TEMSEA Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Eric Clauss sits down with two dynamic leaders who are shaping leadership development across Tennessee’s EMS community— Jeff Masten , a 25-year Stryker veteran known for his engaging leadership workshops and people-centered philosophy, and Assistant Chief Elaina Brown of the Nashville Fire Department, whose work in supervisor training is redefining what it means to prepare the nex...

Today’s guest is a trailblazer, mentor, and one of the most respected voices in Tennessee EMS. With a 42-year career that includes 31 years with the Nashville Fire Department as a District Chief and 15 years as an EMS educator, Christy Tomlinson brings wisdom, candor, and heart to this conversation. She opens up about what it means to walk away well, how to manage the echoes of a life in service,...

What does it take to build strong leaders in EMS? Host Eric Clauss is joined by Greg Johnson (Program Director, Columbia State Community College), Alex Whitley (Paramedic Instructor and Flight Medic), and Jamie Wesley (Critical Care Paramedic, Rutherford County) to discuss the launch of Tennessee’s New Provider Conference and the leadership lessons shaping the next generation. Together, they refle...

In this inspiring episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric welcomes long-time colleague and transformational leader, Dr. Jenny Slayton, Senior Vice President of Quality, Safety, and Risk Prevention at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. From her early days in the emergency department to navigating executive leadership — and surviving a life-altering cancer diagnosis — Jenny’s story is...

From rediscovering your “why” and leading with empathy, to managing workplace drama, fostering psychological safety, and building intentional mentoring relationships—this episode showcases the very heart of EMS leadership. Whether you’re guiding a team or growing into your role, this powerful discussion will remind you that the most important person you will ever lead is yourself. Leadership Learn...

In this special episode recorded live at the TASA Mid-Winter Conference, we hear from EMS professionals at every level—from field medics to system leaders—who are shaping the future of prehospital care through action, advocacy, and authentic leadership. Their stories are a powerful reminder that influence begins with initiative, not titles. Whether through innovation, humility, or education, these...

Recorded live at the 2025 TASA Mid-Winter Conference in snowy Gatlinburg, this episode features candid conversations with four impactful guests who are shaping the future of EMS leadership. Outgoing TASA President Joyce Noles reflects on the importance of preparing the next generation by “growing your replacement,” encouraging transparency and mentorship across leadership roles. TEMSA President Sh...

Explore the intertwining of leadership and spiritual care in this episode featuring Raye Nell Dyer, whose career spans various roles where compassion meets leadership. Raye Nell discusses her evolution from campus ministry through decades of chaplaincy, revealing how her unique experiences have crafted her into a beacon of hope and guidance for many. This episode delves into how personal trials an...

How did you feel the moment you realized you had made a mistake? If you haven’t experienced this yet, ask yourself—what would you do if it happened tomorrow? The reality is, errors happen in EMS, and sometimes, we may not even realize we’ve made one. The question is: will you be prepared to own it, learn from it, and use it to improve patient safety? In this episode of the Tennessee EMS Education...

In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Clauss speaks with Briana Browne, a suicide survivor who has turned her experience into a life-saving mission. Briana shares her emotional recollection of waking up in the hospital, her road to mental health recovery, and the moment she realized she had survived a nearly impossible fall. She discusses the stigma around suicide, the import...

Join us for a powerful conversation on how to navigate challenges, embrace growth, and lead with purpose. Key Leadership Applications from the Episode:         1.      Problem-Solving is Core to Leadership One of the greatest lessons shared by these leaders is the ability to solve problems effectively. In EMS, where unexpected challenges...

This episode opens with a powerful quote from Jocko Willink, setting the tone for a conversation about discipline, ownership, and the hard work that defines great leadership. Brian McNeely, Assistant Chief of Montgomery County EMS, shares his journey from military service to becoming a leader in emergency medical services. He reflects on how resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning have s...

In this insightful episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, Marilyn Dubree, a former executive chief nursing officer at Vanderbilt, shares her remarkable leadership journey.. Eric and Marilyn discuss the challenges of managing large teams, financial responsibilities, and workforce issues while fostering a supportive organizational culture. Learn how Marilyn balanced her personal life with her dem...

