National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Retired Captain Cornelio Bancaco sits down with Jeremy and discusses the Hawaiian community of Lahaina and his family's lineage on the island of Maui.

Today Rob sits down and talks with a longtime friend, Retired US Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Morabito whose job was EOD or Explosive Ordinance Disposal. Chris sits down to talk about what it was like to be in the Army and gives inside knowledge on improvised explosives and how we need to rethink our game on this issue. Chris also hits on the fact that IED’s can be criminally related, but we may also have “accidental” IEDs in our responses from baby gender reveals gone wrong to mishaps with fireworks. Sit down on this episode as Chris shares the Mindset of IEDs and first responders.

Episode 46 features Tara Cornett, founder and owner of Flame Natural Decon Soap. One would think most of this episode would be about her product. And let's face it, a fair part of it is. Tara and Pip talk about the importance of post incident deconning, firefighter cancer and the hot button topic of working out in turnout gear. Also in the episode both Tarra and Pip share more about their lives behind their brands. Their openness and vulnerabilities will have you asking yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Episode 6 of Maui Firestorm, Jeremy sits down with Kalikolehua Storer, a woman who is deep within her community that was on the front lines of the fire storm and its' aftermath. Kalikolehua has many titles, including the Area Hawaiian Culture and Training Specialist for Hyatt, the Operations Supervisor for the Pu'u Kukui Watershed and works with the Office of Recovery, Natural and Cultural Resources. Her love for Maui, the old town of Lahaina and deep rooted Hawaiian culture makes this a strong interview.

This week Pip welcome’s his old friend Doctor Sean Rockett to the show. Pip was fortunate enough to meet Sean through the CrossFit Med Staff a few years ago. Dr. Rockett is an Orthopedic Surgeon with Orthopedics New England. Pip and Doc Rockett talk about injury and more importantly injury prevention. Of course they also talk about CrossFit, Pickleball and being an on call doctor. This one will definitely have you asking yourself the question. What’s My Size Up? Because what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

Episode 5 of Maui Firestorm is a sit down with three firefighters that were on the frontlines of the Maui fires. Jordan Dunn, Kainalu Kealoha and Ka'aukai Rowland share their harrowing stories as the fires consumed Lahaina.

After 21 years with the FDNY, Joe Bonanno recounts his time with the department and the highs and lows of the job. For him, the firehouse introduced him to his lifelong passion of cooking. His probie days opened his world up to the firehouse kitchen table, where all things are handled typically over some of the best meals you've ever had. His passion for fitness lead him to wanting to make delicious meals with a healthy approach; a different take back in the 1980's and 90's. In the mid 1990's Joe had an opportunity to publish a healthy firefighter cookbook, American Firehouse Cuisine, which soon lead him down a road of stardom. He has had guest appearances on most morning and talk shows, even had the opportunity to cook with Julia Childs. His new found love for cooking coupled with his career of firefighting has opened so many doors for Joe. On September 11, 2001, Joe was recording at Ladder 3 for a cooking segment and had just left as the first plane struck the World Trade Center. He soon after returned with his Brother Michael, also an FDNY firefighter, and the two of them rushed to Ground Zero to assist on the pile. These dark days took its' toll on Joe and his family. His brother Michael, years later, took his own life and this has become an important topic for Joe and his message. He has educated himself on firefighter metal health and speaks about his personal experience every chance he can as a way to educate our own. Working with the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, Joe is passionate about helping others with the hope of saving our own from suicide. Even though Joe has retired, he continues to work hard and has a new cooking show coming out on YouTube; American Firehouse Cuisine. Check out his new show!!

Join Jeremy, Rob and Pip as they discuss what they're thankful full amongst other things... this episode is a hot mess, just like deep fried frozen turkeys. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Ever hear the term Double Edged Sword? Pip’s guest this week, Tyler Evans @the_Citizens_Fireman has. Pip and Tyler spend a lot of time talking about their marriages. Tyler’s wife works in Emergency Services as well. It’s definitely a double edged sword. They also talk about social media, parenting and of course, the fire service. This episode will have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up?? Because what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

Episode 4 of Maui Firestorm Jeremy sits down with Tamara Paltin, a community leader and retired lifeguard who was on the frontlines of the Lahaina fire. Her community involvement continues today with leading the charge in protecting the residents of Lahaina and those who were affected by the firestorm.

299. "Everything Has Gotten More Complicated" - Matt Stiff by Jeremy Donch

Stand behind value driven decisions... this statement sums up Jim Trzaski's approach as a Fire Chief. During his tenure, he has come to understand the importance of supporting his people and protecting the mission. His realistic approach and problem solving comes from years of relationship building and personal growth. Jim's commitment and passion for the fire services started early in his career as a dedicated volunteer firefighter. It was common belief that he was destined to be a career firefighter and he soon had the opportunity to take his volunteer status full time. A highly respected and well known firefighter, Jim finds himself bridging the gap between generations while protecting the sanctity of the firehouse. His dedication is top shelf and he works hard, day in and day out to ensure the past is not forgotten. Relating this with the "new normal", it takes a dynamic leader to be able to pull this together. Jim Trzaski is that leader, ensuring his memories and upbringing is shared with the next generation.

Today we are joined by special guest, Chris Kessinger, the Owner and Lead Instructor of Citizens First Fire Training. Chris is here to share his unique perspective on fire training, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the community above all else. His approach, developed alongside a skilled cadre of instructors, focuses on preparing firefighters not just in the technical aspects of firefighting but also in understanding and valuing their crucial role as protectors and helpers in our society. So, without further ado, let's dive into this conversation with Chris and learn more about how putting citizens first can transform the way firefighters train and respond to emergencies.

The Size Up Episode 43. Be Consistent - Chris Gilbert by Jeremy Donch

Our third installment of Maui Firestorm, Jeremy sits down with Greg Jenkins, a retired Captain of the Maui County Fire Department. This hard hitting episode discusses the lack of prevention to protect Lahaina from the threat of fire and the hard realities that surround this devastating fire.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and District Chief Clyde Gordon is no exception. His stature is strong and his passion and fire ground presence is stronger. Clyde has over 33 years with the Houston, TX Fire Department. From his early days of hard charging and his "put me in the game coach" attitude, Clyde developed a strong love of the job while pushing the envelope. He committed to the job and made sure he did his part in protecting the city. With time comes reflection and maturity. His hard charging ways has lead him to be a strong Chief with a more fully understanding of the "why". The "why" matters to Clyde, providing a service to those who rely on us - giving everything we have for those we protect. Clyde knows that we can make a difference and he pushes his people to understand that mindset and the importance of putting their citizens first is the priority. Set expectations, follow through on all of it... integrity, sacrifice, work ethic, accountability - all words that matter. Clyde believes in these words. He makes sure to emulate them in each interaction and situation he faces. Be who you say you are and for Clyde Gordon, believe me, it's truly that simple.

Welcome to another episode of The Gospel with National Fire Radio. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with seasoned firefighter, Lt. David Quick, from the Manchester NH Fire Department, Engine Company 11. Today, Lt. Quick delves deep into a firefighting technique that's gaining momentum across North America - the vertical stretch. While this technique has long been a common practice in the Northeast, particularly in the heart of New England, Lt. Quick sheds light on the reasons why the vertical stretch is poised to become commonplace in fire departments all over North America. The driving force behind this shift? The evolving landscape of building construction. Lt. Quick emphasizes how the vertical stretch, when executed through company level training, represents a proactive and essential approach to modern firefighting. Join us as we explore the intricacies of this vital strategy, unraveling its potential to shape the future of firefighting tactics in your company and sharpen your edge as a company officer or someone in charge of training.

The Size Up Episode 42. Back to School - Jeremy King by Jeremy Donch

On Episode 2 of Maui Firestorm, with with Dr. Hokulani Holt, of the University of Hawaii, Maui College.

