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September 8, 2025 55 mins

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! thecruxsurvival@gmail.com

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecruxpodcast/

Get schooled by Julie in outdoor wilderness medicine! https://www.headwatersfieldmedicine.com/


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