In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss how to find success and maintain a positive influence within a broken system, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize the importance of having a robust life outside of work, recognizing personal warning signs of burnout, and the power of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on the present and carving out a corner of excellence in one's department.Podcast Referenced: https://...
Apr 01, 2025•35 min
In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential elements of building a team of professionals within the fire service. They explore the definition of professionalism, the importance of establishing a culture of accountability, and the significance of recruiting individuals based on values rather than just competency. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations, peer accountability, and the role of leadership in maintaining a high standard...
Mar 19, 2025•43 min
In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential habits that contribute to effective leadership, particularly in the fire service. They explore the definitions of habits, the significance of humility, and the importance of receiving criticism as a means for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedback to become a better leader. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importanc...
Mar 05, 2025•43 min
In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of mission and vision as foundational aspects. They discuss the significance of self-leadership, self-awareness, and the traits that make a leader worth following, such as selflessness and a positive attitude. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of caring for others and the role of humility in receiving feedback. They also highlight the ...
Feb 12, 2025•49 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez engages with Jesse and Micah Horton of Horton's and Hunt, discussing their journey in the fire service, the importance of communication, and the role of mentorship. The conversation highlights the value of honest communication in leadership and the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of firefighters. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the critical role of mentorship in the fire service, emphasizing...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of personal growth plans, focusing on the concepts of vision and mission. They explore how understanding these concepts can lead to effective leadership, especially in the firehouse. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in defining one's why and how to implement these ideas practically within a team. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate how to create a cohesive te...
Jan 15, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons engage in a deep conversation with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, focusing on the critical issues of mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of community support within the firefighting profession. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding firefighter suicides, the need for open dialogue about mental health, and the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment. Blake share...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 27
The audio on this is not very good and i am aware. Due to unfortunate circumstances the wifi was not working and cell service was spotty in this building. Fortunately we got something out of it, you may just have to listen pretty hard. In this podcast episode, host John Velez discusses with a roundtable panel at the For Them Fire Conference about various aspects of the fire service, focusing on leadership, mentorship, recruitment, and training. He emphasizes the importance of making new recruits...
Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 26 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, Chief David Rhodes shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing his journey from a small municipal department to becoming the editor in chief of Fire Engineering. He emphasizes the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Chief Rhodes also highlights the role of FDIC in providing valuable education and training opportunities for firefighters, while addressing the cha...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the significance of culture in the fire service, emphasizing the need for clear vision, values, and actions to establish and maintain a positive culture. They explore the role of leadership in influencing culture, the importance of accountability among peers, and share success stories of cultural change within their department. The conversation concludes with actionable steps for listeners to develop their own cultural vision and mission state...
Dec 04, 2024•33 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the nuances of leadership within the fire service. They discuss the concept of leading up the chain of command, emphasizing the importance of honor, respect, and understanding motives. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment for new firefighters, the necessity of honest conversations, and the proactive approach of bringing solutions rather than problems to lead...
Nov 20, 2024•35 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Preston Lines discuss pressing issues in the fire service, focusing on recruitment and retention challenges. They emphasize the importance of social media in attracting new candidates and the need for fire departments to present an honest portrayal of the job. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a supportive culture for new firefighters, the role of company officers in retention, and the necessity of prior...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the importance of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the role of attitude and influence. They discuss how personal experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of leadership, and how a positive attitude can significantly impact team dynamics and personal performance. The conversation highlights actionable steps for improving leadership qualities and fostering a supportive environ...
Nov 06, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons discuss the importance of culture and leadership within the fire service, the role of tailboard firefighters, and their personal passions for firefighting techniques. They emphasize the value of networking and community, sharing experiences and insights to improve the fire service as a whole. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and mentorship, as well as the significance of being part of...
Oct 03, 2024•56 min
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez speaks with Danny B, a seasoned firefighter and host of the Student of the Game podcast. They discuss Danny's journey in the fire service, the importance of training and mentorship, and the cultural differences in firefighting. Danny shares his passion for the job, the significance of physical fitness, and his aspirations for leadership. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, personal growth, and the need for positivi...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Logan Hinkle discuss the intricacies of the fire service, focusing on the importance of volunteer experience, the value of training, and the expectations of the public. Logan shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the significance of being well-rounded in skills, the necessity of understanding fire behavior, and the importance of accountability. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by volunteer departm...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this conversation, Mike Goldstein discusses his involvement in the Explorer Academy, a program that provides advanced training to young explorers and junior firefighters. He emphasizes the importance of instilling core values, teamwork, and passion in the youth, as well as the impact of exposure to top-notch instructors and speakers. The conversation also touches on the limitations of online fire training programs and the value of in-person, hands-on experiences. he hosts discuss the impact o...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast features Joe Johnson of the Porter Fire Department discussing an upcoming conference to benefit one of their colleagues, Castillo, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The conference will be a three-day event, with one day of lectures and two days of hands-on training. The lineup of instructors includes Raymond Dorval, Clyde Gordon, Mo Davis, and Mike Johnson, among others. The conference aims to honor Castillo and raise awareness about t...
May 22, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 17
The conversation is about the For Them Fire Conference, a firefighter training event in Port Arthur, Texas. The conference includes lectures and hands-on training sessions focused on engine work, primary search, and tactics. The keynote speaker is Chief Tom Hollick, who will deliver a special presentation about the meaning of 'for them' in the fire service. The conference also features instructors such as Cody Trestrail, Kyle Romagus, and LJ Geist. There will be social events for networking and ...
May 10, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Matt Ballard, a 23-year fire service veteran, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of addressing it in the fire service. He discusses his own experiences with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and how he sought help through therapy and medication. Matt emphasizes the need for peer support and the role it played in his recovery. He also highlights the alarming suicide rates among firefighters and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental healt...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this conversation, TBM host John Velez interviews Mike Nasti, host of the Tip of the Spear Leadership podcast. They discuss the origins of Tip of the Spear and the importance of relatable and relevant content. They also touch on the topics of leadership, training, and the basics of firefighting. Mike emphasizes the need for firefighters to take initiative and focus on the fundamentals, rather than getting caught up in elaborate training scenarios. They also discuss the importance of effective...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 11
TBM Host John Velez shares a conversation with John Spera of Fit To Fight Fire. Spera is a 23 year tailboard fireman that has his priorities in check. Above all else is his faith, then family and finally fire and it shows throughout this entire episode. John shares why he believes physical fitness is the foundation of the fire service, how his faith has plated a significant role in his fire service career and shares a powerful story of being first due at the Aurora movie theatre shooting. John i...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 13
TBM host John Velez has a conversation with Matt Valdez, Owner and Operator of MV Fire Rescue. The two talk about the evolution of MV Fire rescue, where it started and what it has grown to, and how the company has changed Matt as a firefighter. There is a deep sense of passion you can hear in Matt's voice as he shares stories from a recent trip to Mexico to help spread the good of Firemanship. Matt and his 'family' are top notch guys and the fire service is a better place because of them. If you...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 12
TBM host John Velez talks with Medal of Honor recipient, author, keynote speaker and Marine Sniper Veteran Dakota Meyer. Listen as they talk about some of the things we could do better as a fire service, all things leadership, standards and a few great stories. Through his experiences Dakota has so much insight and now as a civilian firefighter is trying to make the fire service a better place. We were honored to have him as a guest and are thrilled to share this episode. Own The Dash - owntheda...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 11
TBM host John Velez talks with The Senior Man Jess Rodzinka. Jess was an outstanding with true insight about what it takes to be a senior man. The two discuss what it looks like for the less tenured firemen to step into that senior man role and how to set yourself up for success. TBM website: tailboardmisfits.com Make sure to subscribe here and on all socials!
Mar 15, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 10
TBM Host John Velez sits down with LA County Firefighter Trevor Williams, inventor of The Williams Key. Trevor has an incredible story from experiencing the historic Earthquake in Haiti and participating in the search and rescue efforts to running some INTERESTING calls out of Firehouse 8 in West Hollywood, CA. Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE. Also available on Apple and Spotify. Get The Williams Key: https://williamskey.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWMzBF--_8zW...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 7
TBM host John Velez talks shop with Marcos Orozco. Listen as they dive deep into fitness as it pertains to the fire ground, resiliency and other great topics. Marcos can be found on IG @hardknoxsunday Make sure to like, follow and comment. TBM Merch https://tailboardmisfits.com/
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Tailboard Misfits Podcast Host John Velez talks with Tyler Evans of The Citizens Firemen. The two discuss Tylers' transition from a driver that was just 'on the job' into an Officer that is 'in to the job', social media and the role it is playing in the Fire Service, as well as the development of Tylers' new podcast 'The Citizens Firemen Podcast'. Don'r forget to visit us on our IG and Facebook! You can find Tyler on Instagram and Youtube @TheCitizensFiremen-jn5bz TBM Merch: https://tailboardmis...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 5 min
TBM’s John Velez host Logan Broberg of Rogue Firemanship Training and talk about Logan’s fitness journey and the start of his fitness and training company. Logan gives advice on how to inspire your crew to get on board with physical fitness as it pertains to the fire ground, why training in gear is important and the importance of doing hard things. John and Logan both share stories on how fatherhood has inspired them to lead themselves and how getting better daily even if it is only 1% better. D...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 3
TBM’s John Velez talks with Lt. Joshua Chase about all things LEADERSHIP. Lt. Chase is United States Army Veteran where he served as a crew chief and door gunner for Black Hawk Helicopters in western Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Josh is an Author and has published several books including Jump Seat Leadership, The guide to informal leadership in the Fire Service and his newest book Engage the Enemy, Fight for Your Purpose. Josh’s passion for the fire service, leadership and helping men fi...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 4
