The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Dark Waters, Circling Death: The USS Indianapolis Disaster | E 158

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing survival story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in July 1945. The episode covers the catastrophic events leading up to and following the ship's sinking, where the crew faced extreme conditions, including dehydration, exposure, and shark attacks. The hosts discuss the psychological and physical trials endured by the survivors, the failures in communication that led to a delayed rescue, and the eventual exoneration of Captain Charles B. McVeigh. The story emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, group cohesion, and hope in survival situations. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader implications of the disaster, including changes in naval procedures and the enduring legacy of the survivors. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Introduction to the USS Indianapolis Tragedy 02:22 Historical Context and Crew Background 11:25 The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis 15:57 Survival in the Open Ocean 19:35 The Ordeal of the Survivors 22:12 Communication Failures and Rescue Challenges 23:03 Critical Communication Failures 24:34 The Remarkable Rescue 29:58 The Controversial Court-Martial 34:48 Lessons in Survival 39:05 The Sullivan Brothers' Tragedy 43:58 Modern Reflections and Resources 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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• In the Jaws of Polar Bears: Surviving Arctic's Apex Predator | E 157

  In this episode of The Crux, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delve into the terrifying encounters between humans and polar bears. The episode recounts the harrowing survival stories of individuals like Matt Dyer and Elijah Carner, who faced life-threatening polar bear attacks in remote Arctic regions. The hosts discuss the increasing frequency of such encounters due to climate change, which causes bears to move closer to human territories. They also explore the biology of polar bears, the environments where attacks typically occur, and the essential survival tactics and safety measures required when traveling in polar bear regions. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and the evolving strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in an ever-changing Arctic landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 Polar Bear Encounters: A Growing Concern 02:07 Understanding Polar Bears and Their Habitat 08:13 Matt Dyer's Harrowing Survival Story 25:05 Elijah Carner's Close Call 29:09 A Tragic Incident in Wales, Alaska 29:49 First Fatal Polar Bear Attack in 30 Years 31:08 Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bear Behavior 31:42 Recent Polar Bear Attacks and Their Implications 32:47 Survival Factors in Polar Bear Attacks 38:15 Psychological Impact of Surviving a Polar Bear Attack 41:49 Notable Polar Bear Incidents 45:44 Practical Advice for Polar Bear Encounters 53:18 Community Efforts to Reduce Polar Bear Conflicts 54:52 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/ References Arctic Today. (2021, August 18). Polar bear attack survivor played dead to save his life. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-attack-survivor-played-dead-to-save-his-life-1.1389918 BBC News. (2020, August 28). Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard islands. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53945950 BBC News. (2023, January 20). Alaska polar bear attack: Mother and son killed while walking in Wales. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq20qd59yyo Dyer, M. (2017, March 24). I survived a polar bear attack. Backpacker. https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/i-survived-a-polar-bear-attack/ Lester, K. (2014, July 28). A year after surviving polar bear attack, he is mellowed, undaunted, and ready to hike again. Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2014/07/28/a-year-after-surviving-polar-bear-attack-he-is-mellowed-undaunted-and-ready-to-hike-again/ Hopper, T. (2021, August 18). Nunavut man who survived polar bear attack recounts experience. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/polar-bear-attack-survivor-1.6142932 Hymas, D. (2015, January). The man who survived a polar bear attack. Sierra. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-1-january-february/feature/man-who-survived-polar-bear-attack Pappas, S. (2023, January 18). Polar bear attacks and kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/polar-bear-attack-alaska Polar Bears International. (n.d.). Polar bear attacks: Causes & prevention. https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention Slisco, A. (2014, July 26). Maine man survives polar bear attack. WMTW. https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-survives-polar-bear-attack/1996996 Welz, A. (2017, July 12). Polar bear attacks on people set to rise as climate changes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2140701-polar-bear-attacks-on-people-set-to-rise-as-climate-changes/ Wikipedia. (n.d.). Polar bear. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear

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• Disaster Strikes! Tragedy in Death Valley: The German Tourist Mystery | E 156

