The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

I'm fired up to have THE Mike Dugan on the SCRAP! Retired FDNY Captain on Ladder 123, longtime fire service instructor, one of the greatest storytellers in the fire service, and someone who has spent decades pushing firefighters to be better at this job. There's a LOT to get into with this one! Mike has been around the fire service for more than 50 years, and if you've ever heard hi...

I'm excited to have Brent Brooks back on the SCRAP! Brent joined me for Episode 220, and here we are almost three years later, getting ready to do it again! Brent brings more than 30 years of fire service experience, specializing in high-rise and complex-building operations. His work connects fireground tactics, building design, engineering, and operational decision-making, including developi...

Frank Viscuso is coming back on the SCRAP for a SPECIAL MONDAY NIGHT episode! This will be Frank's 5th appearance on the show, and I can tell you that I always look forward to our conversations. We'll be getting into Frank's newest book, One Degree of Difference, the leadership lessons behind it, building strong teams, and plenty of other topics in Frank's wheelhouse. If you&ap...

I'm excited to have Jenny Grima on the SCRAP! From fireground operations and training to leadership and the challenges that come with this job! 📅 Tuesday, October 13th Jenny is a Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic, and certified health coach who has been serving in the fire service since 2016, including seven years in Special Operations. She has experience teaching nationally with On Scene Tr...

Kevin Shea is on The Weekly Scrap! I’ve been trying for a LONG time to land this white whale, and he has finally agreed to come on the Scrap! If you’re familiar with Kevin Shea, you already know why I’ve been chasing this one for so long Retired FDNY Lieutenant with more than 40 years in the fire service as both a volunteer and professional firefighter. Kevin's career includes time with Rescu...

Sean Duffy is BACK on The Weekly Scrap! Sean has been part of some great Scrap conversations over the years, and every time he comes on, he knocks it out of the park.  Serving in the fire service since 2004, Sean has built a reputation around search, training, fireground performance, and building a culture that puts the mission first. He’s the founder of the Great Lakes HOT Fire Conference, co-fou...

If you want to talk about standards, getting outside your comfort zone, finding your why, and taking ownership of your career, there was plenty to get into with Jeff. Jeff is an Engine Company Boss in Naples, Florida, now in his 11th year in the fire service after serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. He has continued to push himself through some of the most demanding training opport...

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Mike Salzano! Talking firefighting, training, engine company operations, and leadership, there’s plenty to get into on this episode. Mike brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service, with much of his career spent in engine companies. Today, he serves as a Battalion Chief with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and continues to share that experience...

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Michael Terpak! I’ve been looking forward to getting Mike back on the show, and we made it happen. If you haven’t listened to his first appearance on Episode 87, now’s a good time to go back, give it a listen. Mike Terpak has built an impressive career in the fire service and continues to share his knowledge and experience with others. 45 years in the fire se...

We’re adding a special episode of The Weekly Scrap this week for a good reason. Episode 371 went LIVE Thursday, September 3rd—the same day The Romagus Papers officially releases. And we were joined by special guest Ian Bennett because his book "Learning to Burn" went live the very next day. We talk about both books, how they came together, and dive into some of the topics and conversatio...

Jonathan brings nearly three decades in the fire service and a ton of time spent teaching and training firefighters. An instructor with Task Force One Inc. and Street-Smart Tactics, a member of the Frontier Fools, and has a passion for truck work, training, and making sure we pass this job on better than we found it. We talked some shop; truck company operations, riding assignments, ventilation, c...

I am excited to have Gary Lane join me once again on the Scrap for a conversation that could go in a lot of different directions. Gary has decades in the fire service, has been a state fire instructor since 2008, and is a member of the Brothers In Battle training cadre. He brings a lot of experience to the table, along with practical insight into where we are getting it right and where we could be...

My brother Nick Ledin steps in as special guest host, and I'm a little jealous as he got to sit down with Keith Stakes himself.  Nick has spent years digging into civilian rescue data as a contributor to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, helping bring real-world data from thousands of reported rescues into the conversation about search and what that information can teach us about the job. Keith...

