Firefighter Nation Podcast

Former Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief and Chicago Fire screenwriter Steve "Chik" Chikerotis joins Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle for this episode of Mental Health Monthly. Drawing on over three decades of field experience, Chikerotis opens up about his first day on the job, the emotional toll of responding to Ground Zero after 9/11, and a devastating personal loss of his own. He breaks down how shifting from a culture of stoic silence to open dialogue saves lives, offering actionable stress-management techniques like box breathing and positive visualization.

On this episode of The Quick Knock, hosts Stephanie White and Chris Scott debate when it's appropriate to step outside your specialty to help move the job forward, and when doing so becomes gatekeeping. They explore survival versus popularity motives and ask whether conferences matter if you don't bring the lessons you learn at them back to the shift.  

On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella welcomes Michael Elhihi, author of Beyond the Algorithm: Firefighter Recruitment in the Age of AI to assess the reasons why traditional firefighter recruiting no longer covers the talent the service needs. They acknowledge practical steps: market the firehouse culture to mid-career candidates, shorten and centralize onboarding with in-house academies, and treat company officers as culture builders. The conversation covers the effectiveness of recruiting families and spouses and using social media to showcase everyday life.

Link to Michael Elhihi’s article, Beyond the Algorithm: Firefighter Recruitment in the Age of AI: firefighternation.com/fire-leadership/fire-service-recruitment/beyond-the-algorithm-firefighter-recruitment-in-the-age-of-ai/

On this episode of The C.A.N Report, host Mike Goldstein sits down with Marc Aloan, battalion chief with the West Columbia (SC) Fire Department and creator of The Fire Inside. They have an unfiltered conversation on the realities of modern fire service operations. Drawing from his transition from military service and municipal departments in Georgia to his current role, Aloan offers grounded insights into the industry’s most pressing culture challenges. They talk about why departments struggle with lateral hires, the subtle distinction between hyper-investing in recruitment versus actual member retention, and how salary compression pushes experienced firefighters away. They address the modern trap of online personal branding, urging leaders to focus on local influence rather than internet recognition.

Recorded at the Firemanship Conference in Aurora, IL, this episode of The Revolutionaries features James Nisbet, Clackamas (OR) Fire lieutenant, Brothers in Battle instructor, and engine-ops educator. Nisbet walks through building a high-performing engine culture, detailing his path from explorer to lieutenant. The conversation covers the engine manual and nozzle selection and explores the challenges of introducing new tactics to veteran crews. The discussion also addresses when to stay and fight for change and when it's time to move departments.

What happens when your career isn't just what you do, but who you are? In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with retired paramedic and firefighter- turned-trauma specialist Daniel Sundahl, who shares his journey through PTSD, suicidal ideation, and eventual post-traumatic growth. They dissect the insidious nature of cumulative trauma, explaining how passive suicidal thoughts can quietly creep up on first responders. He introduces actionable concepts from his book, UnStuck: How to Stop Reacting, Start Responding, and Create Lasting Inner Peace. Through his book, Sundahl strives to help individuals navigate intense workplace stressors by shifting from external validation to self-actualized core values. 

On this episode of Frontline Findings, Massachusetts dermatologist Dr. Christine Kannler sits down with host Rachel Bozek for a frank conversation about the importance of cancer awareness and prevention for firefighters. Learn about the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the difference connecting with them can make for your department.

Hosts Stephanie White and Chris Scott kick off their new podcast, The Quick Knock, with blunt, real-world takes on where the fire service is headed, along with stories of bizarre fire calls. They argue that the culture and training pendulum is swinging back from the extreme, internet-driven fads of the mid-2010s toward practical fundamentals, and call out toxic gatekeeping. White and Scott also discuss staffing realities that change tactics and the self-policing nature of quality education.

How do GLP-1 medications affect first responders? In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz talks with registered dietitian Michelle Bugbee about the pros and cons of GLP-1s for firefighters. While these medications can support weight loss and metabolic health, GLP-1s can also bring challenges like nausea, constipation, low appetite, dehydration, and muscle loss. For firefighters, those side effects can be harder to manage during long shifts, intense training, and emergency calls. This episode covers critical factors for firefighters considering GLP-1s to keep in mind.

In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka interviews Kenny Schroeder about his healing journey and mental health resources for first responders. They discuss Schroeder's extensive experience with various therapeutic approaches including neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedures, EMDR therapy, equine therapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). He shares his transformative experience with the Save a Warrior program, and details other resources like the First Responders Bridge, Project Sanctuary, and Mighty Oaks conference. They also have a candid conversation about hypervigilance, sleep struggles, faith-based care, couple and family supports, and the practical sequence that helped him move from suicidal crisis to sustained purpose.