The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
  • 3.9 (449)
  • 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. Disaster Strikes: Two Miles-The Harris Levinson Tragedy | E209

    1D AGO

    Disaster Strikes: Two Miles-The Harris Levinson Tragedy | E209

    In this episode of the Crux podcast's Disaster Strikes segment, host Kaycee McIntosh recounts the tragic story of Harris Levinson, a beloved teacher and experienced hiker whose dream hike on the John Muir Trail ended in disaster. On June 23, 2025, Levinson set out solo from Whitney Portal, California, aiming to tackle the more dangerous Mountaineers Route on Mount Whitney after failing to secure a permit for the main trail. Despite his extensive planning and experience, Levinson fell from a ledge just two miles into his journey. This episode highlights the cascade of decisions that led to his death, the inherent risks of wilderness adventures, and the importance of adhering to permit systems and carefully considering route choices. The story serves as a somber reminder that even skilled outdoors enthusiasts can make fatal mistakes in the mountains. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:40 The Harris Levinson Tragedy 02:06 Harris Levinson's Background 05:13 The Mountaineers Route 08:58 The Fatal Decision 11:59 The Search and Discovery 16:59 Lessons Learned 23:39 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: Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - "Vashon's heart breaks: Harris Levinson dies in hiking accident" (July 16, 2025) Inyo County Search & Rescue - Official Facebook post and mission reports (July 2025) SF Gate - "Well-known high school teacher falls to death on California trail" (July 13, 2025) Mercury News - "Missing Sierra backpacker fell to his death below Mount Whitney, just 2 miles into his trip" (July 15, 2025) SF Gate - "After couple's death on Mount Whitney, third hiker dies near mountain" (May 14, 2024) Daily Bulletin - "Bay Area man is third hiker killed on Mount Whitney within five days" (May 17, 2024) Inyo County Search & Rescue - Official Website (inyosar.com) NEMO Equipment - "How to Climb Mount Whitney" AllTrails - Mount Whitney Trail and Mountaineer's Route descriptions Recreation.gov - Mt. Whitney Permit Information SierraDescents.com - "Climbing Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route" by Andy Lewicky SummitPost.org - "Mountaineer's Route" page Rock Climbing Realms - "Mastering the Mount Whitney Mountaineers Route (Class 3)" (May 13, 2025) Backcountry Sights - "Mt. Whitney Mountaineer's Route" (October 28, 2021) Outside Magazine - "Mount Whitney Has Turned Into an Overcrowded Catastrophe" by Megan Michelson (August 9, 2018) SF Chronicle - "The death toll on Mount Whitney is higher than usual. Here's why" (April 28, 2022) The Travel - "Why Many Hikers Never Return From California's Most Scenic Peak" (September 4, 2024) Inyo County Search & Rescue - Various mission reports and safety bulletins Multiple hiking guides and forums - John Muir Trail route information Note: All web sources were accessed and verified in January 2026. Official search and rescue reports and news articles from July 2024-2025 provided the factual foundation for this episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
  2. 133 Days Adrift: The Longest Life Raft Survival Ever | E208

    4D AGO

    133 Days Adrift: The Longest Life Raft Survival Ever | E208

    In this week's episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen tell the extraordinary story of Poon Lim—a Chinese sailor who survived 133 days alone on a life raft in the Atlantic Ocean, the longest solo life raft survival ever recorded. When a German U-boat torpedoes the SS Ben Lomond in 1942, Poon Lim becomes the ship's sole survivor. Adrift with minimal supplies, he battles dehydration, starvation, and despair. Using nothing but his wits and will to live, he catches fish with makeshift hooks, snares seabirds, collects rainwater, and even kills a shark with his bare hands. Discover how Poon Lim endured repeated near-rescues, brutal sun exposure, and complete isolation—and what it truly takes to survive when hope seems impossible. 00:00 Introduction  00:47 Meet the Hosts 01:11 Setting the Scene: Poon Lim's Ordeal Begins 02:39 The Sinking of SS Ben Lamond 06:18 Surviving the Open Ocean 09:39 Crafting a Survival Strategy 11:32 Near Rescues and Psychological Strain 17:08 Storms and Setbacks 18:48 Desperation and Determination 19:49 The Struggle for Survival 20:25 Desperation and Hard Measures 21:26 Sharks: A New Challenge 22:19 Catching a Shark 26:03 The Mental and Physical Toll 27:02 Near Rescue and Renewed Determination 29:19 Final Rescue and Recovery 34:57 Post-War Life and Legacy 37:39 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement 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/ SOURCES Wikipedia: "Poon Lim" Wikipedia: "SS Benlomond (1922)" War History Online: "Mess Steward Poon Lim Survived 133 Days Lost At Sea" History Defined: "Surviving 133 Days at Sea: The Remarkable Life of Poon Lim" Outdoor Revival: "Adrift - Poon Lim survived 133 days at sea on a wooden raft" Factinate: "The Unbelievable Survival Story Of Poon Lim" Today I Found Out: "The Man on the Raft: The Story of Poon Lim" RECOIL OFFGRID: "Survival at Sea" Ships Nostalgia: "Benlomond survivor WWII" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min

