In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Mike Monaco—co-founder of The Hazmat Guys, retired FDNY Hazmat One specialist, and one of the leading hazmat instructors in the world. From growing up in Texas and ballet studios to battling dyslexia, his experience during 9/11, and building a global hazmat education platform, Mike shares his remarkable story. Along the way, we dive into personal quirks, firehouse culture, hazmat training, and the unexpected path that led to starting one of the most impactful hazmat podcasts out there.

This conversation is equal parts funny, raw, and inspiring—and yes, it begins with a 10-minute debate on the “right way” to wipe.

[0:00] – Welcome & Introduction

• Host sets the stage: why this show is about the people behind the uniform.
• Introduction of guest Mike Monaco and his reputation as a brilliant instructor, terrible speller, and all-around great guy.

[4:15] – The Wheel of Stupid Questions (Bathroom Debate)

• Standing vs. sitting: the age-old wiping debate.
• Cultural shame, bidets, and why “rub, squirt, rub” might just be the ultimate method.
• A lighthearted (and hilarious) start that reveals Mike’s humor.

[14:00] – Mike’s Early Life & Background

• Growing up in Tomball, Texas before moving to New York.
• German roots, Italian family culture, and a childhood spent in ballet studios.
• His mother’s career as a ballet dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
• Battling dyslexia, ADHD, and defiance disorder in school.
• How Catholic school and a switch in majors got him through education.

[28:45] – College, 9/11, and the FDNY Path

• Studying chemistry, physics, and ultimately biology/neurophysiology at Stony Brook.
• Volunteering in the fire service during college.
• His 9/11 experience as part of Northern Brookhaven Tactical Rescue, working at Ground Zero for a week.
• Joining the FDNY less than a year later (July 2002).

[40:30] – Hazmat One: Baptism by Fire

• Transitioning from Engine 233 in Brooklyn to Hazmat One.
• The house culture post-9/11 and tensions between Hazmat and Squad 288.
• The grueling spin-up process: 1,500+ hours of training and equipment sign-offs.
• Why hazmat techs often know more than incident commanders—and the responsibility that carries.

[55:10] – Teaching, Learning, and the Origin of The Hazmat Guys

• Why teaching is the best way to learn in hazmat.
• How Bobby pitched the idea of a hazmat podcast.
• The first “atrocious” recordings in the dining room.
• Turning real-world calls into podcast episodes.
• When they realized people were actually listening—and recognizing them at conferences.

[1:08:30] – Growing Beyond the Podcast

• Moving from podcast to training and conference teaching.
• Building a global hazmat education brand.
• Balancing passion for firefighting with the career opportunities hazmat provided.

[1:19:00] – The Future: Training, Conferences, and Games

• Plans for The Hazmat Guys: podcasting, training, books, and the new Hazmat board game.
• Preview of the upcoming Southernmost Hazmat Conference in Key West.
• How they’re rethinking conferences to integrate vendors, hands-on training, and student engagement.

[1:30:00] – Closing Reflections

• Mike’s pride in building something bigger than himself.
• Host and guest share laughs about ballet, dyslexia, and life lessons.

CONTACT DILLION:

[email protected]

In this heartfelt episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, the host opens up about their personal journey through mental health struggles, culminating in a transformative stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence (COE). This solo episode offers a raw, honest look at the importance of vulnerability, seeking help, and normalizing conversations around mental health within the fire service. Listeners are encouraged to embrace vulnerability, seek support, and prioritize their well-being.

[0:00 - 0:28] Introduction to the Episode

The host introduces a different format for this episode, focusing on their personal story after a stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence. The tone is reflective, with a commitment to share the experience to help normalize mental health struggles.

[0:56 - 1:35] The Need to Share and Normalize Struggles

The host reflects on the importance of being open about mental health, especially in the fire service, where stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. They express a desire to share their story to inspire others to be open and vulnerable.

