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Tim conway jr (07.22) HR 4 In today's episode, we clear up the confusion surrounding the different UCI Medical Center locations and hear from listeners during our Talkbacks as they share what's happening on the ground at Comic-Con. Then, Jon takes us deep inside Comic-Con with a look at the biggest announcements in video games, movies, and television. From surprise reveals to the future of major franchises, he breaks down what the convention means for Hollywood's biggest studios and shares the exclusive collectible he scored while attending the event. As fire season ramps up, we also learn about the specialized equipment and technology firefighters rely on to protect communities and battle dangerous wildfires. Plus, we take a moment to remember the life and legacy of a legendary late-night television producer whose work helped shape some of the most iconic moments in TV history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Benjamin Martin is coming back to the Scrap, and we've got more to unpack than we'll have time to cover.Benjamin started his career riding the jump seat of a busy urban engine company and recently retired as an Acting Battalion Chief after more than 23 years in the fire service.Many of you know him through EmbraceTheResistance.com, his articles, podcast appearances, or his nationally recognized class, Intoxicated Leadership.Over the last decade, he's challenged many of the assumptions inherited about leadership, helping firefighters at every rank recognize the hidden forces that shape culture, leadership, and performance... and what we can actually do about them.Benjamin isn't afraid to go where a lot of leadership conversations stop. He's willing to talk about the mistakes, the burnout, the difficult conversations, the organizational politics, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to do right by your people. He believes credibility isn't built only on the fireground but rather around the kitchen table, in the hallway, and during the conversations most people would rather avoid.If your ego's flammable... consider this your warning.Some of the rabbit holes we hope to head down include why leaders shouldn't always eat last, why organizations push back against improvement, and why good people quietly stop caring.As always, the live audience helps drive where this conversation goes. Some of my favorite episodes have taken unexpected turns because of the questions and comments coming from the chat.
Joined on this episode by Jerry Wells! Jerry retired as a Battalion Chief from the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department after 35 years in the fire service. Throughout his career, he's taught firefighters across the country while challenging them to think differently about the profession.We'll dive into some of the ideas that have shaped Jerry's career, including what "The Kitchen Table" really means, why every firefighter needs an equity stake in their department, the importance firehouse stories and kitchen table conversations have, how culture is built through ownership instead of obligation, and why Jerry believes firefighting is the ultimate team sport.As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get your big, beautiful questions ready, and we'll gladly head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us.Episode 363 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and IdentiFire Safety.
D&P Highlight: The last iron lung, firefighting in the buff, and one costly snake bite. full 478 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:57:00 +0000 UrRG3e0iWosKBRw4DokJSR7hkfnFbDUx news The Dana & Parks Podcast news D&P Highlight: The last iron lung, firefighting in the buff, and one costly snake bite. You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News https:/
DeHuff is back from vacation, and he just had to do a show.DeHuff Uncensored is ranked #10 in the United States for top Weird News podcast - Million podcast!Indiana man cut off his own penis, dumped gasoline on it — then used it to light a blaze inside a neighbor's garage, according to police.Wesley Howard of Sumner, Wash. is a hero who fought a fire while completely naked.Nearly 1,200 people in Michigan and 200 in Ohio have been diagnosed with a parasitic infection, Cyclospora, that can cause weeks of watery diarrhea, making it the largest such outbreak in Michigan state history and one of the nation's largest in years.A pair of experienced campers in Britain broke a Guinness World Record by erecting their two-man tent in a time of 1 minute and 4.95 seconds.Waymo basically arrested 2 teens for being idiots.A Chicago man attempted a Guinness World Record by walking a distance of nearly 33 feet while holding a balloon between his knees.
Stephen Runyan, aka Tommy Gunn, is coming back to The Scrap, and this one is going to be loaded... again!With more than 20 years in the fire service, Stephen has dedicated his career to developing firefighters, challenging conventional thinking, and sharing the lessons he's learned from some of the best mentors in the profession.A Georgia Smoke Diver, FDIC H.O.T. Class Specialist, Wichita Fire Department Hiring Coordinator, and Wichita HOT Board Member and Instructor, Stephen has become a respected instructor in the fire service, teaching firefighters across the country and helping shape the way many approach the job.If you've seen Stephen teach or heard him speak before, you already know he isn't afraid to challenge the way we think. He deep dives into his peptide journey and explains where it started and what he has learned along the way. .. there is no shortage of great information.As always, the audience helps drive the conversation, so get ready, as we head down whatever rabbit hole the live chat takes us.Episode 362 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose and Fire Station Furniture.
Today on MetroNews This Morning: --A man who killed four members of his family is headed to prison for life plus 80 years--A man who killed a state trooper learns his fate today--Firefighting efforts and air quality monitors are up around the People's Cartage Fire in Wood County--In Sports: Two Mountaineers are on the Big XII's preseason all conference team
Get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference OnlineFor show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the Hey! What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribeAI For Teachers newsletterFor maths curriculum questions contact us here or via support@alta-education.com Learn more about The Story of Maths - www.alta-education.com/tsom-overview and https://www.acel.proEpisode 298: What does it take to move from reactive SEND provision to something more strategic, coherent and sustainable?This week I am joined by Amy Batalli from The Kite Academy Trust for a fascinating conversation about the development of learning support assistants, the importance of aligned systems, and what it really means to build provision around pupils rather than around short-term fixes.We discuss the changing role of support staff, the challenges schools face around time, funding and increasing complexity, and the professional development structures needed if LSAs are to feel valued, effective and properly equipped. We also explore the relationship between inclusion, classroom belonging, intervention, leadership and implementation.This is a thoughtful and practical episode about doing the hard work properly: training people well, avoiding unnecessary fragmentation, keeping expectations high, and building systems that survive beyond any one individual.Whether you are a SENCO, trust leader, headteacher, teacher or LSA, there is plenty here to think deeply about.
#235 - The woods “understood her” before she could understand herself, and Alison Monda's story makes that feel less like poetry and more like a practical roadmap. She's a full-time firefighter, a search and rescue volunteer, a musician, a longtime hiker, and someone who finally got an ADHD diagnosis that explained decades of feeling scattered, intense, and constantly in motion. When we sit down to talk, it turns into an honest look at what it means to build a life around adventure while also trying to build a brain that feels steady. Alison doesn't dodge the hard chapters. She talks about teen addiction, entering rehab at 19, and how sobriety forced her to relearn fun, connection, and self-respect. From there, hiking becomes more than a passion. It becomes outdoor therapy, a mental health reset, and one of the only places her mind reliably drops into a flow state. We get into solo backpacking, why it can feel freeing and terrifying, and how she thinks about safety as a woman alone on trail. We also go deep on real backcountry moments: a bear encounter that spikes the fear meter, the difference between wildlife risk and news-cycle myths, and the rare but real “creepy human” situations that change how you camp. Along the way, Alison shares practical advice for getting started, including the 10 essentials, offline GPS tools like Gaia GPS and CalTopo, and when an SOS device like a Garmin inReach makes sense. Plus, we talk community on the Appalachian Trail, big-mile dreams like the PCT, and her memoir Fearless. If you like stories about hiking for mental health, ADHD and resilience, addiction recovery, and the kind of adventure that's messy in the moment but meaningful later, you'll feel at home here. Subscribe to The Human Adventure, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a quick rating or review so more people can find the show.To follow along with Alison check her out on Instagram @get_the_f_outside. You can also get a copy of her book, Fearless, on Amazon.To learn more about me and see clips from past, present, and future shows give me a follow on Instagram @humanadventurepod.Want to be a guest on The Human Adventure? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjakeXploreum connects you with authentic wilderness expeditions led by trusted local experts. Browse real adventures, book directly with experienced guides, and get $200 off your first trip using code HumanAdventure2026 at xploreum.io/humanadventure.
Joined on this episode by my friend, the one and only Dana Larkin!Dana currently serves as Battalion Chief with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, leading C-Shift while overseeing the department's training division. From starting as a volunteer in 2001 to becoming one of the driving forces behind firefighter development, Dana has spent years building firefighters, officers, and future leaders.Beyond his department, Dana founded the Cascade F.O.O.L.S. chapter in 2019, served four years as Chapter President, and now serves as Treasurer for F.O.O.L.S. International. His passion for the fire service, leadership, and training has made him a respected voice across the country.This conversation is going to be packed, so get your notebooks and pens ready! We'll be discussing what F.O.O.L.S. really stands for, why membership and getting involved matter, and why every firefighter should make it a priority to attend conferences and get outside of their own bubble. We'll also dive into the leadership epidemic of micromanagement, how to build leaders before you need them, why succession planning is often overlooked, and why so many organizations are focused on recruitment while neglecting retention. We'll also tackle how we may be unintentionally creating imposter syndrome in the academy, why hearing the same message from a different voice can completely change someone's perspective, how the Task–Tactic–Strategy model can help develop better officers, and why simply talking to people, sharing ideas, and learning from others can have such a profound impact on both your career and your department. If time allows, we'll also get into lessons Dana has learned from training hundreds of firefighters, leading live-fire instruction, developing cadets, and how his journey through F.O.O.L.S. changed the trajectory of both his career and his outlook on the fire service.As always, the live audience helps drive the discussion, and we gladly head down whatever rabbit hole their questions take us. Episode 361 made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-Tite Hose - IdentiFire - Flame Decon
Joined on this episode by the one and only Steve Prziborowski, retired Deputy Chief with the Santa Clara County Fire Department who continues to shape the fire service as an instructor with Chabot College and the National Fire Academy. A respected mentor to many, Steve spends much of his time coaching and developing firefighters and officers at all ranks.Steve has spoken across the country, authored multiple career development books, and has become a recognized voice in the fire service on leadership, succession planning, and preparing the next generation of fire service professionals.On this episode, we will get into what it truly means to be here for "them", the people we serve and the people we lead. We will discuss building and maintaining relationships, mentoring, passing the baton to those coming behind us, and why every firefighter is both a leader and a follower regardless of rank.We will also dive into leadership versus management, strategic versus tactical thinking, and why understanding the expectations of the ranks above you matters, even if promotion is not part of your plan. Which will lead us right into promotion... why not everyone needs to promote, and why those who choose that path should do it for the right reasons.The live audience helps drive the discussion and we dive down all the rabbit holes their questions open up!Episode 360 made possible by our incredible sponsors: FireStationFurniture.com - Snap-Tite Hose - and Flame Decon
Joined on this episode by my man Brandon Chapman! Brandon is the Co-Founder and Instructor of GRIT Fire Training LLC, Driver on Truck 17 in the City of Pittsburgh, Assistant Fire Chief for Stowe Township Fire Department, and firefighter with West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Company 28 in Prince George's County, Maryland.With 17 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience, Brandon has earned a reputation as both a passionate student of the fire service and a respected instructor. As a PA State Suppression Instructor, City of Pittsburgh Recruit School Instructor, and Lead Instructor for Butler County Community College, he has dedicated himself to developing firefighters through realistic training and proven systems.This was a killer conversation as we dove into what it really means to train firefighters with purpose. We talk about predetermined assignments, SOPs, SOGs, JOGs, and why having clear systems in place builds confidence, accountability, and consistency on the fireground. One topic I was especially looking forward to discussing was experience. Brandon has strong opinions on the difference between time served and experience earned. As always, the audience was huge for this one with their big beautiful questions and drove the conversation!!!
When Damon Spring joined his local volunteer fire department, he was answering a call to serve his community.
