The Evolution of Education

2017

Heavy Lies the Helmet was born from a shared vision between two brothers—Mike and Bryan Boone—both seasoned critical care transport clinicians. Frustrated by sterile, overly formal education models, they launched the podcast to create candid, real-world conversations centered on critical care transport medicine and the human side of healthcare.

2018–2019

The podcast quickly gained traction, resonating with emergency and critical care clinicians worldwide. Its hallmark approach—authentic dialogue, practical insights, and a commitment to staying free of corporate influence—began building a loyal global audience. This momentum inspired Dan Rauh to join the team and eventually led to one of the first podcast platforms to earn CE accreditation, thanks to a partnership with Chris Smetana of IA MED. What began as audio-based education grew into a movement—one rooted in grounded, high-acuity learning that challenges traditional norms.

2020

Amidst the global pandemic, the team expanded once more with the addition of Dr. Amanda Humphries and others, enhancing the clinical depth and credibility of the platform. Heavy Lies the Helmet continued to deliver thoughtful content during a time when connection and shared experience mattered more than ever.

2021

While other conferences were being cancelled across the globe, Mike Boone was driven by a desire to break even further from traditional models. He subsequently launched the immersive, outdoor learning experience that is Crash and Learn. Unlike anything else in education, the event fused whiteboard-style lectures, hands-on training, and real-world simulations in a natural setting, encouraging engagement, connection, and practical application.

2022–2024

Crash and Learn grew into a highly anticipated annual event, attracting attendees from across the country and selling out in minutes. Each year, it evolved to include new topics—from aviation safety and mental wellness to wilderness medicine and crash survival. The conference became a proving ground for creative teaching and collaborative growth.

Today

Heavy Lies the Helmet is more than a podcast—it’s a community, a platform, and a philosophy of learning. With Crash and Learn at its core, it continues to challenge the status quo, empower clinicians, and redefine how we teach and support one another in the most demanding corners of medicine.