PODCAST · government
Vita
by John Spera & Tom Johnson
Belief - Mindset - Performance
Episodes
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Episode 043 – Adam Woodin
“243 First Responders Commit Suicide Last Year; More Than Died In The Line Of Duty” In 2017, 21 more first responders died by their own hands, more than those who died in the line of duty. Let that sink in. Adam Woodin shares his struggle with alcoholism, his own thoughts of suicide, and how he…
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Wednesday Burn 007 – The Clock
Does a sub 2 minute Combat time predict with certainty a good performance on the fire ground? Do the fastest times on the day’s WOD transfer over to the fastest times on the fire ground? We burn with Zac Varela (Episode 18) about not over-valuing the clock in training, and getting away from the...
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Episode 042 – Howard Rinewalt
Episode 042 – Howard Rinewalt is the Fire Chief of East Montgomery County (TX) Fire Department and Owner of FD Tactics, a Texas based fire training company, which conducts engine and truck company H.O.T. classes as well as a classroom lecture titled “When Seconds Count – We Count Seconds.” He has...
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Episode 041 – Dave Hageman
Episode 041 – Dave Hageman is a Captain with the Denver (CO) Fire Department. He is a West Point graduate, former Army Captain, and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a Systems Engineering degree from West Point, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins...
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Episode 040 – Stephen Tyler
Episode 040 – Fit To Fight Fire Podcast meets Refined By Fire Podcast. Stephen Tyler is the host of Refined By Fire, and is a member of Brothers in Battle. He is a backstep firefighter with Eagle (ID) Fire Department. In this episode, the hosts of each podcast interview each other on topics such…
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Episode 039 – Gary Lane
Episode 039 – Gary Lane is a fireman in Northeast Ohio, and has just over two decades of experience. He regularly instructs nationwide and will be at the Firemanship Conference in Portland in February 2019. With humility and humor, Gary takes us through his path in the fire service and how he...
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Episode 038 – Dave LeBlanc
Episode 038 – Dave LeBlanc is a Deputy Chief with the Harwich (MA) Fire Department. Dave entered the fire service in 1986 as a Call Firefighter with the Dennis Fire Department, and joined HFD in 1993. He writes regularly for Firefighter Nation and much of his material can also be found on…
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Wednesday Burn 006 – The Safety Campaign
Wednesday Burn 006 – The wrong way to safety is through inaction and risk avoidance. The right way to safety is through work, and work leads to competence. Enough with the Safety Campaign – we propose the Competence Campaign.
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Episode 037 – Matt Chan
Episode 037 – Matt Chan is a firefighter for North Metro Fire Rescue in suburban Denver, Colorado. His career path is unique in that he temporarily gave up his career as a firefighter to pursue Crossfit at the professional level. He finished 2nd at the 2012 Crossfit Games, and has four Top-10...
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Episode 036 – Craig Stalowy
Episode 036 – You were first introduced to Craig Stalowy on Episode 032 (the “Planned Parenthood” episode), but this time we discuss investing in the fire service, what responsibilities the senior man really has when it comes to teaching and mentoring, and the positive effects that an energetic...
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Episode 035 – Dennis Reilly
Episode 035 – Chief Dennis Reilly is a 44-year fire service veteran, and is currently the Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Davis (CA). He is a retired Battalion Chief from Cherry Hill Fire Department (NJ) and also spent more than six years as the Fire Chief of Sunrise Beach FPD (MO). In...
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Episode 034 – Chris Sleigher
Episode 034 – Chris Sleigher has served the Mesa (AZ) Fire and Medical Department for 20 years and is currently the Captain on Engine 210. Chris is a board member for FireNuggets.com, President of the F.O.O.L.S chapter in Arizona, and assists with Fire Training Toolbox. He also instructs…
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Episode 033 – Scott Thompson
Episode 033 – How do you retain firefighters you hire and train? Chief Scott Thompson of The Colony (TX) Fire Department says he accomplishes it through a culture centered around training, and “letting firemen be firemen.” He discusses how his members “want” to train, instead of “having” to…
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Episode 032 – Planned Parenthood, PTSD, & EAP
Episode 032 – On November 27, 2015, a mass shooting occurred in a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to nine. A police officer and two civilians were killed; five police officers and four civilians were injured. Craig...
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Episode 031 – JP Dinnell
Episode 031 – JP Dinnell is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. He spent nearly a decade in the SEAL Teams with three combat deployments. In Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006, with SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser, JP served as point man, machine gunner,...
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Episode 030 – James Johnson
Episode 030 – James Johnson has been with Vancouver (BC) Fire Rescue Services for 8 years, and travels throughout Canada and the U.S. to speak on building construction, in addition to hosting multiple podcast episodes on Fire Engineering’s Blog Talk Radio. We have a great discussion on the…
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Wednesday Burn 005 – Warehouse Mayday
Wednesday Burn 005 – Lost in a warehouse with zero visibility. Five hundred pound bales of cotton collapsing on you. Your partner runs out of air – then you run out of air. This is the experience of Lt. Phillip Grandon of Lubbock Fire Rescue who, with the help of a prepared RIT on the outside…
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Episode 029 – John Lovato Jr.
