Fire Engineering Podcast Network

The most grueling fire of your career may not wait for you to have seniority. In fact, it can easily happen on a rookie’s second shift. Or first! So the fire service must handle health and safety training with the same urgency as it does for fireground operations. On this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn sits down with seasoned fire chief and FDIC instructor Dennis Reilly to discuss the weight of cancer in the fire service, professional legacy, leadership roles, and FDIC. They also explore the obligation veterans have to mentor the next generation and why every minute of training is an investment in someone else's survival. This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/ This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

What is the role of leadership? And how can it shape an "aggressive" fire service culture? On this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jason Hoevelmann and Jim Silvernail welcome Jamie Young and Joe Gragnani to the show. They explore how to move beyond clichés and how to build organizations that prioritize tactical excellence. They discuss the "Four Pillars" of departments: running calls, training to run calls, mastering tradecraft, and everything else. Young and Gragnani share how they transitioned a "storied" department toward a search-heavy, "victims until proven otherwise" mindset, supported by a significant investment in off-duty training and strong labor-management relationships. They explore why today's toxic fuel loads demand a smarter, more proactive breed of firefighter and firehouse culture. This episode is brought to you by The Fire Store: https://thefirestore.com/ This episode is brought to you by Fire Facilities: https://www.firefacilities.com/

Jay Bonnifield, a captain with the Everett (WA) Fire Department, joins this episode of Hooks & Hoses to discuss how RECEO—Rescue, Exposures, Confinement, Extinguishment, and Overhaul—helps firefighters prioritize life-saving actions and navigate chaotic fire scenes effectively. He discusses the hierarchy of RECEO and how it helps inform decision making and situational awareness while enabling members to rapidly process chaotic scenes. Bonnifield also reviews practical training habits: 15‑minute daily tactical decision games, hot washes, and pattern recognition drills that accelerate rookie development and keep company officers empowered.

What's the significance of aligning leadership and crews in modern fire departments? On this episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Jeff Wallin, Chris Rasmussen, and Craig Nelson welcome Kent Orvik and Andy Dingman, of the Fargo (ND) Fire Department. The panel discusses how firefighters who become chiefs keep the instincts of the engine room yet inherit a very different job: long timeframes, political constraints, and layers of oversight. They unpack why quick operational fixes don't translate to administrative problems, why training and wellness get squeezed by limited budgets, and why crews want plain answers. Together, they explore ways to align priorities so safety, staffing, and community service move forward together.

Host Christopher Naum's two-part series for BuildingsonFire takes a closeup look at building literacy and reshaping decision making on the fireground. This episode explores the operational framework that links building era, construction, occupancy, and functional domains. Naum discusses tactics, safety, and command. He gets into the importance of the first 20 minutes of an incident, the predictability of building performance, and moving beyond surface familiarity to applied architectural and engineering knowledge.

Inside a firehouse, teamwork isn’t part of a slogan—it’s the difference between control and chaos. For this episode of Women in Fire, host Lisa Baker and guests Heather Mozdean, Paige Colwell, and Kim Phillips get candid about what teamwork actually looks like. They move past textbook definitions and into the reality: coordinating ventilation with interior crews, trusting the person next to you to read conditions the same way, and knowing one freelancer can unravel an entire operation in seconds. They also take a look at station life, where unresolved tension, uneven effort, and poor communication quietly erode performance long before a call comes in. This discussion presents an honest conversation about training gaps, ego, leadership responsibility, and the difficulty of building cohesion across personalities and ranks. This episode features: Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host). Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department. Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department. Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston (TX) Fire Department.

On this week's Humpday Hangout, Frank Ricci and Josh Miller talk to guests P.J. Norwood and Sean Gray about The Evolving Fireground: Research-Based Tactics, which they cowrote. They discuss why transitional attacks and ventilation must be coordinated with hoseline placement, argue for early water application from outside to improve interior conditions, and reframe “search” and “door control” to prioritize survivor access and firefighter safety. Later in the episode, the show welcomes former Navy SEAL Chris Shea of the North Haven (CT) Fire Department and discuss his decision to run for Congress.

