Chris Naum (Syracuse, NY) brings over 5 decades of experience to the show as both firefighter, fire officer, architect, educator, author, and public speaker. Chris joins the show to blow the lid off building construction in the modern fire service. We discuss how the lack of deeper understanding of building construction in the modern fire service has had unintended consequences at both the strategic and tactical levels. We discuss several fire service buzzwords and catch phrases, their origin an...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 67
Ready to elevate your Pump Operator game? Then you need to catch this episode! Chief Paul Watlington of Burlington (NC) FD is a 24-year fire service veteran, owner of Impact Fire Training, and presents regularly around the country including FDIC. In this episode Paul discusses the role of the pump operator, the importance of working driver/operators, troubleshooting, mindset, training and traits needed to succeed at a high level in the pump operator position. Paul drops some practical knowledge ...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 5Ep. 66
Episode 65 welcomes special guest, Ljay Geist out of Garden City (KS) FD to the show. We discuss his love for engine work, his recent work with HEN nozzles and his initial impression of the HEN nozzle in interior firefighting. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into leadership specifically from the perspective of those not in formal leadership positions. Ljay lays the groundwork for having a positive impact on your crew, firehouse and organization. This episode is about street level l...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Season 5Ep. 65
Episode 64 welcomes special guest, Julio Ramos to the show to take a technical deep dive into common saws used in the fire service. Julio is an 18-year student of the trade currently serving as a Lieutenant on a squad company in a major metropolitan department in central Florida. He is owner/operator of Fireground and Special Operations, LLC and has instructed at numerous conferences across the country. This episode is a cut above (pun intended)! Julio breaks down the ins and outs of fire servic...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Season 5Ep. 64
Episode 63 welcomes special guest, Todd Edwards to the show to discuss suburban strategies, tactics and training. Todd brings 43 years of experience to the table. Notably, Todd faithfully served in numerous capacities over 30+ years with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is the founder and lead instructor at Fire Life Training and has been instrumental in conducting a variety of high-quality fire service training and education programs across the nation. In this episode we examine variables i...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 5Ep. 63
Episode 62 welcomes our friend and brother, Aaron Zamzow to the show. Zam is a 20-year fire service veteran serving as a Lieutenant with the Madison (WI) Fire Department. He is head coach at Fire Rescue Fitness, has 30 years of experience as a fitness trainer, and holds a bachelor's degree in health and wellness. He hosts the Better Every Shift podcast, has authored numerous fire service articles and was recently featured on the cover of Crackyl Magazine. This episode explores functional health ...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 5Ep. 62
We're Baaaaaaack! Season 5 kicks off with a dynamite episode featuring special guest, Scott Hewlett! Scott is a 26-year fire service veteran currently serving as a Training Officer in an urban fire department in southern Ontario, Canada. Scott is also founder and host of the Multiple Calls podcast. The crew takes a hard look at mindset, personal growth and mental health in the fire service. We can't think of a better way to start the new year and the new season than talking shop with our brother...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Season 5Ep. 61
Sean and Nick wrap up season 4 with special guest, Frank Viscuso. Chief Viscuso retired with the rank of Deputy Chief in New Jersey, has written numerous Fire Engineering articles, is an accomplished author of 12 books including Step Up and Lead, Common Valor and Flashpoint, was Keynote speaker at FDIC in 2022 and travels the country speaking on leadership to fire service, private sector and military personnel. This episode is packed with leadership gold as Chief Viscuso drops some serious knowl...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Season 4Ep. 60
Nick and Sean team up with Nick Ledin and Jeff Bryant of the Fire Nuggets podcast in this EPIC crossover episode! The gang discusses training, search culture, two in/two out, what it takes to run a successful fire training event, engine operations and more.
