Advanced Wilderness Life Support (AWLS)

Welcome to “Enhancement or Harm?” where we look into the world of performance-enhancing drugs,  We'll explore the medical science behind these substances: how they work, what they do to the body, and the very real risks they pose — not just to elite athletes, but to everyday people chasing an edge. Whether it's the pressure to win, the allure of strength, or the promise of speed, the use of these drugs often comes at a cost — to health, to careers, and to integrity.

In this podcast, we look into the real-life challenges of recognizing and managing heart emergencies in remote environments.  Out here, symptoms don't wait, and time is not on your side. A heart attack in the backcountry isn't just a medical emergency — it's a logistical one. Rapid evacuation can mean the difference between life and death, but it starts with knowing what to look for, how to act fast, and how to prepare before you even lace up your boots.Whether you're a wilderness guide, avid hiker, or someone who just loves the solitude of remote trails, this show is your lifeline to lifesaving knowledge.

In this episode, we break down the key differences between physical (mineral) and chemical sunscreens—what they are, how they work, and which one might be right for you. You'll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each type, including how they perform on different skin types, how they feel, and their impact on both your health and the environment. We talk about the science behind how sunscreens help reduce the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Whether you're hitting the beach or just running errands, this episode will help you make smarter, safer choices when it comes to sun protection.

In this episode, we dive beneath the surface of the water and explore how sunscreen can have devastating effects on coral reefs. Scientists have discovered that certain common ingredients are toxic to coral larvae and contribute to coral bleaching. We'll  uncover the science behind the issue, the surprising scale of the impact, and what you can do to protect both your skin and the ocean. Join us as we shine a light on how small changes in our daily routines can help preserve some of the planet's most vibrant and vital ecosystems.

Think that warm weather is all sunshine and serenity? Think again. Parasites in Paradise looks into the unseen world of warm-weather pathogens lurking in water, soil, and even your favorite vacation foods. From brain-eating amoebas like Naegleria fowleri, to stealthy intestinal invaders like Cyclospora, Cryptosporidium, and parasitic worms, we uncover the science, the symptoms, and the stories behind these dangerous hitchhikers. We look at the biology, outbreaks, and public health implications of parasites that thrive when temperatures rise. Whether you're a health professional, traveler, or curious listener—you'll never look at a summer swim the same way again.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Gunderson breaks down everything you need to know about measles—from how it spreads to the unmistakable symptoms that signal its arrival. With outbreaks making headlines in recent years, Dr. Gunderson explores why this highly contagious disease is making a comeback despite the availability of an effective vaccine.Whether you're a parent, healthcare worker, or just someone curious about public health, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights into one of the most preventable—and misunderstood—infectious diseases today.   Stay informed. Stay protected.

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 snowy slopes to the grand stage of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Anna's path was anything but smooth.Battling through challenging injuries, breaking barriers as a female in a male-dominated sport, and navigating the relentless mental and physical demands of elite competition, Anna's story is one of resilience, passion, and fearless determination.Join us as we explore how a young girl with big dreams climbed her way to the top—jump by jump, fall by fall, and triumph by triumph. 

In this episode, guest host Liv Sosnoski looks at the essentials of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the wilderness setting. From understanding the autoimmune nature of the disease to explaining how environmental factors like temperature, altitude, and exertion impact blood sugar control, Liv breaks it all down. She covers practical tips on insulin dosing, glucose monitoring, and what to pack before hitting the trail. This episode arms wilderness providers with the tools they need to support Type I diabetes adventurers confidently and safely.

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 icy seas and waterfall pools. Here are practical tips so that you can find meaning and joy beneath the surface. Whether you're curious about chasing the endorphin rush, or just love the idea plunging into nature, The Wild Swim brings you closer to the water—and to yourself.

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 intense, the haze they leave behind stretches far beyond the burn zone—affecting air quality, outdoor recreation, wildlife, and public health.Listen as Dr. Kathy Vidlock and Joe Dantin explore how wildfire smoke is changing the way we live, breathe, and connect with the natural world and present solutions for navigating a smokier future outdoors.

Whether you're a dedicated athlete, or just love staying active outdoors, Strained & Sprained is your go-to podcast for everything related to tendon health, injuries, and recovery. Dr. Kathy Vidlock looks at the science of tendons, exploring how they work, what causes them to break down, and the best ways to heal and prevent injuries—especially for those who love hiking, running, climbing, and other outdoor adventures.  The impact of factors like overuse, aging, and even medications on tendon health are discussed. Tune in to keep your tendons strong, flexible, and ready for the next adventure!

In this episode, Liv Sosnoski, Andrew Long, Mack Strobel, and Chandler Morel, medical students from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the United States will break down the Lone Star tick — one of the most aggressive and medically important ticks. From bacterial infections like Ehrlichiosis and Tularemia to Alpha-gal Syndrome, Bourbon virus, and even tick paralysis, this episode covers the full spectrum of wilderness-relevant diseases carried by Amblyomma americanum. Learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent these conditions in the backcountry — and why frequent tick checks might just save a life.

