The CRUX: True Survival Stories

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the astonishing survival story of Captain Brian Udell, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot who ejected from his aircraft at an unprecedented supersonic speed of 780 miles per hour. The episode explores the extreme physical and engineering challenges of such an ejection, the incredible technology behind ejection seats, and the mental fortitude required for survival. Despite enduring severe injuries and incredible odds, Udell survived and returned to flying, showcasing unparalleled resilience. This episode also covers his later life challenges, including an aortic dissection and the eventual grounding by the FAA, emphasizing the extraordinary risks fighter pilots take. 00:00 Introduction to an Unbelievable Survival Story 01:34 The Mindset of a Fighter Pilot 03:52 The Fateful Night: Captain Udell's Mission 07:02 The Ejection: A Supersonic Gamble 11:06 The Aftermath: Surviving Against All Odds 14:28 The Science of Ejection Seats 17:11 Historical Context: Understanding G-Forces 19:17 The Unbelievable John Strapp 19:58 Udell's Struggle in the Ocean 20:36 The Fight for Survival 23:24 Rescue and Recovery 26:23 The Aftermath and Rehabilitation 29:18 A Second Brush with Death 31:21 Grounded but Not Defeated 35:23 Ejection Seat Safety Concerns 36:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References and Further Reading "Fighter Pilot Mentality: Breaking Down the Military Mindset." NCESC. www.ncesc.com/what-is-fighter-pilot-mentality/ "Life and Training of an F-35 Pilot." Task & Purpose. taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics/air-force-f35-pilot-life/ "Fighter Jet Pilot Training: From Civilian to Combat Ready." Sky Combat Ace. www.skycombatace.com/fighter-jet-pilot-training "How Air Race Pilots Handle Extreme G-Forces." Red Bull. www.redbull.com/us-en/air-race-pilots-surviving-g-force "Pulling Gs: The Effects of G-Forces on the Human Body." Go Flight Medicine. www.goflightmedicine.com/post/pulling-gs-the-effects-of-g-forces-on-the-human-body "Top Gun Trauma: The Effects of Ejecting from a Fighter Jet on the Spine." University of Notre Dame. sites.nd.edu/biomechanics-in-the-wild/2021/04/06/top-gun-trauma-the-effects-of-ejecting-from-a-fighter-jet-on-the-spine/ "Why Fighter Jet Ejections Can Be Deadly for Pilots." Business Insider. www.businessinsider.com/why-fighter-jet-ejections-are-deadly-for-pilots-2022-10 "Breaking Point: What's the Strongest G-Force Humans Can Tolerate?" Medical Daily. www.medicaldaily.com/breaking-point-whats-strongest-g-force-humans-can-tolerate-369246 "Clipped Wings." Phoenix Magazine. www.phoenixmag.com/2019/01/01/clipped-wings/ "In the Saddle: Ejection Seat History." The Ejection Site. www.ejectionsite.com/insaddle/insaddle.htm "The Man Behind High-Speed Safety Standards." National Air and Space Museum. airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/man-behind-high-speed-safety-standards "Spinal Injury Pattern Associated with Ejection Seats." PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24261059/

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the catastrophic events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia on January 13, 2012. This maritime disaster, caused by Captain Francesco Schettino's reckless decision to perform a risky maneuver close to shore, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and exposed significant failures in leadership and emergency procedures. The episode explores survivor accounts, the chaotic evacuation process, the captain's controversial actions, and the subsequent legal and engineering efforts to right and salvage the massive cruise ship. The story underscores the importance of decisive leadership and proper safety protocols in preventing such tragedies. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:23 Setting the Scene: The Costa Concordia 01:36 The Luxurious Costa Concordia 05:51 The Fateful Night: January 13, 2012 07:05 Captain Schettino's Critical Decisions 08:30 The Collision and Immediate Aftermath 12:02 Chaos and Evacuation Efforts 15:39 Survivor Accounts and Heroic Efforts 18:48 Testimonies and Delayed Evacuation 19:24 Chaos and Confusion Among Crew and Passengers 19:51 Survivor Accounts and Tragic Stories 20:43 Captain's Early Departure and Leadership Failures 21:38 Rescue Operations and Legal Consequences 24:08 Salvage Operations and Aftermath 28:30 Lessons Learned and Industry Changes 31:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 32:37 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement Main sources that verify these details about the Costa Concordia: Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport's official investigation report (2013) Maritime Safety Investigation Report by the Marine Casualties Investigative Body Legal Documents: Criminal Trial Transcripts - Court of Grosseto (2013-2015) Key Survivor Accounts Verified By Media: Rose Metcalf (British crew member) BBC News interview (January 17, 2012) The Telegraph interview (January 18, 2012) Georgia Ananias and family Associated Press (January 14, 2012) The Guardian coverage (January 15, 2012) Benji Smith and Emily Lau Published book: "Abandoned Ship" (2013) CNN interview (January 2013) Official Communications: Italian Coast Guard Records Costa Cruises Official Statements Technical Analysis: Lloyd's Register Technical Investigation (2012) Salvage Operation Reports (2012-2014) Ship Specifications and Construction: Lloyd's Register of Shipping (2006) - Technical specifications including size, tonnage, and construction costs Fincantieri Shipyard Official Documentation (2006) - Construction details and vessel specifications Costa Cruises Press Release (July 2006) - Launch details and official specifications Amenities and Features: Costa Cruises Official Brochure (2011-2012 season) - Detailed listing of onboard facilities "Cruise Ships: The World's Most Luxurious Vessels" by Peter C. Smith (2010) - Technical and amenity details Cruise Critic's Ship Review (2011) - Independent review of facilities and amenities Maritime Executive Magazine (2006) - Launch coverage with detailed amenity listings Design Details: "The Costa Concordia: A Case Study in Modern Cruise Ship Design" - Maritime Engineering Journal (2008) Fincantieri Technical Documentation (2006) - Interior design specifications Cruise Industry News Annual Report (2007) - Ship profile and features Cost and Financial Details: Costa Crociere S.p.A. Annual Report (2006) - Construction and operational costs Marine Money International (2006) - Financing and construction costs Lloyd's List Maritime Intelligence - Ship valuation reports Mary Rowlandson- Primary Sources- Rowlandson, M. (1682). "A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson." First published in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is the primary source for most of Mary's direct experiences and quotes Secondary Sources- Derounian-Stodola, K. Z. (1999). "Women's Indian Captivity Narratives." Penguin Classics. Lepore, J. (1998). "The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity." Vintage Books. Schultz, E., & Tougias, M. J. (1999). "King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict." Countryman Press Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Email us! [email protected]

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story podcast, hosts Kayce McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the catastrophic Frank slide of 1903 in Frank, Alberta. The episode explores how the small town's rapid growth led to a horrifying night when Turtle Mountain collapsed, burying parts of the town under 82 million tons of limestone. Survivors' tales, including miners digging their way out and heroic acts like Brakeman Sid Choquette's race to stop an oncoming train, highlight human resilience. The episode also discusses the town's recovery, ongoing geological risks, and lessons learned from indigenous wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Frank Slide Interpretive Center to witness the historic site and reflect on the power of nature and human endurance. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:21 The Frank Slide: Listener's Recommendation 02:08 A Town's Rapid Rise 05:06 Geological Background of Turtle Mountain 08:02 The Night of the Disaster 10:06 Immediate Aftermath and Heroic Acts 14:50 Miraculous Survivals Amidst Tragedy 16:27 The Miners' Desperate Struggle 18:33 Unexpected Discoveries and Heartbreak 20:38 Frank's Resilience and Future Threats 21:37 Modern Monitoring and Indigenous Wisdom 27:02 Conclusion and Reflections Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Additional information: Alberta Parks - Frank Slide Interpretive Centre https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/south/frank-slide-interpretive-centre/ Alberta Geological Survey - Turtle