The Stoke and Vent Podcast

In a heartfelt conversation, Lee Ralph and Warren Shepherd from Freedom in the Fire open up about their personal journeys and the impactful work they're doing in mental health advocacy. Ralphy brings a combination of his experience in the Fire and Rescue Service and his time in the Royal Marines, alongside his role as a family man. Warren also brings his experiences as a firefighter to the tab...

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Akers - a British born, New Zealand Firefighter, now based in Auckland. Matt and I discuss his early life and neurodivergence, bouncing from one job to another, relationships, separation, travel, mental and physical health and joining the fire service. Matt also shares his story of taking the brave decision to move from side of the world to the other, as we di...

In the world of firefighting, the role of a union president is pivotal in advocating for the rights and welfare of firefighters. Andrew Fox-Hewitt, an experienced Fire Brigades Union (FBU) official and candidate for FBU President, shares his journey and vision for the future of the union. In this episode, we explore his perspectives on the challenges firefighters face, the significance of union re...

In this insightful episode, former Manitoba IAFF President Alex Forrest shares his extensive experience as a firefighter and advocate for occupational cancer recognition. We discuss the importance of presumptive legislation, the risks firefighters face from carcinogens, and the progress needed in the UK to protect those who protect us. Recommended reading Health Risks and Fair Compensation in the...

In this conversation, Sean and Jacqueline Toomey of First Responder Sleep Recovery discuss the critical importance of sleep recovery practice for first responders, sharing personal experiences and insights into how sleep deprivation impacts mental and physical health. They emphasise the need for cultural change within the fire service to prioritise sleep and wellness, and introduce practical strat...

Today’s guest is Ryan Conley of Carna Bunker Gear Ryan is a Firefighter in the US, with a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. He is also a former Competitive Powerlifter, Author, and advocate for firefighter safety, health, and fitness, and owner of @carnabunkergear - a company that provides carcinogen free training gear to reduce cancer in the fire service. In this conversation, Ryan and I dis...

Today's guest is Alex Gapper of Pumps and Plates Alex is a firefighter and online fitness coach. We discuss firefighter health and fitness, what firefighters are up against when it comes to managing the challenges of the job and what we can do about it. Alex also talks us through the mistakes we make when it comes to our fitness and what we need to be doing to build healthy foundations and stay fi...

Today's guest on The Stoke and Vent Podcast is Nick Higgins. Nick is the creator and editor of The FireHouse Tribune , author of the book, The 5 Tool Firefighter , and is a Lieutenant and Training Instructor in New Jersey, USA, as well as the host of the 5 Tool Firefighter Podcast, and co host of The Station Talk Podcast. Nick and I discuss his role in the fire service, his introduction and route...

Today's guest is Jon Saxby, former Light Dragoon Cavalryman turned personal trainer. Jon is an old friend of mine from my home town of Hull, Yorkshire, and was a member of the British Army Cavalry Regiment - The Light Dragoons from 2002 to 2011. He is also a husband, a father, a musician and a personal trainer. We discuss his various deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Operation “Panther'...

After initially working for an architectural firm specialising in the design of fire stations, emergency centres and police stations, Tonya Herbert now owns and runs Thin Red Line Decon , a US based company encompassing Responder Wipes and Florida PPE Services , specialising in decontamination and maintenance of firefighter PPE, and the supply of products such as decon wipes, shampoo and on scene...

Chris Sellick is a Crew Manager in the UK Fire and Rescue Service, ISAR (International Search and Rescue) Technician, and all round good guy. In this inaugural episode of The Stoke and Vent Podcast, Chris and I discuss culture within the fire service, physical and mental health, leadership, his secondment to the NHS during the Covid-19 Pandemic, and much more.