Episodes

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
In this episode of Tailboard Misfits, host John Velez sits down with Jesse and Micah Horton of Hortons and Hunt to discuss fire service leadership, mentorship, and training while balancing the demands of a busy department. They share insights on effective communication, the importance of asking questions, and how to foster a strong mentorship culture without making it a checkbox program.
Listen to learn more.
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Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In this emotional episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with retired Oklahoma City Fire Major Chris Fields. Best known for the iconic 1995 Oklahoma City bombing photo, Fields shares his personal battle with PTSD, the weight of national recognition, and his journey through trauma, family struggles, and healing. This episode dives deep into the challenges first responders face, the importance of seeking help, and how resilience is built over time. A must-watch for firefighters, veterans, and anyone invested in mental health and overcoming adversity.
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Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode of Five After Midnight, Stephanie White and Bobby Eckert take a candid look at the evolving culture of the fire service and the growing influence of the internet on training, brotherhood, and leadership. From navigating online criticism to addressing the dangers of unvetted training drills, Bobby shares his personal experiences and insights on fostering positive interactions and meaningful connections within the firehouse and beyond. This thought-provoking discussion also highlights the balance between life as a firefighter and a parent, offering valuable takeaways for first responders navigating today’s digital age.

Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, the hosts sit down with Roy Smalley to discuss the impactful article he wrote for Firefighter Nation. Smalley dives into the realities of firefighter fitness, the challenges of aging in the fire service, and the pitfalls of hustle culture and social media-driven expectations. Listen to learn more.

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
In this powerful episode of The Resilient Responder Podcast, host Ali Rothrock speaks with Adrianne Haslet, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing and advocate for resilience. Adrian shares her deeply moving journey of overcoming trauma, redefining her identity, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. From testifying against her attacker to embracing life as a para-athlete, Adrian's story is a testament to strength, community, and gratitude. Tune in to explore the importance of mental health, the role of first responders, and how vulnerability becomes a pathway to healing. A must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and hope.

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
David is joined by former fire chief Dan Kramer, Owner and Principal Consultant at First Due Leadership Consulting, to discuss bridging generational gaps in the fire service.
They will explore the challenges fire departments face in uniting different generations while honoring traditional values. Chief Kramer will highlight Leadership Adaptability, focusing on balancing established practices with new perspectives from younger firefighters.
The conversation will cover evolving views on work-life balance, the impact of technology on communication, and the importance of mentorship in addressing knowledge gaps as veteran firefighters retire.
Tune in for three tactical takeaways to enhance your health, performance, and leadership effectiveness in today’s diverse fire service landscape. Don't miss this chance to gain actionable insights for fostering a cohesive and high-performing team.
LINKS:Igniting the Shift Within:https://www.podpage.com/igniting/
Dan Kramer Website:www.chiefkramer.com
Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/firechiefkramer
Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/firechiefkramer
LinkedIn page:https://www.linkedin.com/in/firedan/

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz tackles one of the hottest topics in firefighter wellness—caffeine and energy drinks. From the benefits of caffeine for performance to its potential risks when overused, Megan breaks down how first responders can make smarter choices for energy without sacrificing their health. Learn about daily caffeine limits, hidden dangers in popular energy drinks, and practical tips for improving sleep and managing anxiety. Whether you’re a coffee lover or an energy drink aficionado, this episode offers science-backed advice tailored to the fire service lifestyle!

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz sits down with Dr. Jill Joyce, a dietitian from Oklahoma State University’s Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab. Together, they uncover simple, science-backed strategies to help firefighters eat better on and off shift. From revamping fire station food environments to practical tips for mindful snacking, this episode is packed with actionable advice for first responders looking to boost energy, improve performance, and stay healthy under pressure. Whether you're a firefighter or wellness advocate, this is a must-listen for optimizing nutrition in the fire service!

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Hosts Nick and Jim are joined by Dr. Caroline Smith from Appalachian State University. Dive into groundbreaking research on dermal absorption in firefighters and the impact of contaminants on health. Dr. Smith unpacks the science of chemical exposure, its challenges, and innovative decontamination strategies. With humor, curiosity, and practical insights, this episode sheds light on the unseen risks of firefighting and the evolving efforts to protect those on the front lines. A must-watch for safety advocates, first responders, and science enthusiasts!
Dr. Smith can be found at: https://phes.appstate.edu/faculty-staff/caroline-smith

Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Welcome to the first episode of Fueling Fire, the ultimate nutrition podcast for first responders! Join host Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian with over eight years of experience, as she shares practical strategies to help firefighters boost energy, lose body fat, and improve overall wellness. In this episode, Megan discusses the importance of proper nutrition on and off shift, hydration tips, and how to make healthier food choices at the station. Learn how to inspire change in your department and enhance performance on the fireground. Don't miss out on these valuable insights tailored specifically for the fire service!