In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Daniel Higuera a human performance coach, researcher, and Associate Professor at Santa Ana College. Dan’s worked with over two thousand firefighters across the U.S., studying how call volume, sleep loss, and stress reshape our bodies, readiness, and mental health. He’s one of the few people turning hard data into real-world change for the fire service.

We dive into the truth about performance, recovery, and longevity in this job. From VO₂ max and heart rate variability to burnout culture and the ethics of wearable tech, this chat blends science with lived experience. It’s not a scare story it’s a roadmap for firefighters who want to perform at their best today and still be strong enough to enjoy life long after the job.

Find Dr Dan on Instagram HERE 

Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HERE

Join me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HERE

Podcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HERE

PODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.

• GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
• MSA The Safety Company
• IDEX
• FIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD 
• HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
• Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
• Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Send a text

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew