The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
  • 3.9 (484)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine, our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday!

  1. 100 Yards from Water | Disaster Strikes E218

    8H AGO

    100 Yards from Water | Disaster Strikes E218

    On July 17, 2006, 29-year-old Dave Buschow collapsed and died from dehydration less than 100 yards from water during a Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) course in Utah. Despite showing clear signs of severe dehydration for hours—pale skin, muscle cramps, slurred speech, and hallucinations—his guide never offered the emergency water he carried in his pack. This episode examines how institutional philosophy can override basic safety protocols, and asks: who is qualified to make life-or-death medical decisions in the wilderness? 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:46 The Tragic Story of Dave Buschow 01:29 Understanding Wilderness Survival Schools 02:36 The Appeal of Survival Challenges 06:46 The Psychological and Physical Risks 07:54 The Boulder Outdoor Survival School 12:38 Dave Buschow's Final Journey 18:45 The Effects of Severe Dehydration 21:24 Dehydration and Volume Shock 22:53 Recognizing and Reversing Symptoms 25:40 The Tragic Collapse 27:02 Emergency Response and Aftermath 29:01 Legal and Institutional Repercussions 31:41 Lessons and Changes 35:56 Ongoing Debate and Reflection 41:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References: 100 Yards from Water | Disaster Strikes Primary Sources Legal & Investigation Documents Garfield County Sheriff's Office Investigation Report, July 2006 Utah Office of the Medical Examiner Autopsy Report (Dr. Edward Leis), July 2006 Associated Press FOIA Documents, May 2007 Hebert/Buschow v. Boulder Outdoor Survival School, Federal Lawsuit, May 2007 US Forest Service Permit Suspension Documents, 2006-2007 Key Witness Statements Sean O'Neill (guide) written statement to Garfield County Sheriff's Office, July 19, 2006 Course participant accounts (via FOIA documents) Deputy Ray Gardner, Garfield County Sheriff's Office Family Sources Patricia Hebert (mother) and Rob Buschow (brother) public statements RememberDave.net (memorial website) Organization Information Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) Official website: www.boss-inc.com Course materials and policies (2006 and current) 501(c)(3) nonprofit filing (2018) Medical References Wilderness First Aid (WFA) vs. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification standards Standard medical protocols for dehydration and hypovolemic shock Wilderness medicine oral rehydration protocols Additional Context Milgram obedience experiment (authority compliance research) Dave Buschow's BOSS application and medical clearance (May 2006) News coverage: Associated Press reports (May-November 2007) Note: Settlement terms are confidential. No criminal charges were filed Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min
  2. You Might Also Like: The School of Greatness

    8H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The School of Greatness

    Introducing Narcissism Experts Reveal How To SPOT, Handle & Heal From Trauma | Lewis Howes from The School of Greatness. Follow the show: The School of Greatness Most people think narcissism looks like a loud ego, but the truth is it often disguises itself as care, protection, or even victimhood. This episode brings together six of the world's leading experts to walk you through every layer of the problem, from learning to spot the patterns to understanding why you keep attracting them to finally healing the wound underneath it all. You'll discover that the real danger isn't just the narcissist in front of you, it's the unexamined programming from your family of origin that keeps pulling you back into the same cycles. Whether you're navigating a toxic relationship, recovering from one, or realizing for the first time that something in your childhood wasn't as normal as you thought, this is your roadmap to reclaiming your self-trust and building relationships that actually fuel you. Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life The Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life Today The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest Lives The School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a Legacy In this episode you will: Learn the six types of narcissists so you can finally name the dynamic that's been draining you Spot the body language "danger zone" cues that manipulative people leak without realizing it Recognize how covert narcissism controls you from underneath through guilt, victimhood, and passive aggression Identify whether your self-criticism is actually your family of origin still running the show inside your head Shift from "me over us" thinking to the kind of connected, whole relationships you actually want For more information go to https://lewishowes.com/1894 For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960 More SOG episodes we think you’ll love: Dr. Ramani Durvasula Jerry Wise Esther Perel Get more from Lewis!  Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy! Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on Spotify Text Lewis AI YouTube Instagram Website Tiktok Facebook X Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. The Miller Cave Tragedy: 7 Entered, 5 Survived | E217

    3D AGO

    The Miller Cave Tragedy: 7 Entered, 5 Survived | E217

    February 28, 1987. Miller Cave, Iowa. Five college students, their geology professor Kathy McCluskey, and staff member Mike Price descended 112 feet into a vertical shaft in an Iowa farm field. What should have been a routine winter caving trip became a fight for survival when a storm shifted direction and water began pouring into the cave. Student leader Chad Blietz (now Chad Darby) shares his firsthand account of climbing through freezing spray in complete darkness while battling severe hypothermia—making impossible decisions when conditions turned deadly. Seven people entered Miller Cave that day. Only five would make it out alive. This episode explores the technology limitations of 1987, the split-second decisions that determined who lived and who died, and the survival lessons that matter today: trust your gut, avoid sunk cost fallacy, and respect how quickly conditions can change in the wild. We honor the memory of those lost that day. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen ️ Contains descriptions of hypothermia, drowning, and death. Share your survival story: thecruxsurvival@gmail.com 0:00 Welcome to The Crux: True Survival Stories 2:12 Miller Cave, Iowa, 1987: The Sinkhole That Became a Death Trap 4:04 Meet Chad Blietz (now Chad Darby) and the Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program 7:06 The Haunting Breakfast: Plans and Futures 7:51 Inside Miller Cave: 112 Feet Down, 42°F, and Vertical 11:00 Prepared But Vulnerable: 1987 Gear and Technology Limits 17:22 Water on the Rope: The First Sign of Trouble 18:36 Chad's Climb: Total Darkness, Freezing Spray, and Hypothermia 22:05 Four Still Trapped Below: The Crisis Escalates 24:00 Mike Price's Climb and Chad's Impossible Choice 28:37 Survival in a Chimney: Bart and Stone Wait in Rising Water 30:20 No Cell Phones: Racing for Help in a Snowstorm 32:09 The Rescue: 75 Responders, Bodies Recovered 34:52 Aftermath: Guilt, Media Scrutiny, and Panic Attacks 40:03 The Thin Margin: Leadership, Intuition, and Split-Second Decisions 41:22 Chad's Second Chance and Final Lessons 43:48 Closing: Trust Your Gut, Honor the Lost Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min
  4. Disaster on Franconia Ridge: A White Mountains Survival Story | E216

    FEB 16

    Disaster on Franconia Ridge: A White Mountains Survival Story | E216

    On February 10, 2008, Fred Frederickson and James Osborne started what should have been a routine winter day hike on New Hampshire's Franconia Ridge. Within hours, conditions changed catastrophically—temperatures plummeted to single digits, winds reached seventy miles per hour, and both men were fighting for their lives on an exposed mountain ridge. As night fell and the storm intensified, rescue teams mobilized for a desperate search in some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. This episode explores the cascade of small decisions that turned a beautiful Sunday hike into a tragedy, and the extraordinary efforts of the rescuers who risked everything to bring them home. A story about friendship, survival, and the unforgiving nature of winter in the White Mountains. 00:46 Welcome to The Crux + Listener Shoutout 01:25 Eyelids Frozen Shut on Little Haystack 02:17 Meet Fred & James + The Franconia Ridge Loop Plan 04:47 Overdressed, Sweating, and Wet Layers 05:46 The Forecast They Missed: 70–100 MPH Winds Incoming 06:40 Above Treeline: The Storm ‘Switch’ Flips 08:48 No Shelter, No Fire: Hypothermia Signs and the Fight Back to Haystack 11:12 Night in a Rock Cave: Deep Hypothermia and Rewarming Basics 15:24 Missing from Work: Search Teams Mobilize in Brutal Conditions 17:37 Found on the Ridge: Black Hawk Night Landing Rescue 19:07 Hospital Battle: ‘Warm and Dead,’ Rewarming, and Frostbite Losses 20:58 Aftermath & Lessons: Hike Safe Tips 27:14 Final Takeaways + Book Rec  Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References: Boston Globe, September 15, 2008 - "Hiker recounts horrific struggle for survival on icy N.H. ridge" Boston Herald, February 18, 2008 - "Hub hiker escapes death" New Hampshire Public Radio - "Author Ty Gagne on The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites," December 31, 2020 Union Leader, November 29, 2020 - "A tale of life and death on Franconia Ridge" Conway Daily Sun, January 17, 2021 - "The Last Traverse chronicles wintry search-and-rescue mission" SkinnyMoose.com, February 12, 2008 - "Missing Hikers Found In Franconia Notch – One Dead" WhiteBlaze.net forum discussion, February 2008 VFTT (Views From The Top) forum, September 14, 2008 - "James Osborne & Fred Fredrickson Follow-up Story" Boston Globe, December 23, 2024 - "White Mountains, New Hampshire search and rescue data" Mount Washington Observatory weather archives NH Fish and Game Department rescue reports Nashua Telegraph, September 14, 2008 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
  5. Adirondack Tragedy: The 9-Day Search for Leo Dufour on Allen Mountain | Disaster Strikes | E215

    FEB 12

    Adirondack Tragedy: The 9-Day Search for Leo Dufour on Allen Mountain | Disaster Strikes | E215

    On a snowy Black Friday in November 2024, a 22-year-old experienced hiker from Quebec set out alone to climb one of the most remote peaks in New York's Adirondack Mountains—a challenging 18-mile journey he expected to complete in a single day. When he didn't return as planned, what followed was one of the most extensive search operations in Adirondack history, involving dozens of elite forest rangers battling brutal winter conditions for over a week. This is the story of Leo Dufour, a university student studying to become a teacher who had already conquered 32 of the legendary 46 High Peaks, and the extraordinary efforts to find him in a wilderness that doesn't always give up its secrets. It's a reminder that even the most prepared among us are never more than one wrong turn away from the unforgiving power of the mountains. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:42 Leo Dufour's Quest in the Adirondacks 03:00 The Challenge of Allen Mountain 07:09 The Search and Rescue Efforts 12:47 The Aftermath and Lessons Learned 24:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References: "New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Statement on Recovery of Missing Canadian Hiker Leo DuFour." DEC Press Release, May 10, 2025. "Update: State Police seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing hiker in the town of Newcomb." NYS Police Press Release, December 2024. Lynch, Mike. "Remains of missing Canadian hiker found." Adirondack Explorer, May 2025. Lynch, Mike. "Missing hiker: What we know so far, as search enters 5th day." Adirondack Explorer, January 22, 2025. Lynch, Mike. "Search for Canadian hiker shifts to recovery." Adirondack Explorer, March 28, 2025. "DEC: Body of missing hiker Leo DuFour found May 10 off Mt. Allen Mountain trail." The Adirondack Almanack, May 12, 2025. "Due to treacherous conditions, search for Leo DuFour transitioned to recovery mission." The Adirondack Almanack, December 10, 2024. "Extensive search underway in the Adirondacks for missing Canadian hiker." NCPR News, December 4, 2024. "Rangers had to divert resources during Allen Mt. search to rescue solo searcher." NCPR News, December 10, 2024. "DEC: No signs of missing hiker Thursday." Adirondack Daily Enterprise, December 5, 2024. "Hikers find body of missing person on Allen Mountain." My NBC5, May 2025. "Body of Missing Hiker Is Found 5 Months After He Vanished in the Adirondacks." The New York Times, May 29, 2025. The Globe and Mail (Canada): "U.S. authorities find body of missing Quebec hiker in New York state's Adirondacks." May 11, 2025. Advnture: Clarke, Julia. "Body of 22-year-old Canadian hiker found 5 months after vanishing on snowy Adirondacks mountain." May 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    25 min
  6. Seventy-Two Days: Alive in the Andes | E214

    FEB 9

    Seventy-Two Days: Alive in the Andes | E214

    In this unflinching episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into one of history's most harrowing survival stories. On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 slammed into the Andes Mountains, leaving 33 survivors stranded at 12,000 feet in subzero temperatures. For 72 days, they battled avalanches, frostbite, and starvation. When their meager supplies ran out, they faced an unthinkable decision: consume the dead or die themselves. This episode chronicles the psychological torment, the impossible moral choices, and the superhuman trek of two survivors who walked ten days through the frozen mountains to find rescue. A raw testament to human resilience and the terrifying price of survival. 00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping 01:25 Introducing the Podcast 01:48 Setting the Scene: The Andes Flight Disaster 02:08 The Crash 03:11 Immediate Aftermath 04:05 Struggle for Survival 15:55 The Search is Called Off 18:16 Facing the Unthinkable 20:06 The Grim Reality of Survival 21:01 A Desperate Decision 23:35 The Psychological Toll 25:44 Avalanche Strikes Again 27:18 A Daring Escape Plan 28:38 Journey Through the Mountains 35:36 Rescue and Aftermath 39:22 Legacy of Survival Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Check out our website! www.thecruxsurvival.com REFERENCES Primary Sources: Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors by Piers Paul Read (1974) Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado (2006) Out of the Silence: After the Crash by Eduardo Strauch (2019) Technical Documentation: Official Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 accident investigation reports Medical journals documenting survivors' conditions upon rescue Geographic surveys of crash site location Aviation records and flight data Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    42 min
  7. Frozen and Forgotten: Leon Crane's 120-Mile Walk Through Arctic Alaska | E213

    FEB 2

    Frozen and Forgotten: Leon Crane's 120-Mile Walk Through Arctic Alaska | E213

    When a routine test flight goes catastrophically wrong, Army Air Forces Lieutenant Leon Crane parachutes into the Alaskan wilderness in the dead of winter—alone, with no survival gear, and temperatures at 40 below zero. The city kid from Philadelphia has never spent a night outdoors in his life. What follows is one of the most remarkable survival stories of World War II: 84 days in the Arctic, a 120-mile trek through brutal terrain, and a series of decisions that meant the difference between life and death. This is the story almost nobody knows about—the man who refused to die on a frozen mountain. Time Stamps: 00:00 Escape Ads with Patreon 00:46 Introduction to Crux True Survival Stories 01:10 Leon Crane's Harrowing Fall 02:48 The Crash and Immediate Aftermath 03:48 The Struggle for Survival Begins 04:19 The Fateful Flight Details 06:12 The Plane's Descent and Crash 09:48 Crane's First Night in the Wilderness 14:14 Days of Waiting and Desperation 17:38 The Decision to Move 20:38 Finding the Trapper's Cabin 23:27 Recovery and Reflection 26:10 Surviving the Wilderness: Rationing and Isolation 28:04 A Glimmer of Hope: Discovering the Map 30:06 The Desperate Journey Begins 31:09 Battling the Elements: Falling Through the Ice 34:11 Miraculous Rescue: Finding Shelter 35:58 The Final Struggle: Marching Towards Survival 38:05 The Unbelievable Reunion 42:34 Aftermath and Legacy 47:25 Lessons from Leon Crane's Survival 48:03 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ REFERENCES Wikipedia - Leon Crane Military.com - "How This Airman Survived 3 Months in the Alaskan Wilderness After a World War II Plane Crash" Anchorage Daily News - "Lost in the wilderness for 81 days: The tortuous tale of Leon Crane's first Christmas in Alaska" by David Reamer Adventure Journal - "Leon Crane Survived a Terrifying Plane Crash, Then 80 Days Alone in an Alaskan Winter" Air & Space Forces Magazine - "Valor: Alone in the Arctic" (April 1997) Heroes, Heroines, and History - "A WWII Pilot's Incredible Survival Story in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness" by Mary Dodge Allen National Park Service - Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve documentation Murphy, Brian. 81 Days Below Zero: The Incredible Survival Story of a World War II Pilot in Alaska's Frozen Wilderness Valor Friday - This ain't Hell military history blog Amazon.com - 81 Days Below Zero book listing and reviews Hachette Book Group / Da Capo Press - 81 Days Below Zero publisher information Goodreads - 81 Days Below Zero reviews and ratings Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  8. Green Boots Cave - The Controversial Mount Everest Death That Shocked the World | Disaster Strikes E212

