In this episode, Jeremy Sanders discusses his journey with Crew 1st Culture, emphasizing the importance of family, mentorship, and building a supportive tribe. He shares personal experiences of vulnerability, resilience, and the challenges he faced in the fire service, including a significant demotion. Jeremy reflects on the concept of the Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and growth through adversity, and encourages listeners to embrace their stories and support one another.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host and firefighter Preston Lyons interviews his wife, Kellie Lyons, about their journey together, the challenges of being married to a firefighter, and the importance of communication and balance. They discuss Kellie's career as a Physician Assistant, the impact of Preston's job on their family life, and the mental health challenges that come with the profession. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and support between partners, especially in high-stress careers like firefighting and healthcare. This conversation delves into the complexities of mental health, work culture, and personal fulfillment within the firefighting profession. The speakers share their experiences with saying no, navigating toxic environments, and the importance of community and networking outside their department. They also discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly during the pregnancy and NICU experience of their child, highlighting the emotional and physical toll of their professions. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the complexities of navigating parenthood, particularly through the lens of their NICU experience. They discuss the importance of support systems, the evolution of personal identities as parents, and the challenges of balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication, understanding of mental health issues, and the unique dynamics faced by spouses of firefighters. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of partnership and mutual support in overcoming life's challenges together.

Summary

In this conversation, Preston reflects on the year 2024, discussing personal growth, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the evolution of the fire service. He emphasizes the significance of facing criticism, setting goals for 2025, and building a supportive community. The discussion highlights the challenges firefighters face and the need for continuous improvement and resilience in their careers.

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.