[1:36 - 4:19] The Struggle of Self-Loathing and the Desire for Change

The host discusses their inner battle with self-hatred, feelings of being unlovable, and the sense that no matter how much they accomplished, they never felt content. They acknowledge that the desire to “outwork” depression led to further dissatisfaction and despair.

[4:21 - 5:15] Decision to Seek Help at the IAFF Center of Excellence

The host explains the process of reaching out for help and checking into the COE. They highlight the supportive role of their union and city in facilitating this decision. This section touches on the support they received and the relief in finally seeking professional help.

[5:18 - 7:52] The Struggles Before Seeking Help

Before attending the COE, the host describes feelings of worthlessness and the overwhelming cycle of striving to be better without feeling any relief. They reflect on their efforts to achieve success in various areas of their life without gaining happiness.

[7:53 - 9:28] Childhood Trauma and Feeling Unwanted

The host explores the trauma from their childhood, including bullying, and how it shaped their feelings of being unwanted, both within social groups and even among friends. They express how this isolation led to self-doubt and difficulty connecting with others.

[9:32 - 13:44] Acknowledging Trauma and Striving for Self-Acceptance

Further elaboration on how childhood experiences created barriers to self-acceptance. The host shares how they tried to hide behind masks, believing that no one would like them if they knew the real story, further deepening their struggle.

[13:48 - 18:59] Healing and Transformation at the COE

After 39 days at the COE, the host describes feeling "incredible" and discusses how the experience allowed them to open up, build connections, and gain a fresh perspective on life. They express gratitude for the supportive environment and how healing comes from vulnerability.

[19:04 - 22:58] The Struggles of Public Recognition During a Personal Crisis

The host reflects on a particularly difficult period when they received awards for their work in a rescue operation, but the external recognition only deepened their internal struggles. They share the disconnect between public accolades and their private pain, and how this contributed to their depression.

[22:59 - 24:15] Reaching Peace and Accepting the Fire Service Awards

The host discusses their internal transformation, being able to accept the awards without feeling undeserving. They reflect on the value of teamwork and their pride in their colleagues, and how they finally reached peace with both their achievements and struggles.

[24:17 - 28:02] The Power of the Fire Service and Personal Growth

The host reflects on how the fire service gave them a sense of identity and achievement that they hadn’t experienced before. This section also touches on the all-consuming nature of their work and how it affected their personal life.

[28:02 - 28:45] The Importance of Talking About Mental Health

The host emphasizes the need for people to speak up about their struggles, especially the importance of normalizing the act of asking for help. They encourage listeners to push through the fear of reaching out for support.

[28:45 - 30:06] The Relief of Seeking Help

The host shares how, once they admitted they needed help, the process became more accessible, and the emotional burden lightened. This section encourages listeners to take the first step in seeking support when they’re struggling, emphasizing that help is available.

[30:06 - 31:10] Final Thoughts and Gratitude

The host wraps up with a message of hope and encouragement, expressing their gratitude for the support they received at COE, as well as their peers and clinicians. They reflect on their ongoing commitment to share their journey with others, with the hope of normalizing these important conversations.

• The pivotal moment when the host realizes that seeking help is essential for healing and growth.
• The message that "secrets keep us sick" and the power of vulnerability in recovery.
• A profound shift from internal pain to a sense of peace and acceptance, showing that brighter days are ahead even after struggling for years.

In this groundbreaking episode, Jake sits down with Paul Jameson, Chief Commercial Officer of LifeSafe Technologies, to discuss a revolutionary firefighting product—TRF+. Designed specifically to combat the long-standing challenge of lithium-ion battery fires, TRF+ is not only effective in extinguishing such fires but also prevents re-ignition. Jake and the HazMat Guys team have rigorously tested the product over six months and share their journey from skepticism to astonishment.

0:00 - 1:19 – Intro & Guest Welcome

Jake introduces the show and guest Paul Jameson, setting the stage for a deep dive into TRF+.

1:20 - 2:55 – The Wheel of Stupid Questions

A light-hearted icebreaker: “Would you rather have three arms and one leg or three legs and one arm?”