  In this inaugural episode of the new podcast segment 'Disaster Strikes,' host Kaycee McIntosh, joined by Julie Henningsen, explores a tragic outdoor adventure case. They recount the story of four German tourists who vanished in Death Valley in 1996, leading to one of the park’s most enduring mysteries. Through an in-depth examination of their journey and the subsequent discovery of their remains over a decade later, the episode highlights the extreme dangers of Death Valley and provides essential lessons for wilderness survival. The narrative underscores the importance of preparation, understanding the environment, and making prudent decisions in the face of nature's unforgiving challenges. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 01:25 The Death Valley Germans: A Mysterious Disappearance 01:57 Understanding the Dangers of Death Valley 04:05 The Fateful Journey Begins 08:11 The Search and Discovery 17:25 Piecing Together the Tragedy 21:52 Lessons Learned from the Death Valley Germans 28:14 Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Source Documentation Mahood, Tom. "The Hunt for the Death Valley Germans." OtherHand.org. Accessed March 2025. A comprehensive account written by the person who ultimately solved the case in 2009. News Articles and Official Resources "Death Valley Germans." Wikipedia. Last edited February 23, 2025. A general overview of the case with multiple sources cited. "Death Valley skeletons solve riddle of missing German tourists." The Telegraph. November 14, 2009. "Remains May Be Tourists Missing 13 Years." CBS News. November 13, 2009. Flinchum, Robin. "Interest continues in 20-year Death Valley mystery." Pahrump Valley Times. July 22, 2016. Flinchum, Robin. "Twentieth anniversary of one of Death Valley's baffling mysteries." Pahrump Valley Times. July 20, 2016. "Van of Missing German Tourists Found in Death Valley Park." Los Angeles Times. October 25, 1996. Gorman, Tom. "Search Ends for 4 Missing German Tourists." Los Angeles Times. October 31, 1996. "Children Still Missing in 1996 German Tourist Case." Sierra Wave: Eastern Sierra News. March 8, 2010. National Park Service. "Safety." Death Valley National Park. Official park safety guidelines. Online Resources and Documentaries "One Family's Desperate Attempt to Survive in the Scorching Desert | The Death Valley Germans Story." Outdoor Disasters YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjEOYOZpGPo "Death Valley Germans - companion reading." Medium.com. September 11, 2016. "The German Tourists in Death Valley - Disturbing deaths in U.S. national parks and deserts." StrangeOutdoors.com. "Searching for the Death Valley Germans." Compiled by Cassidy Garrett. June 3, 2021. "Death Valley Germans." OddMurdersAndMysteries.com. August 10, 2020. "Missing German Family." Vanished.us. Death Valley Cases. Technical Information Death Valley National Park. "Weather and Climate." Information on temperature records and climate conditions in Death Valley. National Weather Service. Historic weather data for Death Valley, July 1996.

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• Alone in Antarctica: Richard Byrd's Deadly Solitude | E 155

  In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the harrowing experience of Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd in Antarctica during the winter of 1934. Byrd, already famous for his polar explorations, volunteered for a solo mission to collect meteorological data in a tiny buried shack during the Antarctic winter. With temperatures plummeting to -70°F in perpetual darkness, Byrd's scientific dedication was tested when his poorly ventilated stove began leaking carbon monoxide, slowly poisoning him over months. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued his meteorological observations and initially concealed his condition during radio check-ins to prevent endangering potential rescuers. After a failed first attempt, a rescue team led by Dr. Thomas Poulter finally reached Byrd, finding him emaciated but alive. Byrd's ordeal, which he later documented in his book "Alone," not only contributed valuable scientific data but influenced isolation studies for military and space programs and led to the prohibition of solo Antarctic missions. The episode presents a remarkable testament to human endurance in one of Earth's most unforgiving environments. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: Antarctica, 1934 01:00 Meet Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Bird 01:27 Bird's Polar Expeditions 04:25 The Second Antarctic Expedition 06:14 Bird's Solo Winter Mission 07:52 Life in Isolation 12:08 The Silent Killer: Carbon Monoxide 18:04 Struggling with the Stove 19:17 Bird's Deteriorating Condition 19:52 Maintaining the Facade 22:04 Rescue Mission Begins 25:25 Second Rescue Attempt 27:53 Bird's Return and Recovery 30:36 Legacy and Impact 33:18 Epilogue 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/ Primary Sources Byrd, Richard E. (1938). Alone. G.P. Putnam's Sons. [Byrd's personal memoir of his five months at Advance Base] Byrd, Richard E. (1935). Discovery: The Story of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Byrd, Richard E. (1930). Little America: Aerial Exploration in the Antarctic, The Flight to the South Pole. G.P. Putnam's Sons. Poulter, Thomas C. (1935). "The Advance Base Rescue." Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 79(4), 593-609. [First-hand account of the rescue mission by Dr. Poulter] Byrd Antarctic Expedition Papers, 1925-1938. Ohio State University Archives & Special Collections. [Includes original journals, logbooks, and correspondence] Secondary Sources Hoyt, Edwin P. (1968). The Last Explorer: The Adventures of Admiral Byrd. John Day Company. Rose, Lisle A. (2008). Explorer: The Life of Richard E. Byrd. University of Missouri Press. Goerler, Raimund E. (1998). To the Pole: The Diary and Notebook of Richard E. Byrd, 1925-1927. Ohio State University Press. Beekman, Daniel (2014). "The Worst Journey in the World: Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Lonely Antarctic Winter." Weatherwise, 67(5), 18-25. Murphy, David Thomas (2002). German Exploration of the Polar World: A History, 1870-1940. University of Nebraska Press. [Provides context for international polar exploration] Darack, Ed (2011). "Against the Cold: Admiral Byrd's Dangerous Antarctic Winter." Alpinist, 13, 54-61. Demas, Coleen (2016). "Searching for Admiral Byrd's Antarctic Advance Base." Antarctic Sun, National Science Foundation. [Information on the 2016 search for the Advance Base] Johnson, Charles W. (1971). Antarctica: First Person Accounts. Dodd, Mead & Company. Pyne, Stephen J. (1986). The Ice: A Journey to Antarctica. University of Washington Press. [Contextual information on Antarctic exploration] Sullivan, Walter (1957). Quest for a Continent: The Story of Antarctic Exploration by the Men Who Did It. McGraw-Hill.

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• 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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