Heat, Smoke, and Survival: The Medicine of Wildland Fire

This is a deep dive with Sarah Hall into the world of wildland fire medical support—where emergency medicine meets the world wildland firefighting. This podcast explores what it takes to keep firefighters safe on the line, from treating tree strike injuries, heat illnesses, to navigating remote evacuation challenges and limited resources. Listeners will hear how Medics and EMTs prepare and train for this line of work, the specialized gear they carry,  and the real-world decision-making that happens when help is hours away. Whether you’re a firefighter, a medical provider, or simply curious about the hidden world behind wildland firefighting, Burning Edge Medicine offers a compelling look at the skills, cases, and grit required to deliver medicine in austere fire environments.

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.

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.