In this episode we welcome our good friend and mentor, Jason Liska to the show to discuss training and mentoring new and experienced members. We also dive into how culture influences our expectations, training and mentorship. Finally, the crew takes a look at recruitment and retention in the fire service. Make no mistake, this episode pulls no punches and is raw, unedited and maybe even a little uncomfortable at times. However, it is a needed conversation about some of the hardest challenges facing the fire service today and one we are extremely passionate about. Finally, we hope that you'll accept the challenge to be better, do better and leave the job better! 

Jonathan Brumley of Denver (CO) Fire Department joins the show to discuss engine company operations. This episode is jam packed with excellent discussion on hose loads, engine company mindset, nozzles, nozzle reaction, and what it takes to be a successful engine firefighter. Jonathan hones in on attack packages and medium diameter hose in particular discussing training, hose line management and tips for successfully implementing the "big line" on your fireground. If you're assigned to the engine, love all things water, or simply enjoy learning from stand-up firemen, this is the episode for you!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest Battalion Chief and Owner/Lead Instructor with Insight Training LLC, Andy Starnes to the show to discuss all things thermal imaging. This fast paced, highly informative episode takes a hard look at one of the most important, yet often underutilized tools on the fireground. Andy absolutely takes us to school with over 2 hours of knowledge, experience and passion!  From technical information to tactical use and operational suggestions, to training concepts this episode has a little bit of everything.  If you want to know more about thermal imaging, this is the episode for you. Buckle up because it's a helluva ride. Enjoy!

Join Sean and Nick as they welcome training officer Brian Weigle of the Elmira Heights (NY) FD to the show. We discuss what it takes to run a training event. We also dive into training, culture, recruitment and retention specifically in the volunteer and/or combination setting. The team dives into the "why" behind these factors and how they impact our departments, our members and our very mission. Finally, we discuss engine work and what that means in low-staffing situations. Hopefully you have as much fun as we did recording this one!

Sean and Nick welcome Steve Kimker of the Richmond Heights (MO) FD and the founder and owner of Rescue Redefined training cadre to the show to discuss stabilization, extrication, new vehicle construction, tactics, training and the emergence of electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery technology and their impact on the fire service. This episode is jam-packed with incredible information, tactical considerations and techniques that work! Grab a drink (or two) and get ready to get your learn on!

Season 3 is kicking off with a splash! Sean Eagen of the Buffalo (NY) Fire Department joins the show to discuss the importance of truck work on the fireground, truck tactics, positioning, truck company priorities and maximizing your training in a knowledge packed first episode of the new year! I've even been told it's ok if engine jakes listen in too (hey, he rode an engine for a few years!). So don't dismay if you're not an official "truckie"! Seriously though, give this episode a listen. You won't be disappointed. 

Buckle your seat belt and hold on tight! While this may be the longest episode ever recorded on the Make Due podcast (it happens!), make no mistake, this episode is a gloves-off, no bullshit, high octane episode from start to finish! Dru Goings (founder of Smoothbore Nation, co-founder of Rust Belt Jakes and Training Officer with the SEHNWU Joint Fire District in west central Ohio) shares his thoughts on fireground tactics, engine work, apparatus set up and culture as it pertains to the volunteer and rural fire service. Dru also discusses integration, utilization and training with our law enforcement brothers and sisters from his unique perspective as an active police officer. Disclaimer: This episode features some very real, candid conversations that may offend some :-) If you're not overly sensitive you should be just fine. 

Captain Marc Aloan (West Columbia FD) of The Fire Inside and Rust Belt Jakes joins Nick to discuss suburban fireground operations, leadership and culture. The discussion starts out discussing some hot button topics in regard to water supply, nozzle selection, attack packages, search, and traditional truck work for the suburban engine company. Numerous tactical considerations and strategies are discussed in depth. The crew then examines leadership at the company level including what works, what doesn't and some things we can do to enhance our leadership abilities including setting realistic goals, expectations and priorities. Finally, Marc discusses culture as he sees it in the modern fire service and some ways to invest in a positive culture within the walls of your firehouse.  

Battalion Chief Randy Feltner shares his story of surviving cardiac arrest on duty to overcoming all the challenges along the way to get back on the job. This episode takes a hard look at health, fitness, diet, sleep, and training mindsets in the fire service and how they all affect our long-term quality of work and life experiences and expectations. Randy offers his unique perspective on these issues and gives some heartfelt advice to listeners in a truly candid conversation about one of the major causes of LODD's in the American Fire Service. 

WARNING: SERIOUS WATER NERD TALK AHEAD! This is a MUST LISTEN episode if you are serious about taking your pump ops/water supply game to the NEXT LEVEL! If you're looking for legit water supply information this is the episode for you. This episode is jam-packed with tons of technical knowledge, tactical conversations, and real-world, experience- driven operational considerations. Additionally, we were honored to have Brian Weigle from the Elmira Heights (NY) Fire Department on the show to discuss the upcoming Twin Tiers Fire Conference in October. This is one you don't want to miss. Grab your drink of choice and enjoy this gold mine of an episode with one of the absolute best pump operations minded dudes in the fire service!