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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
- Meet the New Guys Pt. 1 - Ventura City's Newest Firefighters Rocky Sanfilippo and Jon Ellis
Part 1 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest firefighters. Just finshed 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.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Rocky Sanfilippo
Guest: Jon Ellis
Link: Everyday Ellises
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.
36 min - Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy's Captain Tami Crudo
Captain Tami Crudo, coordinator for the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy, talks about being a female in the fire service, mentoring, stress and resilience, and how to prepare to enter the Academy.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Captain Tami Crudo of the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy
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.
55 min - Mandos and Mullets with American Fire Brigade's John Gary
American Fire Brigade's John Gary talks about the injury that led him to start AFB, protecting your days off, impact of overtime on mental health and family life, Mandos, and mullets.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: John Gary of American Fire Brigade
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.
43 min - When Your Therapist is Your Spouse with Firefighter Erik Hernandez and Therapist Maggie Hernandez
Firefighter Erik Hernandez and his wife, associate marriage and family therapist Maggie Hernandez, talk on a wide range of topics, including the benefits of therapy, finding culturally-competent therapists, peer support, PTSD, complex trauma, bio hacks, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and how they reconcile different approaches to parenting.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Erik and Maggie Hernandez, 809 Fight for Awareness
Link: Rudeman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders
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 1 min - The "Hot Mess Express" with Audra and Chelsi from Dear Chiefs Podcast
Audra and Chelsi, firefighter spouses and hosts of the Dear Chiefs Podcast, provide unvarnished advice for firefighters and their spouses on how to maintain their relationship while in the fire service. They go toe-to-toe with Peter and Jason on firefighter divorce rate, balancing a firefighting career with family life, and the generational differences they see in firefighters (Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z).
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Audra and Chelsi of Dear Chiefs
Link: Cal Matters Report. "Trial by fire: The trauma of fighting California’s 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 18 min - College Admissions and Financial Aid - What Fire Families Need to Know with Falone Serna, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach with California Lutheran University
Falone Serna, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach with California Lutheran University solves the mystery of getting into and paying for college. Dean Serna provides practical advice on deciding if college is the right path after high school, how to choose a school that's a great fit, what schools look for in students, how NOT to pay sticker price, and how to ensure the investment in college pays off (hint: going to college is like going to the gym).
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Falone Serna, California Lutheran University
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
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 - Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton on Behavioral Health, Sleep Deprivation, Peer Support, and Taking Care of His Firefighters.
Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton, considered one of the most forward-thinking chiefs in the country, covers a wide range of important topics, including behavioral health, sleep deprivation, call volume, peer support, the value of networking, Movember, grantwriting, advice for firefighters looking to promote, how the COVID pandemic led to greater collaboration among fire departments, and his vision for a first responder wellness center in Ventura.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Alex Hamilton
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
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 14 min - Estate Planning for Firefighters with Roy Schneider, Esq., and Jessica Villar, Esq.
Roy Schneider and Jessica Villar, attornies with Schneiders & Associates law firm, join the show to talk about what nobody wants to discuss...what happens to your property and family if you die or are incapacited. Bottom line: nothing good unless you take the proper steps now. Learn all about wills versus trusts, avoiding probate, and how to ensure your wishes are carried out.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest Company: Schneiders & Associates
Guest: Roy Schneider, Esq.
Guest: Jessica Villar, Esq.
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.
54 min - Sleep Hacks with Sean Toomey, Co-Founder of First Responder Sleep Recovery
Sean Toomey, firefighter with Denver Fire Department and Operations Captain for the Clear Creek Fire Authority, co-founded First Responder Sleep Recovery with his wife Jacqueline to empower the health and wellness of those who serve in the fire, police, and emergency services. Sean joins the show to explain how sleep is connected to heart disease, cancer, and other diseases and to provide easy-to-implement hacks to help first responders (and everyone else) achieve better sleep.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Sean Toomey, First Responder Sleep Recovery
Link: Restoring the Rescuer
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 1 min - Mynda Ohs, PhD. on Preparing For and Adjusting To Firefighter Retirement
Dr. Mynda Ohs, marriage and family therapist and author of Fully Involved: A Guide for Being in a Relationship with a Firefighter, talks about her new book When the Calls Stop: Retiring as a First Responder. Drawing on her own family's experience and input from hundreds of first responders, Mynda provides practical advice -- for both spouses -- on how to successfully transition away from the firehouse.
Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: Mynda Ohs, PhD, Fully Involved Life
Link: When the Calls Stop: Retiring As A First Responder
Link: Fully Involved: A Guide For Being In A Relationship With A FirefighterConnect 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 2 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.