Best Jake Ryks Podcasts (2025)

1
HC0042 - Counting On Death Featuring: Josh Shores 45:06

Play Pause

34m ago45:06

45:06

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, the host sits down with Josh Shores, a Marine Infantry Combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, retired firefighter, and author of the raw and gripping memoir "Counting on Death." Together, they explore Josh's harrowing experiences during the Iraq War, his emotional return to civilian life, his time …

1
HC0041 Engine Company Wisdom Featuring: Eric Guida 58:05

10d ago58:05

58:05

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake talks with Eric Guida, a retired Fire Captain from Sacramento Fire Department and now Sales Director at HEN Nozzles. With more than 30 years of experience, Eric opens up about his early inspirations, firefighting culture, leadership lessons, and why the future of fireground safety lies in innovation…

1
HC0040 - Courage Under Fire Featuring: Tanner Shipman 58:38

21d ago58:38

58:38

Jake sits down with Tanner Shipman, a seasoned law enforcement officer from Anoka County, Minnesota, who recently received national acclaim for his courageous actions while off duty during a gunfight in Sturgis, South Dakota. With 20 years of service under his belt, Tanner recounts the harrowing incident that earned him multiple "Officer of the Yea…

1
HC0039 - MEET THE GUYS Featuring: Bobby Salvesen 44:46

27d ago44:46

44:46

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we chat with Bobby Salvesen, a retired FDNY Hazmat One member, co-founder of the Hazmat Guys, and former ultramarathon runner. Bobby shares his journey from growing up in Levittown, NY, to becoming a leading hazmat instructor. He discusses his time in FDNY, the origin of the Hazmat Guys podcast, and his …

1
HC0038 - MEET THE GUYS Featuring: Mike Manaco 52:42

1M ago52:42

52:42

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Mike Monaco—co-founder of The Hazmat Guys, retired FDNY Hazmat One specialist, and one of the leading hazmat instructors in the world. From growing up in Texas and ballet studios to battling dyslexia, his experience during 9/11, and building a global hazmat education platform, Mike sh…

1
HC0037 - Using AI to Predict and Prevent Firefighter Death Featuring: Dr. Andy Tam and Dr. Dillion Dzikowicz 46:31

1M ago46:31

46:31

In this episode, we explore cutting-edge research aimed at tackling one of the leading causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths: sudden cardiac events. Host [Your Name] speaks with Dr. Andy Tam (NIST) and Dr. Dillon Dzikowicz (University of Rochester) about their groundbreaking project combining AI-driven ECG analysis with wearable technology. The…

1
HC0036 - REHAB RAMBLINGS 31:47

2M ago31:47

31:47

In this heartfelt episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, the host opens up about their personal journey through mental health struggles, culminating in a transformative stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence (COE). This solo episode offers a raw, honest look at the importance of vulnerability, seeking help, and normalizing conversations around mental …

1
HC0035 - The Life of A Buff Featuring: Shane Neckel 27:33

3M ago27:33

27:33

Jake sits down with fire photographer and social media sensation Shane Neckel to explore the raw and riveting world of fire buffing. Based just outside Detroit, Shane shares how he turned a childhood fascination into a booming online presence—all while capturing live fire scenes using just an iPhone. From his roots in Monroe County to traveling acr…

1
HC0034 - The Era of Battery Extinguishment Featuring: Paul Jameson 37:59

4M ago37:59

37:59

In this groundbreaking episode, Jake sits down with Paul Jameson, Chief Commercial Officer of LifeSafe Technologies, to discuss a revolutionary firefighting product—TRF+. Designed specifically to combat the long-standing challenge of lithium-ion battery fires, TRF+ is not only effective in extinguishing such fires but also prevents re-ignition. Jak…