Nov 25, 2024•2 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 59
Episode 58 is coming at you fast as we welcome special guest, Justyn Fraize to the show to get his thoughts on building a strong fire culture in the suburban fire service. Justyn is a 25-year veteran of the fire service currently serving as Captain of Squad 18 in the Colony (TX) FD. Justyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a fireman, instructor and family man. He's on numerous instructor cadres around the nations including Build Your Culture, Citizens First Fire Training, Forge Fire...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 58
Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Ryan McCormick to the show to talk about what it takes to build a winning team in the fire service. Ryan is Fire Chief of Alexander (AR) Fire-Rescue and the Collegeville Volunteer Fire Department. He's founder of the First In Fire Conference and brings 25 years of both career and volunteer experience to the show. This episode takes a deep dive into why there seems to be such a disconnect nowadays between chiefs and line personnel, the importance of mindset an...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 57
This episode welcomes special guest, Danny Beauvais to the show to discuss what it truly means to be a student of our beloved craft. Danny is a fireman with the Mooresville (NC) Fire Department and founder of the Student of the Game fire podcast. Danny has been on the job for over two decades and brings a ton of knowledge, wisdom and passion to the table. This episode dives into mindset, training, conditioning and something all true fire service professionals possess: a constant hunger to learn ...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 56
Please join us as we welcome to the show Chief Ryan Gates of the Cayce (SC) Fire Department. Ryan is also co-founder of Soda City Training and the Truck Company Misfits podcast. This episode takes a close look at firefighting in suburbia. From strategies and tactics, to challenges faced, tips for being more effective, suburban truck culture, to command's view of the suburban fireground, this episode covers all the bases! Grab a drink and turn up that dial, 'cause episode 55 is coming at you from...
Oct 09, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 55
Part 2 of Episode 54 continues with special guest, Brandon Cory. Part 2 takes a hard look at the world of RIT. We discuss everything from the history of RIT and its evolution, data and how it impacts our decision making on scene, proactive RIT functions to the philosophy of rapid intervention, RIT realities, deployment and finally realistic RIT training. This episode is packed full of practical knowledge, experience, procedures and training tips and offers a thorough look at how and why we do wh...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 54
This episode welcomes special guest, Brandon Cory to the show to talk all things RIT. Brandon is a firefighter/paramedic with the Marquette City (MI) Fire Department, authored a chapter in the book "30 Fires You Need to Know" with Chief Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, is a published author with FireRescue1.com and is part of the Build Your Culture cadre. Part I of Episode 54 dives into the physical, tactical, mental and emotional components of a call where Brandon was deployed as the RIT team on...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 54
"From the top ropes!" Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Chief Scott Thompson to the show to discuss some of the hottest issues facing today's fire service. Chief Thompson is currently the Fire Chief of the Colony (TX) FD, is author of the book "The Functional Fire Company" and was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024. This no-holds-bar, haymaker of an episode is raw, real and addresses these issues head on. Join us in this unapologetically blue-collar conversation that is sure to challenge you to ass...
Sep 05, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Season 4Ep. 53
Join Sean and Nick as we welcome special guest, Jason Hoevelmann to the show. Jason is the Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District, is author of the Fire Engineering book "The New Company Officer", was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024, sits on the FDIC advisory board, and is owner/operator of enginehousetraining.com. In this jam-packed episode the crew dives into several important topic ranging from leadership at the company and chief officer level, organizational purpose/f...
Aug 28, 2024•2 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 52
This episode takes a look at the ins and outs of rural fireground operations as we welcome to the show former Navy vet, Loveland-Symmes (OH) FD Captain, and Fayetteville FD Asst. Chief Bill Adkins to the show. Bill is also heavily involved as an author and featured contributor at Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment magazine where he has dozens of published articles. We examine the challenges faced in the rural vs suburban fire setting, tactical considerations, command thought processes, water...
Aug 12, 2024•2 hr•Season 4Ep. 51
We welcome Chief Dave McGlynn back to the show to discuss all things leadership related. With all the emphasis on leadership these days, there are seldom discussions had on the dark side of leadership: the sacrifice, loneliness, conflict and stressors that come with being in these roles and positions. We tend to focus on the feel-good parts of leadership, while neglecting the responsibility that comes with making tough decisions and standing tall in the face of adversity. This episode is a deep ...
Jul 31, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Season 4Ep. 50
This episode pulls no punches as we welcome special guest and fellow Midwesterner, BJ Breecher to the show. BJ is known for his love for the job, commitment to excellence and a passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. If you're looking to improve your operational effectiveness, BJ absolutely lays the framework for success in this episode! Grab an old fashioned, fry up some fish and enjoy this episode Wisconsin style!
Jul 30, 2024•2 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 49
Episode 48 is coming in swinging with our special guest, Build Your Culture Co-Founder and Jacksonville (FL) Fire-Rescue fireman, Pablo Gener. This episode takes a hard look at all things culture related and its impact on our fire departments, firehouses and personal morale. If you want a warm, fuzzy, feel-good discussion, you're in the wrong place. However, if you want real, honest, authentic dialogue on one of the most important issues facing the modern fire service, then this episode is a MUS...
Jun 26, 2024•2 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 48
Season 4 continues with this gnarly 2-hour deep dive into the mind of special guest, Aaron Fields. This episode examines the origins and mindset behind the renowned Nozzle Forward engine class and "Drilling for Function". Buckle your seat belt. Aaron straight up drops some serious knowledge and gets to the root of instructional philosophy and discipline in the fire service. If you want to be a better firefighter, officer, or instructor, this episode is a MUST LISTEN!
May 27, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Season 4Ep. 47
Season 4 kicks off with a haymaker of an episode! Jim Silvernail is Fire Chief of the Kirkwood (MO) FD, is an FDIC advisory board member and author of the book, Suburban Fire Tactics. Listen in as the chief holds court on suburban fire tactics, challenges facing the suburban fire service, tips for maximizing your personnel and finally the mindset needed to be successful on the suburban fireground! Buckle your seatbelt! Season 4 is coming in HOT!
May 20, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 46
The crew welcomes Captain Jeremy Mathis of the Covington (GA) FD and member of the FAST Rescue Solutions to the show to talk about one of the most important concepts in not only the fire service, but also in life: BALANCE. The crew dives into keys to living a balanced life, the work/life balance as well as balance in the firehouse. We also discuss challenges in the suburban fire service setting and share some of Jeremy's experiences along the way. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy!
Nov 29, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Chief Dave McGlynn of the Letterkenny (PA) FD and owner of Passion in Leading LLC joins the show to discuss all things leadership and training! Do you have what it takes to elevate your leadership? Do you have what it takes to take your department's training to the next level? This episode will challenge you to BE more passionate, effective and resourceful. Don't miss out on this epic conversation!
Nov 19, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Season 3Ep. 44
Nick welcomes Cobb County (GA) Capt. and UL FSRI technical panel member, Sean Gray to the show to take a 2-hour deep dive into some of the amazing research being conducted by the UL FSRI. Sean shares his insights into the research, holds court on the topic of fire dynamics and how it relates to the modern fireground, and shares his tactical experiences over the last 3 decades of his fire service journey. If you want to nerd out on some research and how it translates to the streets, you're in luc...
Oct 31, 2023•2 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 43
Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Fire Chief (ret.) and owner of First Line Fire Service Training LLC, Dennis Reilly! The chief gives us some great insight in regard to the standards we hold. This is a deep dive examining personal, cultural, professional, and organizational standards and expectations. The conversation also reviews physical fitness in the fire service, training with a purpose and being a change agent in your corner of the fire service. With nearly 5 decades of experience in ev...
Oct 19, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Nick welcomes good friend and fellow hard-charger JD Ducharme to the show to discuss WHY we are here. They dive headfirst into mission mindset, building a culture of excellence, training and preparation, and risk management/aversion in the fire service. If you're looking for a feel good, pat on the back kind of show, this isn't the episode for you. This is a fast-paced, no-holds-bar, unapologetically blue-collar examination our beloved fire service. So, buckle your seatbelt, Dorothy. You're not ...
Sep 09, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Season 3Ep. 41
Sean and Nick welcome Zach Bruhn to the show to discuss engine ops, training and leadership! Zach is a Major with the Oklahoma City FD, is and instructor at Oklahoma State University, and owns Precision Fire Service Consulting. He gives us the skinny on engine ops OKC style including an examination of how they have perfected the use of the Metro Load in their organization. The crew then dives into training mindset. We discuss the importance of building a solid foundation but then introducing var...
Sep 07, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 40
Nick and Sean welcome Estero (FL) Fire Rescue Division Chief of Operations and Training, Grant Schwalbe to the show to talk grabs. This fast-paced, action-packed episode takes a look at search and rescue best practices for both searching and removing fire victims. We also discuss some of the excellent programs Grant is part of including When Things Go Bad and the "Grabs" podcast and their impact on the fire service. Finally, we discuss the importance of balance and paying it forward in the fire ...
Aug 22, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 3Ep. 39
