Prepared To Fight Fire Podcast
by Julian Serrano
Prepared to Fight Fire Podcast is hosted by Julian Serrano, this show is for firefighters committed to leveling up mentally, physically, and emotionally. From lessons on the fire ground to elite performance strategies, each episode dives into the mindset and discipline it takes to lead, endure, and serve at the highest level.
Episodes
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EP. 64 The Brotherhood
Send us Fan Mail Three best friends. Three different ranks. In this episode, I sit down in New York City with two of my best friends: Captain Chahine, who has been a firefighter alongside me for 13 years, and Driver Engineer Petithomme, who has served for 12 years. As a firefighter with 13 years…
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EP. 64 The Brotherhood
Send us Fan Mail Three best friends. Three different ranks. In this episode, I sit down in New York City with two of my best friends: Captain Chahine, who has been a firefighter alongside me for 13 years, and Driver Engineer Petithomme, who has served for 12 years. As a firefighter with 13 years…
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EP. 63 MODEL THE BEHAVIOR FT. Chief Freddie Fernandez
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Chief Freddie, a decorated fire service leader with over 31 years in the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue. From his early days as a firefighter-paramedic to serving as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Freddie’s career is defined by...
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EP. 62 FLIP THE SWITCH FT. Frankie the greek
Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Frankie shares his transformative journey from living an average life to embracing a mindset of excellence. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to flip the switch in his life, the importance of commitment to change, and the value of…
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EP. 61 FUELING THE FIREFIGHTER Ft. Justin Burch
Send us Fan Mail Justin Burch is a career firefighter with 9 years on the job, currently serving with Oak Ridge Fire Department. Cutting his teeth in the fire service after a 10 year career as a Professional Chef. Outside of the firehouse he’s a certified Nutrition Coach, helping firefighters…
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EP. 60 HIGH STANDARDS, STRONG CULTURE FT. Chris Tennyson
Send us Fan Mail Chief Chris Tennyson has spent 25 years in the fire service, shaping the culture of training, resilience, and leadership. From contracting in Iraq to serving with the Charleston Fire Department and now as Deputy Chief of Training at Summerville Fire-Rescue, Chris has dedicated…
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EP. 59 MAKING GOOD FIREFIGHTERS BETTER FT. Eric Haskins
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Eric Haskins shares his unique journey from a professional snowboarder to a dedicated firefighter. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the transformative experience of the Smoke Divers program, and the value of building confidence through adversity. The...
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EP. 58 BUILT DIFFERENT FT. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail "No one is built different; the real difference comes down to the daily decisions we make. Talent isn’t the key. Discipline, choice, and consistent action are. This podcast is about helping you make better decisions that change your life."
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EP. 57 BE THE EXAMPLE FT. Frank Malta
Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Chief Frank Malta discusses the importance of physical fitness, leadership, and mentorship within the fire service. He reflects on his personal journey, the evolution of training standards, and the critical role of setting a positive example for new...
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EP. 56 DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES FT. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I discuss the realities of becoming a firefighter, emphasizing the importance of understanding the profession's demands. The conversation covers the foundational elements necessary for success, including physical fitness, mental resilience, and proper nutrition.…
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EP. 55 MASTER THE BASICS FT. Jay Hurley
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chief Jay Hurley shares his experiences and insights from over 25 years in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mastering basic skills, maintaining physical fitness, and the role of mentorship. He reflects on his journey through the Georgia Flames and...
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EP. 54 MENTORSHIP IS OUR DUTY Ft. Carlos Martinez
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepared by Fire podcast I engage with Carlos, a seasoned firefighter, discussing the importance of authenticity, community, and mental health in the fire service. We explore the challenges of navigating criticism, the significance of mentorship, and the…
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EP. 53 JUST A CHAPTER FT. Scott Chappell
Send us Fan Mail In this episode with Scott Chappell we discuss his journey in the fire service, the importance of leadership, structure, and personal development. Highlighted are the challenges and lessons learned from the Smoke Diver program, the significance of teamwork, and the need for...