In this episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, host Eric Claus sits down with two remarkable leaders from the Nashville Fire Department—Director Chief Swann and Deputy Director of EMS Fred Smith. Together, they recount the harrowing experience of responding to the Covenant School shooting on March 27, 2023, an event that forever changed many lives. Chief Swann and Deputy Director Smith reflect...

In this episode of the Tennessee EMS Education Association Leadership Podcast, recorded during the 2024 TEMSEA Conference, we sit down with two prominent figures in the EMS industry—Chris Kelly, a seasoned healthcare attorney specializing in EMS-related law, and Matt Zavadsky, a leading expert in mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) and EMS system transformation. Chris Kelly shares his insights on t...

In this inspiring episode, Eric Clauss shares his personal journey from experiencing severe stress, depression, and PTSD to transforming his life and becoming a source of hope for others. He discusses the significant challenges he faced, including a near-death experience, and how these events impacted his career, health, and relationships. Eric provides an in-depth look at his book, "On the Other...

In this special episode of the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation as host Eric Clauss is interviewed by his son, Chris Clauss, about his latest book, "On the Other Side of Post-Traumatic Stress." Discover how Eric went from a near-death experience and severe PTSD to transforming his life and becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. In this episode, Eric s...

Join us for an insightful special bonus episode of the Tennessee EMS Education Association Leadership Podcast as we sit down with Michael Dunavant, the esteemed EMS Director for Maury Regional Health EMS, a hospital-run EMS agency. Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having led his team through one of the most challenging times in recent history—the destructive tornad...

The 2024 TEMSEA Conference will be from July 24th through the 26th in Murfreesboro at the Embassy Suites Conference Center. Build your conference from the Leadership course, Educator track, and Provider tracks. You can also join us for a golf outing! Please visit tnemsea.com for more information and registration. Welcome to the TEMSEA Leadership Podcast, where we explore the journeys and insights...

The 2024 TEMSEA Conference will be from July 24th through the 26th in Murfreesboro at the Embassy Suites Conference Center. Build your conference from the Leadership course, Educator track, and Provider tracks. You can also join us for a golf outing! Please visit  tnemsea.com  for more information and registration.  In this episode of the TN Emergency Medical Service Education Assoc...

Please join us July 24-26, 2024, at the annual TEMSEA Education Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. There is something for everyone, plus a golf outing. For more information, visit the conference website TNEMSEA.com . In this episode, Robert Byrd, a distinguished veteran in the EMS sector, marks his retirement by reflecting on a remarkable 45-year career. From his beginnings as an ambulance driver to...

In this enlightening episode of the TEMSEA Leadership podcast, we take you back to the heart of February, to the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association Leadership Conference. Here, seasoned TN EMS leaders shared their invaluable insights and personal journeys, illuminating the path to effective leadership within the high-stakes world of emergency medical services. Join us as we distill the essenc...

Join us for a riveting episode of our TEMSEA Leadership podcast, where we explore the Enneagram's transformative power in EMS leadership with the esteemed Meredith Boggs. A critical care nurse, EMT, speaker, author, and Enneagram expert, Meredith unveils how this ancient personality system can revolutionize our understanding of motivation, self-awareness, and team dynamics. Meredith introduces the...

Welcome to this episode of the EMS Leadership podcast, where we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Peter Antevy, a renowned figure in pediatric emergency medicine and pre-hospital care. Dr. Antevy, the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Handtevy - Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc., is a visionary who has revolutionized the approach to pediatric resuscitation, simplifying complex procedures and...

Please join us at the Tennessee Ambulance Service Association 2024 Mid-Winter Leadership Conference February 21st - 23rd in Gatlinburg, TN. More information is available by the website https://tennesseeambulance.com/upcoming-events/ Please subscribe to our TEMSEA Leadership Podcast on your favorite platform or subscribe to us on YouTube . We welcome your comments. Remember to give us a Five Star r...