What should firefighters do when they're off duty?

This week, the guys tackle a listener question from Squawk, a brand-new firefighter getting ready to start his career. They discuss why every firefighter needs hobbies outside the fire service, how to balance them with family life, and which hobbies can actually become unhealthy.

The conversation covers everything from golf, fishing, smoking meat, lawn care, softball, Disney trips, and camping... to why your hobby should never become more important than your spouse or kids.

The crew also announces the July Patreon Perks winner, talks about new Unkie's Seasonings taste-testing, Burn Box gear, honors firefighters and loved ones lost in the line of duty, and answers listener comments from social media.

Whether you're a rookie firefighter or have decades on the job, this episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself—and your family—is part of being a great firefighter.

In This Episode:

- Why firefighters need hobbies outside of work

- Can certain hobbies become unhealthy?

- Balancing the fire service with family life

- Mental health and finding healthy outlets

- Golf, fishing, cooking, camping & other firefighter hobbies

- The importance of paycheck protection for risky hobbies

- July Patreon Perks giveaway winner

- Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project

- Burn Box gear spotlight

- Honoring firefighters and loved ones we've lost

- Listener questions & Snail Mail

If you're enjoying the show, consider joining our Patreon community for bonus content, behind-the-scenes videos, giveaways, and exclusive perks.

Stay safe... and remember:

Laugh. Learn. Support.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Robotic vacuums & opening banter
01:20 - Doug's hair dye update
02:20 - Listener question: Firefighter hobbies
03:10 - Patreon updates & new members
04:30 - Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project
08:15 - Burn Box spotlight
10:20 - July Patreon Perks winner announced
12:30 - Honoring Captain Dee Barbara
15:30 - Honoring fallen firefighters
20:20 - Why every firefighter needs a hobby
21:30 - Are some hobbies unacceptable?
23:45 - Family balance vs. personal hobbies
33:00 - Favorite hobbies and why they matter
42:30 - Protecting your paycheck with risky hobbies
43:30 - Do firefighters have enough time for hobbies?
49:00 - Hobbies we wish we had
52:00 - Would You Rather: One expensive hobby or five cheap hobbies?
56:30 - Snail Mail & listener comments
1:04:00 - Final thoughts & Patreon reminder

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