Fire Family Collective Podcast

Growing up as a firefighter's daughter taught Kierra Martens things she didn't fully understand until she became a fire wife herself. In this episode she opens up about the health crisis that nearly ended her husband's career, the ritual he uses to leave work stress at the door, and the hard lesson about the fire wife mental load that she had to learn the same way her own mother did...

What no one warns you about when you marry a firefighter is that the job doesn’t just shape your spouse — it shapes your entire life, your identity, and sometimes, your marriage’s survival. In this powerful episode of the Fire Family Collective, host Heather sits down with “Lóvely,” a former fire wife of 19 years, who opens up about navigating divorce while still deeply embedded in the fire life c...

In this episode, host Alex turns the mic on her husband Kyle — a firefighter paramedic — for an honest, unfiltered look at what it's really like when the fire service runs on both sides of the marriage. Kyle grew up watching his dad work a 31-year career on the department, swore it would never be his path, burned out as a high school football coach, and then walked into a fire station one aft...

Amanda and Jackie discuss the power of vulnerability, specifically how Jackie's decision to "slide into the DMs" created a vital support system after her family's lateral move to Ventura. They explore the often-overlooked stresses of the "lateral" experience, where firefighters face intense expectations and new protocols while their families navigate the potential iso...

This episode features a conversation between Alex and Hannah, two fire wives reflecting on their early experiences entering the fire service lifestyle with little guidance or community. Hannah shares how isolation, age differences, and lack of local support made the early years difficult, while both highlight how transitioning to a larger department introduced some resources but still left critica...

Jamie Renshaw shares her journey from feeling isolated in the fire life to finding purpose and connection through vulnerability and shared struggles. Her story of balancing motherhood, a remodeling business, and a firefighter marriage offers hope, resilience, and the power of authentic support. Discover how prioritizing mental health, leaning into community, and embracing vulnerability can transfo...

In this episode, Sarah and Amanda share raw, heartfelt stories about injury, resilience, friendship, and embracing the chaos that comes with life as firewives. It’s a testament to sisterhood, authenticity, and the power of showing up for yourself and each other, no matter what season you're in. Takeaways –  Bulletproof tough times by creating your own mental armor  Emotional maintenance is as...

In this conversation, Erin Reed shares her experiences as a fire spouse, discussing the challenges and joys of balancing family life with the demands of a firefighter's schedule. She emphasizes the importance of community, communication, and support within the fire family, as well as the need for flexibility and resilience in navigating the unpredictability of their lives. The discussion also...

In this conversation, Heather Arnzen shares her journey as a firewife navigating the complexities of family life, homeschooling, and the challenges of PTSD within her marriage. She discusses the importance of vulnerability, community support, and self-care, while also addressing the ongoing struggles and growth that come with being a partner to a first responder. Heather emphasizes the need for op...

In this candid conversation, Amber shares her journey balancing motherhood, firefighting partner life, and personal growth. She discusses the challenges of reentry, maintaining intimacy, and exploring new professional paths while raising a toddler. Contains explicit content.  Takeaways Being a first responder partner comes with unique challenges. Self-care is essential for maintaining balance in f...

In this engaging conversation, Amanda and Chelsi discuss the unique challenges and joys of being a fire wife, the importance of community support, and the journey of personal growth. They share insights on navigating family dynamics, the significance of self-care, and the need to maintain one's identity beyond the roles of motherhood and partnership. The discussion also touches on the value o...

In this conversation, Amanda and Alex discuss the importance of community and support within fire families. They explore the challenges of navigating career changes, maintaining personal identities, and the significance of communication in relationships. Alex shares her experiences with the Fire Family Collective and the efforts to build connections among fire families through local events and ini...

In this episode of the Fire Family Collective Podcast, Amanda and Audra Carrion from CarryOnFireFamily, and co-founder of the Dear Chiefs podcast, discuss the unique challenges faced by fire wives and families. Audra shares her journey as a fire wife, the importance of community support, and how to navigate the chaos of family life. They emphasize the significance of communication, the resources a...

In this conversation, Amanda and Suzy discuss the challenges and rewards of being a partner to a first responder. They explore the importance of community support, the balancing act of work and family life, and the emotional resilience required in their unique circumstances. Suzy shares her experiences as a librarian and a fire spouse, emphasizing the significance of having a support network and t...

In this conversation, Amanda and Katie Kada discuss the unique challenges and misconceptions faced by fire families. They explore the realities of being a first responder spouse, the importance of self-care, and the impact of parenting on personal well-being. Katie shares her journey of prioritizing her health through the '75 Soft' program and the joy of rediscovering reading. The discus...

In this episode of the Fire Family Collective Podcast, Amanda and Ashley Pridgeon discuss the unique dynamics of being part of a firefighter family. They explore Ashley's experiences growing up as a fire kid, the challenges of parenting with a firefighter spouse, and the importance of mental health resources for first responders. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the...

In episode 54 of the Fire Family Collective podcast, Amanda speaks with Stephanie and Dan Lievense about their experiences during the Eaton Fire in January 2025. Dan is a Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter; Stephanie is a marriage and family therapist. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical challenges faced by firefighters and their families during emergencies, the importanc...

In this episode, Peter McKenzie and Amanda Ellis discuss the transition of the Firehouse Roundtable podcast to the Fire Family Collective, focusing on the importance of community and support for families of firefighters. Amanda shares her personal journey of feeling isolated as a new firefighter's spouse and how connecting with others in similar situations has been transformative. They explor...

Guest host Amanda Ellis talks with three other fire spouses, Stephanie Kay, Maggie Hernandez, and Anna Young, about the Ventura Fire Foundation's newest initiative, the Fire Family Collective. To be launched in January 2025, the Fire Family Collective is a supportive digital community for USA fire families offering resources, education, and connection. The Collective will  empower fire famili...

A deep conversation with Chief David Rhodes, a 38-year veteran of the fire service and editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine. They explore the differences between the public and private sectors, the challenges of bureaucracy and generational differences within the fire service. Chief Rhodes shares insights on the importance of training, the cultural shifts in the fire service, and the signi...

Derrick Bean, a Fire Engineer, Girl Dad, and new member of the Foundation's Board celebrates the show's 50th epsiode with guest host Joe Booth. Derrick shares his unique journey to becoming a firefighter, including his multicultural background and experiences in various fire departments. The conversation delves into the importance of diversity in the fire service, the role of fire cause...

In this conversation, guest hosts Amanda Ellis and Stephanie Kay talk with marriage and family therapist (and fire wife) Tiffany Atalla about parenting as a firefighter family and navigating the challenges that come with it. The discussion includes fostering understanding and connection with children, empowering kids to be independent and resilient, and maintaining a united front as parents. Overa...

Brian Waters, LA County Fire Department captain and owner of Code 3 Invest, talks with Peter about his journey in real estate investing. They discuss the importance of diversifying income sources, the risks of relying solely on a firefighter's salary, and the benefits of investing in real estate. Brian shares his personal experience with investing in rental properties and explains why he beli...

In this conversation, Destiny Morris, LMFT, discusses the importance of reconnecting and reintegrating into the family after firefighters come home from work. The main themes discussed include hypervigilance, checking in with oneself and one's partner, closing the stress cycle, managing expectations, and healthy ways to greet each other. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communica...

Driver Engineer Jason Patton talks about his journey from mechanic to firefighter to creator of Fire Department Chronicles to Vice President of Fire Department Coffee. They discuss Firefighter Fenton as well as the importance of firefighters having a plan B and not relying on the "firefighter nonsense" they tell you at the academy. Jason also discusses the mental health movement within t...