PODCAST · education
FireHouse
by Endeavor Business Media
Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.
Episodes
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The Human Performance Side of Fire Officer Development – J.P. Moore
Peter Matthews talked with J.P. Moore, deputy director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI), about their leadership development programs that place an emphasis on human performance for leaders during fireground operations and in-station situations. Moore details some of IFSI’s programs...
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The Latest on FSRI’s Electric Vehicle Fire Research – Adam Barowy
For the last few years, electric vehicle (EV) fires have made national news headlines because of the unique and unknown challenges they present to firefighters, leading UL Research Institute’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) to launch a research effort to understand the mitigation and…
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Beyond the Bugles: Little Fire Department, Big Leadership Mindset
Chief Jacob Johnson interviews Chief David Jones (ret.) of the Addison, TX, Fire Department. In this week's episode of Beyond the Bugles, they discuss all things leadership involving leadership within a small department that hosts big events, the finite techniques it takes to be a successful fire...
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Los Angeles Fire Department: Rooted in Training – Andy Ruiz
Peter Matthews talks with Capt. II Andy Ruiz, who oversees the In-Service Training Unit for the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). He explains how LAFD is rooted in training with recruits beginning their training at the site where a firefighter was killed in the line-of-duty during a fire at the...
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Your Fire Department Legacy and the Company Officer - Jared Vermeulen
Peter Matthews talks with Jared Vermeulen, who authored a new book, “The Modern Fire Officer: Building Legacy That Endures,” that is designed to help guide today’s fire officers through the many situations they encounter each day. Vermeulen says that today’s fire officers often wear dozens of…
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Beyond the Bugles: The Leader Within You
Chief Jacob Johnson sits down with long time friend, West Columbia, SC, Fire Department Battalion Chief Marc Aloan. They discuss all things leadership and dive into some deep questions. It’s fun, packed full of knowledge and provides important insight for all to hear and learn.
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Risk vs. Reality: Safety Starts with the Smart Firefighter - Eric Valliere
Peter Matthews talks with Eric Valliere, CEO of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA), about increasing the organization’s efforts in the awareness of firefighter safety and health. For years, FDSOA has offered incident safety officers (ISO) and health and safety officers (HSO)...
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Beyond the Bugles: Leadership Through Disaster
Chief Jacob Johnson interviews his lifelong friend Capt. Rusty Ryan, of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, as they discuss general firehouse leadership and how that translate to leadership through disaster as Capt. Ryan lead search and rescue teams through the central Texas floods on July 4, 2025.
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Fireground Accountability, Incident Command and Technology – Doug Myers
Peter Matthews talks with Fire Chief Doug Myers, from the Berrien Springs-Oronoko, MI, Fire Department, about commanding today’s fireground incidents. Myers led the development of the Scene Watcher App to help incident commanders track tasks and firefighters on scenes when command staff is…
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Recap of the Interschutz, The World’s Largest Fire Conference – Kristopher Blume
Chief Kristopher Blume joins Peter Matthews to reflect on what products and innovations he saw while attending the largest firefighter conference in the world, Interschutz, earlier this month in Germany. From robots and apparatus to PPE and training equipment, Blume explains the difference…
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Beyond the Bugles: Leadership from the Lens of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department
Chief Jacob Johnson gets to accomplish a dream of truly putting fire department members on the map by interviewing one of his own from the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, Chief Shane Bridges. The two discuss culture, mentorship and leadership from the lens of their own department.
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Inside the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation – Michael Hildebrand
Peter Matthews is joined by Michael Hildebrand, who sits on the board of directors for the Yvorra Leadership Development Foundation, which honors the legacy of Prince George’s County firefighter Jim Yvorra, who died in the line of duty in 1988. Hildebrand recalled his longtime friendship with...
