Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

APS Radio: Inside the Firefighter Cancer Initiative

APS Radio: Inside the Firefighter Cancer Initiative
In this episode of APS Radio, Jim Burneka sits down with Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez, professor of public health sciences at the University of Miami. Dr. Caban-Martinez discusses how the Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI) came to be and what type of research he would like to focus on in the future. Dr. Caban-Martinez also shares the findings on the University of Miami’s electric vehicle firefighter study. Lastly, Dr. Caban-Martinez discusses the International Fire Service Cancer Symposium. More information on the Firefighter Cancer Initiative can be found here: https://umiamihealth.org/en/sylvester-comprehensive-cancer-center/research/firefighter-cancer-initiative 

We Can't Believe They Gave Us This Show: Forgiveness and Faith with Rick Cheatham

Hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka speak with Anaheim Fire Captain (Ret.) Rick Cheatham about forgiveness and faith. Rick speaks about his past addictions, his son's murder, and a fall that resulted in paralysis. Be prepared to go for a ride as Rick walks you through his adversities and how he was able to navigate through those difficulties.  
Rick can be contacted at: rkconsulting292@gmail.com or at www.RickCheatham.com 
Tickets to see Rick in Beavercreek:  www.ExoticBeavercreek.com   

Beyond The Headlines: Challenging Tradition with Jim Burneka

Beyond The Headlines: Challenging Tradition with Jim Burneka In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Chris Marella and Angie Bishop welcome Jim Burneka. Burneka takes aim at a long-standing fire service tradition—the stair climb fundraiser. While honoring fallen firefighters remains vital, he exposes the hidden risks of wearing contaminated gear during these events. Highlighting the presence of cancer-causing chemicals, even in new gear, and the incomplete effectiveness of cleaning, he calls for safer practices like using purpose-built training gear or weighted vests to pay tribute without unnecessary exposure. Beyond the stair climb, Burneka shares insights on retirement, ongoing wellness initiatives, and how embracing creativity and authenticity can reshape firefighter culture.

The Revolutionaries: A Working Chief’s Perspective

The Revolutionaries: A Working Chief’s Perspective In this episode of The Revolutionaries, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons welcome guest Dave Mellen. Mellen shares his journey from company officer to chief, revealing the challenges and rewards of staying connected to the fireground while managing administrative duties. Mellen discusses the delicate balance between firefighting and EMS, emphasizing the need to treat both with equal dedication and professionalism. He opens up about the growing disconnect between fire chiefs and line firefighters, advocating for transparent communication and shared understanding to bridge that divide. Drawing from his passion for realistic training through Valor Fire Training, Mellen highlights how stress inoculation and authentic scenarios prepare firefighters for the unpredictability of the job. Listen to gain valuable leadership insights, including the application of just culture and the importance of involving crews in policy decisions.  

Mental Health Monthly: Tim Gibbons on Overcoming Addiction and Building a Life of Strength

Mental Health Monthly: Tim Gibbons on Overcoming Addiction and Building a Life of Strength
 
In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with Tim Gibbons, a retired Chicago Fire Department battalion chief, to explore his remarkable 40-year journey in recovery. Gibbons shares candid insights into battling alcoholism while rising through the ranks from firefighter to chief, all while building a successful business and family life. He addresses the challenges of denial, the courage required to seek help, and the vital role of peer support and professional guidance in sustaining long-term recovery.
 
The conversation highlights the power of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and the importance of positive connections. (Those connections make up the “kitchen table talk” that supports change.) Listeners will gain a hopeful perspective on recovery, not as a loss but a reclaiming of life, purpose, and self-worth.

Igniting the Shift Within: Crack the Code to Better Sleep

Igniting the Shift Within: Crack the Code to Better Sleep
 
 
This episode of Igniting the Shift Within dives into the gritty reality of sleep for firefighters. Dr. Leah Kaylor, an FBI sleep expert for over 5 years, shares the intel you need to crush fatigue and fire up your performance. We’ll tackle the hard truths about sleep—quick fixes that fail, harnessing caffeine’s real impact, and how to battle booze-breathing sleep demons. Discover the ultimate wind-down routine and explore the best sleeping position for maximum recovery. Get ready for real talk on taking back your nights and optimizing those 24-hour shifts. Expect practical tips, powerful insights, and three no-nonsense takeaways that you can implement tonight.
 
 
 
The Full Episode
https://www.facebook.com/firefighternation
https://www.youtube.com/@FirefighterNationHQ
https://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/
 
Igniting the Shift Within
https://www.podpage.com/igniting/
 
Show Resources Mentioned in the Episode
Sleep Diary: https://www.podpage.com/igniting/p/sleep-diary/
EMDR Therapy: emdria.org
Brainspotting Therapy: brainspotting.com
 
Dr. Leah Kaylor
Website: drleahkaylor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahkaylor/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-kaylor-ph-d-mp-rxp-a75497222/
Other links:
https://www.youtube.com/@Dr.LeahKaylorShorts
https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeahKaylor
https://www.tiktok.com/@drleahkaylor
 
 

APS Radio: Wendy Norris on Healing, Service, and the First Responder Health & Wellness Symposium

APS Radio: Wendy Norris on Healing, Service, and the First Responder Health & Wellness Symposium
 
On this episode of APS Radio, Wendy Norris, founder and president of the Texas Line-of-Duty-Death task force, discusses her own near-miss accident and how that led her to create the Texas LODD task force. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges first responders face, including mental health struggles, cancer risks, and cardiac issues, inspired by her late husband’s line-of-duty death.
Norris explains how this legacy sparked the upcoming John P. Norris Memorial First Responder Health & Wellness Symposium in Pflugerville, Texas, from September 26 to 28. The event, which runs September 26-28, 2025, will address holistic wellness for firefighters and EMS workers.
Learn more about the Texas LODD Task Force at texasloddtaskforce.com.
Learn about the John P. Norris Memorial First Responder Health & Wellness Symposium at firstrespondersymposium.com.

We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show: Dena Ali on Mental Health, Peer Support, and Creating Culture Change

We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show: Dena Ali on Mental Health, Peer Support, and Creating Culture Change
 
In this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux sit down with Dena Ali to discuss her groundbreaking work in first responder mental health. Ali shares her journey from struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts to authoring Hope Out of Darkness (Fire Engineering), a comprehensive book on resilience, peer support, and wellness tailored for the fire service.
 
As program manager for the First Responder Center for Excellence, Ali develops innovative training and resources that tackle tough, often overlooked topics: organizational culture, psychological safety, and interpersonal relationships. Ali’s candid stories and practical strategies offer a fresh perspective aimed at transforming fire service culture and saving lives. Tune in to learn why this isn’t just another mental health talk—it’s a call for real change.

Fueling Fire: Nutrition Strategies for Cancer Risk Reduction in Firefighters

Fueling Fire:  Nutrition Strategies for Cancer Risk Reduction in Firefighters
In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, Megan Lautz sits down with oncology dietitian Taylor Janulewicz to tackle cancer risk reduction in the fire service through nutrition. Firefighters face a daunting cancer risk—accounting for up to 70% of line-of-duty deaths—largely due to carcinogen exposure. Taylor breaks down the top three dietary culprits linked to increased cancer risk: red and processed meats, and alcohol, offering realistic guidelines for reduction without sacrificing quality of life. They also debunk myths around sugar’s role in cancer, emphasizing moderation and performance needs for first responders. Taylor shares critical advice for those diagnosed with cancer, highlighting the importance of specialized oncology dietitians who understand the unique challenges of treatment and nutrition. The conversation provides practical, evidence-based nutrition advice tailored to firefighters’ lifestyles, with a focus on sustainable changes that support long-term health and resilience on and off shift.

Point of Origin: Navigating Generational Shifts and Mentorship

Point of Origin: Navigating Generational Shifts and Mentorship In this inaugural episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake, joined by Firefighter Nation’s managing editor Stephanie White, unpack the evolving challenges within the fire service. They explore how generational gaps affect leadership, training, and team cohesion, emphasizing the need for chiefs to understand the unique learning styles and communication habits of younger firefighters. The conversation highlights the impact of societal shifts (like the pandemic) on new recruits and the importance of investing in every firefighter, whether they plan a five-year tenure or a lifelong career. Personal stories of mentorship reveal how pivotal guidance and self-reflection can unlock potential and bridge divides. The hosts call for a return to a people-centered approach, focusing on building interpersonal skills alongside technical proficiency.