Best FireRescue1 Podcasts (2023)

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Better Every Shift

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Fire Prevention Week prep: Plug-and-play messaging you can use today 49:45

7d ago49:45

49:45

We’re not going to Stop, Drop and Roll over on our fire prevention messages; we’re going to embrace them with open arms to create simple but effective calls to action that can make a difference in your community. Helping us in this effort is Andrea Vastis, senior director for public education with the NFPA, which manages Fire Prevention Week, comin…

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Better Every Shift

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Remembering 9/11: Legacy, vigilance and cohesiveness 37:38

14d ago37:38

37:38

This episode of the Better Every Shift EMS podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline. In this special crossover episode of the Better Every Shift, Policing Matters and Inside EMS podcasts, co-hosts Aaron Zamzow, Jim Dudley and Chris Cebollero discuss …

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Better Every Shift

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‘The better we are, the better we serve’: Common themes from 40 shows 56:01

21d ago56:01

56:01

“Oh, the leaders we’ve talked to!” Better Every Shift marks 40 episodes with a walk down memory lane, hitting the common themes that have emerged from discussions with fire service leaders. Listen in as Janelle challenges Zam to a friendly game of “Who said it?” along with reflections on top lessons learned along the way. This episode of the Better…

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Better Every Shift

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‘It’s the same circus with different clowns’: Gordon Graham talks universal FD problems 1:07:43

28d ago1:07:43

1:07:43

The man, the myth, the legend, Mr. Gordon Graham joins the show this week talking all things risk management, the study of bad outcomes, plus the power of policy and systems in reducing risk for your members – and of course he does it all with the perfect anecdotes that put it all in perspective. We dig into all of this: The #1 question he asks whe…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief John Oates: ”Can we just retire the ‘it’s a generational thing’ mindset?” 1:02:13

1M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

For all the boomers to Gen Z firefighters out there, today’s episode digs into critical questions: Do generational differences even exist, and why are we so intent on defining people by the year they were born? Chief John Oates, CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI), shares his perspective on the issue with Zam and Janelle. …

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Better Every Shift

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‘We can’t read your mind’: Ben Thompson urges firefighters to speak up about stress 51:53

1M ago51:53

51:53

The newly released What Firefighters Want in 2023 survey special coverage highlights a perfect storm of stressors facing the fire service. On today’s show, Battalion Chief Ben Thompson expands on his article “'Buyer beware’: A message from stressed-out firefighters,” encouraging members to speak up about their stressors and offering guidance for le…

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Better Every Shift

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‘Make THIS place better’: Kris Kazian’s advice to frustrated firefighters 1:02:09

2M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

It’s easy to sit around the kitchen table complaining about your agency’s lack of leadership or what you’ve heard about how much better it is at some other department. But when faced with a bad situation, you do have a choice. On this week’s Better Every Shift podcast, Chief Kris Kazian urges members to take action to lead up, foster a positive env…

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Better Every Shift

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LACoFD firefighter details ‘surreal experience’ appearing on ‘LA Fire & Rescue’ 37:33

2M ago37:33

37:33

Better Every Shift welcomes a fire service celebrity to the show this week. Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Firefighter-Paramedic Mike Anderson, one of the firefighters featured on NBC’s new docuseries “LA Fire & Rescue,” shares an inside look at his experience having his work world chronicled for the show. This week’s episode, “Three A…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Todd LeDuc: ‘Your risk becomes everyone’s risk’ 59:28

2M ago59:28

59:28

When it comes to firefighter health, personal risks can quickly translate to dangers for the entire crew. We must look out for each other, not only on the fireground but also with our health and wellbeing. That’s the message from Chief Todd LeDuc, chief strategy officer for Life Scan Wellness Centers, as he highlights the personal and organizationa…

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Better Every Shift

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‘Just call people out’: Dr. Candace Ashby on defeating toxicity at the firehouse 1:00:33

