Firefighter Podcast

When Ben Selby joined me on The Firefighters Podcast, we had a wide-ranging and powerful conversation about the vital role of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the evolving challenges faced by fire and rescue services in the UK. As the FBU’s Assistant General Secretary, Ben offered deep insight into issues like firefighter pay, recruitment, and the shifting demands of the job. We explored the importance of the Grey Book, the direction of a College of Fire, and the complexity of current duty systems. Ben also spoke candidly about the cultural dynamics within the service, the push for greater inclusivity and diversity, and the union’s work through campaigns like Fight for 52, which aims to improve maternity provisions for firefighters. Our discussion highlighted the growing risks of climate change, including wildfires, and reinforced the urgent need to support mental health, modernise working practices, and ensure firefighter safety and well-being in a rapidly changing world.

connect with Ben HERE

Find out more about the FBU HERE

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Abi Manifold has over 25 years of experience in Learning and Organisational Development, Abi’s approach to leadership, culture, and performance is deeply rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the practical application of human insight. Her diverse background as an executive coach, psychometric profiler, and leadership facilitator gives her a rare ability to blend strategic thinking with meaningful, people-first practices. Throughout our discussion, Abi emphasized the importance of not just what people do, but how they do it—and most importantly, how it makes them feel.

One of the key themes for me was how Abi highlighted that while many organizations want to do better in these spaces of leadership and cultivating a workforce that want to actually come into work and enjoy being art of something meaningful, organisations often overlook the most obvious source of insight on culture which is the experiences of their own people.

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Jayson Coil is Assistant Fire Chief and Battalion Chief at Sedona Fire District in Arizona. With over 25 years of operational and leadership experience particularly in wildland firefighting and major disaster response, Jayson shares powerful insights on decision-making in complex environments. 

We dive into topics like adaptive leadership, red teaming, decentralizing command, and improving decision quality during crisis. Jayson also reflects on organizational change, trust, and morale, offering valuable lessons for current and future fire service leaders. From strategy to tactics, military crossovers to systemic failures, this conversation is packed with wisdom to help first responders lead more effectively in today’s uncertain world. 

Connect with Jayon:-

• LINKEDIN
• WEBSITE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

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

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Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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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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I had a powerful and inspiring conversation with Nigel Best, whose journey spans over 40 years of service in Nottingham. From his beginnings as a postman to becoming a teacher and eventually working in diversity and inclusion within the Nottinghamshire Police, Nigel’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and deep community engagement. 

He shared how his experiences as part of the Windrush generation shaped his identity and passion for education, and how DJing taught him adaptability—skills he later used to connect with youth and support underrepresented groups. We talked about everything from youth violence and media influence to the importance of empathy, authenticity, and proactive mentorship in both policing and education. Nigel’s path—from guiding young teachers to launching his own successful diversity consultancy—shows how personal growth and cultural identity can be powerful tools for change.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

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

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Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

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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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Justin Johnston served in the UK fire & rescue service for 30 years finishing his career as the Chief Fire Officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

In our conversation we explore the weight of leadership responsibilities, the need for professional growth, collaboration, more opportunities and the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities faced by leaders in the fire services. We also speak about the operations world debriefing Major incidents like the Cumbria Floods of 2009 & the Derick Bird shootings of 2010. We delve into personal experiences, mental health challenges, and the significance of work-life balance. 

connect with Justin HERE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

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

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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

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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 are speaking Air Crash Investigation with Karl Scammel from Air Accidents Investigation Branch - 

The AAIB is an independent organization funded by the government to investigate accidents and serious incidents involving civil aviation in the UK and its overseas territories. They investigate accidents involving fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, gliders, and drones. Our conversation touches on:

• The growth of urban air mobility 
• Importance of a no-blame culture in accident investigation
• Hazards and safety protocols associated with ultralight aircraft, including fuel, electrical systems, and pressurized vessels
• Ballistic Recovery System (BRS)
• Awareness and training among first responders to effectively manage these incidents.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, 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
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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In this episode, I sit down with my good friends Matt Adams and Dean Keeber to discuss a range of topics spanning firefighting, fitness, and life philosophy. We chat about an overview of the upcoming UK Firefighter Challenge events, the UK Pink Firefighters.

