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Valor Flight Crew

Valor Flight Crew

Written by: Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider
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About this listen

Produced in partnership with ECHO (Every Coast Helicopter Operations), the Valor Flight Crew Podcast promotes the personnel and life-saving equipment behind helicopter air ambulance services.


Join hosts Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider for in-depth interviews and expert insights from air medical personnel, pilots, communication specialists, and maintenance crews who play critical roles in airborne emergency response.



Both members of the ECHO team, Mike and Blake, have diverse backgrounds in public safety aviation and leadership, allowing them to bring unique perspectives and expertise to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast.

© 2026 Valor Flight Crew
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Episodes
  • Episode 58 - Unexpected Turbulence: When the Patient Becomes the Threat Part 2
    Apr 15 2026

    Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

    In this episode, we’re talking about something that continues to impact healthcare providers across every setting — from the emergency department to ground EMS, and especially in the air medical environment — and that’s violence against healthcare workers.

    We’re joined by Jamie Moran and Jonna Meyer for an honest and powerful conversation about what providers are experiencing in the field right now. We dive into personal stories, how the landscape of healthcare changed after COVID, and why reporting, awareness, and education are critical if we want to create safer working environments.

    This discussion goes beyond statistics. We talk about the emotional toll these encounters take, the cumulative effects of stress and trauma, and the importance of peer support, communication, and de-escalation skills — especially in high-risk, high-acuity environments like HEMS.

    This episode isn’t just about identifying the problem — it’s about starting conversations, building resilience, and supporting the people who show up every day to care for others.

    Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 57 - Unexpected Turbulence: When the Patient Becomes the Threat Part 1
    Apr 8 2026

    Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

    In this episode, we’re talking about something that continues to impact healthcare providers across every setting — from the emergency department to ground EMS, and especially in the air medical environment — and that’s violence against healthcare workers.

    We’re joined by Jamie Moran and Jonna Meyer for an honest and powerful conversation about what providers are experiencing in the field right now. We dive into personal stories, how the landscape of healthcare changed after COVID, and why reporting, awareness, and education are critical if we want to create safer working environments.

    This discussion goes beyond statistics. We talk about the emotional toll these encounters take, the cumulative effects of stress and trauma, and the importance of peer support, communication, and de-escalation skills — especially in high-risk, high-acuity environments like HEMS.

    This episode isn’t just about identifying the problem — it’s about starting conversations, building resilience, and supporting the people who show up every day to care for others.

    Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 56 - No Rank Required: Leadership from the Front Line P2
    Apr 1 2026

    Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Zane Atencio for a candid, practical conversation about what leadership really looks like on the front lines of emergency medical services. From the back of the ambulance to the flight deck, Zane shares his journey from fire medic to flight medic—and the lessons he’s learned about communication, accountability, and the responsibility that comes with leading from wherever you stand.

    Together, we dig into the realities of team dynamics, generational differences in the workforce, and the challenge of orienting new providers in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. We talk about the power of self-reflection, the importance of recognizing good work, and why a supportive culture—one that allows people to learn from mistakes—can make all the difference for crews and patients alike.

    This is a conversation about trust, growth, and the everyday leadership moments that shape the culture of an organization.
    So strap in, check your gauges, and join us as we lift into another episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast—where leadership isn’t just a title … it’s a mindset carried on every mission.

    Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

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    1 hr
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