Larry Conley is on the Scrap, and what a great conversation.  Larry has served more than thirty years in the fire service, and he's spent much of that time teaching and mentoring other firefighters. Now retired, Larry continues to invest his time in making the fire service better. If you've followed his work, heard him teach, or listened to The Larry Conley Show, you know there are plent...

Chief Dan Shaw returns to The Weekly Scrap. If you caught Dan's first appearance on Episode #243, you already know the conversation didn't disappoint. Now he's back, and we're ready to see where this one takes us. With more than three decades in the fire service, including retiring as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue, Chief Shaw now...

Dr. Candace Ashby returns to The Weekly Scrap for a conversation every firefighter needs to hear.  With over three decades in the fire service, a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, and years of experience climbing through the ranks, Candace—currently serving as a Battalion Chief—has become a respected voice on leadership, accountability, and protecting the culture that makes thi...

Benjamin Martin is coming back to the Scrap, and we've got more to unpack than we'll have time to cover. Benjamin started his career riding the jump seat of a busy urban engine company and recently retired as an Acting Battalion Chief after more than 23 years in the fire service. Many of you know him through EmbraceTheResistance.com, his articles, podcast appearances, or his nationally r...

Joined on this episode by Jerry Wells!  Jerry retired as a Battalion Chief from the Lewisville (TX) Fire Department after 35 years in the fire service. Throughout his career, he's taught firefighters across the country while challenging them to think differently about the profession. We'll dive into some of the ideas that have shaped Jerry's career, including what "The Kitchen...

Stephen Runyan, aka Tommy Gunn, is coming back to The Scrap, and this one is going to be loaded... again! With more than 20 years in the fire service, Stephen has dedicated his career to developing firefighters, challenging conventional thinking, and sharing the lessons he's learned from some of the best mentors in the profession. A Georgia Smoke Diver, FDIC H.O.T. Class Specialist, Wichita F...

Joined on this episode by my friend, the one and only Dana Larkin! Dana currently serves as Battalion Chief with Camano Island Fire & Rescue, leading C-Shift while overseeing the department's training division. From starting as a volunteer in 2001 to becoming one of the driving forces behind firefighter development, Dana has spent years building firefighters, officers, and future leaders....

Joined on this episode by the one and only Steve Prziborowski, retired Deputy Chief with the Santa Clara County Fire Department who continues to shape the fire service as an instructor with Chabot College and the National Fire Academy. A respected mentor to many, Steve spends much of his time coaching and developing firefighters and officers at all ranks. Steve has spoken across the country, autho...

Joined on this episode by my man Brandon Chapman! Brandon is the Co-Founder and Instructor of GRIT Fire Training LLC, Driver on Truck 17 in the City of Pittsburgh, Assistant Fire Chief for Stowe Township Fire Department, and firefighter with West Lanham Hills Volunteer Fire Company 28 in Prince George's County, Maryland. With 17 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience,...

Joined on episode 358 by Jason Worthy of South Spartanburg Fire Department.  A second-generation firefighter with 18 years on the job—many of them spent riding the truck. Jason currently serves as Captain on Ladder 24. Throughout his career, he has continually invested in his craft, completing OBT2, the NC Breathing Equipment School, Truckman Academy, and the South Carolina Fire Officer’s Academy....

Joined on this episode by the one and only Tom Richardson, retired FDNY Chief of Department! Chief Richardson walks the walk, serving 42 years with the FDNY, rising through every rank to lead as the top uniformed officer in the busiest fire department in the nation. A lifelong firefighter, he’s been a volunteer in Deer Park since 1978 (serving as Chief of Department there in 1999-2000 and 2009-201...

Joined on episode 356 by firefighter/paramedic and founder of VEST First Responder LLC, the one and only Jake Hecht!!!!  Tuesday, May 26th 8 PM CST From high school history teacher to pro MMA fighter (3× UFC veteran) and now firefighter, Jake turned a violent patient encounter into a mission, dedicating his career to protecting those who protect others.  As a former Army Combatives Instructor and...