Against All Odds: How a 13-Year-Old Boy Saved His Father in the Wilderness | E151

In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen bring you the extraordinary tale of David Finlayson and his 13-year-old son Charlie—a story that redefines courage in the face of disaster. When their August 2015 climbing expedition in Idaho's remote Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness took a devastating turn after a massive boulder struck David, it was young Charlie who transformed from teenager to hero. With remarkable composure and ingenuity, Charlie embarked on a life-saving mission that would test the limits of their father-son bond and demonstrate the incredible capacity of the human spirit. This edge-of-your-seat episode explores not only the harrowing ordeal but also the treacherous beauty of one of America's most isolated wilderness areas, the inherent risks of rock climbing, and the critical importance of wilderness preparedness that can mean the difference between life and death. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 The Story of David and Charlie Finlayson 01:29 The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness 06:26 The Dangers of Rock Climbing 07:40 The Climbing Accident 12:41 Charlie's Heroic Efforts 15:22 The Descent and Struggle for Survival 19:54 Charlie's Search for Help 22:57 A Chance Encounter in the Wilderness 23:49 The Rescue Effort Begins 24:17 Charlie's Determination and Faith 25:35 David's Medical Journey 26:19 Life After the Ordeal 28:12 Lessons from the Wilderness 36:00 Famous Climbing Survival Stories 42:24 Essential Wilderness Gear 44:36 The Power of the Human Spirit 45:48 Closing Remarks 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 and Sources Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (2015, August 29). Idaho boy saves father after boulder crushes him during camping trip. Retrieved from Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Idaho Statesman. (2015, August 27). Man crushed by boulder in Idaho wilderness aided for days by his young son. By Katy Moeller. NBC Chicago. (2015, August 28). 13-Year-Old Boy Scout Helps Save Dad After Hiking Accident. By Jessica Glazer. NBC News. (2015, August 27). Teen Scout Helps Save Dad Hurt By Falling Boulder in Rugged Wilderness. By Phil Helsel. WFLX. (2015, August 31). Charlie Finlayson: Idaho Boy Scout saves dad trapped by boulder. Originally aired on KTVB/NBC. Wikipedia. (2025, January 9). Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org. MacDonald, D. (2022, August 18). Six Near-death Climbing Accidents Analyzed and Explained. Outside/Climbing. Green, S. (2018, June 10). The Five Most Common Rock Climbing Deaths. TripSavvy. Foxfield, A. & Clarke, J. (2024, July 3). Is rock climbing dangerous? We look into the risks and how to manage them. Advnture. Goalcast. (2022, October 20). Dad Nearly Killed by Boulder Miles Away From Civilization - His 13-Year-Old Son Jumps Into Action. By Heidi Hamm

In this episode of 'The Crux True Survival Stories,' hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the extraordinary life of Colton Harris Moore, also known as the Barefoot Bandit. The episode explores Colton's troubled childhood, his years-long crime spree of burglaries, plane thefts, and his controversial rise to folk-hero status. The hosts discuss his remarkable self-taught survival skills, his knack for evading capture, and his eventual arrest in the Bahamas. The story is a riveting mix of ingenuity, desperation, and the quest for freedom, culminating in a reflection on societal systems and wasted talent. 00:00 Introduction to Crux True Survival Stories 00:30 The Barefoot Bandit: Colton Harris Moore 02:40 Early Life and First Crimes 06:49 The Great Escape and Survival Tactics 08:12 Becoming a Legend: Learning to Fly 12:12 Infamous Heists and Media Attention 18:46 Public Fascination and Influence on Behavior 19:05 The Theatrical and Careful Criminal 20:56 Evasion Techniques and Survival Skills 25:23 International Escapades and Plane Thefts 28:59 Capture and Reflections 36:16 Life After Prison and Lessons Learned 37:43 Final Thoughts and Podcast Outro Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/

The Coldest Night: Rob Gering's 12-Hour Fight for Survival In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Rob Gering, who recounts his harrowing experience of surviving a snowmobile crash in subzero temperatures in northern Wisconsin. On a frigid February night, Rob was left immobilized with multiple broken bones and faced down in the snow for over 12 hours. His survival hinged on a lost glove and the sharp observation of a fellow snowmobiler. Join us as Rob details his journey from near death to recovery and the profound lessons learned about life, purpose, and human connection. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:17 Meet Rob Gearing: An Outdoor Enthusiast 02:34 Snowmobiling Adventures and Challenges 07:28 The Fateful Day Begins 19:03 The Crash and Immediate Aftermath 31:55 A Night of Desperation 33:26 The Morning Brings Hope 33:57 The Torture of Being Unseen 36:44 A Glimmer of Rescue 42:53 The Road to Recovery 45:17 Finding Purpose After Survival 51:06 The Power of Support and Healing 52:08 Reflections and Moving Forward 58:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out the book! https://www.amazon.com/Coldest-Night-Rob-Gering/dp/B0DJRLY61W Rob's Instagram: @theauthorrobgering   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, hosts Kaycee McIntosh, joined by Julie Henningsen, delves into the tragic survival story of the Kim family. What began as a joyful Thanksgiving 2006 road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, ended in a perilous and fatal detour through Oregon's Bear Camp Road. The episode details the Kim family's struggle for survival, the critical search and rescue operations that followed, and how this incident led to significant changes in winter travel safety and emergency response systems. The discussion also covers essential winter travel safety guidelines and the importance of preparation, ultimately highlighting the enduring lessons from this heartbreaking yet instructive saga. 00:00 Introduction to the Kim Family's Fateful Journey 00:23 Setting the Scene: Thanksgiving 2006 01:09 The Kim Family's Background and Aspirations 03:33 The Journey Begins: From San Francisco to Seattle 05:56 The Wrong Turn: Bear Camp Road 08:57 Stranded: The Kim Family's Ordeal Begins 15:16 Survival Strategies and Initial Challenges 18:50 James Kim's Critical Decision 19:07 Search Efforts Intensify 19:52 Challenges in Coordination 21:53 The Role of Cell Phone Data 24:06 James Kim's Heroic Journey 28:03 The Tragic Outcome 29:12 Lessons Learned and Changes Made 31:20 Winter Travel Safety Tips 36:44 Final Thoughts and Reflections Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References Documentary & Video Sources: "Wrong Turn: The Kim Family Tragedy" (2023), YouTube Documentary ABC News 20/20 Interview with Kati Kim (2011) Print & Digital Sources: The Oregonian, "Kim Family's Fatal Oregon Journey" (2013) San Francisco Chronicle, "Stranded Father's Heroic Last Hours" (2006) The Oregonian, "Kati Kim Speaks Out" (2011) CNET, "Lessons Learned from Kim Tragedy" (2006) Times Colonist, "Widow Gives Thanks to Husband" (2011) Special thanks to all the journalists, rescue workers, and individuals who helped document this story and preserve its important lessons. For more information about winter travel safety and emergency preparedness, please visit your local search and rescue organization's website. Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of survival situations and loss that some listeners may find disturbing.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Potratz, a former professional snowmobiler whose life changed forever in a devastating avalanche in 2009. Before the accident, Matt was living what many would consider a dream life - a successful career as a general sales manager at a Toyota dealership and appearances in seven different snowmobile motion pictures. But in just 12 seconds, everything changed. The avalanche left Matt with catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck, severe brain trauma, and permanent paralysis in his left arm. After spending 41 days in a coma and 88 days in the hospital, Matt had to rebuild his life from the ground up. Today, he shares his extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience, and transformation. Matt discusses: His early passion for snowmobiling and unexpected path to becoming a professional The day of the avalanche and his 41-day coma His grueling recovery process and battle with phantom nerve pain How his near-death experience transformed his relationship with his children Finding new purpose as a motivational speaker and author The importance of focusing on what we can change rather than what we can't Connect with Matt: Website: lifetradicallychanged.com Facebook: Life Radically Changed and Matt Potratz Follow The Crux: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecruxpodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more people with these important stories. Quotes from the episode: "Focus on things you can change. Don't waste time focusing on things you can't change." "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears." "In life we almost face one of two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of regret... discipline weighs ounces, regret weighs tons."

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Try online therapy today at betterhelp.com/CRUX and take the first step toward becoming your best self. On this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh dive into the harrowing account that inspired 'Moby Dick'—the tragic voyage of the whale ship Essex. Listeners are taken on a detailed journey through early 19th-century whaling, the catastrophic events that led to the ship's sinking, and the unimaginable ordeal the crew faced. From battling a vengeful sperm whale to the moral dilemmas of survival cannibalism, this story explores human resilience and the brutal realities of maritime life in the 1820s. Learn how these events left a lasting impact on maritime history and contributed to the decline of the whaling industry. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:09 Setting the Scene: The Whaling Industry in the 1820s 07:04 The Essex Sets Sail 09:36 The Whale's Attack 12:30 Survival at Sea 18:47 Rescue and Aftermath 21:46 Legacy of the Essex Disaster 25:32 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/

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Mike Theis from Balltown, Iowa, who recounts his terrifying encounter with his own pet deer. After a decade of peaceful coexistence, Mike faced a sudden and violent attack during rutting season, leading to a life-threatening struggle. Mike's quick thinking and resourcefulness using his belt as a restraint helped him survive multiple near-fatal injuries. This episode highlights the unpredictable nature of domesticated wild animals and the critical role of split-second decision-making in survival situations. 00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories 00:18 Mike's Harrowing Encounter Begins 01:43 Mike's Background and Life in Balltown 02:47 Raising Deer and the Start of Trouble 05:58 The Attack: A Fight for Survival 10:44 Escape and Aftermath 17:38 The Painful Experience with Laticane 17:53 Dealing with a Rogue Pet Deer 18:25 Safety Concerns and Family 19:28 Owning Deer: Permits and Regulations 20:24 Dealing with Injuries in Deer 21:06 Misconceptions About Keeping Deer as Pets 23:57 Near-Death Experience with an Elk 25:17 Reflecting on Life After a Near-Death Experience 26:52 Domestication and Safety of Wild Animals 30:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into Theodore Roosevelt's perilous 1914 expedition through the Amazon's River of Doubt. The podcast recounts Roosevelt's remarkable survival story, highlighting his struggle against tropical diseases, near-starvation, and the elements, alongside his son Kermit and a diverse team. The journey, driven by Roosevelt's sense of adventure and post-political defeat frustrations, led to unexpected scientific discoveries and significant contributions to South American geography. It also profoundly impacted Roosevelt's health, contributing to his death just five years later. This tale exemplifies the best and worst of human nature, blending bravery and hubris in one unforgettable adventure. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:18 Setting the Scene: Roosevelt's Perilous Journey 01:03 Theodore Roosevelt: A Larger Than Life Figure 02:03 The River of Doubt Expedition Begins 02:46 Roosevelt's Legacy and Personal Struggles 05:50 The Expedition Team and Their Challenges 10:34 The Journey's Harsh Realities 18:44 Infection in the Amazon 19:41 Desperate Food Shortages 21:08 Murder in the Jungle 24:29 Roosevelt's Near-Death Experience 27:48 Scientific Discoveries Amidst Hardship 29:48 Roosevelt's Legacy and Final Years 36:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this gripping episode of the Crux True Survival podcast, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen recount the harrowing story of Anna Conrad, who survived five days buried under an avalanche at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort in 1982. As the snow blanketed the Sierra Nevada mountains, Anna's remarkable tale of survival defied all odds. They delve into the events leading up to the avalanche, the rescue operation, and the impact it had on avalanche safety and the skiing community. This episode also touches on other devastating avalanches, the science behind them, and the importance of respecting the raw power of nature. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the balance of risk and reward in mountain adventures and the enduring strength of the human spirit. 00:00 Introduction and Winter Inspiration 00:51 The Alpine Meadows Avalanche of 1982 01:58 The Perfect Storm: Conditions Leading to Disaster 03:35 Anna Conrad's Fateful Decision 06:34 The Avalanche Strikes 09:08 The Aftermath and Search Efforts 12:18 Anna Conrad's Incredible Survival 17:49 Rescue and Recovery 21:33 Anna's Miraculous Rescue and Hospitalization 23:21 Anna's Remarkable Recovery and Graduation 24:09 Back on Skis: Anna's Unbelievable Comeback 24:33 Avalanche Safety Insights with Julie 29:07 Personal Avalanche Tragedies and Lessons 32:20 Anna Conrad's Life Today and Her Legacy 35:44 Remembering the Victims of the 1982 Avalanche 38:11 Modern Avalanche Dangers and Safety Measures 42:33 Final Reflections and Call to Action Check out the Documentary, here is a trailer from youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4NpOlJ_O-I Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ References for Alpine Meadows Avalanche Podcast Primary Historical Sources North Lake Tahoe Bonanza (April 7, 1982) - "From 1982: Avalanche survivor buried five days" RGJ Archive Link United Press International (June 21, 1982) - "Anna Conrad graduation story" UPI Archives Link In-Depth Historical Coverage Tahoetopia - "Tragic Alpine Meadows Avalanche - March 31, 1982" Full Article Unofficial Alpine - "The Legacy of Alpine Meadows: The 1982 Avalanche" [Article Link](https://unofficialalpine.com/?p=16595) Recent Coverage and Retrospectives Fox Weather (2024) - "Sole survivor of deadly 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche recalls hope" Fox Weather Article Ski Magazine - "A Wall of White: A 1982 Avalanche Revisited" [Ski Magazine Article](https://www.skimag.com/adventure/wall-white-1982-avalanche-revisted/) [Part 2: Buried Alive](https://www.skimag.com/adventure/buried-alive-part-2/) Recent Avalanche Incidents and Safety AP News (2024) - "Avalanche kills 1, injures 3 at California ski resort" [AP Article](https://apnews.com/article/avalanche-california-ski-resort-482ec822c87a9ed5829001f8ac887a3b) Outside Online - "Steamboat Resort Avalanche" [Outside Article](https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/snow-sports/steamboat-resort-avalanche/) Sports Illustrated - "Steamboat Ski Resort Record-Breaking Avalanche" [SI Article](https://www.si.com/onsi/adventure/latest-news/steamboat-ski-resort-observes-recording-breaking-avalanche-over-weekend) Technical Resources AccuWeather - "How do avalanches occur?" [AccuWeather Article](https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/how-do-avalanches-occur/337081#google_vignette) USA Today - "Palisades avalanche near Lake Tahoe risks" [USA Today Article](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/01/11/palisades-tahoe-avalanche-snow-sports-risks-winter/72182234007/) Additional Resources Wikipedia - Alpine Meadows Ski Resort [Wikipedia Entry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Meadows_(ski_resort)) NBC News - Historical Coverage [NBC Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22649571)  

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Try online therapy today at betterhelp.com/CRUX and take the first step toward becoming your best self. In this episode of The Crux, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the miraculous events of January 15, 2009, when U.S. Airways flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson River. With a calm and collected demeanor, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger and his co-pilot Jeff Skiles navigated this high-stakes situation, ensuring the safety of all 155 passengers and crew aboard. The episode covers the preparation, quick thinking, and profound impact of this remarkable aviation story, highlighting Sully's extensive experience and the collective efforts of everyone involved in the rescue. Tune in to hear the gripping details and the legacy of the Miracle on the Hudson. 00:00 Introduction to the Miracle on the Hudson 01:29 Setting the Scene: January 15th, 2009 04:29 The Bird Strike: A Catastrophic Event 05:19 Sully's Calm and Calculated Response 06:49 The Decision to Land on the Hudson 09:12 The Perfect Water Landing 11:46 Evacuation and Rescue 14:09 Aftermath and Heroism 16:00 Sully's Early Life and Aviation Beginnings 17:20 Aviation Career and Contributions 17:52 The Miracle on the Hudson 18:59 Aftermath and Legacy 20:34 The Plane's Journey to the Museum 23:39 Other Notable Water Landings 25:32 Impact and Reflections 28:57 Conclusion and Sign-Off   Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Primary Sources Sullenberger, Chesley "Sully" and Jeffrey Zaslow. "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters" (2009) - William Morrow Source for biographical information about Sully Details about his career and background His personal account of the incident National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Aircraft Accident Report "Loss of Thrust in Both Engines After Encountering a Flock of Birds and Subsequent Ditching on the Hudson River" (2010) Technical details of the incident Timeline of events Communications transcripts Investigation findings Official Flight 1549 Cockpit Voice Recorder Transcript Source for direct quotes between Sully and air traffic control Communications during the incident Interviews and Media Coverage CBS News "60 Minutes" Interview with Sully Sullenberger (2009) Details about the landing Post-incident reflection Personal impact The Associated Press Coverage Contemporary reporting of the incident Passenger interviews Rescue operation details Carolinas Aviation Museum Documentation Information about the aircraft recovery Details about the museum installation Current state of the aircraft Books and Documentaries "Miracle on the Hudson: Behind the Scenes of the NTSB Investigation" by Robert Benzon Technical details Investigation process Aircraft recovery information "Brace for Impact: The Chesley B. Sullenberger Story" (2010 Documentary) Passenger accounts Crew testimonies Rescue operation details Passenger and Crew Accounts Various news interviews with: Flight attendant Doreen Welsh Flight attendant Sheila Dail Passenger Jim Whitaker Passenger Barry Leonard Other survivors Air traffic controller Patrick Harten's testimony before Congress Details of communications during the incident His perspective on the events Technical Sources Airbus A320 Technical Documentation Aircraft specifications Emergency procedures Water landing protocols Bird Strike Committee USA Reports Information about bird strikes in aviation Statistics and historical context