Podcast
Medic2Medic Podcast
Hosted by Steven Cohen · EN
Medic2Medic is back. After 300 episodes and a three-year pause, the podcast returns to shine a spotlight on the voices and stories that define Emergency Medical Services. Each episode takes you behind the sirens and into the lives of EMS professionals—paramedics, EMTs, educators, leaders, and innovators—who dedicate their careers to saving lives and shaping the future of prehospital care. Whether you’re in the field, connected to EMS, or simply curious about the people who answer the call, Medic2Medic brings you honest conversations, lessons learned, and the human side of emergency medicine. Because in EMS, the stories never retire.
Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share episodes with someone shaping the world of EMS and public safety.
Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share episodes with someone shaping the world of EMS and public safety.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 331: Into The Unknown with Tom Putnam and Baxter Larmon
4w ago00:38:38Tap to summarizeIn this special edition of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with filmmaker Tom Putnam and EMS pioneer Baxter Larmon to discuss their powerful new documentary, Into the Unknown.The film follows five diverse paramedic teams from across the United States, offering an unfiltered look at the realities of EMS from life-saving victories and personal sacrifice to mental health challenges, violence, loss, and resilience. Through the experiences of a Gulf War veteran, Columbine survivors, rural volunteers, night-shift partners, and a helicopter rescue crew, Into the Unknown captures the human side of emergency medical services in a way rarely seen on screen.Steve, Tom, and Dr. Larmon discuss the inspiration behind the documentary, the challenges of telling authentic EMS stories, and what they learned while embedded with providers facing some of the most difficult situations imaginable. The conversation also explores the emotional toll of the profession, the importance of public understanding, and why paramedics' stories deserve to be told.This episode is a compelling look at the people behind the uniform and the courage required to step into the unknown every day.To learn more or to be part of the team to bring this documentary to theaters, go to intotheunknowndoc.com Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who wants to better understand the realities of EMS and the extraordinary people who serve their communities every day.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-331-into-the-unknown-with-tom-putnam-and-baxter-larmon--72434639
Transcribe →Episode 330: Joseph "JZ" Zalkin
May 3100:35:34Tap to summarizeIn Episode 330 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve welcomes back Joseph “JZ” Zalkin for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of EMS.With more than 51 years in emergency medical services, JZ reflects on his remarkable career and the philosophy that has guided his work: asking “Why not?” Throughout the episode, Steve and JZ discuss the development of the North Carolina EMS Regional Blood Coalition and the growing role of prehospital blood administration. JZ shares the story behind the coalition, the challenges of building a regional blood program, and why bringing blood to patients sooner is transforming trauma care and saving lives.As a recipient of North Carolina's Order of the Longleaf Pine and a leader behind numerous statewide EMS initiatives, JZ offers a valuable perspective on how collaboration, vision, and persistence can move the profession forward.This episode is a thoughtful discussion about service, innovation, and continuing to improve EMS by challenging the status quo.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone passionate about leadership, prehospital blood programs, and advancing EMS for future generations.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-330-joseph-jz-zalkin--72265631
Transcribe →Episode 329: Brad and Kiera Newbury
May 2500:54:03Tap to summarizeIn Episode 329 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve is joined by Brad and Kiera Newbury, co-authors of The Saved Effect: True Stories of Lives Reclaimed by People Who Were Ready to Act.Brad, a veteran fire captain, paramedic, educator, and CEO of the National Medical Education & Training Center, joins forces with Kiera, an EMT and writer, to explore the ripple effects that occur when lives are saved and futures continue.The conversation focuses on the stories in the book about survival, bystander CPR, preparedness, and the unseen impact emergency responders and ordinary citizens can have through simple acts of courage and action, and what occurs after the call. Brad also shares the emotional story of his father’s cardiac arrest, survival, and the precious additional time their family was given because people stepped forward to help.This episode is a reminder that saving a life is rarely just a moment it creates ripples that continue through families, friendships, milestones, and generations.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone passionate about CPR, EMS, and the power of being ready to act.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-329-brad-and-kiera-newbury--72158931The Saved Effect
Transcribe →Episode 328: Jimmy Apple
May 1000:41:52Tap to summarizeThis is Steve's first episode recorded from Denver. Steve sits down with Pediatric Critical Care Paramedic Jimmy Apple, better known online as EMS Avenger.With more than 22 years in EMS, Jimmy has built a large online following through thoughtful discussions on evidence-based medicine, provider wellness, resuscitation science, EMS culture, and challenging long-standing dogma within the profession. What began on TikTok has grown into a multi-platform community focused on learning, positivity, gratitude, and kindness.Steve and Jimmy discuss pediatric critical care, the role of social media in EMS education, provider health advocacy, and why EMS professionals must continue questioning outdated practices while staying grounded in critical thinking and compassion.Also in this episode, we find out what Jimmy's favorite Marvel movie is and how the EMS Avenger name came about. Our insightful conversation is not to be missed. Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone passionate about learning, leadership, and pushing EMS forward.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-328-jimmy-apple--71948202
Transcribe →Episode 327: James DiClemente
May 300:49:46Tap to summarizeEpisode 327: In this episode of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with James DiClemente, paramedic and President/COO of Prodigy EMS, to discuss the evolution of EMS education and the need to modernize how we train today’s clinicians.Drawing on nearly a decade as a paramedic program director, James shares insights on the challenges of preparing providers for real-world EMS, the limitations of traditional training models, and how technology can improve access to high-quality education without losing the human side of learning. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting EMS professionals through meaningful education, building a culture of learning within agencies, and ensuring training is relevant, engaging, and impactful. Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone committed to advancing EMS education.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-327-james-diclemente--71839752
