The Engine House

Guest Samson DeSessa is a fire chief with 35+ years in public service, known for his leadership, integrity, and passion for mentoring others. He’s also an author and former military explosives tech, committed to sharing lessons that save lives and careers. Whether you’re climbing the ranks or focused on community impact, this episode will redefine how you see leadership, vulnerability, and support...

In this episode, Sean Seggie shares his journey from fire service to mental and physical wellness advocacy. He discusses the impact of physical fitness on mental health, the realities of first responder stress, and the importance of self-advocacy and proper medical guidance. In this episode, Sean Seggie shares insights on health, fitness, and personal development, emphasizing the importance of int...

In this insightful interview, Cody Hill discusses fatherhood, character development, and spiritual growth with Ethan Porter, a construction director and father. They explore how to raise resilient, respectful, and confident boys by modeling Christ-like attributes, understanding individual personalities, and leaning into God's plan. Give Suggestions OR Be A Guest enginehousepodcast@gmail.com https:...

Most fire wives discover that the hardest part of their husband's job isn't what happens on the fire-ground, it's the relentless emotional and logistical toll it takes on their lives. Rachel Janay shares a raw, honest look at 21 years of navigating life with a firefighter, revealing the quiet sacrifices, the unique stress, and unexpected joys of loving someone in the fire service. In this episode,...

In this episode, Cody speaks w/ Mark Andrew, a retired Dearborn firefighter with 28 years in the trenches. In this episode, Mark takes us inside the real fire service. He discusses the importance of competence over charisma, the value of hands-on experience, and how relationship-building at the station fosters teamwork in life-and-death moments. His approach emphasizes that good leadership is a sk...

In this compelling interview, Trevor Williams shares his extraordinary journey from surviving the 2010 Haiti earthquake to becoming a fireman and entrepreneur. Discover his inspiring stories of resilience, innovative fire tools, and impactful nonprofit work that are changing lives and communities. Trevor Williams Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewilliamskey/ Website: https://williamskey.com...

In this engaging conversation, two experienced firefighters share insights on leadership, training, mental health, and building a strong firehouse culture. They discuss their journeys, expectations for new recruits, and how to foster pride and camaraderie within the department. Lt. Trey Jordan Instagram: fire_shiz Affiliate Link: https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/AINTNOTHIN3 Give Suggestions OR B...

In this candid interview, firefighter Chris Wheeler shares his journey through the fire service, mental health challenges, and the importance of therapy. Discover insights on transitioning departments, trusting others, and the evolving perspective on mental health in high-stress professions. In this candid conversation, first responders discuss the mental health challenges they face, the importanc...

In this episode of the Engine House podcast, host Cody Hill welcomes members of the Old South Fools to discuss their experiences in the fire service, the importance of community and brotherhood, and the role of training and education in firefighting. The guests share their personal journeys into the fire service, the challenges they face, and the initiatives they are involved in to support fellow...

In this eye-opening episode, Cody sits down with Carlye Hutchinson, a counselor and founder of the TN First Responders Foundation, to unravel the complex relationship between mental health and blue-collar culture. Carlye shares her insights into how the Fire and EMS world often overlooks mental wellness. Discover how early intervention can prevent burnout, tragedy, and the silent toll of trauma. C...

In this episode, Eric Shepherd shares his journey from firefighter to politician, discusses the importance of mental health support for first responders, and highlights the mission of the Kitchen Table Foundation in fostering community and resilience among firefighters and first responders. Eric Shepard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eric.shepherd.792 Give Suggestions OR Be A Guest enginehouse...

In this episode of the Engine House podcast, host Cody Hill speaks with Lieutenant Michael Nasti about his journey in the fire service, the impact of 9/11 on his career, and the importance of personal growth and accountability in the fire department. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to an officer role, the significance of fostering a positive culture, and the responsibilities that come...

In this episode of the Engine House, Cody speaks with fellow firefighter Cody Miller about a traumatic incident that occurred during a residential structure fire. They discuss the importance of communication, training, and mental health in the fire service, as well as the impact of such incidents on personal and family life. Miller shares his experience of calling a Mayday after falling through a...

In this engaging conversation, Cody Hill and Mike Goldstein, known as Stickers, delve into the multifaceted world of emergency services, exploring the vital role of dispatchers, the transition to firefighting, and the motivations behind serving the community. They discuss the importance of humor and camaraderie in the firehouse, while also addressing serious issues such as bullying and mental heal...

In this episode, Cody Hill interviews his wife Erin Hill in a hot seat episode, exploring their personal journey as a couple intertwined with the fire service. They discuss the unique challenges of being a fire family, including the impact of Cody's career on their family life, the joys and struggles of parenting, and the growth of their business together. Erin shares her experiences growing up as...

For episode four, Cody sits down with Captain Steve Orsini, a training captain from Glendale Fire Department in Arizona. In this engaging conversation, Cody and Steve-O discuss the intricacies of firefighting, focusing on the importance of experience, training, and the unpredictability of fire behavior. They analyze a tragic incident in Hawaii involving unprotected searches, emphasizing the need f...

Eli's back for round two, and this time we're diving even deeper. In this episode, Cody welcomes back Lieutenant Eli VanAutreve to discuss the impactful Project Fire Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping sick children. They delve into the importance of understanding fire behavior and building construction for effective firefighting tactics. Eli shares insights on how to maintain...

For episode two, Cody brings on two guys from Princeton Fire Department in Illinois: Lieutenant Eli VanAutreve and Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Lavanway. Eli opens up about what it's like being promoted young and leading guys who were your peers just a couple years ago—especially in a small department where everyone knows everyone. He also dives into his life as a dedicated athlete in the Firefighte...

This is where it all starts. In the pilot episode of The Engine House, Cody introduces himself, the show, and what you can expect every other week when you pull up a chair in the Engine House. No guests this time—just Cody talking about why he started this podcast, what Engine House Designs is all about, and the kind of real, unfiltered conversations you're gonna hear moving forward. Think of it a...