Best Echo Valor Podcasts (2025)

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Ghosts, Grace, and Grit The Ballads of David Burnell 3:55

9h ago3:55

3:55

“Ghosts, Grace, and Grit” is a lyrical spoken-word journey through the real-life missions of David Burnell—a veteran, rescue diver, humanitarian, trainer, and storyteller. From Sheridan Lake’s icy depths to Haiti and Japan’s shattered ruins, from building warrior resilience post-9/11 to teaching women how to fight back, each verse is soaked in live…

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Episode 16 - Past, Present & Future: ECHO's Blueprint for Supporting Public Safety Aviation 1:18:08

19d ago1:18:08

1:18:08

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Jody Gregory, ECHO president, and Joe Zarek, ECHO vice-president, to discuss the many intricacies of this community-driven organization dedicated to support…

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Echoes of Valor - The Life and Mission of David Burnell 2:46

9h ago2:46

2:46

“Echoes of Valor: The Life and Mission of David Burnell” is a powerful spoken word narrative tracing the extraordinary life of a modern warrior. From elite U.S. Air Force missions and rescue dives beneath frozen lakes, to leading post-earthquake security in Haiti and guiding humanitarian operations in Burma and Japan, David Burnell has lived where …

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Across the River - A Ballad from the Jungles of Burma 2:55

14h ago2:55

2:55

Across the River is a lyrical spoken ballad drawn from David Burnell’s firsthand experience deep in the jungles of Burma. Partnering with Special Forces veteran John Padgett, David embarked on a mission not to fight, but to lift—to protect the teacher, train indigenous medics, and serve a people caught in one of the longest civil wars in modern his…

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Episode 18 - Healthy Providers, Stronger Outcomes: The FIT for Flight Mindset Part 2 1:11:41

5d ago1:11:41

1:11:41

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Blake and Mike sit down with guests Michelle Kline and Vince Dravecky for a much-needed conversation on wellness in the EMS profession. Together, they dive into the of…

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Die Like a Hero Going Home - A Death Song for the Living 2:11

5d ago2:11

2:11

“Die Like a Hero Going Home” is a spoken-word ballad built on the timeless wisdom of Chief Tecumseh. This piece challenges listeners to live with honor, gratitude, courage, and respect for self, others, and the sacred journey of life. With poetic resolve, it reminds us that the greatest warriors are not those who fear death but those who prepare fo…

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Thy Will Be Done - Finding Peace in the Fire 2:22

8d ago2:22

2:22

"Thy Will Be Done" is a reverent and vulnerable spoken ballad by veteran, rescuer, and storyteller David Burnell. Inspired by a recent cancer screening and a lifetime of missions where life itself hung in the balance, this performance is a testament to faith under fire. Blending personal reflection, military and rescue experience, and spiritual tes…

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The Walking Wounded - Not All Heroes Fall 3:27

8d ago3:27

3:27

“The Walking Wounded” is a reverent spoken ballad by David Burnell that honors the silent sacrifice of those who came home from war, rescue missions, and terror attacks, forever changed, through real stories of his personal friends. Men like Jeff, Tony, John, and his Uncle Bill, this piece explores the hidden wounds of service, the quiet strength o…

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The Edge of Peace - Where Angels Whisper and Danger Breathes 3:39

8d ago3:39

3:39

"The Edge of Peace" is a gripping spoken-word ballad that captures the tension, sacrifice, and silent heroism of a real-life mission into the war-torn borderlands of Burma (Myanmar). Echo Valor founder David Burnell recalls his journey to support the Karen tribe—a persecuted Christian people fighting for survival—through the lens of memory, brother…

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Punch, Kick, Run! Women's Self-defense 2:19

8d ago2:19

2:19

“Punch, Kick, Run!” is a spoken ballad written and performed to teach women essential self-defense. Delivered in a clear, engaging, and powerful tone, the piece walks listeners through a real-world scenario. It uses that story to educate, from striking and evasion tactics to the vital color code of mental awareness (white, yellow, orange, red). Cre…

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You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard - Dan Laguna Warrior, Survivor and Brother 2:29

9d ago2:29

2:29

“You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard” is a cinematic spoken ballad based on the life of Dan Laguna—a true warrior, Special Forces Green Beret, Night Stalker pilot, and former head of Blackwater Aviation. Told with raw reverence, this composition shares his journey from a humble beginning as the son of a wounded Korean War veteran, through decades of e…

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The Bummer Lamb - The One Left Behind Still Matters Most 2:58

9d ago2:58

2:58

The Bummer Lamb is more than a story—it’s a parable of our times. In this cinematic spoken ballad, David Burnell reflects on the tender truth of the lamb that is left behind by its mother, too weak to survive on its own. But when seen by the shepherd, lifted with care, and raised with love, it becomes the one who knows the Shepherd most intimately.…

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The Long Walk - Delta Force Selection, Life, Faith, and Perseverance 3:24

9d ago3:24

3:24

“The Long Walk” is a powerful spoken-word ballad from David Burnell, host of the Echo Valor Podcast, blending military insight with deep spiritual reflection. Inspired by the Delta Force selection process—particularly its grueling, secretive endurance march—the piece uses the “The Long Walk” metaphor to explore life, faith, perseverance, and our di…

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The Good Wolf - Hunting Evil Before It Strikes 2:19

9d ago2:19

2:19

“The Good Wolf (Hunting Evil Before it Strikes)” is a cinematic spoken word ballad that adds a new chapter to the classic metaphor of sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves. With poetic realism and emotional gravity, the piece introduces the Good Wolf—a figure who doesn’t wait to defend, but hunts evil before it can strike. This spoken composition is a tribu…

1
The Destroyer - A Warrior’s Confession, A Family’s Cost 3:42

10d ago3:42

3:42

“The Destroyer” is a raw and haunting spoken ballad chronicling the life of a man forged in the fires of war, rescue, and relentless service—but broken in the quiet distance of home. Across decades of secrecy, deployments, and sacrifice, his calling became his armor and undoing. This is not just a warrior’s story—it is a confession of the silence t…

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The Ranger Creed - Rangers Lead the Way 2:48

10d ago2:48

2:48

"The Ranger Creed (Rangers Lead the Way)" is a powerful spoken word tribute set to a minimalist cinematic score, fully narrating the official Ranger Creed. Each word is delivered with reverence, reflecting the spirit of America's elite warriors—those who move further, fight harder, and never leave a fallen comrade. Whether played at ceremonies, in …

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And the Wall Came Tumbling Down - Berlin 1989 The Day Freedom Broke Through 2:38

10d ago2:38

2:38

“And the Wall Came Tumbling Down” is more than a song—it’s a tribute to a turning point in modern history. Set to cinematic rock and orchestral tones, this ballad captures the emotional and political weight of the Cold War’s end, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the human stories behind it all. Through verses of division, a chorus of triumph, and a…

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A Father's Reach - Hug the Children for Me 3:44

10d ago3:44

3:44

"A Father’s Reach (Hug the Children for Me)" is a solemn spoken ballad drawn from the life and poetry of David Burnell—humanitarian, rescuer, and father. Based on his original poem and the stories chronicled on burnell.me, this piece captures the haunting beauty of sacrifice, duty, and fatherhood from afar. Whether in disaster zones, war-torn lands…

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The Day I Got Shot - A Ballad of Brotherhood, Pain, and Purpose 3:24

10d ago3:24

3:24

On April 5, 2007, during a SWAT training event in Utah, David Burnell was accidentally shot through the ankle during a live fire drill. “The Day I Got Shot” recounts the visceral moment of impact, the shock and the shame, and the profound love shown by fellow operators in the aftermath. With no medication available and his weapon still across his c…

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The Wave and the Whisper - Heart of Japan’s Tsunami Zone 4:04

10d ago4:04

4:04

“The Wave and the Whisper” is a spoken ballad inspired by David Burnell’s firsthand experience in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Alone and unaffiliated, David flew into Japan while others were leaving, seeking not glory but to serve. This piece walks the listener through haunting scenes of wreckage, nuclear radiation, loss…

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Beneath the Ice - Sheridan Lake, 1996 3:32

11d ago3:32

3:32

In this haunting spoken ballad, David Burnell recounts the 1996 Sheridan Lake ice rescue—one of the most harrowing dive calls of his career. Through vivid storytelling and minimal ambient music, “Beneath the Ice” draws the listener beneath the frozen surface where adrenaline, protocol, and faith collide. When a dune buggy plunges through ice with t…

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Episode 17 - Healthy Providers, Stronger Outcomes: The FIT for Flight Mindset Part 1 1:04:33

12d ago1:04:33

1:04:33

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosts Blake and Mike sit down with guests Michelle Kline and Vince Dravecky for a much-needed conversation on wellness in the EMS profession. Together, they dive into the of…

