Best Fd Returns Podcasts (2025)

1
Accreditation in action: CPSE’s Preet Bassi talks tracking FD practices and progress 55:27

23h ago55:27

55:27

“We often do what is inspected, not what is expected.” Preet Bassi, CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, joins the show this week to talk fire department (and personal) accountability and improvement, specifically through the process of accreditation and credentialing. Bassi underscores that if a department doesn’t have a way to track t…

1
Extra Alarm: Mixed signals – managing conflicting orders within the chain of command 15:54

3d ago15:54

15:54

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief (ret.) Greg Rogers, addressing the critical issue of conflicting orders in fire department operations and underscoring the importance of adhering to the established chain of command. Rogers acknowledges the tendency of individuals to obey authority figures, even when orders are confli…

1
The National Firefighter Registry is back: Help fellow FFs ‘be healthier and live longer’ 49:36

8d ago49:36

49:36

The National Firefighter Registry is back! The registry – a massive project to understand and reduce risk of cancer among U.S. firefighters – was temporarily offline following layoffs at several NIOSH programs. Fortunately, the administration has restored the NFR employees’ positions, and the site is back up and running. Dr. Kenny Fent, the NFR tea…

1
How to hit the ‘RESET’ button on behavioral health 49:01

15d ago49:01

49:01

“You’re not Superman; you can’t carry it all.” Sarasota (Florida) Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine urges all listeners, no matter your rank, to carve out time to focus on your behavioral health. If you don’t know where to start, this year’s Safety Stand Down offers a variety of resources centered on the theme “Break the Stigma: Behavioral Health RESET…

1
Extra Alarm: The all-in engine company – making it work with 3 members 8:48

17d ago8:48

8:48

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Jeffrey Bryant Jr., a firefighter/paramedic with the Aurora (Illinois) Fire Department. Bryant outlines strategies for a three-person engine company, highlighting the roles of the officer, driver and firefighter, and their tasks in search and suppression. Bryant underscores the importance of training…

1
Dr. Reggie Freeman returns to talk higher education, plus Zam’s MBA 52:44

22d ago52:44

52:44

It’s a special show this week, as Dr. Reggie Freeman returns to talk all things higher education and help us celebrate a milestone moment for Zam. It was Chief Freeman who, during his first appearance on Better Every Shift, encouraged Zam to go back to school – and he did. Zam and Freeman share their personal education journeys, detail what they ha…

1
Chief Reid Vaughan: ‘If you can fog a mirror, I’ll find you a job’ 55:26

29d ago55:26

55:26

“There’s a job for everybody” at the volunteer fire department. That’s Chief Reid Vaughan’s perspective on recruitment. Cuba, Alabama, where Vaughan serves as fire chief, doesn’t have a lot of financial support, meaning officials have to get creative about how to best serve the community. Vaughan shares volunteer recruitment strategies plus smart w…

1
Extra Alarm: Fire service pruning – make way for fresh ideas, technology and practices 7:48

1M ago7:48

7:48

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Eric Latimer, who uses the metaphor of pruning a rose bush to emphasize the importance of evaluating and updating fire department practices, policies and technology. Pruning is necessary to eliminate outdated methods and make way for new, more efficient practices. Areas for potential p…

1
NFL lineman honors fallen firefighters through ‘My Cause My Cleats’ program 42:45

1M ago42:45

42:45

It’s Draft Day – a perfect opportunity to spotlight one player who has chosen to support the fire service through the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” program. Colts center Danny Pinter, who has several ties to the fire service, honors fallen firefighters on custom designed cleats each season. Zam and Janelle met Pinter a recent National Fallen Firefight…

1
Extra Alarm: The importance of proportional response on and off the fireground 6:09

1M ago6:09

6:09

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Linda Willing, who tackles the significance of proportional responses. Willing emphasizes how underreaction can condone inappropriate behavior, while overreaction can waste resources and damage trust. Using real-life examples, she illustrates that responses should be fair, consistent and proportional…

1
Chief Kim Zagaris reflects on the Oklahoma City bombing 30 years later 1:08:56

1M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

“I’ve seen some horrendous accidents and things – never in my life had I seen anything similar to this.” Chief Kim Zaragis describes the scene of the Oklahoma City bombing – a terrorist attack that killed 168 people and injured more than 600 others on April 19, 1995. As we mark 30 years since the horrific incident, Chief Zagaris recounts his 16 day…

1
Extra Alarm: Fleeing to the firehouse – when work becomes an escape 10:22

2M ago10:22

10:22

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Dr. Rachelle Zemlok, a clinical psychologist focused on first responders families. Dr. Zemlok examines the tendency of some firefighters to spend extra hours at work to escape personal problems, leading to emotional distance and strained relationships at home. The structured environment of firefighti…

1
‘Interior offensive aggressive attack’: Juratovac shares her favorite words 1:16:26

2M ago1:16:26

1:16:26

Firefighters sometimes get “too cute” on the fireground, trying to do too much or step outside their area of expertise. On this Better Every Shift playback, San Francisco Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac shares some examples and urges firefighters to focus on their bread-and-butter tactics for a strong “interior offensive aggressive attack” – her al…

1
Chief Brian Fennessy talks ‘mind-blowing’ L.A. urban conflagration 1:15:16

2M ago1:15:16

1:15:16

When fires erupted in Los Angeles in early January, the incidents seemed to shift from wildfire to urban conflagration in an instant. Orange County Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian Fennessy, who grew up in Altadena, hurried back to his home community as it was being run over by the Eaton Fire. What Fennessy witnessed was mind-blowing – only a few ho…

1
Extra Alarm: It’s time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services 14:05

2M ago14:05

14:05

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Marc Bashoor, who addresses the crucial need for a unified and elevated national fire service structure. Bashoor argues against the closure of the National Fire Academy (NFA), emphasizing its critical role in providing consistent, advanced training across all states. He also critiques the fragm…

1
Thermal imagers: Andy Starnes talks fireground ‘force multiplier’ technology 1:02:48

2M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

“What’s the building hiding from you?” That’s a key question from Chief Andy Starnes, our resident thermal imaging expert on this special episode of Better Every Shift. Starnes, the founder of Insight Fire Training, joins Zam to dig into all things thermal imaging technology, including how TICs can reveal the building’s hidden dangers, how and why …

1
Extra Alarm: Electric vehicle fires – where the waiting game wins 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Captain Patrick Durham with the Troy (Michigan) Fire Department. Captain Durham addresses the issues firefighters face when dealing with electric vehicle (EV) fires, particularly the challenges posed by thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries. Durham covers various methods and tools for extin…

1
Critical connections: The challenges and solutions in public safety communication 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

Whether responding to a medical emergency, coordinating disaster relief, or ensuring officer safety in high-risk situations, public safety radio systems provide mission-critical communications that enable first responders to fulfill their missions. What does it take to ensure these systems remain functional, interoperable and adequately funded? Thi…

1
Extra Alarm: Conduct a personal AAR in 45 minutes or less 12:04

2M ago12:04

12:04

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chris Paskett, a battalion chief with Eugene Springfield (Oregon) Fire. Paskett details how incident commanders can perform traditional fireground after-action reviews through brief tailboard discussions, capturing audio and tactical worksheets, and conducting thorough audio reviews. Additionally, he…

1
‘Restore classes immediately’: Fire service leaders urge action after NFA training cancellations 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

“There’s no better time than now to watch the Fire Service One Voice message being exercised,” notes former U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell on this week’s podcast. The collective message from fire service leaders and organizations focuses on the importance of the National Fire Academy – an institution that, effective Friday, was shut…

1
Chief Kevin Quinn: ‘If you do retention right, you don’t have a recruitment problem’ 1:10:41

3M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Recruitment and retention are critical issues impacting fire departments across the country, and while it’s important to level up our efforts there, Deputy Chief (ret.) Kevin Quinn emphasizes a third R – replacement, as in, succession planning. Chief Quinn, who served for over 40 years on the board of the NVFC, certainly understands the importance …

1
Extra Alarm: How battalion chiefs can win the hearts of their firefighters 7:04

3M ago7:04

7:04

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Battalion Chief Ben Thompson from the Birmingham Fire Department. The article explores how battalion chiefs can earn the respect and trust of their firefighters through personal interactions that display compassion. Thompson recounts personal experiences to illustrate these qualities, emphasizing the…

