In this episode, Lisa Corbett and her daughter Brianna (Bri) Corbett discuss their experiences as the family of a firefighter. They talk about the challenges of balancing family life with the unpredictable schedules, the support they received from the fire service community, and the impact of Captain Kevin Corbett's cancer diagnosis on their family. They also touch on the importance of community and accepting help during difficult times. The conversation highlights the need for open communication and the willingness to ask for help. The family reflects on the lessons they learned and the strength they gained from going through such a difficult experience.  Listen to our previous episode (#37) for an in-depth discussion of Kevin's cancer journey.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson
Guest: Lisa Corbett
Guest: Brianna Corbett
Link: Lisa's Blog
Link: Orange Hugs
Link: Orange Hugs download
Link: Velvet Skies

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 episode, Capt. Kevin Corbett of Santa Barbara City Fire talks about his journey battling stage 4 testicular cancer.  From a Hospice bed  to returning to duty, Kevin's emotional story demonstrates how far we've come in fighting cancer, as well as the importance of a support network. In addition to highlighting the  link between cancer and the fire service, Capt. Scott Jennie (ret.), California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, discusses the Firefighter Cancer Support Network's role in providing support and resources to firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, early detection, and the need for firefighters to seek help and support during their cancer journey.  Our next espisode features Kevin's wife and daughter to discussing the battle from their perspectives.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson
Guest: Captain Kevin Corbett of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department
Guest: Captain Scott Jennie (ret.) of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Link: Santa Barbara City Firefighters Instagram
Link: SBCFFA Facebook
Link: Santa Barbara City Fire Department Facebook
Link: City Of Santa Barbara Fire Department
Link: City Of Santa Barbara Police Department   
Link: One805
Link: 805 Firefighters Stachefest

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, retired Ventura City assistant chief Bill Rigg shares his experiences and stories from his career in the fire service. He discusses starting as a firefighter mechanic and the transition to having maintenance done by the city yard. He shares personal stories, including a funny story about a fight between two assistant chiefs. Bill also discusses call volume during his time in the fire service, expansion of fire stations, responding to the Rodney King riots, and he provides retirement advice for current firefighters.

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

Engineer Paramedic Charlie Brown saw the mental health challenges in the fire service and wanted to do something about it. So he co-founded Next Rung, a national nonprofit that provides free peer, counseling, and treatment support for firefighters and their loved ones. In this conversion, Charlie tells the Next Rung origin story and how they've grown to providing peer support to more than 330 firefighters in 2023.  Charlie also provides insight into the challenges he sees on the horizon for firefighters.  To contact Next Rung for peer support or counseling, call or text 833-NEXT-RUNG. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Engineer Paramedic Charlie Brown
Link: Next Rung

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.

Santa Cruz City Firefighter Nick Hanna, formerly with Ventura City Fire, talks about his mental health journey over the past year.  Nick's story starts with being "true fireman", engaged with his department and association. Following a significant illness, he began to experience  panic attacks, sleeplessness, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and active  suicidal thoughts. After many dead ends trying to find treatment, an effective combination of therapies was identified and Nick in a better place.  Nick's story is relevant for all firefighters  - and firefighter families - especially those who think mental health is not  their concern.   If you're in crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, day or night.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Nick Hanna of Santa Cruz City Fire Department
Link: Suicide and Crisis Hotline : 988  (call or text)  or  https://988lifeline.org/
Link: Deer Hollow Recovery
Link: Amen Clinics

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.

Santa Cruz City Firefighter Nick Hanna, formerly with Ventura City Fire, talks about his mental health journey over the past year.  Nick's story starts with being "true fireman", engaged with his department and association. Following a significant illness, he began to experience  panic attacks, sleeplessness, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and active  suicidal thoughts. After many dead ends trying to find treatment, an effective combination of therapies was identified and Nick is in a better place.  Nick's story is relevant for all firefighters  - and firefighter families - especially those who think mental health is not their concern. If you're in crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, day or night. 

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Nick Hanna of Santa Cruz City Fire Department
Link: Suicide and Crisis Hotline : 988  (call or text)  or  https://988lifeline.org/
Link: Deer Hollow Recovery
Link: Amen Clinics
Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar

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, Mike Canny, a retired firefighter and vice president of tax services at Firefighters First Tax Services, shares his experience in the fire service and his transition to a career in taxes. He discusses common financial mistakes made by firefighters and provides insights into deductible expenses for firefighters. Mike also explains the risks and penalties associated with incorrect deductions and offers tips for long-term financial planning. The conversation covers tax planning for charitable gifts and the impact of 2017 tax law changes on itemized deductions.  Mike emphasizes the benefits of investing in real estate and provides information on tax services offered by his organization, an affiliate of Firefighters First Credit Union. Listen in...

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Mike Canny of Firefighters First Tax Services
Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar

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.

James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM is a critical care paramedic in Massachusetts and founder of Stay Fit 4 Duty, an organization that provides resources and training to healthcare providers and first responders.  In this conversation, James discusses many aspects of mental health support for first responders, including the need to transition from term "culturally competent" to the more inclusive,  "culturally informed", the challenge to provide services to retired first responders,  employee assistance programs (EAP), critical incident stress management (CISM), peer support, and the difference between your identity and your profession..  James also discusses his upcoming webinar, "PTSD in the Fire Service: Signs and Solutions", hosted by Ventura Fire Foundation.  Listen in...

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

Guest: James Boomhower, Stay Fit 4 Duty, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM
Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar

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.

Julie Cart, Cal Matters reporter talks about her award-winning 2023 series, "Trail by fire: The trauma of fighting California’s wildfires." The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Cal Fire's reaction to the series, the importance of discussing mental health challenges in the fire service, lessons from the military, and differences between Australia and the US in fighting wildfires.

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

Guest: Julia Cart, Cal Matters
Link: https://calmatters.org/series/california-firefighters-trauma-wildfires/

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.

With 80 combined years in the fire service, newly retired firefighters Captain Tom Weinell, Engineer Brian Kremer, and Captain Thom Hoffman have a lot to say.  This wide-ranging conversation touches on the Thomas Fire, La Conchita mudslides, Jesusita Fire, firehouse hijinks, burnout, changes they've seen in the fire service, their experiences with retirement so far, and much more  Many current and former Ventura City firefighters are namedropped, and many stories are told (a few made it past our censors). 

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

Guest: Captain Tom Weinell
Guest: Engineer Brian Kremer
Guest: Captain Thom Hoffman

Link: Firehouse Roundtable Episode 16 - Life in a Fire Family with Madeline and Erin, Ventura City Fire Captain Thom Hoffman's Daughters

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.