“Hormones in Motion” is a podcast dedicated to exploring how outdoor exercise can support those with hormone disorders like diabetes, thyroid conditions, PCOS, and overreaching issues. Listen as Dr. Kathy Vidlock looks at  real-life cases and science-backed strategies to help people with endocrine diseases move with confidence and thrive in the great outdoors. Whether you're hiking, running, or just getting started, we're here to guide you every step of the way!

Welcome to “Cold Front,” the podcast dedicated to the science of frostbite treatment. This show delves into the latest research and best practices for managing cold-induced injuries. From recognizing early-stage frostbite to proper rewarming techniques, we cover everything healthcare providers, outdoor enthusiasts, and first responders need to know,  Tune in to learn how to combat the cold, prevent tissue loss, and optimize frostbite recovery—because every degree matters.

Welcome to Sole Support, the ultimate podcast for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep their feet happy on the trail!  Join us as we dive into everything you need to know about foot comfort, injury prevention, and performance-enhancing insoles. We'll explore topics like arch support, blister prevention, custom orthotics, and how to choose the best insoles for different terrains.  If you're tired of sore feet slowing down your adventures, tune in to Sole Support—because every great journey starts with the right foundation!

What happens when the call of the wild meets the challenges of heart disease? Wild Hearts explores the intersection of wilderness adventure, chronic cardiovascular conditions, and extreme endurance sports, where science, survival, and human resilience collide.Listen as Dr. Kathy Vidlock explores the  real effects of strenuous exercise on heart health in endurance athletes, and those managing heart disease while chasing their wilderness adventures. This podcast is your guide to balancing risk and reward in the great outdoors.So, whether you're an ultra runner pushing your limits or navigating a heart condition while exploring the wild, Wild Hearts is here to help you move smarter, go farther, and live boldly.  Because the heart beats strongest in the wild.

In this episode, Sarah Atwill Petelinsek sits down with Beverly Albert, an endurance athlete who attempted the Wasatch 100, one of the most grueling 100-mile trail races. But this isn't just a story about the race—it's about the pivotal moment of choosing to turn around.We often celebrate pushing forward at all costs, but what about the strength it takes to step back? Beverly shares her insights on making the tough decision to quit, the lessons learned from walking away, and how success isn't always about crossing the finish line—it's about knowing when to pivot.Join us for an inspiring discussion on resilience, self-awareness, and redefining what it means to win.

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 difference. From checking pulse and respiration to recognizing signs of hypothermia, dehydration, and shock, this podcast equips outdoor adventurers with the knowledge they need to keep themselves and others safe in remote environments. Whether you're a hiker, camper, or first responder, tune in to stay prepared for any wilderness emergency.

Welcome to Settle Down, the podcast where we dive deep into the science and impact of flocculation in water treatment. This podcast unpacks how flocculation works, its role in treating water, and how you can use it in the backcountry.  Join us as we explore insights, real-world applications, and the fascinating ways science helps turn murky water crystal clear. Stay tuned—because knowledge is the first step to clean water!

Dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of coasteering with Coastal Rush, the podcast that takes you along rugged shorelines, crashing waves, and daring cliff jumps. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the sport, join us for expert insights, medical issues, and safety tips on navigating the wild coast. Get ready to explore where land meets sea—one leap at a time!

Explore the power of nature and the human spirit in Wild Resilience, a podcast dedicated to adventurers navigating life with autoimmune diseases. Join us as we share inspiring stories, expert advice, and practical tips on how to safely embrace the outdoors while managing chronic illness. Whether you're hiking, camping, or simply seeking solace in nature, this podcast is your guide to thriving in the wild—against the odds.

Explore the powerful connection between hiking and brain health. This podcast dives into how hiking can reduce the risk of dementia, and improve mental clarity. Join us for expert insights, new research data and practical tips to keep your mind sharp—one trail at a time.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating intersection of brain health, dehydration, and wilderness medicine. Learn how dehydration impacts cognitive function, decision-making, and survival instincts, especially in outdoor and emergency situations. We'll tell you how to recognize the signs of dehydration and treat it effectively in remote or challenging environments. Don't miss this essential guide to keeping your mind sharp when it matters most! 

It is found everywhere, and is plaguing camping trips and people who travel. Delve into the world of norovirus with our podcast, uncovering the science, symptoms, and prevention of one of the most common and contagious stomach bugs. We explore everything you need to know to stay informed and healthy.

From icy rinks to intense scrimmages, this podcast dives into the unique world of broomball and boot hockey. Explore the culture of these winter sports, along with expert insights into the most common injuries players face. From sprains and fractures to hypothermia and frostbite, we cover it all to keep you playing safely and competitively.

