Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast

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Listen in on the true stories of the first responders from the Chicagoland area and across the country as they tell the story in their own words. Get a peek behind the curtain of the men and women who show up on your worst day sometimes risking their own lives in process. Unscripted and heartfelt a…

Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast


    • May 9, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 18m AVG DURATION
    • 125 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast is a captivating and informative podcast that delves into the real-life experiences of firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Chicago. As a listener, I was immediately drawn in by the engaging delivery style of the hosts and their ability to create a genuine conversation with their guests. Each episode provides an intimate look into the world of these brave frontline workers, allowing listeners to truly understand the challenges they face on a daily basis.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to present these stories in a relatable and accessible manner. The hosts have a talent for asking thought-provoking questions that allow their guests to share their experiences authentically. This creates a sense of intimacy between the listener and the storyteller, making each episode feel like a personal conversation rather than just an interview. I appreciate how the podcast humanizes these heroes, shedding light on their triumphs, struggles, and sacrifices.

    Additionally, The Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast provides valuable insights into the world of firefighting and emergency medical services. Listeners are able to learn about different techniques, protocols, and challenges faced by these professionals, giving them a deeper understanding and appreciation for their work. The podcast also highlights important aspects such as self-care for first responders, addressing the mental health impact of this demanding career.

    However, one minor drawback of this podcast is that there could be more episodes available. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed listening to each episode, I found myself eagerly awaiting new releases. It would be fantastic if the podcast could provide more frequent content to keep listeners engaged and satisfy our appetite for these inspiring stories.

    In conclusion, The Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast is an outstanding show that immerses listeners in the remarkable world of firefighters and emergency medical technicians in Chicago. Through its engaging delivery style and genuine conversations, it provides an intimate look into their experiences while offering valuable insights into their profession. Despite wishing for more episodes, I highly recommend this podcast to anyone interested in gaining a new perspective and appreciation for these brave frontline workers.



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    Latest episodes from Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast

    Episode 75: Nick Bostic pt 2 pizza delivery guy turned hero

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 43:31


    special co-hosts Josh Hill and Damien Cuppello sit down with Vince and guest Nick Bostic. Nick was driving when he found a house on fire, Nick entered the house and rescued 3 girls from the flames before having to jump out of the 2nd story window with a little girl in his arms

    Episode 75: Pt1 with Nick Bostic, Nick is the pizza delivery guy turned hero after he rescued 4 girls from a house fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 63:48


    special co-hosts Josh Hill and Damien Cuppello sit down with Vince and guest Nick Bostic. Nick was driving when he found a house on fire, Nick entered the house and rescued 3 girls from the flames before having to jump out of the 2nd story window with a little girl in his arms

    Episode 74: with Ron Rufo retired Chicago Police Officer and author of "Breaking the barriers"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 77:19


    Vince talks to Ron Rufo, retired chicago police officer and author of the book "breaking the barriers" which looks into first responders mental health and wellness

    Episode 73 Jimmy Scharnhorst Pt 2" never miss an opportunity to shut the f***k up"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 44:18


    part 2 with Jimmy Scharnhorst a Chicagoland institution since 1979

    Episode 73 Jimmy Scharnhorst Pt bc 1 " never miss an opportunity to shut the f***k up"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 74:40


    Jimmy Scharnhorst sits down with the guys and talks about the fire service, Jimmy has been an institution in the chicagoland area since entering the fire service in 1979

    Episode 72: Pt2 with Max Austin retired Cicero lieutenant

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 76:12


    part 2 with Max Austin retired lieutenant with the Cicero Fire Department. listen to the conclusion of the mayday just before his retirement and his run in with the late rapper Coolio

    Episode 72 : Pt 1 with retired Cicero Firefighter Max Austin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 62:46


    Vince and Corey sit down with 20 year veteran of the Cicero fire department Max Austin.

    Episode 71: Part 2 w/ actor David Eigenberg from the TV show Chicago Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 48:26


    CBSP sits down with actor David Eigenberg who plays Christopher Herrmann in the popular TV show Chicago Fire. David is also know for his role as Steve in the show sex and the city.

    Episode 71: actor David Eigenberg from the TV show Chicago Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 77:31


    CBSP sits down with actor David Eigenberg who plays Christopher Herrmann in the popular TV show Chicago Fire. David is also know for his role as Steve in the show sex and the city.

