In Episode 61 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt Wilson is joined by former Air Force firefighter Chris Lopardi for a conversation about service, loss, fatherhood, and transitioning out of the military.

Chris shares how losing his son, Mason, shaped his outlook on life and influenced his decision-making during and after his time in the Air Force. The episode also explores why transition planning should begin years in advance, what service members should focus on before separating, and how fire service experience can translate into successful civilian careers.

Chris now works in Environmental, Health, and Safety and offers insight into what that career field looks like after military service.

In Episode 60 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt sits down with CMSgt (Ret.) Shanton Russell for a reflective conversation on career progression, leadership philosophy, and long-term success in Air Force Fire Protection.

Chief Russell shares his full-circle journey—entering the Air Force as a young firefighter at Scott Air Force Base in 1996 and retiring nearly 30 years later as the Fire Chief at the same installation. Throughout the discussion, he reflects on the lessons learned early in his career, how his leadership approach evolved as he progressed through the enlisted ranks, and the experiences that shaped him as a senior enlisted leader.

This episode offers valuable insight for Airmen, NCOs, and leaders at every level who are focused on professional growth, intentional leadership, and building a career grounded in service and experience.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Chief Master Sergeant Kyle Rollins to break down the June 2020 Hazardous Materials Storage Facility fire at Kadena Air Base.

Chief Rollins, who served as the Incident Commander, provides a detailed after-action review of a response initiated by Calcium Hypochlorite, a reactive material whose hazards can rapidly escalate when exposed to heat and moisture.

During the discussion they cover the facility conditions and contributing factors leading up to the incident, the initial response, size-up, and decision-making, interoperability and coordination between response agencies and strengths, challenges, and key lessons learned from the event.

The goal of this episode is to share real-world experience so firefighters and leaders can apply these lessons to their own response planning, training, and preparedness–before facing a similar incident themselves.

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with John Whitmyer, Carlos Ballesteros, and Michael Myles–instructors of the new Fire Officer Strategies & Tactics Leadership Course (FOSTLC).

Designed for newly appointed company officers, FOSTLC is reshaping how the Air Force develops tactical leaders. Our guests break down why the course was created, the leadership gaps it aims to solve, and how it blends decision-making, mentorship, and fireground strategy into a focused 17-day program.

They walk us through the evolution of the course–from its early 30-plus day design to the refined, practical version being delivered today–and share insights from the first student iterations, lessons learned, and feedback from the field. The team also discusses the skills taught, what it takes to become an instructor, and what short- and long-term changes are on the horizon as the course continues to grow.

Whether you're a current or aspiring company officer, a chief officer looking to strengthen your department’s leadership pipeline, or simply someone invested in the future of the DoD Fire Service, this episode offers a deep dive into a course that’s helping shape the next generation of fire service leaders.

In this episode, Matt joins Justin Andreas, an ultramarathoner, run coach, social media influencer, podcaster, and current Deputy Fire Chief at Eielson AFB. They dig into the power of doing hard things—and how stepping into discomfort builds real resilience you can carry into every area of life. Justin shares why carving out time for the things that ignite you isn’t just a hobby—it’s a critical part of thriving on duty and off. Whether you’re chasing big goals in your career, your fitness, or your personal development, this conversation shows how leaning into the hard stuff shapes you into someone who’s ready for anything.

Fluorine Free Foam (F3) has officially replaced AFFF across the Department of Defense fire service - but what does that really mean for firefighters on the line?

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with Austin Perry, a Staff Sergeant and Company Officer at Eielson Air Force Base, who brings firsthand operational experience using F3 during two major aircraft responses - an F-35 crash and an F-16 mishap in 2025.

Austin shares insights from both real-world incidents and formal training at the Dallas-Fort Worth Fire Training Research Center, breaking down the science, limitations, and tactical adjustments needed to apply F3 in the field effectively.

From foam chemistry and nozzle techniques to weather effects and decision-making under pressure, this episode dives deep into the technical side of firefighting’s newest challenge: mastering F3.

To explore Austin’s training videos and F3 resources, visit firedawg.us and check out Episode 56.

In this Table Talk Series episode, Matt and Chris dive into what it really means to balance military and fire service obligations. They break down where to focus your attention throughout your career—starting with mastering your craft as a firefighter and Airman, before anything else.

The discussion covers how technical proficiency lays the foundation for effective leadership, when and how to build cross-unit relationships, and how to approach promotions and professional development with purpose. Matt and Chris also share insights on choosing meaningful extracurriculars and aligning your growth with both your personal goals and the mission.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow as a leader in the military fire service, this conversation offers practical advice and real-world perspective on career focus, development, and balance.

In this episode, Matt and Chris sit down with two retired Air Force firefighters who turned their passion for service into thriving ventures. Mark Abrahamson, founder of Foxtrot Zulu and co-founder of Probie Fire Training, shares how he built businesses that provide consultation, training, and resources to DoD and civilian fire departments. Ashontay Owens, founder of Crimson Melt and the Folds of the Flame Foundation, shares his inspiration to launch a restaurant and the mission behind his nonprofit supporting families of first responders lost to suicide.

Together, they reflect on the military and fire service lessons that shaped their leadership, the hurdles of entrepreneurship, and the advice they’d give firefighters thinking about starting their own businesses.

In episode 54, Chris sits down with Chief Warrant Officer Justin Barnes, Marine Corps Liaison Officer at the Joint Fire Protection Academy in San Angelo, Texas.

With over 20 years of service, Chief Barnes has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, shaped thousands of Marines as a Drill Instructor, and was recognized as the 2022 DoD Military Fire Officer of the Year.

Their conversation explores what it really means to be comfortable with discomfort and how that mindset shapes strong leaders. They also talk about the importance of trust in both combat and training environments, as well as the challenge of preparing teams for missions leaders themselves may never have faced. Chief Barnes shares how he creates space for mistakes, even in no-fail missions, while fostering growth in young leaders.

In this episode, Chris and Matt explore the power of purpose—why it matters, how it shapes our daily actions, and its deep connection to mental well-being and long-term happiness. Drawing on the work of Viktor Frankl and our own experiences in the fire service, we discuss how purpose isn't just a feel-good concept—it’s a driving force that fuels performance, resilience, and personal growth. Whether it’s in your personal life or on the fireground, having a clear purpose helps you show up as the best version of yourself, even on the hardest days.