The Original Firefighter Podcast

Episode 53: In this episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast, hosts Will Peterson and Phil Nedved explore a range of pressing topics. They begin by spotlighting the wildland fire season, emphasizing support for firefighters and introducing merchandise from originalfirefighter.com that funds health and wellness initiatives. The conversation shifts to a tribute to Charlie Kirk, discussing the imp...

Episode 52: Join hosts Will Peterson and Phil Nedved on the Original Firefighter Podcast as they tackle the lighter side of firehouse life with a spirited discussion on the most indulgent and unhealthy meals cooked up in the station. From Philly cheesesteak skillets to massive cinnamon rolls, they share their favorite guilty pleasures and the culinary creativity that fuels firefighters. Alongside...

Episode 51 In this poignant episode, we delve into the profound reflections on September 11th, exploring its enduring impact on first responders. Join us as we hear firsthand accounts from FDNY Firefighter, Rich Mercado who served on the front lines, sharing his experiences and the lasting effects of that fateful day. From the immediate chaos to the long-term health challenges, this episode offers...

Episode 50: In this episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast, hosts Will and Phil are joined by the legendary Jared Vermeulen, straight from the sunny shores of Jupiter, Florida. Dive into the nitty-gritty of firefighting as we tackle everything from the chaos of Hurricane Katrina to the recent tragic shooting in Minneapolis, MN. Jared, author of "The Modern Fire Officer," shares his take on le...

Episode 49: Join Will and Phil as they explore the intricate balance between meaningful remembrance and political narratives. From the fire service's approach to accountability to the political dynamics in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, this episode delves into the challenges of leadership, policy-making, and the role of data in shaping our world. Tune in for a thought-provoking discus...

Episode 48: In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast , Will and Phil dive into the big headlines and the stories behind them. First up: Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C.—what it means, how it’s being received, and why it matters. From there, the guys tackle the surprising shift among younger generations away from alcohol consumption, and what that says about cu...

Episode 47: In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will and Phil take you on a wild ride through time — from the smoky days of bucket brigades and horse-drawn steamers to the high-tech, gear-packed fire service we know today. Of course, it wouldn’t be The Original Firefighter Podcast without a heavy dose of current events, questionable banter, and humor that only firefighters (and th...

Episode 46: Host Will Pederson sits down with Brad Steele of Castle Contracting for a no-holds-barred convo that covers roofing, tariffs, motocross, bourbon, and cigars—because why talk business when you can also talk bikes and booze? We dive into the unspoken truths of the roofing world (yes, we said calk), explore how tariffs are screwing with the cost of doing everything, and hear how Brad trad...

Episode 45: Join us for a riveting episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast, where hosts Will and Aaron and special guest Bulk Brogan (Phil) dive into a whirlwind of topics. From reminiscing about 80s icons like Hulk Hogan and Ozzy Osbourne to dissecting the ongoing Epstein files saga, this episode is packed with engaging discussions. We also explore recent aviation incidents and the importance...

Episode 44: Join hosts Will Peterson and Phil Nedved in this engaging episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast as they explore a wide range of topics impacting the firefighting community today. From safety protocols to mental health awareness, this episode covers it all. Chapter Markers: 00:00 - Introduction 05:12 - Firefighter Safety 15:45 - Mental Health in the Fire Service 25:30 - Leadership...

Episode 43: In this episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast, hosts Will Peterson and Phil Nedved delve into the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, exploring the aftermath and ongoing questions surrounding the event. They also discuss the devastating floods in Texas, highlighting the massive response efforts, the tragic loss of life, and the heroic actions of fir...

Episode 42: In this sobering episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Phil, and Aaron discuss the harrowing ambush in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where two battalion chiefs were murdered and another firefighter critically wounded in a shocking sniper-style attack during a brush fire response.🚒 Will opens the show from his new post in Whitefish, Montana, sharing how this tragedy is reshaping c...

