FireNuggets Podcast

We sit down with Joe Hoium and chat about his new adventure. He's a firefighter who loves finances too! He created a Facebook page called "The Financial Firefighter".

Click here to see his page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594108025792

*Disclaimer - Joe is not a financial advisor, these are only his opinions.*

We ask him questions about finances, firefighting, and discuss even more.

We hope you enjoy the show.

As always, thank you to our sponsors, Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear!

We sit down with our good friend Chris Scott. We discuss multiple things to include a supportive spouse, doing hard things, and so much more. We enjoyed getting to know our good friend even more!

Thank you as always to our sponsors: Elkhart Brass, Key Fire Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear.

Nick and Jay sit down with Rob Gray and do their thing. They discuss skill acquisition using EA and CLA.

As always, thank you to our sponsors: Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear.

Jake Ryks is a firefighter/EMT/hazmat specialist with the Saint Paul, MN, Fire Department (SPFD), appointed to Rescue Squad 1 - HazMat 1. His involvement in department training includes engine, truck and squad company functions, advanced automotive extrication, and RIT. Ryks serves as an assistant hazmat coordinator for the SPFD, coordinating all HazMat training for the city, and is a trustee for IAFF Local 21. He was awarded the MN100 Firefighter of the Year and the Firehouse Magazine Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor in 2024 for his efforts in rescuing three children from a house fire. Ryks has been involved with paid-on-call, part-time and career departments. He has taught hazmat training for fire departments locally, regionally and on a national level. In May 2024, Ryks began working for The HazMat Guys, where he co-hosts The HazMat Guys Podcast and he manages their online learning platform and social media accounts. He has since launched his own podcasts, HAZARD CLASS, where he talks with experts in and around the world of emergency services and OUT OF SERVICE, a comedy podcast focused on having the real conversations that happen during downtime at the firehouse.

As always, thank you to our sponsors:

Elkhart Brass

Key Hose

Vanguard Safety Wear

Nick sits down with some fantanstic people in the Bay Area to discuss the job. We hope you enjoy the show!

Thanks as always to our sponsors:

Elkhart Brass

Key Hose

Vanguard Safety Wear

We sit down with Andy Starnes of Insight Fire Training. We hope you enjoy what's a very informative show!

Thank you to our sponsors - Elkhart Brass, Key Fire Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear!

Andy's Bio -

Andy Starnes of Insight Fire Training

As Owner, Chief Instructor, and Level II Thermography Certified professional, Andy leads Insight Fire Training, a globally recognized training organization specializing in thermal imaging and fire behavior education.

Global Impact

• International curriculum deployment in Canada, Germany, Taiwan, Spain, Poland, and throughout South America

• World-class instructor cadre comprised of fire service veterans holding Level 1 Industrial Thermography Certification or Tactical Firefighting Thermologist Certification from Western Kentucky University

• Collaborative partnerships with manufacturers and training centers worldwide

Innovation & Certification Development

• Product development consultant for multiple thermal imaging camera manufacturers since 2013.

• Pioneering certification program: Developed the first thermography-based firefighter certification, credentialed through Western Kentucky University and peer-reviewed by Kentucky Thermal Institute.

Service & Leadership

Board Positions & Community Engagement

• Retired Battalion Chief: Charlotte Fire Department 1998-2023.

• Board Member, 5-Alarm Task Force (non-profit supporting first responders). Founder of Bringing Back Brotherhood (501-3c non-profit)

• Master Craftsman, Project Kill the Flashover

• Active supporter of multiple first responder charitable organizations

• Served as a technical editor for numerous fire service publications.

Conference Speaking & Media

• International presenter at fire service conferences globally (48 states and 12 countries).

• Featured guest on numerous fire service podcasts.

• Subject matter expert on tactical thermal imaging and modern fire behavior: Level II Thermography Certified from Infrared Training Center and assisted in testing and developing numerous fire service products. Currently provides consulting services for the top three thermal imaging manufacturers in the industry.

Recognition & Honors

• 2023: Inducted into the Hall of Legends, Legacies, and Leaders by the National Fire Heritage Center at FDIC.

• January 2025: Nominated as one of the Top 20 Influencers in the Fire Service by Fire Safety Journal Americas.

• Contributing author to several fire service textbooks such as: Euro Firefighter 2 and The Book of Search.

Mission & Passion

Andy is deeply committed to demystifying the complex terminology of modern fire behavior and empowering firefighters worldwide with the knowledge and tools necessary for safer, more effective operations. Through Insight Fire Training, he continues to advance thermal imaging education and fire behavior understanding, ensuring that the next generation of firefighters is better prepared to face today's fire service challenges. His professional cadre consists of a diverse international group of fire service veterans: USA, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

For training inquiries, speaking engagements, or product consultation, please contact Insight Fire Training LLC at: https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/ (https://insighttrainingllc.com/contact/)

We sit down with our friend Ryan to talk about his work as the training officer in Danville, IL. He's done some phenomenal work!

Without a training tower available and well over 100+ vacant structures they changed not on the the building they'd train in, but the mindset about training in buildings.

He also fostered relationships and has brought in numerous successful classes to his organization all while spreading opportunity for those in his local (and not so local) area.

We hope you enjoy the show! Please follow and give us a rating too!

Thank you as always to our sponsors!

Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear.

We sit down on this podcast with Ash Shapiro with Capital City Industries. If you haven't seen what they've been doing in the fire helmet industry, you need the check it out!

Go here for their website - https://www.capitalcityindustries.com/

They do everything from helmet modifications, radio straps, and much more!

We hope you enjoy the show and check them out!

Big thanks to our sponsors as always: Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, Vanguard Safety Wear.

Check this one out to get all of the details on Firemanship 2026!

We talk about what it takes to put on a conference of this size. Along with spots still available, & much more!

If you want to register or check out what you're missing...

Go to the website - www.firemanshipconference.com

As always...

Thank you to our sponsors: Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear

Get to know Tyler Smith. He's the man in charge of the Mile High Firefighter's Conference - www.milehighfirecon.com

He's also the President of Mile High Fire Training, and is an adjunct instructor with FDTN (Fire Department Training Network).

He's a good dude who puts service before self and loves his family.

Give it a listen, like the show, and give us a rating.. Please!

Thank you as always to our sponsors: Elkhart Brass, Key Hose, and Vanguard Safety Wear.