Command Show host Anthony Kastros and guest Rick Nelson, Chief of the Reading (MA) Fire Department, discuss how a small New England fire department modernized incident command to close the tactical gap. They unpack NIOSH 5 failure points and show how decentralized leadership, mutual-aid run cards, and tactical supervisors improve accountability, reduce radio traffic, and improve outcomes. The conversation covers regional collaboration across New England, practical benchmarks for tactical communications, and Reading’s next steps. Kastros and Nelson also talk about technology and how leaders empower lieutenants to lead during mutual‑aid responses. This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

How often do you think about leaving the fire department better than you found it and setting the next generation up for success? In this episode of Talkin' Tactics, hosts David Polikoff and Sam Villani welcome Frank Ricci, a retired battalion chief from the New Haven (CT) Fire Department to talk about these important topics. They discuss recruitment and academy culture, why early leadership training matters, and how realistic, stressful drills build the muscle memory crews need on the fireground. The discussion contrasts career and volunteer models, suggests swap programs and targeted on‑apparatus mentoring, and stresses paced promotions so officers learn every job. The panel also examines day-to-day credibility, with a focus on doing the "small" tasks, setting clear expectations, and holding candid post‑incident debriefs.

On this episode of The Backstep Boys hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer discuss firefighter line‑of‑duty reports and the hard lessons that persist: breakdowns in incident command, poor communication, accountability gaps, and the ongoing danger of modern building construction and synthetic fuels. They trace the origin and purpose of the national firefighter fatality investigation program, how free, nonpunitive reports are structured, and why they’re essential training tools for recruits and veterans. The conversation also touches on firefighting history, an upcoming book compiling major U.S. and international conflagrations, and the human cost behind statistics. They also talk about the unseen workload of incident management teams who support families after tragedies.

Katherine West joins us to discuss the expertise behind her newly updated Infection Control Policies for Community Paramedicine and MIH, 2nd Edition. With decades of experience, West explains the differences between emergent care and home‑care practices, offering practical, evidence‑based guidance. She highlights challenges such as healthcare‑associated infections, inconsistent training, and the expanding role of EMS in home environments. In our conversation, she shares insights that help CP/MIH programs strengthen safety, support diverse community‑care models, and better protect both patients and providers as EMS roles continue to expand. Link: https://fireengineeringbooks.com/books/infection-control-policies-and-procedures-for-community-paramedicine-and-mih-2nd-edition/?utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=infection_control_policies_and_procedures_for_community_paramedicine_and_mih_2nd_edition

If you teach, lead, or want to grow the talent in your department, give this conversation between Billy Hux and Bobby Drake a listen. The Point of Origin hosts unpack the lone‑chief challenge, stressing trust, training, and emotional intelligence as the antidotes to isolation. They also offer tactical reminders about audience engagement, workload balance, and using conferences to find allies and solutions.

If you teach, lead, or want to grow the talent in your department, give this conversation between Billy Hux and Bobby Drake a listen. The Point of Origin hosts unpack the lone‑chief challenge, stressing trust, training, and emotional intelligence as the antidotes to isolation. They also offer tactical reminders about audience engagement, workload balance, and using conferences to find allies and solutions.

Your choice of tactics, your attitude, and your training are all factors in whether you can beat the clock at incident. In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka dig into a truth every experienced firefighter learns sooner or later: the building is the real opponent. Fire is just the ammunition. The conversation moves from leadership to street-level tactics. What makes a “firefighter’s fire chief”? Not popularity. It’s credibility earned through experience, preparation, and a clear understanding of how firefighters actually operate on the fireground.

From parades and fireworks to large town gatherings, with an emphasis on terrorism-aware preparation, this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest focuses on the process of building an operational plan for public events. The panel discusses topics including threat assessment, interagency coordination, chain of command, resource allocation, staging and access, and more. They stress using scalable incident action forms, pre-event walk-throughs, clear delegation of authority, and mutual-aid strategies to avoid tying up local services. Tune in for practical tips that will prove invaluable to local officials and event organizers.

Fire Commissioner Jared Renshaw, from the Western Berks (PA) Fire Department, joins host Tom Merrill on this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department. They discuss a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves in the fire service: building strong relationships with the local elected officials who help shape the future of our departments. Too often we focus only on operations, training, and response, but the reality is that successful fire departments are also built on trust, communication, and collaboration with the people who make policy and control funding. Renshaw offers valuable insight into how chiefs and fire service leaders can get to know their local politicians, build productive working relationships, and advocate effectively for their departments and communities.