In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast , hosts Will and Phil break down the chaos erupting in Los Angeles during the No Kings riots. From street-level destruction to the challenges faced by first responders, they give their raw take on the madness unfolding and what it means for the fire service on the ground. Buckle up for a no-holds-barred conversation about civil unrest, public saf...

In this gripping and emotional episode, Will sits down for a raw, firsthand conversation with three firefighters who survived a harrowing flashover event during the St. James Church fire. Together, they break down the anatomy of a MayDay—unpacking the moment-by-moment radio chatter, photos, and video footage from that intense day. This isn’t just a technical debrief. It’s a deeply human conversati...

In this on-location episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, we head to Barnstormer Distillery in Rockford, IL for a rich mix of stories, spirits, and service. 🔥 We kick off with fire service updates and shoutouts to local leaders including Michelle Pankow and Kyle Hill. 🥃 Then, we dig into the AJ Lynch Foundation’s veteran-focused mission—and their special barrels of whiskey aging with purp...

In this second part of our two-part episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Chief Will shares the backstory of how he became interested in the Fire Service and what lead him to spend 28 years on the job in Rockford, IL. We also throw some MLB stadium trivia at Will and get in to what is next for his career and for the podcast. That's right, we're taking things to the next level. 🎙️ Gr...

In this two-part episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Chief Will, Rob, and Aaron sit down to tackle some of the wildest headlines dominating the news cycle. From former President Biden’s reported cancer diagnosis to the tragic bombing of a fertility clinic, to downed aircraft in San Diego and a barrage of bizarre stories—nothing is off-limits. The crew also weighs in on how the fire servic...

In this laid-back and smoky episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Aaron, and Rob sit down with Alan at the Strike The Box Pipe and Cigar Shop for a relaxed conversation among friends. With cigars lit and pipes in hand, we dive into recent events, talk firehouse stories, and take a deeper look at Alan’s incredible career in the Fire Service. Alan also shares his tips for picking the ri...

In this high-flying episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast, Will, Rob, and Aaron cover a wide range of hot topics—from the tragic Mother's Day fire in Milwaukee and its implications for first responders, to the controversy surrounding a Qatar jet reportedly offered to President Trump. They also take a closer look at a failing radar system that could spell big trouble for national airspace saf...

Join us in this third and final installment of our FDIC coverage where we talk with Firefighters from London Ontario CA, Detroit MI, Amarillo, Tx, and Rockford, IL. We have a conversation with Sad Team Six, a group of firefighter comedians that are using humor to combat mental health issues and PTSD in the fire service. We also connect with the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, Project...

In this episode of The Original Firefighter Podcast , Will, Rob, and Aaron come together to tackle the critical intersections of fire service, personal faith, and the ever-changing landscape of funding in a country facing serious challenges. We dive into the health of our nation —physically, spiritually, and institutionally—and share our reflections on an impactful week at FDIC International , whe...

In this second installment of our FDIC coverage, we dive deeper into the conversations shaping the fire service today. We sit down with the inspiring Fierce Female Firefighters to talk about leadership, resilience, and changing the culture from within. Author Matt Manzari joins us to share his powerful story of survival and purpose featured in Beyond the Burn. We also explore new developments in p...

In this special episode, we're coming to you straight from FDIC 2025 in Indianapolis, IN! Join us as we highlight powerful moments and conversations with some truly impressive individuals we met at the conference. From frontline firefighters sharing personal stories, to authors shaping the future of the fire service, and inventors whose life-saving products are making a difference — this episo...

In this unforgettable episode of the Original Firefighter Podcast, Chief Will Pederson sits down with Fred Speer, a retired journalist whose name became synonymous with emergency news coverage. With decades of experience reporting from the frontlines of fire scenes, Fred shares stories that range from the heartwarming to the heartbreaking—and everything in between. Fred opens up about the deep con...

In this episode, Will and Phil—our resident Elvis—tackle the latest current events in the fire service, breaking down key moments from body cam footage of a dramatic car fire rescue. They also take a deep dive into the rich history of firehouse traditions that are still alive and well today. From the origins of these customs to their modern-day significance, this episode is packed with insights, b...