Firefighter Nation Podcast

Chad Rabatin, a lieutenant with Prince William County (VA) Fire, joins Megan Lautz for this episode of Fueling Fire. Rabatin breaks down what it actually takes to build a firefighter wellness program when you have almost no budget, limited admin support, and a full-time job as a firefighter. He compares using internal personnel versus civilian hires, weighs certifications for tactical fitness and describes partnering with universities to access testing, data and resources. The guest also covers remediation paths for mandatory fitness screens, integrating athletic trainers, and prioritizing injury prevention and recovery. This is straight talk from someone doing the work from the inside.

Host Jim Burneka welcomes Bryan Goodman, founder and president of the Emergency Services Safety & Health Alliance (ESSHA), to the latest episode of APS Radio. Goodman discusses PFAS in station wear, and differences in testing requirements depending on where pieces originate.

Jason Sautel returns to We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, for a conversation about faith, trauma, and mental health from the Heroic Deeds conference, where he and hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux recorded the episode. Sautel recounts his experience navigating his faith while he was still on the job and talks about his return to Ohio for the Brothers Helping Brothers Conference, which will take place in October.

Resources:

Heroic Deeds: https://www.heroicdeeds.org

Jason Sautel: https://jasonsautel.com

Brothers Helping Brothers 9th Annual Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference: https://events.brothershelpingbrothers.org/ffhw2025

Host Mike Goldstein welcomes brothers Lance and Taylor Dollarhide to this episode of The C.A.N. Report. The two own and operate   Brass & Bunker Co., a Montana-based apparel brand created with first responders in mind. Taylor brings graphic design and product development; Lance brings fire/paramedic experience and field perspective. They’re self-funded, focused on slow, authentic growth, and pledge 10% of sales to support first-responder organizations and community needs. Beyond shirts and hats, the Dollarhide brothers teach design, collaborate with departments on custom swag, and aim to manufacture more in the United States. Their voice is practical and prideful: wear the brand because it represents real work, brotherhood and service. This episode digs into their origin story, creative process, fundraising approach and the modest, mission-driven choices that set their label apart.

Chris Muscle, a firefighter and former Marine, opens up to Dan Degryse about the collision of PTSD and alcohol use within the culture that taught him to push through everything on this episode of Mental Health Monthly. What started as “just drinking” slowly exposed deeper trauma: combat deployments, years on the job, and a life built around control. Treatment wasn’t linear. He went in for PTSD and didn’t recognize his alcohol dependency until later. Medication, relapse, shame, ego, and the fear of what others thought all played a role.

This conversation between the show's hosts digs into how brain injury, repeated exposure to trauma, and firehouse drinking culture overlap. It challenges the idea that strength means silence. It questions one-size-fits-all treatment and argues for real evaluation, reassessment, and accountability. Most of all, it offers something practical: daily effort and brutal honesty. It requires a willingness to stop caring about reputation long enough to get better. Recovery isn’t dramatic. It’s consistent. And it’s possible.

In this episode of Five After Midnight, host Stephanie White, editor in chief of Firefighter Nation, welcomes Jon Vought, of Rescue 1 CBD. They discuss how FDIC has broadened its scope to incorporate urgent issues like mental health, wellness, and cultural challenges alongside traditional fire service education. They also talk about the Health & Wellness stage and the benefits of the audience having access to speakers, podcasters, and more.

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

Host Chris Marella welcomes Wayne Jones to this episode of Beyond the Headlines. They discuss Jones's article "Fire Department Culture: Do You Jump Ship or Man the Pumps?" A career captain for Horry County (SC) Fire Rescue, where he has served since 1996, Jones addresses the important decision of whether to stay with or leave a department, and also touches on mentorship and mindset. 

From its roots in the late 1990s as the first-ever online firefighter magazine to today’s expansive network offering thousands of training opportunities nationwide, the FireNuggets has grown into a vital resource for departments and individuals alike. During this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Michael Goldstein welcomes guest Jeffrey Bryant, a lieutenant for the Aurora (IL) Fire Department, and president of this influential nonprofit dedicated to firefighter education and support.

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

Guest Rob Fisher joins this episode of The Revolutionaries to dig into mentorship in today’s fire and EMS world. From the “senior man is dead” problem to culture clashes with third-service medics, the retired battalion chief from Snohomish (WA) Regional Fire & Rescue breaks down why informal, relationship-driven mentoring still matters more than any training calendar. The crew hits on static assignments vs rotation, EMS vs fire focus, and how to keep your company sharp when you’re buried in EMS runs. Whether you’re a new firefighter, a salty medic, or a company officer trying to build a culture of ownership, this episode will challenge how you develop your people.

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

During this episode of the Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, a true leader in fire safety and emergency response. They delve into her impactful tenure as the U.S. Fire Administrator, highlighting her groundbreaking work that supports firefighters on the front lines, particularly in wildland firefighting.

Together, Dachinger and Dr. Moore-Merrell examine the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS), discussing its critical role in enhancing real-time data accessibility for firefighters, thus improving response times and strategies. They explore the current state of wildland firefighting, addressing key issues including staffing shortages, retention rates, and resource allocation. The episode also highlights the inaugural World Fire Congress, founded by Dr. Moore-Merrell, where global fire officials converge to discuss key metrics and trends that will shape the future of fire safety.