In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the nuances of leadership within the fire service. They discuss the concept of leading up the chain of command, emphasizing the importance of honor, respect, and understanding motives. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment for new firefighters, the necessity of honest conversations, and the proactive approach of bringing solutions rather than problems to leadership. The episode aims to provide actionable insights for improving leadership capabilities in the fire service.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Preston Lines discuss pressing issues in the fire service, focusing on recruitment and retention challenges. They emphasize the importance of social media in attracting new candidates and the need for fire departments to present an honest portrayal of the job. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a supportive culture for new firefighters, the role of company officers in retention, and the necessity of prioritizing firefighter wellness and work-life balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on upcoming conferences and events in the fire service community.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the importance of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the role of attitude and influence. They discuss how personal experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of leadership, and how a positive attitude can significantly impact team dynamics and personal performance. The conversation highlights actionable steps for improving leadership qualities and fostering a supportive environment in the firehouse and beyond. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez explore the significance of attitude in the workplace, particularly in the fire service. They discuss the importance of understanding and humanizing others, seeking opportunities to serve, and practicing gratitude to foster a positive mindset. The duo emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the value of authentic connections among colleagues. They also highlight the necessity of anticipating unexpected challenges and maintaining control over one's attitude, regardless of external circumstances. The conversation concludes with a commitment to ongoing discussions about leadership and personal growth.Grabs Podcast referenced - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j6CyCdeReeiKWmsKpWyd0?si=zXZ0pvf0RseSY-jR-fpuaw

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons discuss the importance of culture and leadership within the fire service, the role of tailboard firefighters, and their personal passions for firefighting techniques. They emphasize the value of networking and community, sharing experiences and insights to improve the fire service as a whole. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and mentorship, as well as the significance of being part of something larger than oneself in the fire service.

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.