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.
Echo Valor Podcast
Before It Happens - How the Brain Reacts Under Stress
This episode features Chapter 14 from the full-length audiobook Before It Happens: The Art of Staying Safe Before Violence Starts by David Burnell.
What happens to your brain when fear hits? Why do people freeze, forget, or fall apart—even with training? In this powerful chapter, David Burnell breaks down the inner battle that happens the moment stress spikes—and how to win it.
You’ll discover:
- The difference between the cognitive brain and the survival brain
- What the “amygdala hijack” is—and how to stop it from taking over
- Why freezing isn’t failure, but biology—and how to move through it
- Simple mental tools like box breathing, stress inoculation, and pre-decision planning
- How to train your brain to stay functional, not perfect, when everything’s on the line
Whether you’re a protector, parent, student, or someone preparing for the unexpected, this chapter will change how you view stress and prepare for the worst day of your life.
This is a single chapter from the full audiobook Before It Happens: The Art of Staying Safe Before Violence Starts by David Burnell, available on Audible, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.
For more information, please visit www.echovalor.com
