Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

On this episode of The C.A.N. Report, veteran firefighter Dennis Livoli, lieutenant-paramedic with the Derry (NH) Fire Department talks about his 20-plus years of experience serving the community and his personal journey preparing to run the Boston Marathon. He addresses the deep connection between his firehouse family and the community, the evolving challenges within the fire service, and the imp...

In this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick and Jim welcome guest Kepra Jack, the cofounder, owner, and director of operations at HeartFit for Duty. They discuss how Kepra got involved with the fire service and the origins of the organization. They also touch on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), her involvement with the Science Alliance/Science to the Station...

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle welcome Mike Dugan, a veteran FDNY captain. Dugan opens up about his decades-long career in the fire service, and goes back to his beginnings as a volunteer. Reflecting on his firsthand experience at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, Dugan shares the chaos, trauma, and lasting impact that day had on him and his family. H...

On this episode of  Multiple Calls , host Scott Hewlett and guest Kyle Romagus take a closeup look at firefighting training and experience. Beyond textbook knowledge, the discussion addresses the critical importance of understanding  fire behavior , recognizing dangerous conditions, and thinking strategically under pressure. The speakers emphasize the value of  mentorship , hands-on experience, an...

In this episode of Five After Midnight, host Stephanie White, editor in chief of Firefighter Nation, welcomes guest Paul Shoemaker, a Colorado firefighter and paramedic. Shoemaker shares his battle with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma amid a demanding fire service career. Diagnosed in 2025, Shoemaker details how relentless stress, sleeplessness, and workplace toxicity took a heavy toll on his me...

On this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Mike Goldstein welcomes Sean Duffy. Duffy shares his journey from volunteering at a Florida firehouse to becoming a respected firefighter and educator in Michigan. The Ann Arbor firefighter opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new state, navigating the realities of fire service, and the critical importance of humility and reflection. He emp...

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella is joined by Keith Schumacher, author of The Bell You Can’t Afford to Miss, about an aspect of firefighting often overlooked: the emotional and social challenges. Schumacher shares his journey navigating the pressures of being “all in” on the job while recognizing the need to invest in family and community, especially through volunteering...

In this episode of The Revolutionaries, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons open up about their personal journeys through family challenges, career growth, and the complexities of fire service culture. They discuss the struggle of staying authentic both on and off the air, the pressures of social media, and the importance of meaningful mentorship within fire departments. Highlighting the need for u...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, Chief John M. Curd Jr. of Riviera Beach (FL) Fire Rescue speaks with host David Dachinger about the often-overlooked complexities of fire station design. Prioritizing contamination reduction, contagion control, safety, efficiency, and firefighter well-being, Chief Curd shares how he’s pioneering a shift in mindset within his department and the industry...

Firefighter Nation welcomes The C.A.N. Report, hosted by Michael Goldstein, who describes the show as "a mission to bring the fire service and first responder community of New Hampshire to the masses." This episode delivers a compelling conversation centered on leadership, brotherhood, and the often-unspoken mental health realities that first responders face. The guest, Samson "Mufasa" DeSessa, is...

On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka welcome guests Eileen and her daughter Kat Bellew. Eileen Bellew shares the raw and moving story of how their lives were changed by the tragic loss of Eileen’s husband John, a New York City firefighter who died in the Bronx Black Sunday Fire, 21 years ago.    They recount the harrowing moments of that Jan...

In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz welcomes performance dietitian Diana Nguyen, who breaks down what pre-workout powders actually do and why most people are chasing a buzz instead of real fuel. They cover caffeine dosing, proprietary blends, safety risks, and smarter alternatives that actually work for first responders.   The host and guest also debunk common myths, explain the actu...

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle discuss the complexities of retiring from the fire service. They share their personal journeys navigating the physical, emotional, and mental shifts that come with hanging up the helmet. The hosts also discuss critical topics like managing health risks, including cancer and heart issues, improving post-retirement sleep pa...

In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka talks about his own experience living with cancer. He offers insight on the mental toll cancer takes, including the crippling fear of recurrence that can grip survivors from year to year. Burneka emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed support, mentorship from fellow firefighters who understand the unique challenges of a diagnosis. Beyond the str...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger welcomes Nicholle Brock, a captain with Atlanta (GA) Fire Rescue Department. During their discussion, they explore the critical themes of leadership and Brock addresses the silent suffering often experienced in the fire service, which she also discusses in her book, Brick by Brick: Building Resilience in Chaos and Kindness.   Brock...

Seth Haley, president of Trotwood (OH) Firefighters Local 4024 joins host Jim Burneka on this episode of APS Radio. They discuss the proposed layoffs of five firefighters from the City of Trotwood and the SAFER grant they were part of, which expired in February 2025. The conversation addresses the implications for community safety, staffing shortages, and firefighter morale—especially amidst risin...

On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Jim Burneka and Nick Magoteaux welcome their longtime friend Jen Cramer (FirmFoundationCC.com/). The three tackle the real challenges of seasonal depression in the firefighting community. As the days get darker and the holidays approach, many firefighters face isolation, grief, and stress. Cramer, a licensed therapist in Ohio, shares p...

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle discuss what makes firefighting more than just a job. Beyond the risks and stress, they celebrate the unique camaraderie that fuels their passion for the fire service. Reflecting on decades of experience, they explore how mental health isn’t just about struggles but also about positivity and connection.  With stories of mentors...

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, firefighter and paramedic Brent Thorne shares his deeply personal journey of balancing a demanding fire service career with family life. After 13 years in the field and a prior stint in the Navy, Thorne reveals how his hyper-fixation on work almost cost him his marriage. From struggles maintaining connection during deployments to hitting a breaking point th...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, David Dachinger sits down with Tonya Herbert, owner of Thin Red Line Decon and Florida PPE Services. The discussion reveals critical insights into firefighter health and wellness, with regard to decontamination. Herbert shares her unique journey from fire station design to creating innovative cleaning products specifically for firefighters. She spotlig...

In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz welcomes expert guests Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita and Annette “AZ” Zapp. They discuss the essentials of firefighter wellness, and preview their upcoming “Firefighter Strong” workshop at FDIC 2026. They break down the critical role of sleep, offering practical strategies for maximizing rest amid unpredictable shifts and calls. The discussion covers nu...

In this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka focuses on educating listeners on the importance of passing the Honor Act legislation. The Honor Act is a bipartisan bill that would extend the Public Safety Officers Benefits Program to families of firefighters who die from job-related cancer. This episode features Cyndi Westfall, Jay Leach, and Julie Paidar, firefighter spouses who have each experie...

During this episode of We Can’t Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka welcome guest Frank Leto, the recently retired deputy director of the Counseling Service Unit (CSU) for FDNY. Leto works diligently with the IAFF's Peer Support Program. He discusses his experience becoming part of the CSU, peer support before and after 9/11, and various other deployments. His stories...

For the latest Product Spotlight, Firefighter Nation Editor in Chief Stephanie White sits down with Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls, a trusted name serving first responders for over 60 years. Fadden shares how Galls evolved from a catalog company into a multichannel distributor, dedicating itself to law enforcement, EMS, and with renewed focus on firefighters. Highlighting recent moves, including acquir...

In the latest episode of Mental Health Monthly, Dan DeGryse and Chris Muscle sit down with John Walters III, retired FDNY firefighter, and former chief of the Port Washington (NY) Fire Department. During their discussion, the three explore the guest’s journey through devastating injury, personal loss, and rebuilding life after tragedy. Walters shares candid insights about the July 2006 accident th...