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Leadership and Life Lessons from the Marines, The Citadel – Thomas Gordon
Peter Matthews talks with past FireFusion keynote speaker Thomas J. Gordon, who completed a 30-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, about leadership, resilience and his book, Marine Maxims, Turning Leadership Principals into Practice.” After his military career, Gordon returned to his alma…
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Beyond the Bugles: It Comes Down to Legacy and Trust
Beyond the Bugles host and chief for the Pearland, TX, Fire Department Jacob Johnson interviews one of his best friends and mentors, Mark Campise, who is the chief of the Sugar Land, TX, Fire Department. They dive off into all kinds of subjects that they have encountered together over the last 23...
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How the Fire Service Psychology Association is Leading Efforts in Firehouses
Retired chief Robert Avsec and Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski, who work with the Fire Service Psychology Association (FSPA), dive into the topics of firefighter mental health and psychology as part of the annual Mental Health Awareness Month. Avsec relates firefighter mental health support for…
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Retirement and Lessons from the Hardest Days – David Griffin
Dr. David Griffin reflects on his 21-year career with the Charleston, SC, Fire Department before as he entered retirement. Griffin talks about the profound impact on his career when he lost nine colleagues at the Sofa Super Store Fire and endured the loss of firefighters from suicide and...
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Beyond the Bugles: Leadership Is More Than a Title
Chief Jacob Johnson is joined by Fire Chief Les Stephens, of the San Marcos, TX, Fire Department, on the new episode of Beyond the Bugles. Understanding that leadership goes further than the title in the fire service, the two discuss integrity, accountability and love of the job.
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Finding Your Identity in the Firehouse – Tyler Whittredge
Peter Matthews is joined by Saratoga Springs, NY, firefighter Tyler Whittredge to talk about firefighters’ finding their identities in the station, accountability and what makes a good firefighter. Whittredge explains what he’s observed when it comes to members find their personality in a job…
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Station Design Conference 2026 Preview – Janet Wilmoth, Mike Scott, Patrick Stone
Station Design Conference Director Janet Wilmoth and architects Mike Scott and Patrick Stone discuss this year’s conference, which takes place in May in Reno, NV. Peter Matthews digs into their sessions, asks what’s new at the public safety facility design conference and what they suggest…
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Beyond the Bugles: Lessons That Build a Legacy
In the second episode of Beyond the Bugles, Chief Jacob Johnson is joined by retired Chief Dennis Reilly. The legacy that Chief Reilly left behind is one to be admired and one that is extended on this episode. The two chiefs discuss integrity, moral courage, setting the tone and family.
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Flipping Fire Service Leadership – Flip Griffin
Flip Griffin, a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief, talks with Peter Matthews about his new mission, Firehouse Freedom. Griffin has been teaching fire departments about the impact of leadership in recruitment, retention and burnout at all levels of the departments. Griffin relates to his time...
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Foundations for The Modern Fire Officer – Jared Vermeulen
Capt. Jared Vermeulen talks with Peter Matthews about his book, “The Modern Fire Officer,” and his approach to being a fire service leadership in current times. The book was born from Vermeulen’s experiences as an officer and from the promotional process, leading him to share practical, modern...
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Beyond the Bugles: Chief Chat with Doug Boeker
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Beyond the Bugles, where Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, sits down with Fire Chief Doug Boeker of the Fulshear, TX, Fire Department. Together, they dive into leadership at the chief officer level, covering the do’s and don’ts...
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You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington
Charleston, WV, Battalion Chief Ryan Pennington joins Peter Matthews to talk about his approach to every shift, reminding himself that he’s a firefighter first and foremost. With that approach, Pennington’s foundation remains rooted in the basics while he has promoted through the fire department....
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Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood
Justin Sherwood, who became fire chief in Bemidji, MN, nearly five years ago, reflects on the journey and shares what he learned at both personal and professional levels. Sherwood didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the fire service and pursued a degree in education, but that…
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Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora
John Lewis and Robert Moran have been teaching basement fire tactics and strategies for nearly two decades, after a series of close call incidents they were involved with. The two, known as Jersey Guys Fire Service Training, discuss tactics, construction and command for below-grade residential...
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An Urban Fire Captain’s Approach to Fires in Vacant Structures – Sean Eagen
Capt. Sean Eagen joins Peter Matthews to talk about firefighting operations in vacant structures, because many vacant buildings can still be occupied, posing a serious life hazard. Eagen, a 28-year veteran of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, shares his experiences and takes listeners through his...
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Firefighters Reflect on Military Service, Veterans Day – Dan Byrne, TJ Cullison, AJ Kehl
Peter Matthews is joined by former U.S. Marine Daniel Byrne; T.J. Cullison, who served in the U.S. Army; and A.J. Kehl, who just retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. They discuss the similarities and differences between serving in the fire service and military and what carried over from...
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Firefighter Training for the Unknown – Michael Daley
Michael Daley joins Peter Matthews to discuss firefighter training today with a look at training challenges expected over the next five years, including new responses such as electric vehicles, and the abilities and skills news firefighters bring to the job. Daley, a proponent of well-trained and...
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Leadership in an Evolving Fire Service – Kristopher Blume
Peter Matthews talks with Chief Kristopher Blume about the realities of leading fire departments today, as they evolve quicker than ever and what is driving people away from the fire service in historic numbers. Blume highlights key parts of his recently published book, Carry the Fire: The…
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The Silent Fire: PTSD in the Shadows of an FDNY LODD – Eileen & Katreana Bellew
Peter Matthews is joined by Eileen Bellew, widow of FDNY Lt. John Bellew, and his daughter, Katreana, to discuss their paths through PTSD since John lost his life during the 2005 Black Sunday fire in the Bronx. Eileen shares her journey, which began Jan. 23, 2005, when she learned that John was...
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Big Blazes, Fire Investigations and Arson Arrests Big Fires – Bill Niemann
Peter Matthews talks with Bill Niemann, who spent nearly two decades in the Prince William County, VA, Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Bureau. During that time, Niemann and his team relaunched the department’s arson investigation unit and logged many headline-making arson arrests. Niemann provides...
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The Habit of Risk: Normalization of Deviance in the Fire Service - Grant Tinker
Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Grant Tinker about the normalization of deviance, often mistaken for complacency, and how deeper in the fire service and carries serious consequences. In this episode the two discuss how it shows up in day-to-day habits at home or the fire service and can...
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Recruiting and Educating Gen Z Firefighters – Jeremy Blair & Courtney Hull
Peter Matthews talks with Jeremy Blair and Courtney Hull about a unique program that prepares high school seniors to become firefighters through Waukesha County Technical College in Wisconsin. The two share how fire departments can better connect with Gen Z recruits by rethinking education and...
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Mental Health: The Rocks in a Firefighter’s Backpack? – Steve Baker
Peter Matthews sits down with Assistant Chief Steve Baker to discuss the mental health challenges firefighters face, and the life-changing events of a single day in 2019 that reshaped his journey. With two decades in emergency services, Baker shares how he reached a breaking point, what he...
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Is Your Department’s Culture Helping or Hurting Your Firefighters? – Michael Dozier
Peter Matthews talks with Battalion Chief Michael Dozier of The Company Officer about the deep-rooted cultural challenges facing today’s fire departments. Dozier starts by breaking down what “culture” truly means in the fire service and how departments across the country, at every rank, are...
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Mentoring New Company Officers – Ariel Jackson
Peter Matthews sat down with Capt. Ariel “AJ” Jackson to look at his role in developing an officer mentoring and training program for the Anne Arundel County, MD, fire officers. Jackson, a second-generation firefighter, talks about the night he was promoted and the working fire with entrapment…
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The Importance of Fire Service War Stories – Michael Glore
Peter Matthews invites author Michael Glore, who is a deputy chief with the Reading, PA, Fire Department, to share his interest in fire service history and how the war stories from the past has shaped today’s fire service. Glore, who has nearly 40 years in the fire service and has co-authored…
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The Jersey Guys Reflect on Journey to Firehouse Hall of Fame – John Lewis and Robert Moran
Peter Matthews sits down with longtime Firehouse contributors John J. Lewis Jr. and Robert Moran, who have been named Firehouse’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The two reflect on their fire service careers, Lewis retiring as a lieutenant and Moran as a fire chief. The two, known as The Jersey Guys,...
