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Fire Family Collective Podcast | Real Talk for Fire Wives & Partners.
By Fire Family CollectiveSociety & CultureHealth & FitnessMental HealthRelationshipsParentingKids & Family
Fire Family Collective Podcast | Real Talk for Fire Wives & Partners. episodes
- Kicking Cancer's @$$ with Capt. Kevin Corbett of Santa Barbara City Fire and Capt. Scott Jennie (ret.) of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
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 StachefestConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Support the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
1 hr - From Fixing Rigs to Assistant Chief: Bill Rigg's Unforgettable Career
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 DepartmentConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Support the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
1 hr 1 min - Good Grief, Charlie Brown! Next Rung's Charlie Brown talks peer support and future challenges for the fire service.
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 RungConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Support the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
46 min - The Bravest Fight: Firefighter Nick Hanna's Journey from Darkness to Light - Part 2
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 ClinicsConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Support the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
41 min - The Bravest Fight: Firefighter Nick Hanna's Journey from Darkness to Light
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 WebinarConnect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Support the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
44 min - Tax Planning for Firefighters with Mike Canny, Vice President of Tax Services with Firefighters First Tax Services
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 | InstagramSupport the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
48 min - James Boomhower on the State of Mental Heath Care for First Responders
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 | InstagramSupport the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
44 min - Julie Cart, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author of the Cal Matters Series, "Trail by Fire: The Trauma of Fighting California’s Wildfires"
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 | InstagramSupport the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
1 hr - Newly Retired Firefighters Captain Tom Weinell, Engineer Brian Kremer, and Captain Thom Hoffman Discuss Just About Everything
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 | InstagramSupport the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
1 hr 24 min - Meet the New Guys Pt. 2 - Ventura City's Newest Firefighters Gurshan Bajwa, Jeremy Hinman, and Stephan Parrish
Part 2 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest Firefighters. Just finished with their probationary period, five new firefighters - Gurshan Bajwa, Jon Ellis, Jeremy Hinman, Stephan Parrish, and Rocky Sanfilippo - talk about what brought them to Ventura, differences between Ventura City Fire and their previous departments, their career plans, and the suck of 30 minute burpees. Listen in...
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Gurshan Bajwa
Guest: Jeremy Hinman
Guest: Stephan Parrish
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramSupport the show
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
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-----------------
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
-----------------
Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
42 min
About Fire Family Collective Podcast | Real Talk for Fire Wives & Partners.
From the publisher's feed
Real talk for fire wives, firefighter partners, and first responder families. Fire Family Collective is the podcast for fire wives, firefighter spouses, and first responder families navigating…
the realities of life in the fire service. Formerly the Firehouse Roundtable, each episode features real conversations about firefighter marriage, fire wife mental load, parenting through shift work, and building community when isolation feels like part of the job.
You'll hear from real fire spouses — new and seasoned — sharing honest stories about mental health, trauma, resilience, and the unique pressures of loving someone in the fire service. No topic is off-limits: shift schedules, deployments, marriage strain, identity outside the "fire wife" role, grief, and the small moments that make fire family life worth it.
This podcast is an extension of the Fire Family Collective, a nationwide community built to support fire wives and firefighter families and break down the isolation so many face. Whether you're brand new to this life or a decade in, you're not alone — come as you are, and find your people.