))
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters ...
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief John Salka: ‘Spend more time at home’
48:44
48:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Dr. David Griffin: ‘The success in my life has come from the worst day of my life’
50:12
50:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Electric vehicle fires: Products, strategies and the power of time
45:07
45:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘We need to walk the walk’: Leaders face off in wellness competition
40:24
40:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Jason Patton: ‘Nothing comes natural to me at all’
43:19
43:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘Don’t do that!’: A first responder therapist signals common relationship red flags
47:47
47:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Jason Caughey: ‘Everything we do is about people’
45:09
45:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Super Bowl showtime: How Glendale fire crews are preparing for the big game
54:08
54:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
January rear-view: Hamlin ‘takes,’ tattoo controversy, giving life beyond death
46:51
46:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Tim Sendelbach: ‘This profession can’t afford the status quo’
44:49
44:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Battalion Chief Dena Ali: ‘You can’t leave your baggage at the door’
56:43
56:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘Royal Rumble’ of firefighter fitness: Zam goes head-to-head with Dan Kerrigan and Jim Moss
50:52
50:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
2022 in review: ’Words of the year,’ major incidents that hit hard, uplifting moments
48:37
48:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Josh Waldo: ‘You’re only going to grow when you get uncomfortable’
38:10
38:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Reggie Freeman: ‘I refused to be the weakest link’
38:31
38:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Dr. Sara Jahnke on data-driven change: ‘You have to give early, easy wins’
35:45
35:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Frank Leeb: ‘We can do better. Start today.’
52:44
52:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘Never forget’: meaning, purpose and emphasis
38:09
38:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
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.…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr reflects on blazing a trail as the first woman to hold various fire service leadership roles
32:36
32:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Bryon Gustafson speaks to the benefits of higher education for firefighters and details one public safety program’s unique approach
29:02
29:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
’Fireman’ vs. ’firefighter’: What’s in a name – a fire service association name, that is
7:06
7:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Dr. Bill Jenaway details ERSI’s new nationwide database where first responders can report roadway response struck-by incidents
35:37
35:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
’It’s those low-frequency events that tend to get us in trouble’
7:37
7:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Robert Weisbaum addresses the challenges of affordable housing and the resulting impact on recruitment and retention
26:49
26:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
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 …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Walmart distribution fire raises questions about fire protection systems
11:09
11:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:09
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor explores fire protection systems in residential areas as well as larger facilities, like the Walmart distribution center. Are fire protection systems ever a waste of money? This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness supp…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Captain John Haseney outlines 7 common barriers to implementing cancer-focused best practices
37:08
37:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:08
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, FDNY Captain John Haseney tackles an important question: What is stopping fire departments from implementing occupational cancer-focused best practices? Captain Haseney has been with the FDNY since 2005, currently serving as the captain for Engine 38. He is a founding member of the department’s Contaminati…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Otto Drozd details the challenges of leading a major metropolitan fire department
33:43
33:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:43
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Otto Drozd, the executive secretary of the NFPA/IAFC Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Having served as fire chief at four metro fire departments, Drozd speaks to the unique challenges of leading large fire service agencies, the variations from state to state, and h…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell shares her experience as the newest U.S. fire administrator
34:38
34:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:38
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell shares her experience as the newest U.S. fire administrator, a position she began in October 2021 following her time with the International Public Safety Data Institute. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell addresses several topics: Two major fatality incidents in the past several weeks; How past …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Billy Goldfeder shares his cancer story and details his new initiative 40PlusFire
33:22
33:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:22
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder details his recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. He shares what the experience has been like for him and his family, and how he worked with a team of doctors and the Firefighter Cancer Support Network to get the best guidance about how to proceed with his treatment options. Chi…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Don Abbott shares insights from Project Mayday research
28:09
28:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:09
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Don Abbott, founder of Project Mayday, a comprehensive study of mayday responses, incidents and prevention. Abbott explains the project's origins and how firefighters can share their mayday stories. Abbott also details some of the key findings from the Project Mayday da…
B
Better Every Shift
1
The grass isn’t always greener at another fire department
11:31
11:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:31
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor addresses critical staffing issues facing the fire service – the musical chairs of firefighters moving departments, searching for "greener pastures," or just throwing in the towel on the fire service altogether. Chief Bashoor reminds us that we have been here before, facing spiking call …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Fire Chief John Oates talks fire service data and his new role with the IPSDI
36:53
36:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:53
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Fire Chief John Oates, who was recently named the new CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute. Chief Oates offers simple ways fire departments can leverage technology and data, addresses how fire chiefs can use data to inform decisions, and details the utility o…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Firefighter Jonathan Tate offers simple steps to healthier firehouse food
30:00
30:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:00
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Jonathan Tate, a DC Fire & EMS firefighter and the founder of Food on the Stove, a nonprofit organization that’s working to improve the health of firefighters in the DC metro area and beyond. Firefighter Tate shares how losing loved ones has been a key inspiration for focusin…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Dave Downey reflects on the Surfside condo collapse response effort
55:23
55:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:23
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Dave Downey about one of the biggest stories of the year — the structural collapse in Surfside, Florida. As the deputy coordinator for Florida's Statewide Emergency Response Plan (SERP), Chief Downey was asked to represent the State Fire Marshal’s Office at the incident…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Firefighters need to move beyond the fear of defeatism for calling a mayday ‘too early‘
9:58
9:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:58
"How many times does it take for a chief to hear near-misses before they recognize there's a systemic problem?" This is the question posed by Chief Marc Bashoor in this week's Side Alpha Podcast. Chief Bashoor has been following several mayday incidents as well as trends found in mayday incidents, as found in the research of Project Mayday, and ide…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Looking back at 2021: Bashoor and Cebollero unpack the stories and trends affecting fire and EMS
36:43
36:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:43
In this special crossover episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chris Cebollero, the host of Inside EMS, about the major news and trends impacting fire and EMS in 2021. Bashoor and Cebollero unpack issues related to apparatus and ambulance safety, the COVID-19 vaccines, ET3 and telehealth, the use of ketamine, mayday tra…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Dalan Zartman digs into fire operations involving electric vehicles and storage systems
41:03
41:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:03
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Dalan Zartman about everything firefighters need to know about incidents involving electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Zartman details the increasing need for firefighters to have the skills to tackle these incidents and breaks down the basics of fire operations.…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Reginald Freeman shares his experience moving across the country to join the Oakland FD
42:40
42:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:40
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Reginald Freeman, the new fire chief for the City of Oakland Fire Department in California’s Bay Area. Chief Freeman talks about the cross-country move from Hartford, Connecticut, and the differences between Hartford and Oakland. He also speaks to the pressure of joining the …
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘This isn’t what I signed up for’: Chief Bob Horton unpacks his provocative editorial
35:26
35:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:26
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Bob Horton from Fire District 3 in Jackson County, Oregon, about his debate-stirring article, "'This is not what I signed up for': Why some firefighters simply don’t understand the job." The article charges that fire service leaders must be honest about the realities of…
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘Are we really this childish?’ Reflecting on the ‘over-sexed culture’ station investigation in S.C.
6:24
6:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
6:24
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the news of a Columbia, S.C., fire station that was investigated for its reportedly “over-sexed culture.” Columbia police ultimately decided not to press criminal charges, but that didn’t stop word from spreading about station antics that reportedly involved butt-slappin…
B
Better Every Shift
1
FDNY Chief Frank Leeb talks training at ”The Rock” and how to market safety messages to members
34:08
34:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:08
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Frank Leeb, a deputy assistant chief with the FDNY, currently serving as chief of the Fire Academy and chair of the department’s Contamination Reduction Workgroup. The chiefs discuss Leeb's recent FireRescue1 article "Marketing the message: How FDNY spreads the word abou…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Side Alpha Podcast: IAFC President Ken Stuebing talks vaccine mandates, leadership tenets that resonate, and IAFC support
41:07
41:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:07
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Ken Stuebing, fire chief of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency in Nova Scotia, Canada, and president and board chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Chief Stuebing shares what it's like to be the first international president to lead the IAFC in many year…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Keith Stakes details the newly expanded mission for UL‘s Fire Safety Research Institute
20:34
20:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:34
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Battalion Chief Keith Stakes, a research engineer with UL's Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), about the organization's newly expanded mission, one that focuses on a broader range of emerging fire threats. Stakes shares more about the expanded research efforts at the…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Varone explores the top disciplinary issues that get fire officers in hot water
41:00
41:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:00
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with fire service legal expert Curt Varone about one of his favorite topics -- discipline. Varone covers the top disciplinary issues that get firefighters and fire officers in hot water, examines the concept of progressive discipline, and explains how disciplinary issues in the fi…
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘I didn‘t come here to make friends‘: Discipline in the fire service
5:26
5:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:26
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor take a high-level look at discipline in the fire service, the importance of consistency, and how to manage friendships within the ranks. This episode is part of FireRescue1's special coverage series on Firefighter Performance. Check out the full list of content here.…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Tulsa Chief Michael Baker talks firefighter morale, department change and lifelong learning
39:57
39:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:57
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Michael Baker, fire chief for the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Fire Department. Chief Baker details his first year as fire chief in Tulsa, including his work to improve firefighter morale and his goal to achieve zero fire deaths in Tulsa in 2022. The chief also shares how the department …
B
Better Every Shift
1
Pittsburgh Chief Darryl Jones details how to engage the naysayers and be a positive change-agent
35:50
35:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:50
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Darryl Jones, fire chief for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and member of the IAFC’s Metropolitan Fire Chiefs section. Chief Jones talks about how to deal with naysayers at an organization, focus on being a positive change agent for the department and build member morale.…
B
Better Every Shift
1
Chief Sam Greif tackles terrorism response and cybersecurity threats facing public safety
30:49
30:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:49
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Sam Greif, fire chief of Plano Fire-Rescue in Texas, and Chairman on the Terrorism & Homeland Security Committee for the IAFC. The two discuss the committee's work, terrorism response efforts and checklists for fire service leaders, and the biggest cybersecurity threats …
B
Better Every Shift
1
‘A punch in the gut‘: Unpacking the Baltimore FD retirement debacle
7:51
7:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
7:51
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor weighs in on the debacle unfolding in Baltimore after a court of appeals ruling upholds changes to the city’s pension plan requiring first responders to serve an additional five years before being eligible for retirement benefits. Read the original news story on FireRescue1. Bashoor…
