The Line & The Oath

Tony Ottaviani
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

The Line & The Oath is a podcast dedicated to the voices of first responders, veterans, and servant leaders. Through honest conversations and impactful stories, the show explores leadership, sacrifice, tradition, and the realities of a life spent answering the call. Each episode shines a light on the people behind the uniform and the values that continue to guide them long after the moment of service.

  1. May 30

    Power of Faith

    In this episode, Brandon shares his remarkable journey from Coast Guard service to EMS leadership, exploring his faith, leadership principles, and the importance of service. Discover how his diverse experiences and personal growth have shaped his approach to mentoring, honor guard participation, and community impact. www.thelineandtheoath.com

    1h 13m

  2. May 22

    Changing The Response | Kayla Illsley

    In this episode, Kayla shares her journey from volunteer firefighter to paramedic, wildland medic, and eventually law enforcement officer with the Airway Heights Police Department. We talk about the reality of crisis calls, trauma-informed policing, peer support, and the growing need for stronger partnerships between public safety and mental health professionals. We also discuss her work on the West Plains Crisis Response Team and alongside Crisis Response K9 Tonks, helping create calmer, more compassionate interactions during emotionally charged situations. This conversation goes beyond the badge. It’s about what modern public safety could look like when the focus is people first. www.thelineandtheoath.com

    1h 1m

  3. May 15

    A Letter From Germany | Brotherhood Beyond Borders

    A listener from Germany sent us a letter, a challenge coin, and a story that led to one of the most personal conversations we’ve had on the podcast. In this episode, we talk about honor guard, brotherhood, 9/11 remembrance, EMS culture, leadership, and the moments that stay with you long after the ceremony ends. Tony also shares more about his journey in honor guard and the mission behind the United National Honor Guard. thelineandtheoath.com

    42 min

  4. May 8

    Calm In Chaos | Jon DeOliveira

    Join us as Jon DeOliveira, a seasoned EMS professional with over 20 years of experience, shares insights on EMS operations, training, and the importance of humility and continuous learning in emergency services. Discover practical tips, system differences, and personal stories that highlight the realities of EMS work. Jon shares insights on EMS training, mental resilience, honor guard experiences, and the importance of community and continuous learning in emergency services. In this episode, Jon and Tony explore the unique world of honor guards, the importance of community, and the innovative efforts to support first responders and veterans through new initiatives. They share personal stories, upcoming projects, and the significance of honoring those who serve.

    2h 13m

  5. May 1

    Dedication to Duty | Fred Hawkins

    In this episode, Fred Hawkins—retired firefighter, retired law enforcement officer, and Senior Drum Major for Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico—breaks down what it really means to represent the fallen. With over two decades in the fire service and 26 years in law enforcement, Fred has seen service from every angle. But it’s his work in honor guard and Pipes & Drums that carries a different kind of weight—where precision, discipline, and tradition aren’t just expected… they’re demanded. This conversation goes beyond ceremony. It’s about the pressure of public service, the responsibility of honoring line-of-duty deaths, and why there are no second chances when it matters most. If you’ve ever questioned what service really means—or what it costs over time—this episode answers it.

    48 min

  6. Apr 24

    What You Can't Unsee | Richard Burns

    In this episode, Richard shares what that kind of exposure actually does to you over time. From fatal scenes to the responsibility of reconstructing how and why they happened, this conversation goes beyond the job—it’s about the accumulation, the weight, and the things you don’t leave behind when the shift ends. We talk about the reality of trauma in first responders, the culture around mental health, and the gaps that still exist in support systems. Richard also speaks on his role in helping solve a 20-year-old double homicide and why moments like that don’t always bring the closure people expect. This isn’t just about service.It’s about what it turns into over time.

    1h 4m

  7. Apr 17

    Carrying A Sons Legacy | Jessie Torres

    Jesse Torres has spent over two decades as a voice in the Dalhart community—but nothing prepared him for the loss of his son, firefighter Brendan Torres, in the line of duty on October 4, 2022. In this episode, Jesse shares what grief really looks like after the funeral ends, and how that loss reshaped his purpose. From advocating for stronger grief support to using his platform to serve first responders and the community, this conversation goes beyond remembrance—it’s about responsibility, legacy, and what comes next. We talk about the gaps in mental health and trauma support, the importance of community connection, and how something as small as a moment, a message, or even a symbol can carry lasting meaning. Jesse also speaks on honoring Brendan’s legacy through continued service and initiatives like a memorial scholarship. This isn’t just about loss. It’s about what you do with it. To support Brendan’s legacy, donations can be made to his memorial scholarship by sending checks to:Wellington State BankDalhart, TX 79022

    55 min

  8. Apr 10

    What This Job Cost You | Brandi Carswell

    In this episode, we sit down with Brandi Carswell, an EMS veteran with over 21 years on the front lines. This conversation goes beyond the job. We talk about the calls that stay with you, the mental toll that builds over time, and the reality of carrying trauma long after the shift ends. She opens up about her own struggles, what she’s learned along the way, and why supporting the mental health of first responders matters now more than ever. This is an honest look at what this job really takes—and what it takes to keep going. Nobody normal does this for a living.

    41 min
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About

The Line & The Oath is a podcast dedicated to the voices of first responders, veterans, and servant leaders. Through honest conversations and impactful stories, the show explores leadership, sacrifice, tradition, and the realities of a life spent answering the call. Each episode shines a light on the people behind the uniform and the values that continue to guide them long after the moment of service.

Information

  • Creator
    Tony Ottaviani
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tony Ottaviani
  • Show Website
    The Line & The Oath