The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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Buried Alive: Anna Conrad's Five-Day Fight Beneath the Snow | E 143
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)
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44:03
Flight 1549: The Miracle on the Hudson | E 142
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
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29:45
Survival in the Bernese Alps: The Incredible 1946 C-53 Dakota Crash and Rescue | E 141
Surviving the Bernese Alps: The Incredible 1946 C-53 Dakota Crash and Rescue In this episode of The Crux True Survival Stories, host Kaycee McIntosh and co-host Julie Henningsen explore the dramatic 1946 crash and subsequent rescue of a C-53 Dakota aircraft in the Bernese Alps. Carrying eight passengers and four crew members, the plane's crash initiated one of the most legendary high-altitude rescue missions in Swiss history. The hosts delve into the challenges faced by the survivors amidst hazardous weather, harsh terrains, and primitive navigation systems. They discuss the swift, innovative rescue operation by the Swiss, which ultimately saved all passengers and set new standards for future Alpine rescues. The episode also touches on the long-lasting impact of this event and the ongoing discoveries being made from glacial movements in the region. 00:00 Introduction and Host Greetings 00:33 The Disappearance of C-53 Dakota 01:04 Challenges of the Bernese Alps 02:47 The Dawn of Post-War Aviation 04:21 The Fateful Flight 08:35 Crash Landing on the Glacier 10:08 Survival and Immediate Aftermath 12:38 Psychological Challenges and First Night 14:36 A Mother's Pride: Role Reversal in Crisis 15:17 Survival Tactics: Radio Signals and Winterization 17:11 Rationing and Radio: The Struggle for Survival 18:34 The Breakthrough: Spotting the Glint of Metal 19:31 Legendary Rescue: Swiss Mountaineers to the Rescue 20:23 Aviation Feats: Glacier Landings and Evacuations 22:07 Legacy of the Ghouli Glacier Rescue 24:53 The Alps' Secrets: Air India Flight 101 26:54 Modern Discoveries: Jewels and Bodies in the Ice 29:00 Conclusion: The Impact of Survival Stories Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Articles & Primary Sources Used 1. "US military plane that crashed in 1946 will emerge at bottom of Alpine glacier in the coming years"Stars and Stripes - December 10, 2020Author: Karin Zeitvogelhttps://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/us-military-plane-that-crashed-in-1946-will-emerge-at-bottom-of-alpine-glacier-in-the-coming-years-1.654796 2. "Development of a combined empirical index for a 5-day forecast of heavy precipitation over the Bernese Alps"Environmental International - February 2020Authors: Liliane Nguyen, Mario Rohrer, Manfred Schwarb, Markus StoffelDOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105357 3. "Steep rise of the Bernese Alps"University of Bern - March 24, 2017Published in Scientific ReportsDOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00440-0 4. "Teens find famed 1946 plane wreck in Swiss glacier"The History Blog - August 11, 2012http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/18382 5. "Flying in the Alps is That Dangerous"AOPA - March 14, 2021Author: Garrett Fisher 6. "Lost plane wreck and bodies emerge after glacier melts and reveals its secrets"Metro UK - August 10, 2022. https://metro.co.uk/2022/08/10/lost-plane-wreck-and-bodies-emerge-after-glacier-melts-17157777/ 7. "Wreckage Preserved By A Glacier: The Story Of Air India Flight 101"Simple Flying - December 30, 2023 https://simpleflying.com/air-india-flight-101-mont-blanc-crash/ 8. "Vintage plane crashes in Swiss Alps, killing 20 on board". Associated Press - August 5, 2018 https://apnews.com/article/europe-ap-top-news-switzerland-international-news-accidents-9f0fb2952d4d4e31902e1d0c899fb977 Books Referenced - "Twelve Walked Away" (1948) Author: Marguerite Gaylord Tate. Publisher: Harcourt, Brace and Company, New York Wikipedia Articles Referenced - Bernese Alps - 1946 C-53 Skytrooper crash on the Gauli Glacier - Post-war aviation
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30:11
Surviving King Philip's War: Mary Rowlandson's Incredible Story | E 140
In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the riveting survival tale of Mary Rowlandson from colonial America. Set against the backdrop of King Philip's War in 1676, the episode explores Rowlandson's harrowing eleven-week ordeal of captivity among Native American tribes. Listeners will learn about the cultural conflicts of the time, Mary Rowlandson's resourcefulness, and the eventual ransom that led to her release. This story, captured in her own words in the book 'A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson,' offers a gripping look at resilience, survival, and colonial history. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:25 Setting the Stage: Colonial America 00:50 Background on Mary Rowlandson 02:39 King Philip's War: The Spark 06:42 The Attack on Lancaster 08:31 Mary Rowlandson's Captivity Begins 09:26 Surviving the Wilderness 10:48 Mary's Struggle with Food 11:43 Mary's Resourcefulness in Captivity 12:16 Encounters and Movements 13:53 Ransom Negotiations and Return 15:06 Mary's Published Narrative 16:09 The Aftermath of King Philip's War 17:00 Mary's Later Life and Legacy 18:58 Reflections on Survival and Community 20:07 Conclusion and Call to Action Check out Mary's Book, Narrative Of The Captivity And Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/
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21:20
The 780 MPH Ejection: The Impossible Survival of Captain Brian Udell | E139
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/
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About The CRUX: True Survival Stories

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-life stories and the pivotal moments that determine life or death outcomes. Tune in for captivating narratives that entertain and educate. Airing every Monday!

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