Keep the Promise Podcast - Fire Service Lessons for Strength, Resilience, and Real Life

In a deeply personal episode of Keep the Promise, I open up about my own journey through the grief of a Line of Duty Death and the creation of a community that has become a lifeline for firefighters everywhere.

Join me as I recount my appearance on Stephanie White's powerful podcast, Five After Midnight. Stephanie and I delve into the heart-wrenching experience of losing a fellow firefighter in the line of duty, and how that profound loss became a catalyst for change in my life.

Through heartfelt conversations, I share the transformative effect this tragedy had on me. It forced me to confront the harsh realities of our profession and ignited a passionate drive to establish the Keep the Promise community—a haven of support and understanding for firefighters across the globe.

This episode is not just about my personal journey; it's about honoring the memory of our fallen comrades and advocating for a brighter, more compassionate future in the fire service.

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!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Brian Yonkin, a Lieutenant at Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, as we explore his journey from a cook to a leader in the fire service. Brian shares his unique perspective on leadership strategy and tactics that can benefit anyone in the firehouse, regardless of rank or position.

We also dive into Brian's passion for firehouse cooking, which stems from his original career as a cook. He talks about the importance of shared meals and the camaraderie it brings to the firehouse. Brian even published a book, Beginner's Guide to Firehouse Kitchens, to help firefighters create delicious and nutritious meals while on duty.

Tune in to this episode to discover how Brian's unique journey can help you become a better leader and cook in the fire service. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation!

Connect with Brian:

• Twitter (@byonkin)
• Instagram (byonkin)
• Get Brian's book: Beginner's Guide to Firehouse Cooking

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!

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Stephanie White, a seasoned firefighter with almost two decades of experience in the field. We tackle crucial topics that affect the fire service community such as:

• gender-based discrimination
• the challenges of transitioning from the firehouse to everyday life
• the need to deescalate you mind

Stephanie doesn't hold back as she candidly discusses the realities of being a female firefighter in a male-dominated industry. Drawing from her own experiences, she sheds light on the challenges and discrimination that females face in the firehouse, and provides practical advice on how to navigate and overcome these obstacles. Her empowering perspective and unwavering determination to break gender barriers in the fire service will inspire and resonate with firefighters of all genders.

But the conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into other pertinent issues, such as the impact of marijuana on the fire service and how to deal with toxic behavior within a shift. Stephanie's wealth of experience and knowledge make for a thought-provoking discussion that delves deep into these important topics.

In addition to her expertise as a firefighter, Stephanie also hosts her own podcast, The Five After Midnight, where she shares her stories and insights on life as a firefighter. Her passion for the fire service and commitment to making positive changes shine through in this powerful episode.

Join us as we tackle these important conversations with honesty, vulnerability, and a shared goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive fire service community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain invaluable insights on how to foster a more inclusive and harmonious firehouse environment. Hit play, listen in, and be inspired to keep the promise you made to your community and fellow firefighters.

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!

In this episode of Keep the Promise, I sit down with Julian Serrano, The Firefighter Coach, to discuss the importance of physical fitness in the firefighting profession. 

Julian runs Prepared to Fight Fire, a company that helps aspiring firefighters get in shape for the fire academy, and thus prepares them to excel in the field. He knows firsthand the demanding physical requirements of the job. As a Florida Smoke Diver, Julian has undergone a grueling weeklong training event that pushes firefighters to their limits.

In this inspiring interview, Julian emphasizes the importance of having no tolerance for excuses when it comes to fitness, stressing that firefighters need to be in top physical condition to perform their duties effectively and protect their communities. He shares his insights into how to get fit for the rigors of the job and discusses the key attributes a coach needs to help his athletes succeed.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who aspires to be a firefighter, or for current firefighters who want to improve their physical fitness and excel in their careers. Join TJ and Julian as they explore the mindset and strategies needed to become a successful firefighter and fulfill the promise to protect and serve their communities.

Find Julian on Instagram: Prepared to Fight Fire

Visit the Prepared to Fight Fire website

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!

In this episode of Keep the Promise, we sit down with Bob McCaa, a fire captain and leader of his Special Operations team. Bob is a man of many talents, and in this conversation we explore:

• his journey into the fire service
• how military lessons apply to the fire service today
• what it means to train new recruits
• how to mold a cohesive firefighting team

We delve into the importance of mentorship and nurturing our new recruits, sharing personal stories and insights on how to build strong relationships within your team. Bob offers practical tips on how to identify and develop the potential of your team members, enabling them to reach new heights of achievement and growth.

Through our conversation, we also discuss how to maximize the capability of your team, sharing strategies for enhancing collaboration and communication. Bob shares his experiences leading a team that handles some of the most challenging and high-pressure situations imaginable, and how he stays calm and focused in the face of adversity.

Join us for an engaging conversation that will inspire and motivate you to be the best firefighter and leader you can be. With Bob's wealth of knowledge and experience, you won't want to miss this episode of Keep the Promise.

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!

In this episode I interview my good friend Barrett Pittman, a Louisiana fire captain. He is a third-generation firefighter who loves the job and believes in the brotherhood. He also believes in what the fire service stands for - giving it our all to save the citizens we serve. In this episode you'll learn:

• (Some of) what it takes to become a Smoke Diver
• What it means to own your job and your riding assignment
• The importance of pushing past your comfort zone

Barrett also details a harrowing incident where he helped rescue a worker trapped in a trench collapse, earning himself a lifesaving award. 

Tune in to learn how to step outside your comfort zone and become the best version of yourself in your career and beyond.

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!

I sit down for a candid and insightful conversation with Stack from The Things We All Carry podcast as we dive into the sensitive topic of mental health within the fire service. In this episode, we explore the struggles and triumphs of firefighters when it comes to mental health, touching on the following topics:

• The stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service and the need to give voice to this important topic.
• The dirty little secrets of fire departments nationwide that often go unaddressed and contribute to the challenges firefighters face.
• Alternative treatments for firefighter mental health, including medical marijuana and psychedelics..
• Post traumatic growth as a positive outcome of trauma, and how it offers hope beyond PTSD for firefighters.
• The future of The Things We All Carry podcast and its mission to create a safe space for conversations around mental health in the fire service.

Tune in to this episode for an honest and thought-provoking discussion that will leave you with a deeper understanding of the importance of taking care of our mental wellbeing.

Listen to The Things We All Carry podcast
Follow The Things We All Carry on Instagram

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!

Join us as we follow Laura's journey from the high-stress corporate world to a life of healing and helping others. Laura shares how she found balance and purpose by studying Chinese Medicine, and how she uses it to help firefighters deal with the physical and emotional toll of the job.

Find Laura at Cascade Wellness
Follow her on Instagram
Check out The Skin Nutrition Library

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!

Join us for an inspiring episode with fire lieutenant Mike Nasti. In this powerful interview, Mike opens up about his journey as a firefighter, starting from his beginnings in the fire service and the challenges he faced at home while growing up. He shares his struggles with alcohol and how it affected his life, both on and off the job. But through it all, Mike found the strength to turn his life around and become a role model for his son.  Mike's story highlights the importance of perseverance and the transformative power of family and community. So tune in and be inspired by this courageous firefighter's journey of overcoming adversity and becoming a true hero.

Listen to Mike's podcast: Tip of the Spear Leadership Podcast
Follow Tip of the Spear Leadership on Instagram

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!

In this episode, we interview Dan McKinney, a firefighter who has undergone an incredible transformation. Dan shares his personal journey of going from being a 500 lbs firefighter to being a fit role model for his crew and his community. In this episode you will:

• Learn about the physical and emotional challenges that Dan faced because of his weight
• Discover the motivation that transformed his diet and lifestyle
• Understand  how Dan was able to lose weight and get in shape while still meeting the demands of the fire service
• Find out how this physical transformation has helped Dan to be a better role model for his crew and community
• Learn the lessons Dan learned along the way
• Get practical tips if you are looking to make a similar transformation

Dan's story is inspiring, and his insights will help you  start your own journey to fitness and health. Tune in and be motivated by Dan's journey to a healthier life!

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!