By Keep the Promise
Keep the Promise host TJ shares strategies and tactics to survive - and thrive - on and off the job. Discover how to fuel your body, mind, and spirit so you can have the energy to perform on scene
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4.6
7676 ratings
The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.
On Part 2 of this series with Barrett Pittman, we explore various aspects of being a firefighter. Join us as we discuss the importance of finding one’s why in the fire service to avoid burnout and stay passionate.
Reflecting on the significance of brotherhood and community, our conversation touches on the modern-day challenges and misconceptions about the fire service camaraderie.
This episode also addresses the dark side of the job, including mental health struggles and the importance of talking to each other.
Finally, we reflect on balancing job dedication with personal life, and provide advice for both current and future firefighters.
00:57 The Brotherhood and Fire Service Connections
05:07 Generational Changes in the Fire Service
09:10 The Dark Side of the Fire Service
11:32 Balancing Fire Service and Personal Life
21:23 The Importance of Therapy
23:49 Reflections on Retirement and Legacy
34:13 Advice to My Younger Self
37:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
This episode explores the complexities of decision-making in firefighting, particularly focusing on leadership in uncertain and ambiguous situations.
Expect to learn:
...and so much more.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Decision Making
00:29 Leadership in the Gray Areas
01:10 Understanding Complex Decisions
03:00 Skills for Navigating Gray Areas
04:58 Case Study: Leadership Challenges
08:04 Strategies for Making Tough Decisions
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
In this episode of the Keep the Promise Podcast, we explore maintaining passion and engagement within the fire service. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of being a firefighter, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and creating a positive firehouse culture.
You will learn:
This conversation, featuring returning guest and Smoke Diver Barrett Pittman, also covers the evolving nature of firefighting and how networking beyond your department can provide new perspectives and solutions.
00:39 Revisiting Past Episodes
01:58 Challenges in the Fire Service
03:22 Maintaining Passion and Overcoming Burnout
03:44 Barrett's Journey into the Fire Service
05:12 The Importance of Fire Service Culture
07:58 Engaging and Training Firefighters
11:03 Mentorship and Leadership in the Fire Service
24:03 The Role of Informal Leaders
28:48 Empowerment and Micromanagement
34:02 Networking and Brotherhood
39:50 Finding Your 'Why' in the Fire Service
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time for raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the firefighter community.
In this episode, we discuss why this month matters, explore the unique challenges faced by firefighters, and highlight impactful measures like safe firearm storage and mental health check-ins.
Learn how creating buffers during crises, encouraging open conversations, and fostering strong relationships can save lives.
Join us in making a commitment to prioritize mental health and resilience, ensuring that suicide prevention is a year-round effort.
00:00 Introduction to Suicide Prevention Month
00:38 The Impact on Firefighters
01:41 Firearm Safety and Suicide Prevention
02:25 Creating a Buffer: Suicide Prevention by Design
04:54 The Importance of Talking and Community Support
07:51 Preplanning for Personal Crises
12:38 Building Resilience: Physical Fitness and Mindfulness
13:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
This episode of the Keep the Promise podcast focuses on the importance of proactive mental health practices within the fire service. Guest Sammy Freyta discusses breaking harmful cycles and the evolution of peer teams into a more integrated, supportive system within fire departments. By embedding mental fitness training and practicing Stoicism actively, Sammy and her team are promoting a culture where every firefighter is equipped to support their peers. She underscores the importance of doing hard things and the strength required to seek help. Listen to learn how small departments are leading change and why addressing mental health head-on is crucial.
00:35 Peer Teams vs. CISM Teams
00:50 The Utopia Fire Department Vision
01:57 Building Strong Relationships with Peer Teams
03:27 Alive Minded: A New Approach to Mental Fitness
03:55 The Role of Stoicism in Mental Fitness
04:49 Proactive Mental Health Culture
06:46 Challenges and Successes of Peer Teams
24:22 The Importance of Basic Self-Care
26:11 Emerging Trends in Mental Health for First Responders
32:41 Personal Reflections and Failures
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
Effective leadership goes beyond titles and appearances. In this episode, we explore the essence of true leadership and how to foster a supportive culture within the fire service.
We discuss key elements like building trust, setting clear expectations, and the importance of mentorship and work-life balance. Learn strategies to maintain team harmony, encourage open communication, and develop professional skills to ensure better service to the community.
