Truck Company Misfits

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Truck Company Misfits Podcast. A fire service podcast where Mavericks, Rogues and Go-Getters have kitchen table style discussions about the Engine, Truck, Special Operations, and everything in between.

Truck Company Misfits


    • Aug 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES

    4.9 from 53 ratings Listeners of Truck Company Misfits that love the show mention: guys, awesome, funny.


    Ivy Insights

    The Truck Company Misfits podcast is truly a standout in the world of firefighting tactics podcasts. From the very first episode, it is evident that these guys are not here to mess around. Their conversations are filled with energy, passion, and a determination to keep the job aggressive. Unlike many other podcasts in this genre that can sometimes feel stale and repetitive, The Truck Company Misfits delivers refreshing and entertaining content that is both informative and funny.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the level of authenticity that shines through in every episode. These guys tell it like it is, without any sugarcoating or holding back. They share their experiences and knowledge in a straightforward manner, making for engaging and relatable conversations. It's refreshing to listen to firefighters who are not afraid to speak their minds and challenge conventional wisdom. This approach creates an atmosphere where listeners can truly learn from the real-life experiences of these "misfit" firefighters.

    Another highlight of The Truck Company Misfits podcast is the camaraderie between the hosts. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it translates into a conversational style that keeps listeners hooked from start to finish. Whether they are sharing humorous anecdotes or delving deep into tactical discussions, their banter adds an extra layer of entertainment value to each episode. It's clear that these guys genuinely enjoy what they do and have a genuine passion for their profession.

    However, there are a few areas where The Truck Company Misfits could improve. One aspect that could be addressed is the consistency of episode releases. As a listener eagerly awaiting new content, it can be disappointing when there are long gaps between episodes. While this may not be entirely within their control due to busy schedules or other commitments, more regular releases would certainly enhance the overall listening experience.

    In conclusion, The Truck Company Misfits podcast is definitely one worth subscribing to if you're interested in firefighting tactics and want an entertaining yet informative take on the subject. The authentic and unfiltered conversations, combined with the camaraderie between the hosts, make for an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. While there may be room for improvement in terms of episode frequency, the content that is available is top-notch. So don't wait any longer - dive into this podcast and let these hard-charging firefighters motivate and push you through the noise.



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    Latest episodes from Truck Company Misfits

    Ep. 26 - Saw Chain and Blade Evaluation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 82:21


    In this episode we talk in depth about chain saw chains and saw blade performance. Oh and JJ forgot what state he was in...On this episode: Ryan Gates, Jason Joannides, Julio Ramos.Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 16 - LEADING FROM THE FRONT AND WINNING TACTICS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 81:26


    The Gang chats with Garrett Rice about leadership and what it really  means to lead by example, not so white shirts, implementing tactics that  may be against the grain, and touch on the not so talked about side of  ground ladders. Ryan clicks his pen while talking. On this episode: Ryan  Gates, Chris Carter, John Neal, Garrett RiceTruckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep.11 - THE PATH TO SPECIAL OPERATIONS WITH JULIO RAMOS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 71:54


    The gang finally gets Julio Ramos on to talk about the path to becoming a  Special Operations Firefighter in his department. On this episode: Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, Julio  Ramos.Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 10 - Vertical Ventilation: Fear vs. Reality with Nick Esposito

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 74:33


    The gang is joined by Captain Nick Esposito to discuss the fears behind vertical ventilation. In between Gates' furious, nervous pen clicks, they discuss best methods in changing culture in your department, when and where poppin' the top is applicable, and which Disney Princess everyone would be. On this episode: Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jason Joannides, Dustin Martinez, and Nick Esposito.Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 7 - THE SEARCH WITH DUSTIN MARTINEZ

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 66:54


    The Gang talks about The Search with Metro-Atlanta area Firefighter Dustin Martinez from Reformation Fire Training. The show gets derailed many times by everything from Rob showing up 20 minutes late, to Gates insisting on telling his best (worst) Dad Joke, to Jeff offending the entire left side of the country. On This Episode: Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, Rob Hunt, Rob's Frogs. Originally published: 7/17/2020Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 6 - THE WEST COAST TRUCK WITH NEAL DICKEY

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 70:51


    The gang sits down for a chat about West Coast Truck Operations with  special guest, Neal Dickey. Neal is a 13 year veteran of a large SoCal  department. Everything about truck is touched on, from vertical vent, to  building construction and training. On this episode: Ryan Gates, TJ  Parrish, Chris Carter, Rob Hunt, Rob's Dogs (again), Neal Dickey.Originally published: 7/3/2020Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 2 - RIDING ASSIGNMENTS; HAVE A PLAYBOOK

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 61:57


    The Misfits discuss what riding assignments are and why it is important to have a plan. Having a "playbook" for call types ensures important tasks are completed and will lead to success on the fireground. On this Episode: Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Ethan Tucker, Palmer Record*Originally Published: 5/5/2020Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 1 - Into The Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 59:56


    The gang talks motivation, mutts, and being into the job. On this  episode:Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Bailey  Reeves, Heath Haywood, Jason Joannides, Rob Hunt, Ethan Tucker.*Originally published:  4/24/2020Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 21 - Truck Positioning with Nick Esposito

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2025 71:09


    The Gang sits down again with Nick Esposito to talk Aerial Positioning  and becoming a better Aerial Operator. JJ also brings up Engine Work for  some reason. On this episode: Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Jason  Joannides, Nick Esposito*Originally Published: 6/9/2021Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Episode 27 - F.O.O.L.S. & Training w/ Uncle Mike

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2023 82:50


    Ryan and JJ sit down with Mike Noreck (A.K.A. Uncle Mike from Beyond the Stretch) and talk about F.O.O.L.S. training, conferences, and what keeps up grinding everyday to GET AFTER IT! Oh, and Mike brought Dad jokes! Truckcompanymisfits.comSodacitytraining.com

    Ep. 26: Saw Chain and Blade Evaluation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 82:21


    Carter bailed on his triumphant return. JJ forgets where he lives. Then Julio and JJ go full saw nerd about their work evaluating saw blades and chains on acquired structures. 

    Episode 25 - Back from sabbatical

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 61:15


    The Misfits are back from their conference... fall... sabbatical. Gates, JJ, Jeff,  Julio and Nick chat about whats been going on and future episodes and ideas in 2023.(Recorded: January 3rd, 2023)

    Episode 24 - Getting hired: Tips for the process with Patrick McKiernan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 73:00


    The gang chats with 2nd generation firefighter and yankee transplant, Patrick McKiernan to talk about the different fire service hiring processes and tips on interviews. (Recorded: March 10th, 2022)

    Episode 23 - Getting Hosed with Nick Peppard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 105:27


    Truck Co. Misfits get down and dirty into Engine work and hose.  On this episode, Ryan Gates, Chris Clark, and guest Nick Peppard

    Episode 22 - Talkin' Tillers with Eric Wheaton and Kevin Lewis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 84:10


    The gang sits down to talk bendy trucks with Eric Wheaton and Kevin Lewis. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Jason Joannides, Eric Wheaton, and Kevin Lewis. 

    9/11 - The Radio Traffic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2021 107:24


    In lieu of a new episode, we thought it fitting to remember the single greatest rescue effort in US History by uploading nearly 2 hours of radio traffic from the borough of Manhattan recorded on September 11th, 2001. 20 years ago, our nation made a pledge to "Never Forget." We feel that listening to the radio traffic from that day will help us, and others, honor that pledge. Our hope is that this helps everyone remember the supreme sacrifice made by so many that fateful morning. This audio was pulled from youtube and not edited by anyone at Truck Company Misfits. Never Forget.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJS3vMN6ewM

    Episode 21 - Aerial Positioning with Nick Esposito

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 71:09


    The Gang sits down again with Nick Esposito to talk Aerial Positioning and becoming a better Aerial Operator. JJ also brings up Engine Work for some reason. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Jason Joannides, and Nick Esposito. 

    Episode 20 - Getting Cerebral with Ric Jorge

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2021 125:18


    The Gang sits down with Ric Jorge for a deep dive into character, resiliency, and building better firemen. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, and Ric Jorge.**We had some technical issues with the audio this episode. Sorry!**

    Episode 19 - RIT with Bassel Ibrahim

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2021 70:30


    The gang sits down for a chat with Bassel Ibrahim about RIT, Standards, and measuring success. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, and Bassel Ibrahim.

    Episode 18 - A Chat with FDNY's Chief Tom McKiernan

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 143:34


    The Gang sits down for a LONG one with Retired Chief Tom McKiernan from the FDNY to chat about everything from war stories, to retirement. On this Episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, and Tom McKiernan. 

    Episode 17 - Family and Tradition with The Clarks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 83:57


    The Gang sits down with Don, Chris, and Cody Clark to talk about family, tradition, and current culture in the Fire Service. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, Don Clark, Chris Clark, and Cody Clark.

    Episode 16 - Fitness with Ian Palmer from Thin Line Fit

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 79:42


    The gang sits down with Ian Palmer of Thin Line Fit and talks about fitness. Gates butchers a terrible Dad Joke that wasn't really even a joke and pretty much gives up on hosting the show. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, and Ian Palmer.

    Episode 16 - Leading From the Front and Winning Tactics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 81:27


    The Gang chats with Garrett Rice about leadership and what it really means to lead by example, not so white shirts, implementing tactics that may be against the grain, and touch on the not so talked about side of ground ladders. Ryan clicks his pen while talking. On this episode, Ryan Gates, Chris Carter, John Neal, and Garrett Rice.

    Episode 14 - Muertos Coffee Co. with Eli Held

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2020 51:16


    The Gang sits down with Eli Held, Owner and Founder of Muertos Coffee Co. about everything from philanthropy, to wildland firefighting, to that sweet, sweet java. TJ butchers the recipe to Cuban Coffee. Gates thinks people likes his Dad Jokes. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, and Eli Held.