2:56 - 6:02 – Initial Skepticism & First Impressions

Jake describes his initial doubts and the first meeting with Paul that started the journey of testing TRF+.

6:03 - 9:28 – Testing Begins

Details of field tests, including unconventional and rigorous methods used to challenge the fluid’s effectiveness.

9:29 - 13:32 – How TRF+ Works

Paul explains the science behind TRF+, including how it disrupts the fire triangle by removing heat and suppressing oxygen buildup.

13:33 - 18:10 – Certifications & Testing Evidence

Discussion of third-party testing, environmental safety, and regulatory standards that back up LifeSafe’s claims.

18:11 - 21:00 – Shelf Life & Longevity

TRF+ has an impressive eight-year shelf life with consistent performance, a rare trait in firefighting fluids.

21:01 - 24:57 – Application Methods & Surface Tension Science

How TRF+ can be deployed through various methods, including fire trucks and handheld canisters, and why it outperforms traditional foams.

24:58 - 28:53 – The Origin Story of TRF+

From a goal of simplifying fire extinguishment to unexpectedly solving lithium battery fires, Paul recounts LifeSafe’s evolution.

28:54 - 35:10 – Wildfire Pro: The Wildland Solution

A look at another LifeSafe product that pre-treats and protects areas from wildfires—complete with real-world testing anecdotes.

35:11 - 37:30 – Where to Learn More & Final Thoughts

Jake and Paul wrap up with resource links, testimonials, and a call for more emergency services to explore this promising tech.

• "Take it, try to make it not work." – A challenge from Paul that fueled six months of independent testing.
• “Even if you put it out, it’s just going to reignite.” – A belief shattered during the field trials.
• “I put my hand on red-hot embers—and it wasn’t even warm.” – Jake's firsthand experience with Wildfire Pro.
• "Every big fire starts as a small fire." – LifeSafe’s design philosophy behind multipurpose extinguishment fluids.

• Fire Suppression Solutions (FSS): Fire SS Contact Page
• UL Testing & Kiwa Certification: Details available on LifeSafe’s website.
• Hazmat Guys: www.thehazmatguys.com

Paul is the Chief Commercial Officer at LifeSafe Technologies. With over seven years at the company, he’s helped steer it from a multipurpose fluid concept to pioneering solutions for modern firefighting challenges, especially lithium-ion battery fires.

This week on the Hazard Class podcast, we dive deep into a compelling conversation with Jon Vought, a firefighter-paramedic from South Florida and the founder of Rescue 1 CBD. Jon shares his personal and professional journey—starting from growing up in a firefighting family to creating a CBD company aimed at supporting first responders. We explore the challenges of introducing hemp-derived products into emergency services, the scientific and regulatory landscape of CBD, and Jon’s commitment to safety, integrity, and transparency.

www.rescue1cbd.com

0:00 – 1:10 | Intro & Guest Welcome

Meet Jon Vought, a South Florida firefighter-paramedic and founder of Rescue 1 CBD. Introduction to the episode's theme.

1:11 – 2:52 | Wheel of Stupid Questions

The hosts debate whether Rambo in First Blood was a hero or a villain, illustrating the value of perspective.

2:53 – 6:53 | Jon’s Path into Firefighting

Jon talks about his firefighter mother’s influence, the Explorer program, and how equality in the fire service shaped his worldview.

6:54 – 12:15 | Early Career & First Fire Experience

Jon recounts his first fire and reflects on the excitement and responsibility of being a new firefighter.

12:16 – 20:25 | The Road to Rescue 1 CBD

A bad surgery recovery and interest in e-commerce lead Jon to CBD. He explains the challenges and motivations behind starting a CBD company specifically for first responders.

20:26 – 24:39 | Navigating Integrity in Business

Jon opens up about a pivotal moment at FDIC when a batch tested positive for THC and how integrity guided his decision to be transparent.

24:40 – 28:30 | CBD Manufacturing & Testing

Insight into Rescue 1 CBD’s meticulous manufacturing and lab-testing process to ensure 0.000% THC—critical for job safety in emergency services.

