Podcast
Calm in the Chaos - U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Podcast
Hosted by Brian Dickinson · EN
Calm in the Chaos shares real rescue stories from the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Rescue Swimmers. Hosted by Brian Dickinson—bestselling author, former Navy Rescue Swimmer, and Everest solo summiteer. Ranked in the top 10% of podcasts worldwide, the show digs into the grit, mindset, and faith it takes to run toward the chaos so others may live.
Support the mission at briandickinson.net.
Not affiliated with the U.S. Navy or DoD.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
20 Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | SAR School Instructor to NSW Support | Greg Baker on High-Risk Rescues & Leadership Under Pressure
Mar 1101:02:37Tap to summarizeGreg Baker spent 20 years as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, operating where hesitation costs lives and preparation is everything.From multiple real-world rescues to serving as a SAR School instructor responsible for shaping future Rescue Swimmers, Greg understands what separates average from dependable. He finished his career supporting Naval Special Warfare, operating in intense environments to track suspected bad guy vehicles based on intel.In this episode:• 20 years as a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer• Multiple real-world rescue missions• Serving as a SAR School instructor• Supporting Naval Special Warfare (NSW)• Leadership under pressure• The mindset that sustains a long operational career(2) Bronze Stars — Joint Task Force Iraq(1) Joint Service Commendation Medal — Iraq(1) Navy Commendation Medal — HVBSS operation discussed on the show(7) Navy Achievement Medals — for multiple rescue missions👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these conversations.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 53So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #SARSchool #NavalAviation #NSW #NavalSpecialWarfare #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryLeadership #FirstResponder #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive
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From Vietnam to Navy SAR Evaluator | Bob Nowak on 30+ Years of Search and Rescue, DEA Prisoner Recovery & Whidbey Island SAR
Feb 2501:08:33Tap to summarizeBob Nowak brings more than three decades of real-world Search and Rescue experience—from the Vietnam era to Whidbey Island SAR, from high-risk recoveries to serving as a SAR Evaluator responsible for training and assessing the next generation.This episode is about longevity in service, the weight of responsibility, and the mindset required to lead when conditions deteriorate.In this episode:• 30+ years in Search and Rescue• Service during the Vietnam era• Whidbey Island SAR operations• The recovery of a DEA prisoner• What a SAR Evaluator looks for in rescue professionals• Leadership, discipline, and staying sharp over decades• Decision-making under pressure👉 Subscribe, share, and leave a review. It helps more veterans, first responders, and families find these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 52So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#SearchAndRescue #NavySAR #VietnamVeteran #WhidbeyIsland #DEARecovery #SARLeadership #MilitaryMindset #FirstResponder #DecisionMaking #CalmInTheChaos #SoOthersMayLive
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20+ Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer | Flying Missions in Iraq with Jack Carr & SEAL Team Ops
Feb 1101:15:06Tap to summarizeI deployed twice to the Persian Gulf with Jeff Strickland, a brother who went on to serve more than two decades as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer and aircrewman. His career spanned multiple combat deployments, high-risk rescues, and unforgettable missions — including flying Iraq mission sets with SEAL sniper Jack Carr, and an intense injured SEAL medevac following a ship takedown.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Jeff reflects on the highs and lows of a long Navy career — the camaraderie, the chaos, and the call to serve that never really fades. His perspective captures what it means to live the Rescue Swimmer creed long after the uniform comes off.In this episode:Deploying to the Persian Gulf and IraqFlying with Jack Carr during real-world SEAL missionsThe injured SEAL medevac that tested training and heartLessons from 20+ years of service and leadership in the NavyBrotherhood, resilience, and life after active duty👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 51So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#JeffStrickland #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #JackCarr #NavySEALs #MedEvac #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #PersianGulf #IraqWar #CombatRescue #VeteranStories #NavyLife #SARCommunity #MilitaryBrotherhood #RescueSwimmerStories #USNavyFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Aviation Rescue Swimmer | CrossFit Competitor | Rescue Near Papua New Guinea
Jan 2701:32:00Tap to summarizeFew people understand pressure like Aviation Rescue Swimmer Taryn Frazelle. A high-performance athlete and ranked CrossFit competitor, Taryn brought that same strength and discipline into the fleet—where staying calm isn’t optional, it’s life or death.During one intense mission near Papua New Guinea, a routine flight turned into a high-risk remote island rescue. Conditions were chaotic and the mission evolved by the second. But Taryn’s training, composure, and focus took over. Her calm in the middle of that storm saved lives and set the standard for what it truly means to be a Rescue Swimmer.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Taryn shares:The full story of the rescue near Papua New GuineaWhat it takes to stay calm when everything around you is breaking downThe mindset required to perform at the highest level—physically, mentally, and emotionallyLessons from the Rescue Swimmer community and the missions that shape you forever👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find strength through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 50So Others May Live. 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% off with code: SARRESCUE10100% of proceeds support the podcast.#TarynFrazelle #RescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #SAR #SearchAndRescue #PapuaNewGuineaRescue #CrossFitAthlete #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #MilitaryStories #RescueSwimmerStories #WomenInTheMilitary #CourageUnderPressure #NavyLife #FirstResponderStories #MilitaryHeroesFollow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcastTwitter/X: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Navy Rescue Swimmer Awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal | CH-46 Gulf Rescue and Iraq Deployments
Jan 2701:21:14Tap to summarizeOver two decades in the Navy, Aviation Rescue Swimmer David Allen built a career defined by courage and commitment. During one harrowing mission in the Persian Gulf, a ship was going down — and David launched in a CH-46 helicopter into chaos. That rescue would earn him the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, one of the highest awards for heroism not involving combat.After that, David continued to serve as a SAR Instructor, at WTU (Weapons Tactic Unit) and later HSC-4, completing “3.5” deployments to Iraq. His story embodies the true spirit of the Rescue Swimmer creed — “So Others May Live.”In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, David shares:The full story behind the CH-46 Gulf rescue that tested every ounce of skill and faithThe meaning behind receiving the Navy & Marine Corps MedalLife as a SAR Instructor and WTUDeployments with HSC-4 and lessons from 20+ years of service👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 49So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#DavidAllen #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavyAndMarineCorpsMedal #CH46 #PersianGulfRescue #HSC4 #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SARInstructor #WTU #IraqDeployments #NavyHero #VeteranStories #RescueSwimmerStories #NavyLife #CourageUnderPressure #MilitaryHeroesFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Navy Rescue Swimmer | Off-Duty Water Rescue That Made National Headlines | Jeremy Way
Jan 2701:01:50Tap to summarizeJeremy Way has spent 17 years as an active-duty U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, responding to high-risk rescues where seconds matter and hesitation costs lives.Recently, Jeremy found himself in the headlines for a rescue that happened off duty. While eating lunch, he witnessed a woman drive her car into the water. Without waiting for responders, Jeremy and others entered the water and reached her just seconds before the vehicle sank, pulling her to safety.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, we talk about what makes moments like that possible—not luck, not adrenaline, but years of training, discipline, and readiness that never shuts off.This conversation goes beyond the headlines and into the mindset of someone who lives prepared—on duty or not.In this episode:17 years as an active-duty Navy Aviation Rescue SwimmerWhat real rescue swimmer training builds into decision-makingThe off-duty water rescue that made national headlinesWhy instinct takes over when time runs outService, responsibility, and staying ready when no one’s watching👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 48So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #USNavy #SearchAndRescue #WaterRescue #OffDutyHero #RealLifeRescue #MilitaryMindset #csar #NavyAviation #FirstResponder #RescueSwimmer #CalmintheChaos #DecisionMakingUnderPressure #JeremyWay #virginiabeach
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Retired Navy Rescue Swimmer | CNO SAR Model Manager to HSC-85 – Always the Student, Always the Teacher
Dec 1701:11:50Tap to summarizeWith multiple deployments and decades of service, Jason Barney embodies what it means to be a lifelong student and leader. From his early days as a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer to serving as CNO SAR Model Manager and with HSC-85, Jason’s career has been defined by excellence, mentorship, and innovation.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, Jason shares stories from his time in the Navy, the lessons learned from global deployments, and how he continues to shape the next generation of rescue swimmers. His perspective reminds us that leadership isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about staying teachable, even after retirement.In this episode:Lessons from multiple deploymentsThe role and responsibilities of the CNO SAR Model ManagerThe evolution of the Rescue Swimmer programWhat it means to lead with humility and purpose👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 47So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#JasonBarney #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #CNO #SARMODELMANAGER #HSC85 #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #NavyLeadership #NavyVeteran #RescueSwimmerStories #MilitaryMentorship #SARCommunity #VeteranStories #NavyLife #AlwaysTheStudent #MilitaryExcellenceFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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10 Years as a Navy Rescue Swimmer to Reptile Storyteller
Dec 301:05:04Tap to summarizeFor ten years, Tommy Maxwell served as a U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer, operating under pressure, saving lives, and learning from some of the best — including the late Master Chief Tony DiCenso, a legend in the SAR community.Now out of the military, Tommy has shifted his mission — from rescuing people to educating and inspiring others through wildlife storytelling. On his popular YouTube channel @Tommys_reptiles, he shares his lifelong passion for reptiles, showing the world that these misunderstood creatures deserve respect, not fear.In this episode of Calm in the Chaos, we talk about:What it’s really like to serve a decade as a Navy Rescue SwimmerThe mentorship and legacy of Master Chief Tony DiCensoTransitioning from the military to civilian life and creative purposeTommy’s mission to humanize reptiles and share wildlife filmmaking adventures👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 46So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#TommyMaxwell #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #TonyDiCenso #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #NavySAR #Reptiles #WildlifeFilmmaking #VeteranStories #AnimalEducation #NavyVeteran #RescueSwimmerStories #SARCommunity #HumanizingReptiles #MilitaryToCivilian #NavyLifeFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Navy Rescue Swimmer’s Life-or-Limb Decision During Hurricane Katrina
Dec 301:01:45Tap to summarizeWhen Hurricane Katrina unleashed chaos across the Gulf Coast, Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer Tim Hawkins was sent into the storm. In the middle of the devastation, he faced an unthinkable decision — save a life or risk losing his.This episode of Calm in the Chaos dives into the real rescue missions of Hurricane Katrina, told by one of the men who lived it. Tim Hawkins shares what it meant to operate in impossible conditions — flooded cities, downed power lines, exhausted crews, and endless rescues. His split-second decision in that moment would define not just his mission, but his mindset for the rest of his life.In this episode:Inside the chaos of Katrina rescue operationsThe life-or-limb moment that tested Tim’s training and mindsetLessons in composure, courage, and compassion under pressureThe brotherhood of the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 45So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#TimHawkins #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #HurricaneKatrina #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #SoOthersMayLive #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryStories #NavyLife #HeroicRescue #VeteranStories #NavyAviation #SAR #RealHeroes #SurvivalStories #NavyBrotherhoodFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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Surviving the Unsurvivable: Jay Shropshire on the Kuwait Helo Crash, Brotherhood, and Finding Purpose After Service
Nov 5Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of Calm in the Chaos, I sit down with Jay Shropshire, retired Senior Chief, Aviation Rescue Swimmer — a brother I went through training with. Jay opens up about the catastrophic Navy helicopter crash in Kuwait that everyone miraculously survived, and the invisible battles that followed after 23 years of dedication to serving our country.We talk about survival, purpose, and the quiet struggle of transitioning from military life to civilian reality. It’s one of the heaviest and most honest episodes yet — a reminder that even the strongest warriors carry unseen scars.👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 42So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!#CalmInTheChaosPodcast #AviationRescueSwimmer #RescueSwimmer #JayShropshire #BrianDickinson #NavyVeteran #SoOthersMayLive #HelicopterCrashSurvivor #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Resilience #Brotherhood #FaithThroughAdversity #LeadershipUnderPressure #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStoriesFor more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson
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