1
HC0033 - Let's Talk Weed (Kinda) Featuring: Jon Vought of Rescue 1 CBD 47:07

4M ago47:07

47:07

This week on the Hazard Class podcast, we dive deep into a compelling conversation with Jon Vought, a firefighter-paramedic from South Florida and the founder of Rescue 1 CBD. Jon shares his personal and professional journey—starting from growing up in a firefighting family to creating a CBD company aimed at supporting first responders. We explore …

1
HC0032 - Finding Peace Through Chaos Featuring: Justin Hite 48:06

4M ago48:06

48:06

In this poignant episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake welcomes Greensboro Fire Captain Justin Hite for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Justin shares his two-decade journey in the fire service, the unique path that led him there, and a brutally honest account of his struggles with mental health, including suicidal ideation. This ep…

1
HC0031 - A Culture of Extinguishment REVISTED Featuring: Ray McCormack 36:33

4M ago36:33

36:33

In this compelling episode, We sit down with one of the most influential voices in the fire service, retired FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack. Known for his pivotal 2009 FDIC keynote, "A Culture of Extinguishment," McCormack opens up about his origins in the fire service, the legacy of bravery and tragedy in his family, and the philosophical rift in f…

1
HC0030 - The Gladiator Historian (Part 2) Featuring: Alexander Mariotti 59:46

5M ago59:46

59:46

In this captivating second half of the conversation with historian and film consultant Alexander Mariotti, we dive deep into the historical authenticity and cinematic allure of Gladiator and Gladiator 2. From ancient Roman symbolism to Hollywood storytelling, Mariotti blends his academic insight with his behind-the-scenes experience on blockbuster …

1
HC0029 - The Gladiator Historian (Part 1) Featuring: Alexander Mariotti 47:22

5M ago47:22

47:22

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0029 The Gladiator Historian (Part 1) Featuring: Alexander Mariotti In this captivating episode, Jake dives deep into the history, myths, and cultural significance of ancient Roman gladiators with Alexander Mariotti — a leading expert in Roman combat and historical consultant for major films and TV shows. From th…

1
HC0028 - Elite Sleep Featuring: Dr. Glenn Landry 47:28

5M ago47:28

47:28

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0028 Elite Sleep Featuring: Dr. Glenn Landry In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Glenn Landry, PhD sleep specialist and founder of Neo Performance, for a deep dive into the world of sleep science. Dr. Landry, who has over 30 years of experience studying circadian rhythms and sleep, sh…

1
HC0027 - CHANGING POST-FIRE DECON Featuring: Tara Cornett of FLAME Natural Decon 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0027 CHANGING POST-FIRE DECON Featuring: Tara Cornett of FLAME Natural Decon Visit flamedecon.com to learn more or to place a departmental order. Contact Tara directly at [email protected] or [email protected] Follow FLAME Decon on social media: @flamedecon Episode Overview In this insightful episode, the …

1
HC0026 - Navigating Death Featuring: Dr. Alex Jabr 1:01:43

5M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0026 Navigating Death Featuring: Dr. Alex Jabr https://www.emergencyresilience.com INSTAGRAM: @EmergencyResilience Episode Overview: In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, the host engages in a deep and fascinating conversation with Dr. Alex Jabr, a paramedic and expert in death, grief, and bereavement educ…

1
HC0025 - The Actual Coolest Job Featuring: Cmd. Tom "Pager" Page 47:22

6M ago47:22

47:22

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0025 The Actual Coolest Job Featuring: Cmd. Tom "Pager" Page In this thrilling episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with retired U.S. Navy Commander Tom “Pager” Page, a real-life Top Gun pilot and instructor. Pager shares his incredible journey through the skies—from his early inspirations to the i…

1
HC0025 - A FIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES STORY Featuring: Kenny Schroeder 27:15

6M ago27:15

27:15

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jake sits down with Kenny Schroeder, a retired fire lieutenant and passionate advocate for firefighter health and cancer prevention. Kenny shares the heartbreaking story of being abruptly let go from his dream post-retirement job with the National Firefighter Cancer Registry (NFCR) due to a political sh…

