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The Real ResQ is the ultimate podcast for inspiring stories of everyday heroes who risk their lives ”so others may live.” Join experienced Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #500, Jason Quinn, and guests from around the world as they share firsthand accounts of high-pressure situations and the bravery required to navigate them. From the simple standard medevac to the dark and stormy night rescues, they are entertaining and fun to listen to. Each episode is packed with riveting stories, insightful interviews, and expert analysis, giving you an immersive experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Here, we go behind the scenes of these amazing rescues. We get an inside look and listen to all the good and the bad of these everyday heroes. Whether you’re a first responder or simply fascinated by the world of rescue work, ”The Real ResQ” is a must-listen. Subscribe now and join us on this unforgettable journey of courage, heroism, and hope.
292 Episodes
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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 first water rescue to the harrowing Kerrville incident that pushed his leadership and composure to ...
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 setbacks can reveal personal and professional limits—and ultimately lead to growth, innovation, and st...
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 of the rescue. They highlight how communication, trust, and preparation played a critical role i...
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-town beginnings to becoming a key leader in life-saving aviation. He pulls back the curtain on the ...
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 highlights the quick thinking and composure required in high-pressure situations, as well as the camar...
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 discussion dives deep into leadership dynamics, operational challenges, and the critical importance...
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 for volunteers. He recounts his first cave rescue experience, as well as the difficulties rescuer...
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 Helicopter Rescue Swimmer program. Since 1985, only about 1,125 men and women have earned the title ...
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 recounting of a silo rescue, where teamwork and problem-solving and the dangers of confined s...
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 — from the origins of his nickname “Top Fin” to the rescues that defined his career. The discussi...
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 with unmarked obstacles like cranes, antennas, and high-voltage cables.The helicopter managed to r...
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 of his first rescue, daring cliff operations, and missions in rough seas, all while reflecting o...
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 during the deployment. Their extraordinary efforts earned international recognition from both the Go...
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 resilience in self-rescue situations, the dangers of complacency, and the critical role of ongoing trainin...
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 safety with parachutes, jump towers, and even collaborations with Amelia Earhart. Sarah shares her...
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 coordinating resources to adapting to rapidly changing conditions, their account highlights the c...
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 cases where old-school tracking techniques proved vital. He also shares a powerful story of a base...
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 New Hampshire Fish and Game the cornerstone of rescue operations throughout the state. Bronson reca...
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 essential tool for volunteer rescue teams facing increasingly complex challenges. O’Neill recounts rea...
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 training, the brotherhood of the swimmer community, and the real-life challenges faced in life-savi...
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