Better Every Shift

Fire Chief Jason Caughey joins the team this week to reflect on the decisive themes of 2024, whether those hot topics will continue to make waves in 2025, plus the critical areas of focus for any fire service leader who’s working to support their members. Plus, we dig into all this: Innovative events and forward-thinking groups driving change Reimagining the debate about what it means to be safe and aggressive Why fire service leaders can no longer get away with being “full of sh*t” How to take proactive steps to break down silos Embracing a “train ’em, trust ’em, let ’em go” mindset A reminder to focus on the positive – and why you joined Thank you for your support of Better Every Shift in 2024! Are you ready to thrive in 2025? 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!

Ventura Fire Captain Fernando Calderon has appeared on five seasons of Discovery Channel’s hit reality TV show “Naked & Afraid,” where participants are dropped into remote locations – without clothes – to survive for upwards of three weeks. Most of the show’s participants have years of experience living off the grid or teaching survival strategies – but not Calderon. He went from watching the show at the fire station to feeling “possessed” to apply.” It was the ultimate test to learn what he was made of. Now over 10 years later, Calderon is what they call an All Star in the Naked & Afraid universe – and he’s sharing the many survival challenge lessons that apply to the fire service. Plus, we dig into all of this: How the show helps Calderon reset Feeling pressure to make his fire department proud The superpower that gives him an edge on the competition Implementing “mental mind control” to make it through tough times The worst thing he ate during one of his survival challenges The competitor he calls a “wild card” The #1 food he craves post-competition This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Better Every Shift listeners receive 10% off now through Dec. 31, using the promo code, FR10. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email [email protected] to share your feedback!

Megan Lautz understands that shiftwork makes it nearly impossible to follow a perfect diet – as do other life events that squeeze your time and impact your outlook on food. That’s why her nutrition advice for firefighters centers on what’s realistic – the “good, better, best” approach, which encourages making smarter choices for the situation and setting yourself up for success with simple tools, like go-bags for snacks on shift. Plus, Lautz has worked with firefighters through her company, RescueRd, long enough to know when to push and when “a little bit of shame adds some razzle-dazzle” to the guidance. We dig into all of that and more: “Firefighter Math” in the context of health, namely donuts The truth about energy drinks Smart electrolyte supplement strategies Simple recommendations for caffeine and hydration Resources: Get the free recipe book, “Firehouse Fresh, on Lautz’s website and learn more about the Kales Lab study on “Feeding America’s Bravest: Survival Mediterranean Style.” Find Lautz on social media: Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn 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 [email protected] to share your feedback.

We’re declassifying today’s podcast so everyone can learn from Rear Admiral (ret.) Mike Studeman, former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence. Studeman, who is one of the nation’s leading national security professionals, recently authored the thought-provoking book “Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity,” focused on critical leadership lessons that are easily applied to the fire service, including how to build buy-in, plus the top traits for leaders to cultivate among their members – and themselves. Plus, we dig into all of this: The myth of the “always-in-command” leadership style The psychological impact of being singularly focused on the job The power of branding – mottos, flags, etc. – to organizational culture Fine-tuning your mode for enacting change You can also find “Might of the Chain: Forging Leaders of Iron Integrity” at JPL Books. 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!