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Artwork for The CRUX: True Survival Stories

The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Kaycee McIntosh, Julie Henningsen, Bleav
Hugh Glass
Otters
Mountain Lion
Grizzly Bear
Rocky Mountain Fur Company
Montana
Arakara
Wildlife Safety
Pawnee
General William Henry Ashley
The Revenant
Jen Royce
Cucamonga Peak
South Dakota
Missouri River
Galveston
Nebraska
Alaska
Self-Amputation
Jessica Mcclure

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 weeklyEpisodes223Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentary

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Artwork for The CRUX: True Survival Stories

Latest Episodes

When a 2.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Beaconsfield Gold Mine in Tasmania on ANZAC Day 2006, seventeen miners were underground. Fourteen walked out. One didn't survive. And two men — Todd Russell and Brant Webb — simply disappeared into the rock.... more

Silver Plume, Colorado — population 130 — became the setting for one of the strangest unsolved disappearances in Rocky Mountain history. In the summer of 1988, sportswriter-turned-novelist Keith Reinhard rented a storefront on Main Street, began writ... more

On May 20, 2016, ICU nurse Amber Kornhorst set out on a solo late-afternoon hike near Cane Beds, Arizona, and climbed a deceptively "sticky" sandstone wall she couldn't safely descend. With no cell service and no way out, she fell about 100 feet into... more

When the ice cracked beneath Darven Miller's feet on December 13, 1979, it triggered a cascade of events that seemed impossible to survive. The 11-year-old remained trapped under the frozen surface of Duncan Creek for nearly 30 minutes, his body temp... more

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Recent Guests

Amber Kohnhorst
Survivor featured in the episode
ICU nurse at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota
Episode: 100 Foot Fall, Broken Back, No Help: Surviving the Arizona Desert | E220
Chad Darby
Survivor of the Miller Cave tragedy and narrator of the events
Grinnell College
Episode: The Miller Cave Tragedy: 7 Entered, 5 Survived | E217
Roger Woodward
A 7-year-old boy who survived falling over Niagara Falls
Episode: Surviving Niagara Falls: The Impossible True Story of 7-Year-Old Roger Woodward | E207
Dr. Mitchell Seruya
A peripheral nerve surgeon at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, pioneering in nerve repair techniques and author of numerous scientific manuscripts.
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Episode: The Surgeon Who Rewires Lives - Part 2 | E205
Taylor Pajunen
Survivor of the Himalayan avalanche during a NOLS mountaineering course
Montana State University
Episode: Buried Alive: Surviving a Himalayan Avalanche at 14,000 Feet | E203
Alec Loon
Climate journalist and experienced hiker.
The Guardian, The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic
Episode: Broken and Alone: Six Days on a Norwegian Mountain | E 195
Anton Tselykh
Survivor of the North Early Winters Spire climbing accident
Episode: The Lone Survivor of Early Winters Spire: Anton Tselykh's Impossible Escape from the Cascades | E194
Tony Peniche
Organizer of the Pacific Northwest Survival Games
Pacific Northwest Survival Games
Episode: 60 Minutes to Survive: Inside the Pacific Northwest Survival Games: Bonus | E193
Carolina Wilga
A 26-year-old German backpacker who survived 12 days lost in the Australian Outback.
Episode: Walk or Wait: Carolina Wilga's Fight to Survive the Outback | E191

Hosts

Kaycee McIntosh
Host with extensive experience presenting wilderness survival narratives and medical context.
Julie Henningsen
Co-host with deep expertise in wilderness medicine and storytelling.

Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Try this

    Great concept, great stories, but maybe try a little faint background music while you tell the story. Both your voices are so similar and slightly monotone. You need to jazz up the empty space.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Rex Hesch
    Canada16 days ago
  • Great topics

    Interesting listening that’s like being in a conversation with chatty friends

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Daffodils235
    Australia16 days ago
  • Excellent Survival Stories Podcast!

    LOVE this podcast! Kaycee and Julie are knowledgeable medical professionals with extensive experience and training in wilderness medicine as well. They are EASY and ENJOYABLE to listen to, and they don’t add tons of unnecessary banter like so many podcasts tend to do. Some similar podcasts are boring to listen to, but these ladies keep it interesting and engaging. I love hearing the medical information behind the injuries, as well as tips and advice added in about what went well and what went wr... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BRex85
    United States16 days ago
  • Good

    Interesting stories and nicely presented.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PodcastListener-2020
    United Statesa month ago
  • Only one Narrator

    I love this genre . I listen to Real Survival Stories by Noiser , whose presentation is excellent .

    I found The Crux. Julie does a good job of presenting very interesting stories . The narration of The Crux is much better without the excess laughter and banter that doesn’t really lend to the story and sometimes just feels inappropriate due to the seriousness of the story.

    I am tuning in to be entertained by a well researched and narrated story, not to have to endure excess comments that don’t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    TriAsd
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critique occasional editing and pacing, but overall high engagement and repeat listening.
Guests and stories are seen as varied and educational, with strong production quality.
Many enjoy the calm, NPR-like cadence and the practical survival tips shared.
Fans appreciate consistent weekly episodes and hosts' expertise in wilderness medicine.
Listeners praise the medical depth and engaging storytelling, especially the balance between science and narrative.

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.

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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?

Gripping survival narratives grounded in real-life events, told by two clinicians with wilderness medicine insight. The show blends meticulous incident detail with expert commentary on physiology, decision-making, and safety, creating a listening experience that's as educational as it is suspenseful. Episodes cover a wide range of extreme scenarios—from near-death ice rescues to cave entrapments—while weaving practical takeaways for outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, and medical professionals. Notable strengths include expert medical context, strong storytelling cadence, and a tone that balances seriousness with approachable discussion. A solid pick for listeners who want memorable survival stories plus actionable lessons, with a consis... more

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How many subscribers and views does The CRUX: True Survival Stories have?

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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. American Scandal
4. This Is Actually Happening
5. American History Tellers

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

The CRUX: True Survival Stories launched 5 years ago and published 223 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. Amber Kohnhorst
2. Chad Darby
3. Roger Woodward
4. Dr. Mitchell Seruya
5. Taylor Pajunen
6. Alec Loon
7. Anton Tselykh
8. Tony Peniche

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