Podcasts about Firefighting

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!!!

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

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.

Everyone wants a team of high performers. Or do they? This week, Jimmy and James dismantle the corporate obsession with “high performers”—a label so vague it could mean anything from “top salesperson” to “office psychopath who throws toys out of the pram when they don't get their way.The episode exposes the absurdity of how organisations define, reward, and often suffer from their so-called high performers. Is it the person who hits the numbers? The one who sucks up to the boss? Or the quiet grafter who never makes a fuss? Jimmy and James argue that the real problem isn't just the subjectivity—it's the chaos left in their wake. High performers can be super chickens, pecking their colleagues to death while laying golden eggs. And if you fill a team with them? You'll end up with a department full of egos and a trail of destruction.But here's the twist: maybe the goal shouldn't be a team of high performers at all. Maybe it's about creating a high-performing team. The hosts tackle the hero culture, the danger of rewarding firefighters over fire preventers, and the self-fulfilling prophecy of labelling people as “low performers.” And, of course, they ask the question no one else will: What if your high performer is just someone who looks like you and agrees with you?Five Key Points:High performers are often as easy to spot as a needle in a haystack—if the needle is on fire and screaming about how great it is.The “Frank” dilemma: What do you do when your top performer is also your biggest liability?Hero culture and firefighting: Why organisations reward the wrong behaviours.The super chicken experiment: Why a team of high performers might just peck each other to death.The canoe theory: Focus on the middle, not just the front. Got a question - get in touch. Click here.

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.

In this episode of the Global Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Steven Rosen to explore one of the biggest challenges in business today: why sales managers lose focus under pressure.We dig into the reality of sales leadership, the pressure of constant firefighting, the importance of coaching culture, and why so many managers get pulled away from the work that actually drives performance.Steven shares powerful insights from his book Focused, including the Power of Three — a simple yet highly effective way for sales leaders to stay disciplined, coach better, and execute consistently.This conversation is packed with practical ideas for sales leaders, sales managers, business owners, and commercial teams who want to improve performance without getting buried in chaos.If you are interested in sales leadership, coaching, accountability, focus, human behaviour, sales psychology, and high performance under pressure, this episode will give you plenty to think about.In this episode, we cover:Why sales managers get trapped in reaction modeThe real role of a sales leaderHow to build a coaching culture from the top downWhy responsiveness is often rewarded over real leadershipThe difference between coaching and mentoringWhy prospecting is still one of the biggest weak spots in sales teamsHow to help salespeople think better instead of rescuing themWhat to look for when hiring strong salespeopleWhy attitude, drive, and coachability matter more than experienceTimeline / Chapters00:00 - Welcome to the Global Sales Leader Podcast00:14 - Jason introduces the show and its focus on psychology, behaviour, and sales leadership01:31 - Introduction to Steven Rosen and his book Focused03:11 - Steven's journey from sales rep to sales leader04:39 - The origin of the “Power of Three”06:48 - The three things sales managers should focus on08:38 - Why organisations reward the wrong behaviours09:19 - Why coaching often breaks down in companies11:23 - The importance of a top-down coaching culture13:12 - Why coaching disappears when pressure rises14:31 - Responsiveness, overload, and manager fatigue15:49 - How sales managers can protect focus under pressure18:15 - Should sales managers also carry a sales target?20:08 - Coaching versus rescuing deals22:07 - The difference between coaching and mentoring23:03 - Powerful coaching questions that deepen thinking25:14 - How managers should challenge reps to think for themselves26:14 - Order takers vs proactive salespeople27:21 - Why prospecting still gets ignored29:37 - Why so many sales reps hate prospecting31:28 - Stress, pressure, and poor decision-making in sales32:34 - Performance drift and the slow erosion of standards33:23 - Questions Steven would ask in an interview34:30 - What to look for when hiring great salespeople35:30 - The role of psychometrics, drive, and self-management37:00 - Coachability, attitude, and growth mindset39:17 - Steven's gift forward: focus on your three most important things41:05 - Where to find Steven Rosen and his book41:28 - Final reflections and closing thoughtsConnect with Steven Rosen:LinkedIn: Steven RosenWebsite: starresults.comBook: Focused is available on AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on sales leadership, human behaviour, neuroscience, influence, communication, and high performance.

In this episode, #firefighters from the UK and US discuss differences in #training, search techniques, and fire safety culture. They explore innovative methods, data-driven improvements, and the importance of continuous evolution in firefighting practices. In this engaging conversation, fire service professionals discuss search techniques, gas cooling, training methods, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in firefighting. They share insights from their experiences, emphasizing the need for practical, realistic training and the value of sharing knowledge across borders. #firepodcast #firefighterpodcast #firetraining #leadership #jobtlks #jobtlkspodcast

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

In this conversation, Rachael discusses her journey as a retired lieutenant paramedic and her role as the incoming president of Women in Fire. She shares insights into the organization's history, mission, and the importance of advocating for women's issues in the fire service. The discussion covers various topics, including the unique environment of Women in Fire conferences, the significance of proper PPE, and the ongoing efforts in women's health and fitness. Rachael emphasizes the need for collaboration and mentorship within the fire service, highlighting the organization's commitment to improving the experiences of women firefighters.    

In this episode of the International Fire Instructors Workshop Australia mini series, Steve De Blauwe, Station Officer and CFBT instructor from Belgium takes you inside the reality of interior firefighting and why so much of what we've been taught simply doesn't hold up when it matters. This is a raw, honest look at broken training systems, the gap between the academy and the fireground and how that turns into frustration, poor performance and risk for crews. Steve walks through how they rebuilt everything from the ground up, creating a simple, repeatable system for staying low, moving efficiently with hose lines, building real muscle memory for gas cooling and creating clear expectations under pressure so firefighters actually do what they need to do inside a burning building. Recorded live at IFIW, this is gritty, practical and immediately usable. You'll also find downloadable content linked below so you can take this learning back to your own crews and start applying it straight away.You can also download the full presentation using the link HEREFor those undertaking professional development, CPD is available for listening to this episode through the Institute of Fire Engineers - email membership@ife.org.auPROTECT YOURSELF IN LIVE FIRE WITH ENDURO PROTECT & DE-WIPE Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST 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 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

In this episode I sit down with Brad Dicks, FireFit world record holder and Firefighter Challenge World Champion to explore what it really takes to perform at the highest level.On paper Brad is operating at the top of the game. But this conversation goes far beyond medals and titles. We get into the reality behind elite performance including setbacks, pressure, and the moments that don't go to plan. Brad shares how he adapted, learned and ultimately climbed to become the best in the world.We also dive into the mindset and environment that underpin long term performance. The discipline, the people around you and the culture that allows you to push hard without burning out.A key takeaway from this episode is that there is more than one way to be high performance and its not always about doing more. It is about being calm, controlled and intentional in your approach. Less hurry, more purpose.This is a conversation for firefighters and anyone striving to improve, lead, and sustain performance over time.Follow Brad hereAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE Please check out our Partners supporting this episode areWilliam Wood Watches - Discount code FFPODCAST gives the user 10% off full range on websiteFIRST 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

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!!!

Today's emergency brief takes you through the biggest safety and emergency updates making news right now. We start with a troubling cybersecurity alert involving Iranian-affiliated threat actors and growing concerns about attacks on critical infrastructure.From there, we check in on wildfire activity across the country and the efforts underway to contain dangerous blazes. We also discuss rising tensions in the Middle East, including a Shelter in Place advisory issued for U.S. citizens in Bahrain.We wrap up with the latest on Kilauea in Hawaii, severe weather building across the Southern Plains, and other urgent public safety developments, including water advisories. It's a clear, concise roundup of the risks, response efforts, and evolving situations you should know about.Takeaways:* CISA has issued a critical advisory regarding Iranian threat actors exploiting vulnerabilities in PLCs.* Organizations utilizing Rockwell Automation's technology must prioritize remediation of exploited vulnerabilities.* The recent Shelter in Place directive for Bahrain reflects heightened security concerns in the region.* Wildfire activity across the United States has reached significant levels, necessitating ongoing suppression efforts.* Heavy rainfall continues to pose a threat in Florida, with moderate flash flood risks identified.* A substantial severe weather threat is anticipated in the Southern Plains over the coming days.SourcesCISA / Cyber- CISA Advisory AA26-097A — Iranian-Affiliated Cyber Actors Exploit PLCs Across US Critical Infrastructure (April 7, 2026)- CISA ICS Advisory ICSA-26-097-01 (April 7, 2026)- CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog — CVE-2026-35616 (April 6, 2026)- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities CatalogNIFC / Wildland Fire- NIFC/NICC Incident Management Situation Report (April 7, 2026, PDF)- NIFC National Fire NewsUSGS / Volcanoes- USGS Kīlauea Volcano Updates- USGS Volcano Updates (all U.S. volcanoes)NWS / NOAA / Severe Weather- NWS Miami — Flood Watch for Southeast Florida (April 7, 2026)- Storm Prediction Center — Convective OutlooksU.S. Department of State- U.S. Embassy Manama — Security Alert: Bahrain Shelter-in-Place (April 6–7, 2026)- State Dept — Middle East Regional Travel AdvisoryFAA / Aviation- FAA Ground Stop at Miami International Airport (April 7, 2026) — CBS MiamiCalifornia- CAL FIRE — Springs Fire Incident PageFlorida- Flood Watch, Heavy Rain for South Florida (April 7, 2026)Hawai'i- Big Island Video News — Earthquakes Swarm Before Kīlauea Eruption Episode 44Illinois- City of Freeport — Boil Order April 6, 2026- WIFR — Boil Order Lifted in Freeport (April 7, 2026)Texas- TDEM — Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources (March 31, 2026) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Join Captain Stephen Shakeshaft and the Fayetteville Fire Podcast for an engaging crossover episode with the Bull City's Bravest. Dive into the world of firefighting with insights on recruitment, training, and the unique culture of fire departments in Durham and Fayetteville. Discover what it takes to become a firefighter, the importance of diversity in the service, and how both departments are working to attract the best candidates. Tune in for personal stories, professional advice, and a look behind the scenes of firefighter recruitment.

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. 

Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Published: March 31, 2026 Length: ~10 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

 Summary   In this insightful interview, firefighter Jason Villeggiante shares his journey into firefighting, the challenges of shift work, and innovative solutions for improving sleep and health through biohacking. Discover practical tips, emerging technologies, and the importance of mental and physical resilience in first responder careers.   Guest Links https://www.tacticalsleeprescue.com/about-us Chapters   00:00 The Journey into Firefighting 03:59 Current State of Firefighting 05:20 Challenges in Staffing and Management 08:09 Balancing Work and Home Life 11:03 Mental Health and Coping Strategies 14:10 The Importance of Disconnecting 17:09 Navigating the Chaos of First Responder Life 20:20 The Genesis of Tactical Sleep Rescue 24:39 The Impact of Sleep on First Responders 28:48 Scaling Sleep Solutions for First Responders 32:36 Biohacking for Better Sleep 37:11 Detox and Wellness in Firefighting 41:01 The Connection Between Sweat and Mental Health 43:08 Mind-Body Dichotomy in Mental Health 44:43 The Impact of Light on Mental Well-being 46:00 Integrating Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health 46:29 A Day in the Life of a Firefighter 49:48 The Importance of Safety Naps 51:07 Utilizing Technology for Better Rest 55:19 Overcoming Stigma in Health Practices   To contribute to the the Post-Traumatic Growth of Veterans click here. To learn more about Mission 22's impact and programs, visit www.mission22.org or find us on social media. IG: @mission_22. Tiktok: @_mission22

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!

The Bottleneck Tax The average CEO of a $10M+ company spends nearly 60% of their time on decisions their team should be able to make. High-income leaders may unknowingly be paying a six-figure penalty for a culture that depends on them to think. Firefighting feels productive, but it replaces architecture. The Five Hidden Costs of Reactive Leadership 1. The Addition Spiral Adding people, meetings, systems, and process instead of solving at the source. Growth in headcount does not guarantee growth in profitability. 2. The Symptom Loop Solving recurring issues without addressing root causes. Short-term fixes create long-term repetition. 3. Thinking Debt Postponing strategic thinking “until things calm down.” Reactive decisions create 3–5 more decisions later. 4. Innovation Blindness When you focus only on urgent fires, you miss strategic opportunities. Competitors capture ground while you stay busy. 5. Team Dependency Each time you solve a problem for your team, you train them not to solve it themselves. Execution without thinking prevents scale. The Compounding Effect These five costs do not operate independently. They reinforce one another: Dependency increases reactivity Reactivity increases complexity Complexity increases symptom loops Symptom loops increase thinking debt Thinking debt eliminates strategic space But the cycle can reverse. When leaders build thinking capability across the organization: Decision volume drops Strategic time increases Fires reduce Innovation expands Teams operate independently Key Leadership Insight The highest form of leadership is not being the smartest person in the room. It is building a room full of people who know how to think. When thinking becomes cultural, leaders regain the capacity to work on what only they can do. Resources Reserve your copy of Think First at: deliberatedirections.com/thinkfirst Think First

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!!!

This week, the Scrap was a little different. We filmed LIVE on location in Baton Rouge at the L.I.F.T. Fire Conference with special guests Bassel Ibrahim and Todd Edwards. (With Surprise guest Clyde Gordon)Questions came from the YouTube audience and the live audience at L.I.F.T. An amazing evening with several surprises. It was an amazing evening and an unforgettable Live Scrap!

There is not a more sacred number in the United States Fire service than 343 and I did not want to treat this as just another episode. With this year marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, it was important to approach Episode #343 with respect and honor. So with that said - this will be MEGA SCRAP FDNY! I will be joined by three of FDNY's best: Tom Richardson, Joe Jardin and Frank Leeb. Together they bring more than 115 years of combined experience to explore, dissect, dig-into and ask questions about! We will absolutely honor those who were lost. But that's not the sole focus. We'll also talk about the impact, the changes, and the challenges they faced and overcame throughout their careers. It was an incredible Scrap.  Enjoy.

In this investigative solo deep dive, Darin exposes the ongoing PFAS contamination crisis, the "forever chemicals" found in drinking water, clothing, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, food packaging, and even firefighting foam. Sparked by a Frontline investigation into the carpet industry in Dalton, Georgia, this episode expands far beyond one region and reveals a global supply chain problem affecting nearly every American. This episode is urgent. With 99% of people showing measurable PFAS levels in their blood, this is not about fear. It's about sovereignty. It's about awareness. It's about eliminating silent accumulation and reclaiming control over your environment. This is not luxury health. This is foundational freedom.     In This Episode What PFAS are and why they're called "forever chemicals" The Dalton, Georgia carpet industry case and wastewater contamination Internal corporate knowledge from 3M and DuPont decades ago Why PFAS contamination is global, not regional Everyday exposure: waterproof clothing, yoga pants, school uniforms, outdoor gear Nonstick cookware and safer alternatives Microwave popcorn bags and grease-resistant packaging Cosmetics, mascara, and fluorinated compounds Firefighting foam contamination at airports and military bases Health impacts: immune suppression, thyroid disruption, cancer risk Why water filtration is your first line of defense Emerging detox strategies: fiber, blood donation, microbiome support The role of regulation rollbacks and corporate accountability Algae-based PFAS alternatives already entering the market     Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife: sovereignty, health, and responsibility 00:00:33 – Sponsor: Truniagen NAD supplement 00:02:17 – Why this PFAS episode is urgent and investigative 00:03:07 – The Frontline documentary: Dalton, Georgia & carpet contamination 00:04:31 – What PFAS / PFOA actually do and why they were adopted 00:05:45 – "Miracle chemistry" without proper safety testing 00:06:07 – Persistence: PFAS do not break down in the environment 00:06:38 – Wastewater discharge & farmland contamination 00:07:50 – Dead livestock, contaminated groundwater & generational impact 00:08:23 – 3M, DuPont, internal documents & decades of corporate knowledge 00:08:52 – Long-chain vs short-chain PFAS replacements 00:09:20 – Clothing exposure: waterproof jackets, yoga pants, uniforms 00:10:24 – Cookware exposure & safer alternatives 00:10:57 – Cosmetics & Environmental Working Group resources 00:11:17 – Sponsor: Shakeology & seven layers of quality testing 00:13:03 – Lack of labeling transparency 00:13:20 – Firefighting foam & military base contamination 00:14:05 – Health risks: immune suppression, thyroid, cholesterol, cancer 00:14:35 – 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood 00:15:01 – Erin Brockovich & environmental legal activism 00:15:33 – Personal action step #1: Reverse osmosis water filtration 00:16:04 – Testing well water & municipal pressure 00:16:28 – Personal action step #2: Eliminating household exposures 00:17:25 – Emerging research: oat beta glucan fiber 00:18:03 – Firefighter study: blood donation lowering PFAS levels 00:18:32 – Microbiome & mycelium detox research 00:18:56 – Moving beyond fear into empowered action 00:19:23 – Phasing out toxic clothing & upgrading environment gradually 00:20:15 – Stockholm Convention & global treaties 00:20:52 – EPA regulations & rollback frustrations 00:21:19 – Innovation outrunning safety 00:21:50 – Share this episode & create consumer pressure 00:22:28 – Clean water, clean soil, clean products as human rights 00:22:54 – Terem Labs & algae-based PFAS alternatives 00:23:27 – Building a safe home environment as first step 00:24:15 – Final call to action: demand transparency & push reform     Thank You to Our Sponsors Shakeology: Get 15% off with code DARINO1BODI at Shakeology.com. Truniagen: Go to www.truniagen.com and use code DARIN20 at checkout for 20% off     Join the SuperLife Community Get Darin's deeper wellness breakdowns, beyond social media restrictions: Weekly voice notes Ingredient deep dives Wellness challenges Energy + consciousness tools Community accountability Extended episodes Join for $7.49/month → https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway PFAS shows us what happens when innovation outruns safety. This is not about panic. It's about power. Clean water, clean soil, clean products; these are not luxuries. They are the foundation of sovereignty, freedom, and long-term health. Awareness is rising. Alternatives are emerging. Industry shifts when consumers shift. Make one change today. Then another. That's how we win.     Bibliography/Sources Australian Red Cross Lifeblood / University of New England. (2022). Effect of Plasma and Blood Donations on Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Firefighters in Australia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2791196 Boston University / University of Massachusetts Lowell. (2024). An oat fiber intervention for reducing PFAS body burden: A pilot study. (Published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2024.117163 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2022). Guidance on PFAS Exposure, Testing, and Clinical Follow-Up. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26156/guidance-on-pfas-exposure-testing-and-clinical-follow-up Environmental Health Perspectives. (2021). Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906952/ New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) / IARC. (2024). Carcinogenicity of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS). https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2401611 FRONTLINE. (2024). Contaminated: The Carpet Industry's Toxic Legacy. (Investigative Documentary). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_j66vAunXk United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas