Moose Mutlow | Yosemite SAR Expert & Author

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Host John Scardena sits down with Moose Mutlow, Search and Rescue (SAR) expert, author, and instructor based in Yosemite National Park. With over 20 years of frontline experience in swiftwater rescue, recovery, and family liaison operations, Moose shares hard-won lessons about humility, leadership, and resilience in the face of tragedy.

The episode opens with John contextualizing a recent Yosemite accident—emphasizing that the discussion was recorded before that event but underscores the real-world gravity of Moose’s work.

Realities of Search & Rescue Operations
Yosemite averages 220 SAR missions annually, from twisted ankles to multi-day helicopter recoveries. Moose recounts six-month recovery efforts and multi-year search closures, explaining how search theory must adapt to reality.

Leadership, Ego, and Humility
A central thread throughout the episode is balancing confidence and humility. Moose and John explore the dangers of overconfidence—both in rescues and leadership. “A good leader listens, delegates, and lets go of control,” Moose notes. “You’re not the hero if you can’t come home.” They discuss teaching younger rangers through “safe humility”—allowing controlled failure to build competence and self-awareness.

Emotional Health & Responder Wellness
Moose details using the stress continuum to track emotional health, emphasizing the importance of processing trauma before it compounds. He explains the role of Family Liaison Officers in managing information flow to grieving families—balancing empathy, structure, and control. Both men share personal experiences with loss and coping, from fatal rescues to family grief, reinforcing that “holding space in silence” can be the most powerful act of compassion.

Writing, Reflection, and Legacy
Moose’s books—When Accidents Happen and Searching—help responders process trauma through structured reflection. Writing, he says, “forces you to articulate intuition,” turning instinctive experience into teachable frameworks for others. John parallels this idea to the podcast’s mission: amplifying field wisdom for professional development and collective growth.

The Humanity in Service
“Service is a gift, but it comes at a cost,” Moose says, calling for responders to protect their humanity rather than armor it away. The episode ends with a heartfelt reminder to reach out for help, celebrate small joys, and share mental health resources with others.

Visit https://www.moosemutlow.com for training resources, books, and leadership materials.

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