Mountain Monitoring Program https://ags.aer.ca/activities/geohazards/turtle-mountain-monitoring-program Parks Canada - Crowsnest Pass National Historic Site https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/crowsnest University of Alberta Libraries Digital Collections - Frank Slide photographs https://archive.org/details/N-1969-71-14 Glenbow Museum Archives - Frank Slide Collection https://glenbow.ucalgary.ca/digital/ Alberta On Record - Frank Slide records https://albertaonrecord.ca/frank-alberta Royal Alberta Museum - Frank Slide Exhibition https://royalalbertamuseum.ca/ Atlas of Alberta Railways - Frank Mine and Railway History http://railways.library.ualberta.ca/Chapters-7-2/ Natural Resources Canada - Landslide Case Histories https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/science-and-data/science-and-research/earth-sciences/landslides-canada Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences - Research Papers on Frank Slide https://cdnsciencepub.com/journal/cjes Crowsnest Pass Historical Society https://www.crowsnestmuseum.ca/ Travel Alberta - Frank Slide Information https://www.travelalberta.com/places-to-go/provincial-historic-sites/frank-slide-interpretive-centre/ University of Calgary Press - Books about Frank Slide https://press.ucalgary.ca/ CBC Digital Archives - Frank Slide Historical Coverage https://www.cbc.ca/archives/

In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the harrowing survival story of Roy Hallums, an American contractor held captive for 311 days in Iraq. Kidnapped from his workplace in Baghdad in 2004, Hallums endured brutal conditions in a small underground bunker, facing physical and psychological torments. Despite the dire circumstances, Hallums employed mental strategies to keep hope alive. His eventual rescue by U.S. Special Forces underscores a tale of human resilience and the unyielding efforts of military personnel. Tune in to discover how detailed mental exercises, unwavering hope, and determined rescue operations culminated in Hallums' remarkable story of survival and return to his family. 00:00 Introduction to the True Survival Story 00:54 Roy Hallums' Abduction 03:23 Brutal Conditions of Captivity 07:21 Mental Strategies for Survival 12:38 The Power of Belief in Captivity 12:59 A Terrifying Video Message 13:39 Family's Tireless Efforts 15:15 The Breakthrough and Rescue 17:49 Reunion and Recovery 20:30 Roy's Story and Legacy 24:18 Appreciating the Little Things 24:45 Support and Farewell

In this episode of The Crux: True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh and guest Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing tale of the Alaska Ranger's sinking on Easter morning 2008 in the Bering Sea. With treacherous conditions, the crew faced a nightmare situation as the vessel took on water. The story showcases incredible bravery, tragic losses, and the valiant efforts of the Coast Guard in what became the largest cold-water rescue in their history. The episode also dives into the technical aspects of the disaster, revealing the series of events and shortcomings that led to the tragedy. Special guest Matt Dewitt, a commercial fishing captain, provides insights into the challenges of operating in such deadly waters and preparing for emergencies at sea. 00:00 Introduction and Apology to Australian Listeners 01:17 Preview of Today's Episode: The Bering Sea Rescue 02:41 Understanding the Deadly Bering Sea 05:35 The Alaska Ranger and Its Crew 07:59 The Sinking Begins: March 23, 2008 09:47 Mayday Call and Coast Guard Response 11:36 Survival in the Freezing Waters 14:37 Coast Guard Rescue Operations 18:36 Vomit Chain Reaction 19:14 Midair Refueling and Rescue Efforts 19:41 Tragic Losses and Survivors 20:33 Investigation and Findings 21:44 Industry Changes and Recognition 23:43 Another Tragic Incident: The Destination 26:37 Interview with Captain Matt Dewitt 29:22 Safety Measures and Training 39:00 Technical Aspects of the Alaska Ranger Sinking 45:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ # References Aviation History Branch. (n.d.). The Alaska Ranger rescue. Coast Guard Aviation History. https://cgaviationhistory.org/sar/the-alaska-ranger-rescue/ Bernton, H. (2018, March 23). 'The truth needed to come out': A decade after the sinking of the Alaska Ranger, a survivor changes his story. The Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/northwest/the-truth-needed-to-come-out-a-decade-after-the-sinking-of-the-alaska-ranger-a-survivor-changes-his-story/ FV Alaska Ranger. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FV_Alaska_Ranger Snow, R. (2022, March 23). The Long Blue Line: Alaska Ranger—The historic Bering Sea rescue that defied the odds. MyCG. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/2953466/the-long-blue-line-alaska-rangerthe-historic-bering-sea-rescue-that-defied-the/ Thompson, K. (2010). Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History. William Morrow. The Bering Sea. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bering_Sea https://www.smhi.se/en/theme/ice-accretion-1.84870 Additional Media Coverage: - Discovery Channel. (n.d.). Mayday! Bering Sea [Television broadcast] - Disasters at Sea - Shipwrecked in Alaska. (n.d.). Season 1, Episode 5. Quest (UK) & Smithsonian Channel (US)

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into gripping recounts of snakebite survival stories. Julie takes us on a journey from Montana's fearsome wilderness to the perilous Australian outback, narrating extraordinary tales of people managing to survive venomous snake encounters. Highlights include the terrifying experiences of a man bitten by a rattle-less rattlesnake, a teenager's close call with the world's most venomous snake, a shocking incident at a bowling club, and a courageous Golden Retriever's encounter with a rattlesnake. Additionally, we explore the astounding lives of individuals who have turned snake venom immunity into a lifelong mission. These stories underscore the unpredictability of nature and the sheer resilience of both humans and animals. Tune in for a rollercoaster of emotions as we unravel these true survival battles. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:16 Snakebite Survival Stories 01:50 Jason Hogue's Rattlesnake Encounter 08:46 The Most Venomous Snake in the World 13:59 A Deadly Encounter at the Bowling Club 18:09 Bill Haast: The Snake Obsessed Man 18:40 Bill Haast's Venomous Journey 18:57 The Serpentarium: A Venomous Spectacle 19:36 Self-Immunization: Bill's Unique Approach 20:36 A Walking Anti-Venom Factory 22:12 Tim Freed: Following in Bill's Footsteps 25:37 Dusty the Golden Retriever's Rattlesnake Encounter 30:12 Snakebite Statistics and Treatment 35:19 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action   Web References Official Health & Safety Resources World Health Organization Snake Bites Information: https://www.who.int/health-topics/snakebite CDC Snake Bite Prevention & Treatment: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/ News Coverage The Montana Standard - Original source for Bill Childrey's story (local Montana newspaper): https://mtstandard.com/ NBC Montana - Original coverage of Jason Hauge incident: https://nbcmontana.com/ (Note: Original 2013 article may no longer be available due to age) Research & Educational Resources University of Adelaide Toxicology Resources: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/ (For taipan venom information) Additional Snake Safety Resources American Association of Poison Control Centers: https://www.aapcc.org/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Snake Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/snakes/ For the most current and accurate information about snake safety and bite prevention, please consult official health organizations like WHO, CDC, or your local poison control center. Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

The Crux True Survival Stories, hosted by Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delves into the harrowing accounts of survival and devastation brought by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. The episode explores the widespread impact of these storms, sharing reports of record-breaking rainfall, unprecedented tornado outbreaks, and intense flooding. Listeners hear tales of heroism from ordinary people who stepped up in times of crisis and recount the emotional and physical toll on affected communities. The episode also highlights the long-term consequences of these natural disasters, urging preparedness and support for those who have lost homes and loved ones. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:36 Hurricane Milton's Recent Impact 02:12 Hurricane Helene: The Original Story 04:30 The Devastation of Hurricane Helene 05:23 Heart-Wrenching Tales of Survival 07:32 Community Resilience and Heroic Acts 09:14 A Wedding Amidst the Chaos 14:21 Another Tale of Survival: Angelina's Story 15:25 Flooded Car Panic 16:04 Angelina's Miraculous Rescue 17:44 Lifeguard and Mountain Rescues 18:36 Hurricane Helene's Impact on North Carolina 19:18 The Zara Family's Harrowing Experience 20:44 The Struggle to Rebuild Without Insurance 22:37 Tragic Stories of Kim and Rod Ashby 23:54 Stephen Cloyd's Desperate Texts 25:48 Reflecting on the True Cost of Disasters 26:27 Closing Remarks and Call to Action   Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Based on the provided links, here's a formal reference list for the Hurricane Helene and Milton coverage, the last on the list is the link where you can support victims: News Articles: Yahoo News (2024). "Where did Hurricane Helene make landfall?" https://news.yahoo.com/news/where-did-hurricane-helene-landfall-044235283.html BBC News (2024). "Hurricane Helene: Devastating impact across southeastern United States" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1k70rnrp4xo CNN (2024). "How Helene devastated western North Carolina" https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/us/how-helene-devastated-western-north-carolina/index.html MSN News (2024). "Georgia man shares story of survival in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene" https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/georgia-man-shares-story-of-survival-in-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene-increased-my-faith-in-god/ar-AA1rIL8J Yahoo News (2024). "North Carolina family thankful to be alive" https://www.yahoo.com/news/north-carolina-family-thankful-alive-231002400.html MSN News (2024). "'I couldn't watch her die': Wake County man jumps into river to rescue woman in Ashe County" https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/i-couldnt-watch-her-die-wake-county-man-jumps-into-river-to-rescue-woman-in-ashe-county/ar-AA1rwC3s The American Retiree (2024). "Heroic rescue amid Helene's fury: Meteorologist saves Atlanta woman from rising floodwaters" https://theamericanretiree.com/heroic-rescue-amid-helenes-fury-meteorologist-saves-atlanta-woman-from-rising-floodwaters/ CNN Coverage: 8. CNN (2024). "Helene recovery Friday" https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/04/us/helene-recovery-friday/index.html CNN (2024). "Hurricane Helene live updates: Florida, North Carolina, Georgia" https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-helene-florida-north-carolina-georgia-09-30-24 CNN (2024). "Georgia flooding rescue van Dillen" https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/27/us/georgia-flooding-rescue-van-dillen Resources for Support: 11. CNN (2024). "How to help Helene storm victims" https://www.cnn.com/us/how-to-help-helene-storm-victims-iyw Note: All articles are from 2024 coverage of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. For the most current information, please consult official sources and emergency management agencies.

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh explore the tragic Halloween Night Coliseum Explosion in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 31, 1963. During an ice show at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum, an explosion caused by a propane gas buildup led to 74 fatalities and 384 injuries. The episode features vivid survivor accounts, historical context, and dramatic rescue efforts led by ice skaters and fire captain Richard Wells, including heroic acts by John Whitaker, Margaret Cook, Barbara Reeves, and Margaret Whitlow. Themes of resilience, community support, and lasting impacts on survivors, supported by insights from the Indiana Historical Society, are examined. The hosts emphasize the importance of safety during Halloween, invite listeners to share their survival stories, and hint at future episodes. 