Echo Valor Podcast
The Echo Valor Podcast is where courage meets storytelling. Hosted by David Burnell—a U.S. military veteran, special operations team leader, and rescue operator—the show dives into the real stories of those who serve in the shadows and on the front lines. With a high-threat security and humanitarian response background, David brings raw insight and deep respect to each episode. Through powerful interviews, battlefield reflections, and original tribute music, Echo Valor honors the warriors, medics, and rescuers who risk everything for others. This podcast is part of the greater mission at EchoValor.com—to preserve legacy, inspire courage, and give voice to those who carry the weight of valor.
Episodes
26 episodes
Between the Walls - A Spoken Ballad Honoring the Urban Warfare Center Warriors
“Between the Walls” is a lyrical spoken ballad capturing the true story of the Urban Warfare Center, founded and funded by David Burnell to prepare warriors for the harshest realities of modern conflict. From 2002 to 2012, the UWC prov...
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2:18
We The People - A Spoken Ballad for America
“We The People: A Spoken Ballad for America” is a powerful, cinematic spoken word piece celebrating the spirit of unity and freedom. Drawing on the words of our Founding Fathers and the courage of everyday Americans, this ballad remind...
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2:50
Echoes of Valor - The Life and Mission of David Burnell
“Echoes of Valor: The Life and Mission of David Burnell” is a powerful spoken word narrative tracing the extraordinary life of a modern warrior. From elite U.S. Air Force missions and rescue dives beneath frozen lakes, to leading post-...
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2:46
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Ghosts, Grace, and Grit The Ballads of David Burnell
“Ghosts, Grace, and Grit” is a lyrical spoken-word journey through the real-life missions of David Burnell—a veteran, rescue diver, humanitarian, trainer, and storyteller. From Sheridan Lake’s icy depths to Haiti and Japan’s shattered ...
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3:55
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Across the River - A Ballad from the Jungles of Burma
Across the River is a lyrical spoken ballad drawn from David Burnell’s firsthand experience deep in the jungles of Burma. Partnering with Special Forces veteran John Padgett, David embarked on a mission not to fight, but to lift—to pro...
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2:55
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Die Like a Hero Going Home - A Death Song for the Living
“Die Like a Hero Going Home” is a spoken-word ballad built on the timeless wisdom of Chief Tecumseh. This piece challenges listeners to live with honor, gratitude, courage, and respect for self, others, and the sacred journey of life. ...
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2:11
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Thy Will Be Done - Finding Peace in the Fire
"Thy Will Be Done" is a reverent and vulnerable spoken ballad by veteran, rescuer, and storyteller David Burnell. Inspired by a recent cancer screening and a lifetime of missions where life itself hung in the balance, this performance ...
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2:22
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The Walking Wounded - Not All Heroes Fall
“The Walking Wounded” is a reverent spoken ballad by David Burnell that honors the silent sacrifice of those who came home from war, rescue missions, and terror attacks, forever changed, through real stories of his personal friends. Me...
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3:27
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The Edge of Peace - Where Angels Whisper and Danger Breathes
"The Edge of Peace" is a gripping spoken-word ballad that captures the tension, sacrifice, and silent heroism of a real-life mission into the war-torn borderlands of Burma (Myanmar). Echo Valor founder David Burnell recalls his journey...
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3:39
Punch, Kick, Run! Women's Self-defense
“Punch, Kick, Run!” is a spoken ballad written and performed to teach women essential self-defense. Delivered in a clear, engaging, and powerful tone, the piece walks listeners through a real-world scenario. It uses that story to educate...
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2:19
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You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard - Dan Laguna Warrior, Survivor and Brother
“You Have to Live Hard to Be Hard” is a cinematic spoken ballad based on the life of Dan Laguna—a true warrior, Special Forces Green Beret, Night Stalker pilot, and former head of Blackwater Aviation. Told with raw reverence, this comp...
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2:29
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The Bummer Lamb - The One Left Behind Still Matters Most
The Bummer Lamb is more than a story—it’s a parable of our times. In this cinematic spoken ballad, David Burnell reflects on the tender truth of the lamb that is left behind by its mother, too weak to survive on its own. But when seen ...
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2:58
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The Long Walk - Delta Force Selection, Life, Faith, and Perseverance
“The Long Walk” is a powerful spoken-word ballad from David Burnell, host of the Echo Valor Podcast, blending military insight with deep spiritual reflection. Inspired by the Delta Force selection process—particularly its grue...
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3:24
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The Good Wolf - Hunting Evil Before It Strikes
“The Good Wolf (Hunting Evil Before it Strikes)” is a cinematic spoken word ballad that adds a new chapter to the classic metaphor of sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves. With poetic realism and emotional gravity, the piece introduces the Goo...
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2:19
The Destroyer - A Warrior’s Confession, A Family’s Cost
“The Destroyer” is a raw and haunting spoken ballad chronicling the life of a man forged in the fires of war, rescue, and relentless service—but broken in the quiet distance of home. Across decades of secrecy, deployments, and sacrifice,...
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3:42
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The Ranger Creed - Rangers Lead the Way
"The Ranger Creed (Rangers Lead the Way)" is a powerful spoken word tribute set to a minimalist cinematic score, fully narrating the official Ranger Creed. Each word is delivered with reverence, reflecting the spirit of...
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2:48
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And the Wall Came Tumbling Down - Berlin 1989 The Day Freedom Broke Through
“And the Wall Came Tumbling Down” is more than a song—it’s a tribute to a turning point in modern history. Set to cinematic rock and orchestral tones, this ballad captures the emotional and political weight of the Cold War’s end, the fal...
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2:38
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A Father's Reach - Hug the Children for Me
"A Father’s Reach (Hug the Children for Me)" is a solemn spoken ballad drawn from the life and poetry of David Burnell—humanitarian, rescuer, and father. Based on his original poem and the stories chronicled on
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3:44
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The Day I Got Shot - A Ballad of Brotherhood, Pain, and Purpose
On April 5, 2007, during a SWAT training event in Utah, David Burnell was accidentally shot through the ankle during a live fire drill. “The Day I Got Shot” recounts the visceral moment of impact, the shock and the shame, and the profo...
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3:24
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The Wave and the Whisper - Heart of Japan’s Tsunami Zone
“The Wave and the Whisper” is a spoken ballad inspired by David Burnell’s firsthand experience in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Alone and unaffiliated, David flew into Japan while others were leaving, seeking...
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4:04
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Beneath the Ice - Sheridan Lake, 1996
In this haunting spoken ballad, David Burnell recounts the 1996 Sheridan Lake ice rescue—one of the most harrowing dive calls of his career. Through vivid storytelling and minimal ambient music, “Beneath the Ice” draws the listener beneath the ...
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3:32
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Through the Kaleidoscope - A Journey of Healing
“Through the Kaleidoscope” is a deeply personal spoken-word journey from David Burnell, drawn directly from his own experience with PTSD and the long road to healing. Through raw imagery and grounded emotion, David takes listeners insi...
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1:36
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White Crosses and Steel Rain
“White Crosses and Steel Rain” is a powerful spoken-word tribute written and performed by David Burnell, veteran, rescue operator, and founder of Echo Valor. Set against a cinematic backdrop, this ballad recounts his pilgrimages to sac...
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3:34
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