Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

Beyond the Headlines: What We Can Learn from Failure in the Fire Service

Beyond the Headlines: What We Can Learn from Failure in the Fire Service
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, guest Chris Logan shares a rare and candid perspective on embracing failure in the fire service. At 44, Logan challenged himself by attempting Georgia’s Smoke Divers program—a grueling test of physical and mental endurance designed for elite firefighters. Despite not completing the course, his journey revealed the ways in which failure is a catalyst for growth.
 
Logan explains how these experiences reshaped his approach to training and leadership, encouraging firefighters to take calculated risks in a controlled environment. He stresses the importance of fostering resilience, humility, and confidence among crews, especially younger firefighters, by normalizing failure as a valuable learning tool rather than something to fear.
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems.  http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

Igniting the Shift Within: The Firefighter Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sara Jahnke

Igniting the Shift Within: The Firefighter Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sara Jahnke
Listen to the latest episode of Igniting the Shift Within for a wake-up call Host David Dachinger and guest Dr. Sara Jahnke examine the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance. They cover various shift schedules and tactical napping strategies, navigating sleep at busy firehouses, and finding a consistent recovery routine.  Learn how to prioritize sleep amidst the demands of overtime and side jobs, and whether switching shift start times to nighttime might enhance your recovery. Jahnke shares groundbreaking data on staffing, call volume, and how firefighters can advocate for better rest during relentless shifts. They also explore the importance of biomonitoring and screening for sleep disorders like apnea. Listen/Watch the full episode:https://www.facebook.com/firefighternationhttps://www.youtube.com/@FirefighterNationHQhttps://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/ Igniting the Shift Within:https://www.podpage.com/igniting/ Sara JahnkeWebsite:www.science2station.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/p/Science-to-the-Station-100091761492685/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/science2station/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/science-to-the-station/
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems.  http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

The Resilient Responder: Breaking Through Emotional Numbing

The Resilient Responder: Breaking Through Emotional Numbing
In this powerful episode of The Resilient Responder, Ali Rothrock, a trauma educator and longtime volunteer firefighter, explores emotional numbing—a survival response many first responders face. Rothrock unpacks how the nervous system shuts down feelings to protect us during overwhelming trauma, and why this state can trap us in a cycle that dulls both pain and joy. She shares clear signs of emotional shutdown and introduces the “Window of Tolerance,” a key concept for learning to safely experience emotions without being overwhelmedWith empathy and expertise, Rothrock offers practical tools—like somatic awareness, grounding phrases, and naming emotions—to help listeners reconnect with themselves. This episode is a lifeline for anyone stuck in survival mode, reminding us that healing is possible with patience, support, and self-compassion. Whether you’re a first responder or someone carrying heavy emotional weight, this conversation invites you to start feeling whole again, one gentle step at a time.
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems.  http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

Fueling Fire: Smart Eating for Blood Sugar Control in the Fire Service

Fueling Fire: Smart Eating for Blood Sugar Control in the Fire Service
 
In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, host Megan Lautz welcomes Madi Cheever, a registered dietitian and type 1 diabetes expert, to discuss blood glucose management, diabetes, and prediabetes specifically for firefighters. They explore the science of blood sugar, clarify differences between Type 1, Type 2, and prediabetes, and debunk myths about carb restriction. Cheever shares actionable meal strategies that fit the unpredictable fire service lifestyle—like eating protein and fiber before carbs to tame blood sugar spikes and making easy, nutritious swaps without sacrificing favorite meals. They also touch on the development of insulin resistance over years of shift work, weight gain, and heavy physical demands common in firefighting. For those facing a diabetes diagnosis, Cheever explains the benefits of working with a dietitian for personalized support, avoiding fad diets, and building sustainable habits. Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems. http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

APS Radio: A Raw Journey Through Trauma, Faith, and Healing

APS Radio: A Raw Journey Through Trauma, Faith, and Healing
In the latest episode of APS Radio, Jim Burneka sits down with Jason Sautel, author of the memoir The Rescuer. Sautel opens up about his turbulent career in the fire service, the scars left by trauma, and the turning point that compelled him to share his story. They discuss the challenges of confronting PTSD, the struggle to break old firehouse stigmas, and the power of vulnerability in sparking honest conversations. Sautel also shares how his faith shapes his approach to healing while acknowledging that each firefighter’s toolbox looks different. The conversation dives deep into the realities of firefighting, from harrowing calls to moments of lightness like surfing among great white sharks.  
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems.  http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show: The Journey from Firefighter to Lifesaver

