EMTS Academy Podcast

Matt Nealand
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Join host Matt Nealand, Paramedic and Program Director of EMTS Academy, as he sits down with leading voices in emergency medical services, public safety, and healthcare education. In each short, high-impact episode, you'll hear insights from EMS innovators, field medics, educators, and thought leaders shaping the future of prehospital care. Whether you're an EMT student, a veteran paramedic, or a leader looking to strengthen your team, this podcast delivers practical takeaways and inspiring stories from those answering the call every day.

Episodes

  1. Core Values in EMS: Transforming Lives with Garnet Morris

    MAR 10

    Core Values in EMS: Transforming Lives with Garnet Morris

    What does it take to build a lasting career in EMS and a life you're proud of? Garnet Morris, author of "17 Runs," shares the four core values that became the foundation of everything he's accomplished — and how he broke free from the generational limiting beliefs he calls "bricks." In this episode, Garnet and Matt Nealand talk about what integrity actually looks like on the truck, how to identify the beliefs that are holding you back, and why four simple habits can change everything: show up on time, do what you say, finish what you start, and say please and thank you. Free download: 17 Runs Personal Growth Workbook — a companion guide with reflection questions and action steps. Get it at https://tr.ee/O025OCZ\_m1 Watch on YouTube at https://youtu.be/ogmhXWFhBNM Listen at https://pod.link/1810050200

    50 min
  2. From Firefighter to EMS Medical Director: Dr. Ratcliff's Journey

    MAR 4

    From Firefighter to EMS Medical Director: Dr. Ratcliff's Journey

    On the EMTS Academy Podcast, host Matt interviews Dr. Taylor Ratcliff, former Lubbock firefighter/paramedic and current medical director for multiple Texas EMS agencies (including Williamson County EMS, Marble Falls Area EMS, Robertson County EMS, and Texas EMTF Region 7) and associate medical director for Travis County Star Flight.  Ratcliff recounts starting in EMS as a teen, becoming a paramedic, dispatch experience, transitioning to the fire service, and ultimately pursuing medical school after studying for the MCAT at the station. They discuss how an EMS background both frustrates and helps in early medical school, why EMT training benefits pre-meds as early clinical exposure, and the unique Texas delegated-practice model for medical direction. Ratcliff explains the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force's post-Katrina origins, capabilities, and national influence, and they explore likely EMS changes over the next decade including treat-in-place, telemedicine, AI decision support, report-writing, drones, and workforce career-ladder and reimbursement challenges. Watch: https://youtu.be/r7VOayyQy6s

    47 min
  3. How High-Performance EMS Systems Think Differently With Dr. Casey Patrick

    FEB 19

    How High-Performance EMS Systems Think Differently With Dr. Casey Patrick

    What truly separates average EMS agencies from elite, high-performance systems? In this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, host Matt Nealand sits down with Dr. Casey Patrick, Medical Director for MCHD EMS, to explore how top-tier EMS organizations think, lead, and deliver patient care at a higher level. Dr. Patrick shares his unique path into EMS medical direction and explains why great systems focus on developing clinicians, not protocol memorizers. The conversation dives into the often-misunderstood role of medical direction, the importance of culture and shared decision-making, and how thoughtful oversight improves outcomes for both patients and providers. This episode is a must-listen for EMTs, paramedics, EMS leaders, educators, and medical directors who want to understand what excellence in EMS really looks like. 🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn: ·       What defines a high-performance EMS system ·       Why medical direction is about culture, not control ·       How elite agencies develop critical thinking and accountability ·       The risks of protocol-only thinking in patient care ·       How strong medical oversight improves outcomes and provider confidence 🎧 Listen to the full episode: 👉 https://pod.link/1810050200 YouTube: https://youtu.be/ut2uUHTNsb4   🩺 Medical Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace local medical direction, protocols, or professional medical advice.

