Nicholas Higgins

The 5-Tool Firefighter

Welcome to the 5-Tool Firefighter Podcast where we discuss how to become a well-rounded firefighter and a well-rounded individual. You'll learn from many professionals in and out of the fire service.

Author

Nicholas Higgins

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.thefirehousetribune.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

Train To Your Environment - Episode 106 13.05.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why it is important to train to your environment as a firefighter with scenario-based training and how this helps build teamwork, confidence and increases situational awareness. Train To Your Environment — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter books - The 5-Tool Firefighter Bundle Package — The Firehouse Tribune

Do Hard Things - Episode 105 30.04.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why doing hard things to challenge yourself physically and mentally is important for overall growth as a firefighter and for overall success of your life. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/...

Lead by Example - Episode 104 23.04.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses about leading by example, its importance as a leader and how to accomplish this within your firehouse and organization. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/the-5-tool-firefighter-tactical-wor...

Upfront Expectations - Episode 103 16.04.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses why it is important to share upfront expectations when stepping into a leadership role within your organization and provides tips on how to do so. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/the-5-to...

The Number One Priority - Episode 102 08.04.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the number one priority of being a firefighter and in life. By looking at your physical, mental, emotional and relationship intelligence and state, Nick explains why these areas are important to grow as a leader and a first responder. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Healthy Fats - Episode 101 01.04.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses five healthy fats that are vital for proper nutrition due to their fat levels and the vitamins they contain. Nick also discusses how they can be added into your nutritional plan for optimal health and wellness. Avocado Salmon Nuts - pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios. Olive Oil Coconut Dark Chocolate The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefigh...

The Truck Company Officer - Episode 100 25.03.2024

On this episode, Nick discusses the role of the truck company officer. From training for the position, to implementing the job on the fire ground and keys areas of focus when in this role. The most important role is to respect your crew and other crews. Train and learn together to build that bond. The Truck Company Officer — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-...

The Truck Company Hook & Can Firefighter - Episode 99 19.03.2024

On this episode, Nick the role of the truck company hook & can firefighter - the versatile truck company firefighter. From training for the position, to implementing the job on the fire ground and keys areas of focus when in this role. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

The Truck Company Irons Firefighter - Episode 98 13.03.2024

On this episode, Nick the role of the truck company iron firefighter. From training for the position, to implementing the job on the fire ground and keys areas of focus when in this role. The Truck Company Irons Firefighter — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Leadership Through Fitness w/Lee Throckmorton - Episode 97 26.02.2024

On this episode, Nick sits down with Lee Throckmorton of Kaizen Groundworks to discuss fitness and its impact on leadership from the probie firefighter all the way to the chief of the department. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune....

Stoke & Vent, Cancer and Mental Health w/James Meredith - Episode 96 20.02.2024

On this episode, Nick sits down with James Meredith of Stoke & Vent to discuss the U.K. fire service, his page "Stoke & Vent" and how his department and the U.K. Fire Service handles cancer and mental health. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http...

The Truck Company Chauffeur - Episode 95 12.02.2024

On this episode, Nick talks about the roles and responsibilities of the Truck Company Chauffeur and tips to embrace the role for success as an individual firefighter and success for the entire crew and incident. The Truck Company Chauffeur — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠...

Benefits of the Steel Mace - Episode 94 05.02.2024

On this episode, Nick talks about the benefits of using one of his favorite pieces of workout equipment, the steel mace and how it helps improve your performance on the fireground. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/the-5-tool-f...

Forcible Entry of Security Doors - Episode 93 29.01.2024

On this episode, Nick talks about trident security doors and why it is important to incorporate forcible entry practices into your department's pre-plan and pre-incident training. Nick further discusses ways to force these doors the "old fashioned way" using just a set of irons. Forcing Trident Security Doors — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Too...

Coffee, Caffeine and When to Drink - Episode 92 16.01.2024

On this episode, Nick talks about coffee and caffeine, the best time to drink coffee based on your needs for the day and its effects on your body, sleep and performance in order to optimize yourself on and off the fire ground. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.t...

Success Through the Ranks w/Chief Tony DeMarco - Episode 91 02.01.2024

On this episode, Nick sits down with Chief Tony DeMarco of Hudson Fire Department in NY to discuss success through the ranks and how working with others helps shape the department and the individual for long term success. Instagram: chief32tonyd Email: tonydemarco49@gmail.com The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Mental Acuity & Sharpness - Episode 89 26.12.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses the importance of mental acuity and sharpness for optimal performance on and off the fireground. Nick also shares ways to incorporate ways to improve mental sharpness through nutrition and exercise. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.the...

Strength & Conditioning and Kaizen Groundworks w/Lee Throckmorton - Episode 90 26.12.2023

On this episode, Nick sits down with Lee Thockmorton of Kaizen Groundworks to discuss the importance of strength and condition as a first responder. Lee also talks about his company Kaizen Groundworks. Kaizen Groundworks Email: Kaizengroundworks@gmail.com Instagram: @kaizengroundwrx (@kaizengroundworks) • Instagram photos and videos The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Pape...

Missed Opportunities - Episode 88 28.11.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses the missed opportunities in not taking changes in your life and career based on the NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky quote, "you miss 100% of shots you don't take". The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/t...

Benefits of the Bosu Ball - Episode 87 22.11.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses benefits of the Bosu ball. A piece of exercise equipment beneficial to first responders to increase their physical strength, balance/stability and core for optimal performance on and off the fire ground. Nick also provide various ways the Bosu Ball can be utilized during workouts. Benefits of the Bosu Ball — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Improve Your Cholesterol, Improve Your Career & Life - Episode 85 15.11.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses the danges of bad cholesterol and it's effect on firefighter deaths. Nick further discusses ways to improve your cholesterol for a long, healthy and prosperous career and life. ⁠ Improve Your Cholesterol, Improve Your Career — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Discipline & Squatober Lessons - Episode 86 15.11.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses how a 30-day squat challenge, "Squatober" by Sorinex helped him recalibrate his discipline and get back on track to completing goals and developing himself as a person and firefighter. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetrib...

Influencing Organizational Culture - Episode 84 17.10.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses why leaders are important to the fire service and how their influence could improve the culture of the firehouse. More specifically, Nick shares ways firefighters of any rank could help influence organizational culture through 5 subtle steps. Influencing Organizational Culture — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback...

Gut Check - Episode 83 11.10.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses why having a strong core is important to the work of a firefighter on and off the fire ground along with the benefits of having a strong core and ways to strengthen it. Time for a Gut Check — The Firehouse Tribune The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefir...

Indecision Versus Wrong Decision - Episode 82 02.10.2023

On this episode, Nick discusses why indecisiveness could be detrimental to your growth and decision making on and off the fire ground and how wrong decisions lead to experience to help you grow. The Book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The 5-Tool Firefighter Paperback — The Firehouse Tribune⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefirehousetribune.com/shop/the-5-tool-firefighter-tactical...

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