Join host Cyndee Woolley as she sits down with Tony Ottaviani and Brandon Waldorf, co-hosts of Echoes of Valor, a podcast dedicated to honoring fire and EMS personnel through powerful storytelling. In this compelling episode of Cutting Through the Clutter, these frontline responders share their mission to give voice to the often-overlooked heroes of emergency medical services—the “red-headed stepchildren” of first response.
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Tony and Brandon candidly discuss why EMS professionals deserve the same recognition as firefighters and police officers, revealing the unique challenges faced by those who rush toward people experiencing the worst days of their lives. From handling behavioral health emergencies to de-escalating crisis situations, these professionals navigate intense trauma while maintaining compassion and dignity for every patient.
The conversation explores their work with the For Paul Foundation, a nonprofit supporting line-of-duty deaths and orphaned children of fallen first responders. Through Annual Heroes Dinner, scholarships ranging from EMT to paramedic training, and special care packages for grieving families, the foundation embodies its philosophy: leave EMS a little better than you found it.
Both hosts share personal coping mechanisms, the importance of leaving work at work, and their hope that their children learn one simple lesson—if you can be anything, just be kind. With nearly a year of podcasting under their belts and ambitious goals for 2026, Tony and Brandon are building a movement that honors the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of EMS professionals across the nation.
Learn more: The For Paul Foundation Sets Purposeful 2026 Goal of 5000 Listeners for “Echoes of Valor” Podcast
Perfect for: First responders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit supporters, and anyone interested in emergency services, mental health awareness, and stories of everyday heroism.
Links and Resources
- Echoes of Valor Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7heaDIaEoU5h1zyZfTQ5dM
- The For Paul Foundation: www.theforpaulfoundation.org
- Connect with Antonio Tony Ottaviani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-ottaviani-baas-fp-c-cmte-756193125/
