On the podcast today I have my good friend and returning guest Zac Blackledge. Zach is a dad, husband, UK firefighter, an incredible athlete and all round nice bloke. This podcast was recorded back in November of 2024 as we rounded up and connected the dots from the past few years including some of his lowest points after suffering a stroke, fearing he would lose his job and uncertain what the future look like onto his incredible recovery, his comeback and now is incredibly impressive physical and professional development that's taken him far beyond where he was prior to this life changing chapter.

you can connect with Zac HERE
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My guest today on is Simon Hewitt, a retired firefighter who dedicated over 31 years to serving others in the fire service. Beyond his extensive career, Simon has become a beacon of faith and hope, serving as a chaplain and leader with Firefighters For Christ International.

Learn more about it HERE

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
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Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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Nicholas J. Higgins is a firefighter and district training officer New Jersey. New Jersey State Level 2 Fire Instructor, a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation state advocate, and a member of the Board of Directors for the 5-Alarm Task Force,  also the founder and a contributor of The Firehouse Tribune website. teaching “Critical Thinking and Fireground Decision Making” and “Critical Thinking and The Fireground Officer” at various fire departments throughout the country, at Firehouse Expo, and other fire conferences nationwide. host of “The 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast”, a podcast designed to help build firefighters to their highest potential on and off the fire ground and the co-host of “Station Talk” with Chief Tom Marchiano where they discuss topics that affect the fire service. 

He is the author of “The 5-Tool Firefighter,” 100 pages a book that helps firefighters perform at their highest level and its companion book, “The 5-Tool Firefighter Tactical Workbook”

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us a text

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In todays episode I’m speaking with my good friend, firefighter challenge multiple gold medallist and returning guest Helena Brown.

You can connect with Helena HERE

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us a text

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In today’s episode it’s an honour to be joined by my good friend John Aitchison, a dedicated, driven & passionate firefighter and humanitarian, as we explore his long & extraordinary journey with the people of Nepal. From the devastation of the 2015 earthquakes where he deployed as part of UK international search & rescue to the creation of life-saving initiatives like Fire Aid Nepal, John has been a driving force in transforming disaster response and fire services in the Himalayan region.

We’ll discuss his experiences navigating the complexities of operating in remote areas like Lukla and the Everest trail, the cultural and logistical challenges faced while building fire services in underserved communities like the Khumbu Valley through partnerships with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we’ll discuss the barriers he and his team faced delivering firefighting equipment and training whilst tackling issues like carbon monoxide poisoning and emergency trauma care in high-altitude regions. 

To get involved email - [email protected] 

Visit their website HERE 

Donate to Fire Aid Nepal Project HERE 

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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As we step into a New Year many of us ask ourselves questions around our personal habits, but around 80% of New Year's resolutions fail, with most people giving up on their goals within a few weeks, with only about 25% of people managing to stick to their resolutions after 30 days; the most common resolutions include losing weight, exercising more & eating healthier.

To help us tackle this, I’m joined by my good friend Alan Smith. Alan’s someone who knows a thing or two about commitment—not just because of his incredible 40-year career in the fire service, but also because of his dedication to fitness, wellbeing, and lifelong learning. Alan’s got a wealth of knowledge to share about the mindset it takes to hold yourself accountable, the importance of setting realistic goals, and how to make meaningful progress—not just for January, but for the rest of your career and life.

In this conversation, we’ll discuss topics including fitness as a cornerstone of longevity in demanding careers like firefighting & how investing in your ‘fitness pension’ can set you up for success.

connect with Alan HERE

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

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 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost

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Today on the podcast my guest is Professor Ricardo Weewer. Ricardo is a leading figure in fire service science, having served as a professor at the Netherlands Fire Service Academy since 2011. His career spans decades of leadership and innovation, including serving as a Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Amsterdam. With a PhD in metal sciences from Delft University of Technology, Ricardo has dedicated his life to advancing practical research that improves firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

In this episode, we dive into a wide variety of topics in fire and rescue operations. Ricardo shares insights on the Quadrant Model, a framework that revolutionizes decision-making by outlining four tactical approaches: defensive exterior, offensive exterior, defensive interior, and offensive interior. We discuss how this model helps firefighters adapt their strategies in real-time based on evolving conditions.

We’ll also explore the importance of ventilation tactics and the challenges of smoke propagation. Ricardo highlights how tactical decisions like using positive pressure fans or assessing flow paths can dramatically influence outcomes in fire scenarios.

Finally, we’ll also touch on fire service culture and leadership. Ricardo explains the value of a term called shared leadership and the need for all leaders to understand the 'DNA' of the fire service before taking on position of leadership, an approach which appears to be adopted far less across fire services here in the UK. His perspective underscores how involving firefighters in decision-making processes and fostering a culture of mutual trust can transform operations.

You can access info on The "Quadrant Model for Fighting Structure Fires" HERE

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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today we have an extraordinary episode featuring none other than Dr. Burton A. Clark. For those of you in the fire service, his name should be synonymous with leadership, education, and pushing the boundaries of fire safety culture.

Dr. Burton A. Clark has an illustrious 50-year career in the fire service. Starting as a firefighter in Washington, D.C., he rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Fire Chief in Laurel, Maryland, and later Operations Chief for DHS/FEMA. He’s held prestigious positions such as Management Science Program Chair at the National Fire Academy and Visiting Scholar at Johns Hopkins University Center for Injury Research and Policy.

Links:
Dr Clarks website
Dr Clarks Linkedin

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
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PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us a text

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

My returning guest today is good friend of the podcast John McDonough who has been a professional firefighter for 38 years with the Fire and Rescue New South Wales in Sydney Australia.
 
 He is currently an operational Duty Commander in charge of 14 stations in the busy inner west zone of Sydney. He was Team Leader of the Fire Operational Training Team (FOTT). This team trains all firefighters and officers in structural fire behaviour and firefighting techniques and tactics.
 
 Over the last 17 years, this has developed into a standardized doctrine for how firefighters act and behave at the task and tactical level. It is taught at all levels from recruit to Station Officer.
 
 He is a co-author of ‘3D Firefighting – Training, Tactics and Techniques’, which is published in the USA. In 2009 he was awarded Australia’s highest honor for Fire Officers, the Australian Fire Service Medal for his work in structural firefighting training. 

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us a text

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

In today’s episode, Beyond the Flames: The Lifespan of Firefighter Fabrics, we’re turning up the heat on groundbreaking research from the University of Alberta. Joining us are two incredible experts: Saiful, a PhD candidate who’s spent the past four years uncovering why firefighter gear doesn’t always stand the test of time, and Dr. Patricia Dolez, an Associate Professor and leader in textile science.

We’ll take you behind the scenes of their cutting-edge work, uncovering the hidden factors that can weaken your protective clothing. We’re talking moisture, heat, and even the chemicals that linger after a tough call. You’ll hear about:

• The science of fabric degradation—tensile strength, sulphur content, and water repellency breakdown.
• The unseen dangers of chemical leaching and how outdated testing standards put safety at risk.
• And exciting new advancements, like sensors that can monitor gear aging in real time and revolutionary cleaning methods that outshine the old-school wash.

This episode is packed with critical insights for firefighters, researchers, and anyone passionate about innovation in safety. Together, Saiful and Dr. Dolez will help us understand how we can better protect those who protect us.

So, grab your gear, settle in, and get ready to explore the science behind the equipment that keeps our heroes safe on the frontlines.

We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
PATROL STORE UK
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this cost
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us a text

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew