HAZARD CLASS

Jake engages in a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jeff Burgess, an emergency physician, medical toxicologist, and professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Burgess leads groundbreaking research on reducing toxic exposures and cancer risks for firefighters. They delve into the challenges firefighters face, from job-related cancer risks to actionable prevention strategies. This is an essential listen for anyone in the emergency services or those invested in occupational health.

Video Exclusively on YouTube

Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Pick out some swag at ⁠thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/⁠

Follow us on the socials:

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Highlights and Timestamps

Introduction and Guest Overview (0:00 – 0:50)

- Jake introduces Dr. Jeff Burgess and highlights his extensive resume.

- Dr. Burgess's focus on firefighter health and cancer research.

The Wheel of Stupid Questions (0:51 – 4:13)

- Jake’s humorous question: "Sock-sock-shoe-shoe or sock-shoe-sock-shoe?"

- Light-hearted insights into Dr. Burgess's daily routine.

- Transition to Dr. Burgess's career path and medical journey.

Dr. Burgess's Career Journey (4:14 – 7:30)

- Transition from emergency medicine to medical toxicology and research.

- Initial inspiration: occupational exposures in miners.

- Early interactions with firefighters during medical toxicology training.

Cancer Risks for Firefighters (7:31 – 14:29)

- Increased cancer risks for firefighters compared to the general population.

- Comparisons between firefighting exposures and other carcinogens like smoking.

- Personal health, DNA predisposition, and environmental factors in cancer risk.

Firefighting Exposure and Protective Measures (14:30 – 23:51)

- Key toxic exposures: soot, smoke, PFAS chemicals, and shift work stress.

- Importance of reducing exposure with measures like SCBA use and gear cleaning.

- Study results: 40% exposure reduction for engineers on SCBA; 33% reduction with on-scene gear washing.

Focus Areas in Current Research (23:52 – 32:08)

- Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS) initiatives: PFAS levels, reproductive health, mental health.

- Specific studies on interventions, such as saunas and nutraceuticals.

- Insights into latency periods and the long-term impact of cancer prevention strategies.

Practical Advice for Firefighters (32:09 – 35:05)

- Importance of "shower within the hour" after fires.

- Keeping turnout gear away from living quarters to minimize exposure.

- How firefighters can directly support and engage in research efforts.

Key Takeaways

- Firefighters face unique occupational health risks, including higher cancer rates and adverse reproductive health effects.

- Simple measures like SCBA use, on-scene washing, and immediate showers can significantly reduce toxic exposures.

- Long-term research, like the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, aims to provide deeper insights into these risks.

⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

www.ffccs.org⁠

Podcast Summary

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, host Jake engages in a fascinating discussion with Dr. Jeff Burgess, an emergency physician, medical toxicologist, and professor at the University of Arizona. Dr. Burgess leads groundbreaking research on reducing toxic exposures and cancer risks for firefighters. They delve into the challenges firefighters face, from job-related cancer risks to actionable prevention strategies. This is an essential listen for anyone in the emergency services or those invested in occupational health.

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/

VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE!

Follow us on the socials:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

TikTok

Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Highlights and Timestamps

Introduction and Guest Overview (0:00 – 0:50)

- Jake introduces Dr. Jeff Burgess and highlights his extensive resume.

- Dr. Burgess's focus on firefighter health and cancer research.

The Wheel of Stupid Questions (0:51 – 4:13)

- Jake’s humorous question: "Sock-sock-shoe-shoe or sock-shoe-sock-shoe?"

- Light-hearted insights into Dr. Burgess's daily routine.

- Transition to Dr. Burgess's career path and medical journey.

Dr. Burgess's Career Journey (4:14 – 7:30)

- Transition from emergency medicine to medical toxicology and research.

- Initial inspiration: occupational exposures in miners.

- Early interactions with firefighters during medical toxicology training.

Cancer Risks for Firefighters (7:31 – 14:29)

- Increased cancer risks for firefighters compared to the general population.

- Comparisons between firefighting exposures and other carcinogens like smoking.

- Personal health, DNA predisposition, and environmental factors in cancer risk.

Firefighting Exposure and Protective Measures (14:30 – 23:51)

- Key toxic exposures: soot, smoke, PFAS chemicals, and shift work stress.

