The Cool Fireman Podcast

The guys kick things off with some classic pre-show chaos (storms, Starlink, “Wicked” talk, hay and horses) before shifting into a real conversation about health and fitness in the fire service. Freddy frames it as a “new year” topic—less about resolutions and more about lifestyle consistency—and Matt shares his on-duty heart attack story as a reminder that being “in shape” doesn't automatically equal being protected. They dig into nutrition habits, added sugar, energy drinks, sleep, accountability apps, and the idea that the goal isn't a number on the scale—it's being capable on the worst call of your career.Key Topics & MomentsWeather, Starlink, and Farm LifeWind gusts, Starlink shifting in the yard, and the dream of stable internet for streaming youth sports.Doug's day includes hay pickup and a farrier visit (hoof care)—Matt learns a new word.Quick ShoutoutHappy Birthday to “GG” (the outro celebrity) — the crew encourages listeners to comment birthday wishes.Patreon UpdatesThe crew thanks new and ongoing Patreon supporters and starts a “virtual turnout drill” segment:Subscriber spotlight questions like sunrise vs sunset, favorite sandwich, and bucket list.Merch store is still live, with the tease that Patreon members may get exclusive items.SponsorsUnkie's SeasoningTom / The Burnbox (including mention of their latest box and the “calendar”)Main Topic — Fitness, Diet, and Being ReadyFreddy sets the tone: our job isn't compatible with “fitness rollercoasters.” Staying ready matters because you never know which run will test you.Matt's On-Duty Heart Attack (Oct 18, 2022)Matt shares he had a heart attack on duty with no warning signs, despite being active and in good shape.He believes his fitness level helped him survive and recover.He talks about how it changed his mindset around diet, sugar, lifestyle, and annual health checkups.He mentions deeper cholesterol metrics like ApoB and Lp(a) and encourages listeners to talk with their cardiologist—especially with family history.The “Skinny but Unhealthy” TrapMatt describes being the “fattest skinny guy you ever met” (lots of sugar, sweets, and junk).Discussion of insulin resistance as something worth learning about and paying attention to.Freddy's Reset: Sleep, Energy Drinks, Added SugarFreddy shares his own weight swings and what derailed him: school schedules, stress, poor sleep, energy drinks.He's rebuilding with:30 minutes of daily movementZone 2 cardioCutting energy drinks and sodaReducing added sugarsUsing protein powder in coffee as a “mocha” hackDaily pushups + squats challenge (and the struggle of wanting instant results)Doug's Take: Whole Foods > Processed FoodsDoug leans into the “back to basics” approach:More whole foods, fewer lab-made processed foodsWater over sodaBlack coffee and cutting sugar where possibleHe gives a nod to Megan at RescueRD as a resource for nutrition guidance (and suggests having her back on).Apps & Tools MentionedBevel (Freddy): fitness tracking, calories/macros, accountabilityMyFitnessPal (Freddy): previous trackerYuka (Matt): barcode scanner that rates foods and highlights additives/ingredientsEncouragement to take advantage of wellness programs: labs, ECG, treadmill, etc.Snail Mail HighlightsListener Zach shares his 2026 word(s): Seek and Trust (faith, academy prep, baby #3, trusting the process).Colt shares appreciation for the ICS conversation and downloads What3Words after the episode.Quotes to Pull for Clips“This job isn't compatible with rollercoasters. You've gotta stay ready.”“Make it a lifestyle. If you stop, you feel off.”“I was the fattest skinny guy you ever met.”“If you've got family history—get a cardiologist. Once a year.”“You were treating the monitor, not the patient.”Call to ActionWhat lifestyle change are you making in 2026?Not a “resolution”—a real, achievable shift that makes you better for your department, your family, and yourself.Drop yours in the comments.

In This EpisodeEnd-of-year check-in, burnout vs bandwidth, and a listener-requested deep dive on ICS — plus a What3Words tangent (because of course) and a big 2026 announcement from Brian.The crew rolls into the final stretch of 2025 running on fumes: Brian's voice is cooked, Adam's been sick for weeks, Doug is… at the emergency vet because a dog ate a sock (classic). The guys talk holiday reality, emotional bandwidth, and how hard it is to truly “shut off” work.Then a listener (Jeff) hits them with a solid request: let's talk ICS — from small incidents to big ones, staffing, comms, unified command, and why the chain-of-command matters even when it feels inconvenient.Matt ties it into his own real-world lesson: don't bypass your assignment / supervisor just because the Division is “right there.” ICS isn't just for the person talking on the radio — it's for the whole system listening.Matt also breaks down What3Words (and how it helps with remote rescues and wildland ops), Adam talks unified command challenges, and Brian sets the record straight on how volunteer departments handle ICS on the East Coast.And then… Brian drops the news: a new North Carolina fire-service podcast is officially live.Key TopicsEnd-of-year fatigue + why the “heaviness” of late December is realEmotional bandwidth and the struggle of checking work email nonstopHousekeeping: Patreon, merch, and what the team needs to grow itMoment of silence for fallen first respondersThoughts & prayers for Sam from Fire Tech and his dog battling Lyme diseaseListener request from Jeff: Tabletop discussion on ICSWhy ICS works best when you don't skip the chainUnified command realities with fire/EMS/law (and why it breaks down)Volunteer vs career: ICS isn't a staffing issue — it's a culture & training issueWildland fire ICS: strike teams, divisions, branches, briefings, and why it scalesWhat3Words + Avenza maps for remote rescue location accuracyCall to action: Rate ICS in your area from 0–10Big news: Brian launches “Carolina Fire Watch” (NC-only fire service show)Quote-Worthy Moments“I hate that little red dot with the number in it.”“ICS can expand and retract… and that's the beauty of it.”“Inspect what you expect.”“If you allow agencies to respond who won't do ICS… you're assuming liability.”Call To Action

The crew rings in the New Year with laughs, real talk, and a full reset for 2026. From Unkie's wild coin story (and the infamous “goats” detail) to a heartfelt moment of silence, this episode hits the perfect mix of firehouse humor and purposeful reflection. Then the guys revisit their 2025 “Word of the Year,” share what worked (and what didn't), and lay down their 2026 words with intentions they're ready to live out.Unkie breaks down the coin mishap and the ABH ship firefighter history behind the designNew Year's perspective check: “We're 25 years past Y2K…”

In This EpisodeChristmas energy from the jump: Foreigner references, “when the **** did we get ice cream?” and the show immediately going off the rails (as usual).Patreon is officially LIVE:Patreon LINK!Rookie Tier ($5): Member shout-outs, submit topic requests, and a chance to be chosen for the Turnout Drill via Wheel of Names.Engineer Tier ($10): Everything in Rookie plus behind-the-scenes videos, occasional bonus episodes, and entry into a monthly raffle for fire goodies.The mission: grow the show's reach (marketing + expanding the community), not “back pocket” money.Merch update: Store is moving, more items coming, and the crew is pumped to keep evolving it.MERCH LINK!Sponsor love: Quick hits for The Burn Box / FD Collectors Club and Unkie's Seasoning (with some classic side quests along the way).Real-world reminder: Talk about a house explosion in Salisbury that injured firefighters—thankfully no deaths—and a broader reminder about highway operations and winter hazards.Christmas gifts at the fire station:Matt breaks down how gift-giving can get awkward when expectations aren't clear.Solution: just ask the crew upfront if they want to do a gift exchange and set a price limit.Brian shares a boss move: cooking for the crew during the day to build connection without adding another night obligation.Adam talks “in-house” traditions: crew tools, shared gift ideas, and company pride items (bags, mugs, station-branded gear).Christmas lights at the firehouse:Stations that go full-send on decorations (including a kitchen that looks like Christmas exploded—in the best way).A tradition of cutting a “Charlie Brown” tree behind the station and decorating it with firehouse flair.Snail Mail segment:Listener questions on other fire podcasts to check out (National Fire Radio + Fire Engineering get mentioned).A great listener comment about why it's hard to talk about calls with people outside the job—followed by a powerful conversation on talking to your spouse, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health.Big picture: Gratitude for the community, momentum heading into year three, and excitement for what's coming in 2026.“Patreon… you gotta get on!”“It's seven minutes and thirty seconds… new record for off the rails.”“Do you guys put up Christmas lights around your firehouse?”“Sometimes they don't understand it—but they need to hear you.”✅ Join Patreon: Support the show + unlock bonus content + raffle entries.✅ Check the merch store: New designs/items always coming.✅ Follow/Subscribe: Spotify + Apple + YouTube (video episodes).✅ Comment: Does your station do gift exchanges? And do you decorate the firehouse?Quotes / Moments You'll RememberCalls to Action

