Celeste Cuffie sits down with Joseph Franz, Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, to unpack the messy truth behind personal growth, bouncing back from failure, and why loving people is always better than loving stuff. If you’re tired of playing it safe or stuck after a setback, Joe’s hard-earned wisdom feels like guidance from someone who’s truly been there.

Joseph shares unfiltered stories of losing it all, rebuilding, and learning to ask for help sooner rather than later. He talks about teaching courage to the next generation, building a marriage on friendship, and shifting from selfishness to service—without getting preachy.

Ever wondered how a “fearless” firefighter finds strength after failure and keeps building a life of meaning? Find out what’s changed for Joe and how you can build resiliency that lasts.

Episode Highlights: 

14:51 – You're going to make mistakes. You're gonna fail, but don't let the failure define you. Continue to push hard and anything work hard at. Nothing we've ever been given or have that's been given to us easily do we even value or have anymore. But the things that you work hard for, and that you're paying for or you're invested in. You take care of it. You cherish it. You nourish it like you do all the things. Because you're invested in that thing that you're doing.

25:50 – It's important not to lose yourself in all. All of this stuff. And so I think when I lost all that stuff before, I think I loved stuff and I used people in that moment in my life, and now I love people and I use stuff. That's really what it's about. It's being good to people.

36:27 – One is don't be afraid to fail. That's the number one. Don't be afraid to fail. Don't be afraid to step out... For you and the stuff you do, and for my wife to watch her step out of her comfort zone. My wife likes to be very comfortable. And one thing I think she likes about me is I'm always kind of like, hey, let's get to that edge. 

Guest Bio
Joseph (Joe) Franz is a dedicated and experienced fire service professional currently serving as a Fire Captain with the Milwaukee Fire Department at Engine 16, located on Fon Du Lac Ave. On the city’s northwest side. With a career spanning over two decades, Joseph has held various roles, including Heavy Equipment Operator, Fire Lieutenant, and Interim Health and Safety Manager. He has been instrumental in training and mentoring new recruits and has played a significant role in the department's peer support and safety initiatives. 

As a proud MPS graduate of James Madison Highschool. Joe’s commitment to serving his community started at an early age when he joined the Fire Cadet program right after graduation. He is also actively involved in his community, serving as a Deacon at Greater New Birth Church and coaching youth softball teams. His commitment to public service and community well-being is evident in his extensive experience and ongoing contributions.

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