28:31 – 34:02 | Science & Skepticism

Jon discusses overcoming CBD skepticism by focusing on sleep, mood, and inflammation—backed by research and user results.

34:03 – 39:06 | The Future of THC in Emergency Services

A look at evolving policies, generational shifts, and comparisons to existing prescriptions to argue for thoughtful THC policy reforms.

39:07 – 42:45 | What’s Next for Rescue 1

Jon shares his openness to Rescue 1’s evolution (or closure) post-THC legalization and reveals a sneak peek into a new nicotine-free pouch product.

42:46 – 46:42 | Product Development and Wrap-Up

Jon details the development process of the new product, testing hiccups, and his plans for community-sourced naming and launch.

• “Don’t ever forget how excited you were to get this job.” – On staying passionate in the fire service.
• “If it doesn’t work for you, I’ll give your money back—no questions asked.” – On Rescue 1 CBD’s integrity-first approach.
• “This isn’t about getting on the Forbes list; it’s about helping people.” – On the mission behind Rescue 1.

In this poignant episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake welcomes Greensboro Fire Captain Justin Hite for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Justin shares his two-decade journey in the fire service, the unique path that led him there, and a brutally honest account of his struggles with mental health, including suicidal ideation. This episode breaks stigmas and highlights the importance of seeking help, finding the right support, and the transformative power of vulnerability and honesty in healing.

• 0:00 – 0:49 | Introduction
• Meet Justin Hite, Greensboro Fire Captain with nearly 20 years of service.
• 0:49 – 4:02 | Icebreaker – The Gorilla Debate
• A light-hearted discussion about whether 100 men could beat a gorilla in a fight.
• 4:03 – 8:53 | Justin’s Fire Service Origin Story
• From playing in a metalcore band to becoming a paramedic and firefighter.
• 8:54 – 15:27 | Climbing the Ranks
• First fire experiences, hazmat roles, promotions, and navigating station politics.
• 15:28 – 25:12 | When Things Fall Apart
• The catalyst: a close colleague’s suicide. Justin reflects on his downward mental health spiral.
• 25:13 – 33:13 | The Brink of Suicide
• Detailed account of Justin’s plan and preparations to end his life—and the moment that changed everything.
• 33:14 – 43:03 | Healing and Recovery
• TMS, ketamine therapy, EMDR, medication, and finding the right therapist.
• 43:04 – 47:37 | Organizational Support & Looking Ahead
• The role of the fire department and union in mental health. Hope for the future.

• “I wrote 14 letters…” – A hauntingly detailed moment where Justin shares how close he came to suicide.
• Ketamine Therapy & TMS – An informative dive into cutting-edge mental health treatments.
• Support Systems Matter – The pivotal role of peer support, therapy, and leadership in his recovery.
• “Just enjoy a mundane, regular Wednesday.” – Justin’s heartfelt new approach to life.

• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
• Ketamine Therapy for Depression
• IAFF Center of Excellence
• EMDR Therapy

Justin Hite

• Fire Captain, Greensboro Fire Department
• Mental health advocate
• Background in EMS and hazmat
• Musician and passionate supporter of first responder wellness

Justin Hite’s story is a raw and necessary reminder that even the strongest among us can face unimaginable battles. His courage in speaking out, seeking help, and committing to recovery is a beacon for others. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help—and hope—available.

In this compelling episode, We sit down with one of the most influential voices in the fire service, retired FDNY Lieutenant Ray McCormack. Known for his pivotal 2009 FDIC keynote, "A Culture of Extinguishment," McCormack opens up about his origins in the fire service, the legacy of bravery and tragedy in his family, and the philosophical rift in fire service culture surrounding safety and aggression. A powerful conversation unfolds about leadership, innovation, and the future of firefighting.

0:00 – 1:14 | Introduction and Icebreaker

• Host introduces the podcast and Ray McCormack.
• “Lieutenant Ray McCormack, do you believe in ghosts?”
• "Ghosts? I don't think so. No... But okay. You're going to take team no ghost."

2:25 – 5:06 | How Ray Got Into the Fire Service

• From CBS Television to firefighting by fate and family legacy.
• “I didn’t automatically want to follow in my father’s footsteps… but he was right. I would love it. And I did.”

5:06 – 7:33 | Childhood Memories and First Fire

• Reflections on visiting the firehouse and vivid memories of his first fire.
• “It was the whole package at one time… That was my first experience. Kind of vague, you know?”

7:33 – 9:57 | A Turning Point and the First Article

• Discovering a passion for writing through improving tools organization.
• “You can do more than just come to work. You can make a difference.”

9:58 – 13:34 | Journey into Teaching

• From writing to becoming an FDIC keynote speaker.
• “It takes time… The FDNY values time unofficially. You need the respect of your peers.”

13:34 – 17:19 | Impact of ‘A Culture of Extinguishment’ Speech

• Host shares a personal story of being inspired by Ray’s keynote.
• “Without your speech, I would not be a fireman now.”

17:20 – 23:30 | The Message Behind the Speech

• A critique of “safety culture” and the importance of aggressive, intelligent firefighting.
• “No one is asking you to go on a suicide mission… But you also have to be dependable.”

23:30 – 29:36 | Tactical Safety and Cultural Evolution

• Insights on incorporating safety into skills and procedures.
• “Aggressive is not bad. In fact, I want aggressive firefighters responding to my emergency.”

29:36 – 36:23 | The Force Nozzle and Innovation

• Development of a groundbreaking nozzle technology with HEN.
• “It reduces kinks and it fights for you… This little device fixes all that for you.”

• On finding purpose:
• “You can make a difference in how things go in the company at the firefighter level.”
• On firefighting philosophy:
• “Aggressive is not bad at all. I want a group of aggressive firefighters responding to my emergency.”
• On industry change:
• “Firefighting is local… But we can’t bury our heads in the sand. We must advance technically.”

• Ray McCormack’s 2009 FDIC Keynote: “A Culture of Extinguishment”
• HEN Force Nozzle – HENNozzles.com

• Position: Retired FDNY Lieutenant
• Experience: 39 years in the FDNY; author of the Engine Company Operations Manual
• Notable Work: 2009 FDIC Keynote, numerous fire service articles
• Affiliation: HEN Nozzles, FDIC Advisory Board

0:00–1:29 – Introduction

• Host sets the stage for Part 2 with Alexander Mariotti.
• Discusses themes of recognition and fame in ancient Rome.

1:30–2:48 – Power of Symbolism and Recognition

• The significance of Caesar’s face on coins.
• Quote: “How do you get recognized in ancient times? There's no exposure.”

2:49–3:47 – Interpreting the Movie Gladiator

• Emotional and philosophical takes on the film’s core message.
• Quote: “It’s about being worthy enough to meet his family in the afterlife.”

3:48–7:10 – Historical vs Cinematic Storytelling

• Mariotti’s collection of Gladiator props.
• The role of films in public historical awareness.

7:11–10:07 – On-Set Authenticity and Consulting

• Description of immersive historical sets.
• Accuracy challenges in scriptwriting.

10:08–13:08 – Historical Fiction and Spectacle

• Naval battles in the Colosseum.
• Quote: “It's not a documentary... It's an entertainment version of history.”

13:10–15:53 – Accuracy in Gladiator Films

• Differences between history and artistic liberties.
• Quote: “The costumes are wrong... but there's a lot that's right too.”

15:54–21:47 – Gladiators, Hercules, and Metaphor

• Parallels between Commodus’ death and Hercules myths.
• Philosophical lessons behind myths like the Hydra.

21:48–27:00 – Elysium, Legacy, and Gladiator 2 Reflections

• Mariotti’s personal story at the Gladiator filming location.
• Speculative improvements to Gladiator 2’s narrative.

