In this episode of The 5% Podcast, Captain Mike Norris sits down with Logan Hinkle to break down the realities of rural fire tactics. From limited staffing and long response times to scarce water supply and vast coverage areas, rural departments face challenges that require both grit and creativity.

Logan shares his experience and perspective on what it takes to succeed in these environments, while Mike connects the discussion back to Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA)—showing how mindset, preparation, and disciplined execution matter just as much in small towns as they do in big cities.

Together, they explore practical strategies, leadership lessons, and the mental edge needed to thrive when every gallon of water and every set of hands counts.

In this episode of The 5% Podcast, Captain Mike Norris is joined by Tony Spear, firefighter, fitness professional, and advocate for building stronger, more resilient firefighters. Together, they dive into the intersection of physical fitness, leadership, and Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA).

Tony shares how physical readiness directly impacts decision-making and composure on the fireground, and why mental and tactical discipline must be paired with strength and endurance. From training in the gym to executing under pressure, this conversation explores how fitness fuels confidence, sharpens focus, and supports effective leadership.

Listeners will walk away with practical takeaways on how to train not just the body, but the mindset needed to perform when the stakes are highest.

This one is personal. I open up about my own injuries — the kind that test not just your body, but your mindset. Recovery isn’t just about rehab and patience, it’s about controlling the chaos inside your head. That’s where Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA) comes in.

CTA isn’t just a fireground tactic — it’s a way to fight back when life tries to break you. In this episode, I talk about how I used it to stay sharp, push through setbacks, and keep my mind strong when my body couldn’t be.

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What are you in for?

In this conversation, Tony and Mike discuss the critical importance of physical fitness and mental toughness in firefighting. They explore the challenges faced by firefighters in training and real-life scenarios, emphasizing the need for compassion and teamwork.

The impact of social media on perceptions of firefighting is also addressed, along with strategies for preparing for the unexpected. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, and the necessity of being adaptable in the demanding field of emergency services. In this conversation,

Mike and Tony discuss the importance of empathy in emergency response, the emotional toll of the job, and the impact first responders have on people's lives. They explore the significance of finding purpose in suffering, the necessity of health and wellness for first responders, and practical steps for a healthier lifestyle.

The discussion also highlights the role of technology in nutrition and fitness, the importance of community support, and share success stories of personal growth.

In this episode of The 5% Podcast, host Mike sits down with Logan Hinkle from Rural Fire Tactics for a powerful conversation on tactical psychology and rural fireground strategy. From mindset to mission execution, they explore how small departments can lead with aggression, clarity, and purpose—even with limited resources. It's about more than tactics—it's about thinking differently and operating like lives depend on it… because they do.

In this episode of the 5% Podcast, host Mike dives deep into two of the most crucial life-saving techniques in firefighting: Vent, Enter, Isolate Search (VEIS) and the Dirty Drag. These tactics are explored in detail, including their historical development and modern-day application in saving lives from burning buildings. With a focus on practical strategies and real-world data, Mike emphasizes the importance of mental and physical preparedness for firefighters when faced with high-risk situations.

The episode also revisits significant events in fire service history, uncovering lessons learned and innovations that have shaped current firefighting practices. Listeners are encouraged to enhance their skills and mindset, training as if lives depend on it, which they certainly do. Whether new to the field or a seasoned veteran, this episode is essential for those committed to excellence in firefighting.

In this episode of The 5% Podcast, Fire Captain Mike Norris explores the critical mental space that exists between stimulus and response on the fireground—what he calls the gap between action and emotion.

That fraction of a second is where decisions are made—or missed. It’s also where Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA) begins.

We kick off with a heartfelt tribute to two brothers lost in the line of duty:

Captain David Meyer of the Chicago Fire Department, who died during a roof collapse while operating at a garage fire, and

Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman of the Kansas City Fire Department, who was tragically killed while transporting a patient.

Their service, sacrifice, and leadership set the tone for an episode focused on mental clarity, tactical patience, and real leadership under pressure.

Drawing lessons from The Men, The Mission, and Me by Pete Blaber, Mike walks through the mental framework behind CTA—giving firefighters tools to operate with intensity and discipline in moments where emotional reaction can cost lives.

In this episode, we cover:

A tribute to fallen firefighters Captain David Meyer (Chicago FD) and FF/PM Graham Hoffman (KCFD)

What the “mental gap” is—and why it matters more than ever

How Controlled Tactical Aggression helps firefighters operate with clarity under chaos

Training methods for improving decision control under stress

Fireground psychology, mental mapping, and the importance of tactical pauses

Quotes and mindset principles from The Men, The Mission, and Me by Pete Blaber

If you lead, if you train, if you ride the front seat—this episode is for you.

Join us for an insightful hour as we delve into the intriguing world of tactical psychology and its application in high-stress, high-stakes environments. In this episode, we examine the article "Good Intentions Don't Win Battles" and explore the powerful insights from the book "Deep Survival" by Lawrence Gonzalez. Discover how mental resilience, cognitive control, and mission clarity can make the difference when every second counts. Whether you're a seasoned firefighter or new to the field, understanding the psychological mindset required in emergency situations is crucial. We discuss the importance of preparing mentally just as rigorously as physically and how these strategies apply to real-life rescue and firefighting scenarios. Grab your coffee, settle in, and prepare to enhance your mental toolkit for survival and success in the most unpredictable situations.

"Keep It Simple"

In this episode, we dive into the powerful concept of Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA), developed by veteran firefighter and instructor Mike Norris. CTA is more than a buzzword—it’s a mindset that blends decisive action with deliberate control on the fireground. We explore what it means to be aggressive with purpose, how to train for it, and why CTA is crucial for today’s fast-changing fire environment. Whether you're a seasoned officer or a new firefighter, this episode will challenge the way you think about tactical decision-making under pressure.

We also discuss the importance of mindset and leadership through the lens of Norris’ follow-up article, “Good Intentions Don’t Win Battles”—a powerful reminder that success on the fireground requires preparation, clarity, and execution.

Todays episode is sponsored by Muddy River Training LLC

https://www.facebook.com/Muddyriverdivers

https://mrdivers.com/

Read the articles for todays episodes Here :

https://www.fireengineering.com/leadership/controlled-tactical-aggression/

https://www.fireengineering.com/leadership/good-intentions-dont-win-battles/

 Tune in and learn how to push with control, lead with clarity, and operate with purpose.