Firefighter Nation Podcast

What happens when every traditional treatment fails and a first responder is still drowning? On this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, retired FDNY-EMS paramedic and Army combat medic Carmine Fiore and certified EMDR therapist Candace Maisel join host David Dachinger. During the discussion, the panel explores the ins and outs of psychedelic-assisted therapy and battling PTSD.

On this episode of The Quick Knock, hosts Stephanie White and Chris Scott tackle the realities of modern fire service operations. They discuss what it means to be a "paper tiger": a firefighter who stacks state certifications and degrees without mastering real-world, hands-on fireground execution. They emphasize the perspective that departments must prioritize physical performance and practical training over online certificates. They also analyze a controversial rescue and the risks of chasing patients during a mental health crisis.

Passing the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) takes more than just being “in shape.” On this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz sits down with firefighter, paramedic, and firefighter strength coach Katie Dennison to break down how to prepare for the test's physical demands, from strength and conditioning to pacing and technique. Dennison also describes her county's CPAT mentoring program.

As we mark 25 years since September 11, 2001, Five After Midnight host Stephanie White sits down with FDNY veteran Tim Brown, who recounts his experience on 9/11, the men he lost, and the book he wrote to honor them. Brown describes the calm bravery of the firefighters who said, "Send me in," as they went up the towers, and shares his thoughts on those final acts. Brown offers practical advice for dealing with grief, finding the right therapist, and providing families with support.

For this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka welcomes Eileen Bellew, author of After John Jumped: The True Story of a Family's Rise from the Ashes. During the conversation, Bellew, recount's her family's experience after her husband succumbed to injuries from a fall during a Bronx, New York, rescue on January 23, 2005, which is now remembered as Black Sunday. 

Dr. Greg Burek, a psychiatrist and former marine, joins this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show. Hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux invite Burek to unpack why sleep is such a central problem for veterans and first responders—and how the BRAVE Program, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, treats it. Burek explains why common fixes often fail or worsen symptoms, and how targeted, flexible clonidine dosing can “turn the volume down” on adrenaline, restore sleep architecture, and jump‑start recovery. 

The C.A.N. Report welcomes Jazmyne Alston, a Firefighter/EMT who joins the podcast to tell a raw, inspiring story. During her conversation with host Mike Goldstein, she discusses tough-love instructors at the Douglas County (GA) Fire/EMS training facility, the brotherhood of her class, the life-changing Bearers of the Oath training, and how she weathered 18 million views of social-media hate after posting graduation footage. 

On this episode of Multiple Calls, Scott Hewlett welcomes Paul Hollingshead, the chief training officer for the Oakville (ON) Fire Department. Hollingshead shares the key factors that shaped his career in fire training, starting with his experience answering emergency calls as a contract communicator. He goes on to discuss eventually earning a spot on the trucks, working under a crew known for its relentlessness and aggressive mindset. During the conversation, Hollingshead addresses the significance key mentors have had in his life and career.

What happens to your identity when the job that defined you changes? In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle talk through the firefighter/EMT struggle of balancing career passion with family, mental wellness, and life after service. They discuss how identity can shift from firefighter to partner, parent, and advocate. DeGryse and Muscle also cover the impact of work on spouses and kids and the kinds of small habits that can protect firefighters' mental health.

Welcome back to The Quick Knock, hosted by Stephanie White and Chris Scott. On this episode, White  argues that individual mistakes aren’t automatically the result of “culture,” but that inconsistent consequences are. Meanwhile, Scott pushes the layered idea of macro and micro cultures. During this conversation, they also tackle training: If your company officer doesn't run drills, hold yourself accountable and keep your skills sharp. News highlights include a wild New Hampshire call where a homeowner allegedly stole a rescue truck during a fire at his own home and censure resolutions at the recent IAFF convention.