Nick and Sean welcome Estero (FL) Fire Rescue Division Chief of Operations and Training, Grant Schwalbe to the show to talk grabs. This fast-paced, action-packed episode takes a look at search and rescue best practices for both searching and removing fire victims. We also discuss some of the excellent programs Grant is part of including When Things Go Bad and the "Grabs" podcast and their impact on the fire service. Finally, we discuss the importance of balance and paying it forward in the fire service, with an emphasis on mentoring and sharing information and opportunities. 

Join Nick and Sean with our friend and guest, Dep. Chief (ret.) Steve Prziborowski of the Santa Clara (CA) County Fire Department. The crew unpacks some practical tools in this banger of an episode talking all things leadership! From new members to company officers to chief officers of all ranks, this episode hits on the needed traits, skills and the challenges faced at each respective level. Steve drops some insight into what it takes to be an effective leader and how to navigate the organizational waters successfully. 

This is the episode you've been searching for (see what I did there). Seriously though. Dustin Martinez of Cobb County (GA) FD and Reformation Training absolutely lays down the gauntlet when it comes to search and rescue in this full-throttle, tactics heavy episode. This is blue-collar, firehouse table style learning at its best! (Disclaimer: no paramedics were harmed in the making of this episode)

2 hours of laughs, passion and knowledge with the one and only, Jake Barnes. Jake is the Battalion Chief of Training at the New Albany (IN) Fire Department, is an instructor with ISFSI having taught multiple times at the FDNY's "The Rock" and has instructed at numerous fire conferences around the country including FDIC. Jake is also the host of the 3 Point Firefighter Podcast. This conversation lays down the ins and outs of what it takes to be successful as an instructor, the pitfalls and obstacles that must be avoided and overcome to be successful long term, and ultimately understanding your "why" behind sharing your knowledge, passion and skills. The crew dives into the mental aspect of the job and how psychology affects our performance on the fireground. Finally, we discuss the importance of preparation and conditioning. Buckle your seat belts, it's Barnes time!

Our good friend and all-around badass fireman, Devin Craig joins the show to spread the cure to the masses. Devin is a Captain in the FD in the Houston (TX) metro area and has been doing work for the past 20 years. He brings a level of passion, humor and tenacity that's evident from the moment you meet him. In this episode we discuss the Train or Die group (which he is co-founder of), his Lazy to Leader class, the importance of discipline, dedication and drive in the fire service. Finally, we dive into some things that help short-staffed departments be more effective and true force multipliers on the fire ground and beyond. This episode is a kick in the ass to get up and do work EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  P.S. it's ok to have fun doing it!

Sean and Nick welcome our good buddy and all-around badass fireman, Wyatt McCall to the show to dive into building performance-based culture, the importance of attitude, leadership at the company level and the criticality of having a training mindset on the job. This unfiltered, raw conversation is just what the doctor ordered to get your batteries charged up and get you motivated to keep crushing it in your firehouse!

We welcome our good friend and lover of all things forcible entry, Robert (RJ) James to Episode 33 for a fast-paced, fun (ok...seriously it was a blast!) conversation on all things forcible entry.  RJ is a Lieutenant with the Frederick County (MD) Fire-Rescue and a lead instructor with Capitol Fire Training. In this episode we discuss conventional, gas-powered and thru-the-lock forcible entry, tactical size ups, gas powered saws and more! The importance of forcible entry cannot be overstated. Forcible entry is not just a Truck Co. skill like it's often dubbed, but rather a fire service skill that applies to all firefighters regardless of the rig you're assigned to. If we can't get into the building fire attack doesn't happen, searches aren't completed, and victims are not removed. It really is that simple. This episode provides some great starting points for those looking to expand their forcible entry horizons and is one you don't want to miss! 

Oshkosh (WI) FD fireman and Old-Fashioned FOOLS President Rick Guerra joins the show to share his journey from a young Milwaukee (WI) fireman to an Aurora (CO) jake, and then finally back home to Wisconsin again. We discuss lateral entry and how it has impacted the fire service. We chat about training, health and fitness. We dive into the FOOLS and what they represent. Rick discusses what the FOOLS have meant to him and his career development, as well as the opportunities provided by the FOOLS to bring quality training, build camaraderie, and to take care of our own in this fast-paced, no-nonsense conversation on all things firemanship! 

We were stoked to welcome Lt. Tyler Whitfield of Clearwater (FL) Fire-Rescue to the show. The crew discuses several topics including the importance of building a the proper mindset towards training, challenges of being a new company officer, and finally a snapshot look at Tyler's new class "The Grab Factory" (not to be confused with "The Grab Lab" which I (Nick) inadvertently called Tyler's class during the show (Sorry Dustin and Nick L). This was a truly great conversation centered around loving the job and staying disciplined and motivated even when it's not easy. The episode is dedicated to fallen brother, James Michael Muller of the Irmo (SC) Fire Department. 

We were honored to have special guest John Spera of South Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and Fit to Fight Fire on the show to discuss his journey in the fire service. We dive into fitness and its importance and impact on the fire ground. We discussed mental and emotional health. We dive into the lateral entry hiring and the opportunities and challenges that go with it.  Finally, John and Nick share the impact their faith has had in shaping their lives and careers.  This is a real look at the pillars of any successful life in the fire service and a message that we hope will resonate with so many in our profession.