National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Top Floor Tactics Chapter 64. Houston Time by Jeremy Donch

In this episode of The Size Up, Pip engages with Harry Walker, the 2023 Arnold's World's Strongest Firefighter champion. They discuss Harry's journey from military service to wildland firefighting, the dynamics of strongman competitions, and the importance of community and mental health in the firefighting profession. The conversation also touches on policy changes in wildfire management and the u...

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, host Rob interviews Joe Gangler, founder of Side Charlie Tools, to discuss his journey in the fire service and the creation of innovative forcible entry tools. Joe shares insights into the design, functionality, and real-world success of tools like the aluminum wedge and Heritage Bar, emphasizing their role in improving firefighting techniques. The conversatio...

In this episode of the Size Up podcast, Pip interviews Val Perez, a firefighter and manager of the Firefighters baseball team in the Savannah Bananas league. They discuss Val's journey from a young athlete competing with her brothers to her decision to become a firefighter, driven by a desire to serve her community. Val shares her experiences in both sports and emergency services, emphasizing the...

In this episode, Mickey breaks down a short clip of his class Truck Intellect, which he will be presenting at FDIC this year. This classbeaks down the X’s and O’s of firefighting—when to follow the plan, when to adjust, and how to recognize the moment that demands a shift. It also breaks down the thought process behind effective truck work, focusing on real-time decision-making and tactical awaren...

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, host Rob interviews David Woodward, founder of One Warrior LLC, to explore his mission of empowering firefighters through personal responsibility, leadership, and community building. They discuss the creation of a fire conference aimed at fostering brotherhood among firefighters, the challenges of organizing such events, and the critical role of hands-on train...

390. Bridging the Gap - Delaware State Fire School by Jeremy Donch

In this episode Pip welcomes Rob Meyer from Ridgeway Leatherworks. They discuss the balance between running a business and serving in the fire department, the importance of sustainability in business practices, and the cultural shifts occurring within the fire service. Rob shares his journey in leather craftsmanship, the significance of storytelling and tradition in the fire service, and how he in...

Top Floor Tactics Chapter 62. Safety Last by Jeremy Donch

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, host Rob interviews Jonah Smith, a seasoned battalion chief with extensive experience in firefighting and emergency response. Jonah shares his journey into the fire service, his leadership philosophy, and the unique challenges of aircraft firefighting at an airport. He highlights the importance of interagency collaboration, effective communication, and fosteri...

In this episode of the Size of Podcast, Genna McMillan shares her journey into the fire service, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving nature of the profession. The conversation highlights the importance of language skills, the legacy of firefighting traditions, and the craft of learning from one another in the field. Genna and Pip discuss the importance of dispatchers in emergency serv...

Chapter 61. Gen-X, View From the Top Floor Podcast by Jeremy Donch

In this conversation, Joe Kelly shares his profound journey from being a respected law enforcement officer to facing addiction and incarceration. He discusses the mental health struggles that first responders often endure, the impact of self-medication, and the stigma surrounding seeking help. Joe recounts his fall from grace, the consequences of his actions, and the pivotal moments that led him t...

In this episode of The Size Up, Pip engages in a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Marsh from the Eric Marsh Foundation. They discuss the power of social media in sharing personal journeys, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating negativity. Amanda shares her experiences with loss, the growth of the foundation, and the impact of wildland fires on communities. The conversati...

Chapter 60. Coffee with Jeremy - View From the Top Floor by Jeremy Donch

In this episode of Frontline Mindset, I sit down with Retired Chief Aaron Heller, owner of On Scene Training Associates, to dive deep into the culture of fire department training. Chief Heller shares his decades of experience in building effective training programs that stick and discusses how to foster a mindset of continuous learning and growth in the fire service. From the importance of getting...

Jeremy had the opportunity to speak at the recent Fire Department Safety Officer's Association (FDSOA) conference on January 15, 2025. "Safety" - Today's Dirty Word was a 30 minute keynote discussing how the topic of "Safety" in the fire service comes with a negative connotation. This primarily comes from poor leadership and not letting your people work. This quick message is founded on the premis...

In this special 100th episode of the Size Up podcast, Pip reflects on the journey of podcasting, the importance of storytelling, and the connections made with guests. Joined by Mickey Farrell, they discuss the evolution of podcasting, the parallels between firefighting and art, and the significance of camaraderie in the firehouse. They also touch on generational changes in the fire service, the ba...

In this episode, Mickey discusses the critical aspects of professionalism in firefighting, particularly focusing on the importance of proper masking up and the standards expected when exiting a fire scene. He emphasizes the need for firefighters to present themselves professionally to the public, highlighting how appearance reflects on the fire service as a whole. Mickey also touches on the pride...

In this conversation, Eric Frantz and Jeremy Donch discuss the importance of youth involvement in the fire service through programs like the Danville High School Fire Club. They explore the impact of real-life emergency scenarios on young people's development, the transformative power of volunteer firehouses, and the need for mentorship and training. The discussion also highlights the challenges f...

In this episode, Chief DiCamillo and Rob dive deep into the world of aerial operations, highlighting how essential they are for effective firefighting. They emphasize the importance of independent, hands-on training to build credibility and confidence in using equipment. Understanding the limitations of aerial devices and mastering box cribbing techniques can significantly improve positioning and...

In this conversation, Jeremy Donch and Bryan Emenecker explore the emotional connections and pride within the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, mastering the basics, and recognizing when to move on from a career. They discuss the significance of brotherhood, the challenges of maintaining core values, and the necessity of self-reflection and growth in the profession. The dialo...

In this episode, Mickey discusses the recent fire incidents in California, focusing on the professionalism displayed by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) under extreme stress. He emphasizes the importance of effective communication, listening, and managing stress in firefighting operations. Mickey also critiques the incident command system and its impact on communication during emergencies, a...

In this episode, Pip and Jeremy reflect on the new year, personal growth, and the importance of relationships. They discuss Pip’s recent family trip to Australia, highlighting the experiences and connections made along the way. Pip shares his immersive experiences during a two-week trip to Australia, highlighting cultural differences, unique traditions, and the joy of family bonding. The discussio...

In this conversation, Tom Jenkins, Fire Service Advisor and Research Manager on the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS0) project, discusses the advancements in firefighter reporting systems, emphasizing the importance of data accessibility and integration with existing systems. He shares insights on the implementation challenges faced by fire departments and highlights his journ...