In this episode, Pip engages in an authentic conversation with Josh Grandinetti, exploring themes of personal growth, the impact of the show Ted Lasso, and the importance of mindfulness in the fire service. Josh shares his journey into firefighting, the challenges he faced with a knee injury, and how it led him to create Foundation Fortified, a mindfulness platform for first responders. The discussion emphasizes the significance of being useful to others and the mental health challenges faced by those in emergency services. In this conversation, Josh Grandinetti discusses the importance of mindfulness for first responders, emphasizing its role in emotional awareness and prevention of mental health issues. He contrasts mindfulness with reactive approaches to mental health, highlighting the benefits of early intervention and emotional regulation. The discussion also covers the unique challenges faced by first responders, including the responder feedback loop, and how mindfulness can serve as a valuable tool in managing stress and anxiety. The conversation concludes with reflections on life lessons and the significance of authentic conversations in personal growth. Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Can’t get to FDIC? Who cares. Keep your training local and tell the internet to go fuck itself. This week’s about real connections, honest work, and bringing back the bar room napkin.

Jeremy sits down with Ray McCormack to discuss the innovative Hen Nozzle products, particularly focusing on the Blade Stream and the newly designed Force Nozzle. Ray's own career lead him to finding different ways to manipulate the stream of a regular smooth bore nozzle. This lead to an idea he had many years ago, pinching the circular smooth bore tip into an oval shape which lead to better coverage when flowing water. Fast forward many years later, Ray found HEN Nozzles who were introducing a "Blade" type tip that represented Ray's ideas of years past. Understanding the idea, Ray joined forces with HEN Nozzles to help educate the fire service about a new way to apply water.

There hasn't been much innovation in the nozzle field for the past 75 years. Today, HEN Nozzles continues to innovate and change the evolution of the nozzle. HEN Nozzles has created a renewed interest in extinguishment culture by pushing the boundaries of water delivery.

In this episode, Rob explores the importance of stepping away from work and truly unplugging—especially for those in high-stress professions like firefighting. Sharing personal insights from a recent vacation with his wife, he reflects on the mental reset, renewed perspective, and stress relief that come from taking a break. Rob emphasizes the value of setting boundaries with coworkers, trusting your team, and making self-care a priority. He also offers practical tips for disconnecting, recharging, and incorporating meaningful downtime into a demanding career.

In this episode, Pip discusses the importance of what we do off the job with guest Dave Dunn Jr., a firefighter and cosplayer. They explore Dave's journey in emergency services, the adrenaline rush of firefighting, and how cosplay serves as an escape from reality. The conversation highlights the community and connections formed through shared interests in cosplay and strongman competitions, emphasizing the need for balance and mental health in high-stress professions. Pip and Dave Dunn explore the intricacies of competition nerves, the importance of attention to detail in cosplay, and the mental challenges faced in emergency services. They discuss the significance of shared interests in relationships, upcoming conventions, and the role of social media in building community. The dialogue culminates in rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and preferences, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and connection beyond the job. Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

Another Street Talk, this time from Penn 6 in Midtown Manhattan. This one dives into operating in exposure buildings, when and when not to call a Mayday, and the importance of sizing up on the fly. I also discuss what happens when the dominoes start falling the wrong way and how the tempo of a fire can drastically shift from building to building.

For further information on the March 17 fundraiser at the Bergen County fire Academy, please go to the national firefighter training foundation.

https://www.nfftf.org/event-details-registration/abbie-beats-leukemia-firefighter-seminar

On this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob interviews Captain Zach Polvino from the

Snyder Fire Department. They dive into leadership, training, and core engine company

competencies. Zach discusses the challenges of recruitment and retention in both fire

and EMS, the importance of making EMS an essential service in New York, and the

need for mental health awareness in emergency services. He shares personal

experiences, insights on balancing life outside the firehouse, and the responsibility of

preparing the next generation.

In this episode, Pip and Justin DeMoss explore the themes of joy, personal

growth, and the unique experiences of wildland firefighting. They discuss the

importance of sunlight and nature in maintaining mental health, the journey of

finding purpose in one's career, and the challenges faced in extreme

conditions. Justin shares his transition from sports to wildland firefighting,

emphasizing the need for optimization in performance and the joy found in the

profession. In this conversation, Pip and Justin DeMoss explore the critical

importance of sleep health, the value of experiences in EMS, and the journey

towards finding purpose through service. They discuss the significance of

sleep as a foundational element for mental and physical health, share insights

from their experiences and emphasize the need for community service and

personal growth. Justin introduces the Hot Shot Wellness initiative, aimed at

addressing health and wellness for wildland firefighters, showcasing the

collaborative efforts of various experts in the field. Because, what you do off

the job MATTERS!!!

Chapter 68. Street Talk, View From the Top Floor Podcast by Jeremy Donch

On this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob interviews Captain Zach Polvino from the

Snyder Fire Department. They dive into leadership, training, and core engine company

competencies. Zach discusses the challenges of recruitment and retention in both fire

and EMS, the importance of making EMS an essential service in New York, and the

need for mental health awareness in emergency services. He shares personal

experiences, insights on balancing life outside the firehouse, and the responsibility of

preparing the next generation.