In this episode I had the privilege to talk with Wayne Jones (Uncle Wayne). We explore the multifaceted world of the fire service, focusing on mentorship, training evolution, and the importance of building respect and communication between instructors and students. We discuss the challenges posed by COVID-19, the significance of physical conditioning, and the role of tough love in teaching. Wayne shares insights from his experience as a firefighter and instructor, emphasizing the need for authenticity in writing and the impact of mentorship on future generations. Our conversation highlights the sacrifices made by firefighters and the importance of celebrating successes within the team. Thank you Wayne for your insight, experience and knowledge. I encourage all of you to check out The Firefighters Chalkboard, his youtube channel and his many publications.

Takeaways

• Mentorship starts on day one in the fire service.
• Setting expectations is crucial for effective teaching.
• Building respect is a two-way street between instructors and students.
• The evolution of training methods reflects changes in society.
• Tough love can be an effective teaching strategy.
• Physical conditioning is essential for firefighters.
• COVID-19 has impacted hands-on training for new recruits.
• Open communication fosters trust between instructors and students.
• Sharing knowledge is a responsibility of experienced firefighters.
• Authenticity in writing is vital for credibility.




Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Uncle Wayne and His Journey

02:56 The Importance of Mentorship in Fire Service

05:35 Setting Expectations and Building Respect

08:39 Adapting Teaching Methods for Today's Recruits

11:35 The Impact of COVID on Training and Learning

14:20 Tough Love and Encouragement in Instruction

17:00 The Role of Physical Conditioning in Firefighting

20:10 Creating a Comfortable Learning Environment

22:47 The Privilege of Teaching and Mentoring

25:36 Wayne's Writing Journey and His Books

34:29 The Duty of Mentorship

37:07 The Role of AI in Writing

41:59 The Importance of Passion in Writing

48:30 Mentorship in the Fire Service

54:45 Celebrating Success and Growth

https://youtube.com/@thefirefighterschalkboard?si=QaXyIfOpQl57YA4W

https://open.spotify.com/show/6nnwJtrgyKkWQ7vIuvElPA?si=30b0ab029e0641bf

https://a.co/d/fp8fu5M "Step up to the Chalkboard" on Amazon