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Marine Corps Reconnaissance Veteran, former SWAT critical skills operator, Dad, community leader, and all around good dude!  Matt has some interesting life experience, great wisdom and some solid advice.

The last 25 minutes of show #009 we address mental health with Blair and Laura Leigh.  This conversation is a good look into two of the leading philosophies in the mental health / fire service world. Traditional vs Modern? Hard vs Soft? You make the call. We are not claiming to have answers, we are having conversations to help move in that direction.  Keep the conversation going to help us work toward the ultimate goal of placing smiles on faces.

Laura Leigh and Blair are both firefighters in south eastern North Carolina.  They both hold their own and have earned a level of respect in the community for their dedication to the fire service.  We enjoyed a talk about females in the fire service and more. 

Enjoy!

Trevor Alger, the most interesting man this side of the Mississippi. Trev has knowledge in many disciplines of life.  Member of the Riot Radio Show, DJ for 12 years, and a Fireman with New Hanover County Fire for 12 more, 7 of those with me at Firehouse 18, teaching me to open my mind. I got him to share some stories for you guys and plan to have him back on for more.  Trev is a friend of the show and part of why we are here.

Dane Britt is known for his talents on the drums, on the range, on motorcycles, and the mic.  He is less well known for his contributions to the community through his outreach programs with the schools.  Dane has the respect of all that understand the great benefit that he is.  I just like him because he is cool and likes to help people.  Others like him for various reasons, like being covered in tattoos or his skills on the bikes or drums.  You pick your own reason but don't underestimate this intelligent and awesome individual.

Chief Dorian Flowers stopped by the studio to talk about leadership, his humanitarian aid to Polo FD in the Dominican Republic and his take on mental health.  Chief Flowers is one of a kind and a friend of the show. 

Enjoy

The last 40 minutes of Show #005. 

We talk about mental health and the firehouse. What mental health  situations feel like, look like, and why we should be talking about it. Eli points out the value of the firehouse family, and some of the popular misconceptions around mental health situations. 

We talk about the importance of self checks and checking on each other.  

This is a conversation meant to inspire conversation among yourselves in your own environments. 

Eli weighs in.

Eli Venecia works for Wilmington Fire Department, on Rescue 2.  Just a few minutes after speaking to Eli you realize how much he values his wife, his children, his job and you'll see why he is respected by those around him. Eli is a true public servant with a story that you have to hear.  He holds himself to a high standard and it's clear that his motives are pure.   He was kind enough to join us for a conversation that would take us through his childhood, his jobs, family, and the lessons he learned along the way.  Eli is one of the most humble, yet capable guys I've met. Enjoy the ride through his life and hearing about the people he clearly cares about and events that shaped him.

Dave Hibben, Legend, Friend, Professional and retired Lieutenant of Washington DC Fire Department talks about his time on Engine 10 and other assignments.  We talk about retirement, his job now, people that influenced him early in his career and throughout. Dave shares stories from his amazing career and some lessons. He talks about his time teaching with Ken Hogue and Chief Yergeau, guys that he clearly considers to be some of his closest friends. If you are looking for Dave Hibben now, he's helping municipalities and fire departments find solutions with Key Hose.

This show we talk about some events in Matt's life that shaped him.  001 and 002 are our first shows and the editing reflects that.  Stick with us as we learn and gain experience.  The content of the show helps you to understand why "Hoffman" is so in on helping you find the best opportunities to succeed and to help those around you.Look for more shows with honored guest and a wide range of topics!