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Transitioning to NERIS: Essential Information for Fire Departments – Tom Jenkins
Peter Matthews sits down with Chief Tom Jenkins to discuss the latest developments with the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) and what fire departments should expect as NFIRS is phased out in 2026. Jenkins breaks down how departments can begin the transition, outlines...
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Pushing Beyond the Status Quo in the Fire Service – Steven Baker
Peter Matthews talks with Assistant Chief Steve Baker of the Plymouth, MN, Fire Department about how fire service delivery has evolved in his region. Baker shares how the transition from volunteer and paid-on-call firefighters to combination and full-time agencies has led to faster responses and...
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Reflecting on the Fire Service from the Next Wave of Leadership – Rob Policht
Peter Matthews talks with Rob Policht, a lieutenant with Passaic, NJ, Fire Department and one of the guys between Flow and Vent, about the state of today’s fire service and how a podcast he was on with a former Navy SEAL changed some of his approach to the fire service. As a young officer…
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The Young Fire Instructor’s Path to Success – Jacob Gates
Peter Matthews talks with Jacob Gates, a lead instructor at the Ohio Fire Academy, about the need to stay relevant while instructing multiple generations of the fire service and staying up-to-date strategies and tactics. Gates, who also serves with Mifflin Township Division of Fire in Gahanna, OH...
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Making the Most of Your Thermal Imaging Cameras – Joe DeVito
Capt. Joe DeVito talks about the need for added training and an enhanced understanding of thermal imaging cameras (TIC) for firefighters during today’s emergency responses. DeVito talks about the lack of training for most firefighters, from the basics of fireground operations to rescue and other...
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Getting the Most Out of the Station Design Conference – Janet Wilmoth & Rob Manns
Station Design Conference Director Janet Wilmoth and Principal Architect Rob Manns discuss the impact of the Station Design Conference on recent fire station construction projects, and how attendees can maximize what they get out of attending the annual conference focused on fire station designs...
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Moving for a New Career in the Fire Service – Christopher Zak
Assistant Chief Christopher Zak talks with Peter Matthews about his retirement from the Milford, CT, Fire Department and transition to a new career in Hanahan, SC. He moved to become a training office and has since promoted to assistant chief. Zak talks about the decision to call an end to his...
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The Company Officer’s Number 1 Priority – Daniel DeYear
Chief Daniel DeYear returns to The Firehouse Yak podcast after talking about the fire service’s approach to safety with a discussion on company officer development based on his workshops. DeYear digs into decades of leadership lessons from nearly two decades as an officer and chief in Dallas...
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Remembering FDNY’s Tragic Black Sunday – Jeff Cool
Peter Matthews talks with Jeff Cool about the tragedy of Jan. 23, 2005, which was named FDNY’s “Black Sunday” after the department lost two firefighters at a fire in the Bronx and one at a fire in Brooklyn. The Bronx fire left four other firefighters seriously injured, including one who died from...
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Developing Your Personal Board of Directors – Andy Starnes
Peter Matthews talks with Andy Starnes about the importance of each person having a personal board of directors who they can reach out to and seek advice from throughout their lives. Starnes stresses why this board is just as important for decisions within the fire service as it is at home and…
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TX Fire Commission’s Focus on Firefighter & Gear Safety and Training – Mike Wisko
Peter Matthews talks with Mike Wisko, the Agency Chief of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) about their role in ensuring firefighter training and equipment and member safety throughout the state’s career fire departments. The two talk about the annual TCFP Firefighter Injury Reports...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.
HOSTED BY
Endeavor Business Media
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does FireHouse have?
FireHouse currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is FireHouse about?
Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.
How often does FireHouse release new episodes?
FireHouse has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to FireHouse?
You can listen to FireHouse on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts FireHouse?
FireHouse is created and hosted by Endeavor Business Media.
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