Best Recruitment Process Outsourcing Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 41 Heather Taylor of MAU: How to Build a Resilient Talent Pipeline Without Over-Hiring in a Downturn 15:41

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4h ago15:41

15:41

A majority of talent acquisition (TA) leaders lack hiring strategies ready for market fluctuations. This data expose how quickly teams lose traction when demand drops. Today’s talent acquisition teams face shrinking req loads, rising pressure to prove value, and unpredictable workforce needs, a combination driving a widening performance gap. Only a…

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The EP 175: State of Hiring: Data trends, Automation, and Fraud risks with Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem 39:51

3d ago39:51

39:51

Join host James Mackey and Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem, to explore what’s happening in today’s hiring market - inbound is up 3x, time to hire has grown by eight days, and recruiters are carrying 55% more reqs. They discuss where AI genuinely reduces workload and boosts efficiency, along with the rise in fraud and interview cheating. Thank you to our s…

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‘Lead yourself first to lead others better’: Chief Randy Bruegman returns 57:52

2h ago57:52

57:52

Chief Randy Bruegman returns to Better Every Shift to discuss the vacuum of good leaders in the fire service and the many ways leaders (and aspiring leaders) can elevate their leadership game. Zam and the Bruegman tackle marketing mindsets, common traits of strong leaders, plus all this: Managing fast-paced change Strategic visioning “4 minutes to …

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Ep 40 Why RPO partnerships fail (and what ZRG and Symbotic did differently) 34:10

3h ago34:10

34:10

In high-growth technology sectors, talent acquisition leaders face an unprecedented scaling challenge: how can organizations rapidly deploy recruiting capacity while maintaining quality and cultural fit? The RPOA's 2025 RPO Trends Report shows that relationship quality ranks as the top factor in RPO partnership success. Technology companies scaling…

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Chad Crouse talks AI: We can’t ‘outsource all the thinking’ 44:39

14d ago44:39

44:39

AI can be an incredible tool, but as Division Chief Chad Crouse explains, we can’t use it to “outsource all the thinking.” There are critical parts of the job that require your personal development and review. Chief Crouse breaks down not only when and where to use tools like ChatGPT but also how to maximize their output so you have more time for m…

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How to process challenging calls: Dr. Derrick Edwards shares the key step 1:03:48

13d ago1:03:48

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If you’ve ever been mentally “stuck,” replaying a particularly challenging call or ruminating on a conversation that angered you, then this is the time to tune in. We’re revisiting a powerful episode with Dr. Derrick Edwards, a 20-year fire service veteran who also serves as a professional counselor, digging into several psychological concepts that…

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‘We’re all in this together’: Chief Mary Cameli talks innovation and regional support 44:28

30d ago44:28

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Why is everyone in Arizona so friendly? It’s a regional thing — an approach to customer service and community care that originated with fire service legends like Chiefs Alan Brunacini and Dennis Compton. And Mesa (Arizona) Fire Chief Mary Cameli is keeping that torch lit with the department’s strong focus on CRR, member health and safety, and mutua…

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Ep 39 Diana Doro of Orion Talent: Why Employer Brand Matters More Than Ever (And What to Do About It) 32:27

1M ago32:27

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Research shows referred candidates get hired at a rate of 30% compared to just 7% for applicants sourced through traditional job boards. Today's employers face an unprecedented challenge: quality candidates no longer fill the top of the funnel the way they once did, rendering traditional job board strategies obsolete. Candidates have stopped downlo…

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‘You are in control’: Dr. Nicole Sawyer on how mindset drives health 48:19

25d ago48:19

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Chronic stress is a job hazard. It impacts your ability to function on the fireground, which is also one of the factors causing your stress in the first place. It’s a cycle filled with physiological and psychological triggers that sometimes feel impossible to overcome. Dr. Nicole Sawyer — a licensed clinical psychologist and public safety mental he…

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‘You just don’t quit’: Chief Jeremy Craft’s lessons for leadership — and rodeo 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

There’s an unspoken rule in the rodeo world that to be successful, you need a don’t-quit attitude — it’s important when you’re riding bucking horses and it’s also important when you’re a fire service leader. No matter what the roadblocks, you don’t quit until you get the job done. That’s the philosophy that’s driven Lehi (Utah) Fire Chief Jeremy Cr…

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Ep 38 Elaine Nicol of AgileOne on How to Build a Magnetic Employer Brand Without a Massive Budget 58:23

1M ago58:23

58:23

Your Employer Brand Bleeds Talent—And You Don't Even Know It According to Lighthouse Research & Advisory, 83% of candidates distrust employer brand authenticity—a crisis that costs organizations their best talent before interviews even begin. Talent acquisition leaders confront a stark reality: while 72% of professionals refuse to apply to companie…

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‘This game of trade-offs’: Jeff Stull talks NFPA standards 53:09

2M ago53:09

53:09

NFPA standards can be lengthy and hard to follow; fortunately, we’ve got Jeff Stull here to break down what you need to know, particularly as it relates to the newest big development — the consolidation of key PPE and SCBA standards into NFPA 1850. Stull shares insights into the standards-development process and why it’s always a “game of trade-off…

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Top5 Ways Belonging Transforms People Strategy 40:36

2M ago40:36

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By DefinedTalent Team

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Biohack your health: Mike Binney talks fatigue management 50:32

2M ago50:32

50:32

Assistant Chief Mike Binney is here to help you biohack your health. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry, Binney breaks it all down — what the latest research shows about sleep habits and fatigue management, plus the work underway to understand the impact of changing traditional shift schedules. Binney also speaks to the role of mobile i…

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Ep 37 Hillary Jarman of Hueman People Solutions: How to Build Strong Healthcare Employer Branding Without Slowing Down Hiring 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

According to Deloitte, companies that effectively activate their employer value proposition can improve retention by up to 69%, yet healthcare systems face unprecedented talent shortages. The American Healthcare Association reports healthcare organizations expect a deficit of nearly 100,000 critical workers by 2028 while battling post-COVID financi…

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‘Technology is the lure’: Kirk McKinzie talks FF recruitment 51:48

1M ago51:48

51:48

“If it doesn't have a touchscreen on it, I'm not using it.” That’s the message from some digital natives unsure about whether a traditionally tactile profession like the fire service is right for them. But as tech-expert Captain Kirk McKinzie explains, with the current pace of technology, there are countless opportunities for more tech-minded indiv…

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Rainn Wilson on ‘Code 3’ and the brutal beauty of EMS life 23:54

2M ago23:54

23:54

Editor's Note: Enjoy this bonus episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast featuring special guest Rainn Wilson. In this episode of the EMS One-Stop podcast, our host, Rob Lawrence, sits down with Hollywood actor Rainn Wilson, who stars as Randy in “Code 3.” Known worldwide for his role as Dwight Schrute in The Office, Wilson has stepped into the world of…

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Ep 36 Emily Gordon & Zack Flippo of Randall Reilly on Brand Marketing for Transportation Companies 34:37

2M ago34:37

34:37

With an 80% average turnover rate plaguing the trucking industry, transportation organizations struggle to fill critical positions while facing an unprecedented driver shortage. The trucking sector needs 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade, yet current recruitment strategies continue to fail at scale. Only 17% of candidates believe employe…

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‘Code 3’: A love letter to fire and EMS 46:21

2M ago46:21

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“Code 3” — the action-comedy centered on a paramedic’s life in crisis — hits select theaters this week, and co-writer Patrick Pianezza joins Better Every Shift to detail the behind-the-scenes movie magic that transformed his real-life EMS experiences into an independent film starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero. Pianezza, who als…

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Zam’s hot takes: FF arrests, FDNY EMS, shift schedules + more 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

It’s been a wild week, with several controversial news items hitting inboxes and driving discussions on FireRescue1. Zam and Janelle dig into the stories that have generated hundreds of comments in FR1 forums recently, from the recent arrests of two members of a contracted fire crew in Washington, to one lieutenant’s call to break FDNY fire and EMS…

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‘It’s the backup line’: The real role of FEMA 50:06

3M ago50:06

50:06

With FEMA news changing by the day, Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the current shakeups at the agency as well as the criticisms it faced 20 years ago following Hurricane Katrina. The chief offers insights into why FEMA’s role in disaster response has been misunderstood for years, plus the federal-level changes that could better elevate the role of …

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Ep 35: Michelle Krier of Advanced RPO: How to Fill Food and Beverage Jobs Without Losing Day-One Hires 21:36

3M ago21:36

21:36

The Food and Beverage industry and other high-volume-hiring industries face a critical employer branding crisis costing organizations qualified candidates and revenue daily. Production, quality control, and engineering roles now require what industry experts call "radical transparency over sugar-coating" - candidates demand honest conversations abo…

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‘Who’s your phone-a-friend?’: Dr. Sara Jahnke on the power of health-focused networks 48:21

3M ago48:21

48:21

Returning (again!) to Better Every Shift, fire service scientist-extraordinaire Dr. Sara Jahnke gets real about the firefighter/research connection: Historically, “we’ve done a sh*tty job translating science to practice” — but that’s changing with the growing movement around Science to the Station, an event that brings together firefighters, resear…

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‘Nobody has a unique problem’: Waldo and Wolford talk shared solutions 41:41

4M ago41:41

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Fire-Rescue International is underway, and with that comes the leadership handoff at the IAFC. Before Chief Josh Waldo hands the baton to Chief Trisha Wolford, the two return to Better Every Shift to reflect on Waldo’s time as president and what awaits Wolford as she steps into the president’s boots — or really, if you know her, high heels. The chi…

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EP 34 Jamie Minier of NXTThing RPO: For Talent Leaders Tired of Losing Candidates to Slow Hiring 20:27

3M ago20:27

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High-volume hiring faces a critical speed-to-hire crisis costing organizations top talent daily. Frontline positions now require what industry experts call "drive-through hiring" - candidates expect job offers as quickly as they receive fast-food orders. Organizations deploying lengthy applications and password-protected portals watch qualified can…

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Aggressive firefighting: ‘We’ve corrupted the concept’ 56:04

4M ago56:04

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The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s dri…

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Extra Alarm: How to deliver strong initial on-scene size-up reports 10:11

4M ago10:11

10:11

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible con…

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Ep 33 The Future of Workforce Intelligence: Raleen Gagnon on Building Predictive Hiring Strategies 22:42

4M ago22:42

22:42

Raleen Gagnon joins Lamees Abourahma to discuss how global workforce intelligence transforms talent acquisition strategy, why traditional outsourcing assumptions no longer work, and how predictive data gives companies a competitive edge in today's rapidly changing market. Learn how Raleen solved the frustrating challenge of using 30+ different tool…

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‘You can really decrease your risk’: Dr. Jeff Burgess talks firefighter cancer 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

“We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the tw…

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Extra Alarm: Continuation of command — what happens when the IC goes down? 9:22

4M ago9:22

9:22

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operat…

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‘As goes the Metro, so goes the global fire service’: Inside the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association 51:45

4M ago51:45

51:45

“Metro Chiefs is leading the fire service — and I know there are other entities that would argue that, but I’ll take that to the bank.” Fire Chief John Butler, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association,” emphasizes the influence of the association, which represents just 1% of departments but covers 50% of population. Part of Metro’s inf…

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Ep 32 Heather Siler on Why Smart Healthcare Leaders Prefer Flexible Recruitment Solutions 22:16

5M ago22:16

22:16

Heather Siler from Hire Velocity joins Lamees Abourahma to discuss how Project RPO can solve healthcare's most pressing talent challenges, from managing workforce fluctuations to scaling teams rapidly across multiple geographies. They explore real-world examples of successful implementations, the evolving role of AI in recruitment, and why the huma…

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‘We rehearsed this’: Chief Eric Morgenthaler talks mayday command 56:11

5M ago56:11

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In the nanosecond after hearing the mayday, Castle Rock (Colorado) Battalion Chief Eric Morgenthaler went from “Is this really happening?” to “I know what I need to do.” His crew had trained repeatedly on scenarios just like this — a firefighter through the floor. Morgenthaler shares a play by play of the mayday as well as his command mindset throu…

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Extra Alarm: Emergency logistics — who’s your go-to officer? 12:48

5M ago12:48

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This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Paul Fawcett, tackling the critical role of logistics officers in emergency response operations. Fawcett addresses the necessity for a logistics team to manage and streamline complex responses, highlighting their responsibility to provide supplies and ensure that facilities, food, sanitation, lightin…

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‘Come from curiosity’: Chief Corey Smedley on earning trust as an outside hire 54:15

5M ago54:15

54:15

“Everybody’s going to be a leader.” Fire Chief Corey Smedley encourages his entire workforce to step into their own leadership roles and not be afraid to make mistakes. Smedley, who is nearing one year as fire chief for Montgomery County (Maryland) Fire & Rescue, is the organization’s first outside hire for the top spot. The chief reflects on how h…

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EP 31 Leigh Cuevas on Using Direct Sourcing to Build Proactive Talent Communities 45:24

5M ago45:24

45:24

Leigh Cuevas joins Lamees Abourahma to discuss the three critical shifts every TA leader must make: moving from reactive to proactive sourcing, turning sourcers into passionate brand ambassadors, and building engaged talent communities before you need them. Discover the proven framework that cut one aerospace manufacturer's time-to-fill in half whi…

