his controversial rise to folk-hero status. The hosts discuss his remarkable self-taught survival skills, his knack for evading capture, and his eventual arrest in the Bahamas. The story is a riveting mix of ingenuity, desperation, and the quest for freedom, culminating in a reflection on societal systems and wasted talent. 00:00 Introduction to Crux True Survival Stories 00:30 The Barefoot Bandit: Colton Harris Moore 02:40 Early Life and First Crimes 06:49 The Great Escape and Survival Tactics 08:12 Becoming a Legend: Learning to Fly 12:12 Infamous Heists and Media Attention 18:46 Public Fascination and Influence on Behavior 19:05 The Theatrical and Careful Criminal 20:56 Evasion Techniques and Survival Skills 25:23 International Escapades and Plane Thefts 28:59 Capture and Reflections 36:16 Life After Prison and Lessons Learned 37:43 Final Thoughts and Podcast Outro Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

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