Splints and Whiskey

Tanner Boyle

Splints and Whiskey is a podcast that explores the unique and often intense experiences of tactical medical professionals and combat medics. Hosted by two seasoned individuals in the field, the show offers a thoughtful look into the realities of battlefield medicine, high-stress decision-making, and the human stories behind the uniform. Each episode features honest conversations about service, injuries, and the road to recovery—both physical and emotional. Guests include fellow medics, veterans, and healthcare professionals who share their insights, lessons learned, and sometimes hard-earned humor from life on the front lines. While the tone remains candid and personal, the focus is on education, reflection, and honoring the resilience of those who've served. Whether you're in the field, in recovery, or simply interested in the untold side of tactical medicine, Splints and Whiskey offers real stories. Join us each week for meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of a world rarely seen from the inside.

  1. 03/11/2025

    Splints and Whiskey Episode #42 "Duty, Dogs & Healing: The K9 Heroes 4 Heroes Episode"

    Splints & Whiskey is stoked to present Joe Gionti & CEO, K9 Heroes 4 Heroes: Driven by a lifelong respect for those who serve our country and communities, I founded K9 Heroes 4 Heroes to honor and support Veterans and First Responders through the healing power of service dogs. My deep-rooted patriotism was shaped early on by family, friends, and mentors who dedicated their lives to service—whether on the battlefield or in our neighborhoods. My time at the Virginia Military Institute further solidified this commitment, as I witnessed classmates take the oath to defend our nation. Though I ultimately took a different path, my desire to give back never wavered. That calling found new purpose when I began training my own dog and discovered a passion for canine behavior and service work. Partnering with Ridgeside K9 Ashtabula, I immersed myself in professional training techniques and laid the foundation for K9 Heroes 4 Heroes. To bring this mission to life, I welcomed Loki into my family—not only as my personal service dog, but as the proud ambassador of our organization. At K9 Heroes 4 Heroes, we believe Heeling is Healing. Our mission is simple: to provide highly trained service dogs to Veterans and First Responders at no cost, empowering them to reclaim independence, confidence, and peace. Liz Artz Amy Martin CPSM CPM Life Autonomous Care Consultants, Inc. (LACC) Splints & Whiskey K9Heroes4Heroes #militarymedicine #trauma #combat #heelingishealing #service #K9 #PTS #training #medics #paramedics #EMS #firstresponders #peace #whorescuedwho #youbelonghere

    52 min
  2. 27/10/2025

    Splints and Whiskey Episode #41 "From Battlefield to Boardroom"

    Monti Leija is a U.S. Army veteran turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Delta Development Team (DDT) — an American company pioneering the next generation of life-saving technology for medics, first responders, and military personnel around the world. Monti’s journey began as a combat soldier, where he witnessed firsthand the brutal reality of blood loss and the critical minutes that separate life from death. Those experiences shaped his mission: to save lives not only through service, but through innovation. After leaving the battlefield, he founded Delta Development Team with a singular purpose — to give every medic, responder, and warfighter the tools to preserve life when it matters most. Under his leadership, DDT has transformed how blood is stored, monitored, and delivered in the most austere environments. From the streets of Texas to the front lines of Ukraine, DDT’s products — like the APRU portable blood refrigerator Unit, Delta Ice smart blood coolers, and BloodCOMM cloud platform — are redefining prehospital care and cold chain accountability. Monti’s story is one of relentless mission focus: from saving lives with his own hands to empowering others to save lives through technology. His leadership philosophy draws on his military roots — discipline, accountability, and the belief that excellence is built under pressure. Today, Monti continues to lead the Delta Development Team with the same mindset that guided him in uniform: do the hard things first, and make the easy things effortless.

    53 min
  3. 13/10/2025

    Splints and Whiskey Episode #39 "ft. Brian Bardsley"

    Splints & Whiskey is thrilled to introduce you to Brian Bardsley! Brian L. Bardsley, Jr. Chicago Police Department – SWAT Team, Sergeant, Medic, A Company, 1-178th Infantry, Illinois Army National Guard Brian has a multifaceted background including experience in emergency medical services, law enforcement and military. He began his career in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 – 1994 including deployments in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope. He served as a Medical Specialist in the United States Army Reserves from 1996 to 1999 and has been a Paramedic since January 1999. He has worked as a single role Paramedic, Firefighter/Paramedic, HazMat Technician, Arson Investigator, and Lieutenant with several municipal fire departments including the Stone Park Fire Department. He served for a year as a single role paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department.  In 2006-2007, Brian completed a year tour in Iraq with the Illinois Army National Guard where he served as a medic with a rifle company in Baghdad and was awarded a Bronze Star and Combat Medical Badge. Brian has been with the Chicago Police Department since September 2004. He started as a patrolman in District 015, and upon his return from Iraq was moved to the Education and Training Division where he worked as an Anti-Terrorism instructor, as well as a marksmanship, tactics, and TCCC instructor. He is currently attached to the SWAT Team as the Team Leader of both the Medical Team and Weapons of Mass Destruction Team where he is responsible for both operations and training for both the team and outside units. Brian is an experienced instructor. In addition to his experience with the Chicago Police Department, was an affiliate faculty at the Loyola University Medical Center Program for Prehospital Medicine where he taught in the classroom and served as a Field Internship Preceptor. He has given numerous invited presentations on Tactical Medicine,  Emergency Medical Services, Hazardous Materials, Active Shooter response, and disaster preparedness. Please join Liz Artz and Andy Bershad NYPD RET, ESU, Detective, and more; as we discuss policing the streets of CPD and NYPD (and other larger cities) and the effective training that we must endure to succeed. #militarymedicine #lawenforcement #firstresponders #training #combat #mentalhealth #tenuredcops #SWAT #beatthestreets #paramedics #medics #corpsmen #SOF #hardcore #youbelonghere Liz Artz Andy Bershad Brian Bardsley Life Autonomous Care Consultants, Inc. (LACC)

    1hr 14min

About

Splints and Whiskey is a podcast that explores the unique and often intense experiences of tactical medical professionals and combat medics. Hosted by two seasoned individuals in the field, the show offers a thoughtful look into the realities of battlefield medicine, high-stress decision-making, and the human stories behind the uniform. Each episode features honest conversations about service, injuries, and the road to recovery—both physical and emotional. Guests include fellow medics, veterans, and healthcare professionals who share their insights, lessons learned, and sometimes hard-earned humor from life on the front lines. While the tone remains candid and personal, the focus is on education, reflection, and honoring the resilience of those who've served. Whether you're in the field, in recovery, or simply interested in the untold side of tactical medicine, Splints and Whiskey offers real stories. Join us each week for meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of a world rarely seen from the inside.