In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Shawn Sullivan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #351.

Sullivan talks through a remarkable career that spans some of the most demanding rescue environments in the world—from the Great Lakes to Alaska—and includes missions during the era of the Perfect Storm rescues. He recounts his first helicopter rescue, the emotional weight of high-stress operations, and the unpredictable nature of life-or-death missions at sea.

He explores the deep camaraderie within the rescue swimmer community, the evolution of rescue technology over the years, and the real-world challenges behind humanitarian and migrant rescues. Shawn shares personal stories that capture both the adrenaline and the gravity of the job—including shark encounters, difficult recoveries, and moments that left a lasting impact on him.

He also reflects on emergency preparedness, lessons learned from the field, and the transition to life after the Coast Guard, offering grounded advice for current and aspiring rescue swimmers. His perspective underscores the importance of teamwork, resilience, and always having a backup plan.

Enjoy.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Craig McCotter and Erica Zangwill to discuss their pivotal roles in the extraordinary civilian-led relief efforts following Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.

Together, they recount the formation and execution of what became the largest civilian air relief operation in history, as volunteer pilots from the Carolina Aviators Network (CAN) and United Carolina’s Cavalry (UCC) joined forces to deliver life-saving supplies to communities completely cut off by the storm.

Erica Zangwill, a commercial pilot and key leader within CAN, shares how a grassroots network of more than 8,000 pilots and aviation enthusiasts mobilized to provide critical aid—using their own aircraft to reach isolated towns when roads and infrastructure were destroyed. She recalls the urgency of these missions, including a deeply moving story about delivering insulin to a stranded church community in desperate need.

Dr. Craig McCotter, a cardiologist and helicopter pilot, offers an inside look at the logistical and emotional challenges of flying into disaster zones. He describes the long hours, dangerous conditions, and unwavering dedication of volunteers who transformed general aviation into a lifeline—landing on makeshift airstrips, coordinating with emergency responders, and ensuring vital supplies reached those who needed them most.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the power of community action and the resilience of ordinary people rising to extraordinary challenges. They discuss the ongoing need for organized volunteer networks, continued support for disaster relief efforts, and how listeners can play a role in future missions.

This episode is a testament to courage, compassion, and collaboration—showcasing how aviation, when united by purpose, can truly save lives. Enjoy!

Check out the film Air Angels: Flight Helene, produced by Just Do Good Entertainment. 

Help donate to the Carolina Aviators Network (CAN).

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Mick Kerry about his extensive career in Search and Rescue with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Mick shares firsthand insights from years of responding to emergencies, including the unique challenges of major flood events and the critical role of community support during times of crisis. He reflects on the bonds formed through rescue missions, where strangers often become personal connections through shared life-or-death experiences.

Among the many memorable rescues he recounts is a particularly unusual incident involving a shark, illustrating just how unpredictable SAR operations can be. Mick also emphasizes the value of teamwork, trust, and continuous learning in maintaining effectiveness in the field.

Beyond the technical side, he opens up about the emotional impact of rescue work, especially when family members are directly affected. His perspective offers a powerful reminder of both the professional dedication and the personal sacrifice that define search and rescue.

This episode is a compelling look at the courage, resilience, and humanity that lie at the heart of SAR operations in Australia. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Communications and Operations at Responder Alliance. A conversation on mental health in high-risk professions and the practical tools that help rescuers stay steady through stress, trauma, and the aftermath of difficult calls.

Drawing from her own search and rescue experience, McKee explains how cumulative stress can quietly build over time, and why proactive support matters just as much as operational training. Together, they break down the stress continuum as a simple framework for recognizing where you are mentally, and why awareness is the first step toward resilience.

They also discuss the power of peer support, the role Responder Alliance plays in providing training and support for rescuers, and the need for meaningful follow-up care—especially after missions that don’t end when the scene is cleared. McKee shares tools that can be used immediately in the field, including the “3-3-3” protocol for grounding and stress management, and offers insight on communicating with families in crisis while protecting your own mental well-being.

This episode is a reminder that strength isn’t white-knuckling it alone—it’s staying connected, knowing your tools, and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.

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In this powerful episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Dr. Tony Dice, a Counselor Educator & Doctoral-Level Clinician, Navy SEAL, Firefighter, Paramedic, Author and Recovering addict to share an unflinching story of service, struggle, and recovery.

Dr. Dice walks listeners through his extraordinary journey to becoming a firefighter and paramedic, serving as a Navy SEAL, and ultimately finding his calling as a counselor. Along the way, he opens up about the cumulative toll of trauma, the role alcohol and drugs played in his life, and how unaddressed pain slowly evolved into addiction.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of withdrawal, the fear and hope found in treatment, and the hard truth that recovery requires an all-in mindset. Dr. Dice introduces the concept of moral injury, discusses the importance of awareness in mental health, and explains how empathy—not judgment—became a cornerstone of both his healing and his work helping others.

Now on the other side of addiction, Dr. Dice reflects on the honor and responsibility of being present for people at their lowest moments. His story is a candid reminder that strength isn’t about enduring in silence—it’s about recognizing when to ask for help.

This episode is a raw, honest, and hopeful look at resilience, accountability, and recovery, and a message to anyone struggling that help is available and life on the other side is possible.

