Couplings Fire Podcast

Join me for Car Chronicles.   Is there ever a good time to break the rules? No, I'm not talking about going rogue, but going against the basic rules of the fire service & fire suppression. I think there is. Let's dig in. **Don't take any episode - ESPECIALLY THIS ONE - out of context. What's best for your department needs to be discussed between you, your officers, and your department.** Are you like me - where when you take long drives to conferences or other destinations, your brain just... runs?  You find yourself on a topic, can't stop thinking about it, get completely fired up, and want to talk to someone right then?  Yeah - it happens to me a lot.  So, I introduce you to Car Chronicles.  The audio isn't the best, but the content is straight from my heart.  No notes - just solid stream of consciousness and a look into how my brain works & processes topics. ________________________________________________ As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Bill Grossnicklaus is back as he amends a statement he made in the previous episode. Here at the Couplings Fire Podcast, we value transparency and honesty - so we are happy to bring this update to you by Bill himself. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Alas, one more interview that was recorded last year but never ended up getting published. Well, it's about time. Bill Grossnicklaus feels like an old friend, though we've only known each other for a couple of years. If you're looking for a hands-on, into the job, tech rescue loving Nebraska fire chief - you've come to the right place. Starting at basic ropes, going into grain bins, swift water, diving, and more - you're in for a ton of information this week. We end the episode with a great segment of Family Firefighter Survival - going over so much, including how balancing our time away from family may have an impact on our kid's views on the fire service. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Join me for Car Chronicles.   This episode, we're getting into Saying No. Do we stretch ourselves too thin that we leave ourselves ragged and in no shape to give anyone our best? I have some thoughts.  Let's dig in. Are you like me - where when you take long drives to conferences or other destinations, your brain just... runs?  You find yourself on a topic, can't stop thinking about it, get completely fired up, and want to talk to someone right then?  Yeah - it happens to me a lot.  So, I introduce you to Car Chronicles.  The audio isn't the best, but the content is straight from my heart.  No notes - just solid stream of consciousness and a look into how my brain works & processes topics. ________________________________________________ As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

It's time for another Fireflix & Chill.     Let's get into a TV show this time: Tacoma F.D. Join us every month or two (or whenever we want to chill) for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie/show, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all.  Do you agree with what we think?  Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't?  What's the next show we should watch? Let us know!   ___________________________________________________ As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Pessimism is a common thread in the first responder industry - and sometimes I get so sick of it! We have the privilege to do this job, so let's act like it. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Part 2 with Kyle Straight! This episode, we get into all things F.O.O.L.S. (Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society). What are they about, is there a chapter near you, how do you join, and even more questions will be asked and answered. Be ready for plenty of rabbit trails - Kyle and I just can't help ourselves! As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Today, I dig out an interview I recorded last summer that sadly never ended up getting published. Well, it's about time. Kyle Straight joins me to talk shop on fire life and go into some of our favorite conferences we've attended. We end the episode with a great segment of Family Firefighter Survival - going over so much, including how *not* to get divorced while going to paramedic school. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

It's been a minute.... I've been gone a while and much longer than I would have ever thought, but God's been doing work in the trenches that required my full attention. Come with me on a journey through my version of Faith, Family, Fire and why I'm coming back to the podcast world. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Welp, life happens. I planned on relaunching the podcast today, but alas - it will have to wait until tomorrow. Join me then!

Ready to chase those pesky rabbits? I have the perfect guest to take us on this journey: David Pruitt. Such a great talk - we had to break it into 2 episodes! Some topics here in part 2: NFPA 1403, Does it scare you enough to train?, Disorientation & Discomfort, Fire history dive, The condition determines your position, Learn your partner's search language, How to show fire to your students, Know your niche, Comparing house to victim to suspects, Making conversations the norm, - and we end it all out with another fantastic, deep segment of Family Firefighter Survival. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: ⁠linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Ready to chase those pesky rabbits? I have the perfect guest to take us on this journey: David Pruitt. Such a great talk - we had to break it into 2 episodes! Some topics here in part 1: How David got into the fire service, purposeful training, Vetting information, Fire WANTS to consume you, Completion is what matters, The fire service is hard to get into but easy to stay, How we value our firefighters, Find the moments of truth, Laying your heart on the line, Call volume vs call quality, Making every call a fire call, and more. Part 2 with David will be coming next week! As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, Kathy Edwards & Tracy McCart join me to talk all about a little idea they had that turned into a widespread community of spouses helping spouses: Fire Wife Life. The fire life can be hard to navigate at times, and whether you are a spouse or firefighter tuning in, there are tons of nuggets to grab out of this episode to apply to your relationship. Let's dig in. Connect with Fire Wife Life at www.firewifelife.org. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

I'm in a place where I know I need to recommit to things: from the podcast to my family, church to the fire department. Getting back into the swing of things when you've been away for so long can be daunting. Sometimes all it takes are small steps every day to get back to where you were. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠ Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Join me for an experiment. Before I gave birth to my son, I was curious about how hard or easy it would be to put family first when it came to the fire service: conferences to fire calls to job opportunities, and everything in between. Would my priorities flip like a switch due to hormones? Would I have the most agonizing FOMO or guilt? I wanted answers. So, I sat down and recorded my thoughts 1 week before my due date - and then I recorded the 2nd half 8 weeks after. This episode gets real, deep, and emotional. I find thoughts I didn't know I had and take on struggles I didn't know I'd face - all in real time. Firefighters: If you want a chance to open up about why family first is hard, this episode is for you. Spouses: If you want to know why your firefighters have a hard time saying no to fire things, listen in. It's sure to be eye opening. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

You know the saying: "If you do a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life." Yep - it's another one of those episodes - I have a different take on this common phrase. I say: If you do a job you love, you'll work HARDER than you ever have in your life. With that love comes drive, frustration, fulfillment, and strain. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠⁠     YouTube: ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Let's get deep. Have you ever felt an overwhelming, neverending, reckless love? The kind of love that chases you down to bring you back home - no matter how far you've stepped off the path? The fire service is top notch at going to great lengths to save Mrs. Smith, but what about our own? What about the firefighter who everyone has already written off? You know who I mean: the firefighter always causing problems, making all the wrong choices, and on their way out the door. They deserve someone to go the extra mile for them - and they deserve that someone to be you. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠     YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Getting back into regular episodes, this week I talk with Nick Magoteaux with Brothers Helping Brothers. We have SO MANY good discussions around his experience in a police explorer program, working dispatch, firefighting, the Brothers Helping Brothers mission, and the upcoming Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference held in Exotic Beavercreek, Ohio every October. We end the episode with our staple segment, Family Firefighter Survival - this time digging into Nick's new adventure of becoming a dad. Brothers Helping Brothers: www.brothershelpingbrothers.org Conference information:https://events.brothershelpingbrothers.org/ffhw2023/ Get ready for an inside look at an extremely cool, effective, and useful tool in the fire service: The Williams Key.  Trevor and I get into his testing journey for the fire service, the tools he is creating to help firefighting operations, and - as always - Family Firefighter Survival. See the Williams Key for yourself here:⁠www.williamskey.com⁠ As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!⁠www.FlameDecon.com ⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠     YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Happy Revenge of the 5th, everybody! Yep - that's right - I had to take advantage of all the Star Wars references with my podcast returning to its' regularly scheduled weekly episodes. Join me this week as I go over a little of how motherhood is going, some struggles adjusting to this new life, and a look at where the podcast is headed. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!           Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠     YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Yep, you read the title right - I'm starting my maternity leave from the podcast early. I've been absent for a little while, due to some complications with the pregnancy. Everything's fine, but family comes first here, so that means taking a break from the "extras" of life and going to enjoy the last couple weeks of pregnancy & snuggling my newborn when he arrives. Don't worry - I'll be back with NEW weekly episodes again starting May 5th! As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!         Get Official Podcast Merch at ⁠couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com⁠ For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! ⁠www.FlameDecon.com⁠ Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast  ⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast⁠     YouTube: ⁠www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Oh yes - another series is coming to the podcast! Join me for Car Chronicles. Are you like me - where when you take long drives to conferences or other destinations, your brain just... runs? You find yourself on a topic, can't stop thinking about it, get completely fired up, and want to talk to someone right then? Yeah - it happens to me a lot. So, I introduce you to Car Chronicles. The audio isn't the best (I hope to invest in a lapel mic to make future segments of this better), but the content is straight from my heart. No notes, less than 5 minutes of prep - just solid stream of consciousness and a look into how my brain works & processes topics. This episode, we're getting into Tunnel Vision. Yeah - you know tunnel vision from the fireground, but what about when driving or even in day to day life? Can focusing so hard on our end goals really be a bad thing or get in the way? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

As first responders, we are pulled and stretched into so many directions - simply because people "need" us. This is a building block of who we are and why many of us do the job. But, what happens when those responsibilities pile up, eating more and more of our time, energy, and soul - to the point of damaging our lives? Do we leave those who are relying on us hanging? Does this actually effect our families too? Join me as I dig into the dilemma we face every day. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Get ready for an inside look at an extremely cool, effective, and useful tool in the fire service: The Williams Key. Trevor and I get into his testing journey for the fire service, the tools he is creating to help firefighting operations, and - as always - Family Firefighter Survival. See the Williams Key for yourself here: www.williamskey.com As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Happy New Year! I'm not a fan of New Years Resolutions - so we get into something I'm trying this year - Anti Goals. What the heck are Anti Goals? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Join me as I get into some amazing tips and tricks with my friend Brandon Fletcher (Chief Fletcher - 901) about AFG Strategies for Success. Chief Fletcher is one of those who volunteer their time to evaluate and score the applications that are received by AFG - part of the process that determines if your grant is selected - which means he knows better than many what works and what usually doesn't. We don't go over all of the steps to make sure you spelled your name right or have your SAM account - you can get that anywhere. We focus on the narrative section, priority lists, and what evaluators are actually looking at and for. Stay tuned through to the entire episode for tips all the way till we sign off. Whether you are applying this year or in future years, this is one episode you will want to download to listen to and reference more than once. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Are you ready for a different type of episode this week? You're in for a ride. Join me and my good friend, Logan Watts, as we get into the age old debate of Standards vs Excellence. There is no right or wrong opinion for this topic - our goal is to get you to think and really understand the different ways this can be approached. When we are able to look at things from all sides, we increase our ability to make better decisions and set up ourselves, fellow firefighters, and crews up for success. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Merry Christmas, Everybody! This week, I'm joined by my husband, Chris, and Rob Ridley from National Fire Radio! Join us as we dig into our 2022 Christmas Lists. There are no rules for our lists, so get ready for some fun, laughter, and rabbit trails on what we would like for the fire service this year. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Here we go again - ready for another episode where I combing several of my loves together into one? You're in the right spot! What do the fire service, Disney, and Star Wars have in common? Choosing a successor, of course! Join me this week while I dive into some current events in the Walt Disney Company and how that got my brain churning of why the change up is such a relatable topic to the fire service, and how I believe we should be choosing successors and training future leaders in the fire service. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, I'm joined by Dennis Reilly for some amazing conversations, chasing that poor rabbit till it's completely tuckered out. From his journey of getting into the fire service to retirement and everywhere in between (and even beyond), this is an episode chalked full of stories and life lessons. Of course, we end the episode with a segment of Family Firefighter Survival and see just what it takes to make a marriage last - and thrive - through an entire career. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Are you guys ready for a new episode series?? I introduce to you: The Pregnancy Files. When I found out I was pregnant back a few months ago, I scoured the internet for tips and advice on firefighter pregnancies - but was pretty unsuccessful. Yes, there were some resources out there, but nothing on what I wanted to know. So, I decided to take it into my own hands - If I couldn't find what I was looking for, I was going to make something for the next firefighters who have them same questions as I do. Join me in real time as I navigate the emotions, questions, and hard decisions that come with being pregnant as an active firefighter. Stay tuned in the coming months for episodes that continue the journey - all the way through the finish line and beyond. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

I'm back from a small hiatus due to moving houses, but I'm ready to record in full force! This week, Dr. Sara Jahnke joins me in an amazing talk all about firefighter reproductive health.  With talk on pregnancy, miscarriages, sperm, hormones, and more - this podcast is not just for the ladies out there, or even just those looking to have kiddos around.  Hormones affect all of us - so come learn something new with me.  Let's dig in.   To find out more from today's episode: www.Science-Alliance.org (use code "coupling" to sign up for 1 year of free membership!!!) Email Dr. Sara Jahnke: jahnke@ndri-usa.org Watch Fire Engineering Webcast with Sara Jahnke As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions.  Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover?  Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook:  www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast     YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Hello for the 2nd installment of Fireflix and Chill. Chris is back and this time, we watch Backdraft 2.... and boy, was it a doozy. Join us every month or two for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all. Do you agree with what we think? Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't? What's the next movie we should watch? Let us know! As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

It's that time again. The last time I updated everyone on what life as a firewife was back in January when I talked about how the academy experience was like from my perspective. Well, my husband is now off of his probationary status and we've been tackling his new schedule out on the streets for about 10 months. So.... what's it been like? Have we finally gotten used to it? Did it take 3-6 months like we thought? Oh yeah - and I got some big news to share with you all. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

We are allowed to change our opinions. As we gather more information, times change, and our personal circumstances evolve, so may - and should - our opinions. Are we judging people based on something they did/said years ago, even when they are a different person now? Are we discrediting some who support an opposing view than their earlier years? Are we as people too worried about memorializing our words and image that we fail to stand our ground and push for something we believe in - all in the name to stay in "good light"? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Bonus Episode time!!! I was so honored to be asked by Jeremy Sanders to be a guest on the Crew 1st Culture podcast! "I'm joined today by my friend Taylor Anderson host of the Couplings Fire Podcast. Taylor talks about her journey that has brought her into the fire service and into becoming a podcast host. I enjoyed giving her the opportunity to be on the other side of the microphone this time and loved hearing her story."

"Anyone Can Cook" - I love this quote from Ratatouille. But what does it mean? Can anyone really cook? How does this have any ties into the fire service? Join me and all of my quirks as we dig into this topic. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Yep, that title caught you, didn't it? This week, let's get into the top points I took from my experiences in high school & college band that helped shape me into the firefighter I am today, and the reminder of what I want to be. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Join me and Adam Haywood from Independent Fire Training as we go into all things rotary saws! This subject is so niche, how and why did Adam decide to create a training company based off of this tool? Find out with me. Some of the subjects we touch on this week: Formative moments in our careers, why being a passionate instructor matters, how do you find out more about those nice subjects you're passionate about, why we love online lectures, rotary saws (uh, duh!), Family Firefighter Survival, and.... water cans?? Yes. Water cans. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

If you've been around the fire service for any length of time, I can almost guarantee you've heard the phrase "Water boils from the bottom." It's empowering, inspiring, and makes us feel invincible. Now, I don't think this is a bad phrase, but I do have a bone to pick with it and those of us (yes - me included) who use it. Are we truly understanding & vocalizing what this phrase entails before we use it as advice? Is who you're giving the advice to comprehending what you're telling them? Does any of that even matter? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, my friend Brandon Fletcher (Chief Fletcher 901) joins me for one of the most unscripted episodes ever. When I told him rabbit trails were encouraged, he took that to heart - and I'm thankful he did! Where did we go? Pursuing knowledge, never stop learning, make it happen, jealousy, resentment, quality over quantity, applying leadership principles of volunteer leadership to the career side, morale is a metric, change is required, Family Firefighter Survival and SO MUCH MORE. Come with us on this adventure. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

