DAMN Good Medics

DAMN Good Medics develops affectively mature natures in EMS professionals through the application of Leadership principles, Mission Critical Teamwork, and High Reliability Organizing to transform you from a good medic to a damn good medic.

Even a Student is Known by Their Bearing 01/27/2026

Integrity: The Ultimate Pressor 01/13/2026

Discipline, Accountability, Mindset, & Next 12/30/2025

Discipline, Accountability, Mindset, & Next This end-of-year wrap-up episode of DAMN Good Medics features a raw, "off-the-clock" conversation between Mark, Chad, and Chiyo. Leaning into their "understaffed" reality, they deliver an episode that feels less like a lecture and more like a debrief in the back of a rig on what the past year of conversations has revealed about leadership, EMS culture, and personal growth. What emerges (unintentionally) is a clear framework—Discipline, Accountability, Mindset, & Next—that captures both the lessons learned and the direction forward. Discipline The conversation opens with the behaviors that quietly separate good medics from great ones. Discipline shows up in preparation, work ethic, and consistency—checking trucks, knowing equipment, using checklists, and doing the unglamorous work that prevents failure long before a call goes sideways. The crew explores how discipline, not talent or motivation, is what ultimately defines culture and reliability in high-risk systems. Accountability Publishing leadership philosophy publicly comes with a cost—and an obligation. Mark discusses how the podcast has put his values under a microscope, inviting others to hold him to the standard he’s advocating. The group unpacks integrity as the foundation of leadership accountability, and why transparency matters more than positional authority in EMS organizations. Mindset Imposter syndrome, burnout, gratitude, reinvention, and growth all surface as the crew reflects on their careers and the mental toll of the job. From tacit knowledge to conscious leadership, this segment explores how mindset shifts are necessary to survive—and thrive—over a long EMS career. The hosts discuss why gratitude matters, why being willing to be wrong accelerates learning, and why most medics have to reinvent themselves every few years to stay healthy in the profession. Next This episode isn’t just a look back—it’s a pivot point. The hosts preview what’s coming next for DAMN Good Medics, including deeper dives into integrity, high-reliability organizations, aviation lessons from pilots, and more guest-driven conversations. The goal remains the same: translating leadership theory into actionable intelligence that improves EMS culture from the inside out. (Show notes created in part on ChatGPT) Recommended & Referenced Chad Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin The Dichotomy of Leadership – Jocko Willink & Leif Babin Chiyo The Checklist Manifesto – Atul Gawande The ABG Survival Guide – Bryan Selvage The Flight Paramedic’s Guide to Mechanical Ventilation – Austin Kiser Mark Burnt Out: A Paramedic’s Memoir – Chad Davis Leading When It Counts – Dustin Wingate High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World: Preparing for Code Blue through Daily Operations in Healthcare – Daved van Stralen, MD, FAAP; Spencer L. Byrum; and Bahadir Inozu, PhD DGM Social Media , , , , , /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/39563505

The Five Points of Courage featuring Lessons for the Thin Red Line and Bad Prophets 12/16/2025

The Five Points of Courage featuring Lessons for the Thin Red Line and Bad Prophets In this short and intensely personal episode, Mark and Chad tackle the essential USMC leadership trait of Courage. They bridge the gap between physical courage on the Thin Red Line and the moral courage needed to lead through complexity. Using the Harvard Business Review framework of Five Characteristics of a Courageous Leader, the hosts break down the necessary traits for longevity and integrity in any high-stakes career. 🔑 Key Takeaways & The Five Points of Courage 1. Authenticity: The "Do What is Right No Matter the Cost" philosophy. Why defining your personal mission, vision, and values (M-V-V) is essential to avoid being a "bad prophet"—a leader who compromises belief for popularity or convenience. 2. Emotional Intelligence: The courage to be vulnerable and admit when you are wrong. We discuss the trap of the Sunken Cost Fallacy and how doubling down on bad decisions costs precious leadership capital. 3. Resilience: The power of adaptability. Chad shares why pivoting and repurposing your career is critical for surviving the seven-year burnout cycle, citing examples from business (Steve Jobs) and sports. 4. Commitment to Purpose: The hosts debate the difference between completing a mission and being fully committed to it, using the biblical story of Jonah as a metaphor for hitting a "hollow shell" outcome. We analyze the correlation between education, experience, and a willingness to commit to change. 5. Self-Discipline: Why continuous internal work is essential. We connect physical self-discipline (fitness) and mental self-discipline (muscle memory) to courage, illustrating how pilots and highly proficient clinicians use conditioned "muscle memory" to handle high-stress scenarios without panic, making the scariest moments feel like "Tuesday." (Summary by Google Gemini) References: The Mission, The Men, & Me - Pete Blaber By Chad Davis Lee’s YouTube: Dylan’s Apple Music: /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/39433445