1
HC0024 - The "S" Word Featuring: Dr.Brittany Miskowiec 41:04

6M ago41:04

41:04

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0024 The "S" Word Featuring:Dr.Brittany Miskowiec In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jake sits down with Dr. Brittany Miskowiec, a nationally recognized suicidologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to unpack the complex and often stigmatized topics of suicide prevention, PTSD, and mental health i…

1
HC0023 - Chaos and Command Featuring: John Norman 50:02

6M ago50:02

50:02

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0023 Chaos and Command Featuring: John Norman In this compelling episode of Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Chief John Norman, a veteran firefighter with over 50 years of experience, including 27 years with the FDNY. Chief Norman, a former Deputy Assistant Chief of Special Operations Command, played a c…

1
HC0022 - A Warfighters Journey Featuring: Dagan Van Oosten 44:36

7M ago44:36

44:36

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0022 A Warfighters Journey Featuring: Dagan Van Oosten In this compelling episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Marine veteran, sniper instructor, and security consultant Dagan Van Oosten. From his time in the Marine Corps as a scout sniper to working in high-risk contracting and founding Nomad…

1
HC0021 - Pushing Our Limits Featuring: Stephan Kesting 45:40

7M ago45:40

45:40

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0021 Pushing our Limits Featuring: Stephan Kesting In this compelling episode of Hazard Class Podcast, host Jake sits down with Stephan Kesting—a firefighter, jiu-jitsu black belt, adventurer, and content creator—to discuss a life dedicated to perseverance, mastery, and exploration. From surviving a deadly wareho…

1
EMERGENCY POD - HOW DOGE CUTS HURT FIREFIGHTERS Featuring: Dr.Micah Niemeier-Walsh 23:07

7M ago23:07

23:07

EMERGENCY POD HOW DOGE CUTS HURT FIREFIGHTERS Featuring: Dr.Micah Niemeier-Walsh In this emergency episode of Hazard Class Podcast, we break from our usual schedule to discuss an urgent situation affecting federal employees, particularly those working in firefighter health and safety. Dr. Micah Niemeyer-Walsh, Vice President of the American Federat…

1
HC0020 - Fueling Fire Featuring: Megan Lautz of RescueRD 42:59

7M ago42:59

42:59

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0020 FUELING FIRE Featuring: MEGAN LAUTZ - Get Megan’s Free Firehouse Recipe Book → RescueRD.com - Follow Megan on Social Media → @rescue.rd on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook - NEW Podcast: Fueling Fire In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we sit down with Megan Lautz, a registered dietitian and certified st…

1
HC0019 - MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY Featuring: Rob Ramirez 43:10

7M ago43:10

43:10

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0019 MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY Featuring: ROB RAMIREZ IG @RobRamirez1075_official In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we sit down with Captain Rob Ramirez, a veteran firefighter and lead instructor of Mayday Mindset. With over 20 years in the fire service Captain Ramirez shares invaluable insights into Rapid …

1
HC0018 - Labor, Leadership and The Fire Service Featuring: Mahlon Mitchell 44:36

8M ago44:36

44:36

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0018 Labor, Leadership and The Fire Service Featuring: Mahlon Mitchell In this episode of Hazard Class, we sit down with Mahlon Mitchell, a fire lieutenant from Madison, Wisconsin, and a major player in the fire service labor movement. Mahlon has served as the longtime president of Madison Professional Firefighte…

1
HC0017 - Dueling Mustaches Featuring: Firefighter Fenton 47:49

8M ago47:49

47:49

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0017 Dueling Mustaches Featuring: Firefighter Fenton In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Brent, better known by his online persona Firefighter Fenton. A fire captain and paramedic from Arizona, Brent has built a massive following as a firefighting comedian and parody music creator. In…