Mandatory hold overs, so commonplace today in career fire departments across the country can certainly take its' toll on firefighters. The dreaded "MANDO VAN" comes rolling through town so often it became an ongoing joke for John Gary and his comrades. The MANDO culture is a big part of his American Fire Brigade social media platform that has become so widely popular. John has found his comedy through memes and video to be a big part of his therapy off the job. Several years ago John was seriously injured during a fire. While taking his time off to heal, he realized he wasn't the guy he once was; that the job was tearing him apart. This time off allowed for him to refocus on himself by finding the right tools he needed to cope with the stresses of the job. Putting focus back on his own health and his family, John's renewed focus lead him to the creation of the Brigade. Today, John is a smiling, consuming guy who's infectious smile and love for 1980-1990's movies has built a great social media page and following. His ability to capture the reality of the job while being able to poke fun at it has helped change the MANDO culture in his department. John believes that we must "protect our days off" in order to ensure we have the down time needed for the important things in life. His close to career ending injury gave him his life back in a way, and John is ok with that!! -- Check out the American Fire Brigade on social.

Excited about training, Mike Wolfschmidt has gone all in on being the best he can be. A never ending quest, Mike believes that training should be retitled, "Self Improvement", always learning to be better and to do better. On and off the job, Mike has pushed himself to emulate those that stood out to him throughout his upbringing in the firehouse. True gentlemen, people who exhibited the very best values, that's who Mike wanted to be. Mike believes in a strong foundation and constantly learning and growing as an individual and firefighter. This 4th generation firefighter cannot get enough of the job. From his commitment to the volunteer companies to his career job, firefighting is in his bones. He shares this passion with his six year old daughter who routinely askes about what type of calls he has run during his shift. Involving her and exposing her to the upside of the job has created a very special bond between them. This fuels his desire to be a good man, one who carries on the foundation from which he learned from. He shares his knowledge and experience through Wolfschmidt Fire Training as well as being a part of the Eckert Fire Training cadre. He is unapologetic for his love of the craft and he makes no excuses about it. --- www.wolfschmidtfiretraining.com

Close to 37 years on the front lines in Boston, MA, Emmett "Pat" Nichols looks back on his career with a big smile. Even though he knew it was time to retire, his passion and love for the job is as strong today as it was all those years ago. Retiring as a District Chief, Pat worked is some of the busiest companies across the city. Always wanting to go to work, he found himself in Ladder 26, Truck 10 and Rescue 2 for most of his career. These companies didn't disappoint. Learning the technical rescue work along the way, Pat became a member of the Massachusetts Task Force 1, the USAR Team. This training led him to begin teaching and he eventually became involved with PL Vulcan Fire Training. Even after retirement, he is busier than ever with his family and the fire service as a whole. Traveling and teaching are now his focus and his experience and knowledge of the job certainly needs to be shared with firefighters everywhere.

As the old saying goes, Slow and Steady wins the race. Episode 41’s guest, Allison Grubbs describes herself as just that, Slow and Steady. Recently Allison became only the 2nd woman to complete the GoRuck Selection course. Pip and Allison talk about those grueling 48 hours and just how she became a BAMF (Bad A$$ M$ther F$ucker). But not just in GoRuck, in life as well. Allison's story is that of the silent warrior who doesn't want to quit or give up. Pip and Allison talk about her home schooling, adventure racing, inspiration and of course GoRuck. Listening to Allison’s calm descriptions of grueling events will definitely have you asking yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because what you do OFF the Job, MATTERS.

Ikaika Blackburn Captain - Maui Fire Engine 11 Our first episode of Maui Firestorm features Captain Ikaika Blackburn of the Maui County Fire Department. Captain Blackburn was commanding one of the first in companies for the Lahaina, HI firestorm on August 8, 2023. His first hand account of his experiences paints a vivid picture of the impossible conditions they were confronted with on that day. His commitment to his crew and the people of Lahaina makes his story one that needs to be told.

