Best Awl Podcasts (2025)

1
Thin Air Doesn’t Play Fair 18:27

Play Pause

6d ago18:27

18:27

High altitude changes the rules of the game for the human body. As oxygen levels drop, systems we usually take for granted—our heart, lungs, metabolism, and immune response—are suddenly asked to work harder. For some people, that challenge is barely noticeable. For others, especially those living with chronic medical conditions, altitude can quietl…

1
Winter 2:50

3d ago2:50

2:50

Winter — Uksuq Tamuuliciqukut uksurpailan. – We will make dry fish before the winter.

1
Eagle Harbor 3:03

10d ago3:03

3:03

Eagle Harbor — Irak Amlesqat Nuniarmiut Iragmek taimaut. – There are a lot of Old Harbor people that come from Eagle Harbor.

1
Tackling Male Medical Emergencies on the Trail 15:21

15d ago15:21

15:21

This episodes looks into the often-overlooked medical issues that can strike men far from help. We break down the signs, symptoms, and field-management strategies for three critical conditions: inguinal hernias, testicular torsion, and epididymitis. This podcast helps listeners understand how these problems develop, what they feel like, how to reco…

1
Harpoon 2:14

17d ago2:14

2:14

Harpoon — Ayaquq Ayaquq egtaakait cuumi arwanun. – They used to throw a harpoon at a whale before.

1
Pain: The Foundation Beneath Our Strength 15:53

21d ago15:53

15:53

In this insightful podcast, Matthew Guthrie explores a transformative way to understand and manage pain—by shifting our mindset from seeing pain as a threat to viewing it as a challenge. Listeners will learn how threat-based thinking amplifies discomfort, fear, and suffering, while a challenge-based mindset promotes resilience, confidence, and impr…

1
Hat 2:51

24d ago2:51

2:51

Hat — Saapeq; Slaapaq Cuumi taaten angutet slaapamek aturtaallriit.—Before, old men used to wear hats.

1
Trail-Ready Dogs 14:16

24d ago14:16

14:16

This podcast is your guide to exploring the wild with your four-legged adventure partner. We delve into everything you need to know about taking dogs trekking and hiking in the backcountry—from choosing the best breeds for rugged terrain to understanding the physical and behavioral traits that make a dog trail-ready. Each episode covers practical s…

1
Don’t be Tachy: Arrhythmia in the Wilderness 11:23

29d ago11:23

11:23

Welcome to today’s episode, hosted by wilderness medicine expert Dr. Kathy Vidlock. In this episode, Dr. Vidlock walks us through a real case from the backcountry—a hiker who developed supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, away from definitive medical care. Dr. Vidlock explains what SVT is, why it can strike suddenly even in otherwise healthy indiv…

1
Telephone 2:44

1M ago2:44

2:44

Telephone — Niuwasuuteq, Niuwat'staaq Una niuwat'staaq. – This is a telephone.

1
On the Burning Edge: The Medicine of Wildland Firefighting 17:55

1M ago17:55

17:55

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…

1
Whale 2:40

1M ago2:40

2:40

Whale — Ar’uq, Arwaq (in Akhiok) Ar’ut amlertut. – There are many whales.

1
Exoskeletons in the Wilderness 10:06

1M ago10:06

10:06

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, …

1
Fermented Oil 3:12

1M ago3:12

3:12

Fermented oil, berry pulp & vegetables — Tugluq Tuglulitaallriakut puuc'kaami, piturluta ukuq nangluku. – We always used to make tugluq in barrels, and eat it all winter.

1
Anchorage 2:49

2M ago2:49

2:49

Anchorage — Kicarwik Kicarwigmen agkutartua ernerpak. – I am going to Anchorage today.

1
Creepy Crawlies: The Hidden Worms of the World’s Trails 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

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…

1
Ghost 2:56

2M ago2:56

2:56

Ghost — Tanraq Tanrat alingnartaartut. – Ghosts are always scary.

1
The Art of Land Snorkeling 15:25

2M ago15:25

15:25

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 gr…

1
Awl 2:22

2M ago2:22

2:22

Awl — Siilaq, Siilagkaq (N) Siilaq ipegtuq. – The awl is sharp.

1
Under Pressure - Treating compartment syndrome in the wilderness 13:05

2M ago13:05

13:05

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—mat…

1
Dolphin 2:54

2M ago2:54

2:54

Dolphin, Porpoise — Mangaq Mangat kiagmi amlertaartut, paRaguutami maligkaturtaakiikut. – There are always a lot of dolphins in the summertime, they always follow us in the boat.

1
Heat, Smoke, and Survival: The Medicine of Wildland Fire 19:03

3M ago19:03

19:03

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.…

1
Half Dried Fish 2:35

3M ago2:35

2:35

Half Dried Fish — Kac’amaasaq Kac'amaasanek awa'i pilitaan'itut. – They don't make half dried fish anymore.

1
Sand 3:18

3M ago3:18

3:18

Sand — Qaugyaq Asut qaugyanek canamataallriit. – They used to make pots out of sand.

1
From Track to Trail: Managing Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction 9:22

3M ago9:22

9:22

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…

1
When the Heart Walls Thicken - HCOM explained. 12:08

3M ago12:08

12:08

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 che…

1
Hunter 3:01

3M ago3:01

3:01

Hunter — Pisurta Taugna suk pisurta. – This person is a hunter.

1
Brain Safe: The Next Gen of MTB Helmets 13:44

3M ago13:44

13:44

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 fro…

1
Harbor 2:49

3M ago2:49

2:49

Harbor — Kangiyangcuk, Kicarwik PaRaguutaqa kicak'gka kangiyangcugmi. – I anchored my boat in the harbor.

1
Meteor 2:22

4M ago2:22

2:22

Meteor — Pamyulek Akgua'aq pamyulegmek tangellrianga. – The other night I saw a meteor

1
The Attention Walk 11:52

4M ago11:52

11:52

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 “attentio…

1
Ear 2:49

4M ago2:49

2:49

Ear — Cuuteq Cuuteng'rtuq angsqanek. – He has large ears.

1
Managing Type 1 Diabetes in the Wilderness 17:27

4M ago17:27

17:27

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 …

1
Dance 2:50

4M ago2:50

2:50

Dance — Agnguaq Agnguart'skuk! – Let's dance!

1
Concussions in Sports and Wilderness Activities 20:02

4M ago20:02

20:02

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 h…

1
Smoke 2:34

4M ago2:34

2:34

Smoke — Puyuq Mecuusqanek kenerqat puyurnartuu’ut. – Wet firewood is very smoky.

1
Beyond Limits: The Extreme Physiology of Endurance Sports 14:02

4M ago14:02

14:02

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-wor…

1
Snakes & Snouts: Protecting Dogs from Bites, Prevention to Treatment 18:51

5M ago18:51

18:51

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…

1
Young Person 3:06

5M ago3:06

3:06

Young Person, Teen — Sun'aa'aq Sun'aa'rausqak Nuniami et'aarllriik. – These two young people were in Old Harbor.

1
Wild Reads for Wild Kids 13:05

5M ago13:05

13:05

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 …

1
Tree 2:32

5M ago2:32

2:32

Tree — Uqgwik (deciduous), Napaq (spruce) Sun'ami maani napat amlertut, angsinarluteng cali. Kal'uni, Larsen Bay-mi napaitaartukut. – Here in Kodiak we have a lot of spruce trees and tall ones, but in Karluk and Larsen Bay we don't have any.

1
Wild Waters, Wild Risks 13:00

5M ago13:00

13:00

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…

1
Beak 2:44

5M ago2:44

2:44

Beak — Cug’eq Kum'agyam cugaa ipegtaartuq. – An eagle's beak is always sharp.

1
Shovel 2:31

5M ago2:31

2:31

Shovel — Lapaat’kaaq Naama lapaat'kaaqa? – Where's my shovel?

1
Living After the Bite: Life with Alpha-Gal Syndrome 9:45

5M ago9:45

9:45

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, restauran…

1
Weather 2:46

5M ago2:46

2:46

Weather, Sky, Outdoors, Universe, World — Lla Lla Asirtuq. – The weather is good.

1
Smoke on the Trail 15:10

6M ago15:10

15:10

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…

1
Unequal Grounds: Wilderness Medicine Across Cultures 13:00

6M ago13:00

13:00

In this episode, Ajeyo De explores the evolving field of wilderness medicine and its critical role in addressing the unique healthcare needs of diverse populations around the world. He creates a framework for delivering equitable care in environments where traditional systems fall short. Join us as we examine how wilderness medicine isn’t just for …

1
Play 2:42

6M ago2:42

2:42

Play — Wamluni, Salirluni Wamqutartut. – They are going to play.

1
Breathing High: Can Xenon Gas Boost Climber Performance at Altitude? 12:20

6M ago12:20

12:20

Recent headlines report that British climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest in record time after using xenon gas as part of their pre-acclimatization strategy. But what is xenon, and does it truly enhance performance at altitude? We dive into the science behind this noble gas, its effects on the body, and whether it could be a game-changer—or…