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‘Sleep washes the brain’: How shift workers can improve sleep 58:19

5M ago58:19

58:19

The recipe for sleep health: “Build a sleep window, protect the sleep window, and let your sleep accountant balance the books.” On this Better Every Shift playback, we revisit one of our most enlightening episodes, as Dr. Glenn Landry — a self-proclaimed “sleep geek” — details how shifter workers can improve their sleep. He explains the science beh…

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Extra Alarm: The do’s and don’ts of commanding your first fire 14:20

5M ago14:20

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This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Senior Captain Chris DelBello, who focuses on the dos and don'ts for commanding your first fire, including checklists for before, during and after the incident. Other topics addressed: pre-fire preparations, such as sharing expectations with firefighters, familiarizing oneself with command worksheets…

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EP 174: How to streamline operations and drive sustainable growth with Rachael Becker, Founder & CEO of RB Builds 45:18

5M ago45:18

45:18

Rachael Becker, Founder & CEO of RB Builds, joins host James Mackey to discuss business efficiency, tech transformation, and creating standout user experiences. With a unique blend of expertise across operations and technology, Rachael shares actionable insights on how organizations can streamline processes, improve internal alignment, and scale su…

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‘Release of calmness’: Detailing the procedure helping firefighters manage PTSD 54:48

5M ago54:48

54:48

“The calmness comes because the fire alarm in the brain has stopped flogging your body.” That’s how Dr. Jim Lynch describes the effect of a stellate ganglion block — an injection he says turns off the unproductive and chronic fight-or-flight response experienced by many firefighters with PTSD or anxiety conditions. Dr. Lynch details the science beh…

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EP 30 Matt Corbett on Navigating AI's Massive Recruiting Transformation Without Getting Lost in Complexity 21:20

6M ago21:20

21:20

In this episode, Matt Corbett, President at ZRG Embedded Recruiting, joins Lamees Abourahma to discuss the transformative effect of AI on the recruiting industry. They examine the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into hiring processes, the importance of balancing technology and human touch. Matt also shares insights on how organizations ca…

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‘Everything went lights out’: SoCal firefighter details close call 1:12:38

6M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

“I thought he was dead. He thought I was dead.” Firefighter Andrew Klein shares the harrowing story of a recent flashover that left him disoriented and worried his captain was dead in the same terrifying instant his captain thought Klein was dead. Klein shares the play by play of the commercial fire scene — a light smoke condition that turned viole…

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Extra Alarm: Squad programs — reshaping fire response 13:58

6M ago13:58

13:58

This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Assistant Chief Chad Costa, highlighting squad programs as a solution to rising medical call volumes in fire services. Squad programs involve deploying smaller, specialized units for medical emergencies, preserving larger apparatus for critical incidents and extending their operational lifespan. Cost…

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‘I don’t want to see grieving families’: Danny Kistner talks NFFF mission and support 53:12

6M ago53:12

53:12

“There’s always a better way to do something; we just haven’t discovered it yet.” Chief Danny Kistner, the new director of fire service programs for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, underscores the need for continuous improvement, especially when it comes to finding new ways to reduce firefighter LODDs. Kistner details the threefold mis…

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EP 173: Unlocking Value: Latin American engineering teams for US companies with Gino Ferrand, CEO of Tecla 36:05

6M ago36:05

36:05

The landscape of global talent acquisition is evolving rapidly, and nearshore engineering teams in Latin America have emerged as a strategic solution for US-based tech companies. In this insightful conversation, host James Mackey and Gino Ferrand, Founder and CEO of Tecla, explore why Latin American engineering teams are becoming increasingly attra…

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

6M 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…

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EP 172: AI, hiring, and the new talent equation with Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem 42:26

6M ago42:26

42:26

With markets reacting to global uncertainty and AI transforming the hiring landscape, both job seekers and recruiters are recalibrating their strategies. Join host James Mackey and Steve Bartel, CEO of Gem, as they discuss how automation is changing resume screening, interview prep, and rediscovery of existing talent. As companies look to cut costs…

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

6M 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…

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Ep 29 Jenna Hinrichsen on Data Analytics: Strategic Effect on Talent Acquisition 15:18

6M ago15:18

15:18

In this episode, Jenna Hinrichsen, Director of Recruitment Strategy and Labor Market Analytics at Advanced RPO, joins Lamees Abourahma to share strategic insights on leveraging data analytics for effective talent acquisition. They explore how organizations can move from reactive hiring to proactive workforce planning through market intelligence and…

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

6M 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…