FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the sh...
‘It raises my hackles’: Chief Chuck Ryan talks unsafe fireground actions
Many know that Tucson Fire Chief Chuck Ryan is a staunch advocate for firefighter health and safety, but he’s also a big believer in giving a little grace. Leadership is challenging, so our default assumptions shouldn’t be that leadership just doesn’t get it. After all, Chief Ryan says, “No fire chief comes to work and says, ‘How can I mess with my people today? How can I make their lives uncomfortable and miserable today?’” Ryan offers insights from his years in a variety of leadership positions as well as lessons learned from one of the most challenging calls of his career – a 2021 shooting he describes as, “the worst of circumstances handled in the best of ways.” Plus, we dig into all of this: The power of a good relationship with the local police chief; the switch from lawyer to firefighter and his “do-over” fire service career move; and the fireboat mishap that left Ryan in treading water in the Potomac River.
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Email [email protected] to share your feedback.
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1:04:30
Firefighter gift deals tastier than turkey
It’s time to make your list and check it twice to ensure you’re covered this holiday season. Unsure what to buy for your firefighter friends and family or even your crewmembers? You can skip the line for Santa because the real magic is at TheFireStore.com, which is offering a 15% discount to Better Every Shift listeners from Nov. 21-30. Listen in for the code to ensure you grab the best firefighter gifts without breaking the bank.
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Send an email to [email protected] to share your feedback!
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57:33
Chief Derek Alkonis: ‘Everything you do is focused on life safety’
“There's so much we don't know about fires. We're still killing firefighters. We're still killing people in fires. There's still so much to know and to do differently.” Chief Derek Alkonis, who serves as a research program manager for UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute, shares his passion for learning about fire dynamics and how best to translate fire behavior research into actionable lessons – and updated tactics – for firefighters. Plus, we dig into all of this:
The Mike Singletary analogy for “aggressive” firefighting
Why the Lahaina fire moved so fast and Alkonis’ current work on the fire investigation team [Read the Maui Wildfire Analysis]
How the heavy burden of command drove him to learn more about fire behavior early in his career
Alkonis’ work with Los Angeles County Fire to put fire behavior research into practice – and the process of getting buy-in from the firefighters
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Enjoying the show? Email [email protected] to share your feedback.
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1:09:35
Greatest Hits: Chief Leeb returns to mark 100 episodes – and brings friends
To help Better Every Shift commemorate 100episodes, Chief Frank Leeb returns (again), this time with several surprise guests, live from the recent pro-wrestling-themed Brothers Helping Brothers event – a perfect example of the collaboration among the “Misfit Nation,” all working together to row in the same direction for the betterment of the fire service. There’s a lot happening, so buckle up for an action-packed show that may or may not go totally off the rails in the best possible way. Tune in for some great nuggets of wisdom, peppered with plenty of shenanigans:
How to pin firefighter health
The WWE star who video-bombs the show
The “highlight reel” that shows Zam as a totally ****ing professional
Plus, new hot seat questions!
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to attend next year’s Brothers Helping Brothers event. Email [email protected] for more information.
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Send an email [email protected] to share your feedback or suggest a guest for an upcoming episode.
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1:10:44
‘We changed the entire dynamic’: Chief Mike Cunningham talks recruitment
Recruitment challenges continue to plague many fire departments, but there are simple ways to address the root issues head on – the key is knowing where to find the start button. Dr. Michael Cunningham, division chief for Cobb County (Georgia) Fire, helps members take those initial steps toward change. The chief also details how his department retooled their own hiring process. Plus, we dig into all of this:
How a more transient workforce changes recruitment and retention efforts
Inadvertent barriers that could discourage or prevent people from joining the fire service
A disturbing story about AARs … in the shower
Why a fear of DEI leads some to ignore the topic entirely
How to set your own path and break down self-imposed barriers
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Enjoying the show? Send an email to [email protected] to share your feedback or suggest a guest for an upcoming show.
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
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