The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• The Voluntary Castaway: Dr. Bombard's Revolutionary Atlantic Crossing | E 161

  In this episode, join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh as they dive into the astonishing story of Dr. Alain Bombard, a French physician and biologist who, in 1952, undertook an audacious scientific experiment. To prove that humans could survive adrift at sea using only ocean resources, Bombard set off to drift across the Atlantic Ocean in a small inflatable dinghy, without food or water. Over the course of 65 harrowing days, he endured severe conditions, subsisting on raw fish, plankton, and minimal sea water. Explore his motivations, the challenges he faced, and how his journey revolutionized maritime survival techniques. Despite criticism and controversy, Bombard's story is a testament to human endurance, ingenuity, and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. 00:00 Introduction and Setup 00:23 The Craziest Ocean Experiment in History 01:30 Meet Dr. Alain Bombard 03:19 The Motivation Behind the Journey 05:42 The Harsh Realities of Maritime Survival 08:30 Bombard's Unwavering Determination 24:28 Preliminary Voyages and Lessons Learned 31:16 The Resilience of Seaweed and Plankton 32:43 Bombard's Departure and Initial Challenges 36:00 Surviving on Plankton and Isolation 37:48 Nature's Cruel Challenges 40:22 Wildlife Encounters and Near-Death Experiences 45:24 The Encounter with the British Cargo Vessel 49:15 Final Stretch and Arrival in Barbados 55:32 Bombard's Legacy and Influence 01:00:25 Modern Survival Stories and Techniques 01:03:34 The True Lesson of Bombard's Journey Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Read Dr. Bombard's book for free online. https://archive.org/details/the-bombard-story-1953/page/n27/mode/2up

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• A Boy, A Desert, and A Hero Dog: The Incredible Survival of Bodin Allen | E 160

  This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast follows the remarkable tale of 2-year-old Boden Allen who survived a seven-mile journey through the hazardous Arizona desert, thanks to the protective instincts of a ranch dog named Buford. Host Kaycee McIntosh delves into the Allen family's terrifying ordeal, the resilience of young children in wilderness situations, and the heroics of Great Pyrenees dogs. The episode also highlights other incredible child survival stories and provides crucial safety tips to prevent and handle similar incidents. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 01:11 Setting the Scene: Arizona's Harsh Desert Environment 04:02 The Disappearance of 2-Year-Old Boden Allen 05:46 The Search and Rescue Efforts 08:00 The Heroic Dog Buford and Boden's Rescue 12:37 Reflections on Child Survival Instincts 14:33 Other Remarkable Child Survival Stories 21:08 Personal Stories and Lessons for Parents 23:51 The Protective Instincts of Working Dogs 28:53 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/ References Arizona Republic. (2025, April 19). A sleepless, terrifying night ends with good news for Arizona family. Yahoo! News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/sleepless-terrifying-night-ends-good-155612035.html Caplan, A. L. (2022, December 9). Great Pyrenees attacks pack of coyotes to protect animals on Georgia farm: 'Not a normal dog'. People. https://people.com/pets/great-pyrenees-named-casper-attacks-coyote-pack-to-protect-sheep/ Chiu, D. (2025, April 21). Parents speak out after toddler was found walking through wilderness by rancher's dog. People. https://people.com/parents-speak-out-after-toddler-found-by-ranchers-dog-after-walking-through-wilderness-11719081 Gabrielle Sales. (2022, April 15). Dangers of hiking in the desert and safety tips. From One Girl to One World. https://from1girlto1world.com/dangers-of-the-desert/ Golightly, C. (2025, April 18). 'It's like the worst living nightmare any parent can feel,' 2-year-old reunited with family after 7 mile journey through mountain lion territory. 11Alive. https://www.11alive.com/article/news/nation-world/arizona-toddler-found-safe-after-night-missing-in-wilderness/75-b30e1fd8-8f84-4853-83aa-5956c609aca2 Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario. (2024). Great Pyr and Bear - Pet or working dog? https://www.great-pyrenees-club-of-southern-ontario.com/Great-Pyr-and-Bear.html Happy Puppy Team. (2023, April 21). Great Pyrenees temperament traits. The Happy Puppy Site. https://thehappypuppysite.com/great-pyrenees-temperament/ Mattinson, P. (2023, September 27). Great Pyrenees temperament: What's a Great Pyrenees's personality like? iHeartDogs. https://iheartdogs.com/great-pyrenees-temperament-whats-a-great-pyreneess-personality-like/ Simon, D., & Riess, R. (2019, May 18). Kentucky toddler lost in woods for days is found. Rescuers heard his cries. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/16/us/missing-kentucky-toddler-survived/index.html Simpson, K. (2016, May 8). Childlike behavior helps kids survive. The Denver Post. https://www.denverpost.com/2006/06/03/childlike-behavior-helps-kids-survive/ US SAR Task Force. (2021, July 23). Child survival – Lost in the woods. https://ussartf.org/child_survival_.htm Weather Atlas. (2024, May 24). April weather forecast: Arizona, USA. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/arizona-usa-weather-april

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• Disaster Strikes! The Mysterious Disappearance of Ranger Randy Morganson | E 159