Second generation firefighter Tony Alosi is plain and simple, that "guy". "Uncle" Tony is loved by all and has a way about him in which he goes all in on people. Always keeping the conversation going, he is genuinely connected to those he touches and when you need a "guy", Tony will answer the call. Growing up in the firehouse, he learned to engage and be fiercely protective of the firehouse way of life. He can navigate the complex world of personalities and find ways to connect with all of them. Finding that commonality amongst our people and then being able to use that to bring everyone together will create the culture and environment we all strive for in our companies. Tony learned early on while watching his father hold court each day at the firehouse that he wanted to be surrounded by smarter, better people so that he can learn from them. This has always been his mission so that he can be the very best he can be. But being that "guy" can consume you and sometimes you need to take pause and reflect upon your own well being. All of this can come with a sense of renewed focus. "Starting over" has become a common theme in Tony's life. Understanding that taking one step backwards to get three steps forward is sometimes the way to go. With great humility and accountability, focusing on a reset can ground you and bring everything back into focus. Tony discusses this common theme of his life throughout this episode.

Columbus, OH Engine Co. 18 Lieutenant Steve Robertson can rattle off numbers on nozzle and hose packages all day long. His deep knowledge on engine company operations is widely known across the globe with his conference lectures and hands on training, the countless training articles, podcasts, seminars and the list goes on and on. His highly popular class, Stretching for Success, is in his words, 30 years of mistakes wrapped up into one program. "We all make mistakes" and "we screwed up fellas" is easy to say, but how we go about addressing it and fixing it is what sets people apart. "We must train to our weaknesses" is an absolute for Steve. The mentors of Steve's early years truly left a mark with him and he now finds himself over 30 years later helping shape the next generations. It's often easy to forget that Steve still runs as a Lt. in a busy urban engine company. More than just fires, the routine of the job, including shootings and overdoses plague his first due. He speaks to these aspects of the job as well, discussing a recent mass shooting in which there were many lessons to be learned. The job is constantly evolving and "requires us to keep growing". This episode has so much packed into it and Steve Robertson is certainly a leader in the fire service. "Don't take my word for it, vet me" and "Knowledge without experience is just theory". Words that Steve Robertson truly believes in. Stretching for Success in my opinion is not just about stretching lines, it's about accountability and being sure we put the work in to be a successful.

With over 20 years in the fire service, RJ is just as excited today as he was when he stepped foot into the firehouse many years ago. His love for the job shines through his spirit and personality. Always smiling, laughing and taking in the big picture isn't always easy for this Lieutenant. Life certainly can get in the way of true passions and this episode takes a turn into exactly those conversations. Finding a "balance" has taken time. Too often, when we love something so much, it can become detrimental to other parts of your life. Focusing on what's important and prioritizing the mission comes with maturity and awareness. It's a constant work in progress and RJ is determined to figure it all out. He has gone all in, creating Capitol Fire Training while bouncing around as a covering Boss. While most don't like not having a home, RJ takes a different look at this and believes it is a tremendous opportunity. Working in firehouses all over the county allows him to become engaged with so many different firefighters and companies. He can disseminate information while collecting valuable recon so that he can help steer the ship. It is important to know what's happing on the streets and in our firehouses. RJ is committed to being apart of the process by filling in where the department needs him. "Mission over me" has consumed RJ and his approach with the job. Spend a few minutes with him and his infectious love for the fire service will consume you. RJ is truly making an impact on the fire service and those that he can reach.

Fight Fire Don’t Die. Seems like a simple enough concept, right? So simple, Jake from @districtfire.co even put it on a shirt. This week Pip sits down with the owner, founder, designer, printer and shipping guy from District Fire Co , Jake. A former Air Force Firefighter and skate punk fan. Jake took up drawing after he separated from the Air Force and was looking for something to occupy his mind. Jake talks about his struggle with separation from the service, PTSD and the poly vagal theory. This episode is a must listen for anyone preparing to retire or separate from service. It will definitely have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up????