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories 01:03 Setting the Scene: Halloween Night 1963 02:18 The Explosion: Halloween Night Coliseum Disaster 04:42 Immediate Aftermath: Chaos and Darkness 11:36 Rescue Efforts: Heroes on Ice 14:18 Survivor Stories: Anderson Sisters and More 17:27 Survivor Accounts and Immediate Aftermath 19:15 The Pugsley Family's Narrow Escape 21:24 Community Response and Heroic Efforts 24:58 Long-term Impact and PTSD 26:11 Coliseum Survivors Association and Legacy 30:25 Conclusion and Call to Action Resources: WRTV Indianapolis - "'It was a good place': Survivor reflects on Coliseum explosion 20 years later" Link: https://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/history/1983-it-was-a-good-place-survivor-reflects-on-coliseum-explosion-20-years-later Wikipedia - "1963 Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion" Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_Indiana_State_Fairgrounds_Coliseum_gas_explosion Indianapolis Star - RetroIndy: "Coliseum explosion" Link: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/01/15/coliseum-explosion/4495037/ History.com - "This Day in History: Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum explosion" Link: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/indiana-state-fairgrounds-coliseum-explosion Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen recount the extraordinary true story of Peggy Jones in Silsbee, Texas. While mowing her lawn, Peggy experienced a terrifying ordeal when a venomous snake dropped from the sky, latched onto her arm, and was soon followed by an aggressive hawk attempting to reclaim its prey. The harrowing encounter left Peggy with severe injuries and a battle for survival in the middle of her expansive property. This episode explores the science behind phenomena like 'animal rain,' the potential dangers of Texas's venomous snakes, and offers vital safety tips. Peggy's resilience and humor, despite her traumatic experience, shine through, making this a truly inspiring listen. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:20 A Snake Falls from the Sky 00:53 Peggy's Terrifying Encounter 03:41 The Unexpected Attack 09:16 The Hawk Joins the Chaos 10:34 Eagle Encounter: A Close Call 11:09 The Hawk and the Snake: A Battle in the Sky 12:32 Animal Rain: Strange Phenomena from Above 14:34 The Science Behind Animal Rain 17:09 Peggy's Ordeal: A Terrifying Encounter 20:01 Survival Tips and Peggy's Resilience 21:17 Conclusion: Life's Unexpected Challenges Sources for this episode: "When a Snake Fell from the Sky" - Reader's Digest, Derek Burnett "Texas woman attacked by snake dropped by hawk while mowing lawn" - CNN https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/11/us/texas-woman-snake-hawk-attack-wellness/index.html "Woman mowing lawn attacked by falling snake, swooping hawk in 'utterly chaotic' encounter" - USA Today https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/11/texas-woman-attacked-by-snake-hawk-while-mowing/70575009007/ "Snakes in Texas" - Texas Parks and Wildlife https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/snakes-in-texas "Snake Safety & Prevention" - Texas Department of State Health Services https://www.dshs.texas.gov/safety-prevention/snake-safety-prevention For more information about animal rain phenomena: BBC Earth article on "Animal Rain" phenomena https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20150327-the-mystery-of-raining-animals For snake safety and identification in Texas: Texas Snakes & More https://www.texassnakes.net/ Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

Hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh, dive into Amy Racina's extraordinary survival story in the Sierra Nevada mountains in 2003. Amy's solo adventure in Kings Canyon National Park takes a harrowing turn when she falls 60 feet into a remote valley. Despite severe injuries, she survives for four days, using her resourcefulness and resilience until a rescue team, alerted by a passerby with hearing impairment, saves her. The episode delves into Amy's inspiring recovery and return to hiking, the importance of survival tools like personal locator beacons, and Amy's efforts to spread awareness through her book and presentations. Essential safety tips and budget-friendly survival tools are also discussed, emphasizing preparation and knowledge for wilderness adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:23 Setting the Scene: Sierra Nevada Mountains 01:11 Amy Racina's Background and Preparation 05:10 The Incident: A Fall in Tehippity Valley 09:49 Survival Instincts Kick In 13:21 Mental and Physical Struggles 15:55 Imagining the Struggle 16:54 A Miracle Rescue 17:59 Emotional Reunion 19:14 Complex Rescue Operation 20:41 Race Against Time 23:06 Amy's Recovery Journey 24:03 Back to the Wilderness 27:07 Personal Locator Beacons 30:30 Amy's Story in the Spotlight 31:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action   Email us! [email protected], and if you get the chance, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/