The CRUX: True Survival Stories

• Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor 01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing 12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains 16:42 Surviving the Descent 28:56 Reflecting on the Experience Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  --------  

  36:07

  --------

  36:07
• The Ultimate Survival Story: Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:30 Norman Olstad Jr.: The Sole Survivor 01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing 12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains 16:42 Surviving the Descent 28:56 Reflecting on the Experience 35:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement References Ollestad, Norman. Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival. Ecco, 2009. ABC News Nightline interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 3, 2009. CNN interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 30, 2009. Los Angeles Times interviews and reporting, 1979 and 2009. Ollestad, Norman. Gravity (Kindle Single). Amazon Digital Services, 2015. Wikipedia entry: "Norman Ollestad" - biographical information and crash details. Time Magazine review and coverage of Crazy for the Storm, June 22, 2009. San Gabriel Mountains geological and geographical information from Wikipedia and Britannica. Ontario Peak details from PeakVisor and hiking resources. Contemporary newspaper reports from February 1979 crash coverage. Vanderbilt Television News Archive footage from crash coverage. Starmythworld.com analysis of the crash anniversary, February 18, 2019. Various book reviews and literary criticism from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and major newspapers. Author interviews from Men's Journal, Outside Magazine, and other publications. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  --------  

  36:07

  --------

  36:07
• The Ultimate Survival Story: Norman Ollestad Jr.'s Miraculous Escape from the San Gabriel Mountains | E183

  In this episode of the Crux True Survival Story Podcast, medical professionals Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen delve into the extraordinary story of 11-year-old Norman Ollestad, Jr., the sole survivor of a 1979 plane crash in the San Gabriel Mountains. Despite his young age, Norman's extensive training in extreme sports, imparted by his adventurous father, equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate down an 8,600-foot mountain during a blizzard. The hosts recount how Norman's upbringing, filled with surfing and skiing challenges, prepared him for this life-threatening ordeal, highlighting the profound impact of his father's unconventional parenting. The episode not only explores the technical aspects of Norman's survival but also reflects on the psychological resilience and the enduring bond between a father and son.00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast00:30 Norman Ollestad Jr.: The Sole Survivor01:28 Norman's Unique Upbringing12:32 The Plane Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains16:42 Surviving the Descent28:56 Reflecting on the Experience35:21 Conclusion and Listener EngagementReferencesOllestad, Norman. Crazy for the Storm: A Memoir of Survival. Ecco, 2009.ABC News Nightline interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 3, 2009.CNN interview with Norman Ollestad Jr., June 30, 2009.Los Angeles Times interviews and reporting, 1979 and 2009.Ollestad, Norman. Gravity (Kindle Single). Amazon Digital Services, 2015.Wikipedia entry: "Norman Ollestad" - biographical information and crash details.Time Magazine review and coverage of Crazy for the Storm, June 22, 2009.San Gabriel Mountains geological and geographical information from Wikipedia and Britannica.Ontario Peak details from PeakVisor and hiking resources.Contemporary newspaper reports from February 1979 crash coverage.Vanderbilt Television News Archive footage from crash coverage.Starmythworld.com analysis of the crash anniversary, February 18, 2019.Various book reviews and literary criticism from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and major newspapers.Author interviews from Men's Journal, Outside Magazine, and other publications.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  --------  

  36:07

  --------

  36:07
• The Rescue Behind the Seven Teacups: Ryan Wardwell's Astonishing Survival | E182

  This episode of The Crux True Survival Story Podcast with Kaycee McIntosh and Julie Henningsen explores the harrowing tale of Ryan Wardwell, an experienced canyoneer who survived three days trapped in hypothermic conditions behind the Seven Teacups waterfall in California. The story delves into Ryan's ordeal, the geological and technical challenges of the canyon, the critical decisions made, and the incredible multi-agency rescue operation that saved his life. The episode also reflects on a similar tragic incident that happened a year prior, highlighting the unpredictable dangers of wilderness adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:30 Ryan Wardwell's Ordeal Begins 03:00 The Seven Teacups: A Dangerous Beauty 06:29 The Impact of Social Media on Outdoor Adventures 07:27 Understanding the Technical Challenges of Canyoneering 13:40 Ryan's Decision and the Consequences 16:56 The Struggle for Survival 20:48 The Physical and Psychological Toll 26:32 Factors Contributing to Ryan's Survival 27:21 Psychological Resilience in Survival Situations 28:49 The Critical Role of Calories and Hydration 30:51 Friends' Life-Saving Decision 32:44 The Search and Rescue Operation Begins 33:37 Challenges of Aerial Detection 34:37 The Agonizing Decision to Delay Rescue 35:40 The High-Stakes Rescue Mission 41:36 Medical Treatment and Recovery 44:42 The Psychological Aspect of Survival 45:45 A Tragic History at Seven Teacups 52:40 Lessons from the Wilderness 54:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  --------  

