The Cool Fireman Podcast

This episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast dives into the unwritten rules that make firehouse culture what it is. Matt, Doug, and Adam break down the firehouse laws nobody writes down but everybody learns fast—from food in the fridge, seats at the kitchen table, and bunk room etiquette to rookie expectations, shift change courtesy, and the sacred rule of not farting at the dinner table.

In This Episode

The guys mix humor with real firehouse truth as they talk about why these traditions matter, how they shape culture, and what every rookie needs to know if they want to survive probation. Plus, there’s Patreon talk, a Wheel of Names winner, sponsor updates, Burn Box gear, FDIC hype, and a little snail mail.

• The guys open with stickers, Burn Box talk, and Doug’s legendary footlong chili dog

• Patreon updates, new members, and the monthly Wheel of Names drawing

• Turnout Drill winner DJ Watson’s answers on snacks, aliens, and sunsets

• Sponsor shoutouts for Unkie’s Seasoning and Burn Box

• A moment of silence for fallen first responders

• The main topic: the unwritten rules of the firehouse

• Firehouse food etiquette, fridge politics, and shift-change snack theft

• The sacred rules of the kitchen table and “unassigned assigned seating”

• Bunk room courtesy, bathroom etiquette, and showing up early for shift change

• Rookie life: why none of the normal rules apply when you’re the new guy

• Snail Mail reactions from last week’s episode about becoming a firefighter and the volunteer fire service debate

  
  

  Key Talking Points

Patreon and Wheel of Names

The crew welcomes new Patreon members and spins the Wheel of Names for the monthly giveaway. Ricky Bird takes the win for April, continuing his streak as a big name in the podcast community.

Turnout Drill Answers

DJ Watson’s responses spark conversation about guilty pleasure snacks, aliens, and whether sunrise or sunset is better. Naturally, that turns into a bigger firehouse-style debate.

Burn Box and FDIC

Doug shows off the latest Burn Box, which includes:

• Burn Box Skeleton Key t-shirt

• metal wedge

• door jam

• updated Williams key for respectful entry

Unwritten Rules of the Firehouse

This is the heart of the episode. Topics include:

• Don’t sit down just anywhere at the kitchen table

• Seats may not be assigned, but they are definitely claimed

• If you cook, do you clean, or does the crew handle dishes?

• If food has no name on it, it might be fair game

• Treats brought for another shift may not survive until shift change

• Don’t leave old food in Tupperware forever

• Don’t use the last toilet paper without replacing the roll

• Don’t destroy the bathroom right before shift change

• Show up early so the off-going crew doesn’t get stuck on a late call

• Don’t leave your gear laying around unless you want it messed with

• And above all: when you’re the rookie, you do everything

The crew talks about humility, owning mistakes, earning trust, and embracing the rite of passage that comes with being the new guy.

Snail Mail

The episode wraps with comments from listeners responding to last week’s discussion on becoming a firefighter and the ongoing debate around volunteer fire service, cost, staffing, and recruitment.

Best Moments

• Doug describing a footlong chili dog disappearing in record time

• The debate over whether cookies meant for another shift are actually safe

• Matt admitting he’s been banned from the kitchen table for farting

• “We don’t have assigned seats… but you definitely can’t sit there.”

• “Them cookies ain’t gonna make it to shift change.”

• Matt’s closing thoughts on being the rookie and doing everything

  
  

  Sponsors

• Unkie’s Seasoning

• Burn Box

Call to Action

What unwritten rule did the guys miss?
Drop your firehouse’s favorite unwritten law in the comments.

SEO Keywords

The Cool Fireman Podcast, unwritten firehouse rules, firehouse culture, rookie firefighter advice, kitchen table rules, firefighter podcast, probationary firefighter, firehouse traditions, firefighter humor, FDIC

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In this episode, the guys circle back to one of their most popular topics: how to become a firefighter. Matt, Brian, and Unkie talk through what it really takes to get hired, survive the process, and build a successful career in the fire service.

The conversation covers everything from attitude, humility, and work ethic to the value of mentors, accountability, and staying teachable. The crew shares personal stories about the grind of trying to get hired, the sacrifices it took, and the moments they knew this was the career they were meant to pursue.

They also discuss the importance of being someone others want to invest in — because in this job, your attitude can open doors just as much as your résumé.

The episode also includes Patreon updates, a new Wheel of Names winner for the Turnout Drill, sponsor shoutouts, a Moment of Silence for recent line-of-duty deaths, and some discussion on volunteer staffing, training, and the future of the fire service.

In this episode:

• What it really takes to become a firefighter

• Why attitude matters as much as skill

• The importance of mentors and accountability

• Why humility and work ethic go a long way

• Personal stories from the hiring grind

• Recent LODDs honored in the Moment of Silence

• Turnout Drill winner: Daniel Watson

• FDIC excitement, merch, and sponsor updates

Support the podcast:

👕 Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections
🎧 Patreon: Join the crew for bonus content, giveaways, and more

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In this episode, Matt and Doug jump on the mic for a two-man show as they talk through the chaos of spring schedules, sick days, family life, and getting an episode recorded when everyone’s calendars refuse to line up. From a rough morning at the dentist with Matt’s daughter to Doug battling sinus misery, the guys ease into a real and relatable conversation before diving into the main topic: FDIC and why conferences matter in the fire service.

They share their excitement for the upcoming FDIC conference in Indianapolis, where the podcast team will be partnering with The Burn Box and spending the week surrounded by firefighters, training, new technology, and networking opportunities. Doug gives a preview of what FDIC is like for first-timers, from the massive exhibitor floor to Firefighter Row and the sheer scale of the event. Matt and Doug also discuss why sending firefighters to conferences is such a valuable investment for departments of all sizes, especially when it comes to inspiration, training, networking, and bringing fresh ideas back home.

The episode also includes updates on Patreon, merch, sponsors, and a heartfelt moment of silence requested by a listener for a teacher who recently passed away. They wrap things up with some listener engagement, including reactions to their recent episode on Social Security, unions, and associations, plus a reminder that the podcast is closing in on 1,000 Spotify followers.

In This Episode:

• Doug battles a brutal cold/sinus issue while Matt shares a wild dentist visit with his daughter

• Why it can be so hard to coordinate podcast recordings with a busy crew

• St. Patrick’s Day talk, corned beef tacos, and keeping things light

• Patreon updates, giveaway winners, and plans for future prizes

• Merch update and where to grab Cool Fireman gear

• Sponsor shoutouts for Unkie’s Seasoning and The Burn Box

• Preview of FDIC 2026 and what attendees can expect

• Why conferences are worth the investment for fire departments

• The importance of networking, hands-on training, and seeing new fire service technology

• Thoughts on leadership, inspiration, and getting firefighters excited about the job again

• Listener-requested moment of silence for Leanne Colley

• Snail Mail and social media feedback from recent episodes

• Discussion on Social Security, pensions, and the recent listener response to that topic

• Closing encouragement to support the show through follows, engagement, merch, Patreon, and sponsors

Key Takeaways

This episode reinforces a message the guys keep coming back to: if you want better culture, better morale, and better performance in the fire service, you have to invest in your people. Conferences like FDIC are more than just a trip—they’re an opportunity to build passion, sharpen skills, create new connections, and bring real value back to the department.

Mentioned in This Episode

• FDIC International

• The Burn Box

• Unkie’s Seasoning

• Patreon giveaways

• Cool Fireman merch

• Social Security Fairness discussion

• Leanne Colley

• Ricky Bird

• Megan Louts / The Salty Paramedic

Support the Podcast:

Visit our Website: thecoolfireman.com

Visit Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheCoolFiremanPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Follow and subscribe to The Cool Fireman Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Support the show through Patreon, grab some merch at thecoolfireman.com, and keep engaging with the crew on social media.

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In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew talks all things collective bargaining, firefighter unions, and what union representation really means for the fire service.

