Jeremy welcomes back Chris “The Shimek”, of the @ConversationisVentilation  podcast and have a free-flowing conversation about slowing down, unplugging, and reconnecting — with yourself, your crew, and the world around you. From people-watching at the airport to long road trips in his van “Howie,” Shimek shares stories about finding perspective, embracing silence, and making space for meaningful engagement. The two dig into mentorship, mental health, and building camaraderie in and out of the firehouse, all while trading laughs and life lessons. Whether it’s taking the long way home or starting ‘man scouts’ in the woods, this episode is a reminder to enjoy the ride and connect with the people who matter.

👉 Take this conversation back to the firehouse and talk about it. Because when we’re talking about the job, we’re making the job better.

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In this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob sits down with special guest Kyle Strait to explore the culture, identity, and traditions that define firehouses across the nation. From custom station t-shirts and unique patches to the subtle subcultures within each crew, they dig into how pride and ownership show up in the fire service. You’ll hear personal stories and insights on how these traditions not only strengthen camaraderie among firefighters but also deepen the bond with the communities they serve.

In this inspiring episode, Jeremy Donch sits down with Frank Viscuso — retired Deputy Chief from Kearny, NJ, bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, and the 2025 George D. Post Instructor of the Year — to explore the intersections of leadership, coaching, and personal development. Drawing from over 26 years in the fire service, Viscuso shares invaluable lessons from both the fireground and the baseball diamond, where he has coached youth athletes with the same passion and dedication he brought to his firefighting career.

Listeners will hear powerful insights on perspective, resilience, and the ability to learn from both success and failure. Frank discusses the importance of instilling respect in young athletes, valuing the journey over the destination, and using storytelling as a tool for leadership. His career achievements — including authoring seven influential books such as Step Up and Lead and Step Up Your Teamwork, writing over 70 standard operating guidelines, and securing millions in grant funding for life-saving equipment — provide a strong foundation for his leadership philosophy.

The conversation dives into effective fire reporting, building and maintaining systems for success, and the role of humility, faith, and positivity in personal growth. Frank’s journey from a young, uncertain rookie to a respected leader and motivator serves as a testament to how adversity can fuel transformation. The episode wraps up with a focus on celebrating others’ successes and fostering a culture of support and excellence within the fire service.

During the "From Framerails to Finsih" episode with Camden, NJ, Jeremy tours the city with Chief of Department Jesse Flax. Their discussion is a great back and forth about the history of the city and the many neighborhoods their department protects. Chief Flax speaks passionately about he cioty he grew up in and has the honor of being the Chief of Department.

This interview is from the "From Framerails to Finish" film in partnership with  @FireandSafetyNJ ​

Mickey Farrell sits down with FDNY legend Bob Pressler for a raw conversation on the craft of firefighting — from mastering the basics to making high-stakes decisions under pressure. They dig into leadership, search operations, trust on the fireground, and how experience, intuition, and solid training outweigh gimmicks and internet noise every time.

Richmond, VA Truck 2 fireman Sherard Glover joins Jeremy to discuss his insights and passion for the job. From his upbringing in Brooklyn, the fire service was always a great memory which has left a lasting impression on him. Aviation mechanic school, taught him to learn the process from different perspectives and that details matter. Years later, finding himself on the job in Richmond, VA, those skills and memories help fuel his love of the craft. Sherard crushes this episode with a solid perspective of what the job is and how he carries himself while doing the greatest job on earth.

Takeaways

• The mission of the fire service remains unchanged.
• Firefighting is a calling and a lifestyle.
• Critical thinking is essential in firefighting.
• Training breeds confidence and effectiveness.
• Understanding building construction is crucial for safety.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in developing new firefighters.
• Fire service culture impacts performance and standards.
• The events of 9/11 inspired many to join the fire service.
• Engagement in learning is key to improving skills.
• The fire service offers personal growth and community.

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob opens up about the emotional burdens that come with being a leader in the first responder community. He shares personal stories of grief, burnout, and the importance of self-care. Rob emphasizes that leadership does not equate to invincibility and discusses the challenges of managing stress while supporting others. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings and prioritize their mental health, reminding them that it's okay to not be okay.

Jeremy is going by Chief Rob Reardon of Duxbury, Massachusetts, shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, trust, and community engagement. He discusses the significance of creating a positive firehouse culture and the role of education in leadership development. Chief Reardon highlights the need for initiative and problem-solving within the team, while also addressing the challenges of negativity in the fire service. Ultimately, he reflects on the legacy one leaves behind and the impact of fostering a supportive environment for all firefighters.

In this chapter, Mickey enjoys a coffee on the Upper West Side of Manhattan discussing the discrepancies between social media portrayals of firefighting and the realities on the fire ground. Emphasizing the importance of understanding local tactics and the specific challenges posed by different building types, the host provides insights into effective firefighting strategies, communication, and situational awareness. The conversation highlights the need for young firefighters to be mindful of their surroundings and the critical details that can impact safety and effectiveness during operations.

Kyle Cook shares his transformative experiences through outdoor adventures, personal growth, and the emotional journey of travel. He reflects on the influence of his family, the physical challenges he has embraced, and the importance of capturing stories to preserve history, especially within the fire service. Kyle emphasizes the need for inspiration and the role of storytelling in shaping the future of the fire service, encouraging others to push their limits and live life to the fullest.