We're in the middle of some longer guest episodes and I wanted to give you something short, but very powerful to think about today: Do you take the time to "enjoy the sunsets"? As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Are you ready for something NEW?! This episode marks the beginning of a brand new series on the podcast: Fireflix and Chill. Would it surprise you to know that I have not seen very many fire movies and shows? I know, I know - I'm so into this fire life, it doesn't make any sense. Dude, I had never seen Backdraft before we recorded this episode! Oh yes...I said WE: Welcome back one of the OG's of the podcast - my husband, Chris! Join us every month or two for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all. Do you agree with what we think? Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't? What's the next movie we should watch? Let us know! As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, Corley Moore from Firehouse Vigilance joins me on the podcast to dig into - well, just about everything. I thought I loved rabbit trails and chasing squirrels... Corley is right there with me! Consistency, Introvert Power, Navigating Conflict, Promotion, Death by 1000 Cuts, Tradition, Family Firefighter Survival, and more..... The topics are real, the people are down to earth, and we are just speaking our minds. Come join us as we fight complacency with vigilance. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Join me as I talk with some amazing people in the fire service at Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake 2022 - at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Everyone in these mini episodes: - David Mellen & Ben Burbridge with Valor Fire Training www.valorfiretraining.com - Andy Soccodato with The Water Theives www.thewaterthieves.com - Kathy Edwards & Tracy McCart with Fire Wife Life www.firewifelife.org - Kyle Straight with Brew City FOOLS www.brewcityfools.com - Dennis Reilly with First Line Fire Service Training www.facebook.com/CHFDBC1303 - Jeremy Sanders with Crew 1st Culture www.crew1stculture.com - Chris Kessinger with Citizens First Fire Training www.citizensfirstfiretraining.com - Adam Haywood with Independent Fire Training www.independentfiretraining.com As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com

As this episode comes out, I'm currently at Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake in Missouri - no doubt having an absolute blast. While I was packing a few days ago, the quote I have on my folio that I keep my notebook in for conferences caught my eye: "Kick down doors for others to walk through." Yeah, it can seem silly to have this quote written on my folio for others to see, but this quote has an incredible meaning in my heart. This quote has helped push me to who I want to be and who I am on my way to becoming. No - it's not the macho, "I'm awesome and follow me". It's also not girl power, "I'm a girl in the fire service and I have to pave the way." This quote has a much deeper meaning than any of that. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

I was joined by Pip & Tracey (aka Mrs. Pip) and we had FUN. The rabbit trails are endless - and these are when you know things are coming from the heart, and some of the best conversations can be had. What happens when both spouses are in the "helping" world? Have you always been into fitness? Are family workouts easy? Do changes & problems come up after 18 years of marriage? How do you begin to work through those? Is Instagram like reality? Are balances of personalities needed in not just marriage, but friendships and work relationships too? We go through all of those questions and more. This episode has no official Family Firefighter Survival section - instead, the entire episode encompasses this segment of the show. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

We have a problem in the fire service, and this one is called Monday Morning Quarterbacking. You know - where someone sits and watches fire videos from fire departments running calls across the country & world, but they don't just watch - they bash & critique, throwing any sense of professionalism and decorum out the window. I can't stand people like this. But - more importantly - how do I make sure I myself don't slip into these episodes from time to time? Is there a difference between Monday Morning Quarterbacking these videos and actually learning from them? What do the two look like and how do we keep ourselves on a good path to get the most we can out of our time watching these videos? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, we go DEEP into something I knew basically nothing about: CBD. Jon Vought from Rescue 1 CBD joined me for an inside look at CBD for first responders. I had a great time and learned SO MUCH from someone who has gone above and beyond to do the research. But - before we got into that - we take a rabbit hole down the topic of explorer programs and the amazing impact it can have on your community & fire department. We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today. One of my favorite takeaways from this week's section: Jon has a way of looking at decompressing from the job I've never heard before - and something I'm definitely going to look into. You definitely want to listen in to hear his take. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Okay, maybe I watch too much HGTV, but have you ever noticed how similar finding a fire department to apply for or join is eerily similar to House Hunters? Then, once you are on, there tends to be the unavoidable renovations like on Property Brothers? Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to finding the perfect department or is there room for different tastes? Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

This week, I'm joined by Lance Routson from the Iowa Fire Flyer podcast to talk about... well, just about everything! Starting out with how he came to be in the fire service, we quickly dive into rabbit hole after rabbit hole - following it almost down into Fire Service Wonderland. This was such an engaging episode with amazing perspectives that I can't wait for you to hear. We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg

Are you learning the information and skills being taught to you, or are you simply memorizing for the "test"? Are you building your Lego model with a solid foundation you know is right, or are you going to have to tear it apart and start over halfway through when you figure out you messed up? How do you find out which one you're doing, and how do we make sure that amazing Hogwarts Castle Lego set will look like the picture on the box when we're finished? Yes, I'm mixing the fire service with Legos this week. Let's dig in. As always, I don't claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I'm not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg