Wild Waters, Wild Risks

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.

This podcast that inspires kids to trade screen time for green time—one book at a time. Each episode highlights engaging, adventure-filled books that spark curiosity about the natural world and encourage outdoor exploration. Whether it’s tales of forest hikes, backyard discoveries, or wilderness quests, we help parents, teachers, and young readers find stories that motivate real-world adventures. Let’s read, unplug, and reconnect with the wild.

In this episode, we look into the unsettling truth behind some of the most breathtaking wilderness lakes. Though they may appear crystal clear and untouched, many are harboring dangerous intestinal bacteria like E. coli and Entercocci. We explore how these pathogens end up in seemingly pristine waters, the risks they pose to hikers, and what can be done to detect, prevent, and treat waterborne illness.  This episode sheds light on the hidden microbiological dangers lurking beneath the surface of paradise.

In “Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome,” we follow the personal journey of Sailor Brukard as she tnavigats the challenges of alpha-gal syndrome — a serious allergic condition triggered by a tick bite that causes a reaction to mammalian meat and products. From the shock of diagnosis to the daily realities of label-reading, restaurant stress, and lifestyle changes, this podcast explores how one life was turned upside down by an unexpected bite. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and real-life experiences, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of this rare allergy and what it means to live with it every single day.

You’re deep in the backcountry, on a multi-day backpacking trip, when the air thickens, the sky darkens, and smoke suddenly fills the air.  What started as a peaceful trek has turned into a race against time. In “Smoke on the Trail,” we listen to Dar Kreimer tell her harrowing story of being forced to evacuate as a wildfire rapidly approached. We’ll explore how quickly conditions can change, the signs to watch for, and what you need to know  and how to prepare and stay safe when wildfire smoke and flames threaten your path.