The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. In Episode 137, things kick off completely off the rails (as usual) with farm animal chaos, blind dogs, and runaway cats. Then we settle in for some real talk with our very own co-host Adam McCoy—treated as the special guest he deserves to be—as he discusses his new book, Stepping Up and Stepping Out. It's part memoir, part workbook, all heart: tackling the hardest fire you'll ever fight—the one behind your own front door. Mental health, family transitions, vulnerability in the fire service, and leaving a real legacy. Plus housekeeping, moments of silence, and a wild hot wash to close it out.Timestamps00:00 – Chaos Intro: Cats, blind dogs, and farm life gone wrong02:00 – Housekeeping: Happy Holidays, Hanukkah shoutout, Virtual Fill the Boot (Jan 2026), Patreon ideas07:00 – Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning, The Burn Box, FDIC 2026 hype09:30 – Moments of Silence: Saranac FD (cancer LODD), Red McKimmy, Porterville FD tragic fire15:00 – Interview with Adam McCoy: Inspiration behind Stepping Up and Stepping Out18:00 – The mantra: "The hardest fire you'll fight is behind your own front door"25:00 – Vulnerability, mental health, and the weight of the job28:00 – Chapter 6: The Fire Next Door (parking lot talks and being there for brothers)33:00 – Gold nugget one-liners from the book39:00 – Workbook sections and daily check-ins42:00 – Advice for rookies and the real legacy (family over firehouse)49:00 – Emotional burden, work-life balance, and asking for help52:00 – Brotherhood or Bullshit? Calling out the fakes55:00 – Where to buy the book + the companion journal55:30 – Snail Mail shoutouts59:00 – Hot Wash: Apps, weather meals, pineapple on pizza debate, unwinding after a shiftKey TakeawaysThe first four minutes when you walk through the door at home matter more than the next four hours. Set the tone right.Toughness gets you through a shift; truth gets you through life.Some fires don't need water—they need honesty.Brotherhood is real, but it's not universal. Call out the bullies who preach it but don't live it.Your legacy isn't the fire department stories people tell—it's the one your family carries.Asking for help doesn't make you weak. Nobody has it all figured out, and that's okay.Book SpotlightStepping Up and Stepping Out by Adam McCoyAvailable now on Amazon (search "Adam McCoy" or "Stepping Up and Stepping Out").Also grab the companion Stepping Up and Stepping Out Journal for daily check-ins and the 30-day challenge.Foreword by Kenny Mitchell (Operation Yellow Tape).Support the PodcastMerch: Mugs, koozies, hoodies, tees, and more!

In this episode, the crew kicks things off with pure mayhem — snowstorms in Michigan, salmon rain in California, and a spontaneous performance of “It's Raining Men.” From there, the guys dive into housekeeping, holiday updates, merch drops, and a surprising announcement from Brian about his upcoming Fire Marshals International Swimsuit Calendar.But the main topic?

Welcome back to The Cool Fireman Podcast, now dropping episodes every Monday!In this post-Thanksgiving episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie talk all things holiday routine at the firehouse—from brunches and Christmas trees to how each department handles weekends, downtime, and the importance of mental health during the holidays.

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Doug, and Unkie sit down to reflect on what they're most thankful for — family, the firehouse, facial hair, and of course, deviled eggs.

Featuring: Quinn a.k.a. The Little FirefighterIn this special episode, we welcome a rad young guest — Quinn, better known online as The Little Firefighter. He joins Matt, Brian, and Unkie at the kitchen table to talk all things fire service, family, TikTok, and what it means to be part of the firehouse culture.NEW MERCH STORE:https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/homeTopics Covered:

In this powerful Veterans Day episode, Brian, Doug, and Freddy honor the veterans who serve both our country and our firehouses. From shoutouts to community heroes like The Salty Paramedic to emotional reflections on fallen brothers, this one hits deep.

This week's episode has it all — snacks, sarcasm, shout-outs, and snail mail. The guys take a break from the heavy topics and go full-on firehouse fun mode in this Fantasy Appetizer Draft episode. Who picked the best three-game day snacks? That's up to YOU to decide!Plus:

This episode is half Halloween chaos, half serious kitchen-table mentorship talk — with a little FD candy in between.

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, we dive into something every firefighter—rookie or salty vet—should care about: mentorship. From the old kitchen table talks to today's struggles with phones and generational disconnect, the crew gets honest about how mentorship has evolved, what makes a good mentor, and why it matters now more than ever.Expect a little banter, some real talk, and plenty of heart.

This week's episode is an absolute rollercoaster—from serious community risk reduction to Doug being attacked by a rhino on safari, and even an amazing question from a 14-year-old future paramedic in our SNAIL MAIL segment

In this flavorful and heartfelt episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew sits down with Ben Hooper, firefighter-turned-pitmaster and owner of Ben's Backdraft BBQ in Waynesville, NC.Ben shares his journey from firehouse kitchens to launching two food trailers and a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant—all while staying rooted in faith, community, and first responder culture. He opens up about Hurricane Helene, how his business helped feed the community during the aftermath, and why consistency of greatness matters more than chasing perfection.From whole hog mop sauce to Dave Ramsey discipline and the power of saying “no,” Ben drops serious knowledge (and makes us very hungry along the way).Ben's fire service journey from Cherokee to AshevilleHow Texas-style BBQ changed his life (yes, Franklin BBQ is worth the hype)Starting Ben's Backdraft BBQ with $10K and a dreamServing during and after Hurricane HeleneLessons in leadership, boundaries, and staying true to your valuesWhy “being consistently good” matters more than being the bestDave Ramsey's influence on business & debt-free goalsThe BBQ rub recipe: simple, classic, no sugarTurnout Drill: favorite skills, vacation dreams & cornbread revelations

This week, we dive deep into the heart of the fire service—family, legacy, and what it means to really love this job. From laughing about Brian's new acting role as the Genie in Aladdin, to sharing emotional stories about our kids following in our footsteps, this episode blends heartfelt moments with hard firehouse truths.And yes… Snail Mail is back, and it's fire.

In this episode, Matt, Unkie, and Brian get sidetracked (as usual) with shirts, stickers, Sasquatch soap, and a whole lot of firehouse banter. But don't worry—we also dive deep into important fire service topics like shift bids, specialty teams, station culture, and the rising cost of fire apparatus. PLUS… it's time for another edition of SNAIL MAIL

In this episode, the boys are back—Matt, Brian, and Unkie—and the kitchen table banter is strong right from the jump. From Brian's magical new role as Genie in Aladdin (goodbye, Bird Cage

This week's episode is packed full of real firehouse talk—from wild call stories to mental health, continuing education, and the one universal truth in the fire service:

In this episode, Matt and Brian dive deep into some of the challenges (and hilarious moments) happening both in and out of the firehouse. From Matt's code 3 siren strategy to Brian's communication fatigue, this one's got a little bit of everything: loud opinions, soft wisdom, and yes... more Snail Mail.

In this jam-packed episode, the crew reunites for a full debrief of their time at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE) in Raleigh. From firehouse food to leadership presentations, parlay betting, bagpipes, and some questionable milk habits—this one's got it all.

This week, the crew is back at the kitchen table – and while Brian is away, Matt, Doug, and Unkie dive deep into what firemen talk about inside the engine, from banter to serious pre-call game plans.We kick things off with a little parlay talk (Doug's gambling, not the French kind), some seasoning chat (support UnkieSeasoning.com!), and housekeeping. But the real heat comes when we get into what happens when the tones drop.In This Episode:

