Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

In this episode, Dr. Richard Ingebretsen explores women’s health challenges in the backcountry, focusing on common conditions that can arise far from definitive medical care. We discuss menstrual-related conditions—including dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), mittelschmerz (ovulation pain), urinary track infections and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)—with an emphasis on recognition, prevention, and field-appropriate management.

This podcast is designed for those who are not as familiar with these issues and help them understand how to keep others stay safe, comfortable, and resilient while traveling in the wilderness.

Dr. Keely Coxon discusses a critical but under-discussed topic in acute care: blood glucose management in the hypothermic patient. In this episode, Dr. Coxon examines how hypothermia affects glucose metabolism and challenges conventional treatment protocols. Are the guidelines we rely on truly appropriate for patients in the cold? Dr. Coxon breaks down current protocols, highlights where they may fall short, and offers evidence-based insights and practical strategies to improve patient outcomes. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to rethink and refine your approach when temperature and glucose regulation collide. 

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, metabolism, and immune response—are suddenly asked to work harder. For some people, that challenge is barely noticeable. For others, especially those living with chronic medical conditions, altitude can quietly turn a manageable illness into a serious problem.

In this episode, Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores how high altitude can exacerbate a wide range of medical conditions—from common issues like high blood pressure to more complex diseases such as autoimmune disorders, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We’ll break down what actually happens inside the body at elevation, why certain conditions are more vulnerable to hypoxia, dehydration, and cold stress, and how symptoms can present differently in the mountains than they do at sea level.

Whether you’re traveling to altitude, working in the backcountry, or caring for someone with a chronic medical condition, this episode will help you understand the risks, recognize early warning signs, and make informed decisions before small problems become emergencies.

This episodes looks into the often-overlooked medical issues that can strike men far from help. We break down the signs, symptoms, and field-management strategies for three critical conditions: inguinal hernias, testicular torsion, and epididymitis.   This podcast helps listeners understand how these problems develop, what they feel like, how to recognize red flags, and what immediate steps to take when medical care is hours—or days—away. From preventing strain-related hernias during long portages to identifying torsion early enough to save a testicle, the episode blends practical wilderness medicine guidance with real-world advice for staying safe and capable in remote environments. So, whether you’re a guide, a solo trekker, or someone preparing for your first multi-day adventure, this episode gives you the knowledge to protect yourself and your team when men’s health issues arise in the wild.

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 healthier relationship with both physical and emotional pain. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from injury, or simply looking to better understand the mind–body connection, this episode offers empowering insights that can help you move through pain—not with fear, but with purpose.

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 essentials, wilderness first aid, wildlife awareness, and how to keep both you and your dog comfortable and protected miles from the trailhead. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or preparing for your first overnight with your pup, this helps you build safer, smarter, and more joyful adventures together.

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—dehydration, exhaustion, heat, stimulants, and altitude—can increase the risk. She breaks down the signs and symptoms you might see in yourself or a companion, from rapid heart rate to anxiety, dizziness, and chest discomfort.

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 controversy. Does using exoskeletons in nature challenge the spirit of self-reliance that defines wilderness travel? Could technology erode the purity of the backcountry experience—or make it more inclusive than ever before? This episode reveals the opportunities and dilemmas of merging machine precision with human adventure.

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 in undercooked meals, we uncover where these parasites live, how they infect humans, and what symptoms to watch for after a trip abroad. You’ll learn how to recognize the warning signs, how to diagnose worm infections, and how modern treatments like albendazole work to clear them from the body. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia or a trek across South America, this episode will help you stay safe, informed, and worm-free on your next adventure.

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, land snorkeling reveals a universe at ground level. We’ll talk about how the practice began, and why slowing down to look closer can change the way you see the world.