In-Depth Interviews Episodes

Jimmy Apple, also known as the EMS Avenger, joins The Line & The Oath to talk about his path from electrical contracting to a more than 20-year career as a paramedic and what it will take for EMS to build a stronger future. The conversation explores EMS education and degree pathways, how paramedic resources are deployed, funding and reimbursement challenges, and the need for a clearer professional identity. Jimmy and Tony also discuss leadership, workplace culture, burnout, and the power of k...

Mira Baldwin shares her journey from rural ER nurse to pediatric neonatal operations manager, highlighting lessons learned from critical care, team building, and leadership in healthcare. This episode offers insights into the importance of trust, communication, and resilience in high-stakes environments.

In this episode, Lt Jeff Pace shares his journey from the Coast Guard to EMS, highlighting leadership lessons, memorable stories, and the impact of military experience on his civilian career. Tune in to learn about the unique challenges and rewards of serving in both fields. In this episode, Jeff Pace shares his diverse career journey from military service to EMS, maritime law enforcement, and education. We explore leadership, adapting to different cultures, and the importance of paying it forwa...

In this episode, Rob and Travis from the FDNY EMS Pipes and Drums share their journey, leadership insights, and the profound significance of their band in honoring fallen heroes and supporting the EMS community.

In this episode, Sgt. Erik Lavigne shares insights on modern policing, the impact of technology, leadership lessons from the military, and how social media can bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities.

What does the National EMS Memorial truly mean? Tony sits down with returning guests Eric Phillips and Jonny D to discuss the impact of Memorial Weekend, the importance of honoring our fallen, the bonds built through service, and why every EMS provider should experience it at least once. A conversation about remembrance, leadership, and never forgetting those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

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...

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. ...

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...

In this episode, we sit down with Erica Roberts for a real conversation on dispatch, leadership, communication, and what it actually takes to stay calm when everything around you is chaos. Erica shares how her journey in emergency communications began, what she has learned from more than 20 years behind the headset, and why dispatchers play a far bigger role in public safety than most people realize. From high-pressure calls and training mindset to the disconnect between dispatch and the field, ...