This week, it's just Brian and Adam (aka Unki) holding down The Cool Fireman Podcast kitchen table while Doug and Matt are on duty. The topic? Food—our favorite firehouse meals, family go-tos, recipe wins, and even a few epic fails.Brian shares highlights from a year of his recipes featured in the Burn Box and announces that Unki will be taking over as the Burn Box recipe guy for the next 12 months. The two swap their top three dishes loved at home and in the firehouse, discuss cooking techniques for brisket, pork butt, breakfast spreads, and easy griddle favorites, and debate everything from smash burgers to fat caps.You'll also hear:Brisket prep, smoking tips, and rest time debates.Why pork butt might be the most versatile cut for the firehouse table.The beauty (and danger) of breakfast casseroles and quiches.Unique dishes like easy cheesy shrimp sandwiches and quesadillas for a crowd.Hamloaf gone wrong, alligator done right, and cow tongue redemption.Unexpected flavor combos that actually work—yes, even cheese whiz & pico on a hot dog.Call to Action:Drop a comment with your firehouse favorite and your family's go-to dinner. Bonus points if it's something quick, affordable, and firehouse-friendly.Sponsors:

The Cool Fireman Podcast crew is together in person at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE) in Raleigh, NC! This year's special guest is keynote speaker Sam Massa, founder of FireTech and HiViz LED Lighting, back for another powerful conversation one year after his first appearance.We dive into Sam's incredible journey—from small beginnings and a failed business to dominating the fire apparatus lighting market and speaking on the main stage. Sam shares lessons on leadership, integrity, resilience, and why putting the customer first is at the heart of FireTech's success.You'll hear stories from his early days in biofuels, the “lost shipment” UPS hustle, challenging industry norms (like the FireTech Brow Light), and how courage, commitment, and community guide his work. The crew also talks about the importance of legacy, not giving up, and asking “why” in the fire service.In This Episode:Live from SAFRE 2025 – the energy, the people, and the North Carolina fire service community.Sam Massa's path from side hustles to FireTech industry leadership.Lessons learned from business failure and how they shaped a customer-first approach.Why asking “why” can change the fire service (and lead to better fire truck designs).Balancing growth, inventory, and staying lean in a competitive market.The three C's: Courage, Commitment, Community.How business can be a tool for good in the fire service.If you've ever wanted insight into innovation in the fire industry, how to build something from the ground up, and how to keep integrity at the forefront, this is an episode you can't miss.

In this episode, the crew sits down to unpack one of the most foundational questions in the fire service:What does it really mean to be a fireman?Through stories, experiences, and a whole lot of heart, the guys dive into the core values of the job and what separates the patch from the purpose.

In this two-man show, Matt and Brian dive deep into firehouse pride, station maintenance, and how blue-collar skills and project work have changed in the fire service over the years.

This week, the boys are hot, humid, and hilariously unfiltered. Brian, Doug, and Unkie talk sweat in places God didn't intend and why the kitchen table is the sacred place in the firehouse for solving problems (and sharing a little too much).They also get real about peer support, HR misunderstandings of firefighter humor, and remembering the late Corey Orrell with a moment of silence.Here's what you'll hear in this episode:✅ Sweating in Places You Didn't Know Existed– It's hot and humid – and no one is safe from swamp ass– Unkie forgot to turn on the AC before recording✅ Housekeeping & Shoutouts– Burn Box update: coins are shipping– FD Collectors Club – why the coins are always worth the wait– Unkie Seasoning July specials✅ Markets, Merch & SAFRE Conference Plans– Unkie's market updates– New sampler boxes and combo deals dropping– Planning for the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh, NC✅ Moment of Silence– Remembering Corey Orrell, a Camp Lejeune firefighter who passed from cancer– His legacy of writing future birthday cards for his kids✅ Brian's Reflection on Service– Brian shares why he loves creating content and serving others– Lessons from the Blackstone Griddle Crew Social Summit– The idea that cooking (and content creation) is about serving✅ The Sacred Firehouse Table– Why the kitchen table is the heart of the firehouse– Solving problems big and small, from marriages to mechanic issues– The judgment-free zone for venting, complaining, and busting chops✅ Funny (and NSFW) Firehouse Stories– Oversharing confessions that earned permanent nicknames– The Tupperware poop sample fiasco– The “lawn mower pull start” bedroom story✅ Why the Table Matters for Mental Health– Peer support conversations and safe spaces– Chief visits around the table to hear the real issues– Firehouse culture, gallows humor, and HR misunderstandings✅ Call to Action for Listeners:– Where does your crew gather to solve problems?– What's the biggest or most meaningful problem you've solved at the table?– Ever overshare and regret it? Share your story!⭐️ Connect with Us:

Welcome back to The Cool Fireman Podcast! In this episode, Freddie makes his glorious return to the mic—and it's pure gold from the jump.✅ What's Inside This Episode:

Welcome to Episode 113 (even if Doug thinks it's 109)!This week the crew dives into:✅ Doug's Backwoods AdventuresTractor life with straw hats and “Farmer Fran” overallsWhy people think he's from LouisianaThe infamous “nip slip” picture that may or may not exist✅ TikTok Trends & Firehouse FunBrainstorming a TikTok challenge with photos and song matchesPlanning one-shot video stitches for the podcast pageLip-syncing failures and robot dance competitions✅ Extreme Heat, Firefighting & Rehab UnitsTalking real heat waves across the countryRichmond's 3-alarm fire in brutal conditionsHow departments deploy Mobile Service Units (MSU) and rehab squadsReal-world practices like misting fans, cooling buses, and mandatory rest✅ Hydration Deep Dive with Megan Lautz of Rescue.RDUnkie's epic PowerPoint presentationPractical firefighter hydration tips:90–125 oz daily fluid goalCaffeine myths (it's okay in moderation)Cold drinks help lower core temperatureFood hacks: hydrating fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, orangesBlack pepper on cantaloupe? The debate rages✅ Coffee Talk (Black vs Flavored Creamer Wars)Team black coffee vs team hazelnutLegendary quotes: “Flavored coffee creamer ruined the fire service”Doug: “Just like my soul”✅ Personal Stories & CalloutsRemembering LODD in North Carolina and Alicia Monahan's anniversaryCandid admissions of heat exhaustion on sceneSharing rehab protocols from different departments✅ Special ShoutoutsMegan Lautz at Rescue.RD for all the hydration wisdomUnkie Seasoning — get that Chipotle rubThe Burn Box crew for awesome monthly surprises✅ Calls to Action!Drop a comment: Are you black coffee or cream & sugar?Share your department's rehab protocols for hot daysPost yourself doing the robot and tag us for a special prize!And of course — FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, and COMMENT wherever you listen or watch.This episode is packed with laughs, real fireground strategies, hydration hacks, and enough Southern storytelling to make you sweat.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube!

Special Guest:

This week's episode is unlike any other. We pause the usual firehouse banter and storytelling to honor and reflect on the life of someone who truly embodied what it meant to be a “Cool Fireman.”Jay Lyons—known to many as @he_fights_fire on TikTok—was more than a content creator. He was a passionate firefighter, a devoted father, a loving partner, and a brother to so many in the fire service. Tragically, Jay passed away last week while on vacation, and his loss has deeply impacted our podcast family and the fire community as a whole.In this special tribute episode:

In this week's episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie get real about burnout, passion, and what it means to stay motivated in the fire service—especially after decades on the job. Doug's allergies are flaring up, Adam's pulling full-time dad duty, and Matt's stuck in a hotel… but the mics are on and the conversation is solid.The crew checks in on themselves and each other, digging into the leadership traits they admire most—and the ones they struggle with. From fading passion to professionalism, from firehouse vibes to fireground performance, it's a raw, reflective look at the human side of firefighting.

This week, Matt, Doug, and Unkie are back behind the mics — sweating it out in a closet, talking dryers that don't work, how many horses is too many, and why the 48/96 schedule might be the greatest fire department hack of all time.

What happens when your dream tool gets cut from the budget? The guys talk fire department finances, backup plans, and hovercraft rejections. Brian breaks down the budget process, Unkie explains how credit cards vanished from his department, and Doug? Well… he's still trying to get cowboy hats approved because that mustache deserves a brim.

From kitchen fires to candle mishaps, from firehouse kitchen tables to national fire code debates—we're hitting it all in this one.Brian, aka East Coast Lincoln, opens the show with heartfelt honesty and a long-overdue moment of silence. The crew dives deep into the real-life value of public education in the fire service, how fire inspections aren't just for the public—but for firefighter safety too—and why thinking outside the box starts at the kitchen table.Matt, Doug, Adam, and Brian talk everything from funny waffle fire calls to emotional fire fatalities, and the impact a well-placed smoke detector (or a poorly labeled panel) can really have.Also: FDIC hats, Unkie's ribeyes, Doug's smoke detector game, and Brian's big news about joining the International Fire Marshal's Association Board.It's real, it's hilarious, it's important. Hit play.