Beyond the fireground, we explore life balance—the fine line between motivation and burnout, the evolution of personal drive, and transitioning toward more sustainable sources of inspiration. We dig into different chapters of life, the realities of getting older while staying fit, and the truth that genes may load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.

We discuss the fire service and whether it remains a “job for life” in an era where many people seem busier than ever but feel they achieve less. There’s an emphasis on personal and professional growth, with a nod to competitions this season, strategies for longevity, and redefining success—what does winning look like after you’ve already won? 

Tune in for insights, stories, and the drive to keep pushing forward

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, 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
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

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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

Jan Morris has had a distinguished career in the UK Fire and Rescue Service. began her journey with Avon Fire & Rescue Service in 1998 as one of only eight women in the operational workforce at that time.

Beyond her operational roles, Jan has been an active member of Women in the Fire Service UK (WFS) since 1999, contributing significantly to initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and supporting the development of women in the fire service. 

She later joined Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service as a temporary Area Manager before securing a permanent Area Manager position with Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in March 2021. 

However, in just a few short years in April of 2024, Jan made the decision to leave Shropshire FRS, citing a culture of misogyny and sexism within the service. She & later confirmed by the national media it was revealed that senior officers had exchanged derogatory, offensive & violent messages about her, including discussions about wanting to harm her. These revelations were part of a broader investigation into misconduct within the service, leading to external and independent investigations into the allegations. 

Jan's departure sadly underscored the challenges faced by women in the fire service and highlighted the need for continued efforts to address discriminatory practices within the sector.

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
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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

My conversation today is with social psychologist Anne Templeton to explore the fascinating role of social psychology in emergency response. We discuss the critical importance of trust—how it shapes public cooperation, emergency management, and effective communication.

Anne shares valuable insights on how first responders can build trust by working with communities, involving trusted leaders, and clearly explaining the reasoning behind emergency guidance. We also dive into the role of technology in crisis communication, the resilience of the public in emergencies, and the balance between professional response and public assistance.

One of the key themes in our discussion is the power of language—how messaging and the way instructions are framed can significantly influence public behaviour during high-stress situations. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anne highlights the importance of clear, timely, and accurate communication in reducing confusion and ensuring public safety.

This conversation sheds light on how understanding crowd behaviour and effective communication can improve emergency response and save lives.

Contact Anne 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
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
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

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

Born in the 1960’s with ‘Birmingham Central Fire Station’ on his birth certificate, Dave Walton has had a remarkable journey from growing up around the fire service to now becoming a key leader in shaping its future. 

He’s a strategic thinker, an advocate for change, and a driving force behind improvements in leadership, diversity, and operational effectiveness in the UK Fire and Rescue Service. Today, we’re going to talk about some of the most pressing topics facing the fire and rescue sector as Dave shares his insights from a young recruit in 1985 to his roles now including as the NFCC lead for Hazmat. We discuss how fire services must adapt to changing societal expectations, emerging risks, and new technology and we make the argument for why emotional intelligence, professional curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial for future leaders. 

Dave also takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at the Drummond Mill Fire, one of the largest incidents in his career, and what it taught him about decision-making under pressure.

Throughout this conversation, you’ll get a candid, no-holds-barred look at the fire service from someone who has lived and breathed it for decades. Dave doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and his perspective on leadership, innovation, and the importance of getting the right people in the right roles is invaluable for anyone looking to understand or improve the sector.

So grab a coffee, sit back, and get ready for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion with one of the most self-aware & experienced leaders in the UK fire service today.

(for context this was recorded in early 2024)

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 
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Send us Fan Mail

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