Benjamin L. Carp describes how, as the fire spread, witnesses reported that pumps and bucket handles had been sabotaged to hinder firefighting efforts. The fire consumed Trinity Church, a prominent symbol of the Crown, which some believed was a deliberate target of anti-Anglican rebels. In the ensuing chaos, British soldiers engaged in summary executions, bayoneting individuals suspected of being "incendiaries" or throwing them into the flames. One man, Wright White, was brutally hanged by his heels by enraged soldiers, serving as a grim example of the arbitrary violence and high tensions characterizing that night of destruction. (4)1776
In this captivating episode, host Mark Hayward is joined by Graham Ravenscroft, a notable figure in the realms of emergency services and elite sports coaching. Graham's unique insights into human performance and leadership have been shaped by his dual career as a firefighter and an Olympic coach. Throughout the conversation, the duo explores the intersection of strategy, leadership, and motivation, specifically in high-stakes environments like firefighting, competitive sports, and business. The episode delves deep into Graham's fireproof leadership framework, aimed at nurturing leadership qualities and strategic readiness in business executives.Drawing parallels between the demands of firefighting and Olympic coaching, Graham elaborates on the essentials of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience. These foundational tenets are crucial for achieving excellence in both personal and professional arenas. Graham discusses his methodology for preparing teams and individuals to handle critical situations by emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach, coupled with self-belief and imagination. As Graham shares anecdotes from his extensive career, listeners gain valuable insights into the art of leadership and the perpetual drive for self-improvement and high performance.Key Takeaways:Framework for Success: Graham emphasizes the necessity of talent, strategy, motivation, and resilience as core components for achieving high performance.Preparedness in Leadership: Strategic readiness and situational analysis are pivotal in ensuring effective leadership in critical environments.Role of Motivation: The intrinsic desire to succeed, fueled by self-belief, is a significant determinant in differentiating high achievers from others.Resilience Beyond Recovery: True resilience involves preventing difficulties rather than just overcoming them, ensuring sustained performance.Continuous Improvement: High-performing individuals and organizations remain committed to potential, constantly pushing beyond existing boundaries.Resources:Connect with Graham Ravenscroft on LinkedInLearn more about the "Fireproof Leadership Framework" [No URL provided]Encouraging you to listen to the entire episode, Graham's journey and insights offer a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and high performance. Stay tuned for more engaging and enlightening conversations in our podcast series.Support the showIf you want to watch the full video of this episode go to:https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalksDo you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to:www.podcastintroduction.comFind more details about the podcast and my coaching business on:www.businessgrowthtalks.comFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw...Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
CLICK HERE JOIN ME AT BLUE LIGHT SHOW | LONDON | JULY 2026My guest today is Justin Fitzwater, firefighter with the Kansas City Fire Department and founder of Fitzwater Leather, a company renowned throughout the American fire service for creating some of the most stunning custom helmet fronts and leatherwork you'll ever see.Fitzwater Leather INSTAGRAMFitzwater Leather WEBSITEPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon CrewPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode:William Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websitePBI high-performance fabrics FIRST TACTICAL- tactical gear for elite operatorsGORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyJAFCOIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
Joined on episode 358 by Jason Worthy of South Spartanburg Fire Department. A second-generation firefighter with 18 years on the job—many of them spent riding the truck. Jason currently serves as Captain on Ladder 24. Throughout his career, he has continually invested in his craft, completing OBT2, the NC Breathing Equipment School, Truckman Academy, and the South Carolina Fire Officer's Academy.A true student of the game, Jason leads by example. He is passionate about mentoring those around him while remaining humble, coachable, and committed to growth. Whether on the training ground or in the world of fitness, he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with others.During this conversation, we'll dive into the influence of his father and the path that led him into the fire service. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with taking a lateral Captain's position, building and shaping department culture from the bottom up, the art and science of truck work, and the importance of family both on and off the job.As always, the live audience helps drive the conversation. Every week you all bring outstanding questions, and the discussion goes wherever the curiosity takes it.The Weekly Scrap - Episode 358 made possible by these amazing folks at: Snap-Tite Hose, Fire Station Furniture, and Yaw On Fire.
Joined on this episode by the one and only Tom Richardson, retired FDNY Chief of Department!Chief Richardson walks the walk, serving 42 years with the FDNY, rising through every rank to lead as the top uniformed officer in the busiest fire department in the nation. A lifelong firefighter, he's been a volunteer in Deer Park since 1978 (serving as Chief of Department there in 1999-2000 and 2009-2011) and currently serves on the Board of Fire Commissioners. He holds a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School - Center for Homeland Defense and Security, along with extensive leadership training including the FDNY Advanced Leadership Course, Fire Officers Management Institute, and West Point's Combating Terrorism Center. We're going deep into leadership in the fire service - everything from command presence, to the critical importance of trust in the firehouse and on the fireground, building crews that operate with implicit authority (no constant micromanaging), the make-or-break role of the first hoseline, staffing and response challenges facing the volunteer fire service, and effective communication with the troops. Hard-earned lessons from the highest levels of command, and practical wisdom that applies to every firefighter and officer out there. As always, the live audience one hundred percent light this one up with questions, and we go wherever the conversation takes us. Because we all know that's what makes The Scrap the absolute best live firefighter podcast out there!
Dorene has a new appreciation for what her husband did for 23 years
Dorene has a new appreciation for what her husband did for 23 years
Experts on public lands and wildfires are voicing concern about how budget cuts to federal agencies will affect firefighting during the approaching fire season.
Sat, May 30 4:00 PM → 4:07 PM Unknown firefighter training perhaps Radio Systems: - Itasca County
The Commonwealth is suing the manufacturer of a firefighting foam containing PFAS that contaminated 28 Defence Force bases.
The Australian Government is suing US manufacturing giant 3M over its alleged use of toxic 'forever chemicals' in their firefighting foam. It claimed 3M withheld and misrepresented details about the foam and its environmental impact, after it reportedly contaminated dozens of defence bases across the country. Australian correspondent Murray Olds explained the case further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joined on episode 356 by firefighter/paramedic and founder of VEST First Responder LLC, the one and only Jake Hecht!!!! Tuesday, May 26th8 PM CSTFrom high school history teacher to pro MMA fighter (3× UFC veteran) and now firefighter, Jake turned a violent patient encounter into a mission, dedicating his career to protecting those who protect others. As a former Army Combatives Instructor and former Lead Defensive Tactics Instructor for the Columbia, Missouri Police Department, Jake has now trained more than 3,000 firefighters and EMS providers across 10 states on practical, field-tested workplace violence survival. On this episode we're digging into: How VEST was born from real calls and why there's virtually no standardized training for violent patient encounters in fire/EMS . Why most de-escalation talk is empty buzzwords and exactly where the line is before physical options kick in. Common admin objections and the culture that treats getting assaulted as “part of the job”.We will also discuss the reporting platform that Jake built to stop sweeping these incidents under the rug - www.firstresponderviolence.com Of coure, we can always count on the live audience to bring the heat with their questions. It is what continues to make the Scrap the absolute best. We go wherever the conversation takes us. Episode 356 made possible by our incredible sponsors: SnapTite Hose & FireStation Furniture
I sit down with Helmut Zepf, Managing Director of the PPE Division at PBI, and Bill Lawson, President of PBI, to explore what is really protecting firefighters inside their PPE.As The Firefighters Podcast begins its partnership with PBI ahead of INTERSCHUTZ 2026, this episode looks beyond the badge on the kit and into the science, history, and real-world performance behind high-performance protective fabrics.From PBI's origins in high-temperature polymer science and NASA, through to flame resistance, break-open protection, durability, comfort, field testing, procurement, and the changing nature of modern fires, this conversation asks a simple but important question:How much do firefighters truly know about the gear they trust with their lives?In this episode, we discuss:PBI's origins and connection to NASAWhy heat transfer matters as much as flameBreak-open protection and decomposition temperaturesWhy heavier PPE does not always mean safer PPEComfort, movement, fatigue, and firefighter performanceDurability after real-world operational useProcurement decisions and what fire services should be askingWhy modern fires demand modern protectionThis episode marks the start of our partnership with PBI and a wider conversation about firefighter safety, education, innovation, and understanding the PPE that helps bring crews home.Send us Fan MailSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
Siobhan Priest - or Shiv - appears as @thefiremum on Instagram and I love seeing her posts about her life as a firefighter in the London Fire Brigade.Shiv started her working life as a model and continued in that job when she became a single mum to her daughter, at the age of 24. However she says she was always looking for a helping role in life. Firefighting appealed from an early age but it took many years for her to research it properly and then go for it when her second child, her little boy, was starting school.She loves the routine and stability that her job gives her, and being part of a watch where she has 10 ‘brothers'.Shiv says that every day is different, and putting out a fire is fun, as it's a hands-on job and they are professional problem-solvers.Shiv is proud of being a firefighter and of influencing other women to follow in her footsteps, and it was an absolute joy to meet someone so excited and fulfilled by their job.Extra info:Home Fire Safety Checker:Get tailored advice for your home or for someone you care for. Our tool allows you to carry out a thorough check of your home in only a few minutes. It's simple and practical, giving you specific advice for your family and your home. Visit: https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/home-fire-safety-checker/#ChargeSafe campaignOn average there is a fire from a lithium battery in an e-bike or e-scooter every two days in London. Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes. For safety tips, check out our campaign webpage: www.london-fire.gov.uk/chargesafeCadetsLondon Fire Brigade Fire Cadets is a free programme for young people aged 13-17, available across all London boroughs. The course gives young people a chance to learn valuable life skills and build their confidence, whilst gaining an insight into careers in the emergency services. https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/community/young-people/fire-cadets/Outreach/RecruitmentIf you are interested in finding out more about jobs/careers at London Fire Brigade, email: outreach@london-fire.gov.uk to request updates and info on recruitment activities and events. To find out more about Firefighter Siobhan Priest's typical working day, watch her in London Fire Brigade's You Tube film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0ASQfxHIO8Spinning Plates is presented by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, produced by Claire Jones and post-production by Richard Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is sponsored by XPLUS. In this episode, we explore how teams can move from reactive firefighting to proactive, evidence-based control. We cover why SQL, AOS, and Batch need to be seen as one correlated system, how custom metrics bridge the gap between technical data and real business activity, and what a structured performance optimization cycle actually looks like in practice - from the first alert all the way to a verified fix. Whether you're dealing with regressions after a One Version update, unexplained batch delays, or just the nagging feeling that your system could perform better - this episode gives you a clear framework for taking back control. More from XPLUS: · Curious how this works in your environment? Book a 30-minute call with our D365 performance team - https://xplusglobal.com/book-a-demo/ · D365 Partner Day: Observability, Testing & Performance: https://xplusglobal.com/event/d365-partner-day-observability-testing-performance/
Chief Royal Ramey moved 3,000 incarcerated individuals into public service careers through wildland firefighting. Here is exactly how he built the pipeline.SummaryThe Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program is a nonprofit workforce reentry pipeline that has moved over 3,000 current and formerly incarcerated individuals into public service careers through wildland firefighting. In this episode, Donald Thompson sits down with Chief Royal Ramey, a 12-year firefighting veteran, 2024 TED Fellow, and the program's co-founder, to examine how a fire line became one of the most measurable career pathways in the United States. After serving six years in prison, Ramey discovered that the discipline and identity structure of wildland firefighting provided what the traditional reentry system had never offered. Today his program operates across multiple states, and he is building toward a national model.Episode Long DescriptionChief Royal Ramey spent six years incarcerated before wildland firefighting gave him a framework for purpose, discipline, and leadership that the traditional reentry system had never provided him. As a 12-year firefighting veteran, 2024 TED Fellow, and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, Royal has built one of the most measurable workforce reentry pipelines in the United States, moving over 3,000 current and formerly incarcerated individuals into public service careers across multiple states.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, Donald Thompson sits down with Royal to examine how California's wildland firefighting infrastructure became an unlikely but highly effective model for workforce equity, legislative advocacy, and community reinvestment. The conversation covers Royal's four-step goal achievement framework, the economic argument for expungement, and what organizational leaders can learn from a culture that trains people to run toward the hardest problems. Housing one person in a California state prison costs close to $130,000 annually. Royal's program routes that same public investment toward a six-figure career that generates tax revenue, reduces recidivism, and creates measurable community financial stability."The most destructive conditions produce the most qualified leaders," argues Chief Royal Ramey, 2024 TED Fellow and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program.Key Talking Points:Wildland Firefighting as a Workforce Reentry Model: The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program fills a structural gap that exists in 13 states: incarcerated firefighters who serve on the line have no guaranteed pathway into the profession after release. Chief Ramey's nonprofit directly addresses that gap, with documented career outcomes for over 3,000 participants across California and partner states. Expungement as an Economic Investment, Not a Social Handout: Housing one person in a California state prison costs close to $130,000 annually, while a wildland firefighting career generates tax revenue, reduces recidivism costs, and creates a multiplier effect on family and community financial stability. Four-Step Goal Achievement Framework for High-Stakes Environments: Chief Ramey's Four-Step Goal Achievement Framework asks individuals to define the goal, confirm the desire behind it, build a concrete blueprint, and execute without exception. Developed on the fire line, the framework now drives career transition, leadership development, and organizational culture work inside Ramey's program. .Wildland Firefighting Discipline Applied to Business Leadership and Retention: The mindset that produces effective incident commanders maps directly onto corporate retention challenges. Radical accountability, mission clarity, and a culture where every team member understands their contribution are not firefighting-specific virtues; they are the conditions that reduce turnover in any high-performance organization. Climate Crisis and Incarcerated Firefighters as a National Workforce Imperative: Western wildfire frequency is increasing, and the incarcerated firefighter population represents a trained, available, and deeply motivated labor force. CAL FIRE workforce planning and state emergency management agencies have only begun to formally invest in this population as a climate infrastructure asset.Published: May 21, 2026 | High Octane Leadership with Donald Thompson, Episode 184.Chapter Markers0:00 - Intro: Chief Royal Ramey01:40 - From Fire Camp to Public Service: The Journey Out of Incarceration03:30 - Co-Founding the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program05:00 - How Chief Ramey's Four-Step Framework Moves People from Incarceration to Public Service07:15 - How Wildland Firefighting Converts a Criminal Record into a Public Service Identity10:00 - Focus on What You Can Control: The Leadership Mindset That Changes Everything12:00 - Firefighting as a Lifestyle, Not a Nine to Five14:40 - Legislative Advocacy and the Case for Expungement18:00 - Why Expungement Costs Less Than Incarceration: The Economic Case for Second Chances20:00 - What It Feels Like to Change 3,000 Lives23:00 - Why Purpose-Driven Leadership Produces Lower Recidivism Than Job Placement Alone27:45 - What Scaling the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program to 13 States Actually Requires30:00 - How the Prison-to-Public-Service Pipeline Works and What Other States Can Replicate32:00 - From Fire Camps to the Daily Show and Jeff Bezos: What Notoriety Did for the Mission35:30 - Closing: Chief Ramey's Legacy and Magic Wand MomentAbout the GuestChief Royal Ramey is a 12-year wildland firefighting veteran, 2024 TED Fellow, and co-founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit workforce development pipeline recognized by CAL FIRE and California workforce development agencies as one of the most effective reentry-to-public-service models currently operating in the United States. After serving six years in prison, Ramey built an organization that has guided over 3,000 current and formerly incarcerated individuals into careers in wildland firefighting and public service. His advocacy contributed to the passage of California AB 2147 (signed September 2020, authored by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes) allows formerly incarcerated firefighters to petition to have their records expunged and pursue state fire certifications for the first time. Ramey has appeared on The Daily Show, discussed the economics of second chances with Jeff Bezos, and spoken internationally on the argument that people who have survived the most destructive conditions are frequently the most qualified to lead during a national climate emergency.Resources:Donald Thompson LinkedInDonald's Books: https://donaldthompson.com/books-resources/Chief Royal Ramey LinkedInForestry and Fire Recruitment Program: [Link]Workplace Options 2026 Psychological Safety Study: https://psychsafety.workplaceoptions.com/resource/the-coe-2026-psychological-saf...
