This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is extra super because Zam and Janelle are talking all things Super Bowl with Glendale (Arizona) Captain Ashley Losch, digging into the fire and EMS preparations, training and coordination for this year’s big game. Captain Losch details the many moving parts of “Super Season,” what they’ve learned from the past two Super Bowls the city has hosted, plus how the Damar Hamlin incident prompted additional questions. Plus, we get into all this: The big m...
Feb 02, 2023•54 min•Ep. 119
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month: Damar Hamlin’s medical emergency live on Monday Night Football – and the many “takes” that followed; Controversy over an Alabama firefighter whose tattoo and hair prompted complaints that ultimately led to her dismissal; and The fallen FDNY firefighter whose organ donation saved multiple lives, including two retired FDNY members. We also recognize Firef...
Jan 26, 2023•47 min•Ep. 118
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle talk to a dear friend, Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach, about what it was like to serve as the editor-in-chief of two major fire service publications, then transition back into fire department life. The chief reflects on his family's fire service connection, his vision for Loveland, and how his career has come full circle. Plus, we get into all this: A “spicy” analogy for old school vs. new sch...
Jan 19, 2023•45 min•Ep. 117
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Raleigh Battalion Chief Dena Ali joins the crew for a candid conversation about firefighter behavioral health, its connection to physical health, and her belief that the fire service needs its leaders to go beyond simply referring members to actually connecting with their members. We dig into that, plus ...
Jan 12, 2023•57 min•Ep. 116
‘Pull up your jogging pants and take some notes’ because the three fitness experts offer actionable tips for health in the new year. On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam joins forces with fellow firefighter fitness experts Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss, authors of “Firefighter Functional Fitness,” to offer actionable tips for health in the new year – and non -fitness-guru Janelle learns that even experts need help from time to time. Plus, all this: Why mindset is the ...
Jan 05, 2023•51 min•Ep. 6
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the year that was, from the major incidents that are still top of mind to our “words of the year.” What else … Hot topic: The electric vehicle “mixed bag” of coverage Holiday hot seat sneak peek: Our professional milestones Episode power quote: “It’s been a heavy year … but we don’t get called in when someone has a good day.” Don’t miss: What Firefighters Want in 2023 theme announced Resources we mentioned on the show … ...
Dec 29, 2022•49 min•Ep. 5
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam talks to Bozeman (Montana) Fire Chief Josh Waldo about making incremental changes, whether at the individual or organizational level, plus all this: Waldo’s gut-check moment that changed his fire service trajectory; The first thing he did when he arrived at the Bozeman FD; An inside look at his new opportunity with the IAFC; and What fires him up more than anything from his firefighters. What else … Don’t miss: His experience with ESPN GameD...
Dec 15, 2022•38 min•Ep. 4
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Oakland Fire Chief Reggie Freeman joins Zam to talk: The unspoken battle – or war – between new and older members; Changing how we define competence; Why diversity is a choice for fire departments; Chiefs who have forgotten where they came from; The motivation of injustice; and His kids’ future in the fire service (??). What else … Hot seat sneak peek: What’s your biggest pet peeve? Don’t miss: His advice to his 18-year-old self. Episode power-q...
Dec 01, 2022•39 min•Ep. 3
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research , joins Zam to bond over their shared forgetfulness of their own articles and, more importantly, the reality of translating fire service science to real-world tactics and behavior, plus all this: Her “fourth-child” project – the Science Alliance (and merch!); Simple steps for positive change; The power of positive peer pressure; The motivating story about cigarett...
Dec 01, 2022•36 min•Ep. 2
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, FDNY Deputy Chief Frank Leeb joins Zam to talk about what it means to be better every run, every day, every shift, plus: The transferability of experience – and lessons learned; The power of tracking small failures; The greatest threat to today’s firefighters; What we do too much, too late and too fast; and The best advice he’s ever received – and that he passes on to others. What else … Don’t miss: Twin Parks fire review and analysis Hot seat s...
Dec 01, 2022•53 min•Ep. 1
This episode of the Side Alpha podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline , the advanced network and technology for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline . In this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in the emergency services. Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero is joined by Policing Matters host Jim Dudley, deputy chief (ret.), of the San Francisco Pol...
Sep 06, 2022•38 min•Ep. 111
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses some of his favorite episodes and reveals some of the most popular shows. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great place to start, learning what other listeners found most engaging and which of the more than 100 shows to dive into first.
May 11, 2022•6 min•Ep. 110
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr reflects on her fire service career, serving as a fire chief for multiple departments and as the first woman elected to serve as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). A fourth-generation firefighter, Kerr also served as president of the IAFC’s METRO section and president of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers, and was appointed by President Obama to the National ...
Apr 27, 2022•33 min•Ep. 109
There are countless benefits to higher education for firefighters – not only understanding the profession better but also becoming a better communicator, both verbally and on the written page, and enhancing critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Today's podcast features Bryon Gustafson , assistant professor and director of the Master of Public Safety program at the University of Virginia , about the benefits of higher education for firefighters, plus some of the leadership challenges curr...
Apr 18, 2022•29 min•Ep. 108
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor unpacks the issue of what we call ourselves, specifically related to the use of the word "firemen" vs. "firefighter" in the names of fire service associations and organizations. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com....
Apr 12, 2022•7 min•Ep. 107
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Bill Jenaway addresses the epidemic of roadway response struck-by incidents as well as a new nationwide database that allows first responders to voluntarily report such incidents at ReportStruckBy.com . Dr. Jenaway is the project manager of the Federal Highway Administrationi-Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association’s (CVVFA) Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) Traffic Incident Management Struck-by Reporting Project and an active me...
Apr 06, 2022•36 min•Ep. 106
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor outlines the importance of MCI training, underscoring that it's vital to training for low-frequency events, like MCIs, that have the potential for high-risk consequences. He also suggests a monthly and quarterly schedule for how often to train on MCI events. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government le...
Mar 28, 2022•8 min•Ep. 105
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Robert Weisbaum, EMS & Fire Chief for the Crested Butte Fire Protection District in Colorado, tackles a unique challenge facing the firefighters and its broader impact on the fire service as a whole. Specifically, Weisbaum and Chief Bashoor discuss the affordable housing crisis that affects so many across the country, including firefighters. Weisbaum explains the approach his department has taken to securing affordable housing for firefighters, and ...
Mar 22, 2022•27 min•Ep. 104
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor explores fire protection systems in residential areas as well as larger facilities, like the Walmart distribution center. Are fire protection systems ever a waste of money? This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com ....
Mar 17, 2022•11 min•Ep. 103
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, FDNY Captain John Haseney tackles an important question: What is stopping fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices? Captain Haseney has been with the FDNY since 2005, currently serving as the captain for Engine 38. He is a founding member of the department’s Contamination Reduction Workgroup. Haseney got his master’s degree in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he wrote...
Mar 08, 2022•37 min•Ep. 102
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Otto Drozd, the executive secretary of the NFPA/IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Having served as fire chief at four metro fire departments, Drozd speaks to the unique challenges of leading large fire service agencies, the variations from state to state, and how fire chiefs can make a difference at each department, even if through varying approaches. He details the work of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Assoc...
Feb 23, 2022•34 min•Ep. 101
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell shares her experience as the newest U.S. fire administrator, a position she began in October 2021 following her time with the International Public Safety Data Institute. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell addresses several topics: Two major fatality incidents in the past several weeks; How past experience prepared her for the role as U.S. fire administrator; What to expect for the mission and vision of the USFA during her tenure; The role of ...
Feb 08, 2022•35 min•Ep. 100
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder details his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. He shares what the experience has been like for him and his family, and how he worked with a team of doctors and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to get the best guidance about how to proceed with his treatment options. Chief Goldfeder also shares a new initiative, 40PlusFire , a resource center where firefighters can learn about prostate cancer. The website is geared to...
Jan 31, 2022•33 min•Ep. 99
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Don Abbott, founder of Project Mayday , a comprehensive study of mayday responses, incidents and prevention. Abbott explains the project's origins and how firefighters can share their mayday stories. Abbott also details some of the key findings from the Project Mayday data, including looks at staffing levels, the 16 most common phrases heard on the radio prior to a mayday call, and recommendations for training for ma...
Jan 22, 2022•28 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor addresses critical staffing issues facing the fire service – the musical chairs of firefighters moving departments, searching for "greener pastures," or just throwing in the towel on the fire service altogether. Chief Bashoor reminds us that we have been here before, facing spiking call volumes for challenging call types with constantly changing guidance. He also underscores that firefighters are chaos and crisis managers by nature, a...
Jan 19, 2022•12 min•Ep. 97
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Fire Chief John Oates, who was recently named the new CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute . Chief Oates offers simple ways fire departments can leverage technology and data, addresses how fire chiefs can use data to inform decisions, and details the utility of NFORS and FireCares. He also speaks to the mission of the IPSDI and what it's like to follow in the footsteps of IPSDI's founder, Dr. Moore-Merrill...
Jan 12, 2022•37 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Jonathan Tate, a DC Fire & EMS firefighter and the founder of Food on the Stove , a nonprofit organization that’s working to improve the health of firefighters in the DC metro area and beyond. Firefighter Tate shares how losing loved ones has been a key inspiration for focusing on firefighter health and wellness, ultimately working toward reducing the number of firefighter deaths from cardiac incidents. He also details...
Jan 05, 2022•30 min•Ep. 95
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Dave Downey about one of the biggest stories of the year — the structural collapse in Surfside, Florida. As the deputy coordinator for Florida's Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP), Chief Downey was asked to represent the State Fire Marshal’s Office at the incident to coordinate the state USAR response. Downey offers a unique perspective on the incident, having been so closely involved in the rescue and recovery...
Dec 22, 2021•55 min•Ep. 94
"How many times does it take for a chief to hear near-misses before they recognize there's a systemic problem?" This is the question posed by Chief Marc Bashoor in this week's Side Alpha Podcast. Chief Bashoor has been following several mayday incidents as well as trends found in mayday incidents, as found in the research of Project Mayday, and identified three key areas to address: The need to recognize conditions that could lead to a mayday; What firefighters should do when they find themselve...
Dec 15, 2021•10 min•Ep. 92
In this special crossover episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chris Cebollero, the host of Inside EMS , about the major news and trends impacting fire and EMS in 2021. Bashoor and Cebollero unpack issues related to apparatus and ambulance safety, the COVID-19 vaccines, ET3 and telehealth, the use of ketamine, mayday training, and staffing shortages. Read more from our 2021 year-in-review special coverage . And check out these related stories: ‘The Year of the Vaccin...
Dec 15, 2021•37 min•Ep. 93