2M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Indianapolis Battalion Chief Dr. Candace Ashby takes an honest, humor-driven tell-it-like-it-is approach to leadership, urging company officers, and really all members, to call out bad behavior when they see it. Imagine the tone shift and culture change possible, she says, if company officers told their members to, “Pull your head out of your ass a…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Jim Keiken: ‘You have to periodically reinvent yourself’ 1:11:39

3M ago1:11:39

1:11:39

It all comes full circle on this episode of the podcast, as we are joined by IFSI Director Jim Keiken, the man ultimately responsible for unleashing Zam on the fire service. Keiken hired Zam at the Madison (Wisconsin) Fire Department – just one example of his ability to mentor new firefighters and set them up for success. Following his time in Madi…

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Better Every Shift

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Corley Moore: ‘If you’re not having fun doing this job, you are doing it wrong’ 58:05

3M ago58:05

58:05

It’s another high-energy, passion-fueled podcast, as Battalion Chief Corley Moore joins Zam and Janelle to dissect fire service culture, toxic leadership and how to fight your way back from complacency. Chief Moore – founder of Firehouse Vigilance and host of the Weekly Scrap podcast – details his own evolution from struggling with complacency to s…

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Better Every Shift

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‘A flowchart mindset’: UL FSRI researchers talk dynamic decisions on the fireground 49:39

3M ago49:39

49:39

The highly complex, dynamic nature of the fireground makes adaptive thinking particularly vital for firefighters and incident commanders. Our guests on this podcast – Keith Stakes and Craig Weinschenk, UL Fire Safety Research Institute research engineers – break down how to incorporate such critical thinking into training, plus the importance of us…

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Better Every Shift

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Lithium-ion battery fire hazards, training, resources for firefighters 57:22

3M ago57:22

57:22

How many lithium-ion batteries do you have in your house? We’ve all got ’em, which means there are countless opportunities for them to spark. On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle speak with Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine about the Firefighter Safety Stand Down, this year focused on Li-ion battery fires. Wallentine, who …

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Better Every Shift

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The Goldfeders: ‘The fire service has been wonderful to this family’ 56:15

4M ago56:15

56:15

This week’s episode is extra “golden,” as Zam says, because we have not one, but two Goldfeders on the show – Loveland-Symmes Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder and his son Brian Goldfeder, a captain with the Prince George’s County (Maryland) Fire/EMS Department. The Goldfeders dig into all things fire families – and if you know Billy, you know he’s all …

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Better Every Shift

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‘It’s an honor’: Victor Stagnaro on his new role as NFFF CEO 48:08

4M ago48:08

48:08

Victor Stagnaro joins the podcast to talk about his recent appointment as CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Stagnaro had previously served as the NFFF managing director, overseeing family and fire service programs, and now steps into the role of CEO, succeeding Chief Ron Siarnicki. We dig into all of this: Stagnaro’s primary focus…

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Better Every Shift

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‘Attack every situation’: Vince Bettinazzi shares shift expectations 52:58

4M ago52:58

52:58

Today’s podcast unpacks the complex topic of go/no-go decision-making, focusing on vertical ventilation and search tactics. Our guest for the discussion is Training Chief Vince Bettinazzi, who authored one of the articles in FireRescue1’s latest training tool, “Go/no-go decision making on the fireground,” which is available to download and share wi…

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Better Every Shift

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Cebollero: ‘We need to reverse the organizational chart’ in EMS 53:27

4M ago53:27

53:27

EMS leader and advocate Chris Cebollero joins Better Every Shift for a very special crossover event. No, this isn’t the One Chicago universe but rather the Lexipol Media Group universe, with Inside EMS podcast co-host Cebollero joining Zam and Janelle to talk all things fire-based EMS, leadership, community paramedicine and more. Cebollero digs int…

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Better Every Shift

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Nick Martin: ‘When the bell rings, it’s game time’ 52:49

4M ago52:49

52:49

Digging into all things training, culture and motivation, this week’s show features Nick Martin, division chief with the City of Salisbury (N.C.) Fire Department and founder and president of Combat Ready Fire Training. The team hits on several topics: What it means to be combat-ready for the job; the difference between aggressive and reckless fire …