The boys are back with Burn Box Tom, and it's safe to say the chaos has never been more fun. From Tom's Buzz Lightyear headset to tales of FDIC madness, we're talking booths, mustaches, and the mysterious art of cutting a hole in a Burn Box (yep, that joke gets made).We dive into what it's like to sling firefighter-owned gear at the Super Bowl of conferences, how Tom's Build-Your-Own Box was a game-changer, and the ever-growing FD Collector's Club that's turning challenge coin skeptics into die-hard collectors.Plus, Ricky Byrd wins our 100th episode giveaway AGAIN (the man can't lose), and Unkie reveals his top 10% Chipotle rub—salty firemen unite. Add in some bad headset audio, McDoubles on the go, and a root beer-fueled sugar spiral, and you've got another unforgettable episode.Listen now. Laugh later. Join the mayhem.#CoolFiremanPodcast #BurnBoxTom #FDIC2025 #ChallengeCoinAddicts #RickyFreakinByrd #FirehouseLife #RescueLips #BuzzLightyearHeadset #UnkieSeasoning #FirstResponderGear #BoxLooksBigger

Fresh off Episode 100, the crew is back in action—and it's a fed fire kind of night. Matt, Unkie, and special guest Nick Hammond (aka @fireman1231) break down the wild world of federal fire service—what it's like to get hired, how operations differ from city departments, and the perks of repping stars and stripes on the job.Doug and Nick bring the laughs with stories of burned rice, busted fire alarms, and the weird world of military base responses. From heat casualty calls to clunky building number systems, it's a deep (and hilarious) dive into federal firefighting life.PLUS—Freddy drops in with a fresh scalp and big takes.And… we reveal the winner of our 100th Episode Giveaway!

Big City Doug and Big Body Brian are coming to you almost live from FDIC in Indianapolis! It's the first time they've recorded in-person together, and they're bringing the laughs, the lessons, and a whole lotta love for the fire service.In this special episode:

We made it to triple digits, folks!

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew pivots from their planned Episode 100 (don't worry, it's coming soon!) to dive into the world of fire conferences. From FDIC to SAFRE and everything in between, we're breaking down:

In this episode, we dive into a conversation that every firefighter needs to hear. We're joined by Stephanie White—firefighter, writer, podcaster, and managing editor at Firefighter Nation—to talk about ADHD in the fire service and how it impacts everything from daily tasks to mental health, addiction, and even suicide risk.

In this episode, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie dive into a topic that every firefighter and first responder can relate to: work-life balance.Balancing Shift Work & Family Life – The unique challenges of a firefighter's schedule and how it impacts time with loved ones.The Evolution of Side Jobs – Then vs. now: why firefighters used to have trade jobs versus today's modern side hustles like consulting, online businesses, and social media marketing.The Financial Reality of Firefighting – How increased salaries have changed the need for second jobs, but also why financial struggles still exist.Time Off – The Perk of the Job – The benefits of long stretches of days off and how it allows firefighters to pursue passions, side businesses, or just enjoy time at home.Mental Health & Workload Management – Recognizing stress, preventing burnout, and finding ways to decompress.Family First Mentality – A stark reality: Your family will always be there, but your job will be posted a week after you're gone.Learning From Experience – Lessons from firefighters who have balanced (or failed to balance) their careers and personal lives.

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Unkie dive into the unwritten rules (and written ones) that shape life in the firehouse. From popcorn machines (allowed or outlawed?) to station pride logos and uniformity debates, we tackle the battle between tradition, compromise, and common sense.

When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline.In this episode, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie sit down with Chief Grassel to break down:⚡ The real problem – It's not just EVs, it's batteries everywhere!

In this episode ofThe Cool Fireman Podcast, we sit down withTonya Herbert fromThin Red Line Decon to talk about something every firefighter should be thinking about—decontamination.

There'sno assigned seating in the firehouse… but let's be real, we all know there is.