We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show: The Journey from Firefighter to Lifesaver
In this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us A Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome guest Danny Prince, retired FDNY veteran and tireless advocate for first responders and veterans. With 36 years on the force, Prince now devotes himself to causes that honor and support firefighting families, from cofounding the FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, which provides vehicles for families visiting burn victims, to championing suicide prevention through the Spartan Sword and Spartan Axe 9/11 projects. Hear stories behind these powerful initiatives and learn about their ongoing effects on communities nationwide. Prince also shares insights on the camaraderie of firefighting, the challenges of retirement, and his close bond with the Gary Sinise Foundation. This episode is a moving reminder that service doesn’t end with retirement. It evolves, touching lives in new and profound ways. FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation: firefamilytransport.orgSpartan Sword: spartansword.orgGary Sinise Foundation: garysinisefoundation.org
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry Systems.  http://alliancelaundry.com/fire

The Revolutionaries: Outcomes, Leadership, and Legacy in the Fire Service

The Revolutionaries: Outcomes, Leadership, and Legacy in the Fire Service
In this episode of the Revolutionaries, Battalion Chief Marc Aloan takes a close look at what truly shapes fire service culture: hard work, accountability, and meaningful outcomes, not flashy logos or quick fixes. Drawing from his own journey from volunteer rookie to battalion chief, Aloan challenges the notion that culture can be built overnight or simply through social media hype. He stresses the importance of doing the work before earning respect and the often-overlooked reality that impactful leadership rarely fits Hollywood’s heroic mold. Aloan also tackles the crucial distinction between fire service culture at large and fire department culture unique to each station, reminding us that real change happens within a local context and true influence comes from meeting leaders halfway.
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry and Unimachttps://go.alliancelaundry.com/PPEGear-FFN-Podcast-Jun

Mental Health Monthly: Mid-Level Fire Service Leadership and Mental Health Insights

Mental Health Monthly: Mid-Level Fire Service Leadership and Mental Health Insights
 
In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, retired Dallas Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear shares 45 years of frontline and leadership experience. He addresses the evolving culture of mental health in the fire service, from his firsthand involvement in the 1985 Delta Flight 191 crash response to shaping proactive mental wellness programs, Chief DeYear highlights the shifting mindset required at every leadership level, from rookie company officers to battalion and deputy chiefs. DeYear underlines the critical role mid-level leaders play in genuinely serving and investing in their crews’ mental and emotional well-being, not just their firefighting skills. With thoughtful stories about camaraderie, generational gaps, and the challenge of equipping leaders to handle behavioral health, he stresses mental health as a continuous journey, not a checklist. DeYear calls for breaking rank barriers, fostering authentic human connection, and making mental wellness a core part of firehouse culture. He also offers advice for fire service personnel eager to improve support systems.
 
Brought to you by Alliance Laundry and Unimac
https://go.alliancelaundry.com/PPEGear-FFN-Podcast-Jun

Beyond the Headlines: Balancing Legacy

Beyond the Headlines: Balancing Legacy
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Chris Marella and Angie Bishop talk with Preston Lyons about the intricate balance between professional dedication and personal life, which many in the firefighting community face. With over 26,000 followers on Instagram, Lyons is not just a social media powerhouse but a beacon of authenticity and community in the fire service sector. The discussion revolves around his impactful article, "Balancing Legacy," which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing family while thriving in a demanding profession. Lyons gets candid about meaningful personal experiences, including the life-changing birth of his daughter and the challenges of returning to the firehouse after parental duty. 

The Resilient Responder: Staying Grounded

The Resilient Responder: Staying Grounded
In this episode, host Ali Rothrock offers a grounding pause in the chaos—an honest check-in for those doing the hardest jobs. Whether you're a first responder, military member, or someone supporting one, this conversation speaks directly to the weight you're carrying.Rothrock shares personal stories from her time as a firefighter, EMT, and crisis counselor. She unpacks the emotional cost of always being the strong one. She explains why resilience isn't about pushing through, but about connecting, naming what’s hard, and taking care of your humanity. You'll learn five simple, trauma-informed tools to help you reset—right in the middle of a shift, a storm, or a hard season.If you’ve been feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you’ve waited too long to get help, this episode is for you. You are not alone. And there’s no shame in needing support.