In this episode of the Rejects Podcast, Preston interviews Brian McRee, a firefighter from a combination department in Georgia. They discuss Brian's journey from the military to the fire service, the importance of brotherhood and training, and the impact of personal loss on his perspective of firefighting. Brian shares his experiences with accountability in the fire service, the need for aggressive training, and the importance of building traditions in a young department. The conversation emphasizes the need for firefighters to prioritize public safety over personal safety and to hold each other accountable for their actions. In this conversation, Preston and Brian discuss the evolution of firefighter training, emphasizing the importance of realistic scenarios and hands-on experiences. They explore the significance of brotherhood within the fire service, highlighting how it can be fostered through shared experiences and mentorship. Brian shares insights into his department's growth and aspirations, aiming for a stronger, more capable team. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by new generations in maintaining the brotherhood and the calling of the fire service.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston engages in a dynamic conversation with the Unmasked Firemen, a group of passionate firefighters from Atlanta. They discuss their journeys into the fire service, the importance of fitness and accountability, and the mission behind their platform aimed at inspiring younger firefighters. The conversation highlights the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of a supportive community, and the need for honesty and transparency in the fire service culture. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the importance of fitness culture within the fire service, emphasizing the need for leading by example and fostering a strong firehouse culture. They explore the role of leadership in creating a supportive environment, the distinction between training and working out, and the value of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. The discussion also touches on the significance of the Smoke Diver program and the evolution of their platform, Unmasked Firemen, highlighting the importance of transparency and community engagement.

In this episode, Preston and Captain Kevin Housley discuss the importance of family, relationships, and mental health in the firefighting profession. Kevin shares his journey into firefighting, emphasizing the significance of human performance psychology and resilience. They explore proactive steps firefighters can take to foster a healthy work environment and the role of training and teaching in personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in the fire service to prioritize mental health and well-being. In this conversation, Kevin and Preston explore the importance of humor in training, the evolution of coaching styles, and the significance of creating a culture of continuous learning within the fire service. They discuss the role of human performance psychology in enhancing firefighter effectiveness and the need for instructors to engage with their students meaningfully. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating holiday stress and the importance of mental health awareness in emergency services. Kevin shares insights from his experiences and the development of the Firefighter Craftsmanship platform, emphasizing the need for ongoing education and support in the field.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston speaks with Matt Ballard, a seasoned paramedic and founder of Freeburn 2023. They delve into Matt's journey through the fire service, his struggles with mental health, and the importance of peer support and community resources. Matt shares his experiences with trauma, the stigma surrounding mental health in first responders, and the transformative power of EMDR therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue, understanding, and support among first responders to combat the rising rates of suicide and mental health issues in the field.

In this conversation, Preston discusses the challenges faced by acting officers in the fire service, particularly when working in a culture that does not align with their personal standards and motivations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal standards, leading by example, and finding ways to motivate others in a crew that may not share the same drive. The conversation highlights the need for resilience and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth, even in challenging environments.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston engages with guest Stewie Stawecki, discussing their personal journeys in the fire service, the importance of training, accountability, and the impact of family support. They reflect on the evolution of the fire service post-9/11, the significance of mastering the basics, and the value of networking through conferences. Stewie shares his experiences, lessons learned from real-life scenarios, and how he transformed challenges into opportunities for growth and mentorship. In this engaging conversation, Stewie and Preston explore the evolution of learning in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of networking, mentorship, and adapting techniques. They discuss funding opportunities for training in Michigan, the significance of building relationships within the community, and the impact of influential figures in the fire service. The dialogue highlights the need for open-mindedness and passion for the job, encouraging firefighters to embrace their roles and support one another.

This conversation with Preston and Michael Ramirez delves into the experiences and challenges faced by firefighters, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and mental health. The speakers share personal anecdotes, discuss career paths, and reflect on the VFAMM, devotionals, and 75 Hard. They highlight the significance of training, networking, and personal growth within the profession, ultimately fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among firefighters.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston interviews Noah Katz, a captain at Engine Company 15 in Phoenix and co-founder of Priority Fire Training. The conversation explores the importance of family in the fire service, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the mission-driven mindset that fuels success in both areas. Noah shares insights on creating a supportive firehouse culture, the impact of community events like the Jesse Castillo conference, and the philosophy behind the 'No Good Dudes' mantra, emphasizing performance and accountability over mere camaraderie. In this conversation, Noah Katz discusses the importance of building a culture of belief within the fire service, emphasizing the need for setting clear expectations and measurable objectives. He highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment where team members can thrive and learn from each other. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating the fear of failure and the importance of understanding the mission. Noah shares his personal journey of learning to enjoy the process rather than just focusing on the destination, and he concludes with insights on customer service in the fire department. In this conversation, Noah Katz shares his unique perspective on customer service within the fire department, emphasizing the importance of meeting both internal and external expectations. He discusses the significance of setting high-performance standards and the necessity of training under realistic conditions to prepare for real-world scenarios. The dialogue also explores the balance between task-oriented training and skill development, advocating for a culture of continuous improvement and high expectations in the fire service.

In this episode, Preston and Zach Menden discuss the importance of family in the context of fitness and personal growth. Zach shares his journey from powerlifting to incorporating his children into his fitness routine, emphasizing the need to prioritize family while maintaining personal health. They explore how to tailor fitness programs for firefighters and the significance of tracking progress in training. The conversation highlights the balance between personal goals and family responsibilities, showcasing how fitness can be a family affair. In this conversation, Zach Menden discusses his journey in the fire service, the importance of tailored fitness programs for firefighters, and the critical need for mental health awareness and support within the profession. He shares personal experiences, including becoming an interim fire chief at a young age and the challenges of dealing with trauma and suicide in the line of duty. The discussion emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, support systems, and proactive mental health practices for firefighters. In this conversation, Preston and Zach Menden delve into the critical aspects of mental health, particularly within the firefighting community. They discuss the importance of recognizing subtle signs of distress, the necessity of open communication, and the role of physical fitness in maintaining mental well-being. Zach shares his personal journey of healing, emphasizing the significance of vulnerability and the impact of journaling on emotional intelligence. The discussion also touches on Zach's rebranding efforts to foster community connection and his 'Keep Pushing Challenge' aimed at raising awareness about mental health struggles. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for support, understanding, and proactive measures in addressing mental health issues.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects Podcast, Preston discusses the challenges of balancing a career in firefighting with family responsibilities. He shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of communication with family, the struggle for work-life balance, and the significance of establishing a legacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for firefighters to prioritize their families while also pursuing their passion for the fire service, ultimately advocating for a holistic approach to personal and professional life.