The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. In Episode 137, things kick off completely off the rails (as usual) with farm animal chaos, blind dogs, and runaway cats. Then we settle in for some real talk with our very own co-host Adam McCoy—treated as the special guest he deserves to be—as he discusses his new book, Stepping Up and Stepping Out. It's part memoir, part workbook, all heart: tackling the hardest fire you'll ever fight—the one behind your own front door. Mental health, family transitions, vulnerability in the fire service, and leaving a real legacy. Plus housekeeping, moments of silence, and a wild hot wash to close it out.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Chaos Intro: Cats, blind dogs, and farm life gone wrong
• 02:00 – Housekeeping: Happy Holidays, Hanukkah shoutout, Virtual Fill the Boot (Jan 2026), Patreon ideas
• 07:00 – Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning, The Burn Box, FDIC 2026 hype
• 09:30 – Moments of Silence: Saranac FD (cancer LODD), Red McKimmy, Porterville FD tragic fire
• 15:00 – Interview with Adam McCoy: Inspiration behind Stepping Up and Stepping Out
• 18:00 – The mantra: "The hardest fire you'll fight is behind your own front door"
• 25:00 – Vulnerability, mental health, and the weight of the job
• 28:00 – Chapter 6: The Fire Next Door (parking lot talks and being there for brothers)
• 33:00 – Gold nugget one-liners from the book
• 39:00 – Workbook sections and daily check-ins
• 42:00 – Advice for rookies and the real legacy (family over firehouse)
• 49:00 – Emotional burden, work-life balance, and asking for help
• 52:00 – Brotherhood or Bullshit? Calling out the fakes
• 55:00 – Where to buy the book + the companion journal
• 55:30 – Snail Mail shoutouts
• 59:00 – Hot Wash: Apps, weather meals, pineapple on pizza debate, unwinding after a shift

Key Takeaways

• The first four minutes when you walk through the door at home matter more than the next four hours. Set the tone right.
• Toughness gets you through a shift; truth gets you through life.
• Some fires don't need water—they need honesty.
• Brotherhood is real, but it's not universal. Call out the bullies who preach it but don't live it.
• Your legacy isn't the fire department stories people tell—it's the one your family carries.
• Asking for help doesn't make you weak. Nobody has it all figured out, and that's okay.

Book SpotlightStepping Up and Stepping Out by Adam McCoyAvailable now on Amazon (search "Adam McCoy" or "Stepping Up and Stepping Out").Also grab the companion Stepping Up and Stepping Out Journal for daily check-ins and the 30-day challenge.Foreword by Kenny Mitchell (Operation Yellow Tape).

Support the Podcast

• Merch: Mugs, koozies, hoodies, tees, and more!👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home
• Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning (unkieseasoning.com) | The Burn Box
• Upcoming: Virtual Fill the Boot fundraiser (January 2026) – stay tuned on Instagram!

Call to ActionDoes pineapple belong on pizza? Yes or no? Drop your vote in the comments on Instagram/TikTok/YouTube.Tag a brother or sister who needs to hear this episode. Share the real talk—we're all in this together.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for riding with us, crew. Stay safe out there.

– Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and FreddyThe Cool Fireman Podcast