The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the second of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn dives into the world of emergency response coordination with DJ Walker, a seasoned rescue captain out of Austin, Texas. Walker shares his experiences managing the Joint Air Ground Coordination Team, offering a rare inside...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast—the first of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025—host Jason Quinn sits down with Mark Moody, a Lieutenant with the San Antonio Fire Department and Squad Leader for Texas Task Force One. Recording from his home in the heart of Texas, Moody shares powerful firsthand experiences—from his very fi...

In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, recorded in-person at European Rotors in Cologne, Germany, host Jason Quinn sits down with Dave Weber, owner of the Mountain Rescue Collective, National Park Service Climbing Ranger, Flight Paramedic and Keynote Speaker for a powerful discussion on the art of “striving for failure.” Together, they explore how pushing boundaries and embracing setba...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with members of the rescue team from Utah Department of Public Safety, Luke Bowman, Alan Smith and Nick Napierki, to recount a challenging cliff rescue mission that tested their training, teamwork, and communication under pressure. The crew shares their firsthand experiences from the initial plan and coordination to the execution...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Luke Bowman, Chief Pilot for the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), to explore the thrilling and demanding world of helicopter search and rescue operations throughout Utah. From adrenaline-charged missions in Utah’s rugged backcountry to heartfelt stories of survival and teamwork, Bowman shares his journey from small-to...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn talks with Will Coble reflects on his time as a lifeguard, sharing memorable rescues, lessons learned, and the profound impact of his time on the beach. Coble dives into both the serious and rewarding sides of lifeguarding, discussing the importance of training, vigilance, and safety awareness in saving lives. Through his stories, he highl...

In this ALERT episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Cory VanBuskirk, Artak Arakelian, and Nick Demogines, leaders from Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch to deliver an important industry update for all Onboard Systems users. They address the challenges inherited from Collins/Goodrich and outline the solutions and improvements currently being implemented to fix them. The di...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Brendan Sloan, a British cave rescue medical officer, about his remarkable experiences in one of the most unique and challenging rescue environments. Sloan provides an inside look at the volunteer structure of cave rescue teams in the UK, the medical responsibilities that come with the role, and the extensive training required...

In February 1983, tragedy struck in the North Atlantic when the bulk carrier SS Marine Electric rolled over, claiming thirty-one lives. Helicopters arrived but could only watch as exhausted sailors slipped away, unable to climb into rescue baskets. Out of that loss came a promise: the Coast Guard would never again stand by when survivors couldn’t save themselves. That promise gave birth to the Hel...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Nate Christensen, Captain of the Tremonton Fire Department and 1st Captain of the Box Elder County Search and Rescue Team.  Known for his extraordinary achievements despite working with two artificial legs, Christensen’s story is one of resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering leadership in the face of adversity. His detailed r...

In this engaging episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Darell “Top Fin” Gelakoska, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #281, whose remarkable career is now captured in the memoir TOP FIN: Tales of Courage and Chaos from a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer written by fellow Rescue Swimmer #122, George Cavallo. Together, we explore Gelakoska’s journey through the Coast Guard...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Javier Lozano, from Avincis, decorated Spanish Air Force pilot and commander of Valencia’s maritime rescue helicopter unit. Lozano and his crew earned the Vertical Valor Blades of Valor recognition for their involvement with the Valencia floods. A night rescue carried out in poor weather conditions and an urban environment w...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn records in person with Kurt Revels, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #243. Revels takes us through his journey from the grueling days of Rescue Swimmer School to the intensity of real-world missions across multiple duty stations, including Chicago-Illinois, Mobile-Alabama, Kodiak-Alaska and Traverse City-Michigan. He shares stories...

In this gripping episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with the crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater to recount an unforgettable two-week deployment out of Great Inagua, Bahamas—a mission set that tested their skills, resourcefulness, and endurance. Within just 17 hours, the crew rescued eight lives across two separate cases, ultimately saving nine lives in total dur...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Moose Mutlow, lead trainer for the Yosemite Search and Rescue team and author of two books. Mutlow takes us through his incredible journey — from the Lake District in England to rescue missions around the world — sharing decades of wisdom earned in some of the toughest environments. He reflects on the importance of resilienc...

In this Spotlight episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn visits Switlik Survival Products’ headquarters in Trenton, NJ for an on-site interview with Sarah Switlik, fourth-generation president, and Paul Arnold, Director of Commercial Sales. Together, they explore Switlik’s remarkable 105-year legacy, rooted in the vision of Stanley Switlik, a Ukrainian immigrant who pioneered aviation s...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by members of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team as they recount a harrowing mission to save a missing girl who had fallen into a canyon. The team walks us through the preparation, execution, and challenges of the rescue, offering a firsthand look at the complexities of working in such extreme terrain. From...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Jeff Love from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office search-and-rescue team. Love shares his extensive experience in Arizona search-and-rescue, from his first missions to today’s more complex operations. He emphasizes the critical role of teamwork, medical training, and tracking skills, in saving lives – while recounting gripping c...

In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn is joined by William Boudreau and Kevin Bronson from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Recorded live at their Keene, NH office, the episode dives into how both Boudreau and Bronson earned their place among the state’s elite Search and Rescue professionals. We get a first-hand look at the tools, training, and responsibilities that make Ne...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Brendan O'Neill, a dedicated drone officer for Mountain Rescue England and Wales. O’Neill shares his journey into the world of search and rescue and the pivotal role drone technology now plays in modern operations. From locating missing persons to supporting flood and fire responses, he details how drones have become an es...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #98, Dan Lenihan. Lenihan takes us through his incredible journey from his beginnings in the Navy to becoming one of the Coast Guard’s elite Rescue Swimmers. He shares stories from his time serving in Humboldt Bay, CA; Elizabeth City, NC; and Kodiak, AK, highlighting the intensity of tr...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Darrell Detty, a pilot and hoist operator who recently retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Detty shares his inspiring journey from a young boy fascinated by aviation to becoming a seasoned pilot and hoist operator. He reflects on pivotal moments in his life, including his military service, the mentors...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with U.S. Coast Guard pilot Ryan Vandehei about his path into aviation and the realities of life behind the controls. Ryan recounts his journey into the Coast Guard and shares insights from his very first rescue mission, highlighting how preparation, training, and lessons learned through mistakes helped shape his career. The two div...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Matt Nightingale, a volunteer search and rescue dog handler from the UK. Matt shares his inspiring journey from being a physics teacher to dedicating his time to volunteer search and rescue work. At the heart of his story is Morag—a once-troubled stray border collie who transformed into a fully qualified search dog. He recounts...

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast , host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #305, Jeff Danner. From his early days growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, to navigating the challenges of Coast Guard boot camp and rescue swimmer school, Jeff shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He recounts his intense first rescue mission involving a capsized tugboa...