‘Pull up your jogging pants and take some notes’ because the three fitness experts offer actionable tips for health in the new year.

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam joins forces with fellow firefighter fitness experts Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss, authors of “Firefighter Functional Fitness,” to offer actionable tips for health in the new year – and non-fitness-guru Janelle learns that even experts need help from time to time. Plus, all this:

• Why mindset is the first piece of the health puzzle

What else …

• Don’t miss: A simple pro-tip for hydration

Resources we mentioned on the show …

• “Firefighter Functional Fitness” (book)

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On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the year that was, from the major incidents that are still top of mind to our “words of the year.”

What else …

• Hot topic: The electric vehicle “mixed bag” of coverage

Resources we mentioned on the show …

• 2022 Year in Review: Major events and milestone moments

Email [email protected] to share your feedback!

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam talks to Bozeman (Montana) Fire Chief Josh Waldo about making incremental changes, whether at the individual or organizational level, plus all this:

• Waldo’s gut-check moment that changed his fire service trajectory;

What else …

• Don’t miss: His experience with ESPN GameDay’s visit to Bozeman

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Oakland Fire Chief Reggie Freeman joins Zam to talk:

• The unspoken battle – or war – between new and older members;

What else …

• Hot seat sneak peek: What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Additional resources

Chief Reginald Freeman tapped to lead Oakland Fire Department

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, joins Zam to bond over their shared forgetfulness of their own articles and, more importantly, the reality of translating fire service science to real-world tactics and behavior, plus all this:

• Her “fourth-child” project – the Science Alliance (and merch!);

What else …

• Don’t miss: The data point that made her gasp

Stuff we mentioned on the show …

Science to the Station: A Health & Wellness Alliance (aka Science Alliance)

• Sign up here, enter code ZAM for a free year membership to the Science Alliance

Chris Nikic’s ESPYS speech

Additional resources

Read more from Dr. Jahnke about studies related to opioid use, shift schedules, alcohol use, Long-COVID and more.

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, FDNY Deputy Chief Frank Leeb joins Zam to talk about what it means to be better every run, every day, every shift, plus:

• The transferability of experience – and lessons learned;

What else …

• Don’t miss: Twin Parks fire review and analysis

Stuff we mentioned on the show …

• What Firefighters Want in 2022: Fireground Leadership (Digital Edition – free download)

Additional resources

• How to help firefighter families

This episode of the Side Alpha podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline.

In this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in the emergency services.

Inside EMS host Chris Cebollero is joined by Policing Matters host Jim Dudley, deputy chief (ret.), of the San Francisco Police Department; and Gary Ludwig, of the Champaign (Illinois) Fire Department, the 2022 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year.

Together, they discuss how first responders have continued to move forward for over 20 years now and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 as recruits enter public safety who were not even born yet at the time.

The focus is on honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and lived up to their oath to help others in their time of need, the legacy of lessons learned about responding in a hazardous situation, ongoing vigilance against threats and why “never forget” should not be a cavalier statement, but one made with meaning, purpose and with emphasis.

Read more recollections, as well as how lessons learned are impacting the way first responders of today train and respond to incidents in our 9/11 coverage, sponsored by Verizon.

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses some of his favorite episodes and reveals some of the most popular shows. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great place to start, learning what other listeners found most engaging and which of the more than 100 shows to dive into first. 

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr reflects on her fire service career, serving as a fire chief for multiple departments and as the first woman elected to serve as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). A fourth-generation firefighter, Kerr also served as president of the IAFC’s METRO section and president of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers, and was appointed by President Obama to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council. Chief Kerr discusses these opportunities and others, while also touching on the importance of higher education in the fire service. 

This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.

There are countless benefits to higher education for firefighters – not only understanding the profession better but also becoming a better communicator, both verbally and on the written page, and enhancing critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Today's podcast features Bryon Gustafson, assistant professor and director of the Master of Public Safety program at the University of Virginia, about the benefits of higher education for firefighters, plus some of the leadership challenges currently facing the fire service. Dr. Gustafson has served in a variety of public service roles, mostly on the law enforcement side, but he got his start in the fire service.

This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.