The FireDawg Podcast
by Matt Wilson & Austin Perry
The FireDawg Podcast is rooted in the United States Air Force and serves to foster connection, learning, and growth within all ranks of the American fire service. Topics covered include fire service best practices, lessons learned, leadership, firefighting tactics, history, and much more.
Episodes
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70. Firsthand Account of a LODD & Service After Tragedy - Lionel Crowther
On February 4, 2007, a flashover changed Lionel Crowther’s life forever. He suffered burns to 70% of his body, while two of his fellow firefighters, Captain Lessard and Captain Nichols, tragically lost their lives. In this episode, Lionel shares a firsthand account of that day and reflects on the...
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69. How Experience Shapes the Way We Train and Make Decisions
In Episode 69, Matt and Austin explore how real-world experience, hard calls, mentorship, and recognizing what you don't know can shape the way firefighters train and make decisions. They discuss the experiences that influenced Austin's approach to the fire service, along with stress response,...
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68. Chasing Growth & Becoming An Indiana Smoke Diver - Corey Gotay
What does it take to become an Indiana Smoke Diver? In Episode 68, Chris Bauchle and Austin Perry sit down with Corey Gotay to talk about choosing discomfort, pursuing excellence, and refusing to settle for average in the fire service. Corey began his career with the 128th Wisconsin Air National...
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67. Keeping Fire Departments Equipment Compliant & Mission Ready - Kim Jolley, CEO, AOS Services, Inc.
In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we sit down with Kim Jolly, CEO of AOS Services Inc., to discuss the critical role equipment testing, maintenance, and compliance play in keeping fire departments operational and mission ready. With more than 30 years of experience, Kim shares how AOS...
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66. U.S. Navy Search & Rescue, Leadership, & Fire Service Leadership Consulting - CMDCM (ret) Flip Griffin
In Episode 66 , Matt sits down with Flip Griffin. Flip’s journey spans from Navy corpsman to Search and Rescue professional, ultimately serving as a Command Master Chief—one of the highest enlisted leadership roles in the Navy—before transitioning into fire service leadership consulting. This...
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65. Lessons from the 1977 Honda Canyon Fire & the 2016 Canyon Fire at Vandenberg AFB - Mark Smith
In 1977, the Honda Canyon Fire swept across Vandenberg Air Force Base—now Vandenberg Space Force Base—becoming one of the most significant wildfires in the installation’s history and reshaping how the department approached wildland firefighting. Nearly four decades later, the 2016 Canyon Fire…
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64. Are You Ready? Training, Culture, Policy & The Moment of Truth - Terrell Thomas
What does it really mean to be ready? In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we explore the moments that test more than skill — they test judgment. The moments when your training is pushed, policy isn’t perfectly clear, and culture either empowers you… or makes you hesitate. Our guest, Terrell...
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63. Tax Strategy for Federal Firefighters Before April 15 - Matt Stelmaszek
Tax season isn’t something we talk about much in the firehouse — but maybe we should. In this episode, we sit down with former Air Force firefighter turned financial and tax expert, Matt Stelmaszek, to break down what federal firefighters need to know before the April 15 filing deadline. We…
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62. When You Don't Get the Job You Want: Leadership Insights from a 32-Year Chief - Pete Webb
In this episode of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt is joined by returning guest Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Peter Webb. Chief Webb previously appeared on Episode 35, where he shared his journey from Army firefighter to Air Force Reserve Command Chief, his service as a Battalion Chief in Dothan,...
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61. Leaving the Military, Overcoming Loss, and Building a Career in Safety - Chris Lopardi
In Episode 61 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt Wilson is joined by former Air Force firefighter Chris Lopardi for a conversation about service, loss, fatherhood, and transitioning out of the military. Chris shares how losing his son, Mason, shaped his outlook on life and influenced his…
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60. Reflections on Service, Leadership & a 30-Year Career - CMSgt (ret) Shanton Russell
In Episode 60 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt sits down with CMSgt (Ret.) Shanton Russell for a reflective conversation on career progression, leadership philosophy, and long-term success in Air Force Fire Protection. Chief Russell shares his full-circle journey—entering the Air Force as a young...
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59. Kadena AB HazMat Storage Fire After Action Review - Kyle Rollins
In this episode, Matt is joined by Chief Master Sergeant Kyle Rollins to break down the June 2020 Hazardous Materials Storage Facility fire at Kadena Air Base. Chief Rollins, who served as the Incident Commander, provides a detailed after-action review of a response initiated by Calcium...
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58. Developing Fire Service Leaders-Inside the New Fire Officer Strategies & Tactics Leadership Course (FOSTLC)
In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with John Whitmyer, Carlos Ballesteros, and Michael Myles–instructors of the new Fire Officer Strategies & Tactics Leadership Course (FOSTLC). Designed for newly appointed company officers, FOSTLC is reshaping how the Air Force develops tactical leaders.…
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57. The Power of Doing Hard Things with Ultramarathoner & Firefighter - Justin Andreas
In this episode, Matt joins Justin Andreas, an ultramarathoner, run coach, social media influencer, podcaster, and current Deputy Fire Chief at Eielson AFB. They dig into the power of doing hard things—and how stepping into discomfort builds real resilience you can carry into every area of life....
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56. - F3 Master Class - Exploring the New Foam & How it Performed on an F-35 Crash - Austin Perry
Fluorine Free Foam (F3) has officially replaced AFFF across the Department of Defense fire service - but what does that really mean for firefighters on the line? In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Austin Perry, a Staff Sergeant and Company Officer at Eielson Air Force Base, who brings...
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Table Talk 09. How to Balance Military & Firefighter Obligations
In this Table Talk Series episode, Matt and Chris dive into what it really means to balance military and fire service obligations. They break down where to focus your attention throughout your career—starting with mastering your craft as a firefighter and Airman, before anything else. The...
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55. From Firefighters to Founders: FireDawgs Building Businesses - Mark Abrahamson & Ashontay Owens
In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with two retired Air Force firefighters who turned their passion for service into thriving ventures. Mark Abrahamson, founder of Foxtrot Zulu and co-founder of Probie Fire Training, shares how he built businesses that provide consultation, training, and...
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54. Building the Next Generation of Leaders - CW03 Justin Barnes
In episode 54, Chris sits down with Chief Warrant Officer Justin Barnes, Marine Corps Liaison Officer at the Joint Fire Protection Academy in San Angelo, Texas. With over 20 years of service, Chief Barnes has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, shaped thousands of Marines as a Drill Instructor, and…
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Table Talk 08. The Power of Purpose
In this episode, Chris and Matt explore the power of purpose—why it matters, how it shapes our daily actions, and its deep connection to mental well-being and long-term happiness. Drawing on the work of Viktor Frankl and our own experiences in the fire service, we discuss how purpose isn't just a...
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53. Marine Corps Fire Protection: Perspective & Integration with the Air Force - MGySgt Martinez
In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Master Gunnery Sergeant Marcos Martinez, the Fire Protection Training Analyst with Marine Corps Training & Education Command in Quantico, VA. With 28 years of service in the Marine Corps, Master Guns Martinez has had diverse roles, including working...
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52. From Firefighter to Air Advisor - Insights of a Unique Path - Quentin Patterson
In this episode, Matt speaks with TSgt Quentin Patterson, an Air Force firefighter turned Air Advisor. With experience supporting partner nations across Africa and beyond, Quentin has been part of missions in Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Chad, France, Morocco, and Cameroon. Quentin shares his…
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Readiness Series 2. From Bar Napkin to Combat-Ready: Shaping the AF F&ES Role in the Future Fight - CMSgt (ret.) Phillip Winkelmann, CMSgt Mark Abrahamson, and SMSgt Jesse Marshall
In this episode, Matt is joined by three leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the AF F&ES Concept of Employment: CMSgt (ret.) Phillip Winkelmann, CMSgt Mark Abrahamson, and SMSgt Jesse Marshall. During the Air Force’s transition to AFFOGEN, they were in unique positions to help lay the...
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51. Essential Negotiation & Leadership Skills for Fire Service Leaders - Chief AJ Kehl
In this episode, Chris Bauchle and Chief AJ Kehl explain why negotiation skills are essential for fire service leaders - especially for DoD firefighters, officers, and chiefs. Drawing on principles from Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, Chief Kehl explains that negotiation isn't just…
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Readiness Series 1. Origin & Evolution of Air Force Force Generation - CMSgt Geoffry Wilson
This Readiness Series focuses on all aspects of Air Force firefighter waretime preparedness. Throughout the series, we will explore key military doctrine, techniques, tactics, and procedures, examine equipment packages, and much more. While the series emphasizes topics related to wartime…
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Table Talk 07. Risk vs. Reward: When to Push Forward, When to Hold Back
In this episode of the Table Talk Series, Chris shares a real-life story from Indianapolis about a firefighter who took a big risk and successfully made a daring rescue. He and Matt break down the "Risk vs. Reward" threshold—when should you risk a lot to save a lot, and when should you pull back?...
