Brendan has been a paramedic since 2016 and a firefighter since 2018. As an entrepreneur with multiple businesses, he founded Black Smoke in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to boost morale in a struggling department. What started as a passion project has grown into a movement, continuing to make an impact five years later.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Rudy Becerra. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Rudy is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and brings 17 years of experience as a firefighter. His mission is to inspire and guide young firefighters to excel and strive for constant improvement in their craft, with the hope that they too develop a deep passion for the job, just as he has.

In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, I explore the complex nature of ego, discussing its dual role in driving competition and personal growth while also acknowledging its potential negative effects.

I try to emphasize the importance of harnessing ego with humility, the balance between winning and losing, and the resilience required to move forward after setbacks. 

I truly encourage listeners to let ego motivate them but to remain accountable for their actions and learn from their experiences.

Zac James – Firefighter & Advocate for Strength Through Adversity

Zac James, 
a firefighter with nearly four years of experience. After exploring different paths, he found his true calling in the fire service, thanks to a nudge from my uncle. His journey is rooted in a passion for building strength—physically, mentally, and spiritually—and leading by example.

He believes the world needs strong men who embrace challenges and find purpose in hardship. Through struggle, we cultivate greatness, inspiring others to do the same.

Arrogance involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance and looking down on others, while humility reflects modesty, self-awareness, and respect for others. 

Arrogant people focus on personal superiority, whereas humble individuals recognize their strengths but remain open to learning and growth.

In this conversation we discuss the importance of setting ambitious goals, overcoming fear of failure, and embracing the process of growth and learning. We also talk about the significance of consistency and enjoying the journey rather than focusing solely on the end result. John shares his experiences in the fire service and how he encourages his colleagues to prioritize health and fitness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of structure, fun, and humility in the pursuit of personal growth.

John Driscoll is a full time career firefighter in New Jersey and Hybrid Athlete. While being on the job for the last 5 years, he has done just about every fitness event or competition you can think of. From 100 milers and Ironmans to bodybuilding shows and powerlifting meets, John is always focused on testing his limits and improving in all aspects. A good quality to have in firefighting and in fitness.

In this podcast episode, Julian Serrano discusses his failures and the lessons he has learned from them. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and the need to be the best that you can be in the field of firefighting. Julian shares his personal experiences of failure, including failing out of fire school and struggling with studying for certifications.

Takeaways

• Failure is the greatest teacher and provides valuable lessons that success cannot.
• Preparation is crucial in the field of firefighting, both mentally and physically.
• Surrounding yourself with mentors and seeking their guidance is essential for growth and development.
• Focusing on fewer tasks and giving them 100% effort leads to excellence.
• Never quit and keep moving forward towards your goals.

Mickey Farrell is a Lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, a third-generation firefighter with 29 years of experience, the last 23 years being with the FDNY. Also a team instructor at the New York City Fire Academy, founder and author of Top Floor Tactics, and host of A View From the Top Floor Podcast.

On this episode we dive into my origin story. 

We review some failures, setback, obstacles, mistakes, and achievements throughout my life so far.