Join FDNY Podcast

ON THE POD FOR JUNE 2026: For Pride Month, members from FireFlag EMS talk about the rewarding nature of the job.   Top 3 Takeaways: Having pride in what you do is important.  To be empowered within your job makes you that much more successful.  It is rewarding to be there for members of your community. 

ON THE POD FOR MAY 2026: For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have a conversation with board members of the FDNY Phoenix Society about finding a home in the FDNY.   Top 3 Takeaways: The training does not stop after the academy- you continue to learn throughout your career.  This is a very rewarding job.  Affinity groups are a great resource.

ON THE POD FOR APRIL 2026: As we countdown to EMS Week, we talk about the chance for members to showcase their life-saving skills, and how pursuing a career in EMS can be rewarding. Top 3 Takeaways: EMS Week is a chance for members of the Department to showcase their skills. It is important to celebrate EMS, and what the members of FDNY EMS do. FDNY EMS is a career with many avenues and opportunit...

For Women's History Month, we talk about finding inspiration in the women who paved the way and having the confidence to make a place for yourself within the Department.  Top 3 Takeaways: Always believe in yourself. Be a part of the change, and don’t let it stop at you. The Department can take you to so many places. If you want it, there is a place for you in the FDNY. 

ON THE POD FOR FEBRUARY 2026: For Black History Month, we have a conversation about being prepared — mentally and physically — and to always be learning while you’re on the job. Top 3 Takeaways: To do this job, you have to be in shape — mentally and physically. Training is a mindset. You don’t want to go to a job and realize you’re out of shape. Everything in the FDNY starts with having the correc...

It's January, which means we're talking about fitness. Host Captain Andrew Brown is joined by Battalion Chief Ryan Brito, who is the Chief of the FDNY's Probationary Firefighter School, and Senior Drill Instructor Paris Baker to talk about all things fitness. The conversation breaks down the physical demands of the FDNY's Fire Academy, common mistakes recruits make prior to getting into Proby Scho...

As the year comes to a close, we’re wrapping things up with a special December recap episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast. Hosts Captain Andrew Brown and Captain Randy Li take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable conversations and powerful moments shared throughout the year. Across the episodes we revisited, one theme stood out above the rest: Mentorship. From probationary EMTs and firefig...

"I can think of no greater feeling than being the one that's called on" says Firefighter Zachary Austin. During a conversation with our host, Captain Randy Li, Firefighter Austin speaks on his military experience, and the similarities shared between the Department and military that inspired him to join and continue his career within the FDNY. ICYMI: Last month, EMS Recruitment Director Brandon Mah...

"It’s a great platform for me in my life," says retired Lieutenant Luis Torres. The Historian of the FDNY Hispanic Society LT Torres reflects on a nearly 3-decade career with the FDNY, and how working in the same community he calls home was always a way for him to give back. ICYMI: On last month’s special on-location episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, Chief of Training Michael Meyers sat down with h...

“The Places You’ll Go!” reflected Chief of Training Michael Meyers during a special on-location edition of the JoinFDNY Podcast, recorded in the Mand Library at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. He sat down with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss the role of training—both during your time at the Academy and throughout your entire career in the Department. In their conversation, Ch...

“In the FDNY, there’s truly a job for everyone,” said Station 47 EMT Andrew Ochtera, joined by fellow Station 47 EMT Saverio Bosco Jr., as they reflected on their July 2024 rescue, that earned them the prestigious Yadira Arroyo Medal at the 2025 FDNY Medal Day. Our hosts, Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li, explore the significance of this celebrated tradition, sharing stories of courag...

Come in with an open mind, come ready to learn,” shared Firefighter Christopher McSorley during his conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown. A proud third-generation member of the FDNY, Firefighter McSorley currently serves on the board of FireFlag EMS. He and Captain Brown dive into the experiences and influences that shaped his journey, his commitment to service, and his ongoing work wi...

“It’s really about connecting with culture” said Firefighter Tony Ng during a conversation with our host, Captain Randy Li. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, host Captain Randy Li sat down with Firefighter Tony Ng to discuss his introduction to the job, reconnecting with his cultural roots through the Phoenix Society, and more. ICYMI: As they near the completion of the Fire Ca...