Join us as we explore how to embody humility, empathy, accountability, and technical proficiency in leadership roles.
00:00 Introduction to Effective Leadership
01:52 The Importance of Trust in Teams
02:20 Building and Maintaining Trust
04:18 Mentorship and Development
05:12 Work-Life Balance in the Fire Service
06:14 Leadership and Accountability
10:00 Implementing Effective Communication
11:09 Conclusion: The Essence of a Successful Team
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, host TJ is joined by guest Sammy Freyta, a therapist specializing in counseling first responders and military personnel. Sammy shares her journey from broadcast journalism to therapy, emphasizing the importance of mental fitness over traditional therapy. The episode delves into creative processes like art therapy and tailored coping strategies to help first responders manage trauma and improve communication with loved ones. Sammy and her firefighter husband Dave work together to provide on-site mental fitness coaching, breaking down stigmas and offering practical advice for a healthier fire service community.
02:30 Meet Sammy Freyta
03:25 Sammy's Background and Career Shift
07:34 The Role of Art in Therapy
15:04 Working with First Responders
24:27 Building Mental Fitness
28:51 Coping Strategies and Communication
35:11 Peer Teams vs. Critical Incident Stress Management
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
In the second installment of our conversation with Sean Conant of FILO Apparel, we discuss the alarming statistics of firefighter suicides, with nearly 100 reported cases each year due to job-related stress. We introduce Next Rung, a nonprofit supporting mental health within the fire service, and highlight FILO Apparel's initiative, including their coffee brand FILO Fuel, aimed at supporting this cause. Sean also covers the importance of both physical safety through PFAS-free gear and mental health support. The episode also explores the entrepreneurial challenges within the fire service and the significance of creating lasting, positive impacts.
00:00 The Alarming Reality of Firefighter Suicides
00:56 Challenges with Firefighter Apparel
01:36 Addressing Critics and Marketing Strategies
03:37 Supporting Mental Health with Next Rung
03:51 FILO Fuel: Coffee with a Cause
05:44 The Importance of Mental Health in the Fire Service
17:05 Entrepreneurial Lessons in the Fire Service
21:52 Future Goals and Legacy of FILO
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, TJ interviews Sean from FILO Apparel, a firefighter-owned company dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and PFAS-free station wear. The discussion covers Sean’s journey into the fire service, the inception of FILO Apparel, and the challenges and successes in establishing a company that stays true to its mission of supporting line firefighters. They also explore the impact of uniform allowances, the importance of quick turnaround times, and how FILO plans to maintain its integrity and mission as it grows.
00:00 Introduction and Mission Statement
01:15 Meet Sean from FILO Apparel
02:13 Sean's Journey into the Fire Service
08:42 Starting FILO Apparel
13:21 Challenges and Successes
17:00 Customer Feedback and Future Plans
27:59 Addressing Critics
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
In the second installment of our series with Jon Vought from Rescue 1 CBD, we discuss the evolving relationship between marijuana use and the fire service. The conversation covers legal nuances, state-specific precedents, and the slow shift towards acceptance of marijuana, especially for first responders.
We can't explore the challenges of marijuana within the fire service without highlighting the benefits of CBD, particularly for sleep and inflammation, given that CBD is legal and THC-free (if you order from reputable suppliers like Jon).
Rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, while a step forward, is not an immediate game-changer for fire departments.
00:00 Introduction and Legal Landscape
00:29 State-Specific Legal Challenges
01:35 Employer Policies and Employee Rights
04:28 Medical Marijuana Misconceptions
10:27 CBD vs. THC: Benefits and Misunderstandings
16:44 Personal Experiences and Advocacy
20:51 Introduction to CBD Product Line
21:10 Topical CBD Product Details
23:34 CBD Sleep Formula Insights
24:29 Terpenes and Their Effects
29:03 Future Plans and Collaborations
33:20 Closing Remarks and Community Shoutout
What did you think of the episode? Let us know!
As a patron of Keep the Promise, you're not just supporting a podcast—you’re joining a community of like-minded, aggressive firefighters who want to be the best at their craft. You’ll gain access to daily workouts, weekly mindset meditations, and early access to the insights you need to stay on top of your game.
Support the show
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<
Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
Learn how to make your own custom fire helmet shields with the Helmet Shield Workbook
Links and resources:
The podcast currently has 54 episodes available.
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