Joined on this episode by the one and only Cody Trestrail, Founder and Instructor of Brothers in Battle and the man behind Firemanship! Cody has been on the Scrap for episodes 179 (one of the most listened to episodes of all time), 295, and the Firemanship special, and is coming back on for episode 355! Join us for another epic episode where truth bombs drop as we discuss the driving force behind Cody and his mission! It would be remiss not to talk Firemanship and the massive impact it is having on the fire service! The audience as always lights it up with their questions and we enjoy where the conversation took us because that is what makes the Scrap the absolute best!!!!!ENjoy the show!
The 14-Day Ayurvedic Reset at Sitaram RetreatThis 14-day program at Sitaram Retreat focuses on resetting the body's natural balance, creating the conditions in which sustainable healing can finally happen without quick fixes. If you have been struggling with autoimmune conditions, menopause, burnout, or stagnant weight loss, then consider taking time out for a deep reset and authentic healing. Check out www.sitaramretreat.com or Chat Here: https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=8138888912&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0 BALANCING THE MIGHTY VATA - ONLINE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE Vata is responsible for Prana - the master panel of our body, and our emotions. In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that controlling Vata is the most difficult part of healing and recovery. With over 6 hrs of content and notes filled with practical insights that can be integrated into our lives. Link: https://vigneshdevraj.com/balancing-the-mighty-vata/ For further information, kindly visit www.vigneshdevraj.com and www.sitaramretreatCan Panchakarma replace Hormone Replacement Therapy during menopause? Or do both have different roles to play?In this episode, Dr Vignesh Devraj breaks down Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), one of the most controversial topics for menopausal health. This conversation explores why many women are deeply confused about HRT, why menopause is not a sudden event, and how Panchakarma can become deeply valuable for the menopausal transition. If you are confused about HRT, afraid of menopause, or trying to understand where Ayurveda and Panchakarma fit into women's hormonal health, this episode helps.Episode Highlights:Why women became fearful of HRTSevere menopause symptoms and mental healthWhy HRT is neither a villain nor a magic solutionMenopause as a continuation of long-term lifestyle patternsPanchakarma as preparation for perimenopause and menopauseThe role of sleep, stress, burnout, and recoveryTimestamps:00:00 - 01:06: Panchakarma vs HRT01:06 - 03:25: Severe Menopause symptoms03:25 - 05:39: Menopause & Lifestyle patterns05:39 - 07:16: Panchakarma as preparation07:16 - 08:53: Mild to moderate symptoms08:53 - 09:51: Combining HRT and Panchakarma09:51 - 11:09: Firefighting vs preventionAbout Dr Vignesh DevrajDr Vignesh Devraj is a fourth-generation Ayurvedic physician and the founder of Sitaram Retreat, a space for authentic healing. He is a committed practitioner and researcher of Panchakarma.If you are interested in doing a one-on-one Ayurvedic consultation with Dr Vignesh Devraj please find the details in this link:https://calendly.com/drvignesh/30-minute-session-with-dr-vignesh-devraj-md-ay-istIf you are economically challenged, please use the form provided to request a free Ayurvedic consultation here.(or copy paste this in your browser: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd29nHcrC1RssR-6WAqWCWQWKKJo7nGcEm8ITEl2-ErcnfVEg/viewform )For further information about Dr Vignesh Devraj, kindly visit:www.vigneshdevraj.comwww.sitaramretreat.comInstagram - @sitarambeachretreat | @vigneshdevrajTwitter - @VigneshDevrajWe truly hope you are enjoying our content. Leave your review and subscribe to the podcast, so you'll never miss out on any new episodes. Thanks for your support.Disclaimer: We strongly do not recommend using the content of these episodes as medical advice for any medical conditions.
In this episode of the Anxious Black Belt Podcast, I sit down with Sensei Neil O'Connor — martial artist, firefighter, bodybuilder, and cancer survivor. Now over 70 years old and still actively training, Neil shares his incredible life journey through karate, strength training, emergency service, and his battle with cancer. We talk about resilience, discipline, mindset, aging, health, martial arts philosophy, and what keeps him moving forward when most people would slow down.
Joined on this episode by the one and only Kiel Samsing; firefighter, paramedic, neuroscience coach, instructor, and author of the game-changing book Mind of Fire: The Science and Art of Decision Making.Kiel founded Mind of Fire back in 2018 after seeing a massive gap in the fire service: we crush tactics and hands-on skills, but we've been starving the cognitive side - the mental sets and reps that separate good decisions from the ones that get people hurt. In this episode we're diving straight into the science and art of fireground decision-making, how the brain actually works under extreme stress, and the practical tools every firefighter and officer needs to build better mental models, cut through chaos, and make the right call when it matters most.We'll talk about the OODA loop fire-service style, empowered leadership, why cognitive training is just as critical as nozzle technique, and the real-world stories and lessons that went into Mind of Fire. Kiel's also got the companion workbook dropping soon and it is loaded with mental drills and exercises you can actually use on shift. Expect straight talk on building decision-making muscle, staying sharp through the years, and why the “mind of fire” might be the most important tool on the truck.Of course the audience is going to light this one up with questions, and we'll go wherever the conversation takes us... because that's what makes the Scrap the absolute best!!!! And if you haven't read Mind of Fire yet, fix that. It's already becoming required reading in engine houses and training divisions across the country. www.mindoffire.com | @kielsamsing | @mindoffireShare this everywhere. Set your reminders. Tag your crew!Episode 354 made possible by FireStation Furniture, Snap-Tite Hose, and LCC Fire School
Africa Melane speaks to Environmental journalist, Don Pinnock for our first pin drop... the pin has dropped on Table Mounrtain for this week’s travel feature! Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another firehouse-fueled showdown, we welcomed back David “DJ” Stone to the show! DJ is currently developing "The Personnel Issues Playbook: Firefighter Interpersonal Issues You Must Know as a Boss". This is a collaborative project focused on the real-world people problems officers and chiefs face on the job, and how they've handled them.From navigating tough interpersonal conflicts to his own journey moving into the training division, we discussed hard-earned lessons on building trust, inspiring change, avoiding burnout, and leading with respect. We will also dug into patience vs. passion, earning credibility, recruiting informal leaders, playing the long game, and why surveying the land (not just the people) is critical at all levels.And of course… So many amazing questions from the Audience!Special thanks to IdentiFire and SnapTite Hose for episode 353 of The Weekly Scrap Podcast.
