Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast

Pt 2 with Chris Fields whos image was captured at the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. Chris's image holding baby Baylee in his arms would become the symbol for that tragic event. Chris talks about how that iconic photo effected his life and talks about his residency to overcome the mental effects to follow

The guys sit down with Chris Fields, retired Oklahoma City FF who's iconic photo of him holding a lifeless baby in his arms became synonymous with the bombing of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19th 1995. Chris talks about his career and how the photo effected him both positive and negative.

part 2 with Engineer/Paramedic Greg Bagdade author of "mental health mayday"

the guys talk to Greg Bagdade, who is a 22 year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department and mental health counselor. we talk about his career and his own struggles. Greg tells how we can help each other in light of the growing numbers of suicide and mental health issues in the first responder community.

Talking to Tom Putnam, Producer and Director of the documentary "Burn" and "Burn X". Tom and the guys talk about the making of the Burn docs and the upcoming projects Tom is working on including a documentary about Paramedics across the country.

Mike and Jenni are members of The Chicago Fire Department and founders of the Stache Bash which promotes prostate cancer awareness and supports cancer charities with Ignite the spirit. listen to how these Mike and Jenni raise money and support with creepy mustaches.

The guys sit down and talk a little history with former Commissioner of The Chicago Fire Department from December 15th 1999 to April 30th 2004.

Get to know candidate for Cook County Sherriff and CPD officer Lupe Aguire. We talk to Lupe about everything from his acting with Vince Vaughn to his views about the state of Cook County and his plans to make the county better

The guys sit down and talk a little history with former Commissioner of The Chicago Fire Department from December 15th 1999 to April 30th 2004.

Sit down with Shenan, Jen and Sarah, 3 women from the non profit organization Shield 23 all of whom had husbands in the fire service who battled cancer and now offer amazing insight and advice for anyone going through this battle. Shield 23 provides support, financially, spiritually and everything in between so firefighters and their families can navigate their battle with cancer.

The Crew sits down with Sammy Vega from Calumet City Fire Department. We talk about how Sammy got into the fire service, his military career, and what it means to be an "All in Mother F***er"

The Crew sits down with Sammy Vega from Calumet City Fire Department. We talk about how Sammy got into the fire service, his military career, and what it means to be an "All in Mother F***er"

The Crew interviews Firefighter Mitch Huner, Owner and designer of Fire Maul Tools. Mitch talks about his learning experience designing, developing, and manufacturing fire department specific hand tools. The Crew discusses his time as a DOD firefighter, and how he got involved in PFAS and cancer research.

The Crew interviews Firefighter Mitch Huner, Owner and designer of Fire Maul Tools. Mitch talks about his learning experience designing, developing, and manufacturing fire department specific hand tools. The Crew discusses his time as a DOD firefighter, and how he got involved in PFAS and cancer research.

Part 2 with Ron Smith of the Gary IN Fire Department. Ron recalls a "near death" situation at a fire where he almost gave up after becoming disoriented and out of air.

part 1 with Ron Smith of the Gary IN Fire Department. Listen how Ron got Started in the fire service and some of the decisions that would change his life.

Former prosecutor, retired FBI criminal profiler and writer/producer of the smash hit TV show Criminal Minds Jim Clemente. Jim talks to the guys about profiling and his own true life childhood trauma he overcame.

Retired Chief Leo Cox talks about how he came from two suburban fire departments to the Chicago Fire Department in 1966. Leo spent his time as a fireman on Engine 77, Lieutenant of Engine 44, and his move to the Southside to be the Captian of Engine 116. Leo was promoted to Battalion Chief and was assigned to Battalion 9 where he had an extremely close call that brought an end to a very very busy...

The Crew goes live at Rock Bottom Brewery for Day 2, “family day”, of The 100 Club of Illinois and the Orland Fire Protection District’s annual fundraiser. We talk to Project Fire Buddies, The Yard Foundation, and many more while knocking back a few Rock Bottom “Fire Chief Ales” in support of our favorite charities!

part 2 with Firefighters Josh Hill and Joey Mathews. Joey talks about his emotional last days has a firefighter with some obvious comic relief.

Josh Hill and Joey Mathews from The Front Line Team stopped into the studio with a handful of notes thinking they're there to record a commercial (at least Josh did). Unbeknownst to Josh he was there to tell his life story with Joey. Josh talks about his infancy in the fire service and all the different places that started his career. Josh even tells the story the time he had to heroically step up...

Retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant, Rick Vega immigrated to Chicago from Cuba, and at 5 years old found himself being rescued by a member of the Chicago Fire Department from a fire only to be reunited with that same man almost 40 years later. Rick talks about how he came up in the fitness and martial arts world, and his connection to some of the biggest rock and punk bands in the country....

Retired Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant, Rick Vega immigrated to Chicago from Cuba, and at 5 years old found himself being rescued by a member of the Chicago Fire Department from a fire only to be reunited with that same man almost 40 years later. Rick talks about how he came up in the fitness and martial arts world, and his connection to some of the biggest rock and punk bands in the country....

Retired Chicago Firefighter Billy “Hitman” Heenan. Billy talks about a close call he had, his time on CFD’s elite rescue team Squad 5, and the hilarious time he almost got himself in big trouble as new firefighter!

the crew back from Covid talks to Billy Heenan. Recently retired squad member of the Chicago Fire Department. In 1996 caught an 8 year old girl midair while on a ladder during an extra alarm fire. Just one of the great stories in this amazing podcast.