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My guest to day is John Lord, John is a Training specialist in Incident Management and a global leader in bringing attention and driving change in the fight against firefighter cancer.

this is part of of a powerful six-part mini-series dedicated to one of the most critical issues facing our profession: firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination.

In this series, recorded around the Particulate, Protection & Decontamination Seminar held at Biggin Hill on March 27th, 2025, we dive headfirst into the hard truths and urgent conversations we need to be having — not tomorrow, but today. With input from survivors, health and safety leaders, mental health advocates, and operational experts, we unpack everything from current understanding of contamination-related cancer risks to real, practical steps departments are taking to reduce exposure and save lives.

This isn’t just about facts and figures — it’s about impact. It’s about learning from lived experience, sharing the latest research, and equipping firefighters and fire sector professionals with the tools to protect themselves and their crews. From the trauma of diagnosis to the innovations in kit and station design, we’ll look at how our culture is shifting, what barriers still need breaking, and what true protection looks like in 2025 and beyond.

Brought to you with the support of PGI — leaders in high-performance protective gear — this series aims to educate, inspire, and drive change. Because protecting those who protect others isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Let’s get into it.

connect with John HERE

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***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

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welcome to a very special episode, the launch of a powerful six-part mini-series dedicated to one of the most critical issues facing our profession: firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination.

In this series, recorded around the Particulate, Protection & Decontamination Seminar held at Biggin Hill on March 27th, 2025, we dive headfirst into the hard truths and urgent conversations we need to be having — not tomorrow, but today. With input from survivors, health and safety leaders, mental health advocates, and operational experts, we unpack everything from current understanding of contamination-related cancer risks to real, practical steps departments are taking to reduce exposure and save lives.

This isn’t just about facts and figures — it’s about impact. It’s about learning from lived experience, sharing the latest research, and equipping firefighters and fire sector professionals with the tools to protect themselves and their crews. From the trauma of diagnosis to the innovations in kit and station design, we’ll look at how our culture is shifting, what barriers still need breaking, and what true protection looks like in 2025 and beyond.

Brought to you with the support of PGI — leaders in high-performance protective gear — this series aims to educate, inspire, and drive change. Because protecting those who protect others isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Let’s get into it.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Send us a text

Today I’m joined by Stuart Jackson — founder of ICE and a true force when it comes to human-centred leadership and cultural transformation. Stuart’s spent decades helping people, teams, and organisations unlock their potential, working across everything from the NHS to UK fire and rescue services. In this episode, we dive into what leadership really looks like in today’s world — the messy, emotional, deeply human kind. We talk about the power of gut instinct, emotional intelligence, and even what animals (yep, animals!) can teach us about leading others. Spoiler: it’s a lot.

This conversation is packed with golden nuggets for anyone on their leadership journey. Stuart and I explore the importance of vulnerability, the trap of toxic masculinity, and why clarity, compassion, and great listening matter more than ever. We touch on frameworks for handling tough conversations, the need to create safe, open spaces for teams, and why embracing imperfection might just be your leadership superpower. If you're ready to lead with more courage, authenticity, and heart — this one’s for you.

connect with Stu HERE

Email & Join us on a Leadership Development workshop - [email protected]

Find out more about Natural Leaders HERE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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This incident debrief covers the tragic fatalities of Firefighter Wornham and Firefighter Miller who lost their lives at 85 Harrow Court, Silam Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire on 2nd February 2005.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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When Ben Selby joined me on The Firefighters Podcast, we had a wide-ranging and powerful conversation about the vital role of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the evolving challenges faced by fire and rescue services in the UK. As the FBU’s Assistant General Secretary, Ben offered deep insight into issues like firefighter pay, recruitment, and the shifting demands of the job. We explored the importance of the Grey Book, the direction of a College of Fire, and the complexity of current duty systems. Ben also spoke candidly about the cultural dynamics within the service, the push for greater inclusivity and diversity, and the union’s work through campaigns like Fight for 52, which aims to improve maternity provisions for firefighters. Our discussion highlighted the growing risks of climate change, including wildfires, and reinforced the urgent need to support mental health, modernise working practices, and ensure firefighter safety and well-being in a rapidly changing world.

connect with Ben HERE

Find out more about the FBU HERE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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Abi Manifold has over 25 years of experience in Learning and Organisational Development, Abi’s approach to leadership, culture, and performance is deeply rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the practical application of human insight. Her diverse background as an executive coach, psychometric profiler, and leadership facilitator gives her a rare ability to blend strategic thinking with meaningful, people-first practices. Throughout our discussion, Abi emphasized the importance of not just what people do, but how they do it—and most importantly, how it makes them feel.

One of the key themes for me was how Abi highlighted that while many organizations want to do better in these spaces of leadership and cultivating a workforce that want to actually come into work and enjoy being art of something meaningful, organisations often overlook the most obvious source of insight on culture which is the experiences of their own people.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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Jayson Coil is Assistant Fire Chief and Battalion Chief at Sedona Fire District in Arizona. With over 25 years of operational and leadership experience particularly in wildland firefighting and major disaster response, Jayson shares powerful insights on decision-making in complex environments. 

We dive into topics like adaptive leadership, red teaming, decentralizing command, and improving decision quality during crisis. Jayson also reflects on organizational change, trust, and morale, offering valuable lessons for current and future fire service leaders. From strategy to tactics, military crossovers to systemic failures, this conversation is packed with wisdom to help first responders lead more effectively in today’s uncertain world. 

Connect with Jayon:-

• LINKEDIN
• WEBSITE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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I had a powerful and inspiring conversation with Nigel Best, whose journey spans over 40 years of service in Nottingham. From his beginnings as a postman to becoming a teacher and eventually working in diversity and inclusion within the Nottinghamshire Police, Nigel’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and deep community engagement. 

He shared how his experiences as part of the Windrush generation shaped his identity and passion for education, and how DJing taught him adaptability—skills he later used to connect with youth and support underrepresented groups. We talked about everything from youth violence and media influence to the importance of empathy, authenticity, and proactive mentorship in both policing and education. Nigel’s path—from guiding young teachers to launching his own successful diversity consultancy—shows how personal growth and cultural identity can be powerful tools for change.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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Justin Johnston served in the UK fire & rescue service for 30 years finishing his career as the Chief Fire Officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service

In our conversation we explore the weight of leadership responsibilities, the need for professional growth, collaboration, more opportunities and the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities faced by leaders in the fire services. We also speak about the operations world debriefing Major incidents like the Cumbria Floods of 2009 & the Derick Bird shootings of 2010. We delve into personal experiences, mental health challenges, and the significance of work-life balance. 

connect with Justin HERE

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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Today we are speaking Air Crash Investigation with Karl Scammel from Air Accidents Investigation Branch - 

The AAIB is an independent organization funded by the government to investigate accidents and serious incidents involving civil aviation in the UK and its overseas territories. They investigate accidents involving fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, gliders, and drones. Our conversation touches on:

• The growth of urban air mobility 
• Importance of a no-blame culture in accident investigation
• Hazards and safety protocols associated with ultralight aircraft, including fuel, electrical systems, and pressurized vessels
• Ballistic Recovery System (BRS)
• Awareness and training among first responders to effectively manage these incidents.

ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE

PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE

 A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated
Hibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energised

Support the show

***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***

Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew