The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Solo Flight Gone Wrong: Sheryl Ramstad's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph | E187

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, host Julie Henningsen interviews Sheryl Ramstad, a burn survivor, former criminal trial attorney, and Minnesota Commissioner of Corrections, who shares her harrowing story of surviving an airplane crash. Sheryl details the events leading up to the crash, the critical decisions she made during the incident, and her miraculous survival despite extensive injuries. She recounts her recovery process, her mother's unwavering support, and the challenges of living with severe burns. Sheryl also talks about her remarkable life post-recovery, including running marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and transitioning to a career in nursing to help other burn survivors. This episode highlights Sheryl's resilience, her focus on service, and her drive to turn adversity into opportunities for growth and inspiration. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:19 Introducing Sheryl Ramstad 01:56 Sheryl's Life Before the Crash 02:50 The Plane Crash Incident 05:05 Immediate Aftermath and Rescue 06:23 Survival and Recovery in the Burn Unit 13:09 Rehabilitation and Setting New Goals 18:47 Training for a Marathon 22:22 Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro 27:31 A New Career Path: From Judge to Nurse 30:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Nursing 34:11 The Harsh Realities of Burn Treatment 41:13 A Second Chance at Life 47:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References: https://www.sherylramstadauthor.com/ Sheryl’s book, Living Life Full Throttle; Surviving, Serving and Summiting, is available on Amazon.com 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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• Stranded in Remote Canada: Andrew Barber's Nine-Day Fight to Survive | E 186

  Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the harrowing ordeal of Andrew Barber. On July 28, 2025, while searching for his missing dog in the remote Cariboo region of British Columbia, Andrew's tire blows out, leaving him stranded in the wilderness. With no cell service and miles from help, Andrew faces a brutal nine-day survival fight against extreme heat, contaminated water, and treacherous terrain. Discover how Andrew's quick thinking, resourcefulness, and sheer will to survive led to his miraculous rescue just in time, and learn important lessons about wilderness survival, resilience, and preparedness. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Setting the Scene: A Remote Wilderness Search 02:22 Andrew Barber's Ordeal Begins 04:04 The Decision to Leave the Truck 06:51 Survival Tactics and Challenges 25:21 The Search and Rescue Effort 31:48 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts 37:25 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References Primary News Sources - Andrew Barber Case: Global News Canada - "B.C. man survives 2 weeks in wilderness by drinking pond water: 'A horror movie'" by staff, August 13, 2025. https://globalnews.ca/news/11332076/bc-man-survives-2-weeks-wilderness-drinking-pond-water-horror-movie/ Global News Canada - "39-year-old missing in central B.C. wilderness found alive" by staff, August 10, 2025. https://globalnews.ca/news/11328597/andrew-barber-rescue/ CBS News - "Man survives 9 days in wilderness drinking dirty pond water, carved 'HELP' on rock before rescue" by staff, August 12, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/andrew-barber-canada-rescue-wilderness-british-columbia-cariboo-region/ The Williams Lake Tribune - "Missing man found alive in Cariboo wilderness after 9-day search" by staff, August 10, 2025. https://www.wltribune.com/local-news/missing-williams-lake-rcmp-hoping-to-locate-andrew-barber-8174340 CFJC Today Kamloops - "Missing man in central B.C. wilderness found alive after more than a week" by staff, August 10, 2025. https://cfjctoday.com/2025/08/10/missing-man-in-central-b-c-wilderness-found-alive-after-more-than-a-week/ The Globe and Mail - "Missing B.C. man's creative survival skills including drinking pond water keeps him alive in wilderness" by staff, August 2025. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-missing-bc-man-survives-wilderness/ Newsweek - "Man Lost in Wilderness Found Alive After 9 Days Without Clean Water" by staff, August 12, 2025. https://www.newsweek.com/missing-man-lost-wilderness-2112312 Victoria Times Colonist - "Missing B.C. man survives several days in wilderness by slurping water from ponds" by The Canadian Press, August 10, 2025. https://www.timescolonist.com/bc-news/missing-bc-man-survives-several-days-in-wilderness-by-slurping-water-from-ponds-11057491 TODAY.com - "Man in Canada Rescued After Writing 'Help' and 'SOS' Messages in Wilderness" by staff, August 2025. https://www.today.com/news/canadian-man-rescued-wilderness-sos-help-signs-rcna224623 Castanet.net - "B.C. man survives several days in wilderness by slurping water from ponds" by staff, August 10, 2025. https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/565926/B-C-man-survives-several-days-in-wilderness-by-slurping-water-from-ponds Geographic and Regional Information: Province of British Columbia - "Cariboo region" - Environmental and Natural Resource Assessment. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/cumulative-effects-framework/regional-assessments/cariboo Wikipedia - "Williams Lake, British Columbia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Williams_Lake,_British_Columbia Wikipedia - "McLeese Lake, British Columbia" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLeese_Lake,_British_Columbia Province of British Columbia - "Resource roads" - Information on BC's forest service road network. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads Province of British Columbia - "Connectivity coverage in B.C." - Cell service and telecommunications infrastructure. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20358 Weather and Climate Data: CBC News - "Metro Vancouver now under heat warning, along with much of southern B.C." August 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/heat-bc-vancouver-1.7605687 CBC News - "Heat warnings in effect for B.C.'s north and central coast, parts of southern Interior" August 25, 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/heat-warnings-air-quality-statement-bc-aug-25-1.7616863 CBC News - "Lytton, B.C., records hottest temperature in Canada this year as province bakes" August 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/lytton-hottest-temperature-in-canada-1.7618177 Government of British Columbia - "Be prepared, stay safe this B.C. Day long weekend" - Heat warning information, August 2025. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0033-000726 Wilderness Medicine and Water Safety: Mayo Clinic - "Giardia infection (giardiasis) - Symptoms & causes" https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20372786 Wikipedia - "Wilderness-acquired diarrhea" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilderness-acquired_diarrhea Wilderness Survival Network - "Water Procurement" - Survival water sources and risks. https://www.wilderness-survival.net/chp6.php Search and Rescue Operations: BC Search and Rescue Association - "SAR In BC" - Information on BC's SAR system and operations. https://bcsara.com/sar-in-bc/ Wikipedia - "Emergency Management BC" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Management_BC Vertical Magazine - "The RCMP's New Truck" - Information on RCMP helicopter capabilities. https://verticalmag.com/features/the-new-truck/ Comparative Case - Ryan Davenport: Multiple BC news sources and missing persons databases regarding Ryan Davenport's 2019 disappearance in the Chilcotin Plateau region (case remains unsolved) Additional Context: Modern Warrior Project - "Lost and Found: The Wilderness Survival Story of Andrew Barber" https://modernwarriorproject.com/lost-and-found-the-wilderness-survival-story-of-andrew-barber/ 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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• The Miracle at 33,000 Feet: How Vesna Vulović Survived the Highest Fall in History | E185

  In this episode of 'The Crux: True Survival Stories,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing tale of Vesna Vulović, a Serbian flight attendant who miraculously survived a fall from over 33,000 feet without a parachute. The episode explores Vesna's early life, the fateful flight in 1972, and the extraordinary series of events that led to her survival. It also discusses the psychological and political aftermath of her experience. With detailed storytelling and insightful commentary, this episode celebrates Vesna's incredible resilience and the unyielding human spirit. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Introducing Vesna's Story 02:09 Vesna's Early Life and Aspirations 06:26 The Fateful Flight 16:10 Miraculous Survival and Rescue 24:27 Life After the Crash 30:36 Legacy and Final Years 36:45 Conclusion References: 1.     "JAT Flight 367" - Wikipedia. Comprehensive details about the flight, crash investigation, and official findings. 2.     "Vesna Vulović" - Wikipedia. Biographical information, personal life, and political activism. 3.     "How Vesna Vulović survived the highest fall ever with no parachute" - Guinness World Records (April 2022). Official record details and survival analysis. 4.     "JAT Flight 367, A Cabin Crew Perspective: The Woman Who Fell To Earth" - Simple Flying (January 2023). Aviation industry perspective on the crash. 5.     "The Miraculous Survival Story of Vesna Vulović" - Bygonely (February 2024). Detailed biographical account and historical context. 6.     "Life After Death – Vesna Vulovic: Survivor's Guilt" - Europe Between East And West (May 2019). Analysis of psychological impact and later life struggles. 7.     "Remembering Vesna Vulović" - CBC Radio (December 2016). Interview excerpts and obituary coverage. 8.     "THE SERBIAN WOMAN WHO DEFEATED DEATH" - Serbian Times (February 2025). Cultural perspective and legacy in Serbia. 9.     Various aviation safety reports and Czech Civil Aviation Authority findings regarding the bombing investigation and crash analysis. http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ 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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• The Bluebell Sinking: 11-Year-Old Terry Jo's Four Days Adrift | E184

  Join hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they discuss one of the most remarkable survival stories in maritime history. The episode delves into the harrowing tale of 11-year-old Terry Jo Duperrault, whose family vacation in 1961 turned into a nightmare when their chartered boat, the Blue Bell, was sabotaged by the captain, Julian Harvey. After a brutal attack that left her family dead, Terry Jo was left alone at sea for four days before being miraculously rescued. This episode covers the details of the night of the tragedy, Terry Jo's incredible survival, and the subsequent revelations about Harvey's criminal past. The story not only highlights Terry Jo's resilience and courage but also serves as a cautionary tale about trusting strangers. Listener discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of the content. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:41 The Perfect Family Vacation Turns Tragic 03:45 The Mysterious Captain Julian Harvey 06:40 The Night of Terror on the Blue Bell 14:59 Terry Joe's Miraculous Rescue 21:30 Unraveling Harvey's Web of Lies 35:56 Terry Joe's Life After the Ordeal 40:24 Reflections and Lessons from Terry Joe's Story 46:14 Conclusion and Listener Engagement References Books and Memoirs Duperrault, Tere and Richard D. Logan. Alone: Orphaned on the Ocean. 2010. Magazine Articles "The Sea: The Bluebelle's Last Voyage." TIME Magazine, December 1, 1961. LIFE Magazine cover story on Terry Jo Duperrault, December 1961. Newspaper Articles "Coast Guard Investigates 'Bluebelle' Captain who Killed Himself." November 21, 1961. Various articles from The Miami Herald, November 1961. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on the Bluebelle case, November 1961. Lawrence Journal-World coverage, November 1961. Government Documents United States Coast Guard Official Report into the Loss of the Bluebelle. April 25, 1962. Coast Guard Investigation transcripts and hearing records, November 1961. Bahamian authorities investigation records, November 1961. Television Interviews The Oprah Winfrey Show reunion episode featuring Terry Jo Duperrault and Captain Stylianos Coutsodontis, September 1988. 48 Hours interview with Tere Duperrault Fassbender. Online Sources "Bluebelle (ship)." Wikipedia. Accessed 2024. CBS News interview with Tere Duperrault Fassbender. "Book 'Em: Alone, Orphaned on the Ocean." June 17, 2010. "Terry Jo Duperrault, The 11-Year-Old Girl Lost At Sea." All That's Interesting, May 1, 2024. "The Sea Waif: A Murder on the Ocean and the Little Girl Who Stayed Alive." Mental Floss, May 15, 2019. "Bluebelle's last voyage: A true crime." Salon.com, August 4, 2012. Archival Materials Press photographs from November 1961 showing Terry Jo with relatives in De Pere, Wisconsin. Original rescue photographs taken by crew of the Captain Theo. Harvey's suicide note and Miami Police Department records, November 1961. Academic and Expert Sources Logan, Richard D. Academic work on psychology of solitary survival. Maritime safety records documenting changes to life raft regulations following the Bluebelle incident. Secondary Sources Schechter, Harold. Psycho USA: Famous American Killers You Never Heard Of. Ballantine Books, 2012. Gardner, Erle Stanley. "The Case of the Bluebelle's Last Voyage." Syndicated newspaper article, 1962.  http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ 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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• Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor 01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing 12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains 16:42 Surviving the Descent 28:56 Reflecting on the Experience 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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