Transcribe →Episode 326: Dr. Melody Glenn
Apr 2500:39:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Dr. Melody Glenn, a practicing physician who is triple board-certified in EMS, Addiction Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Dr. Glenn serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, medical director for several rural fire departments along the U.S.–Mexico border, and Associate Program Director of an addiction medicine fellowship. Dr. Glenn is the author of Mother of Methadone, which highlights the groundbreaking work of Dr. Marie Nyswander and the history of methadone treatment.The conversation explores the intersection of EMS, emergency medicine, and substance use treatment, with a candid discussion about provider burnout, bias in healthcare, and the stigma that continues to surround addiction and those seeking treatment.Steve and Dr. Glenn also discuss her book. They examine how misinformation, fear, and policy failures have shaped the opioid crisis and what healthcare professionals can do differently moving forward. This episode is an honest and thoughtful look at compassion, accountability, and the role EMS can play in treating addiction as a medical condition.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who values honest conversations and better patient care.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-326-dr-melody-glenn--71634995
Transcribe →Episode 325: Kevin Hazzard
Apr 1800:56:03Tap to summarizeEpisode 325: Kevin HazzardIn Episode 325 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve welcomes back Kevin Hazzard for his third appearance on the show. A former paramedic-turned-best-selling author, Kevin returns to catch up and discuss his latest book, No One’s Coming, a gripping real-life account of one of the most daring medical rescue missions in modern history.The conversation reflects on Kevin’s journey from the streets to the page, his continued connection to EMS, and the stories that have defined his writing. Steve and Kevin explore the high-stakes Ebola rescue at the center of the book, the courage of those who stepped forward when others hesitated, and the role of fear, media, and uncertainty during major medical crises.As with his previous work, Kevin highlights the extraordinary actions of ordinary people, offering a powerful reminder of the resilience, commitment, and identity of those in EMS and emergency medicine.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who values the stories behind the profession
Transcribe →Episode 324: Dr. Ashlyn Sanders
Apr 300:36:18Tap to summarizeEpisode 324: In this episode of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Dr. Ashlyn Sanders, pediatric neurology resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Founder and Chief Medical Officer of NeuroVice.Dr. Sanders shares her personal journey following her diagnosis with Chiari Malformation, which required emergency brain surgery and led to her experiencing seizures herself. That experience fueled her mission to improve seizure care and address a long-standing gap in patient safety.The conversation focuses on the development of the PATI (Patient Airway and Tongue Injury Prevention) device, the first FDA-cleared seizure oral protection device designed to reduce oral injuries that occur in nearly one in five seizure patients. Steve and Dr. Sanders discuss challenging traditional teaching, advancing evidence-based care, and how innovation can improve outcomes for patients and providers alike. This episode highlights the intersection of personal experience, clinical insight, and innovation aimed at changing the standard of care in seizure management.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone interested in advancing patient-centered innovation in EMS and healthcare.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-324-dr-ashlyn-sanders--71085446
Transcribe →Episode 323: Jonathon Feit
Feb 2201:01:04Tap to summarizeIn Episode 323 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Jonathon Feit, Co-Founder and CEO of Beyond Lucid Technologies, to discuss EMS innovation, interoperability, and the future of digital health in public safety.With decades of experience at the intersection of EMS, healthcare IT, and public policy, Jonathon shares insights on building sustainable technology solutions to break down data silos and improve documentation and clinical performance through smarter system design. The discussion also touches on national standards, leadership in innovation, and the importance of building tools that truly support frontline providers.Jonathon speaks candidly about respect in EMS, what is missing, respect in EMS, changes, speaking at conferences, and resilience.Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone invested in the future of EMS technology and system improvement.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-323-jonathon-feit--70216448
Transcribe →Episode 322: Chief Amera Gilchrist
Feb 1400:55:50Tap to summarizeIn Episode 322 of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with Chief Amera Gilchrist of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS for one of the most open, honest, and meaningful conversations in the show’s history. This episode continues Steve’s long-standing tradition of speaking with the Chiefs of his former department a place where his own paramedic career began and a system that has shaped him both professionally and personally. Steve reflects on his years with Pittsburgh EMS and shares why the bureau will always hold a special place in his heart. Chief Gilchrist discusses her journey from growing up on Pittsburgh’s Northside to becoming the first woman and first African American to lead the department. The conversation traces her path through the ranks, the challenges she faced, and the responsibility that comes with leading one of the most historic EMS systems in the country. Together, Steve and Chief Gilchrist explore the lasting legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service, her commitment to honoring that history, and the importance of educating the community about where modern EMS began. They discuss the department's involvement with “The Pitt,” and how leadership shows up in both high-profile moments and everyday operations. Throughout the episode, Chief Gilchrist speaks candidly about leadership, accountability, resilience, and staying grounded as she serves her department, her family, and her city.About the GuestChief Amera Gilchrist is the Chief of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS. She joined the department in 1999 and rose through the ranks. She is a lifelong Pittsburgh resident, a wife, and a mother of three.Subscribe & Share Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-322-chief-amera-gilchrist--70062122
Transcribe →