- Importance of reducing exposure with measures like SCBA use and gear cleaning.

- Study results: 40% exposure reduction for engineers on SCBA; 33% reduction with on-scene gear washing.

Focus Areas in Current Research (23:52 – 32:08)

- Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS) initiatives: PFAS levels, reproductive health, mental health.

- Specific studies on interventions, such as saunas and nutraceuticals.

- Insights into latency periods and the long-term impact of cancer prevention strategies.

Practical Advice for Firefighters (32:09 – 35:05)

- Importance of "shower within the hour" after fires.

- Keeping turnout gear away from living quarters to minimize exposure.

- How firefighters can directly support and engage in research efforts.

Key Takeaways

- Firefighters face unique occupational health risks, including higher cancer rates and adverse reproductive health effects.

- Simple measures like SCBA use, on-scene washing, and immediate showers can significantly reduce toxic exposures.

- Long-term research, like the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, aims to provide deeper insights into these risks.

In this this special BONUS EPISODE the tables are turned!

Bobby and Mike, of The Haz Mat Guys interview me about why I chose to start a podcast, what I've learned so far and what I hope to learn in the future. Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of HAZARD CLASS if we didn't talk about some stupid questions too. (Hopefully I can shed some light on what that is all about too)

Check them out at:www.thehazmatguys.com or on all major social media platforms @TheHazMatGuys

Episode Summary:

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Jake Ryks, firefighter, podcaster, and the creative force behind the "Hazard Class" podcast. Jake shares the journey of creating a show that blends curiosity and insight, featuring interviews with experts ranging from toxicologists to film directors. From thought-provoking discussions to quirky debates like whether a hot dog is a sandwich, Jake’s unique approach makes complex topics accessible and engaging.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

- [3:57 - 4:15]: Setting the Scene

 - Jake joins the show live from a behind-the-scenes setup, ready to dive into his podcasting adventures.

- [4:15 - 4:39]: The Birth of "Hazard Class"

 - Jake introduces his podcast, explaining the concept of asking "stupid questions to smart people" to spark engaging conversations.

- [4:39 - 5:26]: Diverse Guest Line-Up

 - From firefighters to toxicologists, Jake discusses the curated nature of his guest list and his inspiration to explore beyond the world of hazmat.

- [5:26 - 6:58]: The Podcast's Unique Flavor

 - Jake draws comparisons between his podcast and "Joe Rogan for firemen," emphasizing his aim to bring relatable and inspiring conversations to his audience.

- [7:15 - 8:21]: Behind the Scenes: Booking Guests

 - From cold calls to creative sleuthing by his wife, Jake shares how he secures interviews with fascinating individuals, including an upcoming episode with Santa Claus (yes, really!).

- [10:11 - 13:53]: Key Lessons from Podcasting

 - Jake reflects on guests’ willingness to share, the importance of mentoring, and how deep conversations with experts enhance both his life and audience knowledge.

- [14:02 - 14:20]: Philosophy of Asking Questions

 - The power of vulnerability and asking foundational questions to uncover new perspectives and insights.

- [19:24 - 22:12]: The "Stupid Question Wheel"

 - Jake explains the comedic yet purposeful use of a random question wheel to kickstart conversations with guests.

- [26:04 - 27:07]: Expanding Horizons

 - Teasing future episodes with guests from diverse fields, including a Top Gun pilot.

- [27:07 - 29:04]: Call to Action

 - Jake invites listeners to connect, recommend guests, and share their own stories for potential interviews.

Key Moments

- A Santa Claus Surprise: Jake’s Christmas special features a fascinating guest who legally changed his name to Santa Claus and devotes his life to charitable work.

- Episode 4 Highlight: A deep dive into firefighting documentaries with director Tom Putnam.

- Memorable Questions: Exploring the debate about hot dogs as sandwiches and whether a straw has one or two holes?

- Email Jake: Have a unique story? Reach out at [email protected] (with a hyphen).

Episode Summary

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Jake Ryks, firefighter, podcaster, and the creative force behind the "Hazard Class" podcast. Jake shares the journey of creating a show that blends curiosity and insight, featuring interviews with experts ranging from toxicologists to film directors. From thought-provoking discussions to quirky debates like whether a hot dog is a sandwich, Jake’s unique approach makes complex topics accessible and engaging.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

- [3:57 - 4:15]: Setting the Scene

 - Jake joins the show live from a behind-the-scenes setup, ready to dive into his podcasting adventures.

- [4:15 - 4:39]: The Birth of "Hazard Class"

 - Jake introduces his podcast, explaining the concept of asking "stupid questions to smart people" to spark engaging conversations.

- [4:39 - 5:26]: Diverse Guest Line-Up

 - From firefighters to toxicologists, Jake discusses the curated nature of his guest list and his inspiration to explore beyond the world of hazmat.

- [5:26 - 6:58]: The Podcast's Unique Flavor

 - Jake draws comparisons between his podcast and "Joe Rogan for firemen," emphasizing his aim to bring relatable and inspiring conversations to his audience.

- [7:15 - 8:21]: Behind the Scenes: Booking Guests

 - From cold calls to creative sleuthing by his wife, Jake shares how he secures interviews with fascinating individuals, including an upcoming episode with Santa Claus (yes, really!).

- [10:11 - 13:53]: Key Lessons from Podcasting

 - Jake reflects on guests’ willingness to share, the importance of mentoring, and how deep conversations with experts enhance both his life and audience knowledge.

- [14:02 - 14:20]: Philosophy of Asking Questions

 - The power of vulnerability and asking foundational questions to uncover new perspectives and insights.

- [19:24 - 22:12]: The "Stupid Question Wheel"

 - Jake explains the comedic yet purposeful use of a random question wheel to kickstart conversations with guests.

- [26:04 - 27:07]: Expanding Horizons

 - Teasing future episodes with guests from diverse fields, including a Top Gun pilot.

- [27:07 - 29:04]: Call to Action

 - Jake invites listeners to connect, recommend guests, and share their own stories for potential interviews.

Key Moments

- A Santa Claus Surprise: Jake’s Christmas special features a fascinating guest who legally changed his name to Santa Claus and devotes his life to charitable work.

- Episode 4 Highlight: A deep dive into firefighting documentaries with director Tom Putnam.

- Memorable Questions: Exploring the debate about hot dogs as sandwiches and whether a straw has one or two holes.

Resources and References

- Hazard Class Podcast: Available on major streaming platforms. Video episodes on YouTube.

- Director Tom Putnam: Creator of Burn and Into the Unknown (2024 release).

- Email Jake: Have a unique story? Reach out at [email protected] (with a hyphen).

Patrick Durham, a fire captain and mechanical engineer with 15 years of experience in firefighting and EV battery safety. Patrick shares his journey from automotive R&D to spearheading fire safety training focused on electric vehicles (EVs). We explore the science behind lithium-ion batteries, their challenges, and the evolving strategies for managing EV fires. Whether you're in emergency services or just curious about the future of electric vehicles, this episode is packed with knowledge and actionable insights.

Video Exclusively on YouTube

Check out StacheD Training Links:

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Pick out some swag at ⁠thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/⁠

VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE!

Follow us on the socials:

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Breakdown and Timestamps

- 0:00 - 1:48 | Introduction to Patrick Durham

 Jake introduces the episode and guest Patrick Durham, highlighting his extensive experience in EV battery safety and fire training. Patrick shares a brief overview of his work and collaborations with major organizations like UL Fire Service Research Institute and SAE.

- 1:50 - 2:16 | Icebreaker: Do You Believe in Aliens?

 Patrick entertains a fun icebreaker question about aliens, adding humor to the conversation.

- 2:16 - 3:24 | Journey into EV Battery Safety

 Patrick recounts his transition from automotive engineering to fire safety training and how a simple station presentation sparked a larger initiative.

- 3:25 - 7:06 | Understanding Lithium-Ion Batteries

 A primer on how lithium-ion batteries work, their high energy density, and why they pose unique challenges in fire safety.

- 7:07 - 9:35 | Challenges in EV Fire Response

 Discussion on the difficulties of cooling EV battery fires, including examples of innovations like Tesla's venting systems and the let-it-burn strategy.

- 9:36 - 12:25 | Industry Progress and Safety Gaps

 Insights into how some manufacturers prioritize safety features while others fall behind, creating a safety gradient across EV models.

- 12:27 - 14:42 | Evaluating EV Firefighting Products

 Patrick advises departments on discerning effective products from ineffective ones, emphasizing the importance of scientific validation.

- 14:43 - 17:12 | Battery Myth Busters

 Patrick busts myths about lithium-ion batteries, from their extinguishability to storage tips for cold climates.

- 17:13 - 19:41 | Thermal Runaway and Battery Design

 In-depth look at how cell design impacts thermal runaway and what this means for fire safety.

- 19:42 - 20:23 | The Debate on Foam Usage

 Patrick explains why foam is ineffective for EV fires and stresses the need for targeted cooling.

- 20:24 - 23:30 | Is It All Worth It?

 The pros and cons of EV adoption and what the future holds for battery safety, engineering, and emergency response strategies.

- 23:31 - 23:32 | Outro and Call to Action

 Patrick shares where listeners can find him online and details about his training programs.

Key Moments and Quotes

- "The more energy you store, the more potential you have for a violent reaction when it fails." – Patrick Durham

- "Unfortunately, we're dealing with legacy issues—these batteries aren't going away overnight, and neither are the challenges."

- "Having a PIO ready to explain the let-it-burn strategy is crucial to managing public perception during EV fires."

Guest Information

Patrick Durham

- Website: www.StacheDTraining.com

- YouTube: StacheD Training Channel

- Specialization: EV fire safety training and incident analy

⁠https://stachedtraining.com⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StacheDTraining⁠

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/

VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE!

Follow us on the socials:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

TikTok

Thanks for listening and watching!

Episode Breakdown and Timestamps

- 0:00 - 1:48 | Introduction to Patrick Durham

 Jake introduces the episode and guest Patrick Durham, highlighting his extensive experience in EV battery safety and fire training. Patrick shares a brief overview of his work and collaborations with major organizations like UL Fire Service Research Institute and SAE.

- 1:50 - 2:16 | Icebreaker: Do You Believe in Aliens?

 Patrick entertains a fun icebreaker question about aliens, adding humor to the conversation.

- 2:16 - 3:24 | Journey into EV Battery Safety

 Patrick recounts his transition from automotive engineering to fire safety training and how a simple station presentation sparked a larger initiative.

- 3:25 - 7:06 | Understanding Lithium-Ion Batteries

 A primer on how lithium-ion batteries work, their high energy density, and why they pose unique challenges in fire safety.

- 7:07 - 9:35 | Challenges in EV Fire Response

 Discussion on the difficulties of cooling EV battery fires, including examples of innovations like Tesla's venting systems and the let-it-burn strategy.

- 9:36 - 12:25 | Industry Progress and Safety Gaps

 Insights into how some manufacturers prioritize safety features while others fall behind, creating a safety gradient across EV models.

- 12:27 - 14:42 | Evaluating EV Firefighting Products

 Patrick advises departments on discerning effective products from ineffective ones, emphasizing the importance of scientific validation.

- 14:43 - 17:12 | Battery Myth Busters

 Patrick busts myths about lithium-ion batteries, from their extinguishability to storage tips for cold climates.

- 17:13 - 19:41 | Thermal Runaway and Battery Design

 In-depth look at how cell design impacts thermal runaway and what this means for fire safety.

- 19:42 - 20:23 | The Debate on Foam Usage

 Patrick explains why foam is ineffective for EV fires and stresses the need for targeted cooling.

- 20:24 - 23:30 | Is It All Worth It?

 The pros and cons of EV adoption and what the future holds for battery safety, engineering, and emergency response strategies.

- 23:31 - 23:32 | Outro and Call to Action

 Patrick shares where listeners can find him online and details about his training programs.

Key Moments and Quotes

- "The more energy you store, the more potential you have for a violent reaction when it fails." – Patrick Durham

- "Unfortunately, we're dealing with legacy issues—these batteries aren't going away overnight, and neither are the challenges."

- "Having a PIO ready to explain the let-it-burn strategy is crucial to managing public perception during EV fires."

Guest Information

Patrick Durham

- Website: www.StacheDTraining.com

- YouTube: StacheD Training Channel

- Specialization: EV fire safety training and incident analysis.

Dr. Glenn Landry, a seasoned sleep researcher specializing in human sleep optimization and circadian rhythms. Dr. Landry shares practical advice on improving sleep health, especially for those who face the challenges of shift work, such as first responders. They delve into the science behind sleep, the impact of sleep debt, and how first responders can achieve elite, performance-enhancing sleep amidst demanding schedules. This episode is packed with actionable strategies tailored to improve sleep quality, well-being, and long-term health for shift workers.

Resources

Dr. Glenn Landry’s Program: Surviving Shift Work

Contact Dr. Glenn Landry:

[email protected]

www.neosperformance.com

Online Surviving Shift Work Course:

education.elitesleep.ca/courses/surviving-shift-work

40% discount coupon code: 

hazard2024

Episode 0005

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/

VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE!

Follow us on the socials:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

TikTok

Thanks for listening and watching!

Overview:

In this insightful episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake Ryks welcomes Dr. Glenn Landry, a seasoned sleep researcher specializing in human sleep optimization and circadian rhythms. Dr. Landry shares practical advice on improving sleep health, especially for those who face the challenges of shift work, such as first responders. They delve into the science behind sleep, the impact of sleep debt, and how first responders can achieve elite, performance-enhancing sleep amidst demanding schedules. This episode is packed with actionable strategies tailored to improve sleep quality, well-being, and long-term health for shift workers.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

[0:01 - 1:03] Introduction to Dr. Glenn Landry

Host introduces Dr. Landry, a sleep expert with 30 years of experience. They set the stage for discussing sleep science, shift work, and overcoming sleep challenges.

[1:04 - 2:02] Humor Break: Grizzly Bear vs. Tiger vs. Gorilla

Host spins a “wheel of stupid questions,” leading to a playful debate over who would win in a hypothetical animal showdown.

[2:02 - 4:37] Dr. Landry’s Personal Journey

Dr. Landry recounts his personal struggles with sleep and how his diagnosis with delayed sleep phase disorder ignited his lifelong interest in sleep science.

[4:37 - 10:20] Life-Changing Moments in Sleep Science

Dr. Landry describes three pivotal moments that shaped his career, including discovering the power of circadian rhythms, understanding the health implications of sleep, and his shift from academia to community-focused sleep coaching.

[10:20 - 12:17] What is “Elite Sleep”?

An explanation of elite, performance-enhancing sleep. Dr. Landry emphasizes that it’s not just about hours slept but the quality and architecture of sleep.

[12:18 - 14:56] The 7-9 Hour Rule

Discusses the consensus in sleep science: adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to perform at their best and avoid triggering the body’s emergency systems.

[14:56 - 16:52] Modern Society’s Sleep Problem

A look into how societal demands have disrupted natural sleep cycles and why age-related sleep issues are now appearing in younger people.

[16:53 - 20:22] The Early Bird vs. Night Owl Debate

Dr. Landry dispels the myth that early risers are inherently more productive, offering ways for night owls to shift their rhythms to fit structured schedules.

[20:23 - 21:15] Sleep as a “Team-Based Sport”

Advice on how couples with differing sleep schedules can synchronize their routines, especially relevant for first responders with rotating shifts.

[21:16 - 24:03] Surviving Shift Work

Introduction to Dr. Landry’s program, “Surviving Shift Work,” which helps individuals manage circadian rhythms and light exposure for healthier sleep on night shifts.

[24:04 - 26:25] The “Danger Zones” for Sleep Deprivation

Insights into high-risk times for fatigue, specifically 2 a.m. - 6 a.m. and early afternoon, when alertness naturally dips.

[26:26 - 29:51] Managing Light and Meal Times

Dr. Landry details strategies for anchoring circadian rhythms through controlled light exposure and meal timing, even when working variable shifts.

[29:52 - 33:23] Sleep Debt: A Real Problem

Explanation of sleep debt, its effects, and how even minor sleep shortages accumulate into a serious deficit, affecting performance and learning.

[33:24 - 36:17] Effective Napping Techniques for Shift Workers

Advice on daytime and nighttime naps, their importance, and how firefighters can utilize naps to mitigate fatigue during long shifts.

[36:18 - 38:45] Overcoming “Grogginess” after Naps

Dr. Landry addresses sleep inertia and why people often feel groggy after finally catching up on sleep, likening it to a body going into repair mode.

