Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)
Episodes
Fueling to the Extremes: Nutrition in extreme environments
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores how the human body responds when sport and movement take place in the most demanding environments on Earth—and why proper...
Backcountry Women’s Health
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Richard Ingebretsen explores women’s health challenges in the backcountry, focusing on common conditions that can arise far fro...
Frozen Numbers: Blood Glucose in the Cold Patient
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Keely Coxon discusses a critical but under-discussed topic in acute care: blood glucose management in the hypothermic patient. In this episod...
Thin Air Doesn’t Play Fair
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
High altitude changes the rules of the game for the human body. As oxygen levels drop, systems we usually take for granted—our heart, lungs, metabol...
Tackling Male Medical Emergencies on the Trail
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episodes looks into the often-overlooked medical issues that can strike men far from help. We break down the signs, symptoms, and field-managemen...
Pain: The Foundation Beneath Our Strength
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful podcast, Matthew Guthrie explores a transformative way to understand and manage pain—by shifting our mindset from seeing pain as ...
Trail-Ready Dogs
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Don’t be Tachy: Arrhythmia in the Wilderness
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
On the Burning Edge: The Medicine of Wildland Firefighting
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. ...
Exoskeletons in the Wilderness
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast dives deep into the rise of exoskeletons in the backcountry—wearable robotic systems designed to help hikers, rescue teams, and explore...
Creepy Crawlies: The Hidden Worms of the World’s Trails
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every year, thousands of hikers, trekkers, and adventure travelers return from their journeys with more than just memories — sometimes, they bring h...
The Art of Land Snorkeling
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wonder what wonders exist beneath your hiking boots? In this episode, we trade panoramic mountain views for the hidden landscapes of moss, soil, ...
Under Pressure - Treating compartment syndrome in the wilderness
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Heat, Smoke, and Survival: The Medicine of Wildland Fire
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
From Track to Trail: Managing Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ra...
When the Heart Walls Thicken - HCOM explained.
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we look into a condition that’s often hidden, yet can have life-changing—and even life-threatening—effects: hypertrophic obstru...
Brain Safe: The Next Gen of MTB Helmets
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
The Attention Walk
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how walking through natural environments can restore and sharpen our attention span. Drawing on research in psychology and neuro...
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in the Wilderness
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Concussions in Sports and Wilderness Activities
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the hidden dangers of concussions in outdoor adventures and sports. Listeners will learn how to recognize ...
Beyond Limits: The Extreme Physiology of Endurance Sports
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Dr. Kathy Vidlock as she takes you deep inside the human body to explore the remarkable—and sometimes perilous—physiology of endurance sports...
Snakes & Snouts: Protecting Dogs from Bites, Prevention to Treatment
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Wild Reads for Wild Kids
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast that inspires kids to trade screen time for green time—one book at a time. Each episode highlights engaging, adventure-filled books tha...
Wild Waters, Wild Risks
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look into the unsettling truth behind some of the most breathtaking wilderness lakes. Though they may appear crystal clear and unt...
Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In “Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome,” we follow the personal journey of Sailor Brukard as she tnavigats the challenges of alph...
Smoke on the Trail
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 st...
Unequal Grounds: Wilderness Medicine Across Cultures
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ajeyo De explores the evolving field of wilderness medicine and its critical role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of divers...
Breathing High: Can Xenon Gas Boost Climber Performance at Altitude?
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recent headlines report that British climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in record time after using xenon gas as part of their pre-acclimatiz...
Trail Hydration: What to Drink and Why
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Trail Hydration: What to Drink and Why, we dive into the science and strategy behind staying properly hydrated during outdoor adventures. Whether y...
Heavy, Wet, and Deadly: Understanding wet snow avalanches
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we unpack the hidden danger of wet snow avalanches—slow-moving but incredibly powerful slides that occur as spring temperatures ris...
Meltdown: Surviving Spring Snow Travel
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we explore the hidden hazards of hiking through spring and summer snow. As the mountains begin to thaw, trails once buried in winter s...
Health in Every Step: Rucking
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strap on your pack and join us for Health in Every Step where we talk about the health benefits and potential pitfalls of rucking in the wilderness. ...
Enhancement or Harm? The Medical Truth About Performance Drugs
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to “Enhancement or Harm?” where we look into the world of performance-enhancing drugs, We’ll explore the medical science behind these ...
Hearts in the Wild
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, we look into the real-life challenges of recognizing and managing heart emergencies in remote environments. Out here, symptoms don’...
Mineral vs. Chemical: The Sunscreen Showdow
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we break down the key differences between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens—what they are, how they work, and which one mi...
Reef Safe: How Sunscreen Choices Impact Coral Health
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of the water and explore how sunscreen can have devastating effects on coral reefs. Scientists have disco...
Parasites in Paradise
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think that warm weather is all sunshine and serenity? Think again. Parasites in Paradise looks into the unseen world of warm-weather pathogens lurking...
The Viral Truth: Measles, Myths & Medicine
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Matt Gunderson breaks down everything you need to know about measles—from how it spreads to the unmistakable symptoms that sign...
Flying to New Heights: The Medicine of Ski Jumping
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we jump into the incredible journey of Anna Hoffmann, who clipped into her first skis at just 2 years oldand never looked back. From ...
Sugar, Sweat, and Survival: Type 1 Diabetes in the Wild
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, guest host Liv Sosnoski looks at the essentials of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the wilderness setting. From understanding the autoimm...
The Wild Swim: The Medicine of Wild Swimming
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wild Swim is the story of wild swimming. Explore the meidcine, science, and soul of swimming in open water—from serene lakes and secret rivers to ...
Where There is Fire There is Smoke
05 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is a podcast about the growing impact of wildfire smoke on the places we go to escape in the wilderness. As wildfires grow more frequent and inte...
Strained & Sprained – A podcast on tendon health, injuries, and treatments.
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete, or just love staying active outdoors, Strained & Sprained is your go-to podcast for everything related to te...
Under the Skin: The Lone Star Tick Exposed
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Liv Sosnoski, Andrew Long, Mack Strobel, and Chandler Morel, medical students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center ...
Hormones in Motion
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Hormones in Motion” is a podcast dedicated to exploring how outdoor exercise can support those with hormone disorders like diabetes, thyroid cond...
Cold Front: The Science of Frostbite Treatment
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to “Cold Front,” the podcast dedicated to the science of frostbite treatment. This show delves into the latest research and best practices...
Sole Support: The Insole Podcast
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Sole Support, the ultimate podcast for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their feet happy on the trail! Join ...
Wild Hearts: Wilderness and the Cardiovascular Journey
24 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when the call of the wild meets the challenges of heart disease? Wild Hearts explores the intersection of wilderness adventure, chronic c...
The Power of Turning Back: When Quitting Leads to Success
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sarah Atwill Petelinsek sits down with Beverly Albert, an endurance athlete who attempted the Wasatch 100, one of the most grueling 1...
Wild Vitals: Assessing Vital Signs in the Wilderness
15 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Wild Vitals, we explore the essential skills needed to assess and monitor vital signs in the backcountry—where quick thinking can make all the di...
Settle Down: The Science of Flocculation
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Settle Down, the podcast where we dive deep into the science and impact of flocculation in water treatment. This podcast unpacks how floccu...
Coastal Rush - The New Sport of Coasteering
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of coasteering with Coastal Rush, the podcast that takes you along rugged shorelines, crashing waves, and daring...
Wild Resilience
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the power of nature and the human spirit in Wild Resilience, a podcast dedicated to adventurers navigating life with autoimmune diseases. Join...
Prevent Dementia - Take a Hike!
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the powerful connection between hiking and brain health. This podcast dives into how hiking can reduce the risk of dementia, and improve menta...
Dehydration: The Brain
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the fascinating intersection of brain health, dehydration, and wilderness medicine. Learn how dehydration impacts cognit...
Norovirus: The Outbreak Outdoors
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It is found everywhere, and is plaguing camping trips and people who travel. Delve into the world of norovirus with our podcast, uncovering the scienc...
Walking on Water: Broomball and Boot Hockey
11 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From icy rinks to intense scrimmages, this podcast dives into the unique world of broomball and boot hockey. Explore the culture of these winter sport...
Thriving, Not Surviving: Tackling RED-S
04 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unpacking RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), this podcast explores the science, stories, and solutions behind energy imbalance in athletes. ...
Danger in the Water: Leptospirosis
28 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is more common than you think. Listen as we unravel the mysteries of leptospirosis. In this podcast, we dive into the science surrounding this zo...
Malaria Breakthrough: A Vaccine for Hope
21 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on this episode as we dive into the groundbreaking advancements in the fight against malaria. Discover the science, and global impact of a pro...
Struggling to Breathe: The SIPE Phenomenon
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the hidden dangers of Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a condition affecting swimmers, divers, and triathletes. Listen as Dr. Kath...
Backcountry Rx: Essential Antibiotics for Your First Aid Kit
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Planning a backcountry adventure? This episode covers the must-have antibiotics for your first aid kit, when and how to use them, and tips for treatin...
Danger in the Water: Eyes on Acanthamoeba
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Explore the hidden dangers of Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that can attach to contact lenses, causing severe eye infections like keratitis and...
Paws on the Trail: Hiking Safely with Your Dog
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Paws on the Trail is your wilderness medicine guide for keeping your dog safe and healthy while hiking. From trail prep and first-aid tips to navigati...
Bug Off: Protecting Your Pup from Insect Troubles
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we dive into practical advice to keep your furry friend safe from pesky insects. We cover the best prevention methods, natural remedies, an...
Breaking the Surface: Update on Drowning Treatment Guidelines
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stay informed with the latest updates on drowning treatment guidelines. This episode dives into the new standards of care, key statistics, and life-sa...
Gut Check: Ischemic Colitis in Outdoor Endurance Athletes
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into exercise-induced ischemic colitis—a lesser-known but impactful condition that affects some endurance athletes, includi...
Desert Dust: Understanding Valley Fever
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is on the rise in the desert. Valley Fever is a fungal infection found in desert soil. And while the desert is magnificent place to hike and re...
How Do You Know You Made a Good Decision?
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an engaging discussion on decision-making in high-stakes environments, blending insights from the wilderness and the clinic!In this talk, ...
Surprising Rash: Fruits with a Bite
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast that explores the unexpected secrets hidden in some of your favorite fruits and nuts. Join us as we dive into the surprising world of uru...
Danger in the Water: Scary Lake Powell
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lake Powell is the second largest reservoir in the USA and has been visited by millions of people. The National Park Service has reported that the s...
Hooked on Fishing - Common and Little Known Fishing Injuries
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For a fisher, it is almost a rite of passage that they get a hook in their skin. But there are a many other potential injuries in the great sport of...
Dangerous Dark Urine
12 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Urine will darken in color with dehydration, which is bad enough. But when it turns to a 'cola' color, watch out! This might indicate some...
Feeding Hope: Nutrition for Children in the Philippines
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
'Pagkain para aa bata' means 'food for children' in the language of the Filipinos. The lack of nourishing food and soil transmit...
The Zombie Fungus
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So many effective medicines have come from fungi. There is a new one that outdoor enthusiasts are using called the Zombie Fungus. It is actually c...
Goodbye to Benadryl - Hello to the New Antihistamines
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Long a mainstay for the treatment of allergic reactions, Benadryl's side effects may be too problematic for backcountry medical treatment. List...
Falling Risks: Camping Hazards Under Trees
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It is one of the least talked about subject in wilderness medicine. You think about it briefly when you camp under a tree with dead branches or one ...
Tularemia: The Science Behind the Infection
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Its symptoms depend on where it enters the body. Both animals and insects spread it. In this podcast. we explore the rare bacterial infection known ...
Rare but Real - Three Emerging Viruses
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three viruses you might have read about in the news, remind us that disease is spread to humans from insects. Don't be scared, just be safe alway...
Typhus - What You Need to Know
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a fever headache and chills after your wilderness adventure, you may have typhus. Thought to be rare, this set of diseases is making a c...
Chiggers - the Mysterious Tiny Biter
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast we explore the science behind chiggers, their life cycle, their diseases and where you find them. Listen and learn everything you need...
Bear Sprays - Spray and Survive
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They are made from red pepper oil and are great deterrents for bears and mountain lions. But other issues remain in their effective use. Listen and ...
Periodic Breathing at Altitude
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Adventures who go up to altitude can have a number or problems. One of these is an odd breathing pattern when trying to sleep. it is called period...
Wilderness as Medicine: Smells and Dementia
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all love to 'smell' the outside. But what role does it play in our health. Research is starting to look at this. And surprising res...
Into the Slot: The Medicine of Canyoneering
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While an incredible outdoor experience, few people know how to make it happen. Listen to this podcast as Matt McKinnon tells us how we can safely ...
Is Water the Solution?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deaths from hyperthermia are on the rise. Water is simply essential in the metabolism of our body. But is it the solution to prevent hyperthermia? T...
Danger in the Water: Flesh Eating Bacteria
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It sounds like the premise of a creepy movie, but this one is real. It is Vibrio vulnificus. It is found in warm salty water where people like to sw...
Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready for the remote jungle? Dehydration and nutrition are essential for a successful expedition. And get ready for a whole host of new dise...
Periods in the Wilderness
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here is an open discussion about menstrual periods in the wilderness. Listen as Holly Davis and Freya Sutcliffe from Cambridge University in the U.K d...
Penguin Tales: Antarctic Expedition Medicine
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Not all medicine is practiced in a clinic - sometimes it is on rough waters where the penguins live. Expedition medicine is austere medicine and wil...
The Heart at Altitude
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We all worry about HAPE and HACE when we go up on the mountain. Little attention is placed on the heart. But new studies give us data and create c...
The Trifecta of Outdoor Eye Disease
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One is painful, one is noticeable, one will cause blindness. These three eye diseases happen, in part, because we go outdoors in the sun. Listen a...
The West Nile Virus
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was isolated in Uganda in the 1930's, then quickly spread around Africa. It found its way to the USA in 1999. It is on the rise and it i...
Trekking Poles - Ski Poles for Hiking
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Trekking poles are basically ‘ski poles’ that are specifically designed for use whilehiking. Science gives some important data into the value of u...
Danger in the Water: Cyanobacteria - Blue Green Algae
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people who go outdoors have heard of this. Most people don't know much about it. It can change the color of the water, making it easy to...
Leg Cramps - The Debilitating Mysterious Leg pain
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
They happen to almost everyone. You are hiking on a beautiful trail, maybe up a steep hill, all is going well. Then all of a sudden, it hits. A mu...
Electrifying Insights: An Update on Lightning
01 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More people are being injured by lightning as they go outside to places and at times where lighting is present. This podcast will spark your curio...
Drowning - An Important Update
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Deaths from drowning incidents are increasing for the first time in 20 years. What is drowning? What causes injury, how do you treat someone? ...
Zika Virus - the Silent Disease that Causes Birth Defects
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It was first isolated in the forests of Africa but now Zika Virus is found in many places of the world. This disease does not cause serious symptoms...
Cryptosporidium - the Ruiner of Your Backcountry Trip
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Most people call it Crypto, and most people will have only mild diarrhea. But don't be mistaken, not only can it ruin a trip, it is very contag...