Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

In this insightful podcast, Matthew Guthrie explores a transformative way to understand and manage pain—by shifting our mindset from seeing pain as a threat to viewing it as a challenge. Listeners will learn how threat-based thinking amplifies discomfort, fear, and suffering, while a challenge-based mindset promotes resilience, confidence, and improved function. Matthew guides listeners toward a h...

This podcast is your guide to exploring the wild with your four-legged adventure partner. We delve into everything you need to know about taking dogs trekking and hiking in the backcountry—from choosing the best breeds for rugged terrain to understanding the physical and behavioral traits that make a dog trail-ready. Each episode covers practical safety tips, conditioning strategies, gear essentia...

Welcome to today’s episode, hosted by wilderness medicine expert Dr. Kathy Vidlock. In this episode, Dr. Vidlock walks us through a real case from the backcountry—a hiker who developed supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, away from definitive medical care. Dr. Vidlock explains what SVT is, why it can strike suddenly even in otherwise healthy individuals, and how the stressors of the wilderness—de...

This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. This podcast explores what it takes to keep firefighters safe on the line, from treating tree strike injuries, heat illnesses, to navigating remote evacuation challenges and limited resources. Listeners will hear how Medics and EMTs prepare and train f...

This podcast dives deep into the rise of exoskeletons in the backcountry—wearable robotic systems designed to help hikers, rescue teams, and explorers move farther, faster, and safer in rugged terrain.  Exoskeletons can transform wilderness travel by reducing fatigue, protecting joints, and opening the outdoors to those once limited by injury, age, or physical strain. But with innovation comes con...

Every year, thousands of hikers, trekkers, and adventure travelers return from their journeys with more than just memories — sometimes, they bring home unwanted hitchhikers: parasitic worms. In this eye-opening episode, we dig into the fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) world of travel-related worm infections. From hookworms that burrow through bare feet on tropical beaches to tapeworms hiding...

Ever wonder what wonders exist beneath your hiking boots? In this episode, we trade panoramic mountain views for the hidden landscapes of moss, soil, and leaf litter. Land snorkeling is a quiet, curious way to explore the outdoors — no fins, no water, just your eyes, patience, and a sense of wonder. From tiny insects navigating a single blade of grass to the dazzling architecture of lichen forests...

Hosted by Dr. Kathy Vidlock, Under Pressure explores the moments when the human body and the wild collide. From fractures deep in the backcountry to life-threatening compartment syndromes far from help, Dr. Vidlock breaks down real cases, the science behind the swelling, and what every rescuer or adventurer should know when seconds—and pressure—matter most.

Where there’s fire, there’s risk—and where there’s risk, there’s medicine. This podcast tells the untold stories of those who bring medical expertise to the edge of the wilderness fireline. Firefighter Luke Werner, from the US Forest service, talks about the many hazards, how risk is mitigated, and what happens when things go wrong.

Imagine pushing up a mountain trail or gliding across fresh snow, only to feel your chest tighten and your breath slip away. This episode by Jenson Rawlings  explores exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in the outdoors, including why cold air, altitude, and intense effort can trigger narrowed airways, and how adventurers can recognize the signs. We’ll unpack  the science, talk through field-teste...

In this podcast, we look into a condition that’s often hidden, yet can have life-changing—and even life-threatening—effects: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. This genetic heart disease causes the walls of the heart, especially the septum, to thicken abnormally, making it harder for blood to flow and putting patients at risk for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, and even s...

Mountain biking is full of thrills—and spills. In this episode, we dive into the latest innovations in helmet protection that are changing the way riders stay safe on the trail. From advanced impact-absorbing materials to rotational force reduction systems like MIPS and beyond, we’ll explore how cutting-edge technology is helping protect brains from serious injury. Whether you’re a weekend rider o...

This episode explores how walking through natural environments can restore and sharpen our attention span. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, we’ll discuss why time in green spaces helps the brain recover from fatigue, improves focus, and enhances problem-solving skills. Listeners will gain insight into the science behind “attention restoration” and practical ways to use nature wa...

In this episode, student Clay Hicke shares his personal journey of living with type 1 diabetes while pursuing his passion for the outdoors. Clay opens up about the challenges he has faced in managing his condition, from daily struggles to wilderness adventures, and how those trials shaped his resilience. Through honesty and insight, he reveals the strategies, mindset, and support that helped him n...

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the hidden dangers of concussions in outdoor adventures and sports. Listeners will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of head injuries, understand best practices for immediate treatment, and discover strategies for prevention. Dr. Vidlock also dives into the long-term consequences of repeated head trauma, including Chronic Traumatic Encephalop...

Join Dr. Kathy Vidlock as she takes you deep inside the human body to explore the remarkable—and sometimes perilous—physiology of endurance sports. From ultra-marathons to long-distance triathlons, discover how the heart, lungs, muscles, and metabolism adapt under extreme stress, and what happens when the limits are pushed too far. Through real-world athlete stories and cutting-edge science, Dr. V...

In this episode, we explore the serious threat snakebites pose to dogs and what every owner should know to keep their canine companion safe. We’ll cover effective avoidance techniques to reduce the risk of encounters, how to spot the early signs your dog has been bitten, and the latest on a potentially effective snakebite vaccine. You’ll also learn essential first-aid and treatment steps that can...

This podcast that inspires kids to trade screen time for green time—one book at a time. Each episode highlights engaging, adventure-filled books that spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage outdoor exploration. Whether it’s tales of forest hikes, backyard discoveries, or wilderness quests, we help parents, teachers, and young readers find stories that motivate real-world adventures....

In this episode, we look into the unsettling truth behind some of the most breathtaking wilderness lakes. Though they may appear crystal clear and untouched, many are harboring dangerous intestinal bacteria like E. coli and Entercocci. We explore how these pathogens end up in seemingly pristine waters, the risks they pose to hikers, and what can be done to detect, prevent, and treat waterborne ill...

In “Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome,” we follow the personal journey of Sailor Brukard as she tnavigats the challenges of alpha-gal syndrome — a serious allergic condition triggered by a tick bite that causes a reaction to mammalian meat and products. From the shock of diagnosis to the daily realities of label-reading, restaurant stress, and lifestyle changes, this podcast expl...

You’re deep in the backcountry, on a multi-day backpacking trip, when the air thickens, the sky darkens, and smoke suddenly fills the air.  What started as a peaceful trek has turned into a race against time. In  “Smoke on the Trail,” we listen to Dar Kreimer tell her harrowing story of being forced to evacuate as a wildfire rapidly approached. We’ll explore how quickly conditions can change, the...

In this episode, Ajeyo De explores the evolving field of wilderness medicine and its critical role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations around the world. He creates a framework for delivering equitable care in environments where traditional systems fall short.  Join us as we examine how wilderness medicine isn’t just for adventurers—it’s a global necessity and there&apo...

Recent headlines report that British climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in record time after using xenon gas as part of their pre-acclimatization strategy. But what is xenon, and does it truly enhance performance at altitude? We dive into the science behind this noble gas, its effects on the body, and whether it could be a game-changer—or just hype—for mountaineers pushing the limits in...

In Trail Hydration: What to Drink and Why , we dive into the science and strategy behind staying properly hydrated during outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, trail running, or spending long days in the backcountry, knowing what to drink—and when—can make all the difference in performance, safety, and recovery. We explore the pros and cons of water, sports drinks, electrolyte mixes, and natu...

In this podcast, we unpack the hidden danger of wet snow avalanches—slow-moving but incredibly powerful slides that occur as spring temperatures rise. Learn how melting snow and rain transform stable slopes into deadly terrain, what science tells us about snowpack saturation, and why these avalanches are often underestimated. Whether you’re a backcountry skier, hiker, or mountain safety enthusiast...