Mule Power in Disaster Response – Mike Toberer of Mission Mules

Mule Power in Disaster Response – Mike Toberer of Mission Mules

Author: Sara F. Hathaway June 10, 2026 Duration: 1:07:38
Mike Toberer, founder of Mission Mules and owner of Mountain Mule Packers, joins us to share how pack mules have been used to deliver critical supplies in real disasters. After Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Mike and his team took mules into areas where roads had collapsed and no vehicles could reach. He shares powerful stories from the ground, including the heartbreaking loss of several mules and how Samaritan's Purse stepped in to help them continue the mission.

We also discuss the team's work in Texas after major flooding, where they supported river recovery crews and began exploring new ways to combine mules with drones and communications for future responses. Mike also talks about their international deployment to Jamaica, where they delivered and set up a large-scale water filtration system. This episode is filled with real-world lessons on low-tech resilience, faith in action, community response, and practical preparedness strategies. In this episode we cover:
  • How mules were used during Hurricane Helene relief
  • The emotional and logistical challenges of the mission
  • What the team did in Texas flood recovery
  • Expanding capabilities with drones and technology
  • Faith, community, and "prepare for the worst, pray for the best"
Links & Resources:

Sara F. Hathaway’s The Changing Earth Podcast, Survival Fiction & Facts offers a unique blend of narrative and practical knowledge. Each episode presents a chapter from the action-packed adventure novel *Day After Disaster*, immersing you in a fictional world where survival skills become paramount. Following the story, Sara brings in expert survival professionals from across the United States. These conversations delve into the real-world facts and techniques hinted at in the narrative, transforming exciting fiction into applicable lessons. You’ll hear discussions on the practical concepts raised in the novel, moving from thrilling "what if" scenarios to grounded, how-to advice. This approach makes the podcast a compelling listen for anyone who enjoys being swept up in a story while also wanting to learn something tangible. The structure ensures that every dramatic moment in *Day After Disaster* is paired with insightful commentary, creating a rich experience that educates as much as it entertains. It’s this seamless fusion of a serialized novel and expert interview that defines the journey of this podcast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Changing Earth Podcast, Survival Fiction & Facts
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