Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

The Three Pillars of Resilient Leadership

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger welcomes Nicholle Brock, a captain with Atlanta (GA) Fire Rescue Department. During their discussion, they explore the critical themes of leadership and Brock addresses the silent suffering often experienced in the fire service, which she also discusses in her book, Brick by Brick: Building Resilience in Chaos and Kindness.
 
Brock, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience, shares her journey in the fire service and the motivations behind her leadership style. She tackles the unique challenges she faces as a female leader and offers insights into breaking the silence surrounding mental wellness. She also looks at the power of leadership that listens, leads from the front, and mentors with goal-setting to reshape careers and departments.

APS Radio: Possible Layoffs After Grant Loss

Seth Haley, president of Trotwood (OH) Firefighters Local 4024 joins host Jim Burneka on this episode of APS Radio. They discuss the proposed layoffs of five firefighters from the City of Trotwood and the SAFER grant they were part of, which expired in February 2025. The conversation addresses the implications for community safety, staffing shortages, and firefighter morale—especially amidst rising call volumes and fire incidents. Haley sheds light on internal department dynamics, nonessential roles, and legal protections around layoffs. They emphasize the urgent need for community support and open dialogue with city leadership.

Fighting Seasonal Blues: How Firefighters Can Combat Holiday Depression

On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome their longtime friend Jen Cramer (FirmFoundationCC.com/). The three tackle the real challenges of seasonal depression in the firefighting community. As the days get darker and the holidays approach, many firefighters face isolation, grief, and stress. Cramer, a licensed therapist in Ohio, shares practical advice, from embracing heated apparel for wintertime activity to using light therapy and vitamin D supplements. During their discussion, they also emphasize the value of including retirees in the firefighting family to help combat loneliness.

The Best Career Ever: The Power of Connection in Firefighting

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle discuss what makes firefighting more than just a job. Beyond the risks and stress, they celebrate the unique camaraderie that fuels their passion for the fire service. Reflecting on decades of experience, they explore how mental health isn’t just about struggles but also about positivity and connection. 
With stories of mentorship, daily rituals like shared chores, and the importance of intentional relationships, they highlight how staying engaged with colleagues and loved ones strengthens resilience. They also tackle current challenges, including recruitment difficulties and rising workplace stress, offering practical perspectives from personal and family experiences. 
 
 

Presence Over Pride: A Lesson in Balance

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, firefighter and paramedic Brent Thorne shares his deeply personal journey of balancing a demanding fire service career with family life. After 13 years in the field and a prior stint in the Navy, Thorne reveals how his hyper-fixation on work almost cost him his marriage. From struggles maintaining connection during deployments to hitting a breaking point that led to a six-month withdrawal for personal reset, he discusses the crucial importance of being present at home. He emphasizes the difference between identifying as a firefighter and investing in family first, encouraging open conversations and intentionality to nurture relationships. He also touches on the value of counseling and redefining successful balance.

Firefighter Health: Decontamination, Gear Safety, and Cancer Prevention

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, David Dachinger sits down with Tonya Herbert, owner of Thin Red Line Decon and Florida PPE Services. The discussion reveals critical insights into firefighter health and wellness, with regard to decontamination. Herbert shares her unique journey from fire station design to creating innovative cleaning products specifically for firefighters. She spotlights the hidden dangers lurking in turnout gear and the evolving landscape of PFAS “forever chemicals.”
With research linking firefighting to cancer, neurological diseases, and reproductive risks, she emphasizes the urgency of proper gear maintenance, preliminary exposure reduction, and adherence to NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.
Herbert also offers practical steps for improving on-scene decontamination. She highlights underappreciated threats like helmet and glove contamination and introduces game-changing products like responder wipes and gear encapsulation bags.
This podcast is brought to you by Firehouse Furniture. https://www.FirehouseFurniture.com 

Optimizing Sleep, Nutrition, and Training for Peak Performance

In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz welcomes expert guests Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita and Annette “AZ” Zapp. They discuss the essentials of firefighter wellness, and preview their upcoming “Firefighter Strong” workshop at FDIC 2026. They break down the critical role of sleep, offering practical strategies for maximizing rest amid unpredictable shifts and calls. The discussion covers nutrition tactics tailored to first responders’ unique demands, including smart pre- and post-workout snacking and the value of a well-stocked “go bag.” They also tackle training—how frequency, intensity, and recovery must align to help first responders avoid injury and burnout, especially after rough nights.
This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. https://www.firehousefurniture.com 

The Honor Act: Why Supporting This Bill Matters to Firefighter Families

In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka focuses on educating listeners on the importance of passing the Honor Act legislation. The Honor Act is a bipartisan bill that would extend the Public Safety Officers Benefits Program to families of firefighters who die from job-related cancer. This episode features Cyndi Westfall, Jay Leach, and Julie Paidar, firefighter spouses who have each experienced such a loss.
 
Use this link to find your members of Congress to reach out about this important issue:  https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
 
URGENT:
The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is currently included in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It is NOT included in the House’s version of the NDAA. Senate and House Armed Services Committee members are currently in discussions to determine what stays in (and what is removed from) the final, reconciled 2026 NDAA.  
 
As members of Congress meet this week (week of November 9, 2025) and possibly into next week to finalize the 2026 NDAA, please reach out to your representative ASAP:
Mention that the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is currently in the Senate’s version of the NDAA.
Request that House members keep the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act in the final 2026 NDAA.
Ask your representative to personally reach out to Rep. Jim Jordan and House leadership to ensure that they keep the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act in the final NDAA.  These members of Congress can affect the final decision.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman:  Jim Jordan (R-OH)
Speaker of the House: Mike Johnson (R-LA)
Majority Leader: Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Minority Leader: Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
Majority Whip: Tom Emmer (R-MN)
Minority Whip: Katherine Clark (D-MA)
 
None of us think we’ll get cancer.  Unfortunately, you or someone you know may face cancer.  Please take a few minutes to reach out to your representative. You may unknowingly be helping your own family or a fellow firefighter in the future.
 
This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. https://www.FirehouseFurniture.com

One Firefighter's Journey to Becoming a Behavioral Health Advocate

During this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka welcome guest Frank Leto, the recently retired deputy director of the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) for FDNY. Leto works diligently with the IAFF's Peer Support Program. He discusses his experience becoming part of the CSU, peer support before and after 9/11, and various other deployments. His stories honor fallen brothers and sisters while emphasizing that saving lives isn’t only about fires but also about lifting each other out of dark places. Now in retirement, Leto is focused on mentoring the next generation and sharing the powerful lessons he’s learned.
This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. https://www.firehousefurniture.com

Galls CEO Mike Fadden on Elevating Firefighter Gear and Launching FireAuthority.com

For the latest Product Spotlight, Firefighter Nation Editor in Chief Stephanie White sits down with Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls, a trusted name serving first responders for over 60 years. Fadden shares how Galls evolved from a catalog company into a multichannel distributor, dedicating itself to law enforcement, EMS, and with renewed focus on firefighters. Highlighting recent moves, including acquiring Phoenix Safety Outfitters and partnering with Lion—the industry leader in turnout gear—Fadden addresses Galls’s commitment to supplying only the highest-quality life-saving equipment. They discuss the launch of FireAuthority.com, a firefighter-specific online platform and catalog designed to streamline gear ordering and reflect on the unique needs of the fire service community. Fadden emphasizes customer care with his personal touch, even sharing his direct email address with buyers.
This podcast is brought to you by The Fire Authority – Powered by Galls: fireauthority.com.