This episode pulls no punches as we welcome special guest and fellow Midwesterner, BJ Breecher to the show. BJ is known for his love for the job, commitment to excellence and a passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. If you're looking to improve your operational effectiveness, BJ absolutely lays the framework for success in this episode! Grab an old fashioned, fry up some fish and enjoy this episode Wisconsin style!

Episode 48 is coming in swinging with our special guest, Build Your Culture Co-Founder and Jacksonville (FL) Fire-Rescue fireman, Pablo Gener. This episode takes a hard look at all things culture related and its impact on our fire departments, firehouses and personal morale. If you want a warm, fuzzy, feel-good discussion, you're in the wrong place. However, if you want real, honest, authentic dialogue on one of the most important issues facing the modern fire service, then this episode is a MUST LISTEN!

Season 4 continues with this gnarly 2-hour deep dive into the mind of special guest, Aaron Fields. This episode examines the origins and mindset behind the renowned Nozzle Forward engine class and "Drilling for Function". Buckle your seat belt. Aaron straight up drops some serious knowledge and gets to the root of instructional philosophy and discipline in the fire service. If you want to be a better firefighter, officer, or instructor, this episode is a MUST LISTEN!

Season 4 kicks off with a haymaker of an episode! Jim Silvernail is Fire Chief of the Kirkwood (MO) FD, is an FDIC advisory board member and author of the book, Suburban Fire Tactics. Listen in as the chief holds court on suburban fire tactics, challenges facing the suburban fire service, tips for maximizing your personnel and finally the mindset needed to be successful on the suburban fireground! Buckle your seatbelt! Season 4 is coming in HOT!

The crew welcomes Captain Jeremy Mathis of the Covington (GA) FD and member of the FAST Rescue Solutions to the show to talk about one of the most important concepts in not only the fire service, but also in life: BALANCE. The crew dives into keys to living a balanced life, the work/life balance as well as balance in the firehouse. We also discuss challenges in the suburban fire service setting and share some of Jeremy's experiences along the way. Grab your beverage of choice and enjoy!

Chief Dave McGlynn of the Letterkenny (PA) FD and owner of Passion in Leading LLC joins the show to discuss all things leadership and training! Do you have what it takes to elevate your leadership? Do you have what it takes to take your department's training to the next level? This episode will challenge you to BE more passionate, effective and resourceful. Don't miss out on this epic conversation!

Nick welcomes Cobb County (GA) Capt. and UL FSRI technical panel member, Sean Gray to the show to take a 2-hour deep dive into some of the amazing research being conducted by the UL FSRI. Sean shares his insights into the research, holds court on the topic of fire dynamics and how it relates to the modern fireground, and shares his tactical experiences over the last 3 decades of his fire service journey.  If you want to nerd out on some research and how it translates to the streets, you're in luck! This is definitely the episode for you!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Fire Chief (ret.) and owner of First Line Fire Service Training LLC, Dennis Reilly! The chief gives us some great insight in regard to the standards we hold. This is a deep dive examining personal, cultural, professional, and organizational standards and expectations. The conversation also reviews physical fitness in the fire service, training with a purpose and being a change agent in your corner of the fire service. With nearly 5 decades of experience in every rank from firefighter to fire chief, you don't want to miss this amazing conversation with one of the most dedicated and knowledgeable firemen you'll ever meet. Chief Reilly is doing great things to continue moving the needle forward and for that we are grateful to spend a couple hours learning from one of the best!

Nick welcomes good friend and fellow hard-charger JD Ducharme to the show to discuss WHY we are here. They dive headfirst into mission mindset, building a culture of excellence, training and preparation, and risk management/aversion in the fire service. If you're looking for a feel good, pat on the back kind of show, this isn't the episode for you. This is a fast-paced, no-holds-bar, unapologetically blue-collar examination our beloved fire service. So, buckle your seatbelt, Dorothy. You're not in Kansas anymore! 

Sean and Nick welcome Zach Bruhn to the show to discuss engine ops, training and leadership! Zach is a Major with the Oklahoma City FD, is and instructor at Oklahoma State University, and owns Precision Fire Service Consulting. He gives us the skinny on engine ops OKC style including an examination of how they have perfected the use of the Metro Load in their organization. The crew then dives into training mindset. We discuss the importance of building a solid foundation but then introducing variables to our drills. Finally, we take a look at the impact of leadership and its importance particularly in the early stages of a firefighter's career. Grab a tasty beverage and enjoy!