[38:46 - 39:46] Reducing “Exhaust” from Wakefulness

Tips on how lifestyle choices, such as breaking up sedentary time, help manage the “exhaust” produced by staying awake.

[41:09 - 41:57] Caffeine and Nicotine’s Impact on Sleep

The episode covers the effects of nicotine and caffeine on sleep, with Dr. Landry explaining how these stimulants interfere with sleep quality, especially in shift work.

[45:53 - End] Resources and Call to Action

Dr. Landry shares how listeners can learn more through Neos Performance and his program on shift work survival.

Key Takeaways

Circadian Rhythms Matter: Sleep is heavily impacted by timing. Shift workers can optimize sleep by aligning their routines with their natural rhythms as much as possible.

Surviving Shift Work: Managing light exposure, meal timing, and strategic napping are vital tools for those working irregular hours.

Sleep Debt is Real: Small sleep deficits add up quickly and have lasting effects on performance and learning ability.

Sleep Quality Over Quantity: Quality of sleep stages matters; fragmented sleep, often a side-effect of caffeine and nicotine, prevents full recovery.

Resources

Dr. Glenn Landry’s Program: Surviving Shift Work

Contact: Dr. Glenn Landry - [email protected]

Call to Action:

If you found this episode valuable, consider following the Hazard Class Podcast and sharing it with friends and colleagues. Connect with Dr. Landry for personalized advice on optimizing sleep for shift work and follow Hazard Class Podcast for more insights from experts in emergency services and health.

Let’s work towards elite sleep for peak performance and well-being!

⁠www.detriotfirefilms.org⁠

⁠www.intotheunknowndoc.com⁠

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠

Pick out some swag at ⁠thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/⁠

Follow us on the socials:

⁠YouTube⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠TikTok⁠

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps and Segment Breakdown

[00:00 - 00:54] – Introduction to the Guest and His Work

- Jake introduces Tom Putnam, a filmmaker known for his documentary work, particularly Burn and the upcoming Into the Unknown, which follows EMS workers across the country.

- Brief overview of Tom's career and the cultural impact of his films on the fire and EMS communities.

[00:55 - 01:23] – Tom’s Greeting

- Tom thanks Jake for having him on the podcast.

- Jake shares how Burn has influenced his own career in the fire and EMS fields.

[01:24 - 03:13] – Spin the Wheel of Stupid Questions

- Jake spins the “Wheel of Stupid Questions,” and they dive into a lighthearted discussion about whether John Rambo is the good or bad guy in First Blood.

- Tom shares his thoughts on Rambo’s character, sparking a fun conversation about the film's deeper themes.

[03:14 - 05:33] – Tom's Journey into Filmmaking

- Tom shares his childhood interest in filmmaking and journalism, which led him to major in both at USC.

- He talks about how documentaries became a perfect blend of his passions, combining storytelling with real-life investigative journalism.

[05:34 - 08:07] – Making Documentaries vs. Feature Films

- Tom explains the differences between working on feature films and documentaries, highlighting the challenges of documentaries, which often take years to complete.

- He also shares the joy of working without actors, giving documentaries a unique authenticity.

[08:08 - 11:35] – Crafting the Story in a Documentary

- Tom describes how his plans for a documentary often change based on what he captures, with the story naturally evolving over time.

- He recounts how Burn started with one idea but ended up taking a different path due to unexpected real-life events.

[11:36 - 15:08] – Tom’s Personal Connection to Firefighting

- Tom reflects on a personal experience from his childhood—watching his home burn down, which left a lasting impact on him.

- He discusses how this experience fueled his desire to understand and document the fire service, especially the tragic death of Detroit firefighter Walter Harris, which inspired Burn.

[15:09 - 19:58] – The Human Side of Firefighters

- Tom and Jake explore how Burn captures the raw, unfiltered humanity of firefighters—their triumphs, struggles, and the emotional toll of the job.

[19:59 - 23:44] – Capturing EMS in Into the Unknown

- Jake shares his initial reactions to Into the Unknown, praising its authentic portrayal of EMS work.

- Tom explains how the film focuses on the raw emotions and stresses EMS workers face daily, and how it captures the reality of working in emergency services.

[23:45 - 30:03] – Gaining Access and Trust

- Tom reveals the challenges of gaining trust and navigating legal barriers, especially with HIPAA laws, to film real EMS scenes.

- He explains the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while still capturing powerful moments.

[30:04 - 34:49] – Mental Health in Emergency Services

- The conversation shifts to the mental health challenges that first responders face, with Tom detailing how Into the Unknown highlights this critical issue.

- He discusses how trauma is compacted in today’s emergency service roles, which has long-term effects on the mental health of firefighters and paramedics.

[34:50 - 39:45] – Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Films

- Tom shares details about how the EMS community has responded to Into the Unknown and reflects on the impact he hopes the film will have, including awareness of mental health issues in EMS.

- Final remarks on where listeners can find his films and upcoming projects.

www.detriotfirefilms.org

www.intotheunknowndoc.com

“ASK YOUR STUPID QUESTIONS TO SMART PEOPLE”

Contact us at [email protected]

Pick out some swag at thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/

VIDEO PODCAST AVAILABLE FREE ON YOUTUBE!

Follow us on the socials:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

TikTok

Thanks for listening and watching!

Timestamps and Segment Breakdown

[00:00 - 00:54] – Introduction to the Guest and His Work

- Jake introduces Tom Putnam, a filmmaker known for his documentary work, particularly Burn and the upcoming Into the Unknown, which follows EMS workers across the country.

- Brief overview of Tom's career and the cultural impact of his films on the fire and EMS communities.

[00:55 - 01:23] – Tom’s Greeting

- Tom thanks Jake for having him on the podcast.

- Jake shares how Burn has influenced his own career in the fire and EMS fields.

[01:24 - 03:13] – Spin the Wheel of Stupid Questions

- Jake spins the “Wheel of Stupid Questions,” and they dive into a lighthearted discussion about whether John Rambo is the good or bad guy in First Blood.

- Tom shares his thoughts on Rambo’s character, sparking a fun conversation about the film's deeper themes.

[03:14 - 05:33] – Tom's Journey into Filmmaking

- Tom shares his childhood interest in filmmaking and journalism, which led him to major in both at USC.

- He talks about how documentaries became a perfect blend of his passions, combining storytelling with real-life investigative journalism.

[05:34 - 08:07] – Making Documentaries vs. Feature Films

- Tom explains the differences between working on feature films and documentaries, highlighting the challenges of documentaries, which often take years to complete.

- He also shares the joy of working without actors, giving documentaries a unique authenticity.

[08:08 - 11:35] – Crafting the Story in a Documentary

- Tom describes how his plans for a documentary often change based on what he captures, with the story naturally evolving over time.

- He recounts how Burn started with one idea but ended up taking a different path due to unexpected real-life events.

[11:36 - 15:08] – Tom’s Personal Connection to Firefighting

- Tom reflects on a personal experience from his childhood—watching his home burn down, which left a lasting impact on him.

- He discusses how this experience fueled his desire to understand and document the fire service, especially the tragic death of Detroit firefighter Walter Harris, which inspired Burn.

[15:09 - 19:58] – The Human Side of Firefighters

- Tom and Jake explore how Burn captures the raw, unfiltered humanity of firefighters—their triumphs, struggles, and the emotional toll of the job.

- Tom emphasizes that showing the reality of the job, rather than a glamorized version, makes firefighters' actions even more heroic.

[19:59 - 23:44] – Capturing EMS in Into the Unknown

- Jake shares his initial reactions to Into the Unknown, praising its authentic portrayal of EMS work.

- Tom explains how the film focuses on the raw emotions and stresses EMS workers face daily, and how it captures the reality of working in emergency services.

[23:45 - 30:03] – Gaining Access and Trust

- Tom reveals the challenges of gaining trust and navigating legal barriers, especially with HIPAA laws, to film real EMS scenes.

- He explains the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while still capturing powerful moments.

[30:04 - 34:49] – Mental Health in Emergency Services

- The conversation shifts to the mental health challenges that first responders face, with Tom detailing how Into the Unknown highlights this critical issue.

- He discusses how trauma is compacted in today’s emergency service roles, which has long-term effects on the mental health of firefighters and paramedics.

[34:50 - 39:45] – Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Films

- Tom shares details about how the EMS community has responded to Into the Unknown and reflects on the impact he hopes the film will have, including awareness of mental health issues in EMS.

- Final remarks on where listeners can find his films and upcoming projects.