Fit To Fight Fire: Lead Yourself

Outward Bound USA is the leading provider of outdoor education programs that allow young people to explore their personal potential, since 1962. Ben Fickett is the Director of Admissions for Colorado Outward Bound School, and we talk to him about how he went from New Hampshire to college football in Utah to his current position with … Continue reading Outward Bound →

We're going to back to January 2021 when Cody McGinnis came on our show and discussed what it means to be the “Senior Man” and the responsibilities that come with the position.

We have to stay in the moment when parenting our children. Raising kids goes by fast, so it's important to be intentional with our time surrounding them. Brandon Douglas, a Standard Patreon member, talks about an experience of his when he realized he needed to be more intentional.

 Sneak Peak Wednesday! Listen to this bonus episode found only on our Patreon. For more content like this, visit The Standard to join! Is being a firefighter what you thought it would be? And for those not in the fire service, what do you think the fire department's responsibilities are as a taxpaying citizen? We … Continue reading Spread Too Thin →

Chris Alstrin is a film director and cinematographer who has worked for such brands as Disney, Nike, National Geographic, and Red Bull. We talk about climbing and what it's like to be on film sets like ‘Free Solo' and how storytelling through a lens became his passion.

Julian Serrano is a firefighter with Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue. He founded Prepared To Fight Fire and is a Florida Smoke Diver. We discuss mentorship, mindset, and the Leadville 100 Ultramarathon.

What makes a good instructor, coach, mentor, or teacher? It starts with leading out front. Matt Chan is back to discuss his new role as a fire academy instructor.

Drunk in command, puma rescues, and dick weights...that's what's currently going on in public safety news!

Kate Stalowy and Cherie Chan join us to talk about relationships and marriage. We discuss what it's like to be married to a firefighter, including the challenges of the schedule and the stresses that result from some of the things we experience on the job.

Matt Jones played professional baseball for seven years, spending time as a catcher in the Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, and Angels organizations. He played as high as AAA and retired in 2021. Matt now owns and operates One6 Performance - a training facility out of Colorado - that is focused on the development of youth, high school, and college level athletes. We discuss coaching, camaraderie, entrepreneurial mindset, and his path to success.

Jason McCarthy founded GoRuck with the purpose of not only bridging the gap between civilian and military life, but also to provide a community centered around fitness and high standards. GoRuck is also hosting the Sandlot Jax fitness festival in April in Jacksonville, Florida. Find out more here. 

Joe Falcone is a Captain with Delray Beach (FL) Fire Rescue. He competes in various ultra races every year and we talk about the benefits of competing, and also the challenges of having to balance marriage and family with competition.We also discuss aspects of the fire service such as peer support, retention and morale, and working out on duty.

Matt and Cherie Chan join us to talk about all things personal and professional, including fitness, business, firefighting, and marriage. Matt is a firefighter with North Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and he and Cherie are the faces of TrainFTW.

Whether you are an athlete, a parent, an entrepreneur, or a leader in any realm, you must have passion in order to be successful. Passion is a trait that is found universally across all industries, and with passion, not much else can distract us from achieving our goals.  By embracing the daily grind, regular competition, and continual career growth, a winning mindset is developed. But in the end, it's you vs. you.

"Everybody wants to eat, but few will hunt."Drew Beech and Joey Bowen are the founders of Few Will Hunt, an apparel company founded on the dignity of hard work. We talk about their Philly roots, how they got their start in 2017, and where they are now.

Do you look to phone it in when you aren't feeling 100% or when things aren't going your way? Is what is standing in your way just an excuse? Winners don't care about excuses. They just keep forging ahead, even when it's uphill and wind in their faces.

What does it mean to provide for your family? How does a victim mindset prevent people from reaching their goals? We discuss these topics as well as mentoring, role models, blue collar lifestyles, and other things that go into being a man.

Jess d'Arbonne is a managing editor of The Motley Fool and co-host of Bitches Get Riches, a blog and podcast dedicated to helping others with financial planning and money-based decisions.  From student loan debt to credit scores to savings accounts to real estate, we talk about it all.

Do you define success based solely on the outcome? Will you only be successful once you reach the finish line? Success can be found in both the wins and losses, depending on our approach and perspective. Visit THE STANDARD to find out more about our mission.

If we want to take charge of our lives or careers, one of the highest priorities we must have is a healthy diet and lifestyle.  Accountability starts with honest conversations about where we are at right now and where we want to go.

Michael Easter is a leading voice on how humans can integrate modern science and evolutionary wisdom for improved health, meaning, and performance in life and at work. He is the author of The Comfort Crisis, a bestseller. He is a professor in the journalism department at UNLV and he's talked about his work on the world's largest, most influential podcasts, like The Joe Rogan Experience and Art of Manliness. We talk about his book, his travels to remote areas of Alaska, social media's influence on the current generation, and his unique path through discomfort to make his own life better.

Lee Vidal and Paco Ciocarlan are firefighters with East Metro Fire Rescue and compete in the firefighter combat challenge with the A-Town Combat Team. Last week, the team placed 1st at Nationals. They will be competing at the World Combat Challenge Championships in Florida next month.We talk about competition and the benefits of physical challenge, and how the clock is both loved and hated for being the most objective measurement of performance. There is also a little discussion on participation trophies and tough conversations with kids about getting better and not blaming teammates or coaches.This episode is sponsored by Shur-Sales and Marketing, Inc. 

Our podcast name has changed, but our standards are still the same. So what is The Standard? Listen and find out.

Episode 074 - Aaron Foster has been a firefighter for 22 years, with the last 17 years being in Washington D.C. He's been investing in real estate for 16 years and owns a small woodworking company based in College Park (MD). Aaron has completed dozens of real estate deals that range from tax liens and new builds to flips and rentals across Maryland, West Virginia, and D.C. Metro. He has spent 2021 re-evaluating and restructuring his portfolio, utilizing 1031 Exchanges to increase profit and portfolio size.  We discuss a wide range of real estate topics including house hacking, short-term rentals, and government sponsored purchasing programs. We also discuss how financial stability outside of the fire department helps with doing the right thing while on shift. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 073 - Garrett Rice is a Battalion Chief with The Colony (TX) Fire Department, and he is a chief that knows how to say yes. He is also the founder of Fire Craft Training. We talk about morale and retention and their correlation to a department's ability to remain focused on the true mission of the fire service. We also discuss his daily approach as a company officer and chief officer, and how a training mindset can ruffle co-workers' feathers at times. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 023 - Jen Piper wrote a letter to the fire service late last year which detailed her frustrations with the overall fitness level of our profession. We published her letter as part of Burn Episode 016.We talk to her about why she wrote the letter and possible solutions to her and many others' frustrations with deconditioned firefighters. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 072 - Robert Lobascio is a leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in building and driving sales organizations to achieve and exceed challenging revenue objectives. Robert was also a contributor to our latest book, The Backstep. We talk about the superior/subordinate relationship and how to best navigate different styles of leadership. We also touch on DiSC behavioral styles and how they play their part in the workplace. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 022 - You just went and recharged your batteries at a regional fire conference or a hands-on-training class. Now it's back to reality at your own department or firehouse where others don't share the same level of passion. So how do you bring your knowledge and energy back and spread it effectively? FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 021 - The traditional riding position of the formal fire service leader is in the right front seat, but what if you could lead from any position? We believe you can. We discuss our new book, The Backstep, and why a back seat leader is necessary for any crew to perform at a high level.

Episode 071 - Dr. Craig Wetterer is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in several different practice settings that include correctional facilities, a police and public safety practice, neuropsychological and forensic assessment clinics, and a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital, where he currently conducts forensic psychological assessments for the State of Nevada. We discuss coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and how breathing and fitness can enhance performance and create more resilience. We also talk about the process of finding the right therapist when needed in our line of work. Craig earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA in 2015, and an MA (2001) and BA (1996) from California State University - Sacramento. His clinical training emphasized neuropsychological and forensic assessment, and interventions that treat acute stress, trauma, and PTSD. Prior to his career transition into clinical psychology, Dr. Wetterer spent 28 years in law enforcement as a police officer, most recently employed by the Sacramento Police Department.

Episode 070 - Jeff Rothmeier is currently a firefighter with Milwaukee FD after spending over a decade with St. Paul FD. He is also a contributing author of Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and the founder of Maneuver Fire Response.  Jeff talks about transitioning to firefighting after military service, why he left one fire department for another, and lessons he has learned regarding leadership and expectations in and around the fire service. This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.

Wednesday Burn 020 - There will always be apathy in the fire service, but how do you overcome this and make change for the better? Where do you start?

Episode 069 - This is a story about a firefighter that went to work one day with only two children, but came home with four. Richard Jett takes us through the night of October 24, 2017, when one call changed his life.  Richard serves as a Master Firefighter with Lenexa (KS) Fire Department. He has been in the fire service for eight years, with the last four being with LFD. He and his wife have been blessed with four amazing children and his allegiance to Jesus is top priority as it drives him in his work in the fire service and helps him remain responsible to his family. He holds multiple certifications in Tech Rescue and a Master's Degree in Theology. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 019 - If we want to be professionals, we have to be relentless in our training as tactical athletes. At times that may mean training through pain. What happens if you get hurt on the fire ground, will you just quit? Audio played in this episode from the book "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim S. Grover.

Episode 068 - The final part of our three-part episode series featuring 'Senior Man' Cody McGinnis with East Metro Fire Rescue. We talk about why people leave departments now but not so much two to three decades ago, and the importance of standing up for yourself, your crew or your partner when the line gets crossed. We also discuss how building close relationships with those at your fire house are crucial to trusting one another. Listen to the first two episodes by following these links below: Episode 057 - The Senior Man Part I Episode 066 - The Senior Man Part II FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 018 - Turnover within a fire department is a result of a corporate-like culture. Corporations that have a continuous revolving door of employees are focused on the bottom dollar and simply looking good, not being good. But to actually be good means that your actions and decisions are based on not only what your customers want, but more importantly what they expect. So what do the citizens in our communities really want? Are we giving them what they expect? Photo Credit: Scott Thompson (The Colony Fire Department)

Episode 067 - We begin this episode by discussing faith and religion and their unique applications to each individual in society. We talk about purpose, and also about stereotyping and the views surrounding it both then and now. John holds a PhD in Theology, Philosophy, and Cultural Theory from the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program. He enjoys discussing big ideas in and out of the classroom. In addition to adjunct teaching, John is a Grants Officer for the National Park Service. This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.

Episode 066 - Cody McGinnis is back on the show to talk about a probationary firefighter's first day and how it can go one of two ways. We also talk about creating a station culture that is welcoming to firefighters of all skill levels, and the importance of developing trust and relationships within a crew.Cody is a Fire Medic with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and currently rides backwards on a Ladder Company. He is also the man behind the Mile High Firefighter's Conference.Stay tuned for Part III coming in March 2021. Click here for Part I.FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 065 - Jim Moss is the author of Firefighter Success and Firefighter Functional Fitness, and was also a guest on Episode 004 of our podcast. He interviews John Spera on his Firefighter Success Podcast (Episode 006) and they discuss John's recent decision to join South Metro Fire Rescue (CO) and be the new guy once again. Jim also asks John about how to begin a lifestyle change when it comes to starting a new fitness routine. Check out the full interview with John on FirefighterSuccessPodcast.com. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 017 - Listen to some highlights from Brothers In Battle's GRABS Podcast (Episode 46) with Nick Ledin, who interviews FTFF's Tom Johnson. Click here to listen to the full episode. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 016 - Sometimes perspective can change everything. Do we as firefighters realize our responsibility when we step on a fire truck? Is our purpose only centered around our own comforts and routines? One firefighter's wife has issues with the current state of a large portion of the fire service, and she's not alone. Download the letter here. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 064 - Sir Winston Churchill once said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” We discuss a recent victim rescue and whether it constitutes as a 'finest hour' moment or just living up to the oath. Dan DeJesus, Jack Thompson, and Hunter Hackbarth join us for a roundtable talk. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 063 - Ben Adams is a man who knows how to get back up after being knocked down. He was left to pick up the pieces and be the sole provider and caretaker of his children after his wife filed for divorce. He is also no stranger to persevering through hard times, as he lost his father to suicide when he was a freshman in high school. But through times like these, he has found a way to redefine himself. Ben says it’s all about perspective and avoiding a victim mindset. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 062 - Ross Chapman has 17 years in the fire service and 13 of these as a career firefighter. He is a Lieutenant with the Arlington Heights (IL) Fire Department and is assigned to Tower 1. He is a member of the MABAS Division 1 Technical Rescue Team, a Rescue Squad Officer with Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1, and is a certified Urban Search and Rescue Specialist through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). He is the Co-Managing Director of Elevated Safety, a company specializing in rope rescue, rope access and confined space projects and training.We talk about his beginnings in the fire service and with Elevated Safety. He also tells us how he has navigated his new roles as a Lieutenant, a business owner, and a father.  Ross has written articles featured in Fire Engineering and Facilities Safety Magazine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern University. He is also a 5x Ironman finisher and ultra-marathoner. 

Wednesday Burn 015 - In another clip from the Mind Over Matter podcast, we discuss what elements contribute to forming a well-rounded firefighter.  It should be no surprise that physical fitness is discussed, but there is certainly more needed in order to be great on the fire ground. 

Episode 061 - Aaron Oatley is a Battalion Chief with Boca Raton (FL) Fire Rescue. In 2007, Aaron's 6-year-old daughter passed away as a victim of a murder-suicide. Recovering from such a devastating loss seems insurmountable, but Aaron lives every day forward making his daughter proud. This is a story of a father and daughter who have been taken from each other, but are still together in their hearts.

Wednesday Burn 014 - We went on the Mind Over Matter Podcast with Jimmy Gross a few weeks back and discussed how to deal with becoming a target within your own department or within the fire service. And we also revealed the "shortcut" to creating buy-in with others.

Episode 060 - We welcome back Frank Viscuso to our podcast for a second episode. He first appeared on our show in 2017 (Episode 003).This time, we discuss the hurdles when promoting change within your own organization, and how credibility plays a major role in whether or not that change is achieved. We also talk about the benefits and pitfalls of social media within the fire service. Frank is a retired Deputy Chief who spent 26 years with Kearny (NJ) Fire Department. He is a columnist for Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and the author of several books, including Step Up and Lead, Step Up Your Teamwork, and Common Valor.  

Episode 059 - FTFF is excited to announce the launching of Honor The Oath, in partnership with Elite Speed Sports Performance. Together, FTFF and Elite Speed will provide fitness programming for tactical athletes who desire to serve at the highest level, both physically and mentally. This podcast introduces Elite Speed to the FTFF community, as well as its state-of-the-art facility at UC Health in Denver. Mark your calendars for June 1st, 2020 when the program launches!  

Wednesday Burn 013 - Imagine the possibilities when you don't fear stepping outside the comfort zone in training. You may surprise yourself, or better yet you may open the door for others to do the same.

Episode 058 - At the 2020 Firemanship Conference in February, Fit To Fight Fire took part in instructing a 24 hour H.O.T. class (Developing High Performance). Our goal as a cadre was to not only lead the class, but also experience it ourselves. We believe that you can't tell someone to do something that you aren't doing yourself. This is especially true in settings like a training academy or a 24 hour class designed to build resiliency and mental toughness. Tom Johnson, Craig Stalowy, Ryan Nelson, Hunter Hackbarth, Ben Norwood and Jonathan Cox discuss the class as well as some of our own life experiences that have given us the gift of suffering.