The Real ResQ Podcast

The Real ResQ Podcast

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.

Episodes

July 31, 2025 82 mins

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...

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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 swimm...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with Darrell Detty, a pilot and hoist operator who recently retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Detty shares his inspiring journey from a young boy fascinated by aviation to becoming a seasoned pilot and hoist operator. He reflects on pivotal moments in his life, including his military service, the mentors who shaped his career, and the chal...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with U.S. Coast Guard pilot Ryan Vandehei about his path into aviation and the realities of life behind the controls.

Ryan recounts his journey into the Coast Guard and shares insights from his very first rescue mission, highlighting how preparation, training, and lessons learned through mistakes helped shape his career. The two dive into advanced training programs li...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Matt Nightingale, a volunteer search and rescue dog handler from the UK.
Matt shares his inspiring journey from being a physics teacher to dedicating his time to volunteer search and rescue work. At the heart of his story is Morag—a once-troubled stray border collie who transformed into a fully qualified search dog. He recounts how their partnership began, th...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #305, Jeff Danner.

From his early days growing up in Ocean City, Maryland, to navigating the challenges of Coast Guard boot camp and rescue swimmer school, Jeff shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He recounts his intense first rescue mission involving a capsized tugboat and four people in the water, along...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by an outstanding crew from the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department for a behind-the-scenes look at their aviation and rescue operations.

Each member shares their unique journey into public service, giving listeners insight into the passion and dedication that drives their careers. The team dives into the technical aspects of their work, from beco...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes Dan Molthen, a decorated Coast Guard aviator, for an unforgettable conversation filled with heroism, humility, and hard-earned wisdom.

Molthen shares his incredible journey from aspiring pilot to Coast Guard legend, recounting several dramatic rescue missions. These missions earned him five Achievement Medals, seven Commendation medals, two Air Medals and two Distin...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with retired U.S. Navy Captain and pilot Wayne Tunick for a powerful and insightful conversation.

Tunick shares his journey into military aviation, recounting the path that led him to become a Navy pilot. He opens up about his firsthand experience during the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon and the profound impact it had on him. One of the most gripping stories he shar...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with Mark Tappan, a respected K9 handler and law enforcement officer, who shares his incredible journey—from dreaming of being a game show host to becoming a nationally recognized K9 officer.

Mark takes us through the story of how he was paired with his K9 partner, Mattis, and the unbreakable bond they developed while working side b...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes Drew Sinclair, retired U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer No. 700, to share his incredible journey through the ranks of military service and beyond.

From growing up as part of an Army family to earning his place among the elite as a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Sinclair recounts the milestones and life-changing moments that shaped his career. He walks us through his ver...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn sits down with John Hall, a former U.S. Coast Guard pilot and current registered nurse.

Hall’s remarkable journey begins at the Merchant Marine Academy, where he chose to earn his EMT certification. A decision that set the stage for a life of service. He recalls his first traumatic call as an EMT and shares a few standout moments from his Academy days that shaped his path fo...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn interviews Dr. Ryan Dowdy, a food scientist with experience working at NASA and the creator of ReadyBAR.

Dr. Dowdey discusses the intricacies of food science, particularly in relation to space missions, the challenges of creating nutritious and safe food for astronauts, and the importance of variety and dietary preferences in space. Dr. Dowdy shares insights on food preserva...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Garrett Spires, a firefighter, paramedic, and motorsport rescue specialist.

Spires' journey into emergency services began in a remarkable way—long before he ever wore a uniform. As a teenager, he and his father performed CPR during a critical emergency, ultimately saving a life. That defining moment not only earned him recognition from a local college but a...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Shane Daw, the general manager of Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service in Sydney, Australia.

Daw takes us through his incredible journey, starting as a junior lifeguard and rising  up to lead one of the busiest and most respected helicopter rescue services in the country. He reflects on more than two decades of service, recounting some of the most memorab...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn chats with Harry Harrison, a dedicated volunteer with the Penrith Mountain Rescue Team in the UK.

Harrison who is by trade a Paediatric Physiotherapist, takes us into the heart of the Lake District, where he’s spent years responding to emergencies in one of the UK’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. He shares powerful and memorable rescue stories that reflect both the ch...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes back Mike Martin, the newly appointed Vice President of Training Operations at Air Rescue Systems (ARS).

Martin provides an in-depth industry update, shedding light on ARS's growth, evolving capabilities, and future plans. As he steps into his leadership role, he discusses what expansion means for the company and how they are adapting to meet the increasing dem...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Mike Martin, a critical care flight medic with the Utah National Guard.

Martin takes us through his journey in combat medicine, sharing his first deployment with a MEDEVAC unit and the intense experiences that earned him an Air Medal for his exceptional service. He recounts his very first call in the field—treating two critically injured patients with blast woun...

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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn welcomes David McColl, a pilot and safety professional, to share a powerful firsthand account of an incident that reshaped his entire company's emergency response plan.

McColl recounts a critical event involving a powerline bucket truck that tipped over, leaving two severely injured workers stranded in the marshland. As challenges mounted throughout the rescue operation...

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In this ASTerisk episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn joins SR3 Rescue Concepts for their second annual "Debrief," kicking off the week of VERTICON with a special podcast takeover. Throughout the episode, industry professionals drop in to join the conversation, bringing a mix of insights, stories, and plenty of laughs. With the energy high and the excitement building for the week ahead, this recording sets t...

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