During this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka welcome guest Frank Leto, the recently retired deputy director of the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) for FDNY. Leto works diligently with the IAFF's Peer Support Program. He discusses his experience becoming part of the CSU, peer support before and after 9/11, and various other deployments. His stories honor fallen brothers and sisters while emphasizing that saving lives isn’t only about fires but also about lifting each other out of dark places. Now in retirement, Leto is focused on mentoring the next generation and sharing the powerful lessons he’s learned.

This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. https://www.firehousefurniture.com

For the latest Product Spotlight, Firefighter Nation Editor in Chief Stephanie White sits down with Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls, a trusted name serving first responders for over 60 years. Fadden shares how Galls evolved from a catalog company into a multichannel distributor, dedicating itself to law enforcement, EMS, and with renewed focus on firefighters. Highlighting recent moves, including acquiring Phoenix Safety Outfitters and partnering with Lion—the industry leader in turnout gear—Fadden addresses Galls’s commitment to supplying only the highest-quality life-saving equipment. They discuss the launch of FireAuthority.com, a firefighter-specific online platform and catalog designed to streamline gear ordering and reflect on the unique needs of the fire service community. Fadden emphasizes customer care with his personal touch, even sharing his direct email address with buyers.

This podcast is brought to you by The Fire Authority – Powered by Galls: fireauthority.com.

In the latest episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with John Walters III, retired FDNY firefighter, and former chief of the Port Washington (NY) Fire Department. During their discussion, the three explore the guest’s journey through devastating injury, personal loss, and rebuilding life after tragedy. Walters shares candid insights about the July 2006 accident that led to the loss of his right leg and severe challenges with his left, the emotional toll of divorce, and the complexities of parenting while adapting to his new reality. More than a story of hardship, his message focuses on resilience, peer support, and the strength found in connection. From navigating hospital stays and phantom pain to finding purpose with organizations like Sons of the Flag, Walters embodies how to face adversity head-on without letting it define his identity.  

This podcast is brought to you by FirehouseFurniture.com. 

Beyond the Headlines: Leadership, Change, and Building Resilience in the Fire Service

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella sits down with  Nicholle Brock, firefighter, author, and leadership coach. They talk about the culture shifts reshaping today’s fire service. Brock brings honest stories from the line: the tough calls, the lessons learned, and the moments that redefine leadership. She opens up about accountability and mentorship, and she talks about what inspired her to write B.R.I.C.K. by B.R.I.C.K.: Building Resiliency in Chaos and Kindness by Being Resilient in Conflict and Kinship. Together, they explore how leaders can support firefighters facing unseen struggles while they listen better and bridge generational gaps.

APS Radio: Firefighters and the Fight for Rest   

Firefighters are built to push through anything, but at what cost? In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka sits down with Dr. Kellie O’Dare, executive director of the Second Alarm Project and deputy executive director at UCF RESTORES, to break down the real impact of the extended firefighter workweek. From chronic sleep deprivation and PTSD to burnout, recruitment, and family life, Dr. O’Dare explains why it’s time the fire service rethinks the 56-hour standard and moves toward healthier, evidence-based shift models like the 24/72. The conversation dives into the science behind sleep, the culture that stigmatizes rest, and the growing movement toward a “fourth platoon” workweek that prioritizes recovery and resilience.

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Product Spotlight: How Home Fire Sprinklers Save Lives and Protect Firefighters

Igniting the Shift Within: Strategies to Battle Stress, Conquer Cortisol, and Maximize Detox

Host David Dachinger welcomes Dr. Angela Mazza, from the Metabolic Center for Wellness. They discuss the endocrine challenges firefighters face and the ways these challenges go beyond putting out fires. They’re also about managing stress, cortisol levels, and the impact of occupational toxins. The discussion covers the ways late-night calls impact firefighters’ recovery and energy, as well as the hidden dangers of PFAS that can disrupt hormone balance. Mazza shares practical strategies for detoxification, stress reduction, boosting testosterone, and managing obesity.

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We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show: Inside the Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference

In episode 12 of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux discuss this year’s Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference, happening October 15-17 at the Greene County Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. This isn’t your average conference—it’s a combination of hard-hitting presentations from experts like Dena Ali, who tackles the real causes of firefighter suicide, and Rick Cheatham, whose incredible journey of resilience sets the tone for the event. Attendees will hear about cutting-edge neurofeedback therapy, cancer prevention, peer support strategies, and the benefits of a 24/72 shift schedule. In addition to an impressive speaker lineup the conference will offer unique experiences like equine therapy, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, and a raffle for a handcrafted barrel sauna. 

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Fueling Fire: Mastering Struggle Meals, Fast Food, and On-the-Go Fueling  

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