Exclusive Interview: Survival Expert Donny Dust Talks ‘Rescue,’ How the Podcast Celebrates the Human Spirit and Community, and More

Donny Dust is a world-renowned survival expert, Marine Corps veteran, author, and adventurer who is also best known as the “Professional Caveman.” After recovering from a life-threatening heart attack at just 37 years old, Donny has made it his mission to share his knowledge and expertise with the world.

He recently became the host of the thrilling podcast series, Rescue, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. The enthralling listen takes audiences into the heart of astonishing rescue missions, offering gripping interviews with front-line figures and everyday heroes.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Donny about Rescue, how the podcast celebrates the human spirit and community, and more.

PC: There’s such a beautiful parallel between the stories highlighted in Rescue and your own journey as part of the Marine Corps. How did this project come across your desk? Was this the easiest “yes” you’ve ever said to an opportunity?
Donny: Rescue, in the grand scheme, is a great concept about highlighting different people’s stories. For me, it was a very easy “yes,” given my search and rescue background, military experience, and dealing with similar scenarios like rock climbing and living in Colorado. Obviously, I haven’t been in a train crash or anything to that extent.

But there were many points of personal reflection and connection. So, aside from having to do a couple of readings to ensure my voice was what they were looking for, it was a very easy “yes” for me.

PC: Similar to many of the rescue missions featured on the podcast, your own personal story is about turning a horrific event into something positive. How did that heart attack in your thirties lead you on the path you’re on today?
Donny: After that heart attack happened, there were a couple of different people who told me that I needed to share that with the world. Before that, I was never on social media. I was somewhat of a hermit. They said, “You need to share. You have a wealth of knowledge, and we could have all lost that.”

That became my approach moving forward. As opportunities presented themselves to continue that sharing process and really connect with people on a personal level, the podcast was another great opportunity to listen to those amazing stories and also provide some of my own personal insights and reflections.

PC: Rescue celebrates the everyday hero. Who were the heroes in your own life who have shaped the person that you are today?
Donny: For me, it was my grandfather and my father. They were two shining examples of what men should be and what fathers should be. I’m a father myself with two sons. I’ve taken many lessons from them and the opportunities they exposed me to, carrying on that family legacy. More importantly, I’ve taught my kids how to think, not necessarily what to think. That’s something I took from my grandfather and my father.

PC: As listeners, you go into this podcast knowing that you’re going to hear incredible rescue missions, but there’s also a lot of unexpected emotion, especially as these heroes recount the events from the day. Was there a particular story that got you choked up while listening to it?
Donny: All of them are pretty emotional because I can find my own personal connections, but I think the one with Jack Tackle and Charlie Sassara titled To Be A Rock. That was one of the most personal ones because I’ve climbed mountains with my father. We’ve done some mountaineering expeditions and rock climbing. I’ve also done it with my son, who is a fanatic for rock climbing.

It’s a story that I can really put myself in their shoes, feel the emotions, and understand that connection they have with that rope. If that rope is severed, I know what that means. It’s a different perspective.

It’s been a role reversal now when I mountaineer with my son. Charlie and Jack are best friends, but I know there is that same sort of love and connection where they will do whatever they can to keep each other alive.

PC: As the host of the podcast, how involved are you in deciding what stories are featured? The show does such a brilliant job of bringing stories that we haven’t heard while also bringing in new accounts for the ones that we have.
Donny: The beautiful thing about this podcast is that it’s a team effort. It’s not just me having a say on specific things. There are a lot of people behind it doing research and various tasks to make these episodes great, from the sound to identifying these folks. I’ve had a few people reach out to me on social media and say, “I’ve got a great story. I’d love to connect,” and we do. Now they’re on the podcast. It’s pretty awesome, but it’s definitely a team effort.

PC: You’ve always used your platform to spark curiosity among others. What do you hope they take away after they listen to this series?
Donny: I hope listeners take away that anyone can be a hero. You don’t have to wear a number, a jersey, have ten million followers, be in movies, or be a singer. People are truly heroes. It’s the everyday person you come across in your own experiences who is willing to lay their life on the line. Those are the heroes. They are the first responders in accidents and tragedy. I think people can walk away with a sense that in the face of adversity or some event, they can do something to help, even if it’s small like bringing a bottle of water or pulling someone from a car. People can help. We should want to help. We should have that continuous and innate drive in us to look after our tribe and community.

PC: The podcast really highlights the human spirit and that community. You’re about halfway through the twenty-episode first season. What can you tell us about the remaining back half, and is there an episode in particular that you’re really excited for listeners to hear?
Donny: The back half of these episodes is pretty awesome. There are some great stories in there, and there are a couple that I get to reflect a bit more on my own personal experiences in the military and even my own heart attack. But they’re going to be rock and roll.

More importantly, the one that I’m really excited about is the one that doesn’t necessarily take place on Earth. It happens in the International Space Station. There are events that happened throughout history that we hear of that are major events like a shuttle crash, but we forget maybe where the shuttle was going and why it was going to that place. Maybe it was supposed to relieve people in the International Space Station. Now they’ve had to take great steps back down to earth. What do they have to do to go through that survival process?

To keep up with Donny, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Listen to new episodes of Rescue every Tuesday.