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The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
Wilderness Survival
Survival
World War II
Hypothermia
Survival Skills
Dehydration
Survival Stories
Eddie Rickenbacker
Paralysis
Appalachian Trail
Hugh Glass
Gerry Largay
Resilience
Natural Disasters
Rescue Operations
Sierra Nevada Mountains
The Great Molasses Flood
Hurricane Helene
Otters
Leo Dufour

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-lif... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes256Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Latest Episodes

Trauma surgeon Martin Takac came to Alaska to climb Denali, the highest mountain in North America. He reached the summit. The hardest part, it seemed, was behind him.

Then, on the descent, the ground disappeared.

A hidden snow bridge collapsed bene... more

This week, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen sit down with Megan Hine—expedition leader, wilderness survival expert, television survival consultant, and the survival consultant for Netflix's The Last House. Drawing on decades of experience l... more

January 2026. A blizzard is raging on Ben Nevis, the tallest peak in the Scottish Highlands — gale-force winds, sub-zero temperatures, and visibility of about one meter—when a climber becomes separated from his two friends near the summit, without cr... more

Hendrik "Hendri" Coetzee was one of the most decorated whitewater explorers in the history of African river kayaking — a South African who had paddled the length of the Nile, soloed some of the continent's most dangerous water, and built a life in pl... more

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Recent Guests

Megan Hine
Expedition leader, wilderness survival expert, and survival consultant
Self/Independent
Episode: Managing Fear: Survival Lessons from Megan Hine
Hendrik Johannes Coetzee
South African whitewater explorer (Hendri Coetzee)
Episode: Swallowed by the Nile; The Life and Death of Hendrik Coetzee | Disaster Strikes
Ben Stookesberry
World-class kayaker, part of the expedition team
Eddie Bauer First Descent; expedition partner
Episode: Swallowed by the Nile; The Life and Death of Hendrik Coetzee | Disaster Strikes
Chris Korbulic
World-class kayaker, expedition partner
Eddie Bauer First Descent; expedition partner
Episode: Swallowed by the Nile; The Life and Death of Hendrik Coetzee | Disaster Strikes
Brady Lowry
One of the four wrestlers attacked by a grizzly bear
Northwest College, Powell, Wyoming
Episode: 60 Feet Away: How a 19-Year-Old Stopped a Grizzly Attack With His Bare Hands
Kendall Cummings
19-year-old wrestler who intervened against the bear
Northwest College, Powell, Wyoming
Episode: 60 Feet Away: How a 19-Year-Old Stopped a Grizzly Attack With His Bare Hands
August Harrison
Teammate from Northwest College
Northwest College
Episode: 60 Feet Away: How a 19-Year-Old Stopped a Grizzly Attack With His Bare Hands
Orin Jackson
Teammate from Northwest College
Northwest College
Episode: 60 Feet Away: How a 19-Year-Old Stopped a Grizzly Attack With His Bare Hands
Don Shirley
Cave diving instructor and producer of recovery dive support
Komadi Springs / British expatriate in South Africa
Episode: The Body Recovery: Fatal Cave Dive at Bushman's Hole | Disaster Strikes E 224

Hosts

Kaycee McIntosh
Host of The CRUX: True Survival Stories, CRUX Podcast / The CRUX: True Survival Stories (host)
Julie Henningsen
Wilderness medical instructor at Headwaters Field Medicine; Co-host of The CRUX True Survival Stories; Co-host of Disaster Strikes segment

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 1.4k ratings
  • Love it!

    This is one of my favorite podcasts! Julie and Kaycee are engaging and the stories are captivating. I enjoy Kaycee and Julie’s commentary and back and forth discussion. (Occasionally I find myself laughing from an offhand comment which is just a bonus)

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tmariela
    United Statesa month ago
  • LOVE this podcast!!

    I love this podcast. My kids are tweens, and they love hearing about these true survival stories. We listen to these on everyday errand days, and also on long road trips. My only thumbs-down is the new ad of Sean Duffy…he’s a bad, bad person, serving another very bad person. Please no more ads from this evil admin.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Well-Read Mom
    United Statesa month ago
  • Voices of misery AITA

    Sorry ladies—this was an offensive show share.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    run20221
    United Statesa month ago
  • Useful info

    I ocean kayak every summer in AK and hike in NM in winter, and this podcast has really changed how I prepare and think about what I am doing. This podcast provides a great service while telling interesting, though difficult, stories with respect and empathy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Merryzee
    United Statesa month ago
  • Really interesting and well researched

    I really enjoy the variety of stories covered, the lived experience of the hosts, and the sensitivity to the real people who suffered. I do wish they edited out the stops and starts though.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Chrissie.M
    Australiaa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Credible expert insights keep it informative and compelling for outdoor professionals.
Engaging, well-researched medical details elevate survival stories.
Pacing and natural banter often praised; some listeners want less scripted commentary.
High-quality storytelling that feels like a conversation among outdoorsy friends.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Surviving Niagara Falls: The Impossible True Story of 7-Year-Old Roger Woodward | E207
Q: What was Roger's life like after the incident?
Roger developed a love of boating, became a certified diver, joined the Navy during the Vietnam War, and later led a meaningful life with a family and career.
Surviving Paralysis: The Fight to Walk Again - Part 1 | E204
Q: What kept you having a positive attitude and the ability to work hard through challenges?
Family, friends, and especially my husband, along with the positive environment of physical therapy, kept me motivated to fight.
Surviving Paralysis: The Fight to Walk Again - Part 1 | E204
Q: What advice would you give to other partners supporting someone through major medical challenges?
The partner's needs take priority, and you must set up systems to support that. Lean on friends and family, modify your environment, and take care of yourself as a caregiver.
Solo Flight Gone Wrong: Sheryl Ramstad's Journey from Tragedy to Triumph | E187
Q: What impact does an experience like this have on your life choices and your trajectory overall?
It led to a renewed perspective on life, making the most of each day and pursuing opportunities, driven by the experience of surviving a plane crash.
9/11 Survivors: Those Who Escaped the South Tower via Stairwell A | E 175
Q: What do you think is the most important lesson that we can learn from this story?
The thin line between survival and death and the crucial role of decision-making in extreme situations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About The CRUX: True Survival Stories

What is The CRUX: True Survival Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show curates gripping survival narratives anchored by two medically informed hosts who walk listeners through dramatic rescues, perilous journeys, and the science of staying alive in extreme environments. Episodes blend first-hand accounts, medical explanations, and safety takeaways, delivering both edge-of-your-seat storytelling and practical guidance for outdoor enthusiasts. A distinguishing element is the hosts' dual expertise in wilderness medicine and fieldcraft, which adds credibility to medical details while keeping the storytelling approachable for a broad audience. Listeners can expect a mix of awe-inspiring rescues, critical decision moments, and lessons on risk awareness, preparation, and resilience that translate well beyon... more

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How many listeners does The CRUX: True Survival Stories get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The CRUX: True Survival Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The CRUX: True Survival Stories:

1. Real Survival Stories
2. Against The Odds
3. Not Today
4. This Is Actually Happening
5. American Scandal

How many episodes of The CRUX: True Survival Stories are there?

The CRUX: True Survival Stories launched 5 years ago and published 256 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The CRUX: True Survival Stories?

Recent guests on The CRUX: True Survival Stories include:

1. Megan Hine
2. Hendrik Johannes Coetzee
3. Ben Stookesberry
4. Chris Korbulic
5. Brady Lowry
6. Kendall Cummings
7. August Harrison
8. Orin Jackson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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