Former Mt. Taylor Hotshot and current Craig Hotshot Senior Firefighter, Chase Dixon, stops by to talk about the "Hotshot life"...

We cover quite a few topics on todays episode, such as; fitness, crew cohesion, training, setting yourself up for success, and having a back up plan in case you get injured or want to pursue something else...

Chase is a solid dude, and is more than willing to answer any questions that you may have - So be sure to hit him up via Instagram to get more information!

Chase's Instagram can be found here:

https://www.instagram.com/chase_moves_mountains/?hl=en

Or, @chase_moves_mountains

Enjoy!

..........................
Updates!

The new website is live! Be sure to check our the "Resources" page for some folks in the industry that are doing incredible things for us!

http://anchorpointpodcast.com

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Today on the show, Dr. Mynda Ohs stops by today to talk about taking care of your headspace during fire season.

This season is a little different... We didn't really get the opportunity to "decompress" from last season, we have to deal with the additional complexities of COVID, and all of the stressors that come with a "normal" fire season.

Good news is - We have some tools to put in our toolbox to help deal with these issues!

Here is a little history on Dr. Ohs:

Mynda Currently provides 24-hour on-call Critical Incident Debriefings, counseling services, and instruction. She has also been a guest presenter at numerous conferences. She has worked several critical incidents involving police and fire departments, including the recent Montecito Mudslides, providing support and education to all fire departments present, law enforcement and Incident Management Team 3. She has also provided professional support during the Las Vegas shooting and to several LODD for the Forest Service as well as local law enforcement. She played a major debriefing role of first responders to the San Bernardino terrorist shooting. Additionally, she has experience working in the EMS field as an EMT for 4 years. Not only does she have over 14 years of experience working in the field of crisis intervention and suicide prevention, but has also been married to a Battalion Chief for over 20 years. This has given her a unique perspective of living within a first responder community and family while adding to her education and professional experiences.

She also (literally) wrote the book on how to make relationships strong and amazing in her book - "Fully Involved". If you are in a relationship, definitely check out her book!

You can find Mynda's book, and a list of resources with the following links:

USFS EAP:
 https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/partnerships/servicefirst/rt/supervisorshb/safety

BLM EAP:
https://www.doi.gov/pmb/hr/eap

Fully Involved Life:
https://www.fullyinvolvedlife.com

National Suicide Prevention Hotline = 1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Next Rung:
https://www.nextrung.org

Please, reach out to these resources if you need help... Don't hesitate, don't feel like you are alone...

Hope you enjoy the show...

..........................
Updates!

The new website is live! Be sure to check our the "Resources" page for some folks in the industry that are doing incredible things for us!

http://anchorpointpodcast.com

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Former Ely hoodrat turned AFMO, Branden Sultemeier, stops by to talk about firefighting in the South!

Region 8 is an often overlooked region when it comes to fighting fire. Truth of the matter is that its a lesser known and hidden gem for wildland firefighting!

Branden Sultemeier is out of the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. He's been in fire pretty much all of his life - starting when he was young, when his grandfather would ask him to keep fenceposts from catching on fire during ag burns... When he got a little older, he started volunteering - where he found his passion in wildland fire...

He also talks about how region eight has provided him some very unique firefighting opportunities during the episode, and how you could have some of those opportunities too! If you happen to be looking for a change of pace, or are looking to get into wildland fire in the south, hit up Branden here:

Email = [email protected]

Instagram = @_firebug_

Hope everyone is doing well!

Enjoy!

..........................
Updates!

The new website is live! Be sure to check our the "Resources" page for some folks in the industry that are doing incredible things for us!

http://anchorpointpodcast.com

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Today on the show, we talk about some of the important lessons learned in fire, how to learn from your mistakes, overcoming adversity, the retention issues that are plaguing multiple agencies, and some of the harsh realities that you may encounter in fire...

Russell started his career back in 2001 on the Yosemite NPS. After 20 years of fire, he's made it all the way back to where he started - This time as a Battalion Chief...

If you guys have any questions for Russell, you can contact him here:

Email = [email protected]

Instagram = https://instagram.com/aggresively_mediocre_9?igshid=1b4amo9i8ysmi

Hope everyone is doing well!

Enjoy!

..........................
Updates!

The new website is live! Be sure to check our the "Resources" page for some folks in the industry that are doing incredible things for us!

http://anchorpointpodcast.com

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Avid Tiger King fan and former Hotshot, J.J. Rue stops by to have a conversation about hiring, firefighting culture, leadership, and a little fire philosophy...

J.J. works for the USFS, Magdalena District in New Mexico - he's had a ton of experience as a Hotshot and he worked his way up to AFMO on the Magdalena... He's got an interesting perspective on fire, and he's one hell of a leader...

Here is a little more info on JJ:

"My name is J.J. Rue was born and raised in Ruidoso New Mexico, a small mountain village. Time spent as a Hotshot requires serious and not so serious mental and physical fortitude to be able to remain calm and perform duties under such adverse conditions. Along with 19 years of Hotshot experience and an exceptional set of skills he continues to excel and construct my career by elevating our wildland fire work place. I have been set the task to build a prescribed fire veterans module as well as adding in a soon to come prevention technician.  I'm currently the Assistant Fire Management Officer in Magdalena New Mexico where he operates two type 6 engines, two look out towers as well as the Apache Kid wildland fire module. Through my years I have gained experience managing programs as well as implementing lessons it is certain I will continue to strive and test myself in order to build a safe, efficient and multifunctional organization."

If your guys and gals are interested in working for J.J. - be sure to hit him up at:

email = [email protected]

or his phone at: 575-838-7079!

IG = https://www.instagram.com/jjrue575/?hl=en

Hope everyone enjoyed an more "non-conventional" style episode!

Stay safe...

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Lets show our contractor counterparts some love!

Today on the show, Josh Hiller stops by and drops some knowledge bombs about the world of contract fire suppression...

Josh is the emergency services coordinator with Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression Incorporated, a private contractor outfit located in Chico, California... Firestorm not only provides fire suppression services, but they also think outside the box when it comes to other services.

They offer GIS and mapping services, hazardous fuels reduction, defensible space improvements - hell, they have done massive illegal marijuana abatement programs with the USFS and even did Space Shuttle Columbia recovery missions in Texas.

Point is, contractors don't necessarily just fight fire and perform fuels reduction missions - They do a lot of other stuff as well!

Here is a little about Josh:

"Josh Hiller started his employment with Firestorm in 1996 as a rookie firefighter. Josh ran his own twenty person crew for 8 seasons and then in 2008 stepped out of the role of Crew Superintendent by passing the job to new leaders whom he had trained. Josh now serves as the Emergency Services Coordinator. Josh is very active working with all of Firestorm’s resources on various assignments, whether it is emergency services, fuels and fire safety projects or controlled burning. Josh is a natural leader with high expectations that exemplifies the services and product that Firestorm delivers."

Also - These guys are hiring! So, if you didn't get picked up by a crew this year, this is an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door! They pay competitively, and take care of their folks...

Check them out here:

Website =  https://firestormfire.com

Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/firestorm_fire/

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/FirestormFire/

I hope that this episode explains what the world of contracting is all about. They sometimes get a bad rap - but these guys are legit, and are 100% our brothers and sisters on the line...

Enjoy!

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Tell your friends, tell your rookies, tell your crew - JK Boots is back on the show and better than ever!

Will and Tim Khadzi are on the show today to talk about everything regarding boots... Everything from construction, maintenance, care, materials, and most importantly; BREAKING THEM IN!!!!

I particularly love these guys and this company because they are excellent in quality, made of the best all American materials, and they actually care and are very passionate about their craft...

Also, here's a little disclaimer about my relationship with JK Boots - I want to be transparent with you guys and say that these guys DO NOT sponsor the podcast! - I genuinely just believe in their company and their mission to build better boots!

Here is a little about JK Boots:

Tim and Will say: "Our founder John Khadzhi started his career and his teenage years and he became an apprentice cobbler in a nearby town overseas where he grew up. He excelled quickly his craft and knowledge of hand building boots. In 1994, while in his late 20s, he move to the Pacific Northwest bringing along his skills, honesty, and Craftsmanship. He’s been building boots ever since.

Earning a high reputation, John began his own boot company, “JK Boots”. His sons Jason, William and Tim were born in Salem, Oregon and Spokane, Washington. All four are now boot makers working together. JK Boots is a 100% family owned and operated business. They have made a name for themselves amongst firefighters, loggers, welders, farmers, and the like, all throughout the Pacific Northwest and the country."

These guys are awesome, and they pour a lot of heart into the boots that we rely on in the field...

If you want to get ahold of them, check em out at the following places:

Website = https://www.jkboots.com
Instagram = @JKboots
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/jkbootswa/

Hope you guys enjoy the show!

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Former Ukonom Hotshot turned Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Anthony Harrell stops by to talk about preseason fitness, quarantine mental health, and staying somewhat sane during COVID-19...

Dr. Harrell has a physical therapy practice based in California and graduated from the University of California, San Francisco - During his time there he studied the effects of cross training on injury risk reduction and performance variables on wildland firefighters...

More recently, he used his experiences from wildland firefighting and physiotherapy to cofound "The Human Resilience Project" - A platform where people can become their most resilient self and achieve their full capacity with whatever they pursue! He is really into the idea of tribalism in societies, so he decided to empower his tribe with the Human Resilience Project!

"At The Human Resilience Project, we focus on using educational content to empower every person who wants to create a better future themselves. It matters less of where you started versus what you are doing now to be better tomorrow."

You can find Dr. Harrell at the following:

Website = https://www.humanresilienceproject.com
Human Resilience Project Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/humanresilienceproject/?hl=en
Dr. Harrell's Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/dr.harrell.dpt/?hl=en

Hope you enjoy!

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

North American Rescue is a premier provider of trauma equipment and training in the United States. They have some of the best training and trauma equipment in the game, and they pride themselves on utilizing only evidence based medicine.

Today on the show, Chris Hoyne stops by to tell us about some of the things NAR is all about!

Here is a little about Chris:

"Chris Hoyne is currently the Director of Community Preparedness for North American Rescue. He is a retired Lt., paramedic from Clearwater Fire & Rescue and is currently a volunteer for Pasco County Fire and Rescue in Florida. He spent 16 years as a medic on the Clearwater SWAT Team and was the Medic Team Leader for 10 years.

Please contact me with any questions!"

If you guys are looking to brush up on your medical skills, definitely take a look!

Here's a link to the website:  https://www.narescue.com

Hope you enjoy the show...

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

Yes, his last name is actually "Booze"!

Micah Booze is a Wildland Firefighter who resides in AK... His endeavors have taken him around the United States and he's had the opportunity to make some badass contacts. He is all about the power of networking and "thinking outside the box" to help spread ideas and get things done...

He is also all about being better stewards of the land, and actually practicing what we preach when it comes to helping preserve Mother Nature. One thing that really ticks him off is people who don't bury their poop when they are in the wilderness - Thats why he is launching the A.S.S movement this week!

The A.S.S (Anti Surface S***ing) movement is an effort to raise awareness and ultimately negate the nasty effects of "Surface Sh**ing" while on public lands and in wilderness areas!

Besides that, here is a little more about Micah:

* Alaskan for 5yrs - from beautiful Kenai Peninsula.
* Started in Fire 15yrs ago. I’ve worked at least a season in every Region but 6, and worked for every agency but Fish.
* (Played basketball with Jamie Foxx once)
* I’m a huge proponent of thinking outside the box and when it comes to Fire and ideas to solve our challenging issues in the field.
* HEQB is favorite position to perform in Fire.
* I subscribe to the Will Rogers “Never met anyone I didn’t like.” And the Dale Carnegie “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” approaches on how to treat people and make things happen.
* I’m just unrolling the A.S.S. Movement™️
* I’m looking to get a podcast going hopefully by next off season.

Thank you to anyone who has ever helped a firefighter while they were not working!
Cheers!

You can find Booze on IG at @Booze_and_Fire

Hope you enjoy the show!

..........................

Sponsors:

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

The Smokey Generation
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

Not a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org