In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons discusses the importance of mental health in the fire service with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, and the initiatives taken to support first responders. They delve into personal stories, the impact of family, and the mission of Next Rung to provide peer support and resources for mental health. The conversation also explores community engagement through podcasts and events, such as Bearers of the Oath, highlighting the importance of a supportive network within the fire service. In this conversation, Blake Stinnett shares his insights on the importance of brotherhood, mission-minded culture, and leadership within the fire service. He discusses his personal journey through a life-altering accident, emphasizing the resilience and support from the community that helped him recover. The dialogue underscores the importance of intentional relationships among firefighters and the significance of mental health awareness within the profession..

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons and guest Ryan Sellick discuss the importance of mentorship, training, and the differences between fire service and law enforcement training. They explore the challenges of mastering skills in the fire service, the psychological aspects of training under stress, and the need for focused skill development. Sellick emphasizes the importance of feedback and coaching in helping firefighters improve their skills and decision-making abilities. In this conversation, Ryan Scellick discusses the importance of mastering firefighting skills, the critical role of company officers in mentoring recruits, and the need for psychological safety within the fire service. He emphasizes the significance of mentorship and the mission-driven mindset required for effective firefighting. The discussion also touches on the Young Officers on Fire initiative, which aims to foster leadership and development among young firefighters.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Austin Beier, a dedicated firefighter and co-founder of the Heart of the Lakes Fire Summit. They discuss the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career in the fire service, the importance of mentorship and networking, and the differences between paid and volunteer firefighters. Austin shares his journey into the fire service, the significance of ongoing training and education, and the goals for the upcoming Heart of the Lakes Fire Summit. The conversation highlights the importance of passion, commitment, and community support in the fire service.

In this episode, Chief Candace Ashby shares her extensive experience in the fire service, discussing the importance of communication, leadership, and problem-solving within fire departments. She emphasizes the need for trust between administration and operations, the challenges faced by firefighters, and the common issues that plague organizations. Through her Boss Series, she aims to foster better leadership and accountability in the fire service, advocating for a bottom-up approach to leadership that empowers firefighters to voice their concerns and solutions. In this conversation, Candace Ashby discusses the complexities of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the need for proper training and accountability at all levels. She emphasizes the significance of company officers in shaping organizational culture and the importance of peer accountability in combating negativity. Ashby also contrasts management and leadership, advocating for a balance between the two to foster a positive work environment. She demonstrates her commitment to investing in her team through training and morale-boosting initiatives, illustrating how proactive leadership can promote a healthier organizational culture. In this conversation, Candace Ashby discusses her unorthodox approach to leadership in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of accountability, mentorship, and personal development. She shares her experiences in fostering a positive culture within her battalion, highlighting the need for open communication and constructive feedback. Ashby also addresses the challenges of leadership, the significance of continuous learning, and the responsibility of individuals to improve themselves and their organizations. Her passion for helping others and leaving a positive legacy in the fire service is evident throughout the discussion.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Donovan Carasco, a Texas firefighter, about his journey in the fire service, the importance of family support, and the challenges of transitioning between departments. They discuss the significance of department culture, the impact of test anxiety on performance, and the passion for truck work. Donovan shares insights on founding Coyote Fire Training and navigating the politics of fire training, emphasizing the need for humility and kindness in the fire service. In this conversation, Donovan Carasco and Preston discuss the importance of building relationships within the fire service, continuous learning, and balancing family life with training commitments. They emphasize the significance of customer service in firefighting and the generational divide that affects the culture and practices within fire departments. The dialogue highlights the need for mentorship and the value of learning from experienced and newer firefighters. In this conversation, Donovan Carrasco and Preston discuss the balance between adhering to policies and applying common sense in firefighting. They emphasize the importance of adaptability on the fire ground, the value of networking and building relationships within the fire service, and the innovations in training equipment that enhance firefighter skills. The discussion also highlights the significance of mentorship and brotherhood among firefighters, culminating in a call to action for motivation and leadership within departments.

In this episode of the Relentless Rejects Podcast, host Preston Lyons and guest Chip Ashford discuss various themes surrounding the fire service, including family dynamics, the legacy of firefighting, the importance of firehouse culture, and the challenges faced by firefighters in balancing work and family life. Chip shares his experiences as a second-generation firefighter, the significance of mentorship, and the need for training and community support. The conversation also delves into the evolving nature of firehouse culture and the importance of bridging generational gaps to foster a positive environment. In this conversation, Chip Ashford discusses various aspects of fire service culture, focusing on the importance of rescue operations, the need for a victims-first mindset, and the significance of training and leadership in creating a positive fire department culture. He emphasizes the role of external training, the necessity of setting expectations from day one, and the importance of reinforcing the 'why' behind the job. The conversation also touches on the challenges of balancing safety with an aggressive firefighting mindset and the lessons learned from near-miss incidents. In this conversation, Chip Ashford discusses the critical importance of safety culture in the fire service, emphasizing the need for training and decision-making in high-stress situations. He shares insights on mental health and coping mechanisms, highlighting the significance of peer support and finding balance in personal and professional life. The discussion culminates in reflecting on resilience and the importance of being there for one another in the fire service community.

In this milestone episode, Preston reflects on their first experience at the FDIC conference, sharing insights on the importance of community, networking, and personal growth within the fire service. The conversation emphasizes the value of long-term thinking in leadership and the significance of building relationships at such events. Preston also provides practical tips for first-time attendees, highlighting the overwhelming yet energizing atmosphere of FDIC and the innovations showcased at the conference. In this episode, the host reflects on experiences from the FDIC conference, discussing the fitness levels of firefighters, the importance of traditions and brotherhood in the fire service, and the challenges of recruitment and retention. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong leadership and the value of attending conferences for professional development and community building.

In this episode, Preston and Josh discuss the importance of mental health resources for first responders, emphasizing the need for support systems within families and the fire service. They explore the challenges of balancing work and family life, coping mechanisms, and the impact of mental health on firefighters. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship and informal leadership, advocating for a supportive firehouse culture that encourages open discussions about mental health. In this conversation, J. Watt discusses the significance of self-motivation in the fire service, the balance between being respected and liked as a leader, and the importance of fostering a culture of self-starting among firefighters. He emphasizes the need for community over branding, the impact of passionate teaching, and the responsibility of firefighters to do the right thing for their crews and the civilians they serve.

In this episode of the Straight Up Podcast, hosts Relentless Rejects and John Chambliss discuss the importance of a warrior mindset in the fire service, the impact of leadership on morale, and the challenges of promotions based on testing rather than experience. They emphasize the need for strong support from administration and the value of audience-driven content in their podcast. The conversation also touches on the significance of social media in shaping perceptions within the fire community. In this conversation, John and Relentless Rejects discuss the critical importance of maintaining high standards within the fire service, emphasizing accountability, training, and mentorship. They explore the need for a disciplined approach to emergency response, the significance of being prepared and familiar with gear, and the value of personal growth through challenges. The dialogue highlights the necessity of fostering a culture of support and motivation among firefighters to ensure safety and efficiency on the job.

This conversation features a heartfelt interview between Dylan Clark and his grandfather, Edward Porter, who has dedicated 72 years to public service, including significant time in the fire service. They discuss the evolution of firefighting, memorable experiences, and the importance of legacy in the fire service. Dylan shares his journey and the influence of his grandfather on his career, while Ed reflects on his early days in firefighting and law enforcement. The conversation highlights the challenges and changes in the fire service over the decades, as well as the personal stories that shape their experiences. In this engaging conversation, Preston and Dylan Clark explore the multifaceted aspects of leadership, respect, professionalism, and mental health within the fire service. They discuss the evolution of leadership styles across generations, the importance of earning respect through actions and appearance, and the critical need for mental health awareness among first responders. Dylan shares personal experiences and lessons learned from his extensive career, emphasizing the significance of training, taking action, and maintaining professionalism. The dialogue culminates in a heartfelt reflection on the legacy of firefighting and the importance of passing on knowledge to future generations.