1
HC0016 - A Global View of CBRNe Featuring: Gwyn Winfield 31:45

8M ago31:45

31:45

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0016 A Global View of CBRNe Featuring: Gwyn Winfield In this episode, host Jake sits down with Gwyn Winfield, the editor-in-chief of **CBRNE World Magazine**, a seasoned journalist with over 20 years in the field of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) response. From exploring the hu…

1
R&R0003 - Firefighter Fitness Obsession 4:11

8M ago4:11

4:11

The Rant and The Ramble #0003 - Firefighter Fitness Obsession Hosted by Jake Ryks of THE HAZARD CLASS PODCAST This is a bite-sized opinion podcast, where I have a chance to share my personal opinion about things in and around the world of emergency response. Like - Follow - Subscribe - Share Check out the video version exclusively on YouTube. Check…

1
HC0015 - YOGA? Featuring: Eric Brenneman 36:19

8M ago36:19

36:19

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0015 YOGA? Featuring: Eric Brenneman In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, we’re joined by Eric Brenneman, president of Yoga for First Responders, fire service veteran, mental health advocate, and author of Everyday Stoicism for Public Safety. Eric shares his journey through the fire service, his decision …

1
HC0014 - Decisions Under Fire Featuring: Phil Jose 1:03:32

9M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0014 Decisions Under Fire Featuring: Phil Jose In this episode of Hazard Class, Jake dives into a compelling conversation with retired Deputy Chief Phil Jose of the Seattle Fire Department. With over 30 years of service under his belt, Chief Jose shares his journey into the fire service, his philosophy on leaders…

1
R&R0002 - Walkie-Talkie Stopie-Talkie 4:31

9M ago4:31

4:31

The Rant and The Ramble #0002 - Walkie-Talkie Stopie-Talkie Hosted by Jake Ryks of THE HAZARD CLASS PODCAST This is a bite-sized opinion podcast, where I have a chance to share my personal opinion about things in and around the world of emergency response. Like - Follow - Subscribe - Share Check out the video version exclusively on YouTube. Check o…

1
HC0013 - FDIC, Fire Engineering and Beyond Featuring: David Rhodes 35:15

9M ago35:15

35:15

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0013 FDIC, Fire Engineering and Beyond Featuring: David Rhodes In this engaging episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with retired Battalion Chief David Rhodes, a true legend in the fire service. With nearly 40 years of experience in the Atlanta Fire Department, Rhodes shares his incredible journey,…

1
R&R0001 - Outlaw The Denver Tool 5:38

9M ago5:38

5:38

The Rant and The Ramble #0001 - Outlaw The Denver Tool Hosted by Jake Ryks of THE HAZARD CLASS PODCAST This is a bite-sized opinion podcast, where I have a chance to share my personal opinion about things in and around the world of emergency response. Like - Follow - Subscribe - Share Check out the video version exclusively on YouTube. Check out th…

1
HC0012 - Street Smarts Featuring: Bobby Eckert 36:40

9M ago36:40

36:40

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0012 Street Smarts Featuring: Bobby Eckert In this engaging episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Bobby Eckert, a fire captain from Camden, New Jersey, with nearly three decades of fire service experience. Bobby shares insights into his journey as a second-generation firefighter, the origins of…

1
HC0011 - Christmas Special Featuring: Santa Claus 23:08

9M ago23:08

23:08

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0011 Christmas Special Featuring: Santa Claus In this special holiday episode of The Hazard Class Podcast, Jake welcomes a truly legendary guest—Santa Claus himself! Beyond the myth and magic, Santa shares his incredible life journey, from his work in public safety and child welfare advocacy to his fascinating ro…

1
HC0010 - Understanding Flammability Featuring: Mike Manaco 28:57

9M ago28:57

28:57

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0010 Understanding Flammability Featuring: Mike Manaco In this enlightening episode, Jake sits down with Mike Monaco, a retired FDNY Hazmat One member, esteemed co-host of The Hazmat Guys Podcast, and renowned hazmat instructor. Delve into the science of flammability, from understanding chemical and physical prop…

1
HC0009 - Changing the Narrative of Thermal Imaging Featuring: Andy Starnes 43:45

10M ago43:45

43:45

THMG Presents: HAZARD CLASS Episode 0009 Changing the Narrative of Thermal Imaging Featuring: Andy Starnes Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, host Jake sits down with Battalion Chief Andy Starnes, a retired fire service veteran, thermal imaging expert, and founder of Insight Fire Training. Andy shares his incredi…

1
HC0008 - The Man Behind The Meme Featuring: The Salty Paramedic 23:41

10M ago23:41

23:41

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0008 The Man Behind The Meme Featuring: The Salty Paramedic In this engaging episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, host dives into the life and journey of "The Salty Paramedic," a firefighter-paramedic turned social media sensation. Known for his humorous takes on emergency services, Salty shares how he combines c…

1
HC0007 - Fire Exposure Toxicology Featuring: Dr. Jeff Burgess 35:31

10M ago35:31

35:31

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0007 Fire Exposure Toxicology Featuring: Dr. Jeff Burgess Podcast Summary In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, host Jake engages in a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jeff Burgess, an emergency physician, medical toxicologist, and professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Burgess leads groundbreaking res…

1
BONUS EPISODE - THMG & HAZARD CLASS CROSSOVER 29:20

10M ago29:20

29:20

In this this special BONUS EPISODE the tables are turned! Bobby and Mike, of The Haz Mat Guys interview me about why I chose to start a podcast, what I've learned so far and what I hope to learn in the future. Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of HAZARD CLASS if we didn't talk about some stupid questions too. (Hopefully I can shed some light on …

1
HC0006 - Battery Mythbusters Featuring: Patrick Durham 23:55

10M ago23:55

23:55

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0006 Battery Mythbusters Featuring: Patrick Durham of StacheD Training Episode Summary In this insightful episode, we sit down with Patrick Durham, a fire captain and mechanical engineer with 15 years of experience in firefighting and EV battery safety. Patrick shares his journey from automotive R&D to spearheadi…

1
HC0005 - Surviving Shift Work Featuring: Dr. Glenn Landry 46:17

11M ago46:17

46:17

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0005 SURVIVING SHIFT WORK Featuring: Dr. Glenn Landry Contact Dr. Glenn Landry: [email protected] www.neosperformance.com Online Surviving Shift Work Course: education.elitesleep.ca/courses/surviving-shift-work 40% discount coupon code: hazard2024 “ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE” Contact us at …

1
HC0004 - Capturing Culture: From Fire to EMS Featuring: Tom Putnam 40:07

11M ago40:07

40:07

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0004 Capturing Culture: From Fire to EMS Featuring: Tom Putnam www.detriotfirefilms.org www.intotheunknowndoc.com “ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE” Contact us at [email protected] Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/ VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE! Follow us on the s…

1
HC0003 - From Reader to Writer Featuring: Peter Matthews 30:15

11M ago30:15

30:15

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0003 From Reader to Writer Featuring: Peter Matthews [email protected] www.firehouse.com www.firehouse.com/podcast “ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE” Contact us at [email protected] Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/ VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE! Follow us on th…

1
HC0002 - The Future of Engine Company Functions Featuring: Dennis LeGear 37:06

11M ago37:06

37:06

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0002 The Future of Engine Company Functions Featuring: Dennis LeGear [email protected] www.Hydrant2Nozzle.com www.HenNozzles.com “ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE” If you would like to advertise with us, please contact us at [email protected] Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/haz…

1
HC0001 - Where Do I Go From Here? Featuring: Bobby Salvesen 24:55

12M ago24:55

24:55

THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0001 "Where Do I Go From Here?" Featuring: Bobby Salvesen “ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE” If you would like to advertise with us, please contact us at [email protected] Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/ VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE! Follow us on the socials: Y…