Firefighter48 Podcast

Dr. Vershalee Shukla, board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director for the Phoenix Fire Department’s cancer screening program, has built one of the most advanced firefighter cancer detection initiatives in the U.S. In this episode, she explains why firefighters face such high cancer risks, how early detection is saving lives, and the cutting-edge technology now available to first resp...

Deputy Chief Jason Miller has spent nearly 30 years in the fire service and is now one of the leading voices in firefighter cancer prevention. After seeing friends fall ill, he created the StormStick Decon System and began working with departments across the U.S. and Canada to improve exposure reduction. He’s collaborated with researchers at Harvard, ASU, U of A, and Vincere Cancer Center, and tea...

From police officer at 21 to firefighter, mentor, and now emotional wellness coach, Joe Spector has spent his life in service. After surviving a brain and spinal injury on the job, the loss of 11 loved ones, his daughter’s diagnosis, and a near-suicide, Joe transformed his pain into purpose. Today, he helps others build unshakable inner peace and resilience through mindset, mindfulness, and proven...

For nearly two decades, Lope Ribodal has been the quiet force behind Phoenix Fire’s frontline defense against occupational cancer. As a Fire Equipment Service Worker (FESW) since 2006, Lope has dedicated his career to inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the gear that keeps firefighters safe. In this episode, we dive into the crucial—but often overlooked—role Lope plays in protecting the lives of...

From Arctic operations to the heat of the Middle East, Matthew Mitchell’s journey is one of leadership under pressure. As an 0331 Machine Gunner with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines (2014–2018), he rose rapidly through the ranks—meritoriously promoted three times in 16 months to E-5, and serving as everything from Team Leader to Platoon Commander. Twice deployed, he led the tactical employment of mediu...

From combat zones to firehouse life, Josh is a powerful story of service and transformation. A former USAF TACP/JTAC, he deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd and Iraq with the 101st, later earning 2nd place in the All Army Combatives Tournament. Now a Phoenix firefighter (Class 16-1), he mentors vets through FireVet, trains jiu jitsu (brown belt, 10th Planet), dives toward his Dive Master cert,...

Tommy is a Captain with the Chandler Fire Department and brings nearly 20 years of experience to the job. He’s one of the featured firefighters in the 2024 documentary Dying to Save You (D2SU) , which explores the real-life impact of cancer in the fire service. In this episode, Tommy sits down with us for an open conversation about the fire service, life, and the moments that have shaped his journ...

Ben is a Firefighter with the Tempe Fire Department and the co-creator of Connect 2 It, a program he started with his wife, Jessica, to support the mental health of firefighters and first responders. Through practices like cold plunging, Wim Hof breathing, and other wellness techniques, Connect 2 It focuses on both the prevention and treatment of mental health challenges. In this episode, Ben shar...

Riley is a Captain with the Salt River Fire Department and one of the founders of the 9/11 Stair Climb at Salt River Fields—an annual event created to honor the lives lost on September 11th and ensure we Never Forget. In this episode, Riley shares the history behind the event, what’s planned for this year, and joins us for a great conversation about the fire service, community, and the importance...

Kerry is the founder of Public Safety Crisis Solutions (PSCS) and a leading mental health expert specializing in the fire service. She’s helped countless firefighters navigate challenges when they’re struggling to take care of themselves or make sense of what’s happening in their minds. In this episode, we dive into the critical work Kerry is doing, the unique mental health needs of firefighters,...

Bill Rini is a retired Phoenix Fire Department Captain and cancer survivor. He’s one of the firefighters featured in the 2024 documentary Dying to Save You (D2SU), which highlights the real-life impact of cancer in the fire service. In this episode, Bill joins us for a conversation about life, the fire service, and much more.

Chauncey Ray is a Phoenix Fire Department Engineer with 25 years of service. He’s also the son of Chauncey Ray II, a firefighter who tragically lost his life in the line of duty when Chauncey was just 8 years old. In this episode, Chauncey shares his father’s story, how that day shaped his life and career, and dives into a wide-ranging conversation about the fire service, legacy, and perspective g...