The Kitchen Table

Today i discuss feeling lost and alone and how it relates from the fire department to civilian life. And some of the methods i use to deal with that feeling.

Quick episode talking about why FDNY calls it a Firehouse and not a Fire station.

Today i sat down with Ret. FDNY Captain Brian Lena. Captain Lena retired out of Division 8. He asl spent time in 90 Engine as a Lt. And 30 Truck and 97 Engine as a fireman. He was also a Mahopac NY volunteer fireman. In retirement Captain Lena has become a full time Youtube content creator by starting the channel Searching For Tone. His channel dives into the world of guitars and guitar equipment. He unboxes guitars and pedals and gives honest reviews of such items. Searching For Tone on Youtube.

today i discuss the hiring of new FDNY commissioner Robert Tucker. I also give lots of tips to new and potential firefighters about the day to day operations in the firehouse.

Today i sat with author of the book BROOKLYN SKINHEAD, LOU MORALES. a memoir. One mans journey from fear and self hatred to love and faith. It's an incredible story from being a violent skinhead in sunset park Brooklyn and the LES of Manhattan. To finding GOD and turning his life around to become an overseas Christian missionary.

Today i give a preview of my next interview with Published Author of Brooklyn Skinhead Lou Morales. I also discuss some of the celebrities I have met or interacted with as a first responder.

Today I sat down with Lt. Jay Walsh retired from 59 Engine on the FDNY. Lt. Walsh has over 40 years of experience in the Fire Service. He started as a teenager in the Newington Volley FD and then got hired by New Britain CT. Fire Dept where he was assigned to Engine 1 and also was one of the first firefighters to start the New Britain Rescue 1 Co. He later joined the FDNY , serving at 75 engine and 33 truck in the Bronx. He would eventually end up in 59 Engine as a LT., where he would eventually retire from in 2018. His knowledge and experience are second to none. And now he shares that knowledge, by teaching proby firefighters at the CT. Fire Academy. And he also shares his experiences as a career firefighter, from the volleys, rescuing a woman at a fire, 9/11 and time in the Harlem Zoo. In my opinion one of the best fire officers to have worn the uniform. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the interview.

Today i discuss Unbreakable bonds formed in the military and civil service. I talk about a documentary about the movie Platoon. And tell the story of a multiple alarm fire where 59 engine was awarded a unit citation. head over to youtube and subscribe to see the pictures i show in this episode.

Today i sat down with Lt. Ryan Johnston from Engine 289 of the FDNY. Lt. Johnston started his career in the fire service with the Wantaugh Long Island, Volunteer fire dept. He then got Hired onto the FDNY in 2007 where he served 11 years in 59 Engine. 59 Engine is with 30 Truck in Harlem NY. Lt. Johnston was promoted in 2018 and was assigned to Engine 289 in Queens NY. Lt. Johnston opens up about many things including being 3 1/2 years sober. He hit rock bottom and had to make a tough but easy decision to save his marriage and family. Lt. Johnston also talks about the daring rescues he and the members of Ladder 138 made, at a Queens private dwelling fire, where they help save and evacuate over 30 people. These heroic efforts earned him the FDNY Chief McElligot Medal and FF Fitzpatrick and Frisby Award. Along with the other members of L138 receiving medals and citations for their heroic efforts and Bravery that day.

The Kitchen Table Season 2 Episode 2. Today I discuss difficulties transitioning into retirement. And I talk about about my last Nozzle job on the FDNY. First due nozzle at a 5th alarm taxpayer fire.

Today i sit and chop it up with FDNY Firefighter from Squad 41 Matt Nolan. Matt is one of 3 firemen who made a daring roof rope rescue at an apartment fire in Harlem, back in February 2024. Never in the history of the FDNY has there been 3 roof rope rescues at 1 fire. Matt was also assigned to 84 Engine and 34 Truck. Where Harlem meets the Heights. #fdny #firerfighter #firstresponder #roofroperescue #harlem #mentalhealthawareness #squad41 #engine84 #ladder34 #thekitchentable

FF BRIAN QUINN L-30 FDNY Talks about his High Rise Roof Rope Rescue from the 16th Floor of a high rise building inn Harlem NY. Fireman QUINN received the Walter Scott Medal in 2021 for his heroic efforts. #fdny #laddr30 #30truck #59engine #engine59 #mentalhealthawareness #roofroperescue #thekitchentable #theharlemzoo

First due FDNY Engine chauffeur at a High Rise Roof Rope Rescue. Segway into Episode 25 where I interview L-30 member Brian Quinn who made the Roof Rope Rescue. He was awarded the Walter Scott Medal from the FDNY. Follow : www.youtube.com/@TheKitchenTable59 Donate : friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org https://onemorewave.com/

Only 2 Episodes remain in season 1 after today. The final Episode will be interview conducted with FDNY WALTER SCOTT MEDAL RECIPIENT BRIAN QUINN, For a HIGH RISE ROOF ROPE RESCUE. But until then i discuss difficulties with medical coverage and mental health care. I also discuss how first responders have a difficult time dealing with tough incidents and then dealing with another, and so on. I also discuss memorable EMS runs. Follow: www.youtube.com/@TheKitchenTable59 instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr youtu.be/AK7Z2mNsaX0?si=jDWzQyBg9-jMohKs Donate: friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org

Today i discuss 988 suicide hotline. And i go over what it was like being a federal air marshal.

This episode discusses why people take their own lives. They don't necessarily want to die, they just want the pain to end. For me that wasn't the case. I needed the pain to know i was still alive and to keep going. I for the most part just didnt want to exist anylonger. I felt like i shouldn't be on this earth anymore. I also discuss being a senior man inn the firehouse. FollowMe: instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr www.youtube.com/@TheKitchenTable59 youtu.be/AK7Z2mNsaX0?si=jDWzQyBg9-jMohKs Donate: friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org

This Episode lets you in on my peaks, valleys, high and lows of my mental state. I also tell a story of when i became an FDNY Engine Co. Chauffeur. And how i hit a few things along the way. Follow me on: www.youtube.com/@TheKitchenTable59 instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr Check out my short film: youtu.be/AK7Z2mNsaX0?si=jDWzQyBg9-jMohKs Donate to: friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org Guitar Enthusiast: www.youtube.com/@SearchingForTone

Today i discuss the roots of my anxiety from childhood and recalling my first panic attack. instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr youtu.be/AK7Z2mNsaX0?si=jDWzQyBg9-jMohKs friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org

Today i discuss PTSD in children and how it can affect them into adulthood. I also tell a funny fire story where i made a pretty big mistake turning out the companies for a Fire and what I thought was a Medical run. Donate : https://www.tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org/ https://friendsoffirefighters.org/ https://livelikechris.org/ Follow : instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr youtube.com/@kennyd59

Today i discuss how the first responders, in Eagle Pass Texas are dealing with the Migrant Crisis. I also discuss the most difficult EMS/Medical run of my career. #fdny #firstresponders #mentalhealthawareness #depression #selfhelp #anxiety #fear #suicide #therapy #firedepartmentkitchentable Follow me : www.youtube.com/@kennyd59 instagram.com/kenny59209?igsh=Z2Rxd2EydzllYzU1&utm_source=qr Donate to: friendsoffirefighters.org tomahawkcharitablesolutions.org livelikechristopher.org Check out: www.youtube.com/@TheChasingMountainsPodcast www.youtube.com/@Vanillagorillasecurity

Today I discuss how Fear affects mental health and how i dealt with it in the Fire Department. I also discuss a very humbling fire early on in my career in 59 Engine! side note: Happy St. Patricks Day! This picture was taken 2 years ago, the day I retired on St. Pats Day!

Today i go over a very traumatic incident, when i was a United States Park Policeman, involving a man who took his own life, by jumping off the top of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. He landed where i was posted up for closing procedures. It was 1 of only 3 people ,who have committed suicide there. the last one was 1932, but details are sketchy. This is my first hand account.

Today I quickly go over a survey given to first responders about mental health and how they dealt with it. I also go over some of the Nicknames given in the Firehouse. The Tale of Kenny the Cat and how he went missing and was found 3 months later by the Men. Also how we took in a rooster that was mistaken for a baby Ostrich.

This episode talks real quick about how fitness and getting in the gym everyday has probably saved my life. I may not exist anymore if i didn't have fitness. And a civilian climbs an FDNY Aerial Ladder at a multiple alarm Fire in Harlem.

After watching some old home videos I needed to make an apology.

How Positive Self Talk can help lift you out of dark places. Story about a Brownstone Fire across the street from the Firehouse.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday and I'm feeling Cranky so I'm reaching out to you guys to vent a little bit. Also tell a quick story about catching my first FIRE.

Quick episode of having a positive mindset and manifesting positivity. How the universe rewards you with good things when you have a positive mindset. How slowing down on the fire department relates to mental health.

Today is an episode of laughter and fun in the firehouse. How laughter is one of the best medicines for mental health. We build bonds, have fun, relieve stress and train each other through pranks and jokes. A few quick stories of pranks played on me and pranks i played on others.

Here I describe how sometimes my depression or anxiety is totally unwarranted and all i need is a swift kick in the ass to leave my pity party and get back into an positive mindset. Sometimes that is all you need to break you out of the poor me attitude. A person who will step up and tell it to you straight. No one wants to be around a debbie downer.

I have completed my basic timeline of my career and some experiences of trauma, stress and depression. Today i get into my daily habits of how i manage these mental health issue. I have a solid routine and disciplines that must be performed everyday to keep the dark thoughts at bay. Soon we'll get into stories about incidents as a career first responder.

I continue with the battle of stress, anxiety and depression, after my transfer to my new firehouse E59. After not initially being accepted by the brothers in the firehouse, i set out to prove I belonged.

In this episode I continue my timeline from FLETC onto the FDNY and my transfer from my first firehouse E220 to E59 in Harlem. And the Huge mistake I made that almost made me regret it.

Graduation from FDNY Proby School and get assigned to my first firehouse in Brooklyn NY. Filled with Fear and Anxiety i meet the brothers and become part of the job.

Now i'm getting into FDNY Proby School. Learning how to become a New York City Firefighter. But a few Doubts creep into my head. How i dealt with it and overcame the feelings of insecurity and failure.

Introduction to my story, of a life serving as a 30 year first responder and my struggles with Mental Health. From the Military to Law Enforcement and finally as a Firefighter with then FDNY. Ill share triumphs, tragedies and everything in between as honest and transparent as only I know how. come sit with me at The Kitchen Table. Ill see you at the big one!