The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn is joined by Naude Dreyer, founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), marine wildlife rescuer, conservationist, and one of the world's leading experts in disentangling seals from marine debris. 
What began with a single seal caught in a fishing net over a decade ago has grown into an internationally recognized rescue organization that has saved thousands of marine animals and inspired millions through social media.
Born and raised in Namibia, Dreyer shares how a childhood spent around wildlife and the ocean eventually led him to dedicate his life to protecting marine animals. He recounts the moment that changed everything—rescuing a young seal hopelessly tangled in fishing gear and realizing that without intervention, the animal would have died. That rescue sparked an obsession that ultimately became Ocean Conservation Namibia.
We get an inside look at the realities of marine wildlife rescue as Dreyer explains how his team patrols seal colonies containing tens of thousands of animals, searching for seals entangled in fishing nets, packing bands, ropes, and plastic waste. He shares dramatic rescue stories, including seals trapped beneath massive bundles of fishing net, animals tied together by marine debris, and the heartbreaking consequences of ocean pollution.
He shares a story of a challenging rescue of a stranded whale, rehabilitating endangered African penguins, and even relocating venomous snakes. Along the way, Dreyer discusses the risks rescuers face—from seal bites and whale strikes to the recent emergence of rabies within seal populations.
Beyond the rescues, Dreyer explains how OCN has become a powerful voice for ocean conservation, using social media and education programs to raise awareness about marine pollution and inspire action around the world. He shares insights into the growing plastic crisis, the impact of discarded fishing gear on marine ecosystems, and the simple steps individuals can take to make a difference.
Enjoy!

References:
https://www.ocnamibia.org/
https://www.youtube.com/c/OceanConservationNamibia
https://www.instagram.com/oceanconservationnamibia/?hl=en
https://youtu.be/ZvWBFPtpOKY?si=M-GJM8erOCeJqbRF

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In this episode of The Real ResQ, host Jason Quinn sits down with Mike Park, the former CEO of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.
As a volunteer rescuer with more than 42 years of mountain rescue experience. From his first callout as a teenager accompanying his father to a fatal aircraft crash site, to representing over 3,000 volunteer rescuers across England and Wales, Park shares an incredible perspective on the past, present, and future of mountain rescue. 
Park takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the largest volunteer rescue organizations in the world, explaining how mountain rescue teams respond to more than 3,500 incidents each year while balancing relationships with government agencies, police forces, ambulance services, and other emergency response organizations. He also discusses the challenges of leading a nationwide volunteer organization while preserving the grassroots culture that makes mountain rescue so effective. 
We explore how technology has transformed rescue operations over the decades—from mobile phones and modern mapping systems to drone technology and artificial intelligence. Park explains how teams are now using AI-assisted drone searches to locate missing persons faster and more effectively, including cases that helped bring closure to families after months and even years of searching. 
Park shares a few unforgettable rescue stories, including a dramatic flash-flood incident involving four young hikers stranded deep in the Lake District, humorous tales of sheep rescues on steep cliff faces, and the unforgettable search for comedian Bill Bailey’s runaway rescue dog, Tiger. 
We also dive into the evolution of search and rescue in the UK, the growing influence of social media on outdoor recreation, and the importance of preparation before heading into the mountains. Park offers practical advice for outdoor enthusiasts and explains why mountain rescuers don't want people to stop adventuring—they simply want them to do it safely so they can enjoy the outdoors for years to come.
Finally, Park shares how mountain rescue teams have expanded beyond traditional mountain incidents and are now routinely called upon to assist during major flooding events, severe weather emergencies, large-scale searches, and national disasters. It's a fascinating look at how volunteer rescuers continue to adapt to an ever-changing world while remaining committed to one simple mission: helping people when they need it most. 
Enjoy.
References:
https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #68 and Coast Guard pilot, Russ Torgerson.
Born in Alaska and raised in Colorado, Torgerson originally planned to follow in his father’s footsteps as a firefighter. Until a chance glimpse of Coast Guard fast boats on Miami Vice changed the course of his life forever. What started as a “four-year plan” quickly turned into a 31-year career filled with unforgettable missions, close calls, and lessons learned both in the aircraft and beyond.
Torgerson dives deep into several dramatic rescue cases, including the harrowing 1990 mission near St. Paul Island, Alaska, where Russ and his crew rescued survivors from a fishing vessel before suffering a catastrophic hoist cable failure that tore through the helicopter’s rotor system. Forced to make an emergency landing during an Arctic storm, the crew and survivors spent nearly two days stranded inside the damaged HH-3F Pelican waiting for rescue. Torgerson recounts the tension, survival decisions, humor, and teamwork that helped everyone survive.
Torgerson also shares stories from Detroit, Kodiak, North Bend, and Atlantic City—including rescues on the Great Lakes, flying beneath the St. Louis Arch during flood operations, emergency aircraft mishaps, and the long road toward earning his pilot wings after being rejected multiple times for Officer Candidate School and flight training waivers. His persistence, humility, and dedication ultimately carried him from the rescue basket to the cockpit.
Beyond the rescues and aviation stories, this episode also explores the personal side of service. Torgerson opens up about the emotional weight carried throughout a long Coast Guard career, the importance of accountability and mentorship, and how faith, family, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became essential tools in maintaining mental health and finding purpose after difficult chapters in life.
Enjoy.
For more information on the Bow Mainer, check out Disasters at Sea S3E2.
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, Jason sits down with the Longview Fire Department crew 
The team responded to what quickly became one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent memory. From the moment the call came in, the situation was evolving. Limited information, rapidly changing conditions, and the realization that this was going to require everything they had. What followed was a race against time as firefighters began a grueling climb that would take over an hour just to reach the victims, all while a massive balloon canopy whipped in the wind, threatening to tear free at any moment.
This episode takes you deep inside the operation. From the incident command decisions on the ground, to the physical and mental grind of climbing nearly 900 feet, to the delicate, high-risk process of getting two survivors out of that basket, onto the tower and lowered to the ground. You’ll hear how critical communication, both within the team and directly with the victims, helped hold everything together. Plus how training, experience, and trust allowed this crew to solve a problem no one truly prepares for.
This isn’t just a story about a dramatic rescue. It’s about what happens when preparation meets the unpredictable. When the call comes in that you can’t script, can’t simulate, and can’t avoid—you show up anyway and do your job. Enjoy!
[Link to debrief]
Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: 
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We also have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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In this deeply personal and powerful episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn brings together the people who knew United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer #445, Mike Rinaldi, best. His widow, Aggie, his family and his fellow rescue swimmers to honor his life, his service, and the impact he left behind.
Through heartfelt stories and firsthand accounts, listeners are taken from Rinaldi’s early life growing up in Minnesota—where he developed his work ethic, love for hockey, and deep sense of family—to his time in the Coast Guard, where he quickly became known for his relentless positivity, sharp sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to his team.
The crew reflects on what it was like working alongside Rinaldi in the swimmer shop—his drive to excel, his eagerness to learn, and the camaraderie that defined their tight-knit group. From hilarious behind-the-scenes moments and shop antics to intense training and real-world rescue operations, this episode captures both the brotherhood and the reality of life as a rescue swimmer.
Aggie shares a deeply moving perspective from home—highlighting Rinaldi’s character beyond the job, his resilience through the grueling demands of swimmer school, and the love and partnership they built together. The episode also touches on Rinaldi’s battle with cancer, and how, even in the face of adversity, he continued to uplift those around him with humor, strength, and determination.
The conversation ultimately leads to the tragic night that changed everything—a raw and emotional recounting that underscores the fragility of life, even for those who spend their careers saving others.
This episode is more than a story—it’s a tribute. A reminder of the impact one person can have on a community, the importance of remembering those we’ve lost, and the enduring bond shared among those who answer the call when others cannot.
Real voices. Real stories. And a legacy that will never be forgotten. Enjoy!
We have some amazing companies supporting The Real ResQ. These brands offer you exclusive discounts when you use our code, and when you do, you’re helping to support the show. To check out the full list of these supportive brands and the deals they offer, head over to TheRealResQ.com.
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