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

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# 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

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.

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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:

1. 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

2. Wikipedia - "1963 Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion"
   Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1963_Indiana_State_Fairgrounds_Coliseum_gas_explosion

3. Indianapolis Star - RetroIndy: "Coliseum explosion"
   Link: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/01/15/coliseum-explosion/4495037/

4. 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

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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:

1. "When a Snake Fell from the Sky" - Reader's Digest, Derek Burnett
2. "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
3. "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/
4. "Snakes in Texas" - Texas Parks and Wildlife https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/snakes-in-texas
5. "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/

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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! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com, and if you get the chance, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

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In this episode of 'The Crux True Survival Stories,' hosts Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the riveting story of Austin Riley, a ranch hand in Texas Hill Country who narrowly survived a vicious attack from his pet warthog, Waylon Jennings. Raised on a ranch with a variety of exotic animals, Austin faced a life-threatening ordeal when his beloved 250-pound warthog turned on him unexpectedly. The hosts explore Austin's unique bond with animals, particularly Waylon, and the subsequent tragic incident that raises questions about human-animal relationships and the risks of keeping exotic pets. The episode also reflects on other harrowing stories of exotic pet attacks, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of wild animals and highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership.
00:00 Introduction to The Crux True Survival Stories
00:18 A Harrowing Tale of Survival Begins
01:03 Meet Austin Riley and His Beloved Warthog
02:21 Understanding Warthogs
03:49 Austin's Unique Upbringing
06:29 The Bond Between Austin and Waylon
09:33 The Brutal Attack
11:11 Austin's Fight for Survival
18:17 Austin's Road to Recovery
18:40 The Heartbreaking Decision
19:02 Reflecting on Exotic Pets
19:25 The Fable of the Farmer and the Snake
20:47 Shocking Exotic Pet Statistics
24:52 Travis the Chimpanzee Incident
28:36 The Tragic Case of Kelly Waltz
31:07 Gerald Rushton's Fatal Encounter
33:35 Concluding Thoughts on Exotic Pets
34:14 Final Words and Listener Engagement
References

https://factanimal.com/warthog/

https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/warthog-attack-texas-exotics/

https://www.livescience.com/58337-warthog-facts.html

https://pangovet.com/statistics/exotic-pets-statistics/#:~:text=Around%2017.6%20million%20exotic%20pets%20are%20currently%20owned%20in%20the

https://allthatsinteresting.com/charla-nash

https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2009/10/06/saylorsburg-woman-kept-bear-who/51843642007/

https://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/exotic-deer-mauls-keeper-in-waskom/article_e420bd02-d640-5aae-8ac2-7269dd2f5c27.html#:~:text=WASKOM%20-%20A%2067-year-old%20Waskom%20man%20died%20Friday%20after%20his

https://www.ktbs.com/news/man-mauled-to-death-by-deer/article_623d0c15-41bb-5b47-853a-5930d5f56557.html#:~:text=An%20East%20Texas%20man%20who%20raised%20exotic%20deer%20was%20mauled

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The Incredible Journey of the Tamwoy Siblings
In this episode of Crux True Survival Stories, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into a remarkable tale of resilience featuring the Tamwoy siblings from the Torres Strait Islands. In 2004, during a routine boat trip, the siblings were thrust into a life-threatening situation when their boat capsized. Demonstrating immense courage and survival skills, the three older children swam miles through treacherous seas to find safety while their parents and younger sibling were tragically lost. The story highlights the strength, cultural upbringing, and community support that enabled these young survivors to endure against unimaginable odds, and explores their eventual rescue by an uncle, nourishing the theme of hope and human tenacity in the face of adversity.
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:26 The Tamwoy Family's Fateful Journey
02:33 The Capsizing Incident
04:42 Struggle for Survival
08:13 The Siblings' Brave Swim
17:57 Rescue and Aftermath
20:47 Community and Cultural Resilience
24:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

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References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnJ5BhcNEqs

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/jul/14/davidfickling

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/children-survive-sixday-ordeal-on-desert-island-after-boat-capsizes-553136.html