Inside EMS

About Inside EMS

For 14 years, the Inside EMS podcast helped drive conversations shaping the profession. Across nearly 900 episodes, hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson examined hot topics affecting providers and leaders, from field operations and clinical decision-making to technology adoption, workforce challenges and agency leadership. With more than 2.3 million downloads and listeners in 51 countries, the podcast built a lasting archive of practical insight, debate and perspective for every stage of an EMS career. While new episodes have concluded, the Inside EMS archive (https://www.ems1.com/inside-ems) (and the Inside EMS YouTube playlist (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9h_epLtpB1FgPDxtW-VlYOsfVF14422Y&si=bZsbp9wWp7-RVP61)) remains a valuable educational resource. Listeners can revisit discussions on clinical care, leadership, workforce challenges, professional development and the evolving role of EMS in public safety and healthcare. You can stay up to date on the latest EMS leadership trends and insights with EMS One-Stop with Rob Lawrence, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Publisher

EMS1 Podcasts

Category

government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Sept 2014

Latest episode

8 May 2026

Latest episodes

91 of 716 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   8 May 2026TRANSCRIPT

   ‘Culture eats strategy’: Rebuilding an EMS system from the ground up

   In this episode of the Inside EMS podcast, host Chris Cebollero shares why he left the consulting and community paramedicine world to become chief of EMS and COO for EMS Team in Dayton, Ohio — a growing multi-state agency with “visions of world dominance.” The conversation digs deep into servant leadership, workforce buy-in and the balance between supporting crews while still holding the line on professionalism and performance. Chris also lays out his vision for creating a sustainable culture built on accountability, engagement and shared ownership. It’s equal parts leadership seminar, war story and reality check for anyone who’s ever tried to fix a fractured EMS system. Additional resources: How to lead without being that boss Leadership lessons: How to turn failure into growth Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

2. 

   24 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Reality check: How close does TV get to real EMS?

   This week on Inside EMS, it’s a no-holds-barred breakdown of HBO’s The Pitt — and surprisingly, it earns a solid thumbs up from the field. The show nails the feel of emergency medicine: nonstop chaos, overlapping patients and that mental grind that never lets up. The set, the medicine and the team dynamics all hit close enough to make even seasoned providers nod along. But let’s not pretend it’s perfect. The guys call out the usual TV sins — compressed timelines, back-to-back disasters and docs who never miss on the first try. But, there is a botched 12-lead that sparks a real-world debate about electrode placement, patient modesty and doing the job right when it matters most. Where The Pitt really shines? The emotional weight. Burnout, breaking points and the slow unraveling that comes with the job — it’s all there, and it hits hard. Have you watched the show? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment field below. Quotable takeaways “At some point you're so saturated by fear and emotion and being strong through somebody else's grief and trying to be on 24/7, you can't afford a bad moment.” “I think they do a great job of displaying the emotional toll that a career in medicine takes on the people who practice it.” Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

3. 

   17 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   When the job follows you home

   Editor’s Note: Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 988. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today. ----more---- This week on Inside EMS, host Kelly Grayson is joined by Texas educator John Puryear as they process the loss of a colleague to suicide — and to confront the uncomfortable truth: the mental health crisis in EMS is years in the making, and awareness alone isn’t cutting it. From peer support to fatigue policies, Chris and Jon lay out what actually helps: real conversations in the rig, leadership that prioritizes mental health and seeking professional help. The message is clear: taking care of your mind is operational readiness. And if you’re not checking on your partner, you’re missing the fight that matters most. Quotable takeaways “I don't think the public understands how much this profession can break you.” “It’s not about what’s wrong with you, it’s what’s happened to you.” “Help is a professional strength, not a weakness.” Additional resources: What’s your department’s suicide prevention plan? How to recognize, help a struggling team member Mental wellness check-ins: What they are and how they help Enjoying Inside EMS? Email theshow@ems1.com to share feedback.

Inside a recent episode

‘Culture eats strategy’: Rebuilding an EMS system from the ground up

Published 8 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And, but I believe in the seven pillars of accountability. We did a show on that and it's, it's accountability that builds culture, right? So the seven pillars of accountability that we talked about were, uh, and I'm going to try to do it off top of my head here is, uh, character is unity is learning is, um, tracking data and metrics, um, is urgency. I mean, we have to do it. We have to do it now. Reputation and then one more or evolving growing. So we have to be able to put all those pillars into place to build a foundation on, right? Now vision is where we're going strategies, how we get there, culture is the behavior of the organization and reaching the vision, but it has to be built on accountability. […]

Who has been a guest on Inside EMS

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• April McKenzie
• Mic Gunderson
• Dr Peter Antevy
• Jimmy Apple
• Patrick Pianezza

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.4 / 5

122 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

99

Contact Inside EMS

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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