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 (and the Inside EMS YouTube playlist) 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.
Episodes
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Things get intense on this episode of Inside EMS as hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson tackle an age-old industry debate: should EMTs spend time on a truck before going to paramedic school or is that “experience” overrated?
Kelly kicks things off with a spicy take, arguing that poor field training and inconsistent preceptorship often do more harm than good. From his perspective, bad habits, weak mentorship and burnout culture are the norm, not the exception.
But Chris isn’t buying it. He counters that experience builds what classrooms can’t: clinical judgment, scene management and the ability to function in chaos. For him, skipping that step means stacking advanced skills on a shaky foundation.
What follows is a back-and-forth that hits on everything from “microwave medics” and outdated curricula to high-fidelity simulation and whether modern education can truly replicate the street.
Both sides agree the system is flawed — but disagree on where to fix it.
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