Unpacking RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), this podcast explores the science, stories, and solutions behind energy imbalance in athletes. From performance impacts to long-term health, join us as we fuel the conversation on thriving in sport and life.

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 zoonotic disease.  We shed light on how to keep your dog safe from this pathogen, as this is a condition that affects both humans and animals worldwide. Tune in to stay  informed and engaged in the fight against leptospirosis. 

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 promising new malaria vaccine that could transform millions of lives. 

Learn about the hidden dangers of Swimming-Induced Pulmonary Edema (SIPE), a condition affecting swimmers, divers, and triathletes. Listen as Dr. Kathy Vidlock dives into the science behind SIPE, its symptoms, causes, prevention strategies, and real-life experiences. Discover how to stay safe while pushing your limits in the water.

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 treating infections in wilderness areas.

Explore the hidden dangers of Acanthamoeba, a microscopic organism that can attach to contact lenses, causing severe eye infections like keratitis and even blindness. Learn how it happens, who's at risk, and the steps to protect your vision.

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 navigating wildlife and weather, we cover everything you need to ensure safe adventures with your furry companion

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, and products to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or a new dog owner, this podcast has everything you need to protect your pup from unwanted pests!

Stay informed with the latest updates on drowning treatment guidelines. This episode dives into the new standards of care, key statistics, and life-saving insights to improve outcomes for drowning victims.

In this episode, we dive into exercise-induced ischemic colitis—a lesser-known but impactful condition that affects some endurance athletes, including runners, trekkers and cyclists. Join us as we explore what causes this condition, the symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent it from sidelining your activities. We'll discuss why intense exercise can lead to GI issues, share tips on hydration, and offer guidance on recovery if EIIC does strike. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting into endurance sports, this episode will help you keep your gut health on track while pushing your limits.

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 recreate, people need to be aware of this under diagnosed disease. Listen and learn about the desert dust that causes Valley Fever. 

Join us for an engaging discussion on decision-making in high-stakes environments, blending insights from the wilderness and the clinic!In this talk, Dr. TJ Hartridge, DO FAWM DiMM, Dr. Nate Furman, PhD, and Sarah Petelinsek will explore the fascinating overlap between backcountry adventures and clinical practice. Discover how our choices are influenced by biases and heuristics, and learn practical strategies to recognize and combat these influences.Whether you're a medical professional or just curious about decision-making in challenging situations, this conversation promises to spark your interest and offer valuable insights. Don't miss out!   For further information please feel free to reach out to: theodore.hartridge@utah.edusarah.petelinsek@utah.edunate.furman@utah.edu 

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 urushiol, the natural compound responsible for skin reactions in plants like poison ivy—and found in some edible fruits and nuts! From mangoes to cashews, discover the science, history, and culinary quirks of these tasty yet tricky treats. 

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 scary Algae Blooms are now found all over the reservoir.  These disease causing algae are to be avoided at all costs.  Listen and learn about scary Lake Powell. 

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 fishing.  Listen and learn about them as you become hooked on fishing. 

Urine will darken in color with dehydration, which is bad enough. But when it turns to a 'cola' color, watch out!  This might indicate something far more perilous as muscle breakdown might be occurring which can damage the kidneys.  It is called rhabdomyolysis. It is dangerous and far more common than you would think.  Listen and learn about dangerous dark urine. 

'Pagkain para aa bata' means 'food for children' in the language of the Filipinos.  The lack of nourishing food and soil transmitted worms makes it almost impossible for some children in the Philippines to thrive.  But one man's dream has come true and now thousands of children daily are eating nourishing food and becoming free of horrible parasitic worms.  Listen and see how this man is feeding hope. 

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 called Cordyceps and its potential use is staggering.  Listen and learn what we know about this exciting new fungi.  

Long a mainstay for the treatment of allergic reactions, Benadryl's side effects may be too problematic for backcountry medical treatment.  Listen and learn to say goodbye to Benadryl and hello to new antihistamines. 

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 that is leaning toward your tent.  Listen and learn how to be safe from the falling risks of camping under a tree. 

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 as tularemia, or ‘Rabbit Fever.' We look into the science, symptoms, transmission, and treatments of this little-known disease that is on the rise.

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 always when exploring the world.  Listen and hear about three rare viruses and are emerging. 

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 comeback.  It is spread by chiggers, fleas and lice, insects that are so tiny that they can barely be seen.  Listen and learn what you need to know about typhus. 

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 to know about these  tiny, troublesome tiny biters.

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 learn about how to spray and survive. 

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 periodic breathing. It is caused by the ups and downs of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood when sleeping at altitude. And it can cause its own set of problems for those trying to go higher.  Listen and learn about changes in breathing when going up high.