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In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle discuss what makes firefighting more than just a job. Beyond the risks and stress, they celebrate the unique camaraderie that fuels their passion for the fire service. Reflecting on decades of experience, they explore how mental health isn’t just about struggles but also about p…
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In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, firefighter and paramedic Brent Thorne shares his deeply personal journey of balancing a demanding fire service career with family life. After 13 years in the field and a prior stint in the Navy, Thorne reveals how his hyper-fixation on work almost cost him his marriage. From struggles maintaining connection…
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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 p…
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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 unpred…
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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…
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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 afte…
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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 firefig…
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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 shar…
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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…
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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 wor…
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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 fire…
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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, a…
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We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show: Inside the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference In episode 12 of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux discuss this year’s Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference, happening October 15-17 at the Greene County Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. This isn’t your average conferenc…
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Fueling Fire: Mastering Struggle Meals, Fast Food, and On-the-Go Fueling In this episode of Fueling Fire, dietitian Megan Lautz breaks down practical nutrition strategies designed specifically for first responders juggling unpredictable shifts and high-stress jobs. She introduces the concept of "struggle meals"—quick, portable options like fast foo…
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Igniting the Shift Within: Ditch the Drama and Fight Fire with Focus In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with guest Greg Kruger, founder and leadership coach at Forgotten Truth Coaching. Kruger specializes in the connection between neurology and physiology. They discuss the crucial role of language under pressu…
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APS Radio: Inside the Firefighter Cancer Initiative In this episode of APS Radio, Jim Burneka sits down with Dr. Alberto Caban-Martinez, professor of public health sciences at the University of Miami. Dr. Caban-Martinez discusses how the Firefighter Cancer Initiative (FCI) came to be and what type of research he would like to focus on in the future…
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Hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka speak with Anaheim Fire Captain (Ret.) Rick Cheatham about forgiveness and faith. Rick speaks about his past addictions, his son's murder, and a fall that resulted in paralysis. Be prepared to go for a ride as Rick walks you through his adversities and how he was able to navigate through those difficulties. Rick…
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Beyond The Headlines: Challenging Tradition with Jim Burneka In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Chris Marella and Angie Bishop welcome Jim Burneka. Burneka takes aim at a long-standing fire service tradition—the stair climb fundraiser. While honoring fallen firefighters remains vital, he exposes the hidden risks of wearing contaminated …
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The Revolutionaries: A Working Chief’s Perspective In this episode of The Revolutionaries, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons welcome guest Dave Mellen. Mellen shares his journey from company officer to chief, revealing the challenges and rewards of staying connected to the fireground while managing administrative duties. Mellen discusses the delic…
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Mental Health Monthly: Tim Gibbons on Overcoming Addiction and Building a Life of Strength In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with Tim Gibbons, a retired Chicago Fire Department battalion chief, to explore his remarkable 40-year journey in recovery. Gibbons shares candid insights into battling alco…
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Igniting the Shift Within: Crack the Code to Better Sleep This episode of Igniting the Shift Within dives into the gritty reality of sleep for firefighters. Dr. Leah Kaylor, an FBI sleep expert for over 5 years, shares the intel you need to crush fatigue and fire up your performance. We’ll tackle the hard truths about sleep—quick fixes that fail, h…
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APS Radio: Wendy Norris on Healing, Service, and the First Responder Health & Wellness Symposium On this episode of APS Radio, Wendy Norris, founder and president of the Texas Line-of-Duty-Death task force, discusses her own near-miss accident and how that led her to create the Texas LODD task force. She discusses the emotional and physical challen…
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We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show: Dena Ali on Mental Health, Peer Support, and Creating Culture Change In this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux sit down with Dena Ali to discuss her groundbreaking work in first responder mental health. Ali shares her journey from struggling with depression and suic…
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Fueling Fire: Nutrition Strategies for Cancer Risk Reduction in Firefighters In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, Megan Lautz sits down with oncology dietitian Taylor Janulewicz to tackle cancer risk reduction in the fire service through nutrition. Firefighters face a daunting cancer risk—accounting for up to 70% of line-of-duty deaths—larg…
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Point of Origin: Navigating Generational Shifts and Mentorship In this inaugural episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake, joined by Firefighter Nation’s managing editor Stephanie White, unpack the evolving challenges within the fire service. They explore how generational gaps affect leadership, training, and team coh…
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Mental Health Monthly: Facing Near-Misses and Navigating Mental Health and Vulnerability In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle talk about the often-overlooked impact of near-misses and losses in the fire and military services. Drawing from over 30 years with the Chicago Fire Department and military combat experience…
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Beyond the Headlines: Navigating Firehouse Culture and Rebuilding Relationships In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, Alex Tanner shares his journey from frustration and isolation to finding connection and growth in the fire service. Starting as a second-generation volunteer with high expectations, Tanner confronted the reality of evolving fireh…
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Igniting the Shift Within: Faith, Fellowship, and Healing After Line-of-Duty Loss David sits down with Retired Lt. Billy Kanych (Ret.) from the Yonkers Fire Department as he shares his firsthand account of a line-of-duty death during a devastating fire in 2009. Billy reflects on the profound lessons learned from that tragic night, including the hea…
