The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

 Join a raw conversation on this episode of the Scrap,  We’re going live with Captain Mike Bernard from Arbor Vitae Fire in Wisconsin. it was a blast as we fielded the audience questions, shared our thoughts, and connected with a community that’s all about growth and change. 

Mike’s brought a wealth of wisdom on mentorship, urging us to lift up new firefighters instead of tearing them down. He shared the origin story of the Inglorious Bastards and dove into the anti-hero movement shaking up the fire service. We discussed how to stay ready for that pivotal moment when you get to lead change, and what to do when burnout threatens to dim your passion. 

We’re beyond excited to welcome the remarkable Rob Ramirez, one of the most inspiring and knowledgeable figures in the field, to join us for a can’t-miss conversation. This episode, we’re diving deep into the world of creating artificial stress in training environments—a critical topic for anyone passionate about high-performance training. We’ll break down what the fire service is getting right, shine a light on areas that still need work, and explore why Rob’s iconic mantra, “If you can’t truck, you can’t RIT,” resonates so powerfully with those in the know. 

Rob brings his wealth of experience and unique perspective, making this a discussion you won’t want to miss. Expect thought-provoking insights, practical takeaways, and a few laughs along the way as we unpack the nuances of training under pressure. As always, the  incredible audience will play a huge role, bringing your questions to drive the conversation and keep the energy high. This episode promises to deliver value and spark meaningful dialogue.

Joined on this episode by one of the original... one of the OG guests of the Scrap and I am excited for the conversation! We plan to talk about a lot of small-unit leadership!  How the fire service has an obligation to invest in it's company officers and what we are getting wrong and right!  Of course the audience as always, will have a lot to say about the direction of the conversation... I look forward to another amazing Scrap!!! 

Joined on this episode by the one and only Jonathan Brumley, and I was very excited for the conversation!  Jonathan put up with me bouncing his scrap all around to different dates, but he stuck with me and we made it happen.  We talk about the challenges of advancing big lines, training methodologies, getting out of the firehouse and training in your district... the difference between goals and dreams and so much more!  All of this plus everything that the amazing live audience threw our way!

Joined this week by the one and only Tina Humston, we discuss training, training and more training... where her passion comes from and how to keep it focused. We will dive into the challenges of running a local conference and the lessons learned. We discuss a lot about being a female firefighter... And as always the discussion was driven by the awesome questions from the audience!!!! 

Joined this episode by the one and only Jason Joannides! I was excited for the conversation and it did not disappoint. We talked about acquired structures, setting them on fire and the challenges involved when training in them.  We also got to dive into aspects of truck culture and how to build it (try not to eat the crayons) and of course... all the awesome questions that the audience threw our way!  

Join us on this episode as America's Fire Chief, Scott Thompson and Rob "F'n" Fisher celebrate the milestone of reaching number 300!  I had no idea what was going to happen, I just knew that it was going to be a lot of fun!  I was nervous, I was excited, and it did not disappoint!!!!!

Joined on this episode by Uncle Ray himself, Mr. Smoothbore Santa... keep fire in your life.... Ray McCormack!!! It was an awesome episode as we dive into nozzles, and what it takes to design your own signature series nozzle. We talked about his projects and get a sneak preview of what he will be releasing soon!!! And of course everything that the audience threw at us, which was a lot!!!!!   It was an amazing episode... enjoy!!!

Joined for this episode from the future once more, my brother from down-under... the one and only Gerard Mann.  We had an amazing conversation that covered a broad range of topics!  We discussed the importance of getting outside your walls, the importance of education.  Passion vs. Education and the traps involved. The downside of being right and angry. The importance of simplicity... and so much more... of course none of the planned topics include all of the excellent questions that the audience threw our way.

Joined on this episode by the one and only Anthony Avillo! We discussed the release of his newly updated book... Fireground Strategies 4th Edition.  It promised to be a good episode and we deep dove into gaining better control of an escalating fireground. The differences between exterior and interior size-up. The modern fire environment plus so much more!  Of course as always, the audience took over and had a huge part to say in what was discussed as they throw their awesome questions our way!  Enjoy the episode!!!!