If you or someone you love is struggling, this conversation matters. Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined once again by Scott Ruskan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #1096.

Scott returns to break down his very first live hoist—a high-stakes medevac from an oil tanker at sea, a mission that earned him and his crew Coast Guard Commendation Medals. He walks listeners through the operation from start to finish, detailing the planning, execution, and precise coordination required to safely complete the rescue.

Throughout the conversation, Scott reflects on the critical importance of communication, preparation, and adaptability when operating in dynamic, high-pressure environments where there is little margin for error. His story offers an honest look at the moment when training meets reality—and the responsibility that comes with it.

Enjoy.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the seventh of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with Scott Ruskan, United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #1096.

Ruskan shares his remarkable journey from growing up in New Jersey to finding himself at the center of a catastrophic flood rescue operation that would test his training and resolve.

Ruskan walks us through the rigors of rescue swimmer training, the challenges that shaped him along the way, and the moment the call came on July 4th that would launch the first rescue missions of his career. One where he is credited for helping rescue 165 people from Camp Mystic. He reflects on the teamwork, leadership, and adaptability required to operate in extreme conditions, where rapidly changing environments and limited information forced critical decisions in real time.

He dives deep into the realities of the rescue itself—navigating chaotic airspace, making split-second decisions on the ground, and performing effective triage under pressure. We the emotional toll of the mission, the importance of staying calm amid chaos, and the responsibility that comes with being the last line of help for a devastated community.

Ruskan also reflects on the lessons learned, the personal and professional impact of the operation, and the recognition received for the crew’s efforts—underscoring the importance of preparation, resilience, and camaraderie in high-stakes rescue work.

This episode offers an honest, powerful look into what it takes to answer the call when everything is on the line—and the lasting impact those moments leave behind.

Enjoy.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the sixth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard pilots Ian Hopper and Blair Ogujiofor, along with a separate interview featuring Flight Mechanic Seth Reeves. Together, they reflect on their roles during the Kerrville flood response and the realities of high-stakes helicopter rescue operations.

We also gain meaningful background on each of them, adding depth to who they are beyond the uniform. Hopper, who is from Houston, Texas, has a strong personal connection to the state that predates the Kerrville response. He had spent time vacationing near the Guadalupe River, giving him an intuitive understanding of the region long before the disaster unfolded.

Ogujiofor, an American Nigerian, from Houston, Texas, shares her connection to the Igbo culture, proudly describing traditions such as the Ike Ji and Iri Ji festivals. Celebrations rooted in community, gratitude, and resilience.

For Reeves, the connection to disaster response runs even deeper. As a young boy, he was inside Charity Hospital in New Orleans only days before Hurricane Katrina struck. His grandmother stayed behind during the storm, and Seth vividly remembers watching U.S. Coast Guard helicopters land on the hospital roof—a moment that would unknowingly shape his future.

Across both conversations, they share firsthand accounts from the cockpit and the cabin—walking listeners through the rescue, the rapidly evolving challenges of the Kerrville incident, and the critical decisions made in dynamic, high-risk environments. The discussion highlights the importance of teamwork, preparation, communication, and adaptability, while also addressing the personal sacrifices that come with serving in the Coast Guard.

Throughout the episode, Jason and his guests speak candidly about the emotional toll of rescue work, the importance of understanding operational limits, and the need for measured, calculated decision-making when lives are on the line. They also reflect on the vital role of family and community support, and how those connections help crews process and recover after intense missions.

The actions taken by these crews during the Kerrville floods earned widespread recognition within the Coast Guard and the broader rescue community, highlighting their professionalism, skill, and unwavering commitment to service under extreme conditions.

This episode offers an honest, inside look at the courage, dedication, and humanity behind Coast Guard rescue operations—capturing both the heroism in the air and the personal reflections that follow once the rotors stop turning.

Enjoy.

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fifth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with two members of the Star Flight crew in Austin, Texas, recorded right from the heart of their operations. Pilot Ryan Kelly and Flight Nurse Katie White

They share their firsthand experiences in helicopter emergency response, recounting daring hoists, life-saving missions, and the intense challenges of responding in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments.

Through their stories, they highlight the critical collaboration between agencies during large-scale disasters and shed light on the often overlooked medical rescue calls that played a major role during the flood response. With advanced life support capabilities onboard, the Star Flight team proved to be an invaluable asset—treating patients in the field, stabilizing critical injuries, and bridging the gap when ground resources were overwhelmed.

This episode offers a gripping look at the skill, coordination, and compassion that define Texas emergency aviation—both in the dramatic hoist missions and in the quieter medical moments that save lives just as profoundly.

Enjoy!

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fourth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn joins six members of the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division: Dustin Gardner, Rob Dorman, Tyason Chow, Dustin Ponce, Eric Herrera, and Brandon Palmer.

Together, this diverse and highly skilled Texas DPS team shares firsthand stories from the world of helicopter emergency response. From their very first real rescues to the recent Kerr County flood operations, the crew offers an inside look at the training, challenges, and defining moments that shaped them into one of Texas’ premier aviation rescue units. They discuss the evolution of their rescue program, the importance of collaboration, and the emotional realities faced during high-stakes missions. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for continuous learning, preparedness, and adaptability in the face of unpredictable emergencies.

Enjoy!

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