Acts of Impact

Paws On Ground Zero: The Rescue Dogs Of 9/11

On September 11th, 2001, a group of Al Qaeda terrorists hijack four passenger airplanes and carry out suicide attacks against major U. S. targets, including the World Trade Center in New York City. What followed was one of the largest search-and-rescue missions in history, as FEMA teams and first-responders descended on ground zero in search of survivors.  Many heroes would arrive on scene to help, with one unique group arriving on four legs instead of two - The FEMA Canine Search-and-Rescue dogs.  On today's episode, we'll speak with canine handlers Bob Deeds, Sarah Atlas, and Cindy Ehlers, as well as veterinarian Dr. Cindy Otto. We'll discuss what it was like that day at ground zero, the challenges these dogs faced on the ground, the long-term health effects of the rescue operation, and the emotional impact of the event.  I hope you enjoy today's episode.  If you'd like to get involved with canine search-and-rescue, there are many ways to do so. You can reach out to the following organizations for more information: * Penn Vet Working Dog Center - https://bit.ly/4aHS8eY * Hope Animal-Assisted Crisis Response - https://www.hopeaacr.org/ * Deeds Canine Connection - https://www.deedscanineconnection.com/ * Search and Rescue Dog Foundation - https://bit.ly/3RKDVW2 To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit: https://www.actsofimpact.com Special thanks to our guests for their time and insight.  Music by Alex Grohls.

Always Ready: The U.S. Coast Guard Rescue of the FCA Alaska Ranger

When the Alaska Ranger sent a distress call to Communications Station Kodiak in the early hours of March 23, 2008, it set in motion a daring and dangerous rescue mission.  Amidst daunting sea and wind conditions, the Coast Guard Cutter Munro coordinated helicopter and plane crews, good samaritan ships, and more in a race against time to save 47 lives.  On today's episode, we'll explore the events leading up to the sinking, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard's incredible rescue operation in the frigid, unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea. For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing three individuals who participated in the rescue operations first-hand, including Flight Commander for the Jayhawk helicopter Brian Mclaughlin, flight mechanic for the Dolphin helicopter Al Musgrave, and communications station watchstander David Seidl. I also had the privilege of interviewing author Kalee Thompson, who literally wrote the book on the rescue operation. Their stories bring to life the intense challenges and split-second decisions faced on this trying night. I hope you enjoy today's episode.  For more information on this historic rescue, I highly recommend Kalee's book 'Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History'. You can find it on Amazon below: https://www.amazon.com/Deadliest-Sea-Untold-Greatest-History/dp/0061766305 Also available on Audible at: https://www.audible.com/pd/Deadliest-Sea-Audiobook/B083ZHTGVM To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit: https://www.actsofimpact.com Special thanks to our guests for their time and insight.  Music by Alex Grohls.

Ignaz Semmelweis, Savior of Mothers

On today's episode, we'll explore the  story of Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, an obstetrician from the 19th century who discovered the importance of hand-washing for preventing Childbed Fever and started a campaign to change the behavior of the entire medical industry.  In so doing, he would be ostracized, villainized, ignored, and committed to an insane asylym where he would be beaten and ultimately die as this preventable disease continued to kill thousands of mothers.  For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing: * Dr. Leslie S. Leighton, Medical Historian and Instructor for the Department of History at Georgia State University * Dr. Elif Vatanoğlu-Lutz, Professor of Ethics and History of Medicine at Yeditepe University Medical Faculty * Dr. Justin Lessler, Professor for the Department of Epidemiology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Public Health I hope you enjoy today's episode. For more information about the story of Ignaz Semmelweis, I hope you'll consider the book ‘Genius Belabored’ by Theodore G. Obenchain, which you can find at bit.ly/45RJ04W To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit: https://www.actsofimpact.com Voiceover work by Peter Szocs Music by Alex Grohls.

Jesus Garcia and the Train of Dynamite

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Jesus Garcia, a Mexican Railroad Engineer credited with saving the entire town of Nacozari, Sonora in 1907 when he sacrificed himself to drive a train of dynamite away from the town before it exploded.  For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Ernesto Ibarra, president of the Nacozari de Garcia Historical Association. We'll discuss the history of Nacozari, Jesus's rise to Engineer, the events of the day leading up to the explosion, and the aftermath of Jesus's incredible decision.  I hope you enjoy today's episode.  To purchase Ernesto's book (Spanish language) visit: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nacozari-de-garc-a-ernesto-ibarra/1123703107 To learn more about the Nacozari de Garcia Historical Association, visit: https://historiadenacozari.org/ To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit: https://www.actsofimpact.com Special thanks to Ernesto for his time and insight.  Music by Alex Grohls.

Swansea Jack and the North Dock Rescues

On today's episode, we'll explore the incredible story of Swansea Jack, a Welsh rescuer credited with saving the lives of 27 people and 2 dogs from the North Docks of Swansea in the 1930s.  For this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Berni Hellier, author of 'The True Tail of Swansea Jack', and Gayle Simmonds, illustrator of the book and long-time friend of Berni's. We'll discuss Jack's 7-year career which included charity work, festivals, and more, the attempts to discredit his work as a hoax, and the legacy he leaves behind in Swansea.  I hope you enjoy today's episode.  To purchase 'The True Tail of Swansea Jack', visit: https://swanseajack.co.uk/shop/ To learn more about the show, view transcripts, and more visit: https://www.actsofimpact.com Special thanks to Berni and Gayle for their time and insight.  Music by Alex Grohls.