  55:15

  --------

  55:15
• Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Trailblazer | E181

  Listen AD FREE: Support our podcast at patreaon: http://patreon.com/TheCruxTrueSurvivalPodcast Email us! [email protected] Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/ Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/ Join Julie Henningsen and Kaycee McIntosh on The Crux True Survival Story Podcast as they delve into the extraordinary tale of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo hike the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail in 1955. At 67 years old and with minimal gear, Grandma Gatewood’s journey defied modern hiking conventions and highlighted her resilience stemming from decades of domestic abuse and personal adversity. Discover her remarkable determination and how her story has inspired generations of hikers and contributed to the trail's preservation. 00:00 Introduction to the Crux True Survival Story Podcast 00:31 Meet Grandma Gatewood: The Unstoppable Grandmother 02:15 Emma Gatewood's Early Life and Challenges 06:10 The Appalachian Trail: A New Adventure 06:35 Grandma Gatewood's First Attempt and Lessons Learned 08:05 The Successful Journey Begins 09:09 Challenges and Resourcefulness on the Trail 17:41 Media Attention and Recognition 22:47 Emma Gatewood's Legacy and Impact 31:24 Conclusion and Reflections References: Montgomery, Ben. Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Chicago Review Press, 2014. Primary biographical source with access to Emma's personal journals, family interviews, and historical documents Appalachian Mountain Club Library & Archives. Emma Gatewood Collection. Contains photographs and trail log entries from her hikes Appalachian Trail Conservancy Archives. Emma Gatewood materials. Historical trail documentation and correspondence Sports Illustrated. Articles on Emma Gatewood's 1955 thru-hike. Contains direct quotes: "I thought it would be a nice lark. It wasn't" and "This is no trail. This is a nightmare" National Geographic Magazine. August 1949 issue. The original article about Earl Shaffer that inspired Emma's hike The Baltimore Sun. 1955. Coverage of the "jovial little grandmother" who conquered the Appalachian Trail Congressional Record. June 1956. U.S. Representative Thomas A. Jenkins of Ohio's entry about Gatewood's accomplishments The Today Show with Dave Garroway. 1955. Featured guest appearance after completing her hike Welcome Travelers. 1955. Quiz show appearance where she won $200 Appalachian Trail Conservancy. "Emma Gatewood." Official trail history documentation. https://www.appalachiantrail.org/ Appalachian Trail Museum. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania. Houses Emma's Converse sneakers and other artifacts Appalachian Mountain Club. "Grandma Gatewood: The First Woman to Solo Hike the Entire Appalachian Trail." March 2025. https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/history/grandma-gatewood-the-first-woman-to-solo-hike-the-entire-appalachian-trail/ Blue Ridge Country Magazine. "Emma Gatewood's Walk." April 29, 2025. https://blueridgecountry.com/newsstand/magazine/emma-gatewood%E2%80%99s-walk/ Adventure Journal. "Emma Gatewood Survived Domestic Abuse to Become an Appalachian Trail Legend." https://www.adventure-journal.com/2020/05/emma-gatewood-survived-domestic-abuse-to-become-an-appalachian-trail-legend/ Atlas Obscura. "The First Woman to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail Alone Did It as a 'Lark'." June 9, 2021. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/appalachian-trail-emma-gatewood Five Rivers MetroParks. "Grandma Gatewood, One of Ohio's Most Famous Hikers." March 22, 2024. https://www.metroparks.org/grandma-gatewood-one-of-ohios-most-famous-hikers/ Appalachian Trail Histories. "Emma Gatewood." https://appalachiantrailhistory.org/exhibits/show/hikers/gatewood Buckeye Trail Association. Emma Gatewood materials and trail documentation. Information about her role as founding member and trail builder "Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story." Emmy-nominated documentary. Features family interviews and historical recreation Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Burial records and grave marker documentation. Final resting place with marker reading "Emma R. Gatewood – Grandma" Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  --------  

  33:44

  --------

  33:44

More Society & Culture podcasts

Trending Society & Culture podcasts

About The CRUX: True Survival Stories