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Better Every Shift

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FDIC 2023 playback: Reliving the chaos, appreciating the connections 46:27

5M ago46:27

46:27

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle recap FDIC 2023 and their attempts to meet all 52,000 attendees packed into the exhibit hall, educational sessions, Lucas Oil stadium and the bleachers outside for the hands-on demos. The duo reveals their highs and lows, plus some memorable moments and takeaways: Favorite hallway r…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Randy Bruegman: ‘Nothing good happens without a plan’ 1:07:01

5M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Today’s show challenges fire service leaders to think big – at least bigger – than the status quo. Fire Chief Randy Bruegman, who served as past president of the IAFC and CPSE, offers guidance for how to move beyond a myopic focus on day-to-day fire department management to a more strategic mindset about operations and the future of our organizatio…

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Better Every Shift

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‘Crawl. Walk. Run’: Andy Beck details smart mayday training 51:22

5M ago51:22

51:22

“Perfect practice makes automatic” is the key takeaway from this mayday training-focused episode, sponsored by L3Harris. Mandan City (N.D.) Training Officer Andy Beck unpacks his latest article, which is featured in FireRescue1’s latest digital edition, The Mayday Training Evolution, and offers several tips for how to train on mayday situations tha…

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Better Every Shift

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Jonathan Tate: ‘I know I’m supposed to bring healthier meals into the firehouse’ 55:55

5M ago55:55

55:55

We hope you’re hungry today, not only for food but inspiration as well, because today’s episode, which is sponsored by L3Harris, features Jonathan Tate, a DC Fire & EMS firefighter and the founder of Food on the Stove, a nonprofit organization with a simple mission: “While firefighters extinguish fires caused by food on the stove, our organization …

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Ron Siarnicki: ‘Leave it better than you found it’ 1:05:25

6M ago1:05:25

1:05:25

In this episode of the podcast, sponsored by L3Harris, Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), reflects on his 20-plus years with the Foundation and what’s next for him personally after so many years working with firefighter families. The chief, who recently announced his upcoming retirement – …

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Better Every Shift

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Better Every Shift LIVE: The Healthy 10 – How to define a healthy firefighter 1:10:53

6M ago1:10:53

1:10:53

What does a healthy firefighter look like? So often we focus on physical appearance to define health, but health is a multifaceted, complex interaction among several factors. During this live podcast event, Better Every Shift hosts Firefighter Aaron Zamzow and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett speak with Chief Marc Bashoor about the “Heal…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief John Salka: ‘Spend more time at home’ 48:44

6M ago48:44

48:44

The man, the myth, the legend, FDNY Battalion Chief (ret.) John Salka joins the Better Every Shift podcast to share lessons that apply to all firefighters, on or off the fireground. Chief Salka and Zam formed an unlikely friendship years ago, bonding over health and wellness, as the chief made it a goal to get back in shape later in his career. Bey…

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Better Every Shift

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Dr. David Griffin: ‘The success in my life has come from the worst day of my life’ 50:12

6M ago50:12

50:12

Dr. David Griffin, assistant chief of administration in Charleston, S.C., joins Better Every Shift this week, sharing powerful lessons learned from the tragic Sofa Super Store fire where nine of his fellow firefighters died; his journey to find himself and his mission after the tragedy; how he resurfaced his love of learning; and how he manages to …

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Better Every Shift

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Electric vehicle fires: Products, strategies and the power of time 45:07

7M ago45:07

45:07

Buckle up for an electric episode, driving hard into everything firefighters need to know about electric vehicle fires. Puns notwithstanding, Zam and Janelle are thrilled to speak with Patrick Durham, a captain and training officer with the Troy (Michigan) Fire Department who also works as a mechanical engineer. Durham started StacheD Training to e…

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Better Every Shift

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‘We need to walk the walk’: Leaders face off in wellness competition 40:24

7M ago40:24

40:24

Get ready for a healthy dose of smack talk from some unexpectedly competitive fire service leaders. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. fire administrator; Chief Eriks Gabliks, superintendent of the National Fire Academy; Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research; and Chief Bryan Frieders, president/CEO of the Firefigh…

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Better Every Shift

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Jason Patton: ‘Nothing comes natural to me at all’ 43:19

7M ago43:19

43:19

The first firefighter-influencer of the modern era shares how his early speaking nerves transformed into a love of making comedy videos Patton reveals his favorite Fire Department Chronicles video to film, the call that made him laugh the hardest (and later served as great material for a video), plus the video that put him on the map. Plus, we get …

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Better Every Shift

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‘Don’t do that!’: A first responder therapist signals common relationship red flags 47:47

7M ago47:47

47:47

Get ready to kick back on the metaphorical couch because on this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle talk to Dr. Rachelle Zemlok – a first responder-focused psychologist, who also happens to be married to a fire captain – about all things firefighter relationships: stress-related competition between partners; assuring firefig…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Jason Caughey: ‘Everything we do is about people’ 45:09

7M ago45:09

45:09

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam talks to Fire Chief Jason Caughey from the Laramie County (Wyoming) Fire Authority about fire service relationships, communication and making connections with the community, plus all this: Why years 2-8 are tough on firefighters; the problem with our marketing efforts; the fire service similari…

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Better Every Shift

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Super Bowl showtime: How Glendale fire crews are preparing for the big game 54:08

8M ago54:08

54:08

This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is extra super because Zam and Janelle are talking all things Super Bowl with Glendale (Arizona) Captain Ashley Losch, digging into the fire and EMS preparations, training and coordination for this year’s big game. Captain Losch details the many moving parts of “Super Season,” what they’ve learned from…

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Better Every Shift

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January rear-view: Hamlin ‘takes,’ tattoo controversy, giving life beyond death 46:51

8M ago46:51

46:51

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month: Damar Hamlin’s medical emergency live on Monday Night Football – and the many “takes” that followed; Controversy over an Alabama firefighter whose tattoo and hair prompted complaints that ultimately led to…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Tim Sendelbach: ‘This profession can’t afford the status quo’ 44:49

8M ago44:49

44:49

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle talk to a dear friend, Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach, about what it was like to serve as the editor-in-chief of two major fire service publications, then transition back into fire department life. The chief reflects on his family's fire service …

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Better Every Shift

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Battalion Chief Dena Ali: ‘You can’t leave your baggage at the door’ 56:43

8M ago56:43

56:43

The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Raleigh Battalion Chief Dena Ali joins the crew for a candid conversation about firefighter behavioral health, its connection to physical health, and her b…

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Better Every Shift

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‘Royal Rumble’ of firefighter fitness: Zam goes head-to-head with Dan Kerrigan and Jim Moss 50:52

9M ago50:52

50:52

‘Pull up your jogging pants and take some notes’ because the three fitness experts offer actionable tips for health in the new year. On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam joins forces with fellow firefighter fitness experts Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss, authors of “Firefighter Functional Fitness,” to offer actionable tip…

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Better Every Shift

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2022 in review: ’Words of the year,’ major incidents that hit hard, uplifting moments 48:37

9M ago48:37

48:37

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the year that was, from the major incidents that are still top of mind to our “words of the year.” What else … Hot topic: The electric vehicle “mixed bag” of coverage Holiday hot seat sneak peek: Our professional milestones Episode power quote: “It’s been a heavy year … but…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Josh Waldo: ‘You’re only going to grow when you get uncomfortable’ 38:10

9M ago38:10

38:10

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam talks to Bozeman (Montana) Fire Chief Josh Waldo about making incremental changes, whether at the individual or organizational level, plus all this: Waldo’s gut-check moment that changed his fire service trajectory; The first thing he did when he arrived at the Bozeman FD; An inside look at his…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Reggie Freeman: ‘I refused to be the weakest link’ 38:31

