Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

About Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

'Rescued' is a podcast of conversations with the rescued and rescuers. It's about the lessons we learn about ourselves, the places we go to and why. It exists to help us have better adventures and experiences, manage risk and deal with the unexpected.

Publisher

Caro Ryan

Category

education · health & fitness · leisure · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2023

Latest episode

18 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

24 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Sept 2026

   023 // Brendan's underwater on the Mitchell River

   One of the things about white water adventures, like kayaking, rafting or canoeing, is that element of the unknown; the power of nature - being carried along - while using all your skills and expertise to read what's happening under the water or maybe changed since the last time you ran a particular rapid. But all that's only part of the story in this episode… (which is a bit longer than usual(, as my generous guest, Brendan, takes us deep into gorge country along the Mitchell River and dives into what it took for him to get back out on the water and the importance of surrounding yourself with good people, not only when we're out doing things we love and something goes wrong, but when we need help to get back on the bike again and might not know how to ask. Learnings from this episode... and more! * The value of a satellite communication device (eg. PLB) or a SEND (2-way) communication device. * The importance of good first aid skills and experience. * Carrying a well-stocked first aid kit and knowing how to use it. * Having a way to light a fire and manage environmental cold * They had extra food which could have sustained them longer if needed * Having spare, dry clothes in a waterproof bag * The whistle that Brendan mentions is a Fox 40 Whistle [https://www.paddypallin.com.au/fox-40-sharx-whistle.html?utm_source=google_shopping#color=11562] (links to Paddy Pallin) * The importance that they had laminated copies of the map, so could plan and scope exit points to raise the alarm. * Importance of wearing bright clothes/having bright items to draw attention. He's since bought a Sol emergency bivvy [https://t.cfjump.com/39499/t/12917?Url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.wildearth.com.au%2fbuy%2fsol-lite-bivvy%2f140-1227] (warmth and bright orange) links to Wild Earth * The awareness of how time extends or shrinks when dealing with an incident * How being able to drive a manual car can be an unexpected skill we need * Travel with your wallet and phone on a helicopter if evacuated * Understanding that helicopters may not be able to take anyone else or your backpack/gear * Check ambulance cover for your state and that you are visiting. Medicare does not cover helicopter evacuation/rescue. [https://lotsafreshair.com/does-medicare-cover-ambulance-australia/] * Understanding the psychological healing that needs to happen outside of the physical -  it's not just physio and doctors, but counsellors can be important too * The immense value in debriefing afterwards with those involved in an incident (lessons learnt, what you'd change, what you did well) * Importance of leaving detailed trip intention forms with dependable people * Value of adventuring with good people and knowing their skills/how they react in crisis - why clubs or other organisations can be important, rather than random meetups with strangers * Importance of good preparation in all aspects of outdoor activities Leave a review for the chance to win from Paddy Pallin // Each episode of Rescued now has the opportunity for listeners to win a $50 Paddy Pallin gift card (to be used online or in-store), along with an iconic Nalgene 1L bottle. Simply leave a rating with a review on either Spotify or Apple Podcasts, grab a screenshot to verify it and then complete this form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvpfU7r8oOyTujgkTv0-L_y_H2c5a1DylHT49E6Jugw0x13w/viewform?usp=header].

2. 

   12 Aug 2026

   022 // Billy is in Mountain Rescue (QLD F&R) in the Glasshouse Mtns

   **Special note - this episode touches on traumatic incidents where people lost their lives. Out of respect for these people, their families and loved ones, the rescuers and all involved, I ask that in the spirit of the Rescued Podcast, you choose empathy and kindness as your guide when listening, sharing or discussing. Please do not choose blame, shame or minimise the complexity of such situations to simplistic factors, thank you.** When we think about the people who turn up when things go wrong in the wild, we probably picture helicopters, ropes and flashing lights. What we might not picture is a surfer-climber from Coolum Beach who spent his younger years messing around sea cliffs and canyoning in the Blue Mountains — and who now leads and trains others in some of the most technically demanding rescues on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. There's been a lot of chatter about the increase of accidents on QLDs Glass House Mountains and places like Mount Barney in recent years, and so too the need for a coordinated response — and today's guest is clear that it's never just a QFD operation. There's a big role played by others like volunteers from SES, locals, Ambulance and Police, and he's generous in his respect for everyone of them. This is an episode about preparation, consequence, and knowing where we sit — our competence as adventurers, as well as the load on our rescuers. So if you've ever scrolled past a stunning image of a mountain and thought, "I want to go there" — this one's especially for you. Episode Takeaways * Honest and accurate self-assessment of experience, fitness and skills needed for a particular route/hike * The ability to make wise decisions, and reassess when necessary (Listen to ep 17 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/62gNMmeywMGSAcNYGL2XvN?si=_beR4DeHTf2Lv3rtdxFy4Q] about Heuristics/decision-making in the outdoors.) * The difference between a hiking trail vs a climbing/scrambling route. Hiking trails are graded by the Australian Walking Track Grading System [https://lotsafreshair.com/australian-walking-track-grading-system/] vs climbing uses the Ewbank System [https://www.rapjumping.com/rock-climbing-in-australia-the-complete-guide/] * The importance of getting your info from a reputable source, eg. national parks or other land managers, vs relying on social media or a group without the expertise to deliver it * Always pack the essentials - see day packing list [https://lotsafreshair.com/product/day-hike-packing-checklist/] and overnight packing list [https://lotsafreshair.com/product/free-overnight-hike-packing-checklist/]. * Check weather, park and track closures, sunset times, fire danger * Downloading a map [https://lotsafreshair.com/best-apps-for-hiking/] (not just an app) that works when there's no coverage and testing it before you go * Downloading the Emergency+ App [https://www.emergencyplus.com.au/]

3. 

   18 Jun 2026

   021 // Ross can't move his legs

   How many times have you heard of someone with a solid adventure resume being injured by something that seems pretty simple — like, stepping off a kerb, or slipping over in the shower? Today's guest Ross is an experienced multiday bushwalker, free-diver and deer hunter who grew up with the Snowy Mountains on his doorstep, and has spent a lifetime living and working in nature. In this episode, he takes us along on the Light to Light walk (near the ominously named, Disaster Bay, the NSW South Coast) — which, compared to many of his past exploits, should've been a relatively straightforward three-day walk with his family. The dreamy beachside campsites and wild, rocky coastal platforms faded fast — the moment a wrong step left him unable to move his legs. The weather was closing in, there was no mobile coverage, and the nearest road was many kilometres away. Content Warning: This episode includes descriptions of injuries and medical terminology. Key learnings from this episode: * Importance of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon [https://lotsafreshair.com/spot-vs-plb-vs-inreach-comparison/] (PLB) * Travelling in a group means that there's someone to give first aid, call for help and carry out a patient's bags when needed * Always preparing and packing for all weather conditions (download my packing list here [https://lotsafreshair.com/shop/]) * How lucky we are in Australia to have such great emergency services, all working together when needed, including volunteers. This rescue involved Police, NSW Ambulance, NPWS, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES) * Gear tip: a light fly/tarp as a secondary shelter for cooking in the rain and an emergency shelter for an injured person. ie setting up a tent and getting an injured person inside may not always be easy/possible due to the location or injury * Always waterproof your dry clothes, thermals and sleeping bag inside your pack * Importance of training and knowledge in first aid (especially remote area first aid) including how to protect ourselves from environmental factors (cold, rain, etc) * Value of having Ambulance Insurance and how it could save you money. Medicare does not cover ambulance in Australia. [https://lotsafreshair.com/does-medicare-cover-ambulance-australia/] * More than 1 emergency blanket is needed to properly insulate a person * Being able to focus on rehabilitation with the right mindset and adjust our lives (and home environment) for the best outcomes Other resources: Read Ross' article [https://oceansignal.com/survivor-stories/remote-hike-accident-why-carrying-a-plb1-matters/] on the Ocean Signal website (manufacturers of his PLB)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

2,712,524

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

66 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

63

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

85

Contact Rescued: An Outdoor Podcast for Hikers and Adventurers

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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