The Birth of The Crux: From Random Idea to True Survival Stories.

Everyone loves a good origin story. This is ours.

The Spark

The Crux: True Survival Stories didn't begin with a grand vision or a perfectly crafted business plan. It started the way many passion projects do—as a random thought that popped into my (Kaycee's) head one day in 2021.

I had zero experience in recording, storytelling, or podcast production. None. Zilch. But I was an avid podcast listener myself. I loved how podcasts, especially story-based ones, provided the perfect escape while doing mindless tasks - a way to engage my mind during commutes, chores, or workouts. There's something magical about being transported by a great story, and I felt driven to contribute to this medium. The idea of creating a show about survival stories—real stories that showcase human resilience in the face of impossible circumstances—just wouldn't leave me alone.

What I lacked in experience, I made up for in stubborn determination. I started researching recording equipment (which, looking back, probably took way more time than necessary for a beginner setup). I downloaded GarageBand, stared at the interface, and thought, "Well, this looks...complicated."

The Fumbling Phase

My sister Tessa joined as my first co-host, and together we dove into the unknown. We were truly the blind leading the blind. We'd record, then realize we had the microphone settings wrong. We'd edit for hours, only to discover we'd been working with the wrong file formats the entire time.

Our first episode? It took over 30 hours to edit. THIRTY. HOURS. All because I misunderstood how the recording device files worked and was fumbling through GarageBand tutorials at 2 AM. But despite the frustration, there was something magical about finally hitting that "publish" button and realizing that with one click, anyone in the world could listen to our little project.

The Hiatus

Eventually, after we found our footing and published several episodes, Tessa decided to step away from the podcast. I don't blame her—it was a lot of work for what was essentially a hobby. But without a co-host, I felt adrift. The podcast went on the back burner for a full year.

Then, something unexpected happened. I checked our download stats and discovered people were still listening—even though we hadn't published anything new in months. That was the moment I knew I had to resurrect The Crux.

Finding the Perfect Co-Host

I needed someone reliable, consistent, and most importantly, someone I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The answer came to me quickly: Julie Henningsen.

Julie and I met in PA school years ago in Montana, and we've been friends ever since. As a physician assistant working in mental health, she brings a unique perspective to our stories. But what really made her perfect for The Crux is her background in wilderness medicine.

Julie owns a wilderness medicine training company partnered with the National Outdoor Leadership School, offering Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid training courses throughout Montana. Before becoming a PA, she worked as an outdoor guide and program director for university outdoor pursuits programs. This woman knows her stuff when it comes to survival in the wild.

Getting her to join required some arm-twisting, possibly some bribing, and definitely some begging. But eventually, she agreed, and our collaboration has proven to be the perfect match.

Our Montana Roots

Both Julie and I have deep connections to Montana. I'm a fifth-generation Montanan whose great-grandmother arrived in a covered wagon from Saskatoon and started a cherry orchard by Flathead Lake. Julie has lived in Montana for nearly 20 years, working in Big Sky, Billings, White Hall, and Bozeman.

We both love the outdoors—Julie is an avid skier, hiker, and river enthusiast who takes her kids camping and backpacking throughout Montana's wilderness. As for me, I'm raising three boys in northwest Montana, where outdoor adventure is just part of daily life.

Why Survival Stories?

So why did I choose survival stories as our podcast focus? There's something universally compelling about people who face death and somehow find a way through. These stories grip you, excite you, and leave you in awe of human resilience.

But beyond the entertainment factor, survival stories offer something valuable: lessons that could one day save a life. When someone listens to our podcast and picks up an idea or technique that sticks in their memory, they're better prepared should they ever face their own survival situation.

As two medical professionals with wilderness experience, Julie and I bring both clinical knowledge and practical outdoor skills to our storytelling. We're not just narrating events—we're analyzing the pivotal moments, the "crux" of each story, where decisions and actions determined survival or death.

Looking Forward

Every Monday, we bring you a new true survival story. From snowmobile accidents in sub-zero temperatures to being lost at sea, from wilderness ordeals to urban disasters, we explore the full spectrum of survival scenarios.

We're still learning and growing with each episode. The editing doesn't take 30 hours anymore (thank goodness), but we continue to refine our approach and storytelling techniques. The Crux has evolved from a random idea into a labor of love that we hope informs, entertains, and maybe even saves lives.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering us, we're glad you're here. Because in the end, these aren't just survival stories—they're reminders of what humans are capable of when pushed to their limits.

And that's something worth sharing.

Tune in every Monday for captivating true survival stories that entertain and educate. Available wherever you get your podcasts.