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.
The Real ResQ Podcast
ASTerisk: Josie McKee, Director of Communications and Operations at Responder Alliance
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In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast, host Jason Quinn speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Communications and Operations at Responder Alliance. A conversation on mental health in high-risk professions and the practical tools that help rescuers stay steady through stress, trauma, and the aftermath of difficult calls.
Drawing from her own search and rescue experience, McKee explains how cumulative stress can quietly build over time, and why proactive support matters just as much as operational training. Together, they break down the stress continuum as a simple framework for recognizing where you are mentally, and why awareness is the first step toward resilience.
They also discuss the power of peer support, the role Responder Alliance plays in providing training and support for rescuers, and the need for meaningful follow-up care—especially after missions that don’t end when the scene is cleared. McKee shares tools that can be used immediately in the field, including the “3-3-3” protocol for grounding and stress management, and offers insight on communicating with families in crisis while protecting your own mental well-being.
This episode is a reminder that strength isn’t white-knuckling it alone—it’s staying connected, knowing your tools, and taking care of the people who take care of everyone else.
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Responder Alliance https://www.responderalliance.com/