Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

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.

Mental Health Monthly: Triumph Through Tragedy: John Walters’ Journey from FDNY Rescue 1 to Resilience and Renewal

In the latest episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with John Walters III, retired FDNY firefighter, and former chief of the Port Washington (NY) Fire Department. During their discussion, the three explore the guest’s journey through devastating injury, personal loss, and rebuilding life after tragedy. Walters shares candid insights about the July 2006 accident that led to the loss of his right leg and severe challenges with his left, the emotional toll of divorce, and the complexities of parenting while adapting to his new reality. More than a story of hardship, his message focuses on resilience, peer support, and the strength found in connection. From navigating hospital stays and phantom pain to finding purpose with organizations like Sons of the Flag, Walters embodies how to face adversity head-on without letting it define his identity.  
This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. 

Beyond the Headlines: Leadership, Change, and Building Resilience in the Fire Service

Beyond the Headlines: Leadership, Change, and Building Resilience in the Fire Service
In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella sits down with  Nicholle Brock, firefighter, author, and leadership coach. They talk about the culture shifts reshaping today’s fire service. Brock brings honest stories from the line: the tough calls, the lessons learned, and the moments that redefine leadership. She opens up about accountability and mentorship, and she talks about what inspired her to write B.R.I.C.K. by B.R.I.C.K.: Building Resiliency in Chaos and Kindness by Being Resilient in Conflict and Kinship. Together, they explore how leaders can support firefighters facing unseen struggles while they listen better and bridge generational gaps.Brought to you by Firehouse Furniture: https://www.FirehouseFurniture.com and Unimac: https://www.AllianceLaundry.com/fire

APS Radio: Firefighters and the Fight for Rest

APS Radio: Firefighters and the Fight for Rest   
Firefighters are built to push through anything, but at what cost? In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka sits down with Dr. Kellie O’Dare, executive director of the Second Alarm Project and deputy executive director at UCF RESTORES, to break down the real impact of the extended firefighter workweek. From chronic sleep deprivation and PTSD to burnout, recruitment, and family life, Dr. O’Dare explains why it’s time the fire service rethinks the 56-hour standard and moves toward healthier, evidence-based shift models like the 24/72. The conversation dives into the science behind sleep, the culture that stigmatizes rest, and the growing movement toward a “fourth platoon” workweek that prioritizes recovery and resilience.
Brought to you by Firehouse Furniture: https://www.FirehouseFurniture.com and Unimac: https://www.AllianceLaundry.com/fire

Product Spotlight: How Home Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and Protect Firefighters

Product Spotlight: How Home Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and Protect Firefighters For the latest Product Spotlight, we welcome Peg Paul, of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, for a robust conversation about the crucial role home fire sprinklers play in modern fire safety. Over time, home construction and homes’ contents have evolved. And today’s fires today spread faster, becoming deadly in as little as two minutes. The discussion touches on the ways sprinklers don’t just protect residents, including vulnerable populations and pets, they also significantly reduce the dangers firefighters face, lowering exposure to toxic smoke and carcinogens. The guest explains the coalition’s unique educational tools, like the Impact Tool and a virtual reality experience designed to support fire officials and code decision makers in advocating for sprinkler requirements in new home construction. She highlights how developer incentives make sprinklers more affordable and practical while emphasizing community risk reduction. This discussion offers firefighters, policymakers, and the public essential insights about why investing in home fire sprinklers is critical to life safety and firefighter health. 

Igniting the Shift Within: Strategies to Battle Stress, Conquer Cortisol, and Maximize Detox

Igniting the Shift Within: Strategies to Battle Stress, Conquer Cortisol, and Maximize Detox
 
Host David Dachinger welcomes Dr. Angela Mazza, from the Metabolic Center for Wellness. They discuss the endocrine challenges firefighters face and the ways these challenges go beyond putting out fires. They’re also about managing stress, cortisol levels, and the impact of occupational toxins. The discussion covers the ways late-night calls impact firefighters’ recovery and energy, as well as the hidden dangers of PFAS that can disrupt hormone balance. Mazza shares practical strategies for detoxification, stress reduction, boosting testosterone, and managing obesity.
Brought to you by Firehouse Furniture ( FirehouseFurniture.com ) and Unimac (AllianceLaundry.com/fire )
Igniting the Shift Within:https://www.podpage.com/igniting/
Dr. Mazza’s Links: Website: metaboliccenterforwellness.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063529392493Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metaboliccenterforwellness/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angela-mazza-743796bb/
Listen/Watch the full episode:https://www.facebook.com/firefighternationhttps://www.youtube.com/@FirefighterNationHQhttps://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/