Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

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-tested management strategies. Whether you’re training for an ultramarathon or simply love the backcountry, this discussion offers practical tools to keep your lungs open and your adventures safe.

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 sudden cardiac arrest. We explore what causes HOCM, the warning signs you should never ignore, questions you can ask to help identify it, and the treatments that can help people live long, healthy lives. Whether you’re a medical professional, a patient, or someone with a family history of heart disease, this conversation will help shed light on one of the most important—and often overlooked—cardiac conditions.

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 or a downhill racer, this conversation will give you the knowledge you need to ride with more confidence and understand what makes today’s helmets smarter, safer, and stronger.

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 walks to boost concentration in daily life.

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 not just cope with diabetes, but thrive with it. This inspiring conversation is a testament to perseverance, adaptation, and finding strength in the face of chronic illness.

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 Encephalopathy (CTE) and Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome (TES), highlighting what current science reveals about protecting brain health. This is an essential conversation for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, coaches, and anyone invested in safety and performance.

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. Vidlock unpacks the physical feats, hidden dangers, and recovery strategies that define performance at the edge of human capability.

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 make a life-saving difference. Whether you hike, camp, or live in snake-prone areas, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to protect your dog from this dangerous hazard.