Back in El Garage for Season 5, Cousin Vinnie and Uncle Mike kick things off talking music, Olympic hype, and why Snoop Dogg somehow makes perfect sense as Team USA’s ambassador. Episode 51 brings laid-back firehouse vibes, random song debates, and the kind of off-the-rails conversations that only happen when the mics turn on. It’s laughter, perspective, and a little bit of “good life” energy.

Episode 50 hits different. Cousin Vinnie and Uncle Mike celebrate the milestone with family in the room, twins in the mix, and a quick reminder that Beyond the Stretch is still “family-friendly” in 2026. There’s light banter, dad pride, reflective glasses, and a ceremonial pour of Eagle Rare as the guys keep it loose, unscripted, and exactly on brand.

Episode 49 almost died thanks to bad whiskey, root beer, and a cursed SD card. But we’re back. Unwilling is firehouse chaos, family moments, and real talk you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, we toe the line of one of the edgiest firehouse roles—acting company officer. Uncle Mike throws down the challenge: Are you the thermostat or the thermometer? One sets the tone, the other just reacts. No fluff, no hand-holding. Just real talk, straight from the bunkroom.
🎙️ Hit play, and decide for yourself.

Yes, we went there. Uncle Mike was sober before the first sip of bourbon and got serious with AI. Don't worry we make sense of the technology and bring it back to firefighting - sort of. 

Manager? Naw man, we prefer the title of Coordinator to describe Uncle Mike. Take a listen and we will explain. 

Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie share thoughts about the similarities between parenting and leadership in the fire service. Both of these roles require the individual to function in the trivial "grey" instead of the simple black and white which some feel is the ideal state. 

It is everybody's job no matter how small. That's the marching order in 2025 per Uncle Mike. 

Our leaders message to the rank and file typically involves the future of the organization. But what about the now?

Number 42 finds us talking about a wide array of topics, from reputations to high performers. We also plug our whiskey, Uncle Nearest 1856.