Tailboard Mindset

The conversation begins with an introduction to the podcast and personal updates on promotions. It then delves into leadership principles, addressing toxicity in the firehouse, building and protecting a positive culture, and leading firefighters who are more experienced or older. Throughout the discussion, the importance of influence, intentionality, and understanding the crew is emphasized. The c...

In this episode, John Velez discusses his return to podcasting after a six-month break, focusing on leadership within the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the mission of saving lives and protecting property, while also addressing the need for effective communication and motivation among firefighters. John shares insights on how to encourage commitment and personal growth...

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss how to find success and maintain a positive influence within a broken system, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize the importance of having a robust life outside of work, recognizing personal warning signs of burnout, and the power of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on...

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential elements of building a team of professionals within the fire service. They explore the definition of professionalism, the importance of establishing a culture of accountability, and the significance of recruiting individuals based on values rather than just competency. The conversation emphasizes the need fo...

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential habits that contribute to effective leadership, particularly in the fire service. They explore the definitions of habits, the significance of humility, and the importance of receiving criticism as a means for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedbac...

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of mission and vision as foundational aspects. They discuss the significance of self-leadership, self-awareness, and the traits that make a leader worth following, such as selflessness and a positive attitude. The conversation emphasizes the nec...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez engages with Jesse and Micah Horton of Horton's and Hunt, discussing their journey in the fire service, the importance of communication, and the role of mentorship. The conversation highlights the value of honest communication in leadership and the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of firefighters. In this...

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of personal growth plans, focusing on the concepts of vision and mission. They explore how understanding these concepts can lead to effective leadership, especially in the firehouse. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in defining one's why and how to implement these ideas practically within a...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons engage in a deep conversation with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, focusing on the critical issues of mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of community support within the firefighting profession. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding firefighter suicides, the need for open dialogu...

The audio on this is not very good and i am aware. Due to unfortunate circumstances the wifi was not working and cell service was spotty in this building. Fortunately we got something out of it, you may just have to listen pretty hard. In this podcast episode, host John Velez discusses with a roundtable panel at the For Them Fire Conference about various aspects of the fire service, focusing on le...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, Chief David Rhodes shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing his journey from a small municipal department to becoming the editor in chief of Fire Engineering. He emphasizes the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Chief Rhodes also highlights the role of FDIC i...

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the significance of culture in the fire service, emphasizing the need for clear vision, values, and actions to establish and maintain a positive culture. They explore the role of leadership in influencing culture, the importance of accountability among peers, and share success stories of cultural change within their department. The conversation...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the nuances of leadership within the fire service. They discuss the concept of leading up the chain of command, emphasizing the importance of honor, respect, and understanding motives. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment for new firefighters, the necessity of...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Preston Lines discuss pressing issues in the fire service, focusing on recruitment and retention challenges. They emphasize the importance of social media in attracting new candidates and the need for fire departments to present an honest portrayal of the job. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a supportive...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the importance of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the role of attitude and influence. They discuss how personal experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of leadership, and how a positive attitude can significantly impact team dynamics and personal performance. The conversati...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons discuss the importance of culture and leadership within the fire service, the role of tailboard firefighters, and their personal passions for firefighting techniques. They emphasize the value of networking and community, sharing experiences and insights to improve the fire service as a whole. The conversation high...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez speaks with Danny B, a seasoned firefighter and host of the Student of the Game podcast. They discuss Danny's journey in the fire service, the importance of training and mentorship, and the cultural differences in firefighting. Danny shares his passion for the job, the significance of physical fitness, and his aspirations for leader...

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Logan Hinkle discuss the intricacies of the fire service, focusing on the importance of volunteer experience, the value of training, and the expectations of the public. Logan shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the significance of being well-rounded in skills, the necessity of understanding fire behavior, and the impo...

In this conversation, Mike Goldstein discusses his involvement in the Explorer Academy, a program that provides advanced training to young explorers and junior firefighters. He emphasizes the importance of instilling core values, teamwork, and passion in the youth, as well as the impact of exposure to top-notch instructors and speakers. The conversation also touches on the limitations of online fi...

This episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast features Joe Johnson of the Porter Fire Department discussing an upcoming conference to benefit one of their colleagues, Castillo, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The conference will be a three-day event, with one day of lectures and two days of hands-on training. The lineup of instructors includes Raymond Dorval, Clyde Gordon, Mo Davi...

The conversation is about the For Them Fire Conference, a firefighter training event in Port Arthur, Texas. The conference includes lectures and hands-on training sessions focused on engine work, primary search, and tactics. The keynote speaker is Chief Tom Hollick, who will deliver a special presentation about the meaning of 'for them' in the fire service. The conference also features instructors...

Matt Ballard, a 23-year fire service veteran, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of addressing it in the fire service. He discusses his own experiences with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, and how he sought help through therapy and medication. Matt emphasizes the need for peer support and the role it played in his recovery. He also highlights the alarming...

In this conversation, TBM host John Velez interviews Mike Nasti, host of the Tip of the Spear Leadership podcast. They discuss the origins of Tip of the Spear and the importance of relatable and relevant content. They also touch on the topics of leadership, training, and the basics of firefighting. Mike emphasizes the need for firefighters to take initiative and focus on the fundamentals, rather t...

TBM Host John Velez shares a conversation with John Spera of Fit To Fight Fire. Spera is a 23 year tailboard fireman that has his priorities in check. Above all else is his faith, then family and finally fire and it shows throughout this entire episode. John shares why he believes physical fitness is the foundation of the fire service, how his faith has plated a significant role in his fire servic...

TBM host John Velez has a conversation with Matt Valdez, Owner and Operator of MV Fire Rescue. The two talk about the evolution of MV Fire rescue, where it started and what it has grown to, and how the company has changed Matt as a firefighter. There is a deep sense of passion you can hear in Matt's voice as he shares stories from a recent trip to Mexico to help spread the good of Firemanship. Mat...