    Episode 70: Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken from the Finley forever foundation Pt2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 91:22


    Vince sits down with Chief Rich Stack and Capt Dan Bracken. Rich and Dan represent the Finley Forever Foundation which supports the children and families suffering from cancer. Named after Dan"s daughter Finley who passed on 9/11/2020, the foundation has provided financial support along with so much more for so many families

    Episode 70: Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken from the Finley forever foundation Pt1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2024 72:14


    Vince sits down with Chief Rich Stack and Capt Dan Bracken. Rich and Dan represent the Finley Forever Foundation which supports the children and families suffering from cancer. Named after Dan"s daughter Finley who passed on 9/11/2020, the foundation has provided financial support along with so much more for so many families

    Episode 69: Pt. 2 W/ AFFI president Chuck Sullivan and Vice President Luke Howieson

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 75:35


    Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois president Chuck Sullivan and vice President Luke Howieson talk about the on going battle down state with tier 1 and tier memberships. if your are a public servant in Illinois then you need to listen to this podcast because it directly affects you pension and retirement.

    Episode 69: AFFI president Chuck Sullivan and Vice President Luke Howieson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 63:35


    Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois president Chuck Sullivan and vice President Luke Howieson talk about the on going battle down state with tier 1 and tier memberships. if your are a public servant in Illinois then you need to listen to this podcast because it directly affects you pension and retirement.

    Episode 68 : Pt2 with FF/PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire/ Riverwoods FD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 59:36


    Steve and Vince sit down with FF?PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire /RIverwoods Fire Department. Alex is a former collegiate athlete and played arena football for the Thunder and the Rush. Alex and his guys had a save in April of this year and talks about the training and preparation that led to the grab.

    Episode 68 : Pt1 with FF/PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire/ Riverwoods FD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 58:58


    Steve and Vince sit down with FF?PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire /RIverwoods Fire Department. Alex is a former collegiate athlete and played arena football for the Thunder and the Rush. Alex and his guys had a save in April of this year and talks about the training and preparation that led to the grab.

    Episode 67: Pt 2 Dave Hoppe ,Steve Brandt and Phil Zaleski from children's burn camp "Camp I am Me"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2024 75:19


    Dave Hoppe Steven Brandt and Phil Zaleski from "Camp I am me" a children's burn join CBSP to talk about the amazing work being done for the children at Camp I am me.

    Episode 67: Dave Hoppe ,Steve Brandt and Phil Zaleski from the children's burn camp "Camp I am Me"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2024 71:03


    Dave Hoppe Steven Brandt and Phil Zaleski from "Camp I am me" a children's burn join CBSP to talk about the amazing work being done for the children at Camp I am me.

    Episode 66: Pt2 Captain Al Ortiz former pro boxer and member of the Chicago Fire Department

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 47:43


    part 2 with Captain Al Ortiz member of the Chicago Fire Department and new owner of the Battle Of the Badges tells his story from pro boxer to CFD Captain.

    Episode 66: Pt 1 Capt Al Ortiz, pro boxer and owner of Chicago Battle Of the Badges

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2024 68:22


    captain Al Ortiz member of the Chicago and new owner of the Battle Of the Badges tells his story from pro boxer to CFD Captain.

    Episode 65: Pt 2 Ron Sarno survivor of the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire 1958

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 58:53


    Ron Sarno survived the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire in 1958 at the age of 10 years old. Ron lost his brother and sister in that fire. Ron would go on to battle addiction and mental health issues for many years after the fire before overcoming his addictions and seeking help. Ron has been clean and sober for many years now and is a grandfather now. Rons life is a lesson in resiliency and perserverance.

    Episode 65: Pt1 Ron Sarno survivor of the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire 1958

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2024 58:45


    Ron Sarno survived the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire in 1958 at the age of 10 years old. Ron lost his brother and sister in that fire. Ron would go on to battle addiction and mental health issues for many years after the fire before overcoming his addictions and seeking help. Ron has been clean and sober for many years now and is a grandfather now. Rons life is a lesson in resiliency and perserverance.

    Episode 64: Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2024 129:15


    CBSP sit down with Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd . Clay is the commander of training for the Chicago Fire Department at the historic Quinn Fire Academy and Mike has been an instructor with Clay for more than a few academy classes. Clay and Mike are assigned to T20 “America's truck” in Engelwood, located on the city's south side

    Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 73:40


    CBSP sit down with Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd . Clay is the commander of training for the Chicago Fire Department at the historic Quinn Fire Academy and Mike has been an instructor with Clay for more than a few academy classes. Clay and Mike are assigned to T20 “America's truck” in Engelwood, located on the city's south side

    Episode 63: Part 2 with Pat Kehoe and Billy "hitman" Heenan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2023 91:52


    Billy "Hitman" Heenan returns to CBS with long time friend and Chief Pat Kehoe. Pat is a retired Battalion Chief from the Chicago Fire Department with 36 years on the job.

    Episode 63: Part 1 with Pat Kehoe and Billy "hitman" Heenan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 70:10


    Billy "Hitman" Heenan returns to CBS with long time friend and Chief Pat Kehoe. Pat is a retired Battalion Chief from the Chicago Fire Department with 36 years on the job.

    Episode 62: Part 2 with Tony Ferraris Firefighter with Squad 2 and actor on the TV show Chicago Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 63:33


    Tony Ferraris is a Chicago Firefighter with Squad 2 and an actor on the TV drama series "Chicago Fire". listen to Tonys close call on the city's west side and how luck played a part on getting on the TV show "Chicago Fire"

    Episode 62: Part 1 with Tony Ferraris Firefighter with Squad 2 and actor on the TV show Chicago Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 69:28


    Tony Ferraris is a Chicago Firefighter with Squad 2 and an actor on the TV drama series "Chicago Fire". listen to Tonys close call on the city west side and how luck played a part on getting on the TV show "Chicago Fire"

    Roll Call with Kory Pearn publisher of CRACKYL Magazine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 60:48


    Vince talks to publisher of the magazine CRACKYL Kory Pearn, Kory is a career fire fighter in Canada and after a health issue decided to give back to the first responder community and start a Magazine to help firefighter lifestyle and health.

    Episode 61: Juan Gonzales recipient of the State Fire Marshal Medal of Honor 2022

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 92:22


    Steve and Vince talk to Juan Gonzales, 8 year member of the Chicago Fire Department and Army Veteran. Juan received the States Fire Marshal Medal of Honor for his actions at a fire on February 21st 2022. Juan also own Ape-x universe gym in Elmwood Park IL.

    Episode 60: Blue Island Chief and Marine Corp veteran Joey Olson Pt 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 51:14


    Part 2 with Chief Joey Olson from Blue Island, Joey served in the Iraq war before joining the fire service. Listen to the stories while Chief Olson recounts his tour of duty has a Marine and his career in public service.

    Episode 60: Blue Island Chief and Marine Corp veteran Joey Olson Pt 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2023 76:29


    Vince and Corey sit down with Chief Joey Olson from Blue Island, Joey served in the Iraq war before joining the fire service. Listen to the stories while Chief Olson recounts his tour of duty has a Marine and his career in public service.

    Episode 59: YOU FOUND HIM, Brian Quinn FDNY who had a rescue of a woman dangling from the 16th floor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2023 74:10


    2 days after asking the listeners for help locating a fireman in New York CBSP received a message "what's up? Im the from ladder 30". On September 1 2020 Brian Quinn went out the window for a roof rope rescue to grab a woman pushed out of her apartment from fire standing on the outside ledge on the 16th floor.

    Episode 58: origin and cause PT 2 with OFI Director of training Billy Granat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2023 83:46


    Vince and Corey talk investigations with seasoned investigator Billy Granat. Billy is the Director of training for a large city's Office of fire investigation.

    Episode 58: origin and cause PT 1 with OFI Director of training Billy Granat

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2023 72:17


    Vince and Corey talk investigations with seasoned investigator Billy Granat. Billy is the Director of training for a large city's Office of fire investigation.

    Episode 57: state of Illinois Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Haemker from the Bradley FD

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2023 119:16


    Vince and Corey sit down with Kyle Haemker and Drew Walters from Bradley FD. Kyle was awarded the Illinois state fire marshal Medal of Honor for his actions on December 14th 2022 when he jumped into a pond to save an elderly man trapped in a vehicle

    Episode 56: Pt 2 Chris Fields, Oklahoma City FF from the iconic photo of the Oklahoma City bombing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 74:35


    Pt 2 with Chris Fields whos image was captured at the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. Chris's image holding baby Baylee in his arms would become the symbol for that tragic event. Chris talks about how that iconic photo effected his life and talks about his residency to overcome the mental effects to follow

    Episode 56: Pt 1 Chris Fields, Oklahoma City FF from the iconic photo of the Oklahoma City bombing

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2023 56:50


    The guys sit down with Chris Fields, retired Oklahoma City FF who's iconic photo of him holding a lifeless baby in his arms became synonymous with the bombing of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19th 1995. Chris talks about his career and how the photo effected him both positive and negative.

    Episode 55: Pt 2 with FF/PM Greg Bagdade author of the book "Mental health Mayday"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2023 62:17


    part 2 with Engineer/Paramedic Greg Bagdade author of "mental health mayday"

    Episode 55: Prt 1 Greg Bagdade FF/PM and mental health counselor "How can we help?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 58:40


    the guys talk to Greg Bagdade, who is a 22 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department and mental health counselor. we talk about his career and his own struggles. Greg tells how we can help each other in light of the growing numbers of suicide and mental health issues in the first responder community.

    Episode 54: Director and Producer of the documentary "Burn" and "Burn X" Tom Putnam

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2022 66:01


    Talking to Tom Putnam, Producer and Director of the documentary "Burn" and "Burn X". Tom and the guys talk about the making of the Burn docs and the upcoming projects Tom is working on including a documentary about Paramedics across the country.

    Episode 53: Mike Manchester and Jenni Yokas talk Stache Bash

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2022 104:37


    Mike and Jenni are members of The Chicago Fire Department and founders of the Stache Bash which promotes prostate cancer awareness and supports cancer charities with Ignite the spirit. listen to how these Mike and Jenni raise money and support with creepy mustaches.

    Episode 52: PT 2 with former Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department James Joyce

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 123:44


    The guys sit down and talk a little history with former Commissioner of The Chicago Fire Department from December 15th 1999 to April 30th 2004.

    Roll call with Cook County Sherriff candidate and CPD officer Lupe Aguire

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022 48:30


    Get to know candidate for Cook County Sherriff and CPD officer Lupe Aguire. We talk to Lupe about everything from his acting with Vince Vaughn to his views about the state of Cook County and his plans to make the county better

    Episode 52: PT 1 with former Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department James Joyce

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 60:21


    The guys sit down and talk a little history with former Commissioner of The Chicago Fire Department from December 15th 1999 to April 30th 2004.

    Episode 51 : The wives of Shield 23

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 88:40


    Sit down with Shenan, Jen and Sarah, 3 women from the non profit organization Shield 23 all of whom had husbands in the fire service who battled cancer and now offer amazing insight and advice for anyone going through this battle. Shield 23 provides support, financially, spiritually and everything in between so firefighters and their families can navigate their battle with cancer.

    Episode 50: Pt.2 Sammy Vega of Cal City Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2022 72:33


    The Crew sits down with Sammy Vega from Calumet City Fire Department. We talk about how Sammy got into the fire service, his military career, and what it means to be an "All in Mother F***er"

    Episode 50: Sammy Vega of Cal City Fire

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 100:30


    The Crew sits down with Sammy Vega from Calumet City Fire Department. We talk about how Sammy got into the fire service, his military career, and what it means to be an "All in Mother F***er"

    Episode 49: Part 2, Firefighter Mitch Huner Owner and Designer of Fire Maul

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 86:23


    The Crew interviews Firefighter Mitch Huner, Owner and designer of Fire Maul Tools. Mitch talks about his learning experience designing, developing, and manufacturing fire department specific hand tools. The Crew discusses his time as a DOD firefighter, and how he got involved in PFAS and cancer research.

    Episode 49: Part 1, Firefighter Mitch Huner Owner and Designer of Fire Maul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 67:48


    The Crew interviews Firefighter Mitch Huner, Owner and designer of Fire Maul Tools. Mitch talks about his learning experience designing, developing, and manufacturing fire department specific hand tools. The Crew discusses his time as a DOD firefighter, and how he got involved in PFAS and cancer research.

    Episode 48: Part 2 with Ron Smith of the Gary FD and creator of "training seconds"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2022 84:58


    Part 2 with Ron Smith of the Gary IN Fire Department. Ron recalls a "near death" situation at a fire where he almost gave up after becoming disoriented and out of air.

    Episode 48: Part 1 with Ron Smith of the Gary FD and creator of "training seconds"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 62:00


    part 1 with Ron Smith of the Gary IN Fire Department. Listen how Ron got Started in the fire service and some of the decisions that would change his life.

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