Brian Waters, LA County Fire Department captain and owner of Code 3 Invest, talks with Peter about his journey in real estate investing. They discuss the importance of diversifying income sources, the risks of relying solely on a firefighter's salary, and the benefits of investing in real estate. Brian shares his personal experience with investing in rental properties and explains why he believes it is a more secure and profitable investment strategy. They also touch on the topic of 457 retirement plans and the potential drawbacks of heavily investing in them. Brian discusses the correlation between the fire service and the business world, emphasizing the importance of investing in real estate and starting a business. He explains his current business, which focuses on coaching and mentoring first responders on how to buy rental properties out of state and set up tax structures to save money. Waters and Peter also discuss strategies for reducing W-2 income taxes and the benefits of real estate investing.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.)  
Guest: Captain Brian Waters, Los Angeles County Fire Department / Code 3 Invest
Link: Donate a Vehicle
Link: Register for Webinar  

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

In this conversation, Destiny Morris, LMFT, discusses the importance of reconnecting and reintegrating into the family after firefighters come home from work. The main themes discussed include hypervigilance, checking in with oneself and one's partner, closing the stress cycle, managing expectations, and healthy ways to greet each other. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, compromise, and compassion in maintaining a healthy relationship. Destiny also introduces her online course, Thriving Through Fire, which provides support and guidance for the partners of firefighters. Also included in this episode is a short conversation with SoCal Edison, presenting sponsor of the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Hosts: Battalion Chief Jason Kay and Stephanie Kay

Guest: Destiny Morris, LMFT of Destiny Morris Therapy
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Link: Thriving Through Fire
Link: Edison International
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series Registration

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

Driver Engineer Jason Patton talks about his journey from mechanic to firefighter to creator of Fire Department Chronicles to Vice President of Fire Department Coffee. They discuss Firefighter Fenton as well as the importance of firefighters having a plan B and not relying on the "firefighter nonsense" they tell you at the academy. Jason also discusses the mental health movement within the fire service. The conversation explores the connection between mental health and masculinity, emphasizing the importance of men being able to talk about their feelings.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay
Guest: Driver Engineer Jason Patton of Fire Department Coffee
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

Brian Russo, a battalion chief for FDNY, shares his experience of 9/11 and the aftermath. He discusses the chaos and devastation of that day, the loss of colleagues and friends, and the survivor's guilt he experienced. Russo highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the stigma associated with seeking help. He also emphasizes the changes and improvements in command and control, communication, and training that have been implemented since 9/11. Russo's story serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the tragedy and the need for continued support and awareness.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guest: Battalion Chief Brian Russo of FDNY

Link: Brian Russo's NYT Oral History
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

In this conversation, Maggie Hernandez, associate marriage and family therapist and firefighter spouse, discusses the importance of recognizing personal responsibility in relationships and the need for couples to understand their own roles and boundaries. She emphasizes that marriage requires commitment and attention, comparing it to a job that deserves the same level of dedication as a career. The conversation also touches on the challenges of codependency and the importance of creating a supportive community for firefighters and their partners. Maggie highlights the significance of values in relationships and suggests that couples establish a mission statement to guide their actions and decisions. Plus, emotional support chickens!

Hosts: Battalion Chief Jason Kay and Stephanie Kay

Guest: Maggie Hernandez, AMFT

Link: Mind Matters with Maggie
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series Registration
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

In this episode, Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton and FDNY Lieutenant/Deputy Director, Counseling Service Unit Drew Kane discuss Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its benefits for firefighters. Drew shares his experience with TM and how it has helped him and other firefighters. Alex emphasizes the importance of taking care of mental health and encourages firefighters to have an open mind about different tools and practices. They address skepticism and highlight the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of TM. The conversation explores the implementation of TM in the fire service and its potential benefits for firefighters' mental health. They also touch on the availability of TM training through The David Lynch Foundation.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guest: Chief Alex Hamilton from the Oxnard Fire Department

Guest:  Lieutenant / Deputy Director Counseling Service Unit Drew Kane from the Fire Department of New York City

Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series
Link: Resilient Responders
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

In this conversation, the hosts interview two more firefighter paramedics as they come off probation, Ryan Vaughn and Connor Ryan-Fenwick. Ryan talks about his journey from being stabbed as a teenager to joining the Navy and eventually becoming a firefighter. Connor discusses his decision to pursue a career in the fire service and his experience working at Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District before joining Ventura City. The conversation highlights the importance of community and the different paths that lead individuals to the fire service. In this conversation, the firefighters discuss their experiences working in different fire departments. They compare the training programs, hiring practices, and call volumes of Rancho Cucamonga, Ventura, and Cal Fire. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges.

Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Connor Ryan-Fenwick and Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Vaughn of the Ventura City Fire Department

Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

In this conversation, our hosts interview two firefighters as they come off probation, Ryan Howell and Sam Stein.  Sam shares his background in firefighting, including working for various departments in Illinois and Wyoming before joining the Ventura City Fire Department, as well as his volunteer work in Ukraine. Ryan talks about his time with Cal Fire in Riverside and his decision to join the Ventura City Fire Department to be closer to home. Both firefighters discuss the challenges they faced in their previous departments and the reasons why they chose to make a lateral move. They talk about the intense training under Captain Eric Mukes experienced during their probationary period.

Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Howell and Firefighter Sam Stein of the Ventura City Fire Department

Link: Project Joint Guardian
Link: Dr. Zemlock webinar
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

Part 2 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence.  Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service. 

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788. 

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department

Link: Our Webinar Series

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.

Part 1 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service.  

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788. 

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the show

JOIN US! 👉 https://bit.ly/JoinFireFamilyCollective

Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC

Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/

Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd

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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2025.