Medic2medic Podcast

To kick off the new year, Medic2Medic presents a Special Edition episode centered on survival, perspective, and purpose.In this powerful conversation, Steve sits down with career EMS professional and public safety technology leader Greg Howard, a sudden cardiac arrest survivor whose story reframes how we think about EMS, provider health, and what truly matters. With more than 25 years of experience across EMS, emergency medicine, fire service operations, and healthcare technology, Greg has helped EMS agencies nationwide improve care delivery, documentation, and data-driven decision-making. That professional journey took a deeply personal turn when Greg suffered and survived sudden cardiac arrest.This episode sets the tone for the year ahead by focusing on awareness, survivorship, and the responsibility EMS has not only to patients, but to its own people. In true Medic2Medic fashion, the conversation also takes a turn toward shared roots and relationships. Steve and Greg reflect on their Pittsburgh area EMS co

Episode 315: This episode goes beyond trends and buzzwords. It’s a candid discussion about leadership, accountability, education, and execution grounded in decades of experience across multiple EMS systems and cultures. Steve reconnects with longtime EMS leader, strategist, and global EMS advocate Rob Lawrence for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, education, system design, and the future of EMS. Rob is the Director of Strategic Implementation for PRO EMS and its educational arm, Prodigy EMS. Rob brings a rare international perspective, shaped by leadership roles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the development of EMS systems worldwide. Rob is a prolific writer and broadcaster for EMS1 and Police1.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-315-rob-lawrence--69220043I

Episode 314: In this episode of Medic2Medic, Steve sits down with Shaun Pitts, a second-generation EMS provider with nearly two decades of frontline experience and a deep passion for EMS education. Shaun shares his journey of following in his father’s footsteps, building a career from the street up, and learning the lessons that only real calls can teach. He talks honestly about what works, what doesn’t, and why practical, relatable training matters more than ever.The conversation dives into Shaun’s role as Head of Education for EMSConnect, how he became involved with the platform, and what he sees as the future of EMS education nationwide. Shaun also discusses the EMSConnect On Shift Podcast, the importance of real conversations in the fire and EMS community, and why authentic storytelling helps providers stay connected and resilient. Beyond the uniform, Shaun reflects on balancing family life as a husband and father of three while maintaining a long-term career in EMS.This episode is about legacy, leadershi

Episode 313 of Medic2Medic, Steve sits down with Harold Wright, a paramedic with over 30 years in the medical field whose career was built the hard way. Harold’s journey started with real struggle, including a period of homelessness, before becoming an EMT-MAST in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1995. From city EMS and rural North Carolina, to advanced airway work, RSI, disaster response, and offshore medicine on major BP platforms, Harold’s path proves that resilience matters more than comfort. A powerful conversation about grit, reinvention, and staying in the fight.https://bit.ly/44na9xW

Episode 312: In this episode, I welcome back Ginger Locke, a Paramedic and EMS Educator at Austin Community College for over two decades, and the creator of the Medic Mindset podcast. Ginger shares her journey through EMS education, how curiosity fuels her teaching style, and why mindset matters as much as medicine. We dive into how education has evolved, what makes today’s EMS students unique, and her new role as Director of Innovation and User Experience at Prodigy EMS. Ginger also reflects on her most memorable Medic Mindset episodes, her favorite guests, and the lessons she’s learned after nine years of podcasting.A thoughtful and inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about EMS, teaching, or the art of thinking clearly under pressure.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-312-ginger-locke--68800901

Episode 310:  Dr. Remle Crowe, Senior Director of Research and Data Enablement at ESO. Remle began her EMS journey as a volunteer EMT and instructor with the Mexican Red Cross in Mexico City, completed the EMS Research Fellowship at the National Registry of EMTs, and earned her Ph.D. in Public Health from The Ohio State University.We dive into how data drives better patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and provider wellness across EMS and hospital systems. She also shares her experience and advise about my passion projects and as an author of the newly released 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC: Part 4: Systems of Care. Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

Episode 310: Dr. Peter Antevy returns to Medic2Medic to catch up on what’s new since his last visit, and a lot has happened from stepping into his new role as Chief Medical Officer for Brevard County Fire Rescue. Peter remains one of the most influential voices in emergency medical services today. In this episode, we talk about the 2025 AHA Guidelines, Handtevy, leadership in modern EMS systems, why EMS is the most important sub-specialty of Emergency Medicine, and how pediatric care continues to evolve thanks to his innovative approach. Peter shares real-world insights on translating new evidence into action and offers practical advice for providers on the front lines. If you’re passionate about improving patient care, leadership, and EMS innovation, this episode is a must-listen.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-310-peter-antevy--68475475Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

In this powerful episode of Medic2Medic, two remarkable survivors, Jim Hallett and John Storm, who both suffered sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and live to tell their stories.Jim, a lifelong Washingtonian and respected community leader, and John, a retired IT executive and avid mountaineer, share their deeply personal journeys from the moment their hearts stopped to the moment they stood again. Both men survived thanks to the Whatcom County EMS System, early CPR, and the seamless teamwork between bystanders, first responders, and hospital staff.Jim and John remind us that behind every EMS call are real people, families, and communities, and that every trained responder, every AED, and every compassionate hand matters.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-309-jim-hallet-and-john-storm-against-all-odds-surviving-sudden-cardiac-arrest--68390154Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

Episode 308:What happens when a paramedic turns years of street-medicine notes into reflections on humor, heartbreak, and humanity? Her book: "A Real Emergency: Stories from the Ambulance" is a must-read as Joanna’s writing doesn’t just capture what we do as medics, it captures who we are: compassionate, flawed, and human. In this episode, Joanna reflects on her path from feeling adrift in Oakland to finding purpose as a paramedic serving the communities of Reno, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. Her insights shine a light on the humor, heartbreak, and compassion that define the world of EMS.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/joanna-sokol-notes-from-the-streets--68380096Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

In this episode of Medic2Medic Podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Grayson, a veteran paramedic, author, educator, and one of the most recognized voices in EMS. You know Kelly from his EMS1.com columns, his national conference presentations, and his acclaimed memoirs En Route and On Scene.Kelly opens up with a few personal stories about how he began writing and what drives him to tell the stories of EMS with such honesty and heart. He also shares a powerful call that forever changed him, and when he talks about it, you can hear the emotion in his voice.This is one of those conversations that reminds us why we do what we do: real stories, real emotion, and the kind of reflection only decades in EMS can bring.Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

We’re revisiting one of the most heartfelt episodes in Medic2Medic history. Originally Episode 70, this “Special Pink Edition” features then Cary Area EMS Division Chief Tammy Patton, who joined me a year after her breast cancer diagnosis. Tammy shares her courageous journey, unwavering optimism, and how the EMS community rallied around her. A moving reminder of resilience, hope, and the bonds that unite us in EMS.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-306-in-honor-of-breast-cancer-awareness--68233242Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

Episode 305: In this inspiring episode, host Steve Cohen sits down with Eric Chase, Nationally Registered Paramedic, educator, conference speaker, and founder of EMSIMPROV LLC and the EMSIMPROV Podcast. Eric is known nationwide for blending improvisation, education, and empathy to transform how EMS providers communicate and lead.Eric’s storytelling ability shines as he shares personal moments from his 25-year career, including a deeply moving account of a serious health crisis that changed how he views patient care, teamwork, and vulnerability. His openness reminds us that even those who save lives face their own moments of uncertainty, and how resilience grows from those challenges.Eric’s blend of humor, honesty, and heart makes this episode one of the most authentic conversations yet on Medic2Medic. Whether you’re a new EMT, seasoned medic, or EMS educator, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the connection between creativity, courage, and care.Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold

Episode 304: Welcome back to Medic2Medic. After a break, the podcast is back to share the stories of EMS and more. This week on Medic2Medic, I sit down with Steve Tafoya, a critical care paramedic and healthcare operations leader with over 25 years of EMS experience. Steve has worked at every level of the profession, from the back of an ambulance to the executive suite, and even as Nevada’s State EMS Program Manager, overseeing licensure, investigations, and standards for more than 60 agencies.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-304-steve-tafoya--68024317Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

As I dust off the mic and line up new guests for the long-awaited reboot of Medic2Medic, I thought it’d be fun to share a little “blast from the past” to get us warmed up.This bonus episode features Randolph Mantooth—yes, that Randolph Mantooth—who continues to hold the crown as my most-listened-to guest of all time. This conversation was Episode 30, back in the days when the podcast had no theme music, and I had plenty of nerves (you’ll probably hear them sneaking through). Spoiler: Randy carried me through like the pro he is.Enjoy this classic episode while we get ready for fresh stories, new voices, and the next chapter of Medic2Medic. The nerves may be gone now… but sadly, the theme music still isn’t here.Medic2Medic is back, bringing authentic voices, untold stories, and the human side of Emergency Medical Services and beyond.

In Part 2 of this special tribute episode with Dave Lindell and Mike Yee, we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Ron Stewart a visionary physician, the former City of Pittsburgh EMS Medical Director, and a true pioneer in emergency medical services.Dr. Stewart helped shape EMS as we know it, bringing medical oversight, high training standards, and compassion to the field. He mentored generations of paramedics and physicians and laid the foundation for the modern EMS model.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-303-dr-stewart-tribute-part-2-dave-lindell-and-mike-yee--67238814

Episode 302: As we approach the Pittsburgh EMS 50th Anniversary, Medic2Medic Podcast will bring you 2 tribute podcasts honoring Dr. Stewart. In these special tribute episodes, we honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Ron Stewart, a visionary physician and the City of Pittsburgh's EMS Medical Director, as well as a true pioneer in emergency medical services.Dr. Stewart helped shape EMS as we know it, bringing medical oversight, high training standards, and compassion to the field. He mentored generations of paramedics and physicians and laid the foundation for the modern EMS model.Join me, Dave Lindell, Mike Yee, Wes Notovitz, and Dave Naples over 2 episodes, who lived and worked within the impact zone of Dr. Stewart’s groundbreaking work: Through stories, reflections, and gratitude, we explore the man behind the title and the enduring mark he left on EMS. Our first episode is with Dave and Wes.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dr-stewart-tribute-with-wes-notivitz-and-dave-naples--67038317

After 300 episodes, Medic2Medic took a pause. But sometimes, the mic calls you back—and this one was worth it.Episode 301: I’m joined by my former colleague Jeffrey S. Hammerstein, paramedic and author of the new memoir Hi, I’m a Paramedic. We talk first calls, fear, vulnerability, and what it really means to “belong” in EMS.It’s raw, real, and a reminder of why we do what we do.Whether you're a field medic, EMS leader, or fan of behind-the-scenes public safety stories, this one brings heart, history, and perspective.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/special-edition-of-medic2medic-podcast-a-conversation-with-jeff-hammerstein--66797849

Episode 27: A Day in the Life of a Travel Advisor & Sports Travel Adventures!Ever wondered what a day in the life of a Travel Advisor looks like? Steve takes you behind the scenes of his daily routine—booking magical vacations, staying on top of the latest travel trends, and making dream trips a reality!With NCAA Basketball’s Selection Sunday on his mind, Steve shifts gears to Sports Travel Adventures! From championship games to iconic stadiums, he shares his favorite sports travel experiences and the must-do activities in those cities beyond the game!Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just love exploring new destinations, this episode is packed with ideas to elevate your next trip!https://www.spreaker.com/episode/magical-destinations-by-steve-podcast-episode-27-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-travel-advisor-sports-travel-adventures--64923585