1
‘Hyper-connected to the people we serve’: Chief Dean Crispen talks SFFD goals 58:44

3M ago58:44

58:44

Shortly after taking the helm as fire chief of the San Francisco Fire Department, Dean Crispen received the advice to “just be true to your basic values” – perfect guidance for someone whose values are focused on love for the city and wanting it to succeed, particularly after some challenging years. As the city continues to move in an upward trajec…

1
Extra Alarm: What you need to know about the Social Security Fairness Act 6:47

3M ago6:47

6:47

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Joan Hill, who details the need-to-know information about the Social Security Fairness Act, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Hill explains the changes and their implications for firefighters, answering key questions like: Who benefits …

1
‘I’m proof that it works’: Zam talks resilience-focused habits 51:26

3M ago51:26

51:26

Zam has been through a lot in the past year, navigating some personal life challenges, plus adapting to an elevated position at work – a change that ultimately put him in command at an MCI active-shooter event. With Dr. Rachelle Zemlok as his guide, Zam reflects on how his focus on building resilience has helped him navigate these life changes and …

1
Extra Alarm: How to develop a volunteer recruitment playbook 14:07

3M ago14:07

14:07

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Dan Rogers, a third-generation firefighter with the Witt Volunteer Fire Department. Rogers delves into volunteer recruitment challenges and solutions, highlighting the importance of addressing misconceptions about why people aren't joining the fire service. Rogers offers several actionable strategies…

1
Curt Varone: ‘Our biggest liability is sitting in the firehouse with us’ 1:09:59

4M ago1:09:59

1:09:59

This week’s podcast revisits one of our most popular shows. Fire service attorney Curt Varone identifies the biggest liability for fire departments – the members who might be looking for a fight – and urges fire service leaders to better address everything from HR issues like discipline to operational issues related to policies and training. We als…

1
Extra Alarm: Borrowing from business simply doesn’t work for the fire service 14:44

4M ago14:44

14:44

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Johnny Torgeson, the assistant chief of operations for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire & Emergency Services in California. Torgeson emphasizes the need to reject traditional business-derived leadership models and instead lead differently. The chief explains how to “disrespect the norm,” rein…

1
San Diego Fire Rescue chiefs talk recruitment, wellness and community connection 1:08:56

4M ago1:08:56

1:08:56

There’s a lot going on at San Diego Fire Rescue, as we hear from Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone with the health and safety office on this week’s Better Every Shift. The department leaders outline a host of unique programs and efforts focused on members. They also address the recent L.A. wildfires (to which San Diego sent r…

1
Extra Alarm: ‘The Great AI Lie’ – greater efficiency does not always equate to improved mental health 10:05

4M ago10:05

10:05

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Chad Crouse, who addresses the impact of AI on mental health and productivity in the fire service. He observes that fire chiefs tend to use time saved by AI to do more at work rather than focusing time saved on personal wellness. Highlighting a cultural expectation that productivity eq…

1
Introducing the Firefighter Mayday Survey with Lt. Bassel Ibrahim 1:07:31

4M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Orlando Lt. Bassel Ibrahim is carrying the mayday research torch through the launch of the Firefighter Mayday Survey. The project is a variation and continuation of Don Abbott’s Project Mayday following the chief’s death in 2022. Ibrahim shares what drove him to take on such a huge project, which shares real-world mayday and near-miss data to impro…

1
Extra Alarm: ‘I will stay connected to the members’ -- a challenging goal for newly promoted leaders 11:44

4M ago11:44

11:44

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Eric Linnenburger, who focuses on the importance of genuine connection for newly promoted fire service leaders. Linnenburger identifies the challenges leaders face in maintaining a meaningful connection with their teams, backed by What Firefighters Want survey data that reveals a significant di…

1
Jo Terry: ‘PTSD does not have to end in tragedy’ 1:02:39

4M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Kentucky Assistant Chief Chip Terry called himself a public servant – and lived by those words, shares his widow, Jo Terry: “He was there to serve the public. Now it's our turn to help serve you.” Following Chip’s death by suicide in 2017, Jo started the Chip Terry Fund, which strives to educate first responders and their families about PTSD and pr…

1
Extra Alarm: Leading through the political conversation at the kitchen table 8:07

4M ago8:07

8:07

Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week’s insights come to us from Eric Latimer, division chief of fire operations for the Springfield (Missouri) Fire Department. Latimer discusses how best to navigate political conversations at the firehouse kitchen table, and emphasizes the need t…

1
‘Do the next right thing right’: Kevin Sofen talks tech fundamentals 1:05:48

4M ago1:05:48

1:05:48

New tools and technology can feel daunting, particularly if you already feel behind the curve, but the opportunities are endless if you can embrace a learning mindset that focuses on simply doing the next right thing right – fundamentals first, then baby steps. For example, when someone suggests a new tool, start by changing a knee-jerk “no” to a m…

1
Extra Alarm: Fire is fire no matter what you call it 7:23

5M ago7:23

7:23

Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week’s episode insights come to us from Linda Willing, a retired career fire officer, who makes the case that too many deaths and injuries have occurred secondary to training incidents where live fire was a factor. Specifically, Willing’s article h…

1
Chief Bob Horton: ‘Wildfire is coming to a town near you’ 1:05:12

5M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Attention, structural firefighters: Wildfire does impact your community. If you’re thinking, “Nope, not here,” then you might be confusing wildfire and wildland fire. This small difference in wording has a big impact, not only on training and tactics but also the funding and resources that go toward battling these fires. Chief Bob Horton, the USFA’…

1
Extra Alarm: Bridging the gap between firefighters and the 40-hour world 9:50

5M ago9:50

9:50

Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. In this inaugural episode, learn how to minimize scheduling strains and mission misalignment between the department’s shift-workers and administrative workforce, insights courtesy of Chris Paskett, a battalion chief with Eugene Springfield (Oregon) Fire…

1
‘It is never too late to start’: Kepra Jack details how to revive your cardiac health 1:03:40

5M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

“Why are healthy people having cardiac events?” This was the question that first fueled Kepra Jack’s interest in cardiac health among firefighters – and the fact that her husband is a firefighter further drove her investment in the topic. As the co-founder and director of HeartFit for Duty, Jack builds education programs for first responders and ph…

1
2024 reflections + 2025 bold predictions 59:49

5M ago59:49

59:49

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 Reima…

1
‘Work the problem’: Firefighter-survivalist shares ‘Naked & Afraid’ lessons 1:03:30

5M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

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 …

1
‘Good, better, best’: Megan Lautz shares a realistic approach to FF nutrition 1:05:01

6M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

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 s…

1
Adm. Mike Studeman: Great leaders seek ‘maximum performance at highest morale’ 1:11:57

6M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

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 critica…

1
Inside EMS: Accountability in action – building a culture that sticks in EMS 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

Crossover alert! On this week’s Inside EMS podcast, cohosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson dive into a vital topic: the culture of accountability in EMS. Sparked by FireRescue1 Senior Fire Advisor Chief Marc Bashoor’s article, "Where is our culture of accountability?", the hosts explore why change is so difficult to embrace, how leadership impac…

1
‘It raises my hackles’: Chief Chuck Ryan talks unsafe fireground actions 1:04:30

6M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

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…

1
Firefighter gift deals tastier than turkey 57:33

6M ago57:33

57:33

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 f…

1
Chief Derek Alkonis: ‘Everything you do is focused on life safety’ 1:09:35

7M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

“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 …

1
Greatest Hits: Chief Leeb returns to mark 100 episodes – and brings friends 1:10:44

7M ago1:10:44

1:10:44

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 s…

1
‘We changed the entire dynamic’: Chief Mike Cunningham talks recruitment 1:04:22

7M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

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 reto…

1
‘It feels good to do good’: Kurt DeGroot talks Project Fire Buddies 58:23

7M ago58:23

58:23

It all started with a single question after transporting a kid battling leukemia: How can we do more? Kurt DeGroot noticed that the boy always perked up when firefighters responded to his home, so he asked the boy’s mom if the crew could stop by again sometime – make a big splash about it with the lights and sirens blaring, this time for fun. “Thes…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Fd Returns Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen