This episode of the Overhaul podcast features a deep dive into the life and career of Chief Chris Wessels, exploring his 34-year journey in the fire service, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on leadership, mentorship, and the balance between aggression and safety in firefighting.

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, Preston Lyons speaks with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a psychologist specializing in sleep hygiene for first responders and military veterans. They discuss the importance of sleep, its connection to mental health, and practical strategies to improve sleep quality. Dr. Kaylor shares her journey into sleep psychology, the challenges first responders face with sleep, and the significance of establishing a consistent sleep routine. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness of sleep issues and the impact of lifestyle choices on sleep quality.

In this engaging conversation, Preston Lyons and Mike Stickers Goldstein discuss their upcoming participation in the March Mayhem conference, focusing on the importance of networking, learning, and collaboration in the fire service. They delve into the unique experiences offered by pod classes, the value of live fire training, and the significance of overcoming ego in a training environment. The discussion highlights the need for diverse training opportunities and the importance of mentorship and community within the firefighting profession. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the critical aspects of firefighting, emphasizing the importance of firefighter IQ, fitness, and innovative training techniques. They discuss the unique challenges faced by rural firefighters and the significance of rapid intervention teams. The conversation also highlights the need for specialized training for engineers and the evolving nature of fire ground operations, particularly in high-rise buildings. Networking and community building within the firefighting profession are underscored as essential elements for success and growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Conference Excitement

02:38 The Pod Class Experience

06:35 Networking and Learning Opportunities

10:51 Instructor Highlights and Class Expectations

14:32 Hands-On Training and Live Fire Experiences

20:22 The Importance of Failure in Learning

24:58 Ego and Comfort in Learning Environments

30:00 Instructor Interactions and Building Connections

31:13 Hot Classes and Training Fundamentals

33:52 Gaining Confidence for Fireground Success

36:06 Training and Gear Responsibility

38:04 The Importance of Communication with Departments

41:03 Embracing Knowledge Transfer in Fire Training

41:52 The Role of Thermal Imaging in Firefighting

42:59 Understanding Live Fire Training Classes

44:18 The Dagum Promise: A Commitment to Rescue

47:47 Mastering Basic Skills for Fireground Incidents

49:05 Developing Firefighter IQ Beyond the Door

50:34 Fitness and Health in Firefighting

52:12 The Reality of Rural Firefighting

55:33 The Importance of Engineer Training

01:01:11 Rural Fire Tactics and Limited Staffing

01:03:20 Embracing Challenges and Growth

01:04:14 Essential Training for Modern Firefighting

01:06:25 Innovative Approaches to Fire Operations

01:08:16 Understanding Standpipe Operations

01:10:30 The Importance of Primary Search Techniques

01:14:01 Data-Driven Training for Firefighters

01:19:43 Leveraging Social Media for Firefighter Education

01:25:08 Final Thoughts and Conference Insights

Summary

In this episode of the Overall Podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Felix Manjarrez, a seasoned firefighter with 23 years of experience in the FDNY. They discuss Felix's journey into the fire service, the evolution of his motivations, the culture of brotherhood within firefighting, and the challenges faced in the 911 system. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health, managing burnout, and the role of jiu-jitsu in enhancing physical fitness and mental resilience for firefighters. Felix shares his candid views on diversity and inclusion in the fire service, emphasizing the need for competence over mere representation. In this conversation, Felix Manjarrez discusses the critical role of the Health and Fitness Unit in the fire academy, emphasizing the importance of physical training, functional skills training, and the impact of mentorship on probationary firefighters. He shares insights on managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and the significance of nutrition and hydration for first responders. Felix also highlights the need for community building within the firehouse and the importance of down-regulation techniques to improve overall well-being. He advocates for holistic approaches to health, including the use of THC and CBD for recovery, and encourages firefighters to make proactive changes in their lives to enhance their performance and longevity in the field.

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In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Chief Eddie Robinson shares his extensive experience in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of commitment, family, and legacy. He discusses the significance of brotherhood and how it starts within the firehouse, as well as the challenges of navigating generational differences in the workforce. Chief Robinson advocates for an aggressive firefighting culture and emphasizes the importance of accountability among team members. He also highlights the importance of leadership and the responsibility of fire chiefs to be present and engaged with their teams. The conversation concludes with a focus on rebranding the fire department to foster a positive culture and community impact.

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, Preston Lyons speaks with Rob Wilson, a performance educator who specializes in training first responders and military personnel. They discuss the importance of self-care and performance longevity in high-stress professions, such as firefighting. Rob introduces the 'Check Engine Light' analogy to help first responders recognize personal health signals and emphasizes the need for a culture of wellness within the fire service. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by younger generations of first responders, the balance between physical strength and cardiovascular fitness, and the importance of monitoring health indicators to prevent catastrophic performance failures. In this conversation, Rob Wilson discusses the importance of managing stress and health risks, particularly for first responders. He emphasizes the need for long-term health strategies, building a personal health toolkit, and creating supportive systems within communities. The discussion also covers effective decompression techniques and the significance of fostering a culture of encouragement and accountability among peers.

In this episode of The Overhaul, host Preston Lyons of Relentless Rejects sits down with Andrew Johnston to dive into the heart of what makes great firefighters—and great leaders. From the lessons learned at the LCC Fire School to the importance of building strong relationships, Andrew opens up about the challenges of leadership, navigating imposter syndrome, and how staying grounded can make all the difference.

And because leadership isn’t just about tactics and titles, Preston and Andrew also bring in some inspiration from an unlikely coach: Ted Lasso. Expect a mix of fire service grit, honest reflection, and a little humor to keep things real.

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts training, leadership, and personal growth—with insights you can carry back to the firehouse and beyond.

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, host Preston Lyons from the Relentless Rejects engages with Rob Policht, a company officer and founder of Flow and Vant. They discuss the importance of family support in the fire service, Rob's unexpected journey into firefighting, and the unique challenges of leadership, especially during crises like COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning, credibility, and accountability in leadership roles, as well as the significance of playing the long game in career development and fostering a supportive firehouse culture. In this engaging conversation, Rob and Preston delve into the themes of legacy, communication, and the importance of promoting a strong firehouse culture. They discuss the significance of training and the evolution of Flow Invent, emphasizing the need for firefighters to seize every opportunity and to consider their impact on the community. The dialogue highlights the balance between personal growth and collective responsibility within the fire service.

In this episode of The Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons from the Relentless Rejects engages with Captain Todd Edwards, a seasoned fire service professional, discussing the importance of family support, continuous learning, and the challenges of company officer development. They explore the evolving nature of fire service conferences, the critical role of company officers in shaping future firefighters, and the need for effective training for acting officers. The conversation emphasizes the traits that distinguish great company officers, including humility, communication skills, and an understanding of their crew's personal lives. In this conversation, Todd discusses his leadership philosophy in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of trust, humility, and realistic training. He highlights common mistakes made by company officers, such as the blame game and arrogance, and stresses the need for a strong crew identity built through consistent training. Todd also elaborates on the significance of command presence and how it is developed through experience and training, ultimately reinforcing the positive impact firefighters have on their communities.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons engages with Chief Brian Brush, discussing the importance of family, community, and brotherhood in the fire service. They explore the need for a positive shift in mindset, the significance of education and training, and the challenges of recruitment. Chief Brush shares insights on building a search culture, understanding NFPA standards, and the impact of health on firefighters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of legacy and continuous improvement in the fire service.