  3. JAN 5

    Surviving Niagara Falls: The Impossible True Story of 7-Year-Old Roger Woodward | E207

    In the summer of 1960, seven-year-old Roger Woodward was just a kid looking forward to a boat ride on the Niagara River to celebrate his sister's birthday—he had no idea he was about to experience something that should have been impossible. When a simple mechanical failure turned their peaceful afternoon into a nightmare, Roger found himself being swept toward the edge of Niagara Falls, powerless against 750,000 gallons of water rushing past him every second. What followed was a series of moments so improbable, so perfectly timed, that witnesses called it a miracle—from his sister's desperate fight for survival just feet from the brink, to Roger's own journey over a 188-foot waterfall. This is the story of the boy who fell into Niagara Falls and lived, and the ordinary people who became heroes in the most extraordinary circumstances. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Listener's Suggestion: Roger Woodward's Story 01:23 Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder 02:34 The Fateful Boat Ride 05:49 The Upper Niagara River: A Deceptive Calm 06:47 The Point of No Return 12:06 The Rapids: A Fight for Survival 16:52 Deanne's Rescue 21:23 Roger's Ordeal in the Rapids 22:34 The Calm Before the Plunge 22:53 Facing the Abyss 24:34 Over the Edge 25:07 Rescue by the Maid of the Mist 27:41 Miraculous Survival 29:58 The Aftermath and Media Frenzy 36:17 A Life Beyond the Falls 40:02 Reflecting on Survival and Legacy 42:25 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement 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 & SOURCES "Bonus Episode: The Boy Who Went Over the Falls," Backstage at the Vinyl Cafe podcast, August 16, 2024 30th anniversary speech at Glengate Alliance Church, 1990 "50 years later, survivor recalls accidental plunge over Niagara Falls," Deseret News, July 17, 2010 "Sean Kirst: Survivor of plunge over Niagara at age 7 recalls terror at the brink," Buffalo News, July 13, 2019 "'Miracle at Niagara' — 50 years later," Lockport Journal, July 2, 2010 "Alabama man recalls fall over Niagara Falls 50 years ago," Rapid City Journal, 2010 "Miracle At Niagara Falls: The Roger Woodward Story," B&B Niagara, July 30, 2017 "Miracle At Niagara -- 7-Year-Old Survived A Plunge Over The Falls," The Seattle Times, November 26, 1998 "Roger Woodward - Niagara Falls Miracle, Incidents, Survivor, Story," InfoNiagara.com "History of Niagara Falls Daredevils - Roger Woodward," NiagaraFallsInfo.com, February 8, 2017 "The 7-year-old who survived going over Niagara Falls," INniagararegion, March 31, 2023 "7-Year-Old Boy Survives Plunge Over Niagara Falls," Go Niagara Tours, July 31, 2025 "Amazing Story of a Seven-Year-Old who Survived Niagara Falls," The Vintage News, August 11, 2018 "Roger Woodward and Psalm 139," Words of Hope, April 19, 2021 "Niagara," The History Channel documentary, 1999 "Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic," IMAX film Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    43 min

  4. JAN 1

    Audrey Mestre's Fatal World Record Freedive | Disaster Strikes E206

    In this episode of Disaster Strikes on the Crux Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic story of Audrey Mestre, a world record freediver whose attempt ended in her untimely death on October 12, 2002. Audrey, a talented marine biologist and wife of famed freediver Francisco 'Pipin' Ferreras, attempted a No Limits dive to 171 meters off the coast of the Dominican Republic but never resurfaced alive. The episode delves into the mysteries surrounding her death, the possible negligence involved, and the ongoing controversy that has gripped the freediving community for over two decades. Featuring insights into the unique physiological demands of freediving, the mechanics of No Limits dives, and the subsequent safety improvements inspired by this tragedy, the discussion also touches on the fictionalized representation of her death in the 2022 Netflix film 'No Limit' and Pipin's subsequent defamation lawsuit. Audrey Mestre's story is a poignant reminder of the thin line between triumph and tragedy in extreme sports Primary References Books: Serra, Carlos. The Last Attempt: The True Story of Freediving Champion Audrey Mestre and the Mystery of Her Death. Xlibris Corp, 2006. ISBN: 9781425738396. Critical investigation by Pipin's former business partner alleging negligence Ferreras, Francisco "Pipin" with Linda Robertson. The Dive: A Story of Love and Obsession. HarperCollins, 2004. ISBN: 9780060779528. Pipin's account of his relationship with Audrey and her death Magazine Articles: Smith, Gary. "Rapture of the Deep." Sports Illustrated, June 16, 2003. Comprehensive feature article on Audrey and Pipin's story Documentaries: Ellwood, Alison (Director). No Limits. ESPN Films, Nine for IX series, July 23, 2013. Documentary examining the circumstances of Audrey's death Rosenthal, David M. (Director). No Limit (Sous Emprise). Netflix, September 2022. Fictionalized French film inspired by the story (subject of Pipin's lawsuit) Official Reports: International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) / McCoy Report. Investigation into Audrey Mestre's death, October 2002. Official investigation concluding accidental death Dominican Republic Autopsy Report. Dr. Danyd Moquete Mendez and Dr. Ana Falete Mercedes, October 13, 2002. Official cause of death: asphyxia by submersion (accidental) Legal Documents: Ferreras v. Netflix et al. Superior Court of LA County, California, filed March 29, 2023; dismissed April 9, 2024. Defamation lawsuit regarding the Netflix film No Limit Additional Sources: Women Divers Hall of Fame. Audrey Mestre posthumous induction, 2002. DeeperBlue.com - Various articles and community forums on Audrey's death and the freediving community's response Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min

  5. 12/29/2025

    The Surgeon Who Rewires Lives - Part 2 | E205

    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Dr. Mitchell Seruya, a board-certified plastic surgeon and peripheral nerve specialist at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Seruya discusses his pioneering work in nerve surgery, including groundbreaking procedures that offer new hope to patients with paralysis and chronic pain. He shares his journey into medicine, the intricacies of his surgical techniques, and the remarkable recoveries of his patients, including a first-of-its-kind surgery for a previous guest. The conversation delves into the future of nerve surgery and the potential for advanced prosthetics and stem cell therapies. Dr. Seruya also emphasizes the importance of gratitude, mindset, and the spiritual aspect of healing in his practice. 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Mitchell Seruya 01:23 Dr. Seruya's Career Path and Inspirations 02:43 Understanding Nerve Injuries and Surgeries 04:09 The Impact of Nerve Surgeries 06:22 Dr. Seruya's Hollywood Experience 08:38 Common Nerve Injuries and Treatments 11:34 Nerve Grafting and Transfer Techniques 16:32 Challenges and Considerations in Nerve Surgery 19:29 Personal Practice and Cadaver Nerve Usage 19:51 Theresa's Unique Case and Surgical Approach 21:09 Innovative Nerve Rerouting Techniques 25:42 Post-Surgery Recovery and Patient Mindset 31:18 Time Sensitivity in Nerve Damage Treatment 33:12 Future of Nerve Transplant Surgery 35:40 Addressing Chronic Nerve Pain 38:18 Training and Collaboration in Peripheral Nerve Surgery 39:33 Finding the Right Specialist 40:22 Closing Remarks and Gratitude https://www.cedars-sinai.org/provider/mitchel-seruya-2624729.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    Surviving Paralysis: The Fight to Walk Again - Part 1 | E204

    In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh explores the incredible story of Theresa and Brian, a couple who faced unimaginable challenges after a routine surgery left Theresa with a paralyzed leg. The episode delves into their journey of resilience, recovery, and the strengthening of their marriage. From initial shock to groundbreaking nerve transplant surgery performed by Dr. Mitchell Seruya, Theresa’s fight for independence and the unwavering support from her husband highlight the power of love and determination. This episode will inspire you to appreciate the small movements we often take for granted and find hope in the most daunting situations. 00:00 Introduction and Reflections 01:04 Theresa's Scoliosis Journey 02:12 The Surgery and Its Aftermath 03:54 Rehabilitation and Realizations 11:18 Discovering Nerve Transplant Surgery 14:47 The Nerve Transplant Procedure 18:20 Recovery and Progress 21:04 Brian's Perspective and Support 24:04 Voice-Controlled Comfort: Enhancing Home Environment 24:34 Caregiver Self-Care: Balancing Support and Wellbeing 25:23 Theresa's Fight: Motivation and Micro Victories 26:42 Finding Humor in Hardship: Laughter and Joy 28:48 Community and Support: The Power of Connection 34:23 Medical Guidance: The Role of General Practitioners 39:24 Theresa's Journey: Gratitude and Positivity 40:53 Final Thoughts: Encouragement and Hope 43:42 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Journey Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  7. 12/22/2025

    Buried Alive: Surviving a Himalayan Avalanche at 14,000 Feet | E203

    In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, host Julie Henningsen delves into the harrowing survival story of Taylor Pajunen, a NOLS mountaineering course participant. On April 20, 2023, an avalanche hit Taylor's mountaineering camp at 14,000 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, burying their tents and leaving the group to face terrifying conditions. Taylor recounts the moments leading up to the disaster, the immediate aftermath, and the incredible teamwork and luck that helped them survive. The episode highlights the importance of quick thinking, the unpredictability of nature, and the deep impact the experience had on Taylor's life. Time Stamps: 00:50 Meet the Hosts: Kaycee and Julie 01:11 Avalanche in the Garhwal Himalayas 01:44 Interview with Survivor Taylor Pajunen 02:39 Taylor's Journey to NOLS 06:02 Challenges and Group Dynamics 10:53 The Avalanche Strikes 18:38 Surviving the Avalanche 28:13 Instructors' Struggle and Superhuman Feats 29:44 Realization of the Seriousness 31:24 The Pep Rally Poem 32:27 Survival Strategies and Challenges 36:44 High Altitude Farting Explained 38:33 Morning After the Avalanche 41:05 Self-Rescue Decision 42:43 Reaching Zero Camp 43:59 Debrief and Reflection 45:17 Returning to Civilization 46:54 Post-Rescue Reflections 54:43 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Engagement 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    Tragedy on Victory Peak | Disaster Strikes E202

    In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the tragic story of Natalia Nagovitsyna, a Russian mountaineer who perished while attempting to summit Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan. Despite having already conquered four of the five Snow Leopard Peaks, Natalia's climb ended in heartbreak on August 2025, with her and fellow climber Luca Sinigaglia losing their lives in one of the world's most unforgiving mountain terrains. The episode explores the brutal conditions of Victory Peak, the heroic but ultimately futile rescue efforts, and the sobering realities of high-altitude mountaineering. The story highlights not only the relentless pursuit of mountaineering dreams but also the high cost that comes with scaling the world's most dangerous peaks. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:38 The Death Zone: A Place of No Mercy 01:18 Victory Peak: The Ultimate Challenge 03:43 Natalia Nagovitsyna: A Story of Determination and Tragedy 06:10 The Climb and the Fall 09:21 The Deadly Descent 18:22 The Rescue Attempts 22:30 The Legacy of Victory Peak 26:59 Conclusion: Lessons from Tragedy References Fox News - "Rescue effort halted for stuck climber on treacherous mountain after climber dies trying to help her: reports" (August 2025) CBS News - "Climber dies trying to rescue injured Russian woman from Kyrgystan's highest mountain; search halted" (August 2025) CNN - "Victory Peak, Kyrgyzstan: Hopes fade for injured climber stuck up icy mountain for 12 days after breaking her leg" (August 2025) The Moscow Times - "Russia's Top Investigator Orders Rescue of Climber in Kyrgyzstan" (August 2025) Meduza - "Kyrgyzstan's mountains turn deadly Russian climber is stranded in Kyrgyzstan with broken leg and no food as weather thwarts rescue attempts" (August 2025) Explorersweb - "Pobeda: The Snow Leopards' Most Dangerous Summit" (2025) Explorersweb - "The Tragic End of Natalia Nagovitsyna's Ordeal on Pobeda Peak" (August 2025) Ultimate Kilimanjaro - "Natalia Nagovitsyna: Stranded (Who Was She & How Did She Die?)" (2025) Gripped Magazine - "Rescuer Dies as Climber's Ordeal Continues" (August 2025) Adventure Mountain - "Drama on Kyrgyzstan's highest mountain – rescue operation called off" (August 2025) Wikipedia - "High-altitude pulmonary edema" (Medical information on HAPE) Cleveland Clinic - "High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Causes & Treatment" (2025) NCBI Bookshelf - "High Altitude Pulmonary Edema" (StatPearls, 2023) Physiopedia - "High-Altitude Pulmonary Oedema" Expeditions Unlimited - "Mountaineering expedition Kyrgyzstan: climb Victory Peak" (Route descriptions and logistics) SummitPost - "Abalakov route - Pobeda" (Technical climbing information) Central Asia Travel - "Pobeda Peak. Expedition to Pobeda Peak (7439 m)" (Route details) Wikipedia - "Jengish Chokusu" (Mountain history and climbing statistics) KULUAR - "Pobeda Peak 2021. Season results. Three dead on 21 successful ascents" (2024) KULUAR - "Top 5 Deadliest Peaks in the World" (2024) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    28 min
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Hosts & Guests

3.9
out of 5
449 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
    210
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen
  • Show Website
    The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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