The perfect partnership. Eric Allen and Sam Cohen compliment each other perfectly. Eric, a veteran firefighter with the Philadelphia, PA Fire Department Special Operations Command and Sam, a business entrepreneur with laser focus, partnered up to change the way in which firefighter safety and survival on the fireground is performed. The FAST Board is the brain child of Eric; a product he developed through real world experience and the constant frustration that we can do better when removing a downed firefighter. Therefore, FAST Rescue is much more than a product, it's a movement. Their mission is to train firefighters with real world techniques has created a strong foundation in which their company is built upon. Their instructors are top shelf, vetted with real world experience and their buy in is second to none. They each believe in the mission and in fact, they are now known as the TRIBE. Get on, or get out of the way, this TRIBE is making a HUGE impact on firefighter safety and survival. Their mission is steadfast and the movement they have created allows for them to be in the trenches with those they work with. Everything they do represents the very best of their mission; pushing this job forward. Philanthropy and personal sacrifice are two key factors that fuel their ambition. They have gone all in on their business and their friendship. A true partnership that pushes each other's drive to be the very best they can be. They have built a strong product and company that is laser focused on one thing, saving lives. -- Check out FAST Rescue Solutions at www.fastrescuesolutions.com and follow their social media channels where you become part of the TRIBE.

Jeremy chats with Nick Peppard and Kyle Straight about the upcoming North Florida Fire Expo, February 7-10, 2024. On its' fifth year, this conference offers a top shelf list of talent and the venue to match. Announced on this episode, they are opening up more spaces for the sold out classes including Nozzle Forward with Aaron Fields and Tailboard Leadership with LJay Geist. For more info, check out https://www.northfloridafireexpo.com.

Jon Haddad likes change. Change in the fire service is rarely welcomed and often looked at as the enemy. But Jon has a different outlook on change. Change pushes him to be better; to take on new challenges that push him and his career. One such change was when he took on the role of Recruit Class Commander for a recent probie class. In his own words, Jon discusses how that opportunity provided so much for himself as well as his influence on the next generation of firefighters. Jon trusts the process and those that have spent so much time creating it as a roadmap for success. This episode hits so many nuggets that all of us can relate to. His methods and ability to communicate with few words makes his approach intentional. His intentions are clear and to those around Jon Haddad, they know he is there to make a difference with anything he is involved with.

Episode 39 features Brett Dugas and his girls. Pip slid into his DM’s after his brother-in-law shared one of Brett’s dog videos on IG. Brett has been putting out videos of his two dogs and occasionally his girlfriend for 2 years now. His success is evident by the number of views, comments and likes each video gets. Pip and Brett talk about social media, the fire service, the dogs and even share a cat story or two. This episode is filled with laughs and lessons about life in general. Some that will even have you asking yourself, What's My Size Up???

Pulling a woman from her burning home in June 2019 thrusted Danny Dwyer into the national headlines for weeks after this fire. One would think that the spotlight was for his heroics and bravery, but in fact, it was for the disciplinary charges that followed that evening. Danny became the "poster child" for the ongoing struggle between firefighters doing their job and the new "safety culture" that has crept into our departments. He performed the way the public blindly expects us to - to provide safety and protection in their worst moments. From this, the "Danny Would Go" movement swept across the American Fire Service. People taking each side of the argument, but where was Danny during all of this commotion?? He was dealing with the fall out and the pressures of being thrusted into a national debate. This wasn't the easiest for Danny and his family but one thing is for sure, he never surrendered his conviction and belief that he performed in the very best traditions of the fire service that night. Danny did go, and he would go again, and again, and again. Staying true and believing in himself, he left the City of Atlanta to focus more on himself and his family. He now rides with a new jurisdiction and he is more excited about the job than ever. He struggled along the way but he found the way back to loving the job and being vindicated by the commission three years later. Life continues to move forward for Danny and he is in a place today where he can influence change. Those principles that let him down back in 2019 will never factor into his mentoring and he'll be dammed to let the public or his people down like he was let down years ago. Danny continues to Go. He doesn't know any other way...

Jeremy spoke at the recent Fire Truck Training Conference hosted by the REV Group in Lansing, Michigan. This keynote address was geared towards the mechanics and shop personnel who constantly work at keeping our apparatus on the road. Like firefighters, the crews from fleet maintenance work hard at continuing their education and learning from the best in the business. The FTTC is a top shelf conference offering education, training and certification to mechanics across the country for the last 25 years.