Decisiveness: Efficiently Making the Hard Decisions, Including Lunch 12/03/2025

Judgment - Transforming Character into Strategy 11/19/2025

Judgment - Transforming Character into Strategy This week, we move past Justice to explore the crucial second filter in your leadership development tree: Judgment. This isn't just a clinical skill—it's the core of exemplary leadership, enabling sound choices in the absence of clear data. Mark, is joined by EMS Deputy Director Chad, (author of Burnt Out), reluctant leader Jeff, and special guest, retired NYPD/EMS veteran Mike Chanat, who ties in his "Key Three" of Communication, Mindset, and Empathy. What We Dissect in this Episode: Affective vs. Cognitive: We debate where good judgment lives. Does it come from the book knowledge (cognitive) or the amygdala's stored affective response (your gut feeling)? We explain how this "acquired instinct" separates seasoned professionals from rookies. The Three Domains of Decision-Making: We dive into the most critical areas for leaders—People, Strategy, and Crisis—and discuss why People Judgment is the most vital skill for organizational success. The Leadership Paradox: Why do leaders need to create a "safe space" for subordinates to make mistakes? We discuss the boundary condition of developing judgment and why allowing an "organizational scuff" (like a small scratch on the rig) builds integrity and long-term wisdom. Transforming Character: We analyze how procedural justice and integrity (like honestly reporting the scuff) are the non-negotiable foundations that allow field-level experience (Character) to eventually inform high-level Organizational Strategy. (Episode summary created by Google Gemini) Listen in to learn how to effectively apply the wisdom of your toughest calls to the strategic challenges facing your career and your department. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Mike Chanat's Leadership Development: Chad's Book, Burnt Out: A Paramedic's Memoir: References: High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World: Preparing for Code Blue through Daily Operations in Healthcare: /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/39092145

Hot Mic: Exposed! Code 3 Movie Leaves Our Feelings Trauma Naked 11/07/2025

Justice Starts with You 11/04/2025

Justice Starts with You The 12th episode of "DAMN Good Medics" features Mark, Jeff, & Lee as they explore Justice, the second of the 14 Marine Corps Leadership Traits. Mark introduces justice as the first "filter in the root system" that builds off the foundation of Knowledge. Justice: The Individual and the Organization The hosts define justice as the practice of being fair and consistent, giving consideration to all sides, and basing rewards and punishment on merit. The consensus is that justice starts with the individual; you must internalize and practice it personally to gain the trust and respect necessary to lead effectively. The Conflict: The discussion opens with personal stories highlighting the dilemma of making everyone happy versus being fair. Lee shares his experience balancing the need for fair pay for medics against the company's need for profit, and Jeff discusses the difficulty of failing trainees when building relationships. Mark notes he consistently gave his wife the "short end of the stick" to avoid the appearance of impropriety, demonstrating that prioritizing the mission and organizational credibility often requires tough personal choices. Leading by Example: The hosts emphasize that personal practice drives organizational change. Lee recounts adopting a "kidney stone free policy," walking the deck with ice pops to encourage hydration—a simple, just act that boosted crew morale and became a routine. Organizational Justice and Procedure The hosts analyze organizational justice through the framework of employee perceptions of fairness: Distributive Justice: Focuses on the fairness of outcomes (e.g., shift assignments, promotions, or discipline). Mark stresses that perceived unfairness in small areas (like vehicle assignments) gets magnified and breeds dissent. Procedural Justice: Focuses on the fairness of the process that leads to the outcomes. This section delves into whether the ends justify the means. The hosts argue that clear, transparent, and easily repeatable procedures (like having a clear protocol for documenting even minor patient encounters, as Lee discusses) are essential to reduce friction, make decisions defensible, and build follower satisfaction. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that justice is the cornerstone of trust, demanding that leaders put aside emotional attachment to logically and consistently uphold the standards of the mission, the team, and the organization. (Episode summary provided by Google Gemini) /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/38905450

The Fertile Soil of Knowledge: Growing the Character & Forming the Strategy of EMS Leaders 10/21/2025

Followership & Leadership, Which Came First 10/07/2025

Leading to Leave a Legacy 09/23/2025

Leading to Leave a Legacy In this episode of the "Damn Good Medics Podcast," hosts Mark Chad, and Jeff discuss the concept of leadership and its critical importance in the public safety industry, particularly in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The episode begins with a heartfelt tribute from the hosts to Mark's late father, Mike Norris, who was a significant influence on the podcast and on their own professional lives. Mike Norris was a public safety professional who championed principles of leadership, high reliability, and human factors. The conversation then shifts to defining leadership. Jeff and Chad emphasize that leadership is about goal setting and providing a clear vision to unite a team. They use the analogy of a political party struggling without a clear figurehead to illustrate the need for a focused message and mission. The hosts also highlight the importance of communication in leadership, noting that it's not enough to set goals; a leader must also effectively communicate those goals to their team. The discussion also explores the concept of edification, or building people up. The hosts stress that a good leader doesn't just manage tasks but also develops the people on their team, helping them grow professionally and personally. They draw parallels between a toddler learning to walk and a new EMT learning the ropes—both require practice, patience, and support. Another key is the role of trust. The hosts agree that leadership is a two-way street and that a leader must first earn the trust of their team. They share personal anecdotes about their own experiences building trust when entering new leadership roles. They also discuss how a leader's character is more important than their strategy or personality, echoing quotes from historical figures like General Norman Schwarzkopf and George Washington. The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on why they choose to be leaders. For them, it's about making a positive impact, leaving things better than they found them, and a sense of responsibility to the profession. They underscore the idea that a leader's function is to produce more leaders, ensuring a legacy of good practice and continuous improvement in the EMS industry. By Chad Davis Lee’s YouTube: Dylan’s Apple Music: /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/38319860

The Compassion Continuum 09/09/2025

The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence – Part 2 08/26/2025

The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence Part 1 08/12/2025

The Narrow Therapeutic Index of Confidence Part 1 Confidence in EMS practice is a critical but so often overlooked aspect of emergency medical services. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the delicate balance between having enough confidence to make life-saving decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence. As EMS professionals, we've all experienced those moments of self-doubt, right? Especially early on in our careers. But how do we cultivate healthy, mature, confidence that empowers us to provide the best care possible? We delve into this, dare I say, critical topic, sharing personal experiences and insights from our combined years in the field. This episode offers valuable insights for both new and experienced EMS professionals looking to build and maintain healthy confidence in their practice. Whether you're just starting your career or you're a seasoned veteran, you'll find actionable advice to help you navigate the complex world of emergency medical services with assurance and skill. Addressing Industry Challenges: We don't shy away from tapping into the systemic issues that can undermine confidence in EMS, including: • The "buddy to boss" transition and its effect on leadership • How outdated management practices can stifle growth and innovation • The importance of learning from other systems and experiences Real-world Examples: We share compelling stories from our careers, including: • A high-stakes needle decompression that tested a paramedic's confidence • How a pediatric anesthesiologist father stepped in during a critical moment • The impact of fatigue on decision-making and confidence Confidence in EMS practice is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of emergency medical services. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the delicate balance between having enough confidence to make life-saving decisions and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence. Key Points Discussed: • The importance of self-awareness in building confidence • How experience shapes our decision-making abilities • The role of mentorship in developing confident EMS practitioners • Balancing confidence with humility and continuous learning • Overcoming systemic challenges that can erode confidence Lee’s YouTube: Dylan’s Apple Music: Ironed Out Media: /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/37614750

Part 2 - Return to the Basics - Competence 07/30/2025

Return to the Basics – Competence 07/15/2025

Return to the Basics – Competence In this episode, Lee opens up about a time when he was on the verge of walking away from his EMS career. He struggled with intense self-doubt and wrestled with the question so many of us face: Am I really cut out for this? That turning point came when he found mentors who didn’t just encourage him—but challenged him. They offered constructive criticism, not just praise. That guidance helped him reframe his journey and understand where he truly was in his professional development. We dive into two key models that help explain how we grow in our careers: the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisitionand the Conscious Competence Ladder. The Dreyfus Model outlines five levels: Novice Advanced Beginner Competent Proficient Expert Meanwhile, the Conscious Competence Ladder runs parallel, tracking our awareness of our skills: Unconscious Incompetence – You don’t know what you don’t know. Conscious Incompetence – You know what you can’t do yet. Conscious Competence – You know how to do it, but it takes effort. Unconscious Competence – It’s second nature. You do it without thinking. These models raise two key questions for our field: Where do you think most EMS providers—or leaders—fall within these stages? At what level do you think providers or leaders are most dangerous—and to whom? We also touch on concepts from political theory, including Chesterton’s Fence and the Overton Window, to explore how institutional knowledge and boundaries protect against reckless change. Lee reflects on the “cookbook paramedic” phase—often where advanced beginners live. These providers may stick to the rules and protocols but miss the bigger picture. It’s only through proficiency, where pattern recognition kicks in, that you begin to truly understand what to do—not just follow steps. At the expert level, practitioners rely on tacit knowledge—intuitive, fast, and often hard to explain. They’ve seen the patterns before. They innovate because they understand the system. Where are you on that ladder? Where is your team? Be sure to listen to the next episode, where we finish this conversation and talk about what it really takes to grow as a provider—and what to do when you feel stuck. Lee’s YouTube: Dylan’s Apple Music: Ironed Out Media: /episode/index/show/f12f23e0-33e7-4323-b222-4e584f52d422/id/37408455

Conversations Unseen: How Attitudes Shape the Values We Uphold 07/01/2025

Felt, Not Taught: Gut Instincts and the Weight of the Unspoken EP2 06/17/2025

Affect in Action: Emotions on the Front Lines EP 01 06/03/2025

DAMN Good Medics - Why we're here 05/26/2025

DAMN Good Medics

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