Episode 029 – John Lovato Jr. is the author of Fix Your Firehouse and the man behind Brotherhood Coaching. He is a career Captain with over 15 years of experience. We talk about how change starts with you, and how the path to success goes beyond being told “No” more than a few times. We also...
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Episode 028 – Rhonda Kelly
Episode 028 – May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and we talk with Rhonda Kelly. Rhonda spent 17 years with Aurora Fire Department and found a greater calling when she left the fire service to join the National Behavioral Health Innovation Center at the University of Colorado. She is...
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Episode 027 – Curt Isakson
Episode 027 – Chief Curt Isakson sits down with us to talk about the importance of leading at the company level, and how his mentors helped shape his career. We discuss the necessity of career long training, regardless of rank, and the need for honesty when debating fire ground tactics. Finally…
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Episode 026 – Aurora (CO) Theater Shooting
Episode 026 – John Spera, the co-founder of FTFF and the co-host of Lead Yourself, details his experience as a Fire Medic when he responded to the Century 16 Theater Shooting in Aurora, CO on July 20, 2012. Inside a chaotic scene, he talks about adapting and overcoming, making outside the box...
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Episode 025 – Ben Martin
Episode 025 – Ben Martin (Lieutenant – Henrico County Division of Fire) joins us again at Firehouse World in San Diego. We let the mics record our conversation as we touched on handling station issues at the lowest level, placing members in positions for which they have no desire, the importance…
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Episode 024 – Adam La Reau
Episode 024 – Adam La Reau is the Co-Founder of O2X and a former Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy SEALs who began his military career as a Midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Having left active duty in August 2013, Adam attended the Harvard Kennedy School of...
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Wednesday Burn 004 – No One Cares
Wednesday Burn 004 – In a world full of excuses and justifications for why things don’t get done, remind yourself that no one really cares. The job either gets done or it doesn’t; no one cares about the excuses, only the results.
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Episode 023 – Ryan Michler
Episode 023 – Ryan Michler is the founder of Order of Man, a community and resource created to help all men become better. Better at self-mastery to family, from money to contribution, and everywhere in between. He is a father, husband, and Iraqi Combat Veteran and shares his insight to what…
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Episode 022 – Ben Martin
Episode 022 – Introspection. Balance. Intentional Action. These are all good leadership practices for any firefighter, not just a promoted officer. Ben Martin, the man behind Embrace the Resistance discusses these while touching on his class, Intoxicated Leadership. Ben is a Lieutenant with the...
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Episode 021 – Brian Olson
Episode 021 – Brian Olson is a member of Eagle (ID) Fire Department and is part of the training group Brothers In Battle. We discuss how Brian came to be involved with this group, and why humility is a huge part of creating buy-in on the training ground. We touch on the importance of realistic...
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Wednesday Burn 003 – The Journey
Wednesday Burn 003 – Brian Olson previews his upcoming podcast with FTFF by talking about how it’s not as much about the finish line as it is about the journey in getting there. Learn more about Brian here.
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Episode 020 – Ric Jorge
Episode 020 – Suicide. PTSD. Drug and alcohol abuse. These are all affecting many first responders’ lives and well-being, and Ric Jorge has dealt with all of them throughout his career as a firefighter. He shares his personal story of how his perfect world crumbled right in front of him. But he...
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Episode 019 – Listener’s Podcast
Episode 019 – In this episode, we respond to questions submitted by our listeners. We discuss tips for getting hired, being successful in the academy, and creating buy-in as a junior firefighter. We also touch on exercises and equipment that have worked well for us in preparation for the fire...
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Episode 018 – Zac Varela
Episode 018 – Zac Varela is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, and an Engineer for Aurora (CO) Fire Rescue. Over the years, the engineer role has taken on many different roles and responsibilities, but Zac shares what he expects of himself in this position. We cover a wide range of topics in...
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Episode 017 – Jason Hoevelmann
Episode 017 – Jason Hoevelmann is a Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal with the Sullivan Fire Protection District, a combination department, and a career Captain and Training Officer with the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District (MO). His experience spans more than 20 years and he has been an...
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Episode 016 – Brian Brush
Episode 016 – Brian Brush, an 18-year veteran of the fire service, is a firefighter at Edmond (OK) Fire Rescue. Prior to Edmond, Brian was a Lieutenant with West Metro Fire Rescue (CO). Brian shares why he got into the fire service and why he made the decision to move departments. It takes...
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Episode 015 – Hunter Hackbarth
Episode 015 – We talk with our former Training Chief, Hunter Hackbarth, on the topic of leading a cadre, which at times means just facilitating or simply getting out of the way. We touch on the importance of pride around the fire station and throughout the department, and how failure should be...
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Episode 014 – Eric Schultz
Episode 014 – On May 18, 2017, Firefighter Scott Deem passed away while operating on a 4-alarm fire with San Antonio Fire Department. Eric Schultz was an academy brother of FF Deem and discusses that tragic night as well as the effects it has had on him and the department following the LODD. We...
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Episode 014 Xtra – Eric Schultz – Uncut
Episode 014 Xtra (Uncut) – A short collection of thoughts that surrounded Eric and I’s conversation on Episode 014. Maybe it will prompt some discussion around your firehouse, or with your brothers and sisters.
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Wednesday Burn 002 – Would You Want You Instructing You?
Wednesday Burn 002 – What is the level of instruction that every recruit deserves? What creates buy-in within an academy or a crew as an officer or an instructor? Why do some leaders tell you what to do, but don’t always show you what to do? What do recruits expect from an instructor? We answer…
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Episode 013 – IFP: Increasing Fire Ground Performance
Episode 013 – Increasing Fire Ground Performance (IFP) is Fit To Fight Fire’s training protocol. If you are looking to get better at the craft and are looking to replicate performing under stress on the fire ground, then look no further. We talk about the evolution of this program at our…
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Episode 012 – Tim Sendelbach
Episode 012 – Tim Sendelbach is a 30-year student and educator of the fire and emergency services, currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief for Firehouse. He is responsible for the content and editorial direction of Firehouse® Magazine, Firehouse.com, Firehouse Expo, and Firehouse World. He has...
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Episode 011 – Jeff Clark
Episode 011 – Jeff Clark has been the Fire Chief at East Side Fire & Rescue (WA) since February of 2016. Prior to that, he spent 25 years with Chandler (AZ) Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become that organization’s Fire Chief in 2008. Chief Clark introduces a recruiting model that…
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Episode 010 – Jim Smith
Episode 010 – After 40 years with Aurora Fire Rescue, Jim Smith retired earlier this year. Jim physically outperformed the majority of firefighters he worked with up until his last shift. He takes us through his calling as a firefighter, his comeback from what most said was a career-ending…
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Episode 009 – Justin McWilliams
Episode 009 – Justin McWilliams of Clackamas Fire District (OR) talks about creating a search culture and why we search. More importantly, he discusses his journey in becoming a better firefighter, which is centered around shelving his own ego everyday. We also touch on the importance of mentors...
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Episode 008 – Jarrod Sergi
Episode 008 – Jarrod Sergi is a Lieutenant with Norfolk Fire Rescue and is assigned to Ladder Company 7 following time on one of the city’s busiest Engine Companies. He also served a tour in the Training Division as a Fire Academy Coordinator. Prior to working for the City of Norfolk, Jarrod…
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Wednesday Burn 001 – Running On The Fire Ground
Wednesday Burn 001 – One of the most polarizing topics on social media is whether or not to run on the fire ground. Some buy in to it, some don’t. We burn on the topic to provide some clarity and thoughts. Sponsored by Paul Conway Fire (paulconwayshields.com)
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Episode 007 – Mark vonAppen
Episode 007 – Mark vonAppen is the man behind Fully Involved, the blog that has become an integral part of the fire service revolution to promote improved leadership, culture, and morale. He is a Captain with Palo Alto (CA) Fire Department and tells us how it all started for him. We discuss...
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Episode 006 – Dave McGrail
Episode 006: Dave McGrail is an Assistant Chief with Denver Fire Department and is best known for his experience with high-rise operations. Chief McGrail talks about the importance of being engaged in the fire service every day and eliminating complacency. We discuss bringing your “A” game to…
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Episode 005 – Michael Snodgrass
Episode 005: Michael Snodgrass is the creator of FireXTalk, the founder of AggressiveFirefighter.com, and teaches regularly at the Randy Carpenter Memorial Firefighter Survival School. He is a Lieutenant with Gresham (OR) Fire Department, and has 25 years of experience in the fire service. FTFF...
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Episode 004 – Jim Moss & Dan Kerrigan
Episode 004: Jim Moss and Dan Kerrigan, the authors of Firefighter Functional Fitness, join us to discuss the 4 Pillars concept within their book, how to promote a culture of fitness within your department, tips for dealing with sleep deprivation, and finding the motivation and discipline to...
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Episode 003 – Frank Viscuso
Episode 003: Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso of Kearny (NJ) Fire Department is the author of Step Up & Lead and speaks nationally on leadership and officer development. He discusses the contagious effects of positive and negative environments around the firehouse, the importance of leading yourself...
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Episode 002 – Kevin Shea
Episode 002: Kevin Shea joined the fire service is 1978 as a volunteer and then joined FDNY in 1984. He served on Engine 227 and Ladder 108 in Brooklyn, and Rescue 1 in Manhattan. He retired in 1998 due to injuries, but is still involved in the fire service today through speaking and consulting...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Belief - Mindset - Performance
HOSTED BY
John Spera & Tom Johnson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vita have?
Vita currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vita about?
Belief - Mindset - Performance
How often does Vita release new episodes?
Vita has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Who hosts Vita?
Vita is created and hosted by John Spera & Tom Johnson.
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