Matt Ballard, a 23-year fire service veteran, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of addressing it in the fire service. He discusses his own experiences with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and how he sought help through therapy and medication. Matt emphasizes the need for peer support and the role it played in his recovery. He also highlights the alarming suicide rates among firefighters and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Matt's mission is to raise awareness and provide resources for first responders struggling with mental health issues. In this conversation, Matt Ballard discusses the importance of mental health in the fire service and the need for peer support teams. He emphasizes that everyone's journey is different, but the outcomes are usually the same, such as anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. Matt highlights the role of culture in mental health and the need for education and normalization of mental health issues. He also discusses coping mechanisms and the importance of finding healthy avenues to process information. Matt shares resources such as Free Burn and Next Rung, which provide education, advocacy, and support for first responders. He encourages departments to reach out to Free Burn for presentations and support.

In this conversation, TBM host John Velez interviews Mike Nasti, host of the Tip of the Spear Leadership podcast. They discuss the origins of Tip of the Spear and the importance of relatable and relevant content. They also touch on the topics of leadership, training, and the basics of firefighting. Mike emphasizes the need for firefighters to take initiative and focus on the fundamentals, rather than getting caught up in elaborate training scenarios. They also discuss the importance of effective communication and building relationships within the fire service. In this conversation, Mike and John discuss various aspects of firefighting and leadership. They talk about their experiences in the fire service, including the equipment and tactics they use. They also discuss the importance of training and continuous learning in the fire service. Mike emphasizes the value of experience and street knowledge in leadership, while also acknowledging the importance of formal education. They both highlight the need for strong foundations in firefighting and leadership, and the importance of being open to feedback and learning from others. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the passion and dedication required in the fire service.

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TBM Host John Velez shares a conversation with John Spera of Fit To Fight Fire. Spera is a 23 year tailboard fireman that has his priorities in check. Above all else is his faith, then family and finally fire and it shows throughout this entire episode. John shares why he believes physical fitness is the foundation of the fire service, how his faith has plated a significant role in his fire service career and shares a powerful story of being first due at the Aurora movie theatre shooting. John is phenomenal person with such a great message, we were honored to have him on the Tailboard Misfits Podcast. Check out the links below and follow John on social media to stay up to speed with all the things he is doing.

TBM host John Velez has a conversation with Matt Valdez, Owner and Operator of MV Fire Rescue. The two talk about the evolution of MV Fire rescue, where it started and what it has grown to, and how the company has changed Matt as a firefighter. There is a deep sense of passion you can hear in Matt's voice as he shares stories from a recent trip to Mexico to help spread the good of Firemanship. Matt and his 'family' are top notch guys and the fire service is a better place because of them.

TBM host John Velez talks with The Senior Man Jess Rodzinka. Jess was an outstanding with true insight about what it takes to be a senior man. The two discuss what it looks like for the less tenured firemen to step into that senior man role and how to set yourself up for success.

TBM Host John Velez sits down with LA County Firefighter Trevor Williams, inventor of The Williams Key. Trevor has an incredible story from experiencing the historic Earthquake in Haiti and participating in the search and rescue efforts to running some INTERESTING calls out of Firehouse 8 in West Hollywood, CA.

TBM host John Velez talks shop with Marcos Orozco. Listen as they dive deep into fitness as it pertains to the fire ground, resiliency and other great topics. Marcos can be found on IG  @hardknoxsunday 

Tailboard Misfits Podcast Host John Velez talks with Tyler Evans of The Citizens Firemen. The two discuss Tylers' transition from a driver that was just 'on the job' into an Officer that is 'in to the job', social media and the role it is playing in the Fire Service, as well as the development of Tylers' new podcast 'The Citizens Firemen Podcast'.