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Product Spotlight: Ricochet Gear, Fire Gear for the Real World In this conversation with Peter Askey of Ricochet Gear, hear how a Philadelphia-based manufacturer has revolutionized structural firefighting gear since 1999. Askey explains Ricochet’s commitment to mobility with their Maximum Mobility line, designed to reduce fatigue and improve safety…
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Fueling Fire: Conditioning & Nutrition Strategies for Firefighter Recruits with Taylor Goodman In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, Megan Lautz sits down with strength and conditioning expert Taylor Goodman to explore how fitness and nutrition programs are transforming firefighter recruit academies. Taylor shares her journey from working as…
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APS Radio: Balancing Legacy, Safety, and the Future In episode 52 of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka sits down with Kentucky firefighter Chris Logan for a candid conversation about the evolving challenges of the fire service, especially when it comes to the next generation. They discuss their articles, "No Sons of Mine" & "Both Sons of Mine" Jim shares…
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We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show: Firefighter David Dachinger Talks Retirement, Trauma, and Recovery In this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome guest (and fellow podcaster) David Dachinger. Dachinger, the host of Igniting the Shift Within, talks about the challenging transition from fro…
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Beyond the Headlines: What We Can Learn from Failure in the Fire Service In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, guest Chris Logan shares a rare and candid perspective on embracing failure in the fire service. At 44, Logan challenged himself by attempting Georgia’s Smoke Divers program—a grueling test of physical and mental endurance designed for …
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Igniting the Shift Within: The Firefighter Sleep Crisis with Dr. Sara Jahnke Listen to the latest episode of Igniting the Shift Within for a wake-up call Host David Dachinger and guest Dr. Sara Jahnke examine the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance. They cover various shift schedules and tactical napping strategies, navigatin…
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The Resilient Responder: Breaking Through Emotional Numbing In this powerful episode of The Resilient Responder, Ali Rothrock, a trauma educator and longtime volunteer firefighter, explores emotional numbing—a survival response many first responders face. Rothrock unpacks how the nervous system shuts down feelings to protect us during overwhelming …
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Fueling Fire: Smart Eating for Blood Sugar Control in the Fire Service In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, host Megan Lautz welcomes Madi Cheever, a registered dietitian and type 1 diabetes expert, to discuss blood glucose management, diabetes, and prediabetes specifically for firefighters. They explore the science of blood sugar, clarify …
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APS Radio: A Raw Journey Through Trauma, Faith, and Healing In the latest episode of APS Radio, Jim Burneka sits down with Jason Sautel, author of the memoir The Rescuer. Sautel opens up about his turbulent career in the fire service, the scars left by trauma, and the turning point that compelled him to share his story. They discuss the challenges …
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We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show: The Journey from Firefighter to Lifesaver In this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us A Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome guest Danny Prince, retired FDNY veteran and tireless advocate for first responders and veterans. With 36 years on the force, Prince now devotes himself to causes that …
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The Revolutionaries: Outcomes, Leadership, and Legacy in the Fire Service In this episode of the Revolutionaries, Battalion Chief Marc Aloan takes a close look at what truly shapes fire service culture: hard work, accountability, and meaningful outcomes, not flashy logos or quick fixes. Drawing from his own journey from volunteer rookie to battalio…
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Mental Health Monthly: Mid-Level Fire Service Leadership and Mental Health Insights In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, retired Dallas Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Daniel DeYear shares 45 years of frontline and leadership experience. He addresses the evolving culture of mental health in the fire service, from his firsthand involvement in the 1985…
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Beyond the Headlines: Balancing Legacy In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Chris Marella and Angie Bishop talk with Preston Lyons about the intricate balance between professional dedication and personal life, which many in the firefighting community face. With over 26,000 followers on Instagram, Lyons is not just a social media powerhous…
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The Resilient Responder: Staying Grounded In this episode, host Ali Rothrock offers a grounding pause in the chaos—an honest check-in for those doing the hardest jobs. Whether you're a first responder, military member, or someone supporting one, this conversation speaks directly to the weight you're carrying. Rothrock shares personal stories from h…
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In this episode of Multiple Calls, Scott Hewlett engages in an intimate conversation with Joshua Graham, a seasoned firefighter who reflects on his upbringing in a tight-knit family deeply rooted in the fire service. From his early experiences with family ties to the profession, to the challenges and triumphs he's faced throughout his career, Graha…
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In this episode, we discuss the challenges women face in fire and EMS, especially the impact of the “Mean Girl” effect. We talk with Jesalyn Moore, LCSW (missionmindwellness.com), about how women in these fields experience stress, trauma, and burnout differently than men. We also examine what mental health resources women need for better support. M…
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Episode 7 of “We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show with Nick & Jim” features Houston Firefighters Local 341 Director #5 Gabe Dominguez, the Director of Texas Firefighter Home, to discuss a crucial support resource for firefighters facing cancer. Established in 2014, the Texas Firefighter Home provides short-term housing for both active and retired …
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In this episode of the Fueling Fire podcast, host Megan Lautz chats with Mike Conner, a retired Army physician assistant and cofounder of Frontline Mobile Health. They discuss the often-overlooked topic of testosterone in the first-responder community. As an expert in health and wellness screening for firefighters and law enforcement, Conner shares…
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In this milestone episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka welcomes guest Dr. Hillary Snapp, chief of audiology at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. Together, they cover the critical issue of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) specifically affecting firefighters—a profession already burdened by numerous health risks. Dr. Snapp highl…
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In this inaugural episode of "The Revolutionaries," John Velez and Preston Lyons Invite Corley Moore on to delve deep into the heart of the fire service culture. The discussion centers on the recent name change of the podcast, symbolizing a shift towards active engagement and leadership within the fire community. Listeners will gain insights into t…
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Hosts Chris Marella and Angie Bishop engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Stephanie White, who recently presented on cannabis use in the fire service. They explore the complexities of acceptance across generational lines and the impact of evolving policies. The conversation moves toward the significance of company pride, highlighting how s…
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