Swallowed by Sandy: The Hollywood Ship's Last Voyage and the Heroes Who Saved Its Crew | E 152

In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee Macintosh revisits the remarkable survival story of Matt Ruem, who endured six grueling days trapped in his truck after an accident on I-90 in Indiana. From enduring severe injuries and contaminated rainwater to the complex rescue operation and difficult medical decisions, including the amputation of his left leg, Matt shares his transformative experience. This compelling tale highlights Matt's resilience, his journey through medical recovery, and the profound impact the ordeal had on his life, inspiring countless others worldwide. Tune in to hear how he overcame unimaginable odds and what he's learned from his darkest moments. 00:00 Introduction to Matt's Survival Story 01:15 The Moment of Rescue 04:37 The Complex Rescue Operation 10:30 Medical Challenges and Recovery 16:27 Media Attention and Personal Reflections 23:16 Detailed Medical Assessment 26:24 Facing the Reality of Amputation 26:48 Family Support and First Amputation 28:23 Second Amputation and Recovery 29:29 Navigating Hospital Life 31:03 Media Attention and Social Media 33:02 Writing a Book and Public Speaking 35:54 Adjusting to Life with a Prosthetic 38:33 Running Again and Overcoming Challenges 41:08 Mental and Emotional Healing 44:15 Lessons Learned and Advice for Others 49:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Follow Matt on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matt_reum/ Matt's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Still-Standing-SEVEN-MIRACLES-MATTHEW/dp/1665764104

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/ This episode explores attempted suicide. While we believe these conversations are important, please prioritize your mental health and well-being. If you find this topic triggering, it's completely okay to skip this episode. In this episode of the Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh interviews Matt Reum, a 28-year-old industrial construction worker whose seemingly routine drive turned into a six-day fight for survival. In December 2023, Matt's truck crashed on I-90 in Indiana, leaving him trapped, injured, and invisible to those passing by. With broken bones, no food, contaminated water, and cold temperatures, Matt endured both physical and mental battles, facing thoughts of self-harm in his darkest moments. Despite the torment, Matt demonstrates incredible resilience until his eventual rescue. This episode delves into the depths of human endurance and the mental strength required to survive against all odds. 00:00 Introduction to Matt's Harrowing Survival Story 01:06 Matt's Background and the Fateful Night 02:11 The Crash and Immediate Aftermath 06:08 First Day of Survival: Yelling for Help 14:01 Second Day: Rainwater and Desperation 21:05 Third Day: Dark Thoughts and Desperation 28:48 Fourth Day: Time Dilation and Mental Struggles 33:47 Fifth Day: The Breaking Point 39:10 Sixth Day: Rescue and Reflection 42:09 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview 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 Story Podcast,' medical professionals and wilderness survival enthusiasts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh recount the dramatic tale of the Coast Guard's rescue of the HMS Bounty crew during Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The episode delves into the fateful decisions made by Captain Robin Walbridge, the harrowing experiences of the 16 crew members, and the heroic efforts of Coast Guard rescue swimmers Randy Haba and Daniel Todd. Sadly, the disaster resulted in the loss of Captain Walbridge and crew member Claudene Christian. Through detailed storytelling, the episode highlights both the human capacity for error and acts of extraordinary bravery. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:31 Setting the Scene: Hurricane Sandy 01:12 Captain Walbridge's Decision 01:43 The HMS Bounty: A Star of the Sea 02:56 Facing the Storm: Crew and Challenges 07:03 The Coast Guard to the Rescue 08:56 Survival in the Water 10:49 Rescue Operations Begin 13:15 The Heroic Efforts of Rescue Swimmers 16:55 Chaos in the Waves 17:11 Todd's Heroic Efforts 18:32 Aerial Ballet: Helicopter Pilots' Challenge 19:48 Tragic Losses and Near Misses 21:49 Claudine Christian: A Fascinating Character 25:05 The Aftermath and Investigation 30:30 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts 32:08 Podcast Outro and Listener Engagement

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