National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

In this episode, Mickey breaks down the term “taxpayer” in its truest form—where it came from, what it really means, and why it still matters on today’s fireground. From cellar fires to cockloft conditions, taxpayers demand a different level of awareness and discipline. We’ll dive into survival techniques, tactical considerations, and the realities of operating in commercial buildings where one wr...

Bobby Eckert joins Jeremy on the podcast for episode 426. The leader of Eckert Fire Tactics, his passion cannot be denied when it comes to his commitment to training firefighters. Focusing on realistic training, Bobby and his crew are known for going all in on their students. Bobby has never been one to shy away from hard conversations and addressing the toxicity in the fire service...

Richard Ray, a Battalion Chief with the Durham, NC Fire Department and long time volunteer firefighter talks with Jeremy about his recent article in Fire Engineering magazine. His passion for the fire service spans decades and he reminisces about his early years being influenced by his grandfather and then, his father. Today, his children are now the fourth generation in the fire service...

Mickey sits down to talk about the weight of memorials in our fire houses. He stresses the responsibility of maintaining them, knowing the stories of the brothers who came before us, and teaching the next generation that September 11th is not a celebration — it’s a day of remembrance.

Mickey sits down with Etan Blatt from the 34.3 Foundation — an organization built on honoring sacrifice, restoring pride, and giving new life to firefighters who may feel lost. The conversation dives into the rebirth the Foundation offers for those searching for purpose, while also showing the newest members of the FDNY what it truly means to be a New York City firefighter.  They talk about p...

Jeremy and Deputy Chief Thomas Wieczerak walk around Rescue Co. 8 at Newark Liberty International Airport. This apparatus was a new concept and build for the Port Authority of Ny & NJ. Operating as a structural engine and outfitted for rescue operations, Rescue Co. 8 has been a welcomed addition to the fleet on the airfield. For more information, check out the From Framerails to Finish film se...

Jeremy and Mickey sit down together on the porch where the conversation revolves around the concept of firefighter IQ and the importance of deep understanding and thinking in the fire service. They discuss the need for firefighters to go beyond just performing repetitive tasks and instead focus on developing a deeper understanding of the job. They emphasize the value of lectures and learning from...

"Go get the jug" refers to a container that holds rope and it's used to measure the stretch or ladder throws when taking time to walk the neighborhood. The saying has a rooted meaning that the opportunity for training can be as simple as walking the neighborhood with a piece of rope and we can capitalize on making the company better. Rich Stack, currently a Deputy District Chief and...

In this engaging conversation, Battalion Chief Brian Bastinelli takes us through his fire service journey — from early influences to mastering the fundamentals that build a strong career. He shares how mental preparation, mentorship, and a commitment to the basics shaped his path from firefighter to leader. Brian discusses the challenges and rewards of leadership, the power of using video for self...

Jeremy is joined by Captain Johnson and Senior Firefighter Hidalgo for some front bumper chatter during our filming of "From Framerails to Finish", a joint film project with  @FireandSafetyNJ  .

This week’s episode, Bob Pressler joins Mickey once again to break down his 1997 Fire Engineering article, “ROOF OPERATIONS: LIGHTWEIGHT TRUSSES AND VARIATIONS.” It’s a topic that’s been debated for years, often misunderstood, and still causes confusion today. Bob clears it up the way only he can — direct, detailed, and from experience.

Jeremy is joined by Captain William Johnson, Jr and Probationary Firefighter Ivan Quiles of Engine Co. 8 ss they sit around the cigar table in quarters. There is a tremendous amount of history and storytelling that has happened around this table. Grateful for the opportunity. __ Engine Co. 8 was featured in the  @FireandSafetyNJ  film series, From Framerails to Finish.

Another street talk, this time from Roamary’s Cafe in the West Village of Manhattan, where Mickey discusses the critical role of outside vent (OV) firefighters in coordinated attacks during firefighting operations. Emphasizing the importance of timing and the PRIMARY mission of searching for life, the conversation explores how OV firefighters should adapt their strategies based on real-time condit...

Jeremy welcomes back Chris “The Shimek”, of the  @ConversationisVentilation  podcast and have a free-flowing conversation about slowing down, unplugging, and reconnecting — with yourself, your crew, and the world around you. From people-watching at the airport to long road trips in his van “Howie,” Shimek shares stories about finding perspective, embracing silence, and making space for m...

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob sits down with special guest Kyle Strait to explore the culture, identity, and traditions that define firehouses across the nation. From custom station t-shirts and unique patches to the subtle subcultures within each crew, they dig into how pride and ownership show up in the fire service. You’ll hear personal stories and insights on how these traditions n...

In this inspiring episode, Jeremy Donch sits down with Frank Viscuso — retired Deputy Chief from Kearny, NJ, bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, and the 2025 George D. Post Instructor of the Year — to explore the intersections of leadership, coaching, and personal development. Drawing from over 26 years in the fire service, Viscuso shares invaluable lessons from both the fireground...

During the "From Framerails to Finsih" episode with Camden, NJ, Jeremy tours the city with Chief of Department Jesse Flax. Their discussion is a great back and forth about the history of the city and the many neighborhoods their department protects. Chief Flax speaks passionately about he cioty he grew up in and has the honor of being the Chief of Department. This interview is from the "From Frame...

Mickey Farrell sits down with FDNY legend Bob Pressler for a raw conversation on the craft of firefighting — from mastering the basics to making high-stakes decisions under pressure. They dig into leadership, search operations, trust on the fireground, and how experience, intuition, and solid training outweigh gimmicks and internet noise every time.

Richmond, VA Truck 2 fireman Sherard Glover joins Jeremy to discuss his insights and passion for the job. From his upbringing in Brooklyn, the fire service was always a great memory which has left a lasting impression on him. Aviation mechanic school, taught him to learn the process from different perspectives and that details matter. Years later, finding himself on the job in Richmond, VA, those...

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob opens up about the emotional burdens that come with being a leader in the first responder community. He shares personal stories of grief, burnout, and the importance of self-care. Rob emphasizes that leadership does not equate to invincibility and discusses the challenges of managing stress while supporting others. He encourages listeners to acknowledge th...

Jeremy is going by Chief Rob Reardon of Duxbury, Massachusetts, shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, trust, and community engagement. He discusses the significance of creating a positive firehouse culture and the role of education in leadership development. Chief Reardon highlights the need for initiative and problem-solving within the team, while also...

In this chapter, Mickey enjoys a coffee on the Upper West Side of Manhattan discussing the discrepancies between social media portrayals of firefighting and the realities on the fire ground. Emphasizing the importance of understanding local tactics and the specific challenges posed by different building types, the host provides insights into effective firefighting strategies, communication, and si...

In this episode, I break down the real-world decisions behind firefighter removal—when to package a downed firefighter and when speed takes priority. Training gives us structure, but on the fireground, those lines blur fast. We’ll talk about how to bridge the gap between textbook drills and the messy reality of getting one of our own out alive.