Podcast
The Valor Flight Crew
Hosted by Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider · EN
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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 52 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 2
Mar 400:56:38Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.Today’s episode is different. It’s personal. It’s honest. And it’s one that so many in our community need to hear.Today, we sit down for a two-part episode with Kacee Griffin, a fellow flight nurse, as she shares her deeply courageous story about battling post-traumatic stress disorder, facing suicidal thoughts, and navigating the difficult road toward healing. This is a conversation about realities that often go unspoken in public safety aviation — the emotional weight we carry long after the rotors stop turning.We talk about the power of therapy, the role of medication, the importance of support systems, and what it really looks like to ask for help when you’re the one everyone else counts on. This episode is about resilience, vulnerability, and the reminder that strength sometimes means saying, “I’m not okay.”If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by this job, by life, or by the expectations we place on ourselves, you are not alone — and this conversation is for you.So strap in and lower those visors as you join us for a heartfelt and important discussion that we hope brings light to a topic our industry we can no longer afford to keep in the shadows.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 51 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 1
Feb 2500:54:49Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus.Today’s episode is different. It’s personal. It’s honest. And it’s one that so many in our community need to hear.Today, we sit down for a two-part episode with Kacee Griffin, a fellow flight nurse, as she shares her deeply courageous story about battling post-traumatic stress disorder, facing suicidal thoughts, and navigating the difficult road toward healing. This is a conversation about realities that often go unspoken in public safety aviation — the emotional weight we carry long after the rotors stop turning.We talk about the power of therapy, the role of medication, the importance of support systems, and what it really looks like to ask for help when you’re the one everyone else counts on. This episode is about resilience, vulnerability, and the reminder that strength sometimes means saying, “I’m not okay.”If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by this job, by life, or by the expectations we place on ourselves, you are not alone — and this conversation is for you.So strap in and lower those visors as you join us for a heartfelt and important discussion that we hope brings light to a topic our industry we can no longer afford to keep in the shadows.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.
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Episode 50 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 2
Feb 1800:59:11Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Today, we’re joined by Michael and Linda Benton from VyClimb for an honest, thoughtful, and incredibly relevant discussion on safety culture, organizational values, and leadership in aviation—especially in the air medical world.We dig into the real factors that shape safe operations every day: From psychological safety and communication, to fatigue and training realism, to how organizations can align their stated values with what employees actually experience on the line.We also explore generational shifts in work expectations, the challenge of “speaking up” in high-pressure environments, and why a truly effective safety management system has to be more than a binder on a shelf—it has to be lived, practiced, and supported from the top down that fosters a safety culture where people truly feel empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.This is a conversation about building trust, developing leaders, and creating a culture where safety isn’t reactive—it’s intentional.So buckle up—because this one is packed with perspective, experience, and takeaways we hope every one of you bring back to your bases.Let’s get into it.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.
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Episode 49 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 1
Feb 1100:59:11Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast — hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Today, we’re joined by Michael and Linda Benton from VyClimb for an honest, thoughtful, and incredibly relevant discussion on safety culture, organizational values, and leadership in aviation—especially in the air medical world.We dig into the real factors that shape safe operations every day: From psychological safety and communication, to fatigue and training realism, to how organizations can align their stated values with what employees actually experience on the line.We also explore generational shifts in work expectations, the challenge of “speaking up” in high-pressure environments, and why a truly effective safety management system has to be more than a binder on a shelf—it has to be lived, practiced, and supported from the top down that fosters a safety culture where people truly feel empowered to speak up when something doesn’t feel right.This is a conversation about building trust, developing leaders, and creating a culture where safety isn’t reactive—it’s intentional.So buckle up—because this one is packed with perspective, experience, and takeaways we hope every one of you bring back to your bases.Let’s get into it.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episodes 48 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 2
Feb 400:58:38Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode the rotors are turning, the banter is strong, and the stories remind us why this mission matters. Today, we’re joined by Aaron Hamm, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a truly unique aviation journey. Aaron has experienced this profession from both sides of the stretcher and the cockpit, and his story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose. We dive into his experiences in flight instruction, crew resource management in the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) environment, and the realities of operating in high-pressure situations — balanced with the humor and camaraderie that keep crews grounded. Aaron shares how a life-changing accident reshaped his perspective on aviation, medicine, and teamwork, and how determination and community helped him beat the odds and follow his dream to flight. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation about dedication, following your dreams no matter what life throws at you, and never losing sight of the impact we have on the patients and teammates we serve. Listeners can dive even deeper into Aaron’s remarkable journey in an upcoming feature profile in the Winter issue of Valor, which expands on his path from patient to pilot and the lessons that continue to shape his approach to HEMS and teamwork. So, strap in and enjoy the ride on this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Spectrum Aeromed.
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Episodes 47 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 1
Jan 2800:56:55Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine. In this episode the rotors are turning, the banter is strong, and the stories remind us why this mission matters. Today, we’re joined by Aaron Hamm, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a truly unique aviation journey. Aaron has experienced this profession from both sides of the stretcher and the cockpit, and his story is one of resilience, grit, and purpose. We dive into his experiences in flight instruction, crew resource management in the helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) environment, and the realities of operating in high-pressure situations — balanced with the humor and camaraderie that keep crews grounded. Aaron shares how a life-changing accident reshaped his perspective on aviation, medicine, and teamwork, and how determination and community helped him beat the odds and follow his dream to flight. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation about dedication, following your dreams no matter what life throws at you, and never losing sight of the impact we have on the patients and teammates we serve. Listeners can dive even deeper into Aaron’s remarkable journey in an upcoming feature profile in the Winter issue of Valor, which expands on his path from patient to pilot and the lessons that continue to shape his approach to HEMS and teamwork. So, strap in and enjoy the ride on this episode of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 46 - Beyond the First Year: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Public Safety Aviation
Jan 2101:10:37Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Today… the keys have been temporarily handed over.In this special takeover episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely from the Hangar Z Podcast step into the cockpit for a fun, reflective, and forward-looking conversation as we mark one full year of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast. From the moments that defined our first year to the conversations that challenged, inspired, and connected our community, this episode is all about where we’ve been—and where we’re headed next.Listen in to this two-part episode as Jon and Jack take us hostage to dive into what’s on the horizon for the podcast, what we’re most excited about moving forward, and how emerging technology and innovation are shaping the future of public safety and air medical operations. It’s a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at the mission, the momentum, and the ideas driving this industry forward.So strap in and celebrate the journey with us as we hover into the next phase of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast – the takeover starts now.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 45 - Cleared for Takeover: Inside One Year of Valor Flight Crew Podcast
Jan 1401:14:06Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Vertical Valor Magazine.Today… the keys have been temporarily handed over.In this special takeover episode, Jon Gray and Jack Schonely from the Hangar Z Podcast step into the cockpit for a fun, reflective, and forward-looking conversation as we mark one full year of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast. From the moments that defined our first year to the conversations that challenged, inspired, and connected our community, this episode is all about where we’ve been—and where we’re headed next.Listen in to this two-part episode as Jon and Jack take us hostage to dive into what’s on the horizon for the podcast, what we’re most excited about moving forward, and how emerging technology and innovation are shaping the future of public safety and air medical operations. It’s a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at the mission, the momentum, and the ideas driving this industry forward.So strap in and celebrate the journey with us as we hover into the next phase of the Valor Flight Crew Podcast – the takeover starts now.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.
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Episode 1 - Critical Care in the Wild
Feb 12, 202501:06:24Tap to summarizeWelcome 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. Miles brings a wealth of experience as he shares the challenges of delivering life-saving care in the remote wilderness of British Columbia.From the formation of TEAAM, to their fleet of aircraft, resources, and training that keep their operations running, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they bridge the gaps in pre-hospital care. But this episode isn’t just about logistics and rescues—it’s also about the people. Miles opens up about the critical importance of mental health support for first responders, the personal experiences that shaped TEAAM's supportive culture, and how they’re breaking down stigmas around seeking help. It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, innovation, and the profound impact TEAAM has on communities and lives. So, stay tuned for this exciting episode.Thank you to our sponsors Metro Aviation, Precision Aviation Group and Spectrum Aeromed.
Transcribe →The Valor Flight Crew Podcast Introduction
Feb 11, 202500:32:57Tap to summarizeVertical 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 on the HeliCASTS network, alongside The Hangar Z Podcast, hosted by Jon Gray; The Helicopter Podcast, hosted by Halsey Schider; The Real ResQ Podcast, hosted by Jason Quinn, and The Vertical MRO Podcast, hosted by Val Medved.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.“We’re thrilled to partner with an important organization like ECHO to bring The Valor Flight Crew Podcast to the HeliCASTS network,” said MHM Publishing co-owner Mike Reyno. “This podcast really complements Vertical Valor, which is the only rotorcraft resource dedicated to the public safety and military sectors.“The goal with The Valor Flight Crew Podcast is not only to share captivating stories from the helicopter air ambulance sector, but to explore the major topics and issues impacting that world.”Listeners will 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.Fadale has been involved in the emergency medical services (EMS) field for more than 25 years and currently flies for a progressive hospital-based program where he cares for neonatal, pediatric, and adult populations. His job combines his two greatest passions in life: emergency medicine and helicopters.He has been an active member of ECHO since 2015, serving on the board of directors and the Flight Crew Assistance & Support Team (FAST), as well as assisting with ECHO’s Future Flight Crew initiative and the organization’s annual conference.“I am excited for this next chapter with The Valor Flight Crew Podcast,” said Fadale. “I look forward to highlighting public safety aviation in a different way.”Shrider has spent two decades in the emergency medical services field, currently working dual roles as a flight paramedic and critical care paramedic with two different services. In addition to those roles, he serves as a field training officer, special operations team member, logistics team member, EMS instructor, and an American Heart Association instructor.Shrider has been involved with ECHO for the past four years and is part of the organization’s Future Flight Crew cohort, which offers instruction and mentorship to students who are interested in an air medical transport career. He is passionate about teaching and “striving for a safer, higher level of pre-hospital emergency care.”Fadale and Shrider’s diverse backgrounds in public safety aviation and leadership are sure to bring unique perspectives and expertise to The Valor Flight Crew Podcast.
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