10M ago38:31

38:31

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Oakland Fire Chief Reggie Freeman joins Zam to talk: The unspoken battle – or war – between new and older members; Changing how we define competence; Why diversity is a choice for fire departments; Chiefs who have forgotten where they came from; The motivation of injustice; and His kids’ future in …

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Better Every Shift

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Dr. Sara Jahnke on data-driven change: ‘You have to give early, easy wins’ 35:45

10M ago35:45

35:45

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, joins Zam to bond over their shared forgetfulness of their own articles and, more importantly, the reality of translating fire service science to real-world tactics and behavior, plus all this: Her “fourth-child” projec…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Frank Leeb: ‘We can do better. Start today.’ 52:44

10M ago52:44

52:44

On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, FDNY Deputy Chief Frank Leeb joins Zam to talk about what it means to be better every run, every day, every shift, plus: The transferability of experience – and lessons learned; The power of tracking small failures; The greatest threat to today’s firefighters; What we do too much, too late and too …

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Better Every Shift

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‘Never forget’: meaning, purpose and emphasis 38:09

1y ago38:09

38:09

This episode of the Side Alpha podcast is sponsored by Verizon Frontline, the advanced network and technology for first responders on the front lines. Learn more at verizon.com/frontline. In this special crossover episode, public safety leaders come together to reflect on the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and the legacy of 9/11 in …

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Better Every Shift

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New to Side Alpha? Start here. 6:11

1+ y ago6:11

6:11

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses some of his favorite episodes and reveals some of the most popular shows. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great place to start, learning what other listeners found most engaging and which of the more than 100 shows to dive into first.…

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Better Every Shift

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Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr reflects on blazing a trail as the first woman to hold various fire service leadership roles 32:36

1+ y ago32:36

32:36

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr reflects on her fire service career, serving as a fire chief for multiple departments and as the first woman elected to serve as president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). A fourth-generation firefighter, Kerr also served as preside…

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Better Every Shift

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Bryon Gustafson speaks to the benefits of higher education for firefighters and details one public safety program’s unique approach 29:02

1+ y ago29:02

29:02

There are countless benefits to higher education for firefighters – not only understanding the profession better but also becoming a better communicator, both verbally and on the written page, and enhancing critical-thinking and decision-making skills. Today's podcast features Bryon Gustafson, assistant professor and director of the Master of Publi…

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Better Every Shift

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’Fireman’ vs. ’firefighter’: What’s in a name – a fire service association name, that is 7:06

1+ y ago7:06

7:06

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor unpacks the issue of what we call ourselves, specifically related to the use of the word "firemen" vs. "firefighter" in the names of fire service associations and organizations. This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness…

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Better Every Shift

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Dr. Bill Jenaway details ERSI’s new nationwide database where first responders can report roadway response struck-by incidents 35:37

1+ y ago35:37

35:37

On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Bill Jenaway addresses the epidemic of roadway response struck-by incidents as well as a new nationwide database that allows first responders to voluntarily report such incidents at ReportStruckBy.com. Dr. Jenaway is the project manager of the Federal Highway Administrationi-Cumberland Valley Volunteer…

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Better Every Shift

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’It’s those low-frequency events that tend to get us in trouble’ 7:37

1+ y ago7:37

7:37

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor outlines the importance of MCI training, underscoring that it's vital to training for low-frequency events, like MCIs, that have the potential for high-risk consequences. He also suggests a monthly and quarterly schedule for how often to train on MCI events. This episode of the Side Alph…

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Better Every Shift

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Robert Weisbaum addresses the challenges of affordable housing and the resulting impact on recruitment and retention 26:49

1+ y ago26:49

26:49

In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Robert Weisbaum, EMS & Fire Chief for the Crested Butte Fire Protection District in Colorado, tackles a unique challenge facing the firefighters and its broader impact on the fire service as a whole. Specifically, Weisbaum and Chief Bashoor discuss the affordable housing crisis that affects so many across …

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