    Episode 13 - F#$% Cancer with Harry Stark and John Neal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 69:15


    CANCER SUCKS!! The Misfits talk with two firefighters who kicked cancer’s ass. Harry Stark and John Neal share their battle stories with us as we sip adult beverages and try not to let JJ’s laugh invade our dreams. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, Harry Stark, and John Neal.

    Episode 12 - Shootin' the Shit #1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2020 81:38


    The gang just bullshits about various topics including how we all met, multi-company training at small departments, and Julio's trailer. Gates also goes on a tirade about paper cut prevention when dealing with inter-office envelopes. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Rob Hunt, and Julio Ramos. Recorded August 4th, 2020.

    Episode 11 - The Path to Special Operations with Julio Ramos

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 71:55


    The gang finally gets Julio Ramos on to talk about the path to becoming a Special Operations Firefighter in his department. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, and Julio Ramos.

    9/11/01 - The Radio Traffic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2020 107:24


    In lieu of a new episode, we thought it fitting to remember the single greatest rescue effort in US History by uploading nearly 2 hours of radio traffic from the borough of Manhattan recorded on September 11th, 2001. 19 years ago, our nation made a pledge to "Never Forget." We feel that listening to the radio traffic from that day will help us, and others, honor that pledge. Our hope is that this helps everyone remember the supreme sacrifice made by so many that fateful morning. This audio was pulled from youtube and not edited by anyone at Truck Company Misfits. Never Forget.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJS3vMN6ewM

    Episode 10 - Topside Talk with Nick Esposito

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2020 74:33


    The gang is joined by Capt. Nick Esposito to discuss the fears behind vertical ventilation. In between Gates' furious, nervous pen clicks, they discuss best methods in changing culture in your department, when and where poppin' the top is applicable, and which Disney Princess everyone would be. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jason Joannides, Dustin Martinez, and Nick Esposito. Please be sure to visit Nick's facebook/instagram page: @truck_tactics

    Episode 9 - Mental Health in the Fire Service with Dena Ali

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2020 75:30


    This one is a heavy hitter. FDIC Instructor and founding member of the North Carolina Peer Support Group Dena Ali joins the show to talk about Firefighter Suicide Prevention, Depression, Sleep, and Shift Schedules. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, and Dena Ali.

    Episode 8 - Book Review: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2020 64:08


    The guys sit down and talk about Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin. Everyone gives insights about how they related to the book given their differing ranks and experience. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, Chris Clark, and making his first appearance, Carter's ferocious beast, Finley the Yorkie.

    Episode 7 - The Search with Dustin Martinez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 66:54


    The Gang talks about The Search with Metro-Atlanta area Firefighter Dustin Martinez from Reformation Fire Training. The show gets derailed many times by everything from Rob showing up 20 minutes late, to Gates insisting on telling his best (worst) Dad Joke, to Jeff offending the entire left side of the country. On This Episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Jason Joannides, Rob Hunt, and making another appearance, Rob's Frogs.

    Episode 6 - The West Coast Truck with Neal Dickey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2020 70:51


    The gang sits down for a chat about West Coast Truck Operations with special guest, Neal Dickey. Neal is a 13 year veteran of a large SoCal department. Everything about truck is touched on, from vertical vent, to building construction and training. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Chris Carter, Rob Hunt, and Rob's Dogs (again).

    Episode 5 - Scenes of Violence with Steve Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 85:31


    Special guest, Steve Hamilton joins the gang to talk about scenes of violence. What can you do when you are called to respond to domestic or civil disturbance incidents as a Fire or EMS agency? What guidelines or policies does your agency have in place? Can we improve that? Listen and find out what you're doing right, and what you may be missing. For more information follow Steve on the socials: Twitter: @cpthamilton22, Instagram: @Lthamilton22, and purchase his DVD at https://fireengineeringbooks.com/responding-to-scenes-of-violence-dvd/ use discount code “Hamilton” for a discount on your Fire Engineering’s Streaming Video Library account.

    Episode 4 - 1st Due Engine

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2020 62:45


    The gang talks engine stuff. From first line selection, to estimating the stretch. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Bailey Reeves, Heath Haywood, Rob Hunt, the tree frogs behind Rob's House, and Rob's Dogs.

    Episode 3 - Recruit Training

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 68:02


    The Gang talks about recruit training, standards, and training out on the street. On this episode; Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Harry Stark, Jason Joannides.

    Episode 2 - Riding Assignments; Have a Playbook

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2020 61:57


    The Misfits discuss what riding assignments are and why it is important to have a plan. Having a "playbook" for call types ensures important tasks are completed and will lead to success on the fireground. On this Episode; Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Ethan Tucker, Palmer Record

    Episode 1 - Into The Job

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 59:45


    The gang talks motivation, mutts, and being into the job. On this episode, Ryan Gates, TJ Parrish, Jeff Mrwik, Chris Carter, Bailey Reeves, Heath Haywood, Jason Joannides, Rob Hunt, and Ethan Tucker.

    Episode 0 - The Intro

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 29:20 Transcription Available


    The gang tries to explain what they have in mind for the show.Naturally, ADHD takes hold and they end up brainstorming future topics.On this episode: Ryan Gates TJ Parrish Jeff Mrwik Rob Hunt

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