The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Twice-Rescued: The Student Who Needed Saving from Mount Fuji Two Times in Four Days | E 163

  In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the allure and dangers of Mount Fuji. They discuss the historical significance and the cultural importance of Japan's tallest peak, which attracts hundreds of thousands of climbers annually. The episode covers the tragic yet sensational story of a climber who had to be rescued twice within four days due to altitude sickness, along with other harrowing tales of fatalities and rescues on the mountain. The hosts also explore the symptoms and risks of altitude sickness, the importance of proper preparation, and the evolving role of technology in search and rescue operations on Mount Fuji. Through captivating storytelling and expert analysis, this episode underscores the delicate balance between beauty and danger in the wild. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:28 Introduction to Mount Fuji 02:08 The Climbing Experience 02:55 Challenges and Dangers of Climbing Fuji 09:50 A Tale of Two Rescues 13:59 Understanding Altitude Sickness 18:09 Severe Altitude Sickness: HAPE and HACE 19:53 Hallucinations at High Altitude 20:46 Celebrity Climbing Companions 21:09 Altitude Sickness and Controversies 22:17 Acclimatization and Climbing Practices 26:26 Mount Fuji's Fatalities and Statistics 28:59 Tragic Stories from Mount Fuji 31:10 Lessons and Patterns in Climbing Incidents 33:39 Heroic Rescues and Technological Advances 36:03 Reflections on Climbing Mount Fuji 40:06 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement Resources CBS News: Mount Fuji climber rescued twice after returning to get phone Fox5 Atlanta: Mount Fuji Japan student rescued twice phone MSN: A man airlifted from Japan's Mount Fuji returns to the slope days later and is rescued again Brobible: Man rescued from Mount Fuji two times in the same week Global News: Mount Fuji climber rescued twice in Japan CBS News: Mount Fuji deaths - missing climber sent photos from summit to family Wikipedia: Mount Fuji Official Mount Fuji Climbing Website: Risks of Climbing Japan Facts: Mountain Mishaps - Record Rescues in Japan's Peaks Mount Above: Have People Ever Died Climbing Mount Fuji? My Tokyo Guide: Mt. Fuji Off-Season Climb Love Trails: Mt. Fuji Training Japan Starts Here: Climbing Mount Fuji (2025) Statista: Mount Fuji Mountaineer Numbers Japan Topics Japan: Why Are Deaths Increasing on Mount Fuji? Official Mount Fuji Website: For Every Climber Japan Experience: Mount Fuji in History, Culture and Art Magical Trip: Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Fuji 2025 Cleveland Clinic: Altitude Sickness Stars and Stripes: Mount Fuji Rescue - Military Members Japan SoraNews24: U.S. Servicemen's Hike on Mount Fuji Turns Into Rescue Mission Digital Trends: Japan to Use Drones for Search and Rescue Missions on Mount Fuji 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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• Disaster Strikes! The Silent Killer Next Door: Carbon Monoxide's Deadly Deception | E 162

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

  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! [email protected] 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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• A Boy, A Desert, and A Hero Dog: The Incredible Survival of Bodin Allen | E 160

  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! [email protected] 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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• Disaster Strikes! The Mysterious Disappearance of Ranger Randy Morganson | E 159

  In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' host Julie Henningsin dives into the haunting story of Randy Morganson, a legendary backcountry ranger who vanished without a trace in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1996. This episode explores Randy's life, his profound connection to the wilderness, and the tragic series of events that led to his disappearance. Over nearly three decades, Randy was known for his extensive knowledge of the Sierra Nevada, his ability to find lost hikers, and his dedication to protecting the wilderness. Despite his experience, he fell victim to the very dangers he had spent his career rescuing others from. Through Randy's story, listeners are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the importance of respecting its power. The episode provides valuable lessons on wilderness safety and the psychological and physical demands faced by backcountry rangers. It concludes with a reflection on Randy's legacy and a call to learn from past mistakes to improve future survival. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:51 The Story of Randy Morganson Begins 02:17 Randy's Background and Experience 05:06 The Sierra Nevada Wilderness 10:59 The Disappearance of Randy Morganson 12:09 The Search and Discovery 16:26 Lessons from Randy's Story 18:20 Other Notable Wilderness Disappearances 21:19 Conclusion and Legacy To see photos of Randy and for more information about the book The Last Season visit: https://www.ericblehm.com/books/the-last-season   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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