Firefighter Nation Podcast

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, firefighter and paramedic Brent Thorne shares his deeply personal journey of balancing a demanding fire service career with family life. After 13 years in the field and a prior stint in the Navy, Thorne reveals how his hyper-fixation on work almost cost him his marriage. From struggles maintaining connection during deployments to hitting a breaking point that led to a six-month withdrawal for personal reset, he discusses the crucial importance of being present at home. He emphasizes the difference between identifying as a firefighter and investing in family first, encouraging open conversations and intentionality to nurture relationships. He also touches on the value of counseling and redefining successful balance.

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, David Dachinger sits down with Tonya Herbert, owner of Thin Red Line Decon and Florida PPE Services. The discussion reveals critical insights into firefighter health and wellness, with regard to decontamination. Herbert shares her unique journey from fire station design to creating innovative cleaning products specifically for firefighters. She spotlights the hidden dangers lurking in turnout gear and the evolving landscape of PFAS “forever chemicals.”

With research linking firefighting to cancer, neurological diseases, and reproductive risks, she emphasizes the urgency of proper gear maintenance, preliminary exposure reduction, and adherence to NFPA 1851, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

Herbert also offers practical steps for improving on-scene decontamination. She highlights underappreciated threats like helmet and glove contamination and introduces game-changing products like responder wipes and gear encapsulation bags.

In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz welcomes expert guests Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita and Annette “AZ” Zapp. They discuss the essentials of firefighter wellness, and preview their upcoming “Firefighter Strong” workshop at FDIC 2026. They break down the critical role of sleep, offering practical strategies for maximizing rest amid unpredictable shifts and calls. The discussion covers nutrition tactics tailored to first responders’ unique demands, including smart pre- and post-workout snacking and the value of a well-stocked “go bag.” They also tackle training—how frequency, intensity, and recovery must align to help first responders avoid injury and burnout, especially after rough nights.

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

Use this link to find your members of Congress to reach out about this important issue:  https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

URGENT:

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is currently included in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It is NOT included in the House’s version of the NDAA. Senate and House Armed Services Committee members are currently in discussions to determine what stays in (and what is removed from) the final, reconciled 2026 NDAA.  

As members of Congress meet this week (week of November 9, 2025) and possibly into next week to finalize the 2026 NDAA, please reach out to your representative ASAP:

None of us think we’ll get cancer.  Unfortunately, you or someone you know may face cancer.  Please take a few minutes to reach out to your representative. You may unknowingly be helping your own family or a fellow firefighter in the future.

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

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.

Brought to you by Firehouse Furniture: https://www.FirehouseFurniture.com and Unimac: https://www.AllianceLaundry.com/fire

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