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50. Leadership, Education, & Change in the Fire Service - Chief Jason Hoevelmann
In this episode, Chris and Matt have the privilege of speaking with Chief Jason Hoevelmann, Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District in North St. Louis County, MO. Chief Hoevelmann has 28 years of experience in the fire service. He has held various positions including Company...
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Table Talk 06. Engine Company Decision Making and the Rule of 3s - Austin Perry
Matt and Austin discuss breaking down engine company decision making into manageable, easy to remember, and useful approaches. They talk about the “rule of 3s” and how to break down decisions such as what hose or appliance to employ on a fire, how to load and stretch hose, and how to supply the...
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49. North Carolina Air National Guard (ANG) Rescue School - Jeret Kinnaird & Brandon Pelkey
In Episode 49, Jeret Kinnaird and Brandon Pelkey join Matt and Chris to talk about the North Carolina Air National Guard (ANG) Rescue Technician School. The school offers Rescue Technician I and Rescue Technician II courses that are AETC sanctioned and are IFSAC and Pro Board accredited.…
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Table Talk 05. Engine Company Operations, Interior Firefighting Tactics, Empowering Firefighters - Austin Perry
In this episode, Matt is joined by Austin Perry. Austin and Matt talk about engine company operations as they relate to interior structure fire tactics. More specifically Austin talks about zero visibility nozzle work or working within a structure with zero visibility (and how to approach that)…
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Table Talk 04. A Standardized Approach to Fireground Size Up - Brandon Laird
In this episode, Matt is joined by Brandon Laird to discuss fireground size up. They discuss having a standardized approach to size-ups so that they are easy to remember and ultimately improve fireground efficiency. They discuss the acronym CANC3R: C - Conditions and Construction A - Actions N -...
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48. After Action Review - Firefighter Rescue & Survival (FRAS) Class 9 - Ryan Julius & Leah Lloyd
In episode 48, Matt and Chris speak with Ryan Julius and Leah Lloyd, both recent graduates of Firefighter Rescue and Survival (FRAS), Class 9. Ryan and Leah recount their experiences and offer advice to anyone interested in attending one of the most mentally and physically demanding courses…
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47. Improving the AF Fire Service Logistics Officer Position - Robert Gerry
In episode 47, Matt speaks with Robert Gerry, the Logistic Officer at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Fire Department in New Jersey. RJ is a contributing member of the Air Force Fire & Emergency Services “Reinvigorate the Flight” strategic line of effort (LOE) #2 and championed the new Logistics...
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46. Recounting "Black Sunday" with FDNY and Former Air Force Firefighter - Jeff Cool
In episode 46, Matt and Chris talk with FDNY Firefighter Jeff Cool. On January 23rd, 2005, Jeff survived what later became known as “Black Sunday”. Jeff and 5 other New York City firefighters bailed out of the 4th floor of an illegally divided tenement in the Bronx, killing two firefighters and...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 45 – Don't Sell Yourself Short - How to Maximize Your Transition Out of the Military - Chief Michael "Mikee" Ott
In this episode, Matt speaks with Chief Michael Ott, former Air Force Firefighter and now Fire Chief for Tulare Fire Department, California. They discuss his transition out of the military, how to maximize your marketability as a former military firefighter, and what to expect during the...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 44 - The Importance & Application of Fireground Thermal Imaging - Andrew Starnes
In episode 44, Matt speaks with Andrew Starnes. Andy currently serves as a Battalion Chief in a large career department in NC. He is a well-known fire service contributor on the topics of thermal imaging, fire behavior, leadership, behavioral health, and faith-based devotions. He is also the...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 43 - Air National Guard Deep Dive - Chief Josh Loescher
In Episode 43, Matt speaks with Chief Josh Loescher. Chief Loescher is the Fire Chief at Traux Field in Madison Wisconsin, home of the 115th Fighter Wing. He has served in the Air National Guard for over 22 years. He is also an Academic Associate at Arizona State Watts College and an Adjunct Fire...
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Table Talk - 03 - Education, Networking & Workplace Performance - Jared Aardema
In Episode 3 of Table Talk, Matt Wilson is joined by Jared Aardema. They discuss education pursuits, networking, and workplace performance. Where should you aim with your educational pursuits? What does right look like in regard to networking? How do you motivate someone to care about the job?…
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 42 - Creating an "Always Ready" Training Regimen & Mentality - Nick Martin
In episode 42, Matt and Chris sit down with Nick Martin, a well-known fireground training advocate and founder of Combat Ready Fire Training. They discuss the “combat ready” mentality and the importance of always being ready to perform. Nick also offers advice to departments with lower call…
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 41 - Fire Protection Support for the 2021 Afghanistan Withdrawl - MSgt Roy Campos
In this episode, Matt speaks with MSgt Roy Campos about the Air Force Fire Protection Support given on Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) in Kabul Afghanistan in August 2021. Roy led the 13 person Fire Protection Quick Strike Team (QST) for 12 days in support of the Afghanistan evacuation...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 40 - Advice on Leadership & Military Service Transition - Retired Ohio Fire Marshal Chief Robert Rielage
In this episode, Matt talks to former Ohio State Fire Marshal Bob Rielage. They speak about his service in Vietnam as an Air Force Intelligence Officer, fire service leadership, and transitioning from the military to civilian fire service. Chief Rielage has been a chief officer in several...
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Table Talk - 02 - Tactics for Training & Stress Management - Chris Bauchle & Travis Bender
Chris Bauchle is joined by friend Travis Bender to discuss their take on tactics for training and stress management in the department.
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The FireDawg Podcast - Department Highlight: Episode 4 - Travis AFB
In this episode, Matt joins SSgt James Muncy and Mr. Robyn Torrence to highlight Travis AFB Fire Department. They discuss details about the Department, talk about services offered, highlight the local community, and much more.
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 39 - CFM Update #2 - CMSgt Phillip Winkelmann
In episode 39, Matt and Ben talk with our newest Career Field Manager, CMSgt Phillip Winkelmann, about career field updates on deployments, mental health initiatives, and much more. Check out www.FireDawg.us for more episodes, reviews, and content like this. Don't forget to like and follow...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 38 - Leadership Dilemmas - Chief David Rhodes
In Episode 38, Chris and Matt talk to Chief David Rhodes, a retired Atlanta Battalion Chief, and the Chief Elder for Georgia Smoke Divers Program. Chief Rhodes answers questions on common leadership dilemmas and covers many experiences he had throughout his 30 year career.
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Table Talk - 01 - Timing, Opportunity, & Preparation
In this new series, The FireDawg Podcast crew discusses topics on their mind in more of a free-flow discussion format. This episode is focused on timing, opportunity, and preparation.
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The FireDawg Podcast - Coffee Break: Episode 11 - Suicide Prevention Initiative - Phil Crews
Matt speaks with Phil Crews about the Suicide Prevention Initiative, an effort to bring awareness to, and prevent suicides in the DoD Fire Service.
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 37 - Exposure to Carcinogens & Firefighter Cancer
Matt and Chris talk to Dr. Kenny Fent and Dr. Gavin Horn who are leading researchers in firefighter safety and health initiatives. Collectively, their research is advancing what we know about firefighter exposure to carcinogens on structural fires and the physiological demands while working in gear.
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 36 - The Rising Warrior - A Practical Approach to Mental Healing - Dr. Lance Davis and Sean Lazio
In episode 36, Matt speaks with Dr. Lance Davis and Sean Lazio, founders and leaders of The Rising Warrior, a mental health program designed to provide a holistic approach to healing, growth, and betterment of current military members, veterans, and First Responders. They are both veterans of the...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 35 - Commanding the Mayday, Training & Leadership - CMSgt Peter Webb
In Episode 35, Matt and Chris speak with CMSgt Peter Webb, Command Chief for the 919th Special Operations Wing and Battalion Chief for the Dothan Fire Department. Chief Webb entered the Army Reserves as a Firefighter in 1989. In 1998, he joined the Air Force Reserves to work as a Firefighter for...
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The FireDawg Podcast - Episode 34 - Air Force FES Diversity & Inclusion - MSgt Maria Stivers & MSgt Cartalo Madison
In Episode 34, Matt speaks with MSgt Maria Stivers and MSgt Cartalo Madison about their efforts as leaders within the Air Force FES Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. The group was formed in 2020 with the intent of advancing diversity and inclusion within the career field. In the episode…
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About this show
The FireDawg Podcast is rooted in the United States Air Force and serves to foster connection, learning, and growth within all ranks of the American fire service. Topics covered include fire service best practices, lessons learned, leadership, firefighting tactics, history, and much more.
Hosted by
Matt Wilson & Austin Perry
Categories