Firefighters Global Consulting - Behind The Smoke

In this episode, we decode the "experience gap" and explain exactly why hiring panels hesitate on younger candidates. More importantly, we give you a concrete, 3-to-5-year blueprint to build an undeniable profile We cover the best jobs to hold right now, the volunteering that actually matters, and how to prove you have the maturity to handle life-or-death emergencies. Stop guessing what...

In this episode, we break down the concept of the "Fire Profile" and answer one of the most common questions aspiring candidates ask us: Where should I volunteer? We’re cutting through the resume-padding myths and diving into four specific volunteer "genres" that build the exact traits Recruitment Officers are looking for. We’ll show you how to find a volunteer opportunity you&...

In this episode, we break down the most common past lives of firefighters, from tradesmen and military veterans to corporate office workers and retail grinders. We’re diving into the exact pros and cons each background brings to the academy floor and the fire station. Find out how your previous career can actually be your greatest asset (or your biggest blind spot) when transitioning into the fire...

In this episode, we break down what it actually means to take ownership of your health in the fire service. From surviving the academy and probation to ensuring your career longevity, you can't wait or expect for the department to protect you at every turn. We’re covering the hard truths of the job; from reporting injuries, to critical importance of sleep hygiene, to how to proactively combat...

In this episode we sit down with Stephen majestic to discuss and learn about how firefighters can invest, save, and plan for retirement! Stephen Majetic is a financial advisor and entrepreneur, and the founder of Everwealth. After starting his career in banking, he spent the past 12 years building an independent practice focused on honest, client-first advice. Stephen is known for breaking down co...

Introducing the newest member of the FGC team! Brendan Nelson! Brendan has been a career firefighter for 5 years now spending the last year and a half on the Hazmat team. Previously Brendan was a volunteer firefighter in Point Roberts, Washington. He is also Currently the director of fundraising for World Police Fire Games Club in his department . Partnered with Firefighters Global Consulting in 2...

Mike is a Company Officer in a California fire department and the founder of Front Seat Academy, an online leadership and promotional preparation platform designed to expand access and opportunity for firefighters pursuing advancement. With over 14 years in the fire service, Mike has served in multiple operational roles including engine operator, tiller operator, truck driver, and fire boat pilot....

In this episode we sit down with Sgt. Terry Parma of the Vancouver police recruiting team. Terry launched his policing career in 2007 as a Custodial Guard at the Vancouver Jail. After graduating from the Justice Institute of BC, he served in various roles across Districts 2 and 3, worked in Recruiting, and became a Neighbourhood Police Officer at the Khalsa Diwan Community Police Office. As a Serg...

Matt Johnston is a full-time fire officer and the CEO of First Responder Health Services (FRH). A trained mental health clinician, Matt co-founded the Occupational Awareness Training (OAT) Program in 2017 following a cluster of suicides within the fire service. The OAT Program focuses on upstream mental health training for frontline workers and currently supports more than 10,000 participants acro...

On this episode we sit down with Alex from adaptable strength. Alex comes from a family with strong military roots and went into the First Responder field in 2019 in the Dispatch Room. He stayed in the 911 field until December of 2023. After getting fed up with responding after emergencies happened and watching co worker's health decline from the job he took his decades of lifting and personal...

Paul Tylla is the creator of HEAL and co-founder of drinkheal.ca, co-owner of Frontline Functional Training and Martial Arts, and a lifelong public servant committed to building healthier people and communities. His career spans 28 years as a professional firefighter, supported by earlier service as a U.S. Navy rescue swimmer, where teamwork, discipline, and a calm under pressure mindset were esse...

Dr. Daniel Higuera is a professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College. He works with approximately 2000 firefighters per year across 20 fire departments in Southern California providing health and wellness education and interventions. He educates on topics such as sleep health, cardiovascular disease, physical performance, and cancer prevention. His research focuses on the applicability of wearabl...

We sit down again with Sach, after his amazing run across Canada to raise awareness for mental health. We talk about his experience and the people he met along his way. It was great to have him back on the show! Check out: https://sachinmotion.ca/

We once again take questions from our followers and answer them on the podcast. Questions such as "Do Firefighters and Cops hate each other?" and What are the qualities you value most in a new member?" Enjoy!

In today's episode, we went over what we were both feeling in the moment - burnout. We explore some of the causes, signs, and discuss practical strategies for prevention & resilience in one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions. If you are just getting on or you're an old salty dog, don't skip this one out.

Get ready to suit up! This week's episode takes you inside the fast paced, real-world drills of firefighter recruitment. We’re breaking down the essential skills stations; from mastering the charged hose line and ladder raises to navigating zero-visibility search scenarios. If your skills test is coming up, you won't want to miss this one!

This week, we talk about the ultimate firefighter recruit setback: failing the Recruitment Process. We break down the mental shift required to re-enter the grind, retake the exams, and stare down the same evaluators. This is a raw conversation about humility, grit, and what it truly takes to walk back into the fire when you’ve already been burned.

Fan requested episode... we love these! Adamo and I go over what it's like to be applying to the fire service much later in life. We go over what are some of the positives, negatives, and potential upcoming challenges to you if you're an old salty dog. Turn up the volume for this one.

Seb is a veteran of the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and current CEO of Raven Strategic Inc. With over 20 years of service, Seb has spent most of his career on the emergency response team, working his way up to Sgt. Major. We also dive into Seb's BJJ black belt, public speaking, masters in counter terrorism, and latest co-authored book "The Warrior and The Garden". Remember how we sa...

Advanced Care Paramedic, educator, founder of Red Point Performance & Safety Inc. and a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt! With over 20 years of service to the people of BC, Sheena brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FGC Behind the Smoke table. We also discuss her current work in helping first responders develop on-the-job skills in high risk environments. One of our longest podca...

We've been lucky enough to have one of our clients (great guy, but we won't name names!) offer to help other aspiring firefighters in their journey by letting us use his unfinished & rough firefighter application as a teaching moment. We go over what to fill out, what recruiters are looking for, and how to stand out in one of the very first impressions you will make in your firefighter...

Last week was the first time we've missed publishing an episode. THIS WEEK, we dive into why that was the case - our little newborns. Adamo and I chat about our time as new fathers and balancing family life with firefighting.

From recruitment to the fireground, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into the fire service. In this episode, we explore how AI is being used today, where it could go in the future, and what it means for firefighters on the job or for those looking to get on. Is AI a powerful tool or a dangerous crutch?  Was this created by AI? Spooky

Backdraft, Flashover, and Rollover. In this episode, we break down what they mean, how to spot the warning signs, a war-story or two, and what every probie needs to know to survive these hostile fire events. Even if you are a seasoned vet brushing up on fundamentals, this is must-know knowledge for your fireground survival.

Whether it’s a structure fire, bushfire, or a racoon stuck in a dumpster, if you’re showing up unprepared, you’re dead weight. In this episode, we break down what gear to bring to the most common firefighter calls, and why it matters. If you're a probie trying to figure out what gets you a head nod vs. a head shake, or want to know more about what we actually do in a shift, this one’s for you.