Tailboard Misfits Podcast

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez speaks with Danny B, a seasoned firefighter and host of the Student of the Game podcast. They discuss Danny's journey in the fire service, the importance of training and mentorship, and the cultural differences in firefighting. Danny shares his passion for the job, the significance of physical fitness, and his aspirations for leadership. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, personal growth, and the need for positivity in the fire service.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Logan Hinkle discuss the intricacies of the fire service, focusing on the importance of volunteer experience, the value of training, and the expectations of the public. Logan shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the significance of being well-rounded in skills, the necessity of understanding fire behavior, and the importance of accountability. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by volunteer departments and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in firefighting practices.

In this conversation, Mike Goldstein discusses his involvement in the Explorer Academy, a program that provides advanced training to young explorers and junior firefighters. He emphasizes the importance of instilling core values, teamwork, and passion in the youth, as well as the impact of exposure to top-notch instructors and speakers. The conversation also touches on the limitations of online fire training programs and the value of in-person, hands-on experiences. he hosts discuss the impact of speakers like Jeremy Donch and Raymond Dorville, who inspire and motivate firefighters through their passion and ability to connect with others. They emphasize the need to bring in speakers that the younger generation can relate to, as social media plays a significant role in their lives. The conversation also touches on the experience of attending conferences like the Dagum Conference and the County Fire Tactics Officer Development Program, where the sense of family and hospitality stood out. The hosts highlight the importance of networking, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and sharing knowledge and experiences with others. They discuss the value of patience, effective communication, and creating a welcoming environment for both adults and kids. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Castillo Way conference and the importance of supporting fellow firefighters in need.

This episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast features Joe Johnson of the Porter Fire Department discussing an upcoming conference to benefit one of their colleagues, Castillo, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The conference will be a three-day event, with one day of lectures and two days of hands-on training. The lineup of instructors includes Raymond Dorval, Clyde Gordon, Mo Davis, and Mike Johnson, among others. The conference aims to honor Castillo and raise awareness about the challenges faced by firefighters battling cancer. The conversation revolves around the upcoming Castillo Way Conference, which is dedicated to honoring and supporting Lieutenant Jesse Castillo, who is battling stage four lung cancer. The conference will feature lectures and hands-on training sessions led by experienced instructors from various fire departments. The goal is to bring together firefighters who are willing to work hard and learn from each other. The conference will also raise funds for Castillo and his family. The conversation highlights the importance of brotherhood in the fire service and the dedication of firefighters to their profession.

The conversation is about the For Them Fire Conference, a firefighter training event in Port Arthur, Texas. The conference includes lectures and hands-on training sessions focused on engine work, primary search, and tactics. The keynote speaker is Chief Tom Hollick, who will deliver a special presentation about the meaning of 'for them' in the fire service. The conference also features instructors such as Cody Trestrail, Kyle Romagus, and LJ Geist. There will be social events for networking and building relationships with fellow firefighters. The conference aims to provide valuable knowledge and skills to attendees while fostering a sense of brotherhood. We battled some internet issues so we apologize for walking over each other a bit.

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.