Michael Wright, Vice President of Strategic Growth at JANUS Research Group, has spent 25+ years helping organizations evolve from activity-driven execution to outcome-based performance in high-stakes environments.In this episode, he and Alex D. Tremble break down a challenge most leaders of a multi-location, operations-heavy business doing roughly eight figures in revenue face: your team is busy—but you're still the one driving results.They explore how leaders get stuck in constant firefighting, why ownership breaks down, and how emerging tools like AI are forcing leaders to rethink how work—and leadership—actually happens.You'll learn:How to shift your team from activity to outcome-driven executionWhat it really takes to build ownership across your leadership benchWhy leaders struggle to “let go” and how to fix it without losing controlHow to balance daily operations with long-term strategic thinkingWhere AI helps—and where it quietly increases leadership riskThis is for you if:You're still the default problem-solver for your teamYour leaders stay busy, but progress feels slowYou struggle to step out of the day-to-day without things slippingListen now and start building a team that owns results—not just tasks.If this hits home, share it with another operator who's feeling the same pressure.
When it comes to fighting wildfires, women have historically faced a lot of obstacles. In this classic, we uncover the often overlooked history of women doing this difficult work, the progress that's been made, and the work that still needs to be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we're sitting down with Michael "Stickers" Goldstein, a battle-tested New Hampshire firefighter with 20 years in the first responder game, from dispatcher to the front lines. As the no-holds-barred host of The C.A.N. Report, Mike is on a mission to spotlight the fire service's rich history, raw culture, leadership truths, mental health realities, and the hard lessons that keep our brotherhood strong.From calling out toxic leadership to celebrating passion, training, and accountability, Stickers delivers straight-talk conversations that hit hard and keep it real. If you love unfiltered fireground wisdom and real talk that matters, you do NOT want to miss this one.Share this everywhere.
This week we're joined by Stephanie White, Editor-in-Chief of Firefighter Nation, one of the sharpest voices in the industry.Fresh off the rig after 20+ years as a firefighter/paramedic with Fairfax County, Stephanie is bringing her no-nonsense perspective to the table. We dive into the topics that matter most right now. Starting with the problem of conflicts in the fire house and then pivoting to victim mentality in the fire service. And with the biggest week in the industry happening right now, you already know we're talking the BIG SHOW - FDIC.As always… I count on the audience to bring the heat and the great questions because the best part of The Scrap is we never know where the conversation will go!!!! If you care about the health, culture, and long-term survival of this job, you do NOT want to miss this one.Let's get after it! Stephanie White is on The Scrap!
It's time to build your family's future on a foundation of true health and freedom. Join us at Future Foundations—because your future generations deserve the best start to the mission that will outlive us… Check it out here. Use code FREEDOM25 for 25% off! Whether you're looking for tinctures, topicals or teas or a deeper connection to your INNATE healing capacity, Noble Task Homestead is here to serve you. Join the movement. Visit NobleTaskHomestead.com/noblestan today and enjoy a 10% discount on your order. San Diego area residents, take advantage of our special New Patient offer exclusively for podcast listeners here. We can't wait to experience miracles with you! Welcome to a new episode of the Future Generations Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stanton Hom sits down with Ann Bennett, the voice behind Simply Unconventional and a regenerative pecan farmer from Oklahoma. Ann shares her family's shift from conventional, chemical-heavy farming to regenerative agriculture, alongside her own journey from standard health advice to a holistic, real-food lifestyle. Together, they explore how food choices, raw milk, and nutrient-dense organ meats transformed her family's health, why chronic disease is exploding, and how modern parents can push back against information overload, digital addiction, and chronic stress. They also dive into raising kids with strong values, homeschooling, low-tech living, and building real, in-person community in an increasingly virtual world. Highlights: "What I know to be real is what humans ate for thousands of years, and that's the diet I trust." "If your doctor doesn't believe in you, how are you going to believe in yourself?" "Anything on that tablet or screen, we don't know that to be real. Real food, real people, real relationships are." "You can disagree with me and we can still be friends. You can even grow up and make different choices, and I'll still love you." Timestamps: 00:00 – From Pecan Farm to Regenerative Health Journey 03:00 – Spraying Chemicals, Firefighting, and a Wake-Up Call 05:30 – Gradual Shift: Cover Crops, Glyphosate Reduction, and Soil Life 09:04 – Biological Products and Trusting the Intelligence of Nature 10:34 – Too Much Information: Finding What's Real in the Age of AI 18:51 – Real Humans: Food, Sunlight, Nature, and Grounding as Core Values 21:34 – Homeschool, Low-Tech Parenting, and Opting Out of Team Sports 24:29 – Ann's Mission: Using Her Platform to Reverse Chronic Disease 33:49 – Raw Milk and Asthma: A Family Health Transformation 40:23 – Beef Organs as Nature's Multivitamin and Ancestral Wisdom Resources: Remember to Rate, Review, and Subscribe on iTunes and Follow us on Spotify! Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantonhom Website: https://futuregenerationssd.com/ Podcast Website: https://thefuturegen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanhomdc Stay Connected with the Future Generations Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuregenpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuregenpodcast/ About Ann Bennett: Ann Bennett is a wife, homeschool mom, and first-generation homesteader with a passion for non-toxic living, holistic health, and real food nutrition. She married her high school sweetheart and together they are raising their three children on a beautiful pecan farm in Northeast Oklahoma. Ann and her family embrace a simple, intentional lifestyle rooted in wellness and sustainability. Through her platform, Ann challenges mainstream narratives and shares holistic health tips, nutrient-dense recipes, and practical ways to reduce toxin exposure. Whether she's offering clean product recommendations, inspiration for intentional living, or glimpses into farm life, Ann empowers others to pursue a lifestyle that supports lasting health and vitality. Instagram: instagram.com/simply.unconventional TikTok: tiktok.com/@simply.unconventional Facebook: facebook.com/theorchardwife The desire to go off grid and have the ability to grow your own food has never been stronger than before. No matter the size of your property, Food Forest Abundance can help you design a regenerative layout that utilizes your resources in the most synergistic and sustainable manner. If you are interested in breaking free from the system, please visit www.foodforestabundance.com and use code "thefuturegen" to receive a discount on their incredible services. Show your eyes some love with a pair of daylight or sunset (or both!) blue-light blocking glasses from Ra Optics. They have graciously offered Future Generations podcast listeners 10% off any purchase. Use code FGPOD or click here to access this discount, and let us know how your glasses are treating you! One of the single best companies whose clean products have supported the optimal wellness of our family is Earthley Wellness. Long before there was a 2020, Kate Tetje and her team have stood for TRUTH, HEALTH and FREEDOM in ways that paved the way for so many of us. In collaboration with this incredible team, we are proud to offer you 10% off of your first purchase by shopping here. Are you concerned about food supply insecurity? Our family has rigorously sourced our foods for over a decade and one of our favorite sources is Farm Match and specifically for San Diego locals, "Real Food Club PMA". My kids are literally made from their maple breakfast sausage and the amazing carnitas we make from their pasture raised pork. We are thrilled to share 10% off your first order when you shop at this link. Another important way to bolster food security is by supporting local ranchers. Our favorite local regenerative ranch is Perennial Pastures. They have the best nutrient-dense meats that are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised. You can get $10 off of your first purchase when you use the code: "FUTUREGENERATIONS" at checkout. Start shopping here.
Some stories are too important to leave to chance. Inside the Michigan Firehouse Museum in Ypsilanti, centuries of firefighting history have been carefully preserved — the trucks, the gear, and the remarkable stories of those who risked everything to protect us.Director and Curator Dave Egeler opens the doors to a collection that spans colonial times to modern day, revealing how passion, family legacy, and an unshakeable sense of duty can transform a single firehouse into something truly extraordinary.Because behind every polished engine and every worn leather helmet is a human story — of sacrifice, of service, and of communities that owe more to their firefighters than they may ever know.Links:Michigan Firehouse Museum: Click hereSubscribe to our Email Newsletter: https://totalmichigan.com/join/Find us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/totalmichiganWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@totalmichigan
Joined on this episode by the one and only Curt Isakson — the absolute force of nature I call “Hurricane Ike” is BACK for Episode 350 of The Scrap!Chief Ike — 30+ year fire service legend, recently retired Battalion Chief from Escambia County Fire Rescue, creator of County Fire Tactics, and the man who's lit up The Scrap on episodes 70, 100 (“People Before Water”), 150, 200, 250 (“Faith, Family, Fire, Friends & the Future”), and 313 — returns with the same unrelenting passion and fire that defines every single appearance.Curt never phones it in. He shows up raw, real, and ready to drop heavy tactical gold, hard-earned leadership lessons from the fireground, and straight-talk truth about the real challenges of this job — raising the next generation of probies, navigating the good days, bad days, and truly GREAT days.If you've listened to any of Chief Ike's previous episodes, you already know: the energy is electric, the wisdom runs deep, and the conversation goes exactly where it needs to go. This one is no different.This is Episode 350 of The Scrap — unfiltered, no holds barred, and packed with value for every firefighter who wants to get better.Link it to a brother or sister who needs to hear this, and share it everywhere. Chief Ike just brought the heat.
Blaine Taylor is a strength and conditioning coach currently working in Lake Tahoe, California. Prior to his current role, he has had stops with both the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies organizations, working in various roles throughout their Minor League systems.Topics covered in this episode:-His journey to his current role-Firefighting, martial arts, gymnastics, and climbing-His best professional baseball storiesQuotes:-"I think our road is paved and you follow that road. And you know when you're on the right road" (7:17)-"Getting players through a season with zero injuries was always my goal as a strength coach every season" (14:44)-"Sometimes, you know, we don't always get it right. But when you do, it's super cool, super rewarding" (19:00)If you would like to learn more from Blaine, you can connect with him on social media:Instagram:@blainepatricktaylor
Vertigo, firefighting, and The Rainbow Fish!- h1 full 2317 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:47:13 +0000 UqWXAdJtThUKY8JwLrN4B5Sfxrmv8tNR comedy,religion & spirituality,society & culture,news,government The Dave Glover Show comedy,religion & spirituality,society & culture,news,government Vertigo, firefighting, and The Rainbow Fish!- h1 The Dave Glover Show has been driving St. Louis home for over 20 years. Unafraid to discuss virtually any topic, you'll hear Dave and crew's unique perspective on current events, news and politics, and anything and everything in between. © 2025 Audacy, Inc. Comedy Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture News Government False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-
Joined on this episode by the one and only Brian Brush (CRUSH) and you better be ready, because we're diving deep into rescue data. He's coming on to release and discuss the initial findings from the 2026 rescue count. We compare it to the 2021 project and what trends we can quantify, and what trends we are seeing over the last five years.With over 500 structure fire incidents across the U.S. in the first 90 days of 2026 where a civilian rescue was made. That's 5.6 structure fire incidents per day involving a rescue, roughly one every 4 hours and 16 minutes. Nearly 1,000 civilians rescued from those incidents. An average of 1.9 victims per fire where a rescue occurs. Roughly 11 Americans rescued by firefighters every single day. The data is already telling a powerful story!We also talk Fire Engineering and FDIC with the big show right around the corner. And of course, talking to Crush always needs to include what is going on at his department and the culture of live fire and training that they have built.The audience as always brought the great questions... which is what makes the Scrap the absolute best!!!Share this everywhere!!!
On this episode I am joined by the one and only Kris Blume, and it was a heavy dose of leadership discussion!We talked about what he means when he says “Carry the Fire” and “Serve the Work,” along with “The Quiet Damage of Destructive Leadership” and how “Burnout Isn't Just the Job, It's Leadership.” We also dove into “Data vs. Culture: What Actually Changes Behavior?” And "The Cost of Silence"As usual, we only got to a fraction of the topics. The questions from the audience came fast and often.
Noob Spearo Podcast | Spearfishing Talk with Shrek and Turbo
Reset Breathing, Equalisation Fixes & Ocean Glide: Cindy Yang on Spearfishing, Freediving and Mindset. What happens when a Taiwanese-born Californian firefighter, underwater photographer, and freediving coach moves to Australia for love and brings two decades of ocean wisdom with her? Cindy Yang of Ocean Glide joins Shrek for a wide-ranging conversation that covers her extraordinary life arc — from a hyperactive kid in Taipei who'd never seen the ocean, to chasing abalone on the Northern California coast, to becoming one of the few female firefighters in her station, to eventually leaving her dream career to chase a different kind of depth. Along the way, they dig into practical gold: Cindy's seasickness microdosing protocol, a deep dive into sinus anatomy and why surgery isn't always the answer, her natural wetsuit lube (and exactly how to use it), and the episode's standout gem — the RESET acronym, a breathwork framework drawn from firefighting and freediving that you can use mid-dive, mid-panic, or mid-argument with your kids to snap yourself back into calm, clear decision-making. If you've ever struggled with EQ, stress underwater, or just want to feel more in control in and out of the water, this one's for you. Important Times 00:02:00 — Listener tip from Matt: using coconut oil drops for ear lubrication and near-effortless equalisation, plus a 50/50 vinegar-alcohol rinse for ear hygiene after heavy diving 00:06:00 — PNG spearfishing charter announcement: Shrek and Tim McDonald taking 12 divers to Bali, September 12–20, $7,500 — intermediate-plus, 12m+ divers only 00:07:00 — Cindy Yang intro: free diving coach, underwater photographer, founder of Ocean Glide 00:13:00 — Cindy's origin story: growing up in Taipei, ADHD energy with nowhere to go, parents applying for a US green card when she was born and it coming through 12 years later 00:14:00 — Arriving in California at 12 with zero English, landing in a school with no other Asian students — how adversity sharpened her observation skills 00:19:00 — UC Davis, wildlife conservation biology, and why veterinary school didn't happen 00:20:00 — The moment spearfishing clicked: watching abalone divers emerge from the ocean at Mendocino and immediately joining them in a surf suit with goggles 00:23:00 — Career pivot to firefighting: what it was like being a small Asian woman in a male-dominated American fire station post-9/11, imposter syndrome, and how team culture eventually won out 00:30:00 — Spearfishing journey builds: mentor Larry with a tiny wooden speargun, the annual Mendocino camping extravaganza, and how California diving shaped her ethic 00:33:00 — First trip to Mexico, then the moment a local gear shop owner told her she had to do a PFI course in Kona first — and she did 00:38:00 — Moving to Australia for love: why it took Cindy a full year to write her resignation letter from a job she adored 00:41:00 — Seasickness protocol: how Cindy microdoses Quells (half a tablet early morning, another half at the boat ramp) to dive without drowsiness 00:43:00 — Sinus anatomy explained: why flat-faced anatomy creates drainage issues, the histamine-sinus-EQ connection, and why steroid sprays alone don't fix the root cause 00:44:00 — The allergy desensitisation protocol: visiting an allergist, the checkerboard scratch test, and the injection series that cleared years of chronic sinus inflammation 00:46:00 — Surgery vs integrative medicine for EQ issues: why going ENT-first often skips better options, and the Santa Cruz integrative medicine approach that changed Cindy's health 00:54:00 — Freediving technique: constant diaphragm engagement and why so many divers breathe wrong at the surface without realising it 01:06:00 — Ocean Glide origin story: zinc sunscreen in surf shops, then switching to natural-based wetsuit lube after reacting to chemical conditioners on reef dives 01:09:00 — How to use wetsuit lube properly: one to two teaspoons dry inside the suit, a quarter-cup of water, seal and shake — don't over-dilute 01:13:00 — Shrek's personal story: dropping a full clothing size (42-inch waist to 40, 3XL to 2XL) over three days at a freediving retreat — not weight loss, just inflammation from cortisol reduction 01:20:00 — Why Cindy reframes "breathing up" as "breathing down" — you're not pumping yourself up, you're breathing your nervous system down 01:21:00 — The double inhale technique backed by Andrew Huberman research: how it hijacks a neural circuit to snap your brain out of a stress loop (also works on diaphragm cramps) 01:22:00 — The RESET acronym unpacked: Recognise, Exhale, Stillness, Evaluate, Trust — a step-by-step breathwork framework for in-water panic, life stress, or anything in between 01:32:00 — Firefighting analogy for trust: how tunnel vision in new firefighters mirrors panic underwater, and why you train when you don't need it so it's there when you do Links Mentioned, Partner Deals and Discounts + Froth https://www.instagram.com/cindyatsea/ https://www.cindyatsea.com/links https://oceanglide.co/ Podcasts mentioned https://www.hubermanlab.com/subtopics/breathwork-protocols https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/how-to-breathe-correctly-for-optimal-health-mood-learning-and-performance https://www.noobspearo.com/dornellas/ - overriding the limbic for freedom Books mentioned Why We Swim by Bonny Siu Deep by James Nestor Breathe by James Nestor Last of the Bluewater Hunters by Carlos Eyles Bluewater Hunting by Terry Maas
Joined on this episode by the one and only Dave Dubowski and it was one for the ages.We plan to talk about his journey through the fire service and how trajectory is something he has been thinking about. We dive into what he coined “5 career calls over the past 5 years.” His photography and buffing over the past 42 years…of course talking to Dubowski, it would be a party foul to not discuss the FOOLS and the upcoming FOOLS convention in St. Louis this year. And as always with the Weekly Scrap, the audience jumped in with their questions and we went wherever the questions took us. Which is what makes the Scrap the Scrap!!!Enjoy the show!
Joined on this episode by one of my favorite Stone brothers…Chief Shannon Stone.I was fired up for this conversation and the topics we planned to dig into. I've taken a lot of notes over the years sitting in on this man's lectures. Leadership, developing the ideal promotional process to put the right people in the right seats and building cultures to support our mission. What it looks like to promote up through the ranks, and how perspective changes when you start looking back over your career. And as always, the audience jump in with their questions and took over the conversation and it was awesome! Enjoy the show!
Joined on this episode by the one and only Jake Ryks, and here is a taste of the talking points we we're planning to cover: the importance of training, inspiring the next generation to care, taking pride in the job, recruitment and retention, when it's time to promote, what it means to truly be a “master firefighter,” department morale, leading by example, and what it means to be “the senior man.”We'll also talk about firehouse culture (hazing vs. just having fun), the importance of caring about the little things, not rushing your career goals, Jake's mental health journey and his experience at the IAFF Center of Excellence, the fire story behind the awards he received in 2024, why the fire service matters so much to him, who should—and shouldn't—be a firefighter, and how to walk the line between safe and “too safe,” and risky vs. “too risky.”Enjoy!!!