  In this episode of 'Disaster Strikes,' host Julie Henningsin dives into the haunting story of Randy Morganson, a legendary backcountry ranger who vanished without a trace in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1996. This episode explores Randy's life, his profound connection to the wilderness, and the tragic series of events that led to his disappearance. Over nearly three decades, Randy was known for his extensive knowledge of the Sierra Nevada, his ability to find lost hikers, and his dedication to protecting the wilderness. Despite his experience, he fell victim to the very dangers he had spent his career rescuing others from. Through Randy's story, listeners are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the wilderness and the importance of respecting its power. The episode provides valuable lessons on wilderness safety and the psychological and physical demands faced by backcountry rangers. It concludes with a reflection on Randy's legacy and a call to learn from past mistakes to improve future survival. 00:00 Introduction to Disaster Strikes 00:51 The Story of Randy Morganson Begins 02:17 Randy's Background and Experience 05:06 The Sierra Nevada Wilderness 10:59 The Disappearance of Randy Morganson 12:09 The Search and Discovery 16:26 Lessons from Randy's Story 18:20 Other Notable Wilderness Disappearances 21:19 Conclusion and Legacy To see photos of Randy and for more information about the book The Last Season visit: https://www.ericblehm.com/books/the-last-season   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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• Dark Waters, Circling Death: The USS Indianapolis Disaster | E 158

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, hosts Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh delve into the harrowing survival story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, which sank in July 1945. The episode covers the catastrophic events leading up to and following the ship's sinking, where the crew faced extreme conditions, including dehydration, exposure, and shark attacks. The hosts discuss the psychological and physical trials endured by the survivors, the failures in communication that led to a delayed rescue, and the eventual exoneration of Captain Charles McVay. The story emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude, group cohesion, and hope in survival situations. Additionally, the episode touches on the broader implications of the disaster, including changes in naval procedures and the enduring legacy of the survivors. 00:00 Welcome to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Introduction to the USS Indianapolis Tragedy 02:22 Historical Context and Crew Background 11:25 The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis 15:57 Survival in the Open Ocean 19:35 The Ordeal of the Survivors 22:12 Communication Failures and Rescue Challenges 23:03 Critical Communication Failures 24:34 The Remarkable Rescue 29:58 The Controversial Court-Martial 34:48 Lessons in Survival 39:05 The Sullivan Brothers' Tragedy 43:58 Modern Reflections and Resources 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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• In the Jaws of Polar Bears: Surviving Arctic's Apex Predator | E 157

  In this episode of The Crux, Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen, delve into the terrifying encounters between humans and polar bears. The episode recounts the harrowing survival stories of individuals like Matt Dyer and Elijah Carner, who faced life-threatening polar bear attacks in remote Arctic regions. The hosts discuss the increasing frequency of such encounters due to climate change, which causes bears to move closer to human territories. They also explore the biology of polar bears, the environments where attacks typically occur, and the essential survival tactics and safety measures required when traveling in polar bear regions. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and the evolving strategies to ensure the safety of both humans and bears in an ever-changing Arctic landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:35 Polar Bear Encounters: A Growing Concern 02:07 Understanding Polar Bears and Their Habitat 08:13 Matt Dyer's Harrowing Survival Story 25:05 Elijah Carner's Close Call 29:09 A Tragic Incident in Wales, Alaska 29:49 First Fatal Polar Bear Attack in 30 Years 31:08 Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bear Behavior 31:42 Recent Polar Bear Attacks and Their Implications 32:47 Survival Factors in Polar Bear Attacks 38:15 Psychological Impact of Surviving a Polar Bear Attack 41:49 Notable Polar Bear Incidents 45:44 Practical Advice for Polar Bear Encounters 53:18 Community Efforts to Reduce Polar Bear Conflicts 54:52 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/ References Arctic Today. (2021, August 18). Polar bear attack survivor played dead to save his life. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-attack-survivor-played-dead-to-save-his-life-1.1389918 BBC News. (2020, August 28). Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard islands. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53945950 BBC News. (2023, January 20). Alaska polar bear attack: Mother and son killed while walking in Wales. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgq20qd59yyo Dyer, M. (2017, March 24). I survived a polar bear attack. Backpacker. https://www.backpacker.com/survival/surviving-animal-attacks/i-survived-a-polar-bear-attack/ Lester, K. (2014, July 28). A year after surviving polar bear attack, he is mellowed, undaunted, and ready to hike again. Portland Press Herald. https://www.pressherald.com/2014/07/28/a-year-after-surviving-polar-bear-attack-he-is-mellowed-undaunted-and-ready-to-hike-again/ Hopper, T. (2021, August 18). Nunavut man who survived polar bear attack recounts experience. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/polar-bear-attack-survivor-1.6142932 Hymas, D. (2015, January). The man who survived a polar bear attack. Sierra. https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-1-january-february/feature/man-who-survived-polar-bear-attack Pappas, S. (2023, January 18). Polar bear attacks and kills woman and boy in remote Alaska village. Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/polar-bear-attack-alaska Polar Bears International. (n.d.). Polar bear attacks: Causes & prevention. https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention Slisco, A. (2014, July 26). Maine man survives polar bear attack. WMTW. https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-man-survives-polar-bear-attack/1996996 Welz, A. (2017, July 12). Polar bear attacks on people set to rise as climate changes. New Scientist. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2140701-polar-bear-attacks-on-people-set-to-rise-as-climate-changes/ Wikipedia. (n.d.). Polar bear. Retrieved April 12, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polar_bear

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