They break down the basics of unions, executive boards, local representation, and why being involved matters. The conversation covers retirement, safety, wages, staffing, equipment, cancer presumption, 24-hour shifts, and contract negotiations — along with a reminder that many of the things firefighters enjoy today were fought for through union work.

The guys also talk about voting for your job, staying active in your local, attending meetings, and understanding what your dues are actually supporting behind the scenes.

The episode also includes Patreon updates, the next Wheel of Names turnout drill winner, sponsor shoutouts, a Moment of Silence, and listener comments from the burnout episode.

In this episode:

• What collective bargaining means in the fire service

• Why firefighter unions matter

• Retirement, safety, wages, and representation

• How union boards and local leadership work

• Contract negotiations and staying competitive

• Why firefighters should vote for their job

• Patreon updates and Ricky Bird wins the turnout drill

Support the podcast:

👕 Merch: CLICK HERE FOR MERCH
🎧 Patreon: Join the crew and get in on monthly Patreon Perks

CLICK HERE FOR PATREON

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In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew kicks things off with some big Patreon news: the Engineer Tier officially hit 10 subscribers, which means Phase 1 is live and the first Wheel of Names giveaway is underway. Congrats to Simon Gray, who takes home the first box of firefighter goodies.

The guys also share a heartfelt Moment of Silence honoring firefighters recently lost, including Lt. Robert “Dean” Clary, who passed away from occupational cancer, along with other recent line-of-duty losses. It’s a powerful reminder of the risks firefighters face both on and off the fireground.

The main topic centers around burnout — what it looks like, how it builds, and how firefighters can recognize it before it takes a bigger toll. The conversation touches on stress at work, life at home, mental exhaustion, faith, family, and the importance of having healthy outlets and strong people in your corner.

The episode wraps with snail mail, listener feedback, and more discussion around training, priorities, and the reality of balancing fire service life.

In this episode:

• Patreon giveaway officially begins

• Simon Gray wins the first Wheel of Names box

• Moment of Silence for recent firefighter losses

• Burnout in the fire service

• Stress, mental fatigue, and healthy coping outlets

• Listener comments and training discussion

Support the podcast:

🎧 Patreon: Engineer Tier starts at just $2/month

• 
  
  
• 👕 Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections

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The crew debates a firehouse classic: If most of our calls are EMS, should most of our training be EMS? With departments running 80%+ medical calls in many areas, is it time to shift focus—or double down on fire because it’s high-risk and low-frequency?

• EMS isn’t going anywhere.
  Call volume continues trending heavily medical. Fires are decreasing due to prevention, codes, and education.

• Train for high-acuity on both sides.
  Even if you run EMS daily, you still need reps on cardiac arrests, strokes, trauma, airway management, and rare presentations. Same logic as training for low-frequency, high-risk fire incidents.

• Service is service.
  Whether it’s a working structure fire or grandma on the floor, we’re there to solve problems. The public expects professionalism no matter the call type.

• Jack of all trades? Good.
  The fire service is an all-hazards profession. Being competent across fire, EMS, rescue, and prevention is the job.

• For new firefighters:
  You’re signing up for both. You’ll pull hose and you’ll run 12-leads. Train hard at both.

• New Engineer Tier Patreon members: Simon Gray & Ty Rowan

• Turnout Drill Wheel Winner: Simon Gray

• Merch shoutout + FDIC Burn Box teaser

• Road to 1,000 Spotify followers

Bottom line:
EMS vs. fire isn’t either/or. It’s both. Train accordingly.

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In this episode, the crew sits down with K-Bill from Social FD to talk about the reality of social media in today’s fire service—especially how it impacts volunteer recruitment, retention, and community trust. From “Facebook warriors” and negativity in comment sections, to meeting the next generation where they are (yes… even Twitch), this one hits culture, standards, and how we can do better without tearing each other down publicly.

• Why Social FD exists and the problem it’s trying to solve for volunteer departments

• How social media can build trust → support → recruitment

• The uncomfortable truth: everyone’s an “overnight expert” online (and it’s hurting the fire service)

• Why departments shouldn’t ban everyday station content—the next generation lives online

• A real talk discussion on standards vs. public shaming (beards/NFPA/social media pile-ons)

• How to correct mistakes the right way: educate internally, don’t embarrass externally

• The crew rips Legacy Fire Cards live and talks using them to engage rookies and kids

• Snail Mail highlights + community shoutouts, including powerful mental health feedback

• The Burn Box (housekeeping segment shoutout)

• Unkie Seasonings (plus a fun giveaway tease tied to brisket tags)

  
  

• “Trust builds support, and support builds recruitment.” — K-Bill

• “A simple post can save a life.” — K-Bill

• “We’re tearing the fire service down with these arguments publicly.” — K-Bill

• “Educate first, then advocate.” — Brian

• “We’re the custodians of the fire service.” — Freddy

• “It’s not what you say—it’s how you say it.” — Brian

Social FD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit helping volunteer fire departments with:

• Online engagement support

• Free website hosting tools

• Social media scheduling/posting help

• Guidance on using content to build community trust and recruitment

Find K-Bill / Social FD:

• socialfd.org/links (all platforms + resources)

Also mentioned:

• Thinline Rock Station (online radio for first responders)

• Saturday nights (5–7pm CST) you can catch K-Bill featured on-air

• Honor Guard uniform opinions (ascot + blouse belt hate = strong consensus 😂)

• Listener shares first Honor Guard detail experience and learning etiquette fast

• Powerful mental health responses: encouragement to normalize getting help early

• Patreon and merch mentions sprinkled throughout (plus “Sorry, Rhett” moments)

If this episode hits home, share it with:

• A volunteer department that needs community support

• A chief/admin team debating social media policies

• A new firefighter who needs encouragement and culture done right

And as always: be kind, build people up, and keep the tradition strong—without becoming the comment-section NFPA police.

What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeSponsors / Housekeeping MentionsKey Moments (Approx. Timestamps)Quotes Worth PullingGuest Info: K-Bill (Social FD)Community / Snail Mail HighlightsCall to Action

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The crew kicks things off in classic “kitchen table” fashion (yes… with an unfortunate shart confession) before shifting into a respectful, meaningful conversation about Honor Guard in the fire service—why it matters, what professionalism looks like, and how departments can build/strengthen their own teams. Along the way: sponsor shoutouts, a moment of silence for two fallen firefighters, and a trick-question flag trivia that gets Matt good.

In This Episode

Cold Open: The “Literal Sh*t Show

• Unkie admits to a wet fart situation (aka: shart), sparking a round of “we’ve all been there” stories.

• Brian loses his appetite mid-conversation.

• Doug officially welcomes everyone to the literal “shit show” that is the podcast.

  
  

  ”Housekeeping & Updates

  
  

  Patreon Shoutouts

• New Patreon members welcomed:

  • Ricky Bird

  • Big Bob Penrod (Doug’s new nickname for him)

  • B. Stapleton (the crew debates what the “B” stands for—Brandon? Bradley? Bryce? Broseph? Bart?)

    
    

    Merch Update

• Merch is moving: shirts, hoodies, hats, and now embroidered hats are rolling out.

• Big thanks to everyone who’s ordered.

  
  

  Sponsor Shoutouts

• Unkie’s Seasonings

  • Unkie will be at Virginia Fire & Expo in Virginia Beach (Feb 19–21)

  • Hanging around heavy hitters like Taylor’s Tins, National Fire Radio, and more.

• Burn Box

  • The crew highlights recent box items (hoodie, stickers, mask bag).

  • “If you’re on the fence, jump off and get one.”

    
    

    Potential New Sponsor Idea

• The crew makes a strong case for Dude Wipes becoming a sponsor… for obvious reasons.

  
  

  Moment of Silence

The team honors two recent losses in the fire service:

• Firefighter Michael Mejia (National City FD) — passed from complications of a severe illness.

• Firefighter Howard Bennett (60) — fell into the icy Delaware River while inspecting a fireboat at Wiggins Park Marina.

  
  

  Main Topic: Honor Guard in the Fire Service

• The crew emphasizes Honor Guard as a prestigious, humbling, high-respect role.

• Doug shares that Honor Guard may be the most important work he does in his career.

Doug lays down a core philosophy:

• Honor Guard should be professional, tactful, and executed quietly.

• Cadence screaming or making it “about you” defeats the point.

• Unkie shares frustration with “Marine Corps cadence” style pageantry in civilian settings.

• Doug’s pet peeve: ascots (“Victorian era nonsense” 😂)

Matt shares a probationary-day moment:

• At a Memorial Day ceremony, he placed a wreath… and saluted his Captain instead of the flag.

• Crew compares Matt to “Officer Doofy.”

Unkie hits the crew with trivia:

• Trick question: What degree does the American flag angle during Present Arms?

  • Answer: It doesn’t. The U.S. flag does not bow—only other flags do.

  • Brian nails it. Matt gets smoked.

• Bonus trivia:

  • Texas is the only state flag that can be displayed at the same height as the U.S. flag (as explained in the episode).

• Ricky Bird praises the importance of recent mental health episodes.

• Kenny Mitchell encourages using the episode for roundtable training and discussion.

• Doug shouts out Chelsea from “Hold the Line at Home” for sharing mental health content.

• A listener shares they were admitted to a psych facility after letting things build up—crew praises the honesty and reinforces:

  • “It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to stay not okay.”

• “Welcome to the literal shit show…” — Doug

• “You shouldn’t be heard.” — Doug on Honor Guard professionalism

• “Ditch your bricks.” — Doug (throwback phrase that may become merch)

• How does YOUR department run Honor Guard?
  Drop it in the comments—structure, training, uniforms, pay/OT, recruiting, etc.

• What’s the worst (or weirdest) Honor Guard/Class A uniform detail you’ve seen?
  Keep it respectful… but let’s hear it.

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Summary

In this episode, the guys welcome back Greg Rudiger (Resilient Another Day / The Radcast) for a real, needed conversation about mental health in the fire service—and why we must start talking to recruits and new members early, not just after 15–20 years of calls, stress, and life piling up. The crew covers how peer support, resiliency tools, spirituality, and the “power of the pause” can help firefighters stay in the fight—at work, at home, and into retirement.

• Greg returns (first appeared on Episode 75) for Episode 145.

• Matt sets the tone: firefighters are killing themselves—and we need to stop acting like it’s not real.

• The crew agrees this topic should be in fire academies nationwide, not treated as an afterthought.

Patreon update

• Patreon is growing fast: 12 members (with a recent surge of new sign-ups).

• The team discusses possible perks like watching the podcast live during recording via Riverside.

New subscribers shout-outs

• Tyler Carson (free member)

• Tyler Adams

• Jesus & Sophia

• Social FD (paid supporter)

Merch

• New flagship merch drop: shirts/hoodies/hats/long sleeves + specialty designs.

• Discount code mentioned: “Episode144” for 15% off (limited time).

Sponsors

• Unkie’s Seasonings

• Burn Box / FD Collectors Club

• Plus love for Blue Collar Firemen

Greg breaks down the shift toward a proactive approach:

• If firefighter survival training is 75% prevention, why isn’t mental health training the same?

• They’re teaching recruits common language + tools before they ever hit the street:

  • Stress continuum (blue/green/yellow/orange/red)

  • Breath work / mindfulness

  • Work-life balance, sleep, nutrition, exercise

  • Peer support resources and apps

• The goal: normalize “Cap, I’m not okay” and make it safe to say.

Brian brings up the tension:

• Some firefighters reject the mental health conversation as “victim mindset.”

• Greg responds: it’s not about weakness—it’s about leading with love, listening, and meeting the human.

• Also discussed: the “weaponization” concern—people claiming mental health issues to avoid accountability—without dismissing anyone who truly needs help.

Greg’s point hits hard:

• You don’t carry one tool on the rig—you carry a toolbox.

• Same for wellness: breath work might work today, but tomorrow it might be running, faith, calling a buddy, stretching, ocean time, etc.

• The theme: sometimes you have to sit in the uncomfortable long enough to move through it.

• The crew emphasizes not being afraid of silence—on the mic and in real life.

• The pause helps you:

  • respond instead of react

  • recognize what you’re feeling

Brian shares scripture and the Footprints poem to underline the spiritual dimension:

• Faith isn’t “religion as performance”—it’s spiritual grounding and support.

• Greg ties it into wellness: the spiritual pillar is often the missing piece.

• Shared theme: we’re not meant to carry it alone.

Freddy raises a huge point:

• Retirement can be dangerous for mental health—loss of structure, identity shift, isolation.
  Greg explains what they’re doing:

• retiree peer support groups

• intentional check-ins (personal phone/email, not “department HR”)

• spouse inclusion

• monthly breakfasts and continued connection

• Matt addresses a correction from a listener regarding PAH exposure discussion from Episode 144:

  • Clarifies the study measured urinary metabolites, not dermal skin measurements.

  • Reinforces the key takeaway: SCBA use (even for engineers in the hot/warm zone) reduces exposure.

• Comment: How are you “par checking” your people?

• What tools are you using—peer support, faith, exercise, breath work, counseling, retirement groups?

• If you’re struggling: reach out to someone (your crew, peer support, or the podcast team).

• Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections

• Greg / RAD: resilientanotherday.com

• Social: @stay.rad10 (IG/TikTok)

Greg Rudiger

• Founder: Resilient Another Day (RAD)

• Co-host: The Radcast

• Offers: resiliency training + help building peer support frameworks (“can’t be a prophet in your own town” support)

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Special Guest: Scott Jennie | Firefighter Cancer Support Network

In this powerful and timely episode, the crew sits down with retired Captain Scott Jennie, National Training Program Manager and California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). This conversation dives deep into the realities of occupational cancer in the fire service, the cultural shifts needed to protect firefighters, and the life-saving resources available when the unthinkable happens.

🔥 Episode Highlights

• Scott’s transition from the fire floor to national cancer advocacy

• Why firefighter cancer rates continue to rise nationwide

• Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of annual safety stand-downs

• The myth of “it’s just part of the job” — and why it doesn’t have to be

• The critical role of peer-to-peer (badge-to-badge) support during a cancer diagnosis

• How Firefighter Cancer Support Network helps firefighters and their families, free of charge

• What to do immediately after receiving a cancer diagnosis

• Navigating workers’ comp, presumptive laws, and self-advocacy

• Why overhaul is one of the most dangerous exposure periods

• “If you smell smoke, you smell cancer” — fighting fire aggressively and smart

• Culture change: accountability at every rank, from probie to chief

• Why engineers often experience the highest PAH exposure levels

• Small daily habits that significantly reduce cancer risk

• Early detection, screenings, and why education saves lives

  
  

  🧠 Key Takeaways

• No firefighter should ever fight cancer alone

• Occupational cancer is preventable with awareness, behavior change, and accountability

• Clean gear, clean air, clean cab — every call, every time

• Leadership is not rank-dependent; anyone can speak up and make a difference

• Firefighters must prioritize long-term health to enjoy retirement with family

🎗️ About Firefighter Cancer Support Network

Firefighter Cancer Support Network is a nationwide nonprofit providing:

• Peer-to-peer mentorship

• Cancer toolkits and survivor guides

• Education and training

• Navigation support for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery

• Resources for firefighters, EMS professionals, and immediate family members

All services are free of charge.

👉 If you or someone you know needs help:
🌐 https://www.firefightercancersupport.org/
📞 Assistance available via website or hotline
🧑‍🚒 Volunteer mentors and state directors available nationwide

🛒 Support the Podcast

Check out our latest merch and help support the show:
👉 https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections

🤝 What’s Next

The Cool Fireman Podcast will be planning a future Fill the Boot–style fundraiser to directly support the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Stay tuned for details.

As always — thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community.

🎙️ Roll it, Gigi.

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