"The legacy we leave behind is hard work," said Fire Cadet Brianna Denis during a conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, and fellow Fire Cadet Malcom McNeil. As they near the completion of the Fire Cadet Academy, Brianna and Malcom joined Captain Brown to reflect on their most memorable moments in the program, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they plan to carry their experiences...

"Women Educating and Inspiring Generations" is the theme for Women’s History Month this March, and we are excited to feature two women in leadership as guests on the JoinFDNY Podcast. Lieutenant Kinga Mielnik and EMS Captain Vashala Madho sat down with hosts Lieutenant Melissa Bennett and EMS Captain Randy Li to share their journeys—discussing who and what inspired them to join the Department, how...

“Can you fill these boots?” Those are the words of Retired FDNY Captain David Floyd during a recruitment campaign held by the Vulcan Society throughout the late '60s and '70s. On this month's episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, host Captain Andrew Brown and guest host Lieutenant Melissa Bennett sit down with Vulcan Society member Lieutenant Darren Grant. They discuss his introduction to the Vulcan So...

"If you’re not in shape, its just going to hurt you in the long run", said Director of the Health & Fitness Unit, Captain Michael Rogdakis to host Captain Andrew Brown.   To start off the new year, both Captains sat down to speak on the benefits of the CPAT Training Sessions offered to candidates by the Office of Recruitment & Retention, the importance of recovery and the proper habits nee...

"To mark another incredible year of the JoinFDNY Podcast, hosts and FDNY Captains Randy Li and Andrew Brown take a moment to reflect on some of their favorite conversations from 2024. From inspiring stories shared by Retired Firefighters from the Vulcan Society, to insights from Associate Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan and Medal Day honorees, this year has been filled with unforgettable moments. Whe...

"Service before Self" is a core value shared by our Veterans across the FDNY. In this month’s episode, Retired Firefighter and VFW Commander Bill Hayes joins our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss his journey from the military to the FDNY, and how the VFW continues to support veterans—both past and present—on their path to rewarding careers in firefighting. We also hear from EMS Division Chief...

“I can give back to my community; I can do something important,” said Engine 292 Firefighter Pablo Mota Nunez when speaking on the importance of introducing a career as a Firefighter to those who may not have thought of becoming one prior. Firefighter Nunez sat down with our host, EMS Captain Randy Li, to share his story of how he joined the Department, and how being a member of the Hispanic Socie...

“I discovered a strength that I never knew I had” said Kailey Frank, during her valedictorian speech for the graduating of the class of 2024 at the FDNY Captain Vernon A Richard High School for Fire and Life Safety. On this episode, our hosts, Captains Andrew Brown and Randy Li, sit down and discuss the history of the school, that's celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! They take a look back...

“We Are FDNY,” is a signature storytelling campaign that highlights the men and women across the FDNY. For this episode, Office of Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Vishavjit Singh, sat down with Captain Andrew Brown as they recapped the launch event for the fourth edition of the “We Are FDNY.” The pair interviewed a few of the members profiled on this year’s poster. Members interviewed include Chi...

“You don’t think going to work is going to result in something like this,” said Station 45 EMT Shawn Griffin alongside fellow Station 45 EMT, Emmanuel Titus, speaking about their experience as 2024 FDNY Medal Day Recipients. Our hosts Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li then discuss how Medal Day serves as a celebration of the hard work, training, and preparation our Fire and EMS Members...

“When you get sworn in , you're not the same person that started” FDNY Director of Health & Fitness Captain Robert Cefoli said to host Captain Andrew Brown.  With the filing period for the Open Competitive Firefighter Exam now open, both Captains share their advice to candidates who are starting their fitness journey for the first time in order to prepare for the next steps in their process. P...

“We mean it. All heroes are welcome,” said Assistant Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan said to host Captain Andrew Brown and Firefighter Casey Chan when speaking about the upcoming Open Competitive Firefighter Exam, and the necessary steps to take to prepare. In celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander Month, Captain Randy Li sat down with EMT Joffrey Yin to speak on his career and his experience...