In Mike Lydon's words, he's a "Self Made Jake." Boston is a big, little city where generational firefighters are commonplace. He didn't have any family on the job nor did he even know that was his future until coming home from Iraq, getting married and having a child. It focused Mike on the importance of a solid foundation and a stable life. Mike's upbringing in his Irish Boston home set him on the path like so many from his city, military and then, the fire department. 22 years later, he is a 1st Sgt. with the Army as well as a 10 year member of the Boston Fire Department. He is currently assigned to Rescue Co. 1 and a member of the departments' Dive Team. He has grown a passion for the tech rescue side of the job and continues to push himself each day to learn the craft. Mike has a discipline about himself that he has had from his early military days. Always strive to take the next guys position... meaning, put in the work, study and do what it takes to constantly move up the line. He is quite content to remain a "blue shirt" but his quest for knowledge and skills continues to push him forward. Take five minutes each tour and talk to the next guy is important to Mike and he tries to live that each tour. This episode is powerful and the message will resonate with so many.

Episode 38 is Not a Marriage podcast, even though Pip’s guest is his wife, Tracey Piparo aka Mrs. Pip. Now, that's not to say they don’t talk about marriage, but it’s just not the topic they set out to talk about. It’s hard for two married people to avoid the topic . You can jump back to hear us talk on Episode 8 as well. Today’s main topic is Mrs. Pip’s professional as a palliative care PA. She talks about normalizing death and dying. It’s not exactly a topic most people even know they should learn about. But like she says, we are all going to die, so at least be prepared. She explains the palliative care system and some very simple steps we can all take to be ready. Trust me, this topic makes you ask yourself that question for sure. What’s My Size Up???

This keynote was given at the FEMSA FAMA conference in New Orleans in September 2023. FEMSA, the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association and FAMA, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturer's Association meet each year to share ideas, work on projects and to help shape the future of the fire service. This keynote, "A Work in Progress". tells about the NFR story, our journey and then shifts focus on the marketing and media side of business.

Jeremy had a chance to sit down with Joe Minogue, the liaison to the FDNY for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation at this years' NJ Firefighter's Convention in Wildwood, NJ. Joe is a retired Lt. with the FDNY and was the Commanding Officer for the FDNY Ceremonial Unit. His devotion to preserving the legacy of those that have fallen drives Joe to be an active member of the NFFF team. This interview was hosted in the Fire and Safety Services exhibit space during the conference. Fire and Safety Services is a long standing supporter of the NFFF and their partnership has been strong for a very long time. The importance of the Foundation cannot be stressed enough and we all need to do more to preserve this great organization so that the memories of those that have passed in the line of duty will forever be remembered. Please check out www.firehero.org for more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Towards the end of our trip in Port Chester, NY, Jeremy had the chance to sit down with a bunch of the guys to talk shop over a cigar. Best of all, it was at the place where all the firehouse problems can be solved: The Kitchen Table.

For 2 guys from Jersey, we spend a great deal of time chatting it up about Colorado. Episode 37 features Rob Policht from Flow and Vent. Rob and Pip spend a great deal of time talking about growth. Whether it be their own, in the firehouse, as parents and basically people. The share the knowledge they have gained in the fire world and business world. Relating everyday topics to who they are both trying to live their lives. And of course asking each other that question. What’s Your Size Up?????

Jeremy sits down with editor Seb and co-host Pip of The Size Up to talk about their recent trip out to Maui to research more about the devastation in the wake of the wildfires. A huge shoutout and thank you to Shane Furata and Chief Amos Lonokailua-Hewett for making this all happen. It was truly an unforgettable experience and we look forward to bringing the community more information and content about our time there.

IG: @beyondthebasicsfiretraining Website: https://www.btbfiretraining.com/ Retiring from anything is a daunting thought. Retiring from an emergency services career is down right petrifying. Today Pip is joined by retired Battalion Chief John Hayowyk. John and Pip chat about a host of topics surrounding his recent retirement, but they all come back to the common theme of Staying Relevant. John has decided to continue his teaching career by traveling the country providing classes at conferences and for specific departments. That’s what works for him, it may not work for you. Who knows, but you need to find that thing. That thing that keeps you going, keeps you relevant and causes you to ask that question. What’s My Size Up????

Lt. Kevin Pfluger of the Live Oak Fire Department from Live Oak Texas sits down with Rob on this episode of The Gospel to talk about the challenges of making firefighters in a short staffed fire department. Breaking down the 6 months of probationary field training, Kevin talks about how they take a new firefighter and make them into a Live Oak Firefighter. Kevin even offers up their probationary book to share for those who need a jumping point that are in a similar situation.

IG: @ricardoalmeidabjj Website: https://ricardoalmeida.com/ No, we aren’t going to talk about what car you should drive in this episode, sorry car enthusiasts. But yet, what you could be doing in life to make yourself better. This week Pip is joined by Professor Ricardo Almeida, the #minipips former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor. Ricardo talks about his career as a fighter, his profession as a school owner and about being a father. This conversation’s constant theme is that of balance. Whether it’s winning or losing in life , tapping or being tapped on the mats. Ricardo and Pip both believe we can all use a little of both. We can all be students of life. “The black belt that is the white belt that never quit.” Asking ourselves that question. What’s My Size Up?????

Jeremy sits down with historian Tom Zack, and Chief of Department Angelo Sposta to discuss some of the in depth history behind the Port Chester, FD.

34 years with the Bridgeport, CT Fire Department allowed for plenty of job work for Rich Thode. From his early days on the engine and truck, to finding his place as the Rescue Boss, Rich always loved the streets and what they offered. Climbing the ranks and retiring as the Chief of Department, Rich still kept his finger on the pulse of the streets and worked for his firefighters. After his retirement, Rich took the position of the Chief of Department for a smaller city, Danbury, CT. This move presented a whole new set of challenges in which allowed him to use his street smarts and learned administration abilities to support and grow the Danbury, CT department. He loves the fire service and he especially loves going to work. A boots on the ground chief with gear in his car, Rich seems to find himself rolling up on incidents during the early stages. On and off duty, work finds Rich and well, he's just perfectly content with that...

On today’s episode of The Gospel on National Fire Radio, Rob sits down with Battalion Chief Marc Aloan of the West Columbia Fire Department to talk about the dynamics of training at the company level and what his passion is when it comes to doing training. He also dives into “The Goal is to Explain the Why?” to lay down the concept of getting training off the ground the right way. You can find Marc on social media at The Fire Inside Blog or through Instagram @thefireinsidepage or Facebook at The Fire inside. Marc Aloan is a career Battalion Chief with the West Columbia Fire Department (SC) and creator of The Fire Inside blog. He has been immersed in the fire service for nearly 20 years, in both volunteer and career departments, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He is a nationally recognized speaker and published author with work in culture and professional development. He holds a B.S. in Fire Protection Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and a M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University.

Sweep The Leg is just a classic movie line, from a movie that came out before Episode 34’s guest was even born. But he got it. Tyler Giuliano joins Pip this week for what can only be described as dynamic conversation about everything and anything. A self described “millennial” , Tyler’s passion for life and the job can only be described as contagious. The topics for this episode range from firefighting, Florida, fatherhood, fitness, and BMX (sorry, ran out of F words). Listening to this will have you fired up to start your day for sure and as always ask yourself that question. What’s My Size Up????

The creator of Firehouse Vigilance, the host of The Weekly Scrap and the biggest hype man in the fire service, Corley Moore cannot sit still. His passion for knowledge and his thirst for insight from his guests fires Corley up. This is no exception to this episode. Jeremy and Corley go at it, hitting some big topics head on which turns into one hell of a conversation. What's more important to you; Being Right or Being Effective?? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on this episode.

Catching up with my friend Sean Eagen, Captain of 4 Truck in Buffalo, NY. We discuss communication at home, the series of tragedies that have struck the City of Buffalo and working within a younger job these days. As always, a great conversation with plenty of nuggets to share. Sean knocks it out of the park as always!!