    40 min
  4. When Ignoring Your Health Finally Catches Up With You

    FEB 3

    When Ignoring Your Health Finally Catches Up With You

    When Ignoring Your Health Finally Catches Up With You Most people don't wake up one day unhealthy. They arrive there slowly — one compromise at a time. In this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, Matt Nealand talks with Charles Fielder, who openly shares how years of putting everything and everyone else first led him to a breaking point at 375 pounds. Charles walks through the moment he realized his health was no longer something he could postpone, the difficult honesty required to face it, and the steps he took to finally turn things around — including the role a GLP-1 medication played in resetting his trajectory. While Charles is not from the EMS world, his story mirrors a pattern many first responders know well: ignoring personal health in the name of service, responsibility, and endurance. This is not a medical episode. It is a human one. In this episode, we discuss: How health decline happens quietly, not suddenly Why people who serve others often neglect themselves The moment "later" turns into "now" Using modern tools responsibly as part of long-term change Taking ownership before your health forces the issue 🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1810050200 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yCz_148yIcw

    41 min
  5. Fixing EMS with Former State EMS Director Steve Tafoya

    JAN 20

    Fixing EMS with Former State EMS Director Steve Tafoya

    In this episode, Matt Nealand sits down with Steve Tafoya, a critical-care paramedic, U.S. Coast Guard veteran, EMS educator, and former State EMS Program Manager for Nevada. With more than 25 years of experience across frontline care, regulation, leadership, and system design, Steve brings a unique perspective on how to improve EMS, build better leaders, and prepare the next generation for the realities of public safety. This episode covers: • High-risk decision-making • What EMS must fix to grow • Leadership development in public safety • Clinical access challenges • Building systems that serve providers and patients 🎧 Listen now on Podlink: https://pod.link/1810050200 Watch here: https://youtu.be/zoQeokPLPEM

    55 min
  6. Rewiring the First Responder Brain and Healing Trauma with Dr. Don Wood

    12/16/2025

    Rewiring the First Responder Brain and Healing Trauma with Dr. Don Wood

    In this powerful episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, Matt Nealand sits down with Dr. Don Wood, founder of the Inspired Performance Institute and creator of the TIPP Method, to unpack how unresolved trauma, chronic stress, and environmental triggers quietly sabotage human performance—especially for EMS professionals. Dr. Wood explains why the brain isn't "broken" but simply interrupted, and how healing old patterns can unlock clarity, emotional regulation, and higher-level decision-making. Matt and Dr. Wood explore how this applies to EMTs, paramedics, and anyone working in high-stakes environments. In this episode you'll learn: ·       Why trauma is not what people think it is ·       How the brain stores "glitches" that interrupt performance ·       Why EMS providers often carry invisible burdens from calls ·       How to reset the nervous system and reduce triggers ·       The science behind the TIPP Method ·       Practical steps to improve focus, emotional stability, and sleep 🎧 Listen now: https://pod.link/1810050200 Rebekah Gregory's story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM4CCauqEhs Evan Carmichael goes through the process: https://youtu.be/pIU1TsnrDeQ?si=e4ogadhtnTVZuGjy Dr. Don Wood: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/ Ready to get your EMT or paramedic certification?  Or want EMS training at your department?  Or ready to get your Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences EMS from Texas State University?  Reach out here: www.EMTSAcademy.com

    48 min
  7. Clear Thinking Under Pressure: A Fighter Pilot's Framework for EMS

    11/22/2025

    Clear Thinking Under Pressure: A Fighter Pilot's Framework for EMS

    When lives are on the line, you don't just need skills — you need a framework for making clear decisions under pressure. In this special EMTS Academy session, Program Director and paramedic of nearly 30 years Matt Neland sits down with Justin "Hasard" Lee, F-16/F-35 fighter pilot and author of The Art of Clear Thinking, to translate combat-tested decision frameworks directly into EMS. Hazard shares a gripping story from Afghanistan, where a fuel emergency, a destroyed runway, and a team of strangers in the sky turned into a masterclass in calm, coordinated decision making. Together, Matt and Hasard walk through the five laws of ownership and the ACE decision framework — adapted specifically for EMTs and paramedics. In this episode, you'll discover: Why good teams focus on tasks but great teams own the outcome The Five Laws of Ownership and how they map directly to EMS The ACE framework (Assess–Choose–Execute) for high-stakes decisions How to "wind the clock" and avoid freezing when everything goes sideways The power of micro-debriefs and the "3×3" method to get better after every shift How to build a culture where people take ownership instead of waiting for orders Whether you're a new EMT or a seasoned paramedic, this conversation will change how you think about leadership, decision making, and teamwork on every call. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to think more clearly when seconds count.