    JAN 29

    Green Boots Cave - The Controversial Mount Everest Death That Shocked the World | Disaster Strikes E212

    In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes' on the Crux podcast, host Julie Henningsen delves into the harrowing story of David Sharp, a dedicated mountaineer whose third attempt to summit Mount Everest ended in tragedy. On May 15, 2006, Sharp was found unresponsive at 27,890 feet, seated next to the landmark known as Green Boots Cave. Despite attempts to help from several climbers, Sharp ultimately did not survive. The episode explores the decisions and conditions that led to this tragic outcome, the ethical dilemmas facing fellow climbers, and the broader implications for high-altitude mountaineering. Henningsen also contrasts Sharp's fate with the miraculous survival of Lincoln Hall, another climber left for dead but who managed to survive under similar conditions. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of mountaineering. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:59 The Tragic Encounter on Everest 03:34 David Sharp's Background and Climbing History 06:25 The Final Attempt and Its Challenges 07:13 The Controversial Basic Package 14:33 The Deadly Climb of 2006 16:37 Green Boots and the Final Resting Place 19:12 David Sharp's Final Hours 19:54 Turkish Climbers' Dilemma 21:50 Controversy and Confusion 22:44 Efforts to Save Sharp 24:35 The Aftermath and Public Outcry 27:29 Lincoln Hall's Miraculous Survival 31:53 Comparing Sharp and Hall 34:20 Legacy and Reflection 35:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts References David Sharp (mountaineer) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Sharp_(mountaineer) Lincoln Hall (climber) - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Hall_(climber) Green Boots - Ultimate Kilimanjaro https://www.ultimatekilimanjaro.com/green-boots-on-mount-everest-who-was-he-how-did-he-die/ "Dying For Everest" (2007) New Zealand TV3 Documentary featuring interviews with climbers and expedition leaders "Everest: Beyond the Limit" (2006-2009) Discovery Channel series featuring Russell Brice's Himex expeditions, Season 1 includes David Sharp incident "Dead Lucky: Life After Death on Mount Everest" by Lincoln Hall (2007) "Dark Summit: The True Story of Everest's Most Controversial Season" by Nick Heil (2008) "Over the Top" - Outside Online (August 15, 2006) https://www.outsideonline.com/1909966/over-top "The Tragic Death of David Sharp" - Eight Summits https://eightsummits.com/bills-articles/the-tragic-death-of-david-sharp/ "Lincoln Hall Rescue" - SummitClimb https://www.summitclimb.com/news/mef/lincoln-hall-rescue Alan Arnette - Everest Coverage https://www.alanarnette.com "Mortality on Mount Everest, 1921-2006: descriptive study" British Medical Journal (PMC2602730) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min
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Hosts & Guests

3.9
out of 5
484 Ratings

About

Are you drawn to thrilling survival stories where characters overcome impossible odds? The Crux: True Survival Stories is your podcast. Join us for gripping tales of resilience and invaluable insights into wilderness survival and the mindset needed to overcome adversity. Hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, both passionate about wilderness and medicine, our podcast is fueled by real-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday!

Information

  • Creator
    Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen
  • Show Website
    The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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