The Cool Fireman Podcast

The boys are back with Burn Box Tom, and it’s safe to say the chaos has never been more fun. From Tom’s Buzz Lightyear headset to tales of FDIC madness, we’re talking booths, mustaches, and the mysterious art of cutting a hole in a Burn Box (yep, that joke gets made).

We dive into what it’s like to sling firefighter-owned gear at the Super Bowl of conferences, how Tom’s Build-Your-Own Box was a game-changer, and the ever-growing FD Collector’s Club that’s turning challenge coin skeptics into die-hard collectors.

Plus, Ricky Byrd wins our 100th episode giveaway AGAIN (the man can’t lose), and Unkie reveals his top 10% Chipotle rub—salty firemen unite. Add in some bad headset audio, McDoubles on the go, and a root beer-fueled sugar spiral, and you’ve got another unforgettable episode.

Listen now. Laugh later. Join the mayhem.

#CoolFiremanPodcast #BurnBoxTom #FDIC2025 #ChallengeCoinAddicts #RickyFreakinByrd #FirehouseLife #RescueLips #BuzzLightyearHeadset #UnkieSeasoning #FirstResponderGear #BoxLooksBigger

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Fresh off Episode 100, the crew is back in action—and it’s a fed fire kind of night. Matt, Unkie, and special guest Nick Hammond (aka @fireman1231) break down the wild world of federal fire service—what it’s like to get hired, how operations differ from city departments, and the perks of repping stars and stripes on the job.

Doug and Nick bring the laughs with stories of burned rice, busted fire alarms, and the weird world of military base responses. From heat casualty calls to clunky building number systems, it's a deep (and hilarious) dive into federal firefighting life.

PLUS—Freddy drops in with a fresh scalp and big takes.
And… we reveal the winner of our 100th Episode Giveaway! 🎉 Congrats to Ricky Byrd!

🎁 Shoutouts to our sponsors:

• 🔥 Unkie's Seasoning – Get that buttery rosemary magic
• 📦 The Burn Box – The best firefighter subscription box out there

📩 Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us: [email protected]
🧢 Merch is coming soon!

🎧 Listen. Laugh. Learn. Be the fireman you’d want saving your cat.
Now… roll it, Gigi.

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Big City Doug and Big Body Brian are coming to you almost live from FDIC in Indianapolis! It’s the first time they’ve recorded in-person together, and they’re bringing the laughs, the lessons, and a whole lotta love for the fire service.

In this special episode:🔥 We reflect on the first days at FDIC—massive booths, gear galore, hovercrafts (yes, really), and fire family from all over the world
🔥 We talk about generational impact and what it means to leave it better than you found it
🔥 We share powerful conversations from the Burn Box booth and give flowers to the people who stopped by
🔥 We get real about mental health, honoring the memory of a fallen firefighter
🔥 We laugh over TikTok leaners, double-wides, hot tea, and cool brews
🔥 And we dive into the deep passion behind firefighter-owned businesses like Burn Box and Unki Seasonings

💥 Giveaway alert: Snap a pic with us at FDIC, tag us, and get entered into our Mega Giveaway for our 100th episode celebration!

This one’s full of gratitude, brotherhood, and a whole lot of good vibes. Whether you’re a rookie, a seasoned vet, or somewhere in between, this one’s for YOU.

🎧 Tune in, share with a buddy, and keep being a cool fireman.

Roll it, GG.

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We made it to triple digits, folks! 💯 In this special 100th episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew reflects on the wild ride of the last two and a half years — from chaotic pre-shows and unforgettable guests to real firehouse laughs, emotional stories, and everything in between.

We highlight some of our favorite moments:

• 🔥 Chief Ronnie Hayes (Ep. 78) opening up about line of duty deaths and survivor benefits
• 🎯 Our virtual Fill the Boot campaign, raising $2,700 for the Red Cross and First Responders Children’s Foundation
• 📦 Unboxings with Burnbox, and the epic swag we’ve scored (and are giving away!)
• 🤝 Firefighter-owned businesses like Jobtown Tools, West Broad Apparel, and Fireman Grooming Co.
• 🧠 Conversations around leadership, mental health, tactics, and cancer awareness
• 🤪 And of course… chaos, banter, and burrito-fueled nonsense

This episode is a thank you — to our listeners, our guests, and the fire service family who’ve stuck with us for 100 episodes. We’re not chest-beating heroes — just firehouse dads trying to make a difference, one conversation at a time.

🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT
To celebrate, we’re giving away:

• A Cool Fireman Podcast beer koozie
• Leather playing cards from Station 3 Leather
• A Burnbox radio strap
• Decon products, gear, and more surprises!

✅ To enter:
Comment on Spotify or YouTube for this episode.
💥 Comment on both = two entries!

Here’s to the next 100. Stay safe. Stay cool. We love y’all.

#CoolFiremanPodcast #Episode100 #FDIC #SAFRE #FirefighterPodcast #FireServiceFamily #Brotherhood #LODD #BurnBox #FireConference #Giveaway #TacticalAndTacos #100Deep #WeDoWhatWeWant

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In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew pivots from their planned Episode 100 (don’t worry, it’s coming soon!) to dive into the world of fire conferences. From FDIC to SAFRE and everything in between, we’re breaking down:

🚒 What’s the deal with fire conferences?

• Why you NEED to attend at least one in your career.
• How conferences help firefighters learn, grow, and network.
• The classes, vendors, and behind-the-scenes moments that make it all worth it.

👥 The People & The Brotherhood

• The insane energy of meeting firefighters from all over the country.
• Why some of the best learning happens outside the classrooms—in the hallways, over dinner, or (let’s be honest) at the bar.
• Unkie’s adventures partying with Chicago Fire, Boston Fire, and other notorious conference legends.

🛠️ The Vendor Experience

• What it’s like on the other side of the table as a small business at a fire conference.
• Unkie shares his experience with Unkie’s Seasoning, West Broad Apparel, and the Burn Box Booth at FDIC.
• Why conferences aren’t just about learning—they’re about supporting firefighter-owned businesses and keeping the tradition alive.

💡 What You’ll Learn from This Episode:
✅ How to get the most out of fire conferences—big or small.
✅ Why firefighters should ALWAYS be students of the job.
✅ The networking goldmine that happens at every conference.
✅ FDIC Tips for first-time attendees.
✅ Why leadership classes like the SAFRE Leadership & Culture course by Matt & Brian are a must-attend.

🎁 Special Giveaway Alert! 🎁
🔥 Comment on YouTube or Spotify (or BOTH) for a chance to win! 🔥

• A Cool Fireman Podcast Koozie
• Exclusive Podcast Merch
• Firefighter Swag from our sponsors

🏆 Double Entry if You Comment on Both Platforms!

🎤 Upcoming Events & Appearances:
📍 FDIC Indianapolis – April 2024
Come meet Doug, Brian, and Unkie at the Burn Box Booth and check out firefighter row!

📍 SAFRE – August 2024
🔥 Matt & Brian’s Leadership & Culture Class
📍 South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo – Raleigh, NC

🚒 JOIN THE CONVERSATION! 🚒
💬 What’s your favorite fire conference?
💡 If you haven’t been to one, what would you want to learn?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

#FireConferences #FDIC #SAFRE #FireServiceTraining #Brotherhood #CoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterNetworking #LeadershipMatters

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In this episode, we dive into a conversation that every firefighter needs to hear. We’re joined by Stephanie White—firefighter, writer, podcaster, and managing editor at Firefighter Nation—to talk about ADHD in the fire service and how it impacts everything from daily tasks to mental health, addiction, and even suicide risk.

🚨 Topics We Cover:

• Why so many firefighters thrive under pressure but struggle at home
• ADHD, dopamine, and the firehouse addiction cycle (drinking, betting, energy drinks, and more)
• The connection between ADHD and suicidal ideation cycles
• How lack of sleep, diet, and shift work impact focus and mental health
• Coping strategies and why understanding your brain can help you stay on track
• Why ADHD is often joked about but rarely discussed seriously in the firehouse

Stephanie keeps it real and unfiltered, sharing insights that could help you or someone on your crew. If you've ever felt like you can't get simple tasks done at home after crushing it on shift, this episode is for you.

🎙 Guest: Stephanie White
📌 Special Shoutout: Article by Beth Flaherty on ADHD & Firefighters → Check it out on Firefighter Nation

🔥 Tune in, tag a firefighter who needs to hear this, and keep the conversation going!

#TheCoolFiremanPodcast #ADHDintheFireService #FirefighterMentalHealth #FirstResponderWellness #FirefighterLife

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🔥 "Fires first, everything else second." 🔥

This week, we welcome Jeremy Donch, founder of National Fire Radio, to the kitchen table! Jeremy is an advocate for the fire service, leadership development, and preserving the traditions of firemanship while adapting to the future. With 30 years in the fire service, he shares his unfiltered thoughts on leadership, firehouse culture, and staying engaged in the job.

💥 In This Episode:
✅ Losing Love for the Job – How to recognize burnout & get your passion back
✅ Leadership Isn’t Just Theory – You can read about it, but you have to do it
✅ Respecting the Firehouse – The difference between a firehouse & a playground
✅ The “Guy” in the Firehouse – Why we’re losing the informal leader that holds the crew together
✅ Firefighting Comes First – Stop the distractions; stretch a line, put the fire out

🚨 Plus, Jeremy shares stories about his Halloween costume winning first place, his love for New Jersey delis, and how his inner circle has changed over the years.

🎙️ As always, we wrap it up with our Hot Wash, where Jeremy answers some rapid-fire questions:
🍕 Favorite Pizza Topping? (Spoiler: It's sausage & hot peppers)
🛫 Dream Vacation? (Maui—because who doesn't love paradise?)
🥪 Best Sandwich? (Jersey deli classic—the old #5!)

This episode is PACKED with fire service insight, hard truths, and a whole lot of laughs. Whether you're a rookie, senior man, or chief, there’s something in here for you!

Visit 

Email: [email protected]

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

Unkies Seasonings https://unkiesseasoning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopye_NRki8Ev9I4qy6ACkI3dw59rhjleSp0Bw-ilcB-lmT3M_G-

Burn Box https://www.theburnbox.com/

WestBroad Apparel https://www.westbroadapparel.com/

👀 Follow & Support Jeremy:
📢 National Fire Radio – @nationalfireradio
🎤 Catch him at conferences across the country!

🚒 Listen Now: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tUr3hE1d5PM1lZVGkDENf?si=301f949277c74bc8

🔥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share! And remember—fires first, everything else second. 🔥

#TheCoolFiremanPodcast #NationalFireRadio #FireService #Leadership #FiresFirst #RespectTheJob

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In this episode, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie dive into a topic that every firefighter and first responder can relate to: work-life balance.

• Balancing Shift Work & Family Life – The unique challenges of a firefighter’s schedule and how it impacts time with loved ones.

• The Evolution of Side Jobs – Then vs. now: why firefighters used to have trade jobs versus today’s modern side hustles like consulting, online businesses, and social media marketing.

• The Financial Reality of Firefighting – How increased salaries have changed the need for second jobs, but also why financial struggles still exist.

• Time Off – The Perk of the Job – The benefits of long stretches of days off and how it allows firefighters to pursue passions, side businesses, or just enjoy time at home.

• Mental Health & Workload Management – Recognizing stress, preventing burnout, and finding ways to decompress.

• Family First Mentality – A stark reality: Your family will always be there, but your job will be posted a week after you’re gone.

• Learning From Experience – Lessons from firefighters who have balanced (or failed to balance) their careers and personal lives.

🔥 How do you balance your work and home life?🔥 What strategies have worked for you in maintaining a healthy balance?🔥 Any hard-learned lessons you’d share with rookies?

We want to hear from YOU! Drop us a message and let us know how you navigate work-life balance in the fire service.

👨‍🚒 Brought to you by Unkie’s Seasoning – Low Sodium, High Flavor!🔥 Special mention to The Burn Box for their latest firefighter subscription gear!🔥 Huge thanks to Fireman’s Grooming Company for keeping us looking fresh!🔥 Giveaway Alert! Stay tuned for a 100th episode celebration with prizes from Thin Red Line Decon, Crafty American, and more!

Visit 

Email: [email protected]

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

📺 Watch our podcast on Spotify and YouTube!🎙️ Available on all major podcast platforms!

At the end of each episode, we honor fallen firefighters and first responders. This week, we remember two Virginia Beach police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and connect with us on social media. Stay safe out there! 🚒🔥

Key Topics Discussed:Listener Takeaways:Shoutouts & Partnerships:Subscribe & WatchMoment of Silence

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In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Unkie dive into the unwritten rules (and written ones) that shape life in the firehouse. From popcorn machines (allowed or outlawed?) to station pride logos and uniformity debates, we tackle the battle between tradition, compromise, and common sense.

👀 Do you have a policy in the book with your name on it? We talk about habitual line-steppers, the stories behind some of the most ridiculous firehouse policies, and when the small things start to matter way too much.

Plus:
🔥 Should firefighters be allowed to wear station pride shirts?
🔥 The debate over untucked shirts—professional or not?
🔥 Compromise in the firehouse: Where is the line?
🔥 Why a good company officer is the key to firehouse culture.

As always, we keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it spicy—just like Unkie’s Seasoning and The Burn Box! 🚒🔥

Visit 

Email: [email protected]

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

Unkies Seasonings https://unkiesseasoning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopye_NRki8Ev9I4qy6ACkI3dw59rhjleSp0Bw-ilcB-lmT3M_G-

Burn Box https://www.theburnbox.com/

WestBroad Apparel https://www.westbroadapparel.com/

🎧 Listen in, laugh with us, and let us know: What’s the dumbest firehouse policy you’ve seen? #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

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When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline.

In this episode, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie sit down with Chief Grassel to break down:
⚡ The real problem – It’s not just EVs, it’s batteries everywhere!
🔥 The dangers of thermal runaway and why EV fires don’t just go out
🚗 Extrication challenges – Cutting into high-voltage vehicles safely
🌊 The insane amount of water needed to put out an EV fire (or should we just let them burn?)
🔬 How off-market, non-UL tested batteries might be the next fire service nightmare

This is the fire service reality check you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re in the trenches or just EV-curious, this one is a must-listen!

Visit 

Email: [email protected]

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

Unkies Seasonings https://unkiesseasoning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopye_NRki8Ev9I4qy6ACkI3dw59rhjleSp0Bw-ilcB-lmT3M_G-

Burn Box https://www.theburnbox.com/

👂 Listen now and let us know – Is your department ready for EV fires? 🚨

#EVFires #BatteryDangers #FirefighterTraining #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

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