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EP. 52 THE BASICS ARE EVERYTHING FT. Nic Pluskota
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Nic Pluskota & I discuss their experiences in the fire service, focusing on the importance of training programs like Georgia Flames. They explore the mental and physical challenges faced during training, the significance of...
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EP. 51 BREAKING THE MOLD Ft. Stephanie White
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, Stephanie White and i discuss the complexities of mental health within the fire service, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving culture of firefighting. They explore the challenges of leadership, the impact of social media,...
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EP. 50 RESILENCY Ft. Tony Gillan
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Tony Gillan and i discuss the warrior mindset, the journey of recovery from a severe injury, and the importance of leadership in the fire service. We explore how mentorship and a positive mindset can inspire others, even in…
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EP. 49 THE STANDARD IS GROWTH Ft. Samuel Jacobs
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, host Julian Serrano speaks with firefighter Samuel Jacobs about the power of a growth mindset and the impact of coaching in the fire service. They discuss the challenges of training, the importance of humility and resilience, and…
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EP. 48 BACK IN THE ARENA Ft. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julian Serrano shares his personal journey of growth and challenges faced while preparing for two intense firefighting programs: One Bad Tour and Georgia Flames. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, mental toughness, and the need for proper preparation...
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EP. 47 EVERYTHING FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Ft. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepared to Fire podcast, Julian Serrano discusses the importance of fitness for firefighters, outlining the unique challenges they face and how to build a solid foundation of fitness. He emphasizes the need for stamina, strength, and endurance, and…
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EP. 45 WHAT I LEARNED THIS YEAR Ft. Julian Serrano
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EP. 44 INFLUENCE THE NEXT GENERATION FT. Rudy Becerra
Send us Fan Mail On today’s episode, we’re joined by Rudy Becerra. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Rudy is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and brings 17 years of experience as a firefighter. His mission is to inspire and guide young firefighters to excel and strive for constant improvement in their...
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EP. 43 EGO IS NOT THE ENEMY
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, I explore the complex nature of ego, discussing its dual role in driving competition and personal growth while also acknowledging its potential negative effects. I try to emphasize the importance of harnessing ego with humility, the...
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EP. 42 FORGED IN FIRE FT. Zac James
Send us Fan Mail Zac James – Firefighter & Advocate for Strength Through Adversity Zac James, a firefighter with nearly four years of experience. After exploring different paths, he found his true calling in the fire service, thanks to a nudge from my uncle. His journey is rooted in a passion for...
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EP. 41 HUMILITY VS ARROGANCE FT. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail Arrogance involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and looking down on others, while humility reflects modesty, self-awareness, and respect for others. Arrogant people focus on personal superiority, whereas humble individuals recognize their strengths but remain open to...
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EP. 40 ALL IN ALL THE TIME Ft. John Driscoll
Send us Fan Mail In this conversation we discuss the importance of setting ambitious goals, overcoming fear of failure, and embracing the process of growth and learning. We also talk about the significance of consistency and enjoying the journey rather than focusing solely on the end result. John...
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EP. 39 FAILURE IS OUR GREATEST TEACHER Ft. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, Julian Serrano discusses his failures and the lessons he has learned from them. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and the need to be the best that you can be in the field of firefighting. Julian shares his personal experiences of failure,...
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EP. 38 CONSISTENT ACROSS THE BOARD Ft. Micky Farrell
Send us Fan Mail Mickey Farrell is a Lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, a third-generation firefighter with 29 years of experience, the last 23 years being with the FDNY. Also a team instructor at the New York City Fire Academy, founder and author of Top Floor Tactics, and host of A...
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EP. 37 THE ORIGIN STORY Ft. Julian Serrano
Send us Fan Mail On this episode we dive into my origin story. We review some failures, setback, obstacles, mistakes, and achievements throughout my life so far.
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EP. 36 Ft. Service from the heart Ft. Reilly Kilbride
Send us Fan Mail Reilly Kilbride has been riding as a fireman for the last three years. He has been lucky enough to be around great firefighters and leadership throughout his career so far. His mission in life is to work hard and serve others. Training hard is the way he sharpens his mental…
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EP. 35 Humble & Hungry Ft. Erik Vidal Pt. 2
Send us Fan Mail Erik Vidal comes back to the show. We dive deep into Eriks time in the military, expeirence at Georgia Smoke Divers, and leading the way in his own life with self development. Follow Erik @iamerikvidal
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EP. 34 Service Self Above Others Ft. Alex Aguilar
Send us Fan Mail Alex was Born and raised in Los Angeles. Spent 6 years in the army as a member of the 75th ranger regiment. He then went on to serve for 3 years as a military contractor. Alex currently Lives in Savannah, Georgia and is currently working for the Pooler Georgia Fire Department. He...
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EP. 32 Great Leaders, Make Great FIREFIGHTERS FT. Andy Glaze
Send us Fan Mail Andy Glaze is a Father, Husband, Firefighter, Runner. He is currently married with 3 kids. He is currently a fire captain for the La Verne Fire Department in Los Angeles County, California. He is the president of the local 3624. He has run over 100 miles every week for 202 weeks…
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EP. 33 Never out of the FIGHT FT. Michael Laughlin
Send us Fan Mail Michael D.N. Laughlin is a full- time career firefighter with Kingston Fire & Rescue. What makes his story unique, is that twice, Mike returned to his beloved job, after serious accidents that could have taken his life. At ages 26, and 35, he suffered major injuries, first to his...
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EP. 31 PRIDE & OWNERSHIP FT. Anthony Rowett *Port City Fire Training
Send us Fan Mail Anthony Rowett, Jr. is a Captain with the Mobile (AL) Fire Rescue Department. He has been in the fire service for 18 years. He spent his first 3 years in the fire service as a firefighter with the Ogdensburg (NJ) Volunteer Fire Department before being hired by the Mobile Fire...
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EP. 30 AVERAGE IS THE ENEMY FT. Mike Osuna
Send us Fan Mail Mike was one of the pioneers of the South Florida CrossFit movement, when he opened up I Am CrossFit in 2008. He and his then partner, opened six total locations over the next eight years. He is the founder and organizer of the Crush Games, a nationally known fitness competition....
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EP. 29 Consistently good over occasionally great Ft. Matt Chan
Send us Fan Mail Matt Chan is 13yr professional firefighter from Denver, Colorado with an extensive fitness background. He’s also known for six appearances in the CrossFit Games with four top 10 placements and one 2nd place podium finish. He was also featured on Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s show...
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EP. 28 Complacency KILLS FT. Caleb Smith *Black Flag Fire
Send us Fan Mail Caleb Smith is an 8 year Firefighter in East TN, currently serving as an Engineer on a Quint and one of the founding members of Black Flag Fire Training.
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EP. 27 Push Your Limits & Be Better Ft. The Citizens Fireman
Send us Fan Mail Tyler Evans has 8 years in the fire service career and volunteer. He is Currently an Engine Co Captain. Tyler is the Creator of The Citizens Fireman where he shares training tips and networks with likeminded firefighters who are there to place those that they serve above themselves.
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EP. 26 ADAPT & LEAD Ft. Dylan Curtis Brigands Co.
Send us Fan Mail Dylan is currently a full-time career Firefighter/EMT for the city of New Smyrna Beach, FL. and an Army veteran. He served in 1st Ranger Battalion as an infantryman and am Principal and Co-Founder at Brigands Co. As an entrepreneur and first responder, he has used his past...
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EP. 25 Ft. Would You Follow You Ft. Keith Schmidt
Send us Fan Mail Keith Schmidt is a 51 years of age Husband and Father, Veteran of the U.S Navy. Firefighter-Paramedic 35 years fire service experience, has served at the Indianapolis Airport Fire Department for the past 22 years. His mission to impact change for people Emotionally, Mentally,...
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EP. 24 LEAD WITH ACTIONS, NOT WORDS Ft. Greg Dixon
Send us Fan Mail Gregg Dixon is a retired Special Operations Captain for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. 37 total years in the fire service starting out as a volunteer, worked in the private sector at a Nuclear Power Station for 10 years as a firefighter/EMT. Started with Palm Beach County in 1996...
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EP. 23 QUITING ISNT AN OPTION Ft. Jose Santos
Send us Fan Mail Lieutenant Jose Santos has worked for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for 22 years. He was once a Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor for 5 years. During that time, he learned from his training how to assist young men and women with the physical preparation for C.P.A.T. and...
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Ep. 22 DO MORE WITH LESS Ft. 2 Mile High Rescue Co.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we have 2 Mile Rescue Company. Josh and Keegan who are pioneering the company work in rural Colorado. 2 Mile Rescue Company is dedicated to seeking out the nuances in hard and soft skills, to create opportunities on the fire ground with minimal staffing.
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EP. 20 YOU CANT FAKE PASSION Ft. Pablo Gener
Send us Fan Mail Pablo Gener is a 16-year veteran of the fire service. In this episode, we will discuss his second to none passion for the job, his journey that led him to where he is now, mentors, and the importance of staying "prepared to fight fire". Pablo has been and is a member of special...
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EP. 21 PROVE YOURSELF RIGHT Ft. Nicole Kopolovits
Send us Fan Mail Fire doesn’t care if you are male or female, black or white and neither does she. She proves to herself every shift with work-ethic, passion, and grit that she is a asset in each and every way. She proudly holds the title Florida Smoke Diver.
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EP. 19 BE ABOUT IT Ft. Ric Stephens
Send us Fan Mail Rick Stephens currently holds the rank of Training CAPTAIN & has 25 years in the fire service. He has instructed all over the country including FDIC, HROC, FT Lauderdale Fire Conference. He is a active RIT instructor with his department. Ric has spent his entire career doing it...
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EP. 18 MOTIVATION IS LIFE FT. Rob Ortega
Send us Fan Mail Robert Ortega is United States Marine who did various jobs before falling in love with The Fire Service. He is very PASSIONATE and GRATEFUL for this AMAZING career he has SERVED 20 years in . He is a father of 5 with a VERY supportive Fire Wife .
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EP. 17 Build Everyone Up Around You Ft. Tyler Whitfield
Send us Fan Mail Tyler is currently a Lieutenant with Clearwater FD. He has 10 years in the fire service. He is Currently a Member of the CFR instructor cadre and Pinellas County Technical Rescue Team. He is currently the Cigar City FOOLS President. Follow him on instagram @ffpmdwhitfield
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EP. 16 Success Is Different For Everybody Ft. Eric Johnson
Send us Fan Mail Eric Johnson, 21 years in fire service. Battalion Chief with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, held ranks of Battalion Chief, Special Operations Captain, Operational Captain, Lieutenant and Firefighter/ Paramedic. Chief Johnson is currently on FL-Task Force 2, a active Instructor in...
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EP. 15 DO IT RIGHT FT. Ben Wilson
Send us Fan Mail Ben Wilson is a newly promoted Lieutenant who is a father of two sons, married to his wife named Lauren, and founder and instructor with F.D.I.R. Ben has been a fireman for 26 years. *10 career and 16 volunteer
About this show
Prepared to Fight Fire Podcast is hosted by Julian Serrano, this show is for firefighters committed to leveling up mentally, physically, and emotionally.
From lessons on the fire ground to elite performance strategies, each episode dives into the mindset and discipline it takes to lead, endure, and serve at the highest level.
Hosted by
Julian Serrano