Valor Flight Crew

Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider

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. 

  1. Episode 53 - Small Town, Big Missions: A closer look into Big Bear Fire Aviation Part 1

    −3 D

    Episode 53 - Small Town, Big Missions: A closer look into Big Bear Fire Aviation Part 1

    Welcome back to the Valor Flight Crew Podcast, hosted by ECHO and brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS and Valor Plus. In this episode, we sit down with Ken Fox from Big Bear Fire Department for a grounded, real-world conversation about emergency medical services (EMS), aviation, and the communities we serve. From the challenges of  aircraft operations in a small, seasonal, tourist town to the life-saving impact of air medical partnerships, Ken shares the realities of delivering critical care where resources are limited but expectations are high. We talk about the importance of strong relationships between ground and air crews, the evolving balance between scene responses and inter-facility transfers, and how innovations like prehospital blood products are changing patient outcomes. Ken also opens up about the ongoing struggles with retention and burnout in EMS—and why community connection, outreach, and education are more important than ever. It’s a conversation about teamwork, trust, and the constant push to move patients faster, safer, and smarter—without losing sight of the people behind the mission. So strap in, check your gauges, and join us as we lift off into another story from the front lines of public safety aviation. Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Precision Aviation Group.

    55 min
  2. Episode 52 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 2

    4 MARS

    Episode 52 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 2

    Welcome 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.

    56 min
  3. Episode 51 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 1

    25 FEB.

    Episode 51 - Mental Health Resilience with Kacee Griffin Part 1

    Welcome 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.

    54 min
  4. Episode 50 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 2

    18 FEB.

    Episode 50 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 2

    Welcome 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.

    59 min
  5. Episode 49 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 1

    11 FEB.

    Episode 49 - Raising the Safety Bar with VyClimb Part 1

    Welcome 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.

    59 min
  6. Episodes 48 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 2

    4 FEB.

    Episodes 48 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 2

    Welcome 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.

    59 min
  7. Episodes 47 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 1

    28 JAN.

    Episodes 47 - Beating All Odds: Aaron Hamm’s Journey from Patient to Pilot Part 1

    Welcome 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.

    57 min
  8. Episode 46 - Beyond the First Year: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Public Safety Aviation

    21 JAN.

    Episode 46 - Beyond the First Year: Technology, Innovation, and the Future of Public Safety Aviation

    Welcome 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.

    1 tim 11 min
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Om

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. 

Information

  • Skapad av
    Mike Fadale and Blake Shrider
  • Aktiva år
    2025 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    54
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Valor Flight Crew
  • Programmets webbplats
    Valor Flight Crew

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