In this solo episode I explore a quiet but powerful undercurrent in the UK Fire and Rescue Service: low agency and learned helplessness. Speaking not from a podium but shoulder to shoulder with every member of the service - we confront the cultural forces that stifle voice, innovation, and change. Why do so many of us feel stuck, unheard, or disconnected from the power to make a difference? 

We unpack the psychology behind this, challenge the systems we’ve inherited, and offer a hopeful, practical path forward — one rooted in agency, emotional safety, and everyday leadership. This isn’t about blame — it’s about responsibility, authenticity, and choosing to lead from wherever you are. If you believe the fire service can be more, and you’re ready to be part of that change, this episode is for you. Let’s lead better. Let’s build a culture that uplifts the people who serve within it. 

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In this first episode from our trip to the Netherlands, I had the privilege of joining leading fire service professionals at the Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid (NIPV) to explore the latest in smoke cooling experiments. Building on the foundation of the “Smoke Cooling and Nozzle Techniques” report, this phase of research brought together international experts to challenge long-held assumptions, test techniques under controlled conditions, and refine the tactical understanding that underpins firefighter safety. What stood out was the scientific rigor and operational focus of the team, supported by NIPV’s world-class facility and welcoming hospitality.

Recorded out on the training ground—complete with ambient sounds of fans and firegound operations—this episode captures real conversations with Peter, Nick, Justin, Edward, Pascal, and Rene. We dive into everything from short pulsing and flow rates to nozzle techniques, ventilation, decontamination, psychological assessments for team leaders, and how beliefs about firefighting tactics evolve. These discussions aim to turn cutting-edge research into practical insights for firefighters, instructors, and leaders worldwide. A special thanks to Enduro Protect and Barry Robertson, whose support made this trip possible and whose commitment to firefighter health echoes the spirit of this work. Stay tuned—this is research every firefighter should hear.

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Phill Matthews is a former wholetime firefighter turned online coach, specializing in helping serving and aspiring firefighters enhance their fitness and performance. Through his platform, Fighting Fire Fit, he has assisted hundreds in achieving their health and career goals. After finishing active duty, Phill is now channelling his experience and passion fulltime into coaching serving and aspiring firefighters helping them meet the demands of the job and perform at their best when it matters most.

Find Phill HERE:

• Instagram: @fightingfirefit
• TikTok: @fightingfirefit
• Facebook: Fighting Fire Fit(Facebook)

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Today were talking hazardous materials, detection technology, and how it’s reshaping our work in the fire and rescue services.

Joining me is Dr. Mark L. Norman, a Senior Field Applications Scientist at 908 Devices and a leading subject matter expert in optical detection technologies. With over 20 years of experience in hazmat detection systems for emergency response, Mark brings both scientific expertise and real-world insight. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, has authored peer-reviewed publications — including a 2003 collaboration with NASA climatologists — and is an inventor on two patents related to hazardous gas and vapor identification.

In our conversation, we talk about the evolution of detection technology — from lab-based instruments to field-deployable units — and the shift that happened post-9/11 when incidents like the anthrax letters drove new levels of investment and innovation. We also unpack common hazmat misconceptions, the difference between gases and vapors, acute vs chronic exposures, and why understanding things like molecular weight and vapor density can literally save lives at the fireground.

My hope is this gives you a clearer understanding of how to approach hazmat incidents more confidently, why good detection equipment matters, and how new threats like EV battery fires and fentanyl contamination are pushing the sector to adapt fast.

So If you're a firefighter, incident commander, hazmat operator, or someone who just wants to deepen their operational awareness, this episode is packed with practical, relevant insight that will help you do the job better and safer.

Connect with Dr. Mark Norman HERE

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In this powerful episode, we revisit the tragic events of July 13, 2013, when Firefighter Stephen Hunt of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service lost his life at the Paul’s Hair and Beauty World fire in Manchester. Drawing on published investigation reports, inquest findings, and conversations with those who attended the incident, we piece together a detailed timeline of events and examine the operational decisions, safety measures, and communication breakdowns that shaped this complex and devastating fireground.

This episode is shared with the utmost respect for Stephen’s memory and the firefighters who responded that day. It serves as both a tribute and a call to action—a reminder that no matter our experience or rank, we must always challenge uncertainty, seek clarity, and understand the logic behind tactical decisions. We all play a part in our own safety and the safety of our crews. This is part of an ongoing commitment to share local and international debriefs that help us learn, reflect, and grow throughout every stage of our fire service careers.

see a full published report from GMFRS HERE

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Final episode in our PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination Seminar Series. So far, we've heard powerful stories from families, survivors, and advocates within the firefighting community. Today, we shift focus to innovation and action.

Joining me is Jo Taylor MBE, founder of De-Wipe—a company dedicated to developing scientifically backed decontamination solutions that help reduce the risk of occupational cancer among firefighters. Jo brings a unique perspective: one that bridges scientific insight, product innovation, and a deep commitment to firefighter health.

In this conversation, we explore how simple, effective post-incident routines—like proper skin decontamination—can make a life-saving difference. We also discuss Jo’s journey, her mission, and how De-Wipe is helping change the culture around contamination control in the fire service.

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 dive in.

connect with Jo HERE

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Welcome back to the Decontamination Seminar Series. Today, we continue that journey with two remarkable voices from within the firefighting community—Robbie Burns and Michelle O'Toole. Both are cancer survivors. Both are advocates. And both have first-hand insight into the physical and mental toll of battling cancer as part of the firefighting community.

This episode is a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and the importance of advocacy in the fight against firefighter cancer.

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 Robbie HERE

Connect with Michelle HERE

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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Dworkis — emergency physician, Chief Medical Officer at the Mission Critical Team Institute, and founder of The Emergency Mind Project — for a powerful conversation on how mission-critical teams like firefighters and first responders can perform under pressure, recover effectively, and grow with intention. We dive into why emergencies often go wrong, the mental residue of high-stress calls, and how to balance service with self-care. From building stronger team dynamics to having better conversations with ourselves and our families, this episode offers real tools for those who operate in high-stakes environments and want to do it well — without burning out.

you can find Dan HERE

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Honouring Martin Green: A Family's Story - Welcome to this special episode in our six-part mini-series on firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination — brought to you with the support of PGI, leaders in high-performance protective gear for those who serve on the front line.

Today’s conversation is one that hits straight to the heart. We’re honoured to share the story of Martin Green — a firefighter with over 30 years of service, a respected professional, a devoted husband, and a loving father. Martin tragically lost his life to cancer, a disease that continues to take far too many from our fire family. In this episode, I sit down with his wife Latitia and their son Evan to talk about the man behind the badge — and the journey they’ve walked since his diagnosis and passing.

This isn’t an easy listen, but it’s an essential one. Latesha and Evan speak with courage, grace, and honesty about the cost of service, the reality of occupational cancer, and the ripple effects it has on families and communities. Their story brings a deeply personal dimension to the conversations we’ve been having throughout this series — reminding us that behind every statistic is a life, a legacy, and people left behind.

If you’re a firefighter, a leader in the fire sector, or simply someone who cares about protecting those who protect others — this episode is a powerful call to action. It’s about raising awareness, driving cultural change, and making sure no firefighter family has to walk this path alone again.

This one’s for Martin — and for every firefighter we’ve lost too soon.

Let’s get into it.

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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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