PODCAST · education
Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s
by firefighternationpodcastnetwork
Firefighter Nation’s podcast lineup features firefighters and subject matter experts in the fields of mental and physical health and well-being.
-
100
The Realities of the Modern Fire Service
On this episode of The C.A.N Report, host Mike Goldstein sits down with Marc Aloan, battalion chief with the West Columbia (SC) Fire Department and creator of The Fire Inside. They have an unfiltered conversation on the realities of modern fire service operations. Drawing from his transition from military service and municipal departments in Georgia to his current role, Aloan offers grounded insights into the industry’s most pressing culture challenges. They talk about why departments struggle with lateral hires, the subtle distinction between hyper-investing in recruitment versus actual member retention, and how salary compression pushes experienced firefighters away. They address the modern trap of online personal branding, urging leaders to focus on local influence rather than internet recognition.
-
99
Do You Walk Away or Fight for Change?
Recorded at the Firemanship Conference in Aurora, IL, this episode of The Revolutionaries features James Nisbet, Clackamas (OR) Fire lieutenant, Brothers in Battle instructor, and engine-ops educator. Nisbet walks through building a high-performing engine culture, detailing his path from explorer to lieutenant. The conversation covers the engine manual and nozzle selection and explores the challenges of introducing new tactics to veteran crews. The discussion also addresses when to stay and fight for change and when it's time to move departments.
-
98
UnStuck: Free Your "Stuck" Brain and Reclaim Your Peace
What happens when your career isn't just what you do, but who you are? In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with retired paramedic and firefighter- turned-trauma specialist Daniel Sundahl, who shares his journey through PTSD, suicidal ideation, and eventual post-traumatic growth. They dissect the insidious nature of cumulative trauma, explaining how passive suicidal thoughts can quietly creep up on first responders. He introduces actionable concepts from his book, UnStuck: How to Stop Reacting, Start Responding, and Create Lasting Inner Peace. Through his book, Sundahl strives to help individuals navigate intense workplace stressors by shifting from external validation to self-actualized core values.
-
97
Dr. Christine Kannler on Cancer Screening, Risks, and Prevention
On this episode of Frontline Findings, Massachusetts dermatologist Dr. Christine Kannler sits down with host Rachel Bozek for a frank conversation about the importance of cancer awareness and prevention for firefighters. Learn about the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the difference connecting with them can make for your department.
-
96
Fire Service Hot Takes: Internet-Driven Trends, Gatekeeping & Wild Calls
Hosts Stephanie White and Chris Scott kick off their new podcast, The Quick Knock, with blunt, real-world takes on where the fire service is headed, along with stories of bizarre fire calls. They argue that the culture and training pendulum is swinging back from the extreme, internet-driven fads of the mid-2010s toward practical fundamentals, and call out toxic gatekeeping. White and Scott also discuss staffing realities that change tactics and the self-policing nature of quality education.
-
95
What You Need to Know About GLP-1 Medications and Firefighters
How do GLP-1 medications affect first responders? In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz talks with registered dietitian Michelle Bugbee about the pros and cons of GLP-1s for firefighters. While these medications can support weight loss and metabolic health, GLP-1s can also bring challenges like nausea, constipation, low appetite, dehydration, and muscle loss. For firefighters, those side effects can be harder to manage during long shifts, intense training, and emergency calls. This episode covers critical factors for firefighters considering GLP-1s to keep in mind.
-
94
Can Therapeutic Approaches Offer Healing from Trauma?
In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka interviews Kenny Schroeder about his healing journey and mental health resources for first responders. They discuss Schroeder's extensive experience with various therapeutic approaches including neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedures, EMDR therapy, equine therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He shares his transformative experience with the Save a Warrior program, and details other resources like the First Responders Bridge, Project Sanctuary, and Mighty Oaks conference. They also have a candid conversation about hypervigilance, sleep struggles, faith-based care, couple and family supports, and the practical sequence that helped him move from suicidal crisis to sustained purpose.
-
93
PTSD and the Psychedelic Path to Healing
In this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome retired fire service veterans Tim Houweling and Angela Graham-Houweling. They discuss their background with PTSD and their discovery of psychedelics that have helped them with their struggles. They also unpack the work behind their nonprofit, The Siren Project, a six-day retreat designed exclusively for first responders. Additional Info: The Siren Project: https://www.thesirenproject.org 415 Gala, Benefiting the Siren Project: https://www.thesirenproject.org/news-events/announcement-the-415-gala-september-2026
-
92
Real Talk: A Search for a Living Kidney Donor
In this moving episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Mike Goldstein sits down with Maggie Atkins, a volunteer firefighter from Washington, New Hampshire. Atkins details the many health challenges she has faced over the years. She also shares how her tight-knit family and community of firefighters have rallied around her, launching a GoFundMe campaign in her name to help cover her ever-growing medical expenses. While she urgently awaits a living kidney donor, she shares her passion for mental health and for being a first responder.
-
91
War, Refuge, and Becoming a Firefighter
In this episode of Multiple Calls, Scott Hewlett sits down with Ziad Hameed to trace a harrowing and inspiring life journey. Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, Hameed brings resilience, perspective, and a deep sense of purpose to his profession. He discusses growing up in Baghdad during war, six-day military training as a teenage volunteer, surviving Apache strikes and the Highway of Death, UN resettlement, and the long path to Canada to reunite his family. This honest discussion covers trauma and resilience, a cross-cultural perspective in the fire service, and why teaching the next generation matters.
-
90
On-the-Job Mental Wellness: Why Is It So Important?
On this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with Captain Rich Stack of the Chicago (IL) Fire Department to talk practical leadership and mental wellness on the job. They cover peer support, debriefing after critical incidents, sustaining programs beyond the news cycle, and the stigma that keeps people from asking for help. Stack names the protective factors that carry him: family, faith, mentors and his crew, plus small, concrete practices. The three also share advice for firefighters, leaders, and officers who want usable tools to build resilience and keep crews healthy.
-
89
ADHD in the Fire Service: Challenge or Superpower?
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella sits down with behavioral health clinician Beth Flaherty to explore how ADHD impacts members of the fire service. Flaherty, who authored "ADHD: A Fire Service Handicap or Superpower?" for Firefighter Nation, is a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist in Virginia and Maryland. She is the clinical director of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters Peer Support Team as well as Prince George’s County (MD) Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics, Local 1619. Flaherty brings a highly valuable, rare dual perspective as both an expert clinician and someone who's diagnosed with ADHD. She reframes neurodivergence, mapping it out as a broad spectrum that naturally draws high-energy individuals to unpredictable emergency response work. Flaherty and Marella also tackle day-to-day challenges like time blindness and the inherent friction that occurs when independent minds meet rigid department protocols. They give insight on helping department leadership leverage these mental frameworks as superpowers rather than treating them as disciplinary hurdles.
-
88
So You Think You Have ADHD. Now What?
In this episode of Frontline Findings, Rachel Bozek welcomes guest Cassidi Dye, a licensed master level psychologist and first responder therapist, to explore ADHD in the firefighting community. They discuss ADHD symptoms, the importance of getting a professional diagnosis and the consequences of living with untreated ADHD. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating systems and routines for people with ADHD to successfully manage daily tasks without burning out.
-
87
Confronting What Nobody Talks About
In this episode, 15-year firefighter paramedic Jason Patton joins host David Dachinger on Igniting the Shift Within to discuss the hidden struggles of first responder life. Patton, creator of the social media series Fire Department Chronicles, uses his platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health in emergency services. He shares his personal journey through childhood trauma and suicidal ideation, highlighting how therapy provided the tools he needed to heal. Patton stresses that mental wellness is the baseline for all physical and intellectual performance. He describes his presentation, How to Hug 101, which explores vulnerability in fire service culture, as well as his involvement with the nonprofit DetecTogether, which focuses on early cancer detection.
-
86
Why the "Why" Is So Important
In this episode of The CAN Report, Captain Chad Criss from Austell (GA) Fire and Emergency Services opens up to host Mike Goldstein about how faith, family, and a deeply rooted desire to serve drive his firefighting career. He details how his late grandfather's community impact and a background in competitive sports shaped his dedicated, team-oriented approach to emergency response. He stresses the critical value of comprehensive EMS training—which makes up roughly 90% of department calls—and the need for leaders to invest patiently in underperforming recruits rather than passing them off to slower stations.
-
85
How to Stay Hydrated in High-Heat Incidents
Hydration is one of the most overlooked performance factors for firefighters, especially during long shifts, live fire training, and high-heat incidents. On this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz breaks down how much fluid firefighters typically lose on the fireground, why just drinking water is not always enough, and the critical use of electrolytes for performance and recovery. She goes over building a hydration plan for a 24-hour shift, recognizing the early signs of dehydration, and what to drink before, during, and after fireground operations. Free Recipe Book on https://www.rescuerd.com/ Instagram and TikTok: @Rescue.RD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganlautz/
-
84
Shared Experience: Growing Up in a First Responder Family
In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka welcomes Katherine Boyle and Chris Perry to share their experiences growing up as children of first responders. Both Boyle's and Perry's fathers were big-city police officers, however, their childhoods were quite different from one another. Boyle notes how her family kept the job as background noise, whereas Perry grew up with an awareness of the aftermath of a line-of-duty death.
-
83
Trouble Sleeping? Help is on the Way
Does your sleep schedule need help? Brandon Dreiman from ProTeam Wellness joins hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux to discuss sleep wellness for episode 20 of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show. During their discussion, they break down practical, evidence‑based sleep strategies for first responders. They cover how common sedatives and sleep aids affect REM and deep sleep, the promise of dual orexin receptor antagonist (aka DORA) drugs, and where CBD fits into the scenario. Dreiman shares his expertise on sleep challenges faced by first responders, discusses sleep architecture, and shares recommendations for alternative therapies like cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia.
-
82
What Is Toxic Culture? And What Can Your Department Do About It?
Dr. Candace Ashby, a battalion chief for the Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department. joins Mike Goldstein on The C.A.N. Report to tackle toxic culture in all its forms. They look at the "10% vs 90%" problem, informal leadership, accountability, and management vs. leadership. They also discuss officer development, psychological safety, and practical steps chiefs and company officers can take now. Ashby explains why frontline officers hold the most power to shape culture. She also touches on where training and promotion systems fail and how small, consistent interventions move organizations forward. The episode includes peer support resources and advice on building trust.
-
81
Controlled Training Environments vs. Real-World Fireground Ops
Scott Hewlett sits down with Brent Brooks, of Toronto Fire Services, to dissect the critical gap between controlled training environments and real-world fireground operations on this episode of Multiple Calls. Brooks challenges "perfect reps," arguing that controlled training serves merely as a situational reference point rather than a script for reality. They discuss mental health red flags, the importance of succession planning, and how firefighters can successfully navigate a long, healthy career.
-
80
The Real Impact of Line-of-Duty Deaths
On this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle take a direct, experienced look at line-of-duty deaths, and how they affect families and crews. Part of the discussion focuses on what fire and EMS organizations should do before, during, and after an incident. They get candid with personal remembrances and discuss prevention strategies and post-event steps. DeGryse and Muscle also offer practical tools intended help departments reduce risk and build resiliency while individuals within those departments support one another.
-
79
Free Resources for Redefining Firefighter Wellness
On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella sits down with David Frost from the University of Toronto to discuss a major overhaul of the Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI) and the Fit to Thrive program. They discuss how these revamped, entirely free resources ditch the old "box-checking" certifications to focus on sustainable, daily physical activity habits. Frost details how the new WFI provides a modular, five-stage implementation road map, helping departments of all sizes build wellness committees, navigator labor management dynamics, and break the ice with department chiefs.
-
78
How to Break and Rebuild Modern Firehouse Culture
Mike Goldstein welcomes guest Rick Lasky to this episode of The C.A.N. Report. Together, they dissect what really breaks and rebuilds modern fire departments. Lasky explains why leadership failure beats budgets as the root cause of so many challenges associated with morale and retention. They discuss ways in which chiefs can stop being the "boss" and start being mentors.
-
77
Mission First, People Always: Chief Nick Marsan
On this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with Nick Marsan, chief of the Westport (CT) Fire Department about responder resilience and visionary leaders. Marsan shares how is his mantra, "mission first, people always," isn't just a slogan, but a guiding principle that can reshape leadership in the fire service. They explore the critical intersection of leadership and mental health, discussing how to make mental wellness a core operational value, how to create a culture that normalized mental health discussions and encourages seeking help. Marsan describes his own difficult transition, highlighting the power of belonging, regional collaboration, and creative outlets for processing trauma.
-
76
What You Need to Know About Firefighter Reproductive Health
In this episode of Frontline Findings, hosts Rachel Bozek and Stephanie White explore the latest research from the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study with Dr. Sara Jahnke and Dr. Jeff Burgess. While early data focused heavily on high rates of miscarriage and lower reproductive reserves in women, the discussion reveals this isn't just a female issue. Male firefighters face severe reproductive risks too, including abnormal sperm and increased rates of birth defects in their children. The conversation moves fast from identifying these statistics to breaking down real, actionable solutions.
-
75
Vickie Speed's Fight for Law Enforcement Cancer Support
This episode of APS Radio features Vickie Speed, who lost her husband, Mitch Speed, of the Los Angeles (CA) County Sheriff's Department, to occupational cancer in 2018. Speed established Blue Cancer Connect (bluecancerconnect.org) to honor Mitch's legacy. Host Jim Burneka welcomes Speed to the podcast to talk about raising awareness about this important issue. Speed emphasizes that simple administrative changes—like implementing exposure forms—can prevent families from losing everything after a tragedy. From funding research at the University of Cincinnati to assisting an officer whose child is battling brain cancer, Speed’s mission is grounded in a simple promise: ensuring no first responder family has to navigate the darkness of cancer alone.
-
74
Understanding PTSD and the Path to Post-Traumatic Growth
On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome Chris Perry, son of a former police officer. Perry, who ultimately followed in his father's footsteps, describes how his childhood was shaped by the constant, heavy awareness of the dangers his father faced. He recounts the 1979 murder of one of his father's colleagues, and how it shattered his six-year-old sense of security, leading to a lifelong pattern of hypervigilance and trauma. And he shares the harrowing details of an attack he endured years later. For decades, Perry lived in a nightmare of emotional numbness, sleep deprivation, and self-blame. Learn how his own commitment to intensive therapy showed him that post-traumatic growth is possible.
-
73
How Do You Build a Training Program for a Small Department?
Captain Eric Jones of the Scottsburg (IN) Fire Department joins host Mike Goldstein on this episode of The C.A.N. Report. They break down practical training, fire service culture, and real-world use of thermal imaging. Jones discusses building a regional academy, prioritizing victim search tactics, live-fire safety, and how to implement sustainable training programs for smaller departments. He also shares advice for creating joint training, automatic aid, and realistic stress-based drills.
-
72
The Truth About Skipping Carbs
Are you skipping carbs? If so, your energy is paying the price. On this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz breaks down how many carbohydrates you need before training, when to use carbs during longer or more demanding efforts, and how timing affects energy and performance. She dives into simple guidelines and tips, including how to recover effectively. Lautz shares practical, shift-friendly food and drink options and focuses on realistic strategies that support performance, maintain
-
71
How One Texas Department Sets Rookies Up for Success
On this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Garrick Herbert of the Seguin (TX) Fire Department, joins hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle to explain a simple but powerful practice: family dinner. Herbert details how they build the foundation of mental health for their rookies before they even start with the department. With a unique approach to setting rookies up for success, he explains that after a four‑week recruit orientation, his department hosts an off‑shift family dinner with instructors and a contracted mental health provider.
-
70
From Farm to Fireground: One Firefighter's Journey
On this episode of Multiple Calls, host Scott Hewlett speaks with Phil Montgomery, a captain with Central York Fire Services, about how his career came to be. Montgomery describes how the disciplined life of growing up on a small farm shaped his life. He highlights how being on a competitive swim team with a tough coach set the foundation for him to tackle the hard things. This foundation paved his path into the fire service, starting with volunteer training and a relentless pursuit of certifications. He shares his journey to becoming a fire captain and the reality of moving from a junior recruit to a leader responsible for a crew's safety and growth. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
69
What Happened to Those New Year's Resolutions, Anyway?
On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella breaks down why traditional resolutions are inherently flawed and offers a better way to spark lasting change. Marella introduces "temporal landmarks"—personal milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or even the approach of retirement—that provide a more meaningful foundation for growth. He also details the "Fresh Start Effect." This is a psychological tactic used to maintain momentum. Marella explains that by documenting what you dislike about your current habits before a landmark and comparing it to your progress six months later, you can rejuvenate that "new person" feeling. He provides a framework to reclaim control, navigate lifestyle shifts, and how to start reaching your goals. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
68
Navigating FDIC: Training, Learning, and Networking in Indy
A major conference like FDIC isn't just about the training—it’s an excuse to fully embrace being a firefighter. On this episode of The Revolutionaries, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons discuss navigating the ins and outs of of the Indianapolis, Indiana, show. They explore how for many in the fire service, training at the station is a constant battle against the next lift assist or fire alarm. At FDIC, you're able to get hours of uninterrupted focus, learn directly from experts, and explore new methods. Velez and Lyons detail "H.O.T." classes, upcoming lectures, and the value of networking at an event where you're surrounded by people with similar goals and interests. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
67
Sparking Change in Firehouse Culture: Are You Vent Limited or Fuel Controlled?
Is your firehouse culture vent limited or fuel controlled? In this installment of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Candace Ashby, a battalion chief for the Indianapolis Fire Department. Ashby is a 35-year career firefighter and doctor of organizational leadership who pulls no punches.She calls out the broken cycle of officer promotion, the soft skills gap nobody wants to talk about, and why the us-versus-them blame culture starts and ends with company officers. Plus, Ashby shares three tactical take aways to sharpen your health, performance, and leadership. If you're ready to start owning your circle of influence, this one's for you. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
66
National Survey: Cancer-Related Fatigue in the Fire Service
Firefighters are used to being tired after a long shift, but cancer-related fatigue is a different beast entirely. On this episode of Frontline Findings, Rachel Bozek speaks with Nick Buoncristiani to discuss his research study, "Examining Cancer-Related Fatigue Prevalence Among Firefighters in Cancer Remission." The study's focus is on the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that lingers long after cancer treatment ends. During the discussion, Buoncristiani describes his efforts to understand how this fatigue impacts career and volunteer firefighters in remission and the national survey that is fueling this research. Who’s eligible for the survey? Current or retired U.S. structural firefighters with a previous cancer diagnosis. Participants must have completed all cancer treatment and are currently in remission. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Funding for this project was provided by the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Survey link: https://unc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55f99NvLzudLE0e Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
65
Inside FDIC’s New Health & Wellness Stage at Lucas Oil Stadium
What's on tap at the new LOS Health & Wellness Stage at FDIC 2026? Hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux speak with Firefighter Nation Editor in Chief Stephanie White to find out. On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, they discuss schedules, panels, and speakers. The conversation covers the topics guests will cover at the Health & Wellness Stage, including hypervigilance in the fire service, leadership isolation, impostor syndrome, nutrition, and training. During this episode, the panel also gets into topics including female firefighter health, peer support, department culture, and medical marijuana policy. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
64
Frontline Wellness, Act of Kindness, and the Kitchen Table Movement
On this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Mike Goldstein speaks with Louis Cimino about frontline wellness, leadership, and the Kitchen Table Foundation's outreach in Arkansas. Cimino explains how small acts, a smile, a conversation, a shared table, and practical habits protect mental, physical, social and occupational health. He describes the Foundation's effort to build regional "tables," connecting first responders to peer support and counseling services. During the discussion, they discuss lessons learned from career trauma, workplace toxicity, and generational shifts in the workforce. They also outline how to reduce isolation and balance duty with self-care. Quick favor: take our 3-minute (anonymous) listener survey to help shape what we cover next: https://sprw.io/stt-b-vtn
-
63
Gut Check: Practical, Shift-Friendly Digestive Strategies
Is your gut healthy? Dietitian Callie Roseland joins host Megan Lautz to discuss what "gut health" actually means on this episode of Fueling Fire. Roseland dives into digestive tract basics and addresses what is normal versus what is a red flag when it comes to bloating, gas, and bathroom habits. They get into how shift work, under-fueling, dehydration, stress, and medications can wreck your gut over time. Roseland explains how to support gut health in ways that fit the reality of first-responder life. They also cover the microbiome, prebiotics, and when to seek clinical testing and care.
-
62
Preventing Burnout: Real‑World Recovery for First Responders
What does burnout look like? On this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka and guest AK Dozanti discuss Dozanti's journey from law enforcement to becoming an author and speaker on burnout prevention. They explore mental health, trauma recovery, and Dozanti's ongoing efforts to support first responders and their families. They also talk about burnout, the recovery process, and the books and other resources Dozanti has created for first responders. Dozanti shares details about her recent Audible narration of her book and her new radio segment, The Thin Line Rock Station.
-
61
What Does Training Need to Include in the Fire Service?
Host Scott Hewlett and guest Matthew Lysy, a firefighter/paramedic with Prince George’s County (MD) Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, detail their journeys into firefighting, early career influences, personal mentors, and work ethic. On this episode of Multiple Calls, they discuss mental health, with Hewlett detailing how a sudden stay in the ICU led him to therapy, and how to focus on mental well-being. They argue that training must include sleep, recovery, decision making, and leadership development. Hewlett explains how he blends practical fireground tactics with human performance. He talks about the importance of visiting firehouses nationwide to raise standards, improve retention, and build resilient crews.
-
60
How a Coffee Break Can Improve Your Mental Health
Hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle welcome Luke Schneider to Mental Health Monthly for a conversation about mental health stigmas, the power of vulnerability, balancing family and work, and staying steady under pressure. Schneider details his decade of service, opening Fire Department Coffee, and entrepreneurship. They explore how the simplest interventions, like sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, can rebuild human connection and reduce isolation for first responders. Schneider explains why he prefers action over limelight and how small rituals restore purpose after trauma.
-
59
The Long Shadow of One Call
On this episode of Five After Midnight, host and Firefighter Nation Editor in Chief Stephanie White and her husband, Billy Hux, deliver a raw, personal, and honest conversation about mental health in the fire service. Hux recounts a traumatic 1999 call in Virginia—the death of a colleague, a botched immediate debrief, and its long-term effects on careers and relationships. The two examine the challenges of critical incident stress management (CISM) and peer support. They also make a case for simpler, human-first responses. They explore how small, unglamorous acts build trust, why the right peer-support leader matters, and how sensory triggers can reopen memories years after the fact.
-
58
Mentorship and the Fight Against Impostorr Syndrome
On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella welcomes Genna McMillan to discuss mentorship, impostor syndrome, and how women navigate this male-dominated field. McMillan recounts growing up on a rural farm, volunteering her way into a full-time career, donating her liver to a coworker, and returning to the fire station to mentor young firefighters. She details her experience with gaining confidence and breaking down the barriers as a woman in the fire service.
-
57
What Leadership Failures Are Driving Firefighters Out?
Fire departments aren’t struggling to find people. They’re struggling to keep them. In this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Mike Goldstein welcomes guest Lyle McKay, a captain from Ogunquit Fire Department, in Maine. McKay speaks from experience to break down what’s actually pushing firefighters to walk away: weak leadership, ignored voices, and cultures that haven’t kept up with the job. The problem isn’t pay alone. It’s showing up to a station where no one listens, where feedback goes nowhere, and where leaders stop growing the moment they get promoted. McKay lays out a different approach, built on three pillars: leadership, culture, and development.
-
56
How to Reignite Your Love for the Job (with Helton Pereira)
John Velez and Preston Lyons welcome Helton Pereira to this episode of The Revolutionaries for a wide-ranging conversation about putting faith, family, and fitness before firefighting. Pereira, a firefighter, podcaster, and author of The First Things First, shares practical habits including shared calendars, fridge family planners, morning quiet time, and more. He also shares honest mistakes and turnaround moments, and how mentorship and servant leadership reshape firehouse culture one person at a time.
-
55
Get Ready to Rethink Resilience
How are clinicians supporting firefighter mental health? In this installment of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger welcomes guest Marie Gumá, founder of Command Counseling Center. Guma’s been there—on the front lines, after the sirens fade, when the real battle begins. From the aftermath of the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, to the 24-hour shifts in firehouses, she’s rewriting the playbook on psychological support. The discussion moves through critical moments that shape firefighter mental health: traumatic calls, the weight of helplessness, and the guilt that follows when outcomes aren’t what crews hoped for. There’s also a hard look at retirement, a transition deserving of more attention than it often gets.
-
54
Do You Have Trouble Switching Gears?
In the premiere episode of Frontline Findings, Stephanie White, editor in chief of Firefighter Nation, and Rachel Bozek, a senior editor at Firefighter Nation and Fire Engineering, learn about Mindfulness in Motion, a program designed with first responders in mind. Dr. Maryanna Klatt, a professor and researcher at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, created the program, which launches its next round of eight virtual sessions on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Created with the goal of reducing participants’ stress and increasing their ability to remain calm, Mindfulness in Motion has proven successful in the past. Klatt discusses the program's use of mindfulness, breathing techniques, and gentle movement to tackle the chronic stress firefighters face daily. The program is also available via the Mindfulness in Motion app.
-
53
You've Got $3 and No Staff. No Problem!
Chad Rabatin, a lieutenant with Prince William County (VA) Fire, joins Megan Lautz for this episode of Fueling Fire. Rabatin breaks down what it actually takes to build a firefighter wellness program when you have almost no budget, limited admin support, and a full-time job as a firefighter. He compares using internal personnel versus civilian hires, weighs certifications for tactical fitness and describes partnering with universities to access testing, data and resources. The guest also covers remediation paths for mandatory fitness screens, integrating athletic trainers, and prioritizing injury prevention and recovery. This is straight talk from someone doing the work from the inside.
-
52
What You Need to Know About PFAS, Station Wear, and Hidden Exposure
Host Jim Burneka welcomes Bryan Goodman, founder and president of the Emergency Services Safety & Health Alliance (ESSHA), to the latest episode of APS Radio. Goodman discusses PFAS in station wear, and differences in testing requirements depending on where pieces originate.
-
51
From Heroic Deeds to Brothers Helping Brothers
Jason Sautel returns to We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, for a conversation about faith, trauma, and mental health from the Heroic Deeds conference, where he and hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux recorded the episode. Sautel recounts his experience navigating his faith while he was still on the job and talks about his return to Ohio for the Brothers Helping Brothers Conference, which will take place in October. Resources: Heroic Deeds: https://www.heroicdeeds.org Jason Sautel: https://jasonsautel.com Brothers Helping Brothers 9th Annual Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference: https://events.brothershelpingbrothers.org/ffhw2025
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Firefighter Nation’s podcast lineup features firefighters and subject matter experts in the fields of mental and physical health and well-being.
HOSTED BY
firefighternationpodcastnetwork
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...