1
Through the Kaleidoscope - A Journey of Healing 1:36

15d ago1:36

1:36

“Through the Kaleidoscope” is a deeply personal spoken-word journey from David Burnell, drawn directly from his own experience with PTSD and the long road to healing. Through raw imagery and grounded emotion, David takes listeners inside the fractured lens of trauma—shaped by military service, rescue missions, violence, and profound loss. It captur…

1
White Crosses and Steel Rain 3:34

16d ago3:34

3:34

“White Crosses and Steel Rain” is a powerful spoken-word tribute written and performed by David Burnell, veteran, rescue operator, and founder of Echo Valor. Set against a cinematic backdrop, this ballad recounts his pilgrimages to sacred grounds of war: the fields of Flanders, the graveyards of Arnhem, and the storm-swept beaches of Normandy. From…

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Missions in Haiti - The Bodyguard’s Burden 3:54

16d ago3:54

3:54

“Missions in Haiti: The Bodyguard’s Burden” is a cinematic spoken-word ballad written and performed by David Burnell, a veteran, rescue operator, and close protection specialist. Set in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, this narrative recounts high-risk security missions alongside volunteer doctors and nurses with the Utah Hospital Task F…

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The Longest Day - Voices on the Wind 3:32

17d ago3:32

3:32

“The Longest Day: Voices on the Wind” is a cinematic spoken ballad commemorating the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion. It recounts the beach landings, airborne drops, and air missions of June 6, 1944, through haunting narration and light ambient music. Honoring American, British, Canadian, Free French, Polish, and Allied soldiers who stormed …

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Break the Glass in Case of War 3:48

17d ago3:48

3:48

“Break the Glass in Case of War” is a spoken-word tribute by David Burnell that blends raw storytelling with a haunting cinematic score. This piece captures the inner weight of those who serve in silence—warriors, rescuers, and medics who carry others through chaos but often bear their burdens alone. Written from firsthand experience in combat and …

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Episode 15 - Maintaining the Mission - Part 2 1:07:16

26d ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Welcome back to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, where we dive into the people, partnerships, and behind the scenes work that keep our helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations running. Today,…

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Episode 14 - Maintaining the Mission - Part 1 1:03:33

1M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Welcome back to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, where we dive into the people, partnerships, and behind the scenes work that keep our helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) operations running. Today,…

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Episode 13 ECMO on the Move: Revolutionizing Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care Part 2 54:33

1M ago54:33

54:33

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Buckle up as we take you behind the scenes of some cutting-edge advancements in emergency medicine and critical care transport. In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Kevin Rixmann, clinical supervi…

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Echoes of Herculine: The Hidden Legacy of Herculine Barbin 25:49

1M ago25:49

25:49

Join us for an enlightening exploration of Herculine Barbin's remarkable life story. We delve into the compelling memoir of a 19th-century French intersex individual whose experiences continue to resonate with contemporary discussions about gender identity and societal norms. This episode navigates through Barbin's journey from their early life in …

1
Episode 12 ECMO on the Move: Revolutionizing Pre-Hospital Cardiac Care Part 1 FOR REVIEW 52:07

2M ago52:07

52:07

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Buckle up as we take you behind the scenes of some cutting-edge advancements in emergency medicine and critical care transport. In this episode, hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider sit down with Kevin Rixmann, clinical supervi…

1
Transitioning in the Spotlight: A Story On Wendy Carlos 24:13

2M ago24:13

24:13

Join us for an illuminating exploration of Wendy Carlos, a groundbreaking electronic music pioneer and transgender trailblazer. In this episode, we delve into Carlos's remarkable journey from her early musical beginnings to her revolutionary work with the Moog Synthesizer, including creating the platinum-selling album "Switched-On Bach." We discuss…

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Beyond the Battlefield: Albert Cashier's Journey of Identity and Courage 25:42

2M ago25:42

25:42

Join us for a compelling exploration of one of America's most remarkable hidden histories. In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Albert Cashier, an Irish soldier who served valiantly in the Union Army during the Civil War. Beyond the battlefield heroics and military achievements, this episode uncovers the deeper story of identity…

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Episode 11 ECHO Safety Team - Enhancing Safety across the Industry 1:15:44

2M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode we take you inside the world of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) aviation safety, where we are joined by members of the Echo Safety Team to dive deep into the critical role safety plays in HEMS o…

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Episode 10 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 2 1:07:36

2M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothl…

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Capturing Trans Identity: The Legacy of Loren Cameron 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

Join us for an exploration of photographer and transgender activist Loren Cameron's remarkable life and legacy. In this episode, we delve into Cameron's life, his groundbreaking work "Body Alchemy" and his revolutionary approach to trans representation in photography. We examine how Cameron's art challenged societal norms and paved the way for futu…

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Episode 9 - Fit for Shift: What Pilots Wish Crews Knew (and Vice Versa!) Part 1 1:09:13

3M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, Blake and Mike sit down with pilots Gene Reynolds and Matt Johnson for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what really makes air ambulance operations run smoothl…

1
Episode 8 - Pre-hospital medicine across the pond 43:33

3M ago43:33

43:33

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, recorded live from the annual Public Safety Aviation Conference in Richmond, Virginia, Blake Shrider and Mike Fidale sit down with a special guest from across the Atlantic: …

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Transgender Day of Visibility 29:47

3M ago29:47

29:47

Join us for an enlightening exploration of the International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). In this episode, we delve into the history, significance, and evolution of this crucial day of recognition, from its grassroots beginnings in 2009 to its current global impact. Learn about TDOV founder Rachel Crandall-Crocker's vision, hear powerful v…

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Episode 7 - ECHO FAST: Peer Support for Flight Crews in High-Stress Environments 57:30

3M ago57:30

57:30

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode of the Valor Flight Crew podcast, we sit down with Darren and Deb from the ECHO Flight Crew Assistance and Support Team (FAST) to explore the vital work they’re doing in supporting flight crew members. They …

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Valor & Identity: The Untold Story of Amelio Robles Ávila 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

Come learn more about Amelio Robles Ávila, a stunning transgender revolutionary who made history in Mexico during the tumultuous years of the Mexican Revolution. We explore the life of a man who defied gender expectations in early 20th-century Mexico. Discover how Amelio's privileged background, military prowess, and unwavering sense of identity he…

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Episode 6 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 2 56:34

3M ago56:34

56:34

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode, hosts Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale sit down with Steve Soliz from Bell. Steve takes us through his unique journey—from serving as a medic to becoming a nurse, and now, playing a pivotal role in shaping the…

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Episode 5 - A Global Perspective: Topics and Trends in the HEMS Industry with Steve Soliz Part 1 1:00:58

3M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode, hosts Blake Shrider and Mike Fadale sit down with Steve Soliz from Bell. Steve takes us through his unique journey—from serving as a medic to becoming a nurse, and now, playing a pivotal role in shaping the…

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Episode 4 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 2 54:59

4M ago54:59

54:59

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this two-part episode join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for an in depth interview with Rhett Draehn. Rhett is paramedic, and the current safety director at CareFlite in Texas. His story is nothing short of extraor…

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Episode 3 - Surviving the Unthinkable: Rhett Draehn’s Journey Part 1 58:27

4M ago58:27

58:27

Welcome to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this two-part episode join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for an in depth interview with Rhett Draehn. Rhett is paramedic, and the current safety director at CareFlite in Texas. His story is nothing short of extraor…

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Episode 2 - Shaping the Future of Flight Medicine: The Future Flight Crew Program 1:17:34

4M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Welcome to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by Echo and proudly brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s shaping the future of the air medical industry—the Future Flight Crew (FFC) Program. This initiative has become a game-changer for aspiring flight clinician…

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Late Bloomer, Lasting Legacy: The Beverly Glenn-Copeland Story 24:30

4M ago24:30

24:30

Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Beverly Glenn-Copeland, a groundbreaking musician and transgender pioneer. From his early days as one of McGill University's first Black students to his 25-year career in children's television and the creation of the innovative album "Keyboard Fantasies," we'll trace Glenn-Copeland's path to becoming …

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Episode 1 - Critical Care in the Wild 1:06:24

4M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Welcome to another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine! In today’s episode we are joined by a true innovator in search-and-rescue and emergency medical services: Miles Randell, president of Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical—better known as TEAAM. Mile…

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The Valor Flight Crew Podcast Introduction 32:57

4M ago32:57

32:57

Vertical HeliCASTS — your Vertical podcast network — is thrilled to announce the launch of The Valor Flight Crew Podcast, with the first episode streaming now. The HeliCASTS podcast network, which launched in the fall of 2023, is part of MHM Publishing’s growing family of multimedia offerings. The Valor Flight Crew Podcast is now the fifth podcast …

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