    51 min
  8. A Medic's Guide to Mastering Money with Mike Knipstien

    11/18/2025

    A Medic's Guide to Mastering Money with Mike Knipstien

    In this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, Matt Nealand sits down with Mike Knipstien for a powerful conversation about money, budgeting, and financial freedom for EMTs and Paramedics. Mike shares the real-world strategies he and his wife have used for more than 20 years to create stability—strategies that allowed her to stay home and raise their children without financial stress. From tackling debt to using the envelope system, from syncing calendars to using EveryDollar to plan their future, Mike breaks down the habits that help first responders get ahead, not fall behind. If you've ever struggled with irregular income, unexpected expenses, overtime dependence, or the feeling that "the money disappears," this episode will show you where to start. Whether you're early in your EMS career or you've been on the truck for decades, this straight-talk money guide will help you build a life with margin, peace, and long-term security. Topics include: Why most medics feel "behind" financially The #1 budgeting habit that changed Mike's family How he and his wife successfully budgeted for 20 years Why budgeting creates freedom, not restriction The money mindset every EMT and Paramedic should develop Real strategies to reduce stress and build long-term stability Listen now and start building the life you want—one dollar at a time. Mike's Website: https://www.onpoint-financial.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mike-knipstein-7215a7ba Watch: https://youtu.be/r7t5LndQOxY EMTS Academy: https://emtsacademy.com/ Connect with Matt: linkedin.com/in/mattnealand

    53 min
  9. You Can Do Hard Things: Lessons in Resilience and Legacy

    11/12/2025

    You Can Do Hard Things: Lessons in Resilience and Legacy

    In this episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, host Matt Nealand talks with entrepreneur and author Rich Christiansen about what it truly means to build resilience that lasts a lifetime. From climbing Kilimanjaro with his sons to helping families rediscover their values, Rich shares stories and frameworks that teach us how to stay grounded, connected, and "anti-fragile" in a world that often feels chaotic. You'll learn: Why defining your values changes everything How to build family and team cultures that endure The "kidney test" that reveals what real wealth is How breathwork, stillness, and small habits build mental toughness This episode is a masterclass in leadership, legacy, and the mindset behind doing hard things. 🎧 Listen now — and discover how to lead, live, and serve with purpose.

    40 min
  10. From Paramedic to Physician: Dr. Jeff Jarvis on EMS, Research, and the Future of Medicine

    11/04/2025

    From Paramedic to Physician: Dr. Jeff Jarvis on EMS, Research, and the Future of Medicine

    In this inaugural episode of the EMTS Academy Podcast, Program Director Matt Nealand sits down with Dr. Jeff Jarvis—emergency physician, medical director, and host of the EMS Lighthouse Project Podcast. From his early days as a volunteer firefighter in East Texas to becoming one of the most respected voices in prehospital medicine, Dr. Jarvis shares lessons on leadership, lifelong learning, and how to think clearly under pressure. He discusses what makes a great clinician (hint: it's not your IV skills), how research shapes better patient care, and why embracing tools like AI and ChatGPT can make smarter, more reflective medics. With humor, humility, and hard-won wisdom, this conversation dives deep into what it means to serve, learn, and lead in EMS today.

    48 min
  11. Coming Soon: The EMTS Academy podcast

    10/29/2025

    Coming Soon: The EMTS Academy podcast

    Join host Matt Nealand, Paramedic and Program Director of EMTS Academy, as he sits down with leading voices in emergency medical services, public safety, and healthcare education. In each short, high-impact episode, you'll hear insights from EMS innovators, field medics, educators, and thought leaders shaping the future of prehospital care. Whether you're an EMT student, a veteran paramedic, or a leader looking to strengthen your team, this podcast delivers practical takeaways and inspiring stories from those answering the call every day.

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Join host Matt Nealand, Paramedic and Program Director of EMTS Academy, as he sits down with leading voices in emergency medical services, public safety, and healthcare education. In each short, high-impact episode, you'll hear insights from EMS innovators, field medics, educators, and thought leaders shaping the future of prehospital care. Whether you're an EMT student, a veteran paramedic, or a leader looking to strengthen your team, this podcast delivers practical takeaways and inspiring stories from those answering the call every day.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Nealand
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    EMTS Academy Podcast