Small decisions add up to big effects. And they matter. In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy talk "dominoes" and how tragedies on the fireground are never the result of just one decision. When the dominoes tumble, they add up. The episode opens with a sobering statistic: More than 350 civilians have already been lost to residential fires this year. The discussion moves from strategy to the human side of the job. Battalion Chief Mickey Tofexis, of Miramar (FL) Fire & Rescue, joins the show to talk about physical fitness, career longevity, and the reality of nearing retirement after nearly three decades in the fire service. He also shares the mission behind The For Paul Foundation, which supports families of first responders killed or injured in the line of duty. The result is a grounded conversation about accountability, preparation, and the choices firefighters make long before the alarm sounds.

Steve Shaw welcomes Scott Thompson, chief, The Colony (TX) Fire Department, to this episode of Perspectives on Leadership. The two have a conversation about how to intentionally build, sustain, and measure a high‑performance fire service culture. Practical topics from the 2024 FDIC keynote speaker include prearrival assignments, training as a performance discipline, mentoring and probationary programs, hiring for cultural fit, and closing the micro/macro culture gap. Thompson warns against vague slogans and urges leaders to map outcomes, manage the ripple effects of decisions, and prioritize a performance mindset alongside well-being. He recommends books and mindsets—Atomic Habits (James Clear), The Art of Clear Thinking (Hasard Lee), and operator‑driven learning—and urges departments to give officers the tools and standards they need.

Do you ever think about how your department would—or should—address fraternization issues? In this episode of Fire Service Court, John K. Murphy explores the importance of having clear guidelines around fraternization and how an organization can create and enforce policies that govern conduct among its members. These policies are essential for maintaining professional standards and ensuring a respectful and safe workplace for everyone.

On a winter night in Loudoun County, Virginia, an underground 500‑gallon propane tank leaked as it was refilled, sending invisible gas into a suburban neighborhood. What started as a routine odor-of-gas call escalated when firefighters entered a home, found explosive concentrations in a basement, opened vents, and were present seconds later when an explosion collapsed the house. This episode of Mayday Monday reconstructs the incident, the multiagency response, patient care and recovery, and the hard lessons learned. Guest: Chris Kerkstra, Loudoun County (VA) Fire & Rescue

How does the accreditation process provide meaningful value for firefighters and fire departments? And what does that look like in the boardroom vs. on the fireground? In this episode of Fire Service and Data Tech Talk, a fire chief with 30 years’ experience and a commission program manager unpack why accreditation and good data are changing how departments plan staffing, station location's and response doctrine. Guests: Rick Potter, chief, Shawnee (OK) Fire Department Jim White, program manager, Commission on Fire Accreditation International at the Center for Public Safety Excellence This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

Mike Scotto, lieutenant (ret.), FDNY, joins host Dave McGlynn for a discussion about truck company and tower ladder operations for this episode of The Training Officer. Scotto addresses apparatus positioning, tower-bucket tactics, victim removal into the bucket, search techniques from outside venting, and more. He shares crew-drill ideas—roll‑down gate cutting, saw handling, hook tricks, portable stream considerations—and how to build low-cost props for realistic practice. This episode provides helpful info for new truck operators, chief officers planning training, and veteran firefighters wanting concise, no‑nonsense ways to improve safety and effectiveness on every call.

Host Doug Cline urges firefighters and emergency responders to preserve their history and mentor the next generation during this episode of Fire and Training. Drawing on four decades of frontline experience—from a 1985 gymnasium fire to early paramedic days and formative training events—Cline mixes personal anecdotes with practical advice. He uses the metaphor "be the salt" to argue that preserving memorabilia, stories and procedures not only honors the past but flavors the future, stressing that leadership isn't granted as a result of rank but instead it's earned through coaching, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning.

FDIC 2026 is right around the corner, and this preview episode lays out exactly why it matters for today’s command staff. The focus isn’t hype. It’s preparation. From chief-level decision making to evolving fireground strategy, this episode of Command Show centers on what officers will actually take back to their departments after a week at FDIC International. Hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush break down key classroom tracks, leadership development sessions, and the practical value of being in the room with instructors who’ve led through large-scale incidents, staffing shortages, and organizational change. The hosts also discuss command presence, accountability systems, and how expectations for chief officers have shifted over the last decade. If you’re attending FDIC, this episode will give you a clearer plan for how to spend your time at the show. If you’re not, you’ll understand what conversations are shaping the national fire service right now. This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

Every year firefighters and officers invest thousands of dollars to attend FDIC International in Indianapolis — but many arrive without a plan. In this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley and his guest, Dave McGlynn, break down how to approach FDIC as if it's a fireground operation. From size-up and building familiarization to strategy, contingencies, rehab, and after-action review, they outline a disciplined framework designed to maximize professional and financial return on investment. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned conference veteran, this conversation will help you avoid burnout, overspending, and missed opportunities. And it will ensure you return home with measurable leadership growth. Don’t just attend. Deploy.

What makes training across generations effective? And how does training affect career trajectories and firehouse culture? In this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome guest Dave McGlynn. They unpack generational shifts and talk through concrete ideas for recruiting, mentoring, curriculum design, and how to make training stick long term.

What makes high-rise firefighting unique? Dave McGrail, an author and retired assistant chief from the Denver (CO) Fire Department, joins host Eric Dreiman for this episode of Hooks & Hoses. The two take a closeup look at the challenges of operating at and commanding high-rise buildings. Dave McGrail will teach "The High-Rise Firefight" at FDIC in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For Command Show's Firefighter Rescue Survey Update, hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush take a look at the Firefighter Rescue Survey release on The First 5,000 Rescues. Join them to learn where to access this information the context of the numbers and how to use it for making data-driven decisions and establishing evidence-based procedures. This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

This episode of the Women in Fire podcast tackles tough subjects. Kim Phillips, district chief, Houston Fire Department, and Paige Colwell, battalion chief, Forsyth County (GA) Fire Department, explore trust and ethics in a profession defined by courage and service, emphasizing how individual missteps can damage entire departments’ reputations and community support. They look at challenges brought on by social media, from viral videos impacting public perception to the complexities of free speech versus professional responsibility. They also address internal culture issues like hazing, harassment, and disciplinary accountability, highlighting the need for consistent standards enforced from the top down.

A firefighter going from captain to probie (yes, in that order) is not something we see every day. On this episode of Humpday Hangout, Politics & Tactics host Frank Ricci interviews Danny Stratton about making this very move from the Camden (NJ) Fire Department to the Philadelphia Fire Department. During the conversation, they cover handling adversity and search tactics as well as truck company strategies and radio communication.

Anthony Rowett welcomes Ken Keller, the deputy chief of the Mobile (AL) Fire Rescue Department, to Generation Engine. They talk about the critical role of mentorship and innovative training methods that are shaping Mobile Fire Rescue's success. The conversation addresses budget challenges, leveraging technology, and social media to enhance training efficiency. They also spend time on marine firefighting, touching on the unique complexities of fires in a major U.S. port. This episode reveals the importance of interagency relationships, learning from past incidents, and strategic planning tailored to maritime emergencies. Fire service professionals will find valuable perspectives on balancing classroom education, field readiness, and leadership development vital for today's evolving fireground challenges.

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka take a closeup look at the often-overlooked but highly effective pressurized water can. From its heavyweight presence in major departments like Chicago and FDNY to practical tips on its use and maintenance, they explore why this simple two-and-a-half-gallon device can be a critical asset on the fireground.

For this episode of Mayday Monday, host Tony Carroll welcomes guest Todd Leduc, from LifeScan Wellness. As cardiovascular events remain the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, this episode explores the unique physiological challenges the fire service faces, from intense heat and heavy gear to persistent dehydration and high stress. Leduc shares insights from over three decades in the field. He and the host explore key modifiable risk factors like blood pressure, weight management, sleep hygiene, and cholesterol control, alongside the importance of early, enhanced cardiac screenings including ultrasounds and calcium scoring. The discussion underscores the critical role of rigorous rehab protocols on scene and ongoing fitness programs off duty. Fire departments and individual firefighters alike must embrace comprehensive physical exams and targeted interventions to prevent sudden cardiac deaths and extend careers. Tune in to learn how proactive health strategies and improved awareness can save lives within this demanding profession. Learn more on FireEngineering.com and from these resources: https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/healthcare-providers-guide-to-firefighter-physicals https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/kales-lab/feeding-americas-bravest/

For this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, the hosts welcome Christopher Flatley, a retired captain who worked at the FDNY Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness (CTDP), where he spent 15 years as an analyst involved with special event planning and response. Flatley has produced threat assessments for some of the city’s most high-profile events. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner and has conducted exercises to evaluate the preparedness of the FDNY and interagency partners across a wide array of scenarios. This episode highlights real-world examples, practical strategies, and potential pitfalls in the world of emergency response.

On this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, Lieutenant John Russ from the Brentwood (TN) Fire and Rescue Department joins host Tom Merrill to discuss an often-avoided topic in the fire service: having difficult conversations. From leadership challenges, to addressing performance issues and holding people accountable, Russ shares practical ideas and real-world experience on how to approach tough discussions with honesty, respect, and professionalism. If you care about building a stronger, more accountable, and more unified department, this episode offers valuable insight into how clear communication can strengthen trust and ultimately make us all better firefighters and teammates.

In The Books: Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths Firefighter Nichole O’Donnell joins us to discuss the real‑life experiences behind her book, Diary of a Probie: Turning Setbacks into Strengths. Through her diary‑style reflections, O’Donnell opens up about the self‑doubt, pressure, and personal challenges that shape a firefighter’s earliest days in the service, showing how resilience and perseverance turn adversity into growth. In our conversation, she shares insights that resonate with new firefighters, EMS and fire service professionals, and anyone curious about the demands of the job. O’Donnell explores how setbacks can build strength, how confidence develops through struggle, and why persistence matters both in the firehouse and in life. Link: https://fireengineeringbooks.com/new-products/diary-of-a-probie-turning-setbacks-into-strengths/?utm_source=youtube.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=in_the_books&utm_content=diary-of-a-probie-turning-setbacks-into-strengths

Alex Anthony Seaman is a captain/paramedic with the City of Tamarac (FL) Fire Rescue and an acting battalion chief, bringing 16 years of fire service and emergency medical experience to his leadership role. In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, Seaman opens up about what drives him every day—from his commitment to his crew to pushing past complacency in the fire service. He shares practical ways to keep motivation alive, especially when training for scenarios firefighters may never face on the job. He reveals how creative training in familiar community spaces and fostering a positive, accountable culture build readiness and trust.

In this episode of Fire Service Court, legal experts and fire service veterans tackle critical liability issues faced by fire departments during severe weather and emergency responses. The discussion covers the duty to respond amid hazardous conditions like ice storms and heavy snowfall, emphasizing the special duty rule that limits individual liability unless a direct promise is made to a victim. They explore mutual-aid complexities, including responsibility for mutual-aid firefighters and the “borrowed servant” doctrine, along with how to manage risk when responding alongside other departments. The conversation emphasizes a strong focus on the necessity of clear policies, regular driver training, and the value of dashcams for accountability.

In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, a guest panel joins the show to discuss electric fire pumpers. They discuss cost, delivery, maintenance, facility modifications, training, and the operation of electric fire pumpers. They also cover battery range, vehicle weight, and clearance in hilly terrain, as well as the quiet operation and intuitive technology that sets electric rigs apart from traditional diesel engines. Guest Panel: Kevin Tye, captain, Denton (TX) Fire Department Shea Enos, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire Department Michael Ventrca, lieutenant, Denton (TX) Fire Department Chris Parker, assistant chief, Cary (NC) Fire Department Ted Larson, battalion chief, Roseville (MN) Fire Department Dan O’Neil, senior firefighter, Roseville (MN) Fire Department This podcast is brought to you by Esri: https://www.esri.com/en-us/home

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Battalion Chief Bobby Drake of Hanover County (VA) Fire-EMS. They discuss the critical but often overlooked topic of fire apparatus positioning at motor vehicle accidents and roadway incidents. Drawing from personal experience and department practices, Drake stresses why preplanning and understanding local traffic patterns can save lives. They discuss practical, low-cost training methods—like tabletop exercises using matchbox cars—that reinforce blocking techniques and traffic incident management. Highlighting lessons learned from the tragic loss of Lieutenant Brad Clark, Drake emphasizes how following best practices doesn’t eliminate risks but can minimize harm. They close with details on Drake's upcoming FDIC class “Commanding Alone: Leading the Fireground When You're All You've Got," which focuses on leadership, culture, and preparing to manage incidents solo. Drake's class is Friday, April 24, 206, at 10:30 a.m., at FDIC in Indianapolis.

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the "deadly sins" of the fireground. In this solo episode, Cline addresses critical issues including ignoring critical signs, poor risk assessment, tunnel vision, freelancing without communication, and failing to follow orders. Cline notes that such mistakes often result in near misses or tragedies. The discussion also highlights how complacency, lack of rest, and poor attitude seriously undermine readiness. Emphasizing continual scene assessment, clear communication with command, and strict adherence to standard procedures, the episode urges firefighters to stay vigilant and prepared. Cline also touches on the importance of mental and physical readiness, advocating for ongoing training and fitness to sharpen focus in high-stress environments.

This episode of The Larry Conley Show explores Black History Month, with a focus on Fredrick Douglass. The panel looks at the connection between Douglass and the signature EMPOWER model taught in the host's workshops. They discuss the EMPOWER model in detail and the ways they apply it to what they call the Douglass Standard. Beyond a historical backdrop, the conversation uncovers how Douglass’s determination to read, write, and lead despite overwhelming odds offers a blueprint for self-empowerment in any era. The hosts discuss how qualities like discipline, integrity, and proactive learning fuel not only civil rights progress but also individual growth for parents, professionals, and community members. The panel highlights the importance of being the best version of yourself, staying committed to your vision, and inspiring future generations to do the same. Drawing parallels between the struggles of the past and current societal dynamics, the panel challenges listeners to confront personal obstacles, build resilience, and engage actively with their communities.

On this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman welcomes guest Anthony Avillo for a discussion about the challenges of large-scale fires that expand past the initial response. They cover apparatus placement, water supply, and incident command. Avillo gets into the complexities of managing greater alarm fires in tightly packed, multi-exposure environments, emphasizing the importance of predetermined company assignments, effective apparatus placement, and strategic water supply management. He stresses how incident commanders must leverage their senses maintain a strategic overview while trusting trained officers to execute tactical operations on scene. The conversation also covers the integration of modern technology, including drones and thermal imaging, balanced with time-tested practices like thorough pre-fire street intelligence.

On the latest episode of the Women in Fire podcast, the panel discusses the ways evolving technology reshapes the fire service landscape. They discuss groundbreaking tools like drones, thermal imaging, and wearable devices, all of which enhance operational safety and efficiency. During the conversation, they also explore AI’s role in policy development and communication, weighing its benefits and challenges. Social media’s growing influence on recruitment and public perception is analyzed, alongside the struggle to balance digital engagement with team connection. The panel highlights technology’s integration in EMS, gear decontamination practices triggered by new research, and sophisticated data use for inspections and incident management. They also confront concerns about overreliance on technology, emphasizing the need for foundational firefighting skills and backup plans when systems fail. This episode features: Lisa Baker, Southwest Trustee, Women in Fire (host) Heather Mozdean, deputy chief, Fremont (CA) Fire Department Kat Desonier, firefighter/paramedic, Evans (CO) Fire District

For the latest Humpday Hangout, host Frank Ricci welcomes David Polikoff, Robert “RJ” James, and Dave McGlynn. They get into the art of creating effective training props without breaking the budget. The panel shares strategies for sourcing materials, from scrap wood and pallets to discarded furniture and garage door parts. They highlight creative partnerships with local businesses and housing authorities, among other local organizations. Stressing the importance of a clearly defined mission for training projects and engaging firefighters through hands-on team-building involvement, they also emphasize the value of recognizing contributors with framed thank you notes and social media shout-outs to foster ongoing support. Mentioned in the episode: https://youtu.be/p6vZNnruYKU?si=m9t-HZ19hVKndI65

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer take a careful look at the firefighting world’s toughest battle yet: cancer. As they announce the final year of their 15-year podcast journey, they reflect on the ongoing tragedies in public assembly fires worldwide and stress the urgent need for change beyond just fire marshals. Sharing personal stories of early cancer detection and recovery they touch on the critical role of brotherhood, highlighting how two-thirds of today’s firefighters face cancer risks far above the norm. The discussion also covers practical advice covers including early screening, gear decontamination, and several ways to practice self-care. They also discuss the uphill fight against political and industry resistance to stronger safety measures, and the importance of shifting department cultures to prioritize health.

In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake get into the complexities of fire service legislation with guest Dr. Spencer Willet, a Virginia firefighter and EMT who is deeply involved in legislative efforts. They explore how the legislative season impacts firefighters and fire marshals, highlighting the importance of a unified voice across volunteer and career departments. Willet shares insights from his work in Virginia’s state capital and discusses ways firefighters can engage with lawmakers, even when time and resources are tight. They address challenges like code cycles and emerging safety issues like electric vehicle fires. They also talk about the crucial role fire chiefs play in empowering their teams to participate.

In this episode of Tactical Impact, guest cohost Steve Olshwanger joins hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann for a discussion about fireground tactics and training. They welcome guest David "DJ" Stone and highlight some of his current work as well as his 2026 FDIC class, "The Grab Analysis." The conversation stresses the critical role of proactive, intentional training led by engaged officers to build confident crews ready for modern firefighting challenges. Olshwanger's approach to fostering a positive station culture resonates throughout.