27:01–31:03 – Gladiatorial Life and Freedom

• Historical accounts of gladiators earning freedom with the rudis.
• Quote: “He displayed virtus, reward him.”

31:04–36:00 – Gaps in Knowledge and Archaeological Advances

• Use of AI to read carbonized scrolls.
• How modern science fills historical gaps.

36:01–42:01 – Roman Entertainment and Engineering

• Crowd experiences, tailgating, and infrastructure.
• Quote: “They had toilets on every floor in 81 AD.”

42:02–46:28 – Rome’s Fall and Modern Parallels

• Warnings about societal collapse.
• Mariotti draws parallels with modern American governance.

46:29–57:00 – Learning from Rome

• Importance of history to inform future choices.
• Quote: “They condemned people to a thousand years of hardship.”

57:01–59:01 – Rome’s Enduring Allure

• Kinship with Rome through shared values and struggles.
• Final humorous note: “They believed in excellent facial hair.”

• “You wouldn’t use the word Colosseum... it's a medieval term.”
• “Even Homer's Iliad is historical fiction.”
• “Gladiators weren’t just brute fighters—they were trained like elite athletes.”
• “The lion’s hide represents pride, and strangling it symbolizes overcoming oneself.”
• “Rome didn’t have hell. So that line, ‘At my signal, unleash hell’—not Roman!”

0:00 – 1:44 | Introduction & Wheel of Stupid Questions

• Jake introduces the episode and Alexander Mariotti.
• Fun opener: “What’s the largest animal you think you could fight with your bare hands?”
• "In true gladiatorial fashion, a rhino at the moment." – Alexander Mariotti

1:45 – 3:34 | Why Gladiators?

• Alexander’s personal and familial connection to Roman history.
• His upbringing near the Colosseum inspired a lifelong passion.

3:35 – 6:26 | From Side Quest to Career

• Serendipitous journey into TV/film consulting and stunt work.
• How passion and historical expertise translated into a unique career path.

6:27 – 9:52 | Ancient Wisdom in Modern Life

• How Roman philosophy, especially Stoicism, shapes Mariotti’s worldview.
• "History is the teacher of life." – Alexander’s father
• Inspiration and resilience drawn from figures like Caesar and Spartacus.

9:53 – 14:37 | Gladiators: The Truth vs. The Myth

• Dispelling Hollywood misconceptions: Gladiators as athletes, not slaughter fodder.
• Gladiator games as structured, theatrical, and skillful performances.
• Comparison to modern MMA and WWE.

14:38 – 18:33 | Virtus: The Roman Philosophy of Manhood

• Mariotti explains "Virtus": physical and mental resilience.
• "The gladiator didn’t fight to die. He fought knowing death might come."

18:34 – 25:41 | A Day at the Colosseum: Immersive Storytelling

• Stunning reenactment of what attending a gladiator event felt like.
• "Trees would start to pop out of the ground, transforming the arena into a jungle."

25:42 – 30:12 | Economics and Power Behind the Games

• Games funded through sponsorship, not taxes.
• The emperor's role: political showmanship akin to NFL advertising.

30:13 – 34:47 | Executions & Public Spectacle

• Executions were about deterrence, not entertainment.
• Separation between criminal punishment and gladiator combat.

34:48 – 38:00 | Gladiators: Revered, Reviled, and Misunderstood

• Their celebrity status, contractual structure, and economic opportunity.
• "They were like reality stars: admired, desired, and judged."

38:01 – 44:08 | The Fall of the Gladiator Games

• Decline due to religion (Christianity), economy, and politics.
• "Religion, economy, and politics—those three always change the world."

44:09 – End | Communication & Spectacle in Ancient Rome

• Ingenious ways the Romans managed crowd communication without microphones.
• Discussion ends with enthusiasm for exploring Gladiator films (teased for a future episode).

• "History is the story of people whose lives never went the way they thought they would."
• "You are your champion gladiator — the same way you are your Super Bowl quarterback."
• "The only thing that changes are the actors. The play is the same." – Marcus Aurelius