The Cool Fireman Podcast

Train Clean, Fight Dirty | Ryan Conley of Carna Bunker Gear Visit: Carna Bunker Gear https://www.carnabunkergear.com/ This week, we’re joined by Ryan Conley from Carna Bunker Gear for a conversation about firefighter training, cancer prevention, fitness, and why we may need to rethink how often we train in our frontline turnout gear. Ryan shares how his background as a firefighter, strength athlete, coach, and exercise physiology nerd eventually led to the creation of Carna Bunker Gear — training gear designed to give firefighters the weight and thermal challenges of bunker gear without unnecessarily training in contaminated frontline PPE. We get into PFAS, PAHs, dirty gear, SCBAs, apparatus contamination, decon, thermal adaptation, firefighter fitness, and the cumulative exposures firefighters face throughout a 20–30 year career. But the conversation goes beyond cancer. How hard should you actually work out while you're on duty? Could crushing yourself during a workout make you a liability if the tones drop five minutes later? And has the fire service gone too far with “safety culture”… or are we finally getting smarter about risks we can actually control? Adam also asks one of the biggest questions of the episode: Was it worth it? Despite the risks, injuries, sleepless nights, cancer concerns, and everything this career asks of us — for the families we showed up for on the worst days of their lives, the answer is still YES. We also close this episode by recognizing the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, remembering the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice and those we have continued to lose in the years since. Never Forget. 🇺🇸 Follow The Cool Fireman Podcast and join us as we continue the firehouse conversation.

Fire departments across the country are trying to figure out how to recruit the next generation of firefighters—but what if recruitment isn't the biggest problem? What if we need to get better at keeping the people we already have? This week, the guys get into recruitment vs. retention and what actually makes firefighters want to stay at—or leave—a department. Is it money? Benefits? Leadership? Morale? Call volume? Training opportunities? Station culture? Or is the schedule becoming one of the biggest deciding factors? Adam makes a simple point that drives much of the conversation: take care of your people, and they'll recruit for you. From there, things get heated. We talk about departments spending big money recruiting new employees while veteran employees feel forgotten, firefighters leaving the profession altogether, leadership and accountability, lateral hiring, 24/72 vs. 48/96 schedules, mandatory overtime, burnout, and whether departments are willing to change fast enough to keep good people. Then Doug takes the conversation somewhere bigger: Why are we working ourselves to death? Life is short. Money matters—but so do your family, friends, hobbies, and the life you're supposed to be living when you're not at the firehouse. This one has some laughs, some arguments, some strong opinions, and a whole lot of firehouse conversation. SPONSORS : THE BURN BOX: theburnbox.com UNKIES SEASONINGS: unkiesseasonings.com 🔥 QUESTION FOR YOU: What matters MOST when choosing a fire department—and what would make you leave the one you're at? Recruitment? Retention? Leadership? Pay? Schedule? Culture? Let us know. And if you've made it this far with us, join the crew on Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, the Turnout Drill, and your chance to win the monthly Patreon Prize Box. The Cool Fireman Podcast — Firehouse Talk Without the HR Department.

If you could design the perfect fire station from scratch, what would it look like? This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast , Matt, Brian, and Adam are designing their dream firehouse—and quickly realize there’s a lot more to fire station design than apparatus bays and a kitchen table. Should administrative offices be separated from firefighter living quarters? Should every shift have its own refrigerator? Individual bunk rooms or good old-fashioned gen pop? How many bathrooms does a firehouse actually need? And perhaps the most important question of the episode: Is it acceptable to destroy the bathroom right before the crew brushes their teeth? Yeah…we went there. The guys also talk about designing modern fire stations for firefighter health, privacy, staffing, decontamination, female firefighters, hurricane upstaffing, turnout times, fitness rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, bunk rooms, and the traditions that make a firehouse feel like a firehouse. We also highlight Paddling for Pennies , answer listener questions about firefighter interviews and getting hired, and revisit the conversation with Tonya Herbert about PAH exposure and firefighter cancer prevention—including why the engineer operating the pump may be exposed to more contaminants than many firefighters realize. Some traditions are worth protecting. Others might be worth leaving in the 1970s. What would YOUR perfect fire station have? Join the conversation and follow The Cool Fireman Podcast wherever you listen. 🔥 Firefighter culture 🔥 Fire station design 🔥 Firefighter health & cancer prevention 🔥 Firefighter career advice 🔥 Firehouse traditions 🔥 And plenty of completely unnecessary bathroom discussion

If you could go back to the night before your very first day in the fire service and sit down with your younger self… what would you tell them? Buckle up. This week, Matt, Doug, and Unkie are going back in time and looking at their careers through the eyes of the firefighters they used to be. Would we still become firefighters knowing everything we know now? What would our rookie selves think of the firefighters we became? What parts of the old fire service would we bring back? And what habits do we wish we'd started on DAY ONE? The conversation gets deeper than we expected as we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the job—the camaraderie, friendships, incredible wins, trauma, mental health, taking care of yourself, and learning to give yourself a little grace along the way. We also recap our trip to SAFRE in Raleigh, give some well-deserved shoutouts, read your comments in Snail Mail , revisit the biggest wastes of money in the fire service, and somehow end up talking about plastic straws, DEF systems, old-school fire engines, Bitcoin, and why you should always clean up after yourself at the firehouse. Would we do it all over again? Absolutely. 🔥 Support The Cool Fireman Podcast on Patreon 🔥 Grab some Cool Fireman merch 🔥 Check out our sponsors Unkie's Seasonings and Burn Box 🔥 Follow us on social media and join the conversation What would YOU tell your rookie self? #Firefighter #FireService #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

What Would You Buy With an Unlimited Fire Department Budget? 🚒💰 The Cool Fireman Podcast is LIVE from Raleigh, North Carolina at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE)! For the first time, the guys are all together at the booth, surrounded by fire apparatus, equipment, technology, and just about every possible way a fire department could spend money. So we asked the obvious question: If your department handed you an open checkbook, what are you buying? Matt is looking at a high-tech command vehicle loaded with drone capabilities. Doug wants to strengthen the ladder truck fleet. Adam wants quality new engines and better reserves. Brian has his eyes on a rescue truck for his volunteer department. But the conversation gets bigger than just buying cool stuff. When does technology actually make firefighters safer and more efficient? When does it become overkill? Should departments spend money replacing apparatus, refurbishing what they already have, or investing in new technology? And how much should the individual needs of your community determine where that money goes? We also get into apparatus replacement cycles, reserve fleets, preventive maintenance, drones, command vehicles, firefighter safety, department pride, retention, and why attending conferences like SAFRE can expose you to ideas you'd never see inside your own department. And yes… we're recording live from the conference floor, so naturally there's plenty of chaos along the way. Now it's your turn: You're walking into SAFRE with an unlimited fire department checkbook. What are you buying first? Huge thanks to Unkie's Seasoning, Burn Box, and Operation Yellow Tape for supporting us at SAFRE. Thanks for listening to The Cool Fireman Podcast!

STAND YOUR GROUND: Firehouse Morale, Leadership & Elite Training This week, Brian brings a new game to the table: Stand Your Ground. We give our answer, defend it, and see where the conversation takes us. Would you rather be the chief of a department with unlimited funding but terrible morale—or lead a department everyone loves that's constantly short staffed? Would you rather have the best officer you've ever worked for or the best crew you've ever worked with? Would you rather work at a fun station with average training or a serious station with elite training? And would you trust AI to help recommend fireground tactics? Those questions lead us into a much bigger conversation about firehouse culture, leadership, morale, company pride, tradition, training, succession planning, and why you can't simply throw money at a bad culture and expect it to get better. Matt shares a story about bringing back an old Laguna Beach Fire Department shirt and why the department doesn't want those duty shirts sold to the public. Brian talks about honoring the generations that came before us, and Adam somehow takes that conversation completely off the rails with a story about firefighters buying chief shirts specifically to donate them to thrift stores. 😂 We also get back into the 24/72 vs. 48/96 debate, overtime implications, staffing, vacation time, and whether the newest schedule everyone is talking about is actually the best schedule in the fire service. Plus, we're headed to SAFRE in Raleigh, North Carolina! Come hang out with The Cool Fireman Podcast August 14–15 at Booth 307. What would YOUR answers be to the Stand Your Ground questions? Follow The Cool Fireman Podcast so you never miss an episode.

What started as a discussion about the best firefighter work schedule quickly turned into a deep dive into recruitment, retention, staffing, and the future of the fire service. Visit: TheCoolFireman.com UnkiesSeasonings.com TheBurnBox.com Matt, Brian, and Adam compare some of the most common shift schedules, including 48/96, 24/72, 24/48, and other regional variations, while sharing firsthand experiences from their own departments. Matt explains why he's become a huge fan of the 48/96 schedule, Brian discusses Greenville Fire Rescue's transition to a 24/72 schedule, and Adam shares how Norfolk is using laterals and competitive schedules to attract firefighters from neighboring departments. The guys also tackle the realities of staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, succession planning, firefighter recruitment, and why departments have to think years ahead before making major operational changes. Is it really cheaper to pay overtime than hire another firefighter? How do departments prepare enough engineers and captains to support a fourth shift? And could better schedules become one of the biggest recruiting tools in the fire service? Before diving into the main topic, the crew announces this month's Patreon Perks winner, talks about preparations for SAFRE, gives updates from Unkie's Seasonings and Burn Box, and honors firefighters who recently made the ultimate sacrifice. They also discuss the devastating tornado damage at the Pierce Manufacturing facilities in Appleton, Wisconsin, and what that could mean for the fire service across the country. Whether your department works 24/48, 48/96, 24/72, or something completely different, this episode is packed with honest discussion about what works, what doesn't, and what the future of firefighter scheduling may look like. As always, thank you for listening and for being part of The Cool Fireman Podcast family. We'd love to hear from you. What schedule does your department work, and if you could choose any schedule, what would it be?

Why do so many firefighters criticize the NFPA and IAFF? Is it really about unnecessary regulations, or is there more to the story? In Episode 169 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, and Adam dive into one of the most debated topics in the fire service. Sparked by hundreds of comments on social media, they discuss firefighter safety standards, turnout gear, apparatus requirements, union involvement, and why so many firefighters have strong opinions about the organizations that help shape the profession. The conversation also explores leadership in the fire service, why chiefs often receive criticism, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind policies before writing them off. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode is all about having an honest conversation that challenges assumptions and encourages firefighters to think deeper. In this episode: 🔥 Why firefighters criticize the NFPA 🔥 The real purpose of firefighter safety standards 🔥 IAFF's role in protecting firefighters 🔥 Turnout gear, apparatus standards, and firefighter health 🔥 Leadership, chiefs, and department culture 🔥 Lessons learned from social media discussions 🔥 Honoring firefighters we've recently lost If you enjoy these conversations, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and leave a comment below. Question of the day: Do you think the NFPA has helped or hurt the fire service? We'd love to hear your perspective in the comments. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔥 Support the podcast on Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, bonus episodes, giveaways, and more. 🌐 Website: https://thecoolfireman.com #firefighter #fireservice #NFPA #IAFF #leadership #firedepartment #firepodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #firstresponders #firetraining

What makes someone the firefighter everyone wants to work with? In this episode, Matt and Doug play "Finish the Sentence" and let the conversation take over. From firehouse culture and leadership to rookie mistakes, truck company operations, cooking at the station, and even dream jobs outside the fire service, this episode is packed with laughs and real conversations from two firefighters who have lived it. Along the way, they also discuss: - Why adaptability is one of the most important firefighter traits. - The quickest ways to lose respect in the firehouse. - What separates great rookies from average ones. - Why the kitchen table is still the heart of every station. - The best types of fires to respond to (and why). - Truck company expectations and interior firefighter mindset. - Firehouse traditions worth keeping—and a few worth questioning. - SAFRE Expo updates and what to expect from The Cool Fireman Podcast booth. - Patreon, Burn Box, FD Collectors Club, Unkie's Seasoning, and more. They also answer listener comments from Spotify and TikTok, including a discussion about fire department spending and one firefighter's journey into the profession. Whether you're a rookie, seasoned firefighter, volunteer, officer, or simply love the fire service, this episode has something for everyone. 🔥 Question of the Week: Finish this sentence... "The kitchen table should always..." Leave your answer in the comments! 🎙️ Support the Podcast - Follow & Subscribe wherever you listen. - Join our Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, giveaways, and monthly Patreon Perks. - Check out our sponsors: 🚒 See us at SAFRE in Raleigh, NC! #Firefighter #FireService #Firehouse #Leadership #TruckCompany #EngineCompany #FirefighterPodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #EMS #FireTraining

Is it equipment? Training? EMS supplies? Something else entirely? In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast , Matt and Brian tackle a topic every firefighter has an opinion on: where does the fire service waste the most money—and where should we actually be investing it? From bottled water and disposable supplies to expired medications, conference budgets, uniforms, and station culture, they dive into the difficult balance between stewardship and providing firefighters with the tools they need to succeed. The conversation goes beyond dollars and cents. Brian shares why transparency with crews matters when discussing budgets, while Matt offers the perspective from the firehouse floor—where many firefighters understandably think, "Not my problem." Together they explore how leadership can bridge that gap through communication, trust, and showing crews the return on investment when departments save money. The episode also includes: - A Patreon update and July Patreon Perks winner - Sponsor updates from Unkie's Seasonings, Burn Box, FD Collectors Club, and Operation Yellow Tape - A heartfelt moment of silence for firefighters and families facing difficult times - Listener comments and Snail Mail - A discussion about paycheck protection, FMLA, and protecting your family if you're injured off duty Whether you're a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, volunteer, or simply interested in how fire departments operate, this episode offers practical leadership lessons and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of managing public resources. - Biggest wastes of money in the fire service - Transparency in fire department budgets - Why small expenses add up - Training vs. equipment funding - ROI in the fire service - Building trust between chiefs and firefighters - Leadership through communication - Firefighter financial responsibility - Patreon updates & listener mail - Protecting your paycheck 🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Cool Fireman Podcast on Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with another firefighter. Your support helps us continue bringing real conversations from the firehouse every week.

What should firefighters do when they're off duty? This week, the guys tackle a listener question from Squawk , a brand-new firefighter getting ready to start his career. They discuss why every firefighter needs hobbies outside the fire service, how to balance them with family life, and which hobbies can actually become unhealthy. The conversation covers everything from golf, fishing, smoking meat, lawn care, softball, Disney trips, and camping... to why your hobby should never become more important than your spouse or kids. The crew also announces the July Patreon Perks winner , talks about new Unkie's Seasonings taste-testing, Burn Box gear, honors firefighters and loved ones lost in the line of duty, and answers listener comments from social media. Whether you're a rookie firefighter or have decades on the job, this episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself—and your family—is part of being a great firefighter. In This Episode: - Why firefighters need hobbies outside of work - Can certain hobbies become unhealthy? - Balancing the fire service with family life - Mental health and finding healthy outlets - Golf, fishing, cooking, camping & other firefighter hobbies - The importance of paycheck protection for risky hobbies - July Patreon Perks giveaway winner - Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project - Burn Box gear spotlight - Honoring firefighters and loved ones we've lost - Listener questions & Snail Mail If you're enjoying the show, consider joining our Patreon community for bonus content, behind-the-scenes videos, giveaways, and exclusive perks. Stay safe... and remember: Laugh. Learn. Support. Timestamps: 00:00 - Robotic vacuums & opening banter 01:20 - Doug's hair dye update 02:20 - Listener question: Firefighter hobbies 03:10 - Patreon updates & new members 04:30 - Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project 08:15 - Burn Box spotlight 10:20 - July Patreon Perks winner announced 12:30 - Honoring Captain Dee Barbara 15:30 - Honoring fallen firefighters 20:20 - Why every firefighter needs a hobby 21:30 - Are some hobbies unacceptable? 23:45 - Family balance vs. personal hobbies 33:00 - Favorite hobbies and why they matter 42:30 - Protecting your paycheck with risky hobbies 43:30 - Do firefighters have enough time for hobbies? 49:00 - Hobbies we wish we had 52:00 - Would You Rather: One expensive hobby or five cheap hobbies? 56:30 - Snail Mail & listener comments 1:04:00 - Final thoughts & Patreon reminder Follow The Cool Fireman Podcast: 🚒 Weekly episodes featuring firefighters from across the country 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts. #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterPodcast #MentalHealth #Leadership #FirstResponders #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast , the crew tackles one of the biggest challenges firefighters face—and it has nothing to do with fighting fires. What starts as a listener question about rank and responsibility quickly turns into a powerful conversation about leadership, sacrifice, family, and the pressure that comes with serving others. From firefighters on the engine to chief officers answering calls long after they leave the station, the discussion explores how every rank carries a different kind of responsibility. One of the most impactful moments comes when Matt says: "The hardest thing you'll ever do is look in the mirror and be honest." Brian builds on that thought by explaining that firefighters are often addicted to service . Even on their days off, many struggle to stop helping others, answer one more phone call, volunteer for one more responsibility, or put the job ahead of themselves and their families. The crew discusses why balance is one of the hardest lessons to learn in the fire service. In This Episode: - Why leadership becomes more complicated with every promotion - The sacrifices families make that often go unnoticed - The importance of perspective across every rank - Why firefighters struggle to disconnect from the job - Looking in the mirror and taking honest accountability - How service can become an addiction - Why empathy matters more than assumptions - Finding balance between faith, family, and the fire service Also in this episode: - Welcome to our newest Patreon Engineer members - July Patreon Perks giveaway announcement - Little Station 5 collaboration update - Burn Box and FD Collectors Club highlights - Unkie's Seasoning updates and upcoming releases - Listener mail discussing PTSD, firefighter photos, and social media professionalism - Preview of next week's discussion on firefighter hobbies and life outside the station This episode is a reminder that while firefighters dedicate their lives to serving others, true leadership starts with being honest with yourself. If you're a firefighter, officer, volunteer, or anyone striving to lead well, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Support The Cool Fireman Podcast Join our Patreon community for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, Turnout Drills, and monthly Patreon Perks giveaways. #Firefighter #FireService #Leadership #FirefighterPodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterLife #FirstResponder #Firehouse #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealth #SelfReflection #FireCaptain #Brotherhood #VolunteerFirefighter #CareerFirefighter #FireDepartment #StationLife #FaithFamilyFire #PersonalGrowth #FirehouseCulture

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast , Matt, Brian, and Adam tackle one of the most controversial topics in the fire service: 🚒 When does sharing become oversharing? The conversation dives into firefighter social media use, taking photos at incidents, off-duty conduct, and whether firefighters should be held accountable for what they post online. What starts as a discussion about a recent fire service controversy turns into a deeper conversation about professionalism, public trust, and representing the badge both on and off duty. Should firefighters take photos at fire scenes? Where is the line between pride and poor judgment? Should firefighters be disciplined for off-duty social media posts? Does social media help or hurt the fire service? Why public perception matters more than ever The responsibility that comes with wearing the badge Firehouse traditions vs. modern-day scrutiny The power of professionalism on and off duty Patreon Perks winner shoutouts Benjamin Fry's Turn Out Drill answers The great pineapple-on-pizza debate 🍍🍕 Favorite smells, mountain air, diesel fuel, and pipe tobacco New Patreon members and upcoming giveaways Little Station 5 collaboration announcement Updates from Unkie's Seasoning and Burn Box sponsors The crew answers listener questions about: Fire service rank and family sacrifice Firefighter hobbies and off-duty activities Volunteer firefighter jokes (again...) Future episode ideas from the audience Whether you're a career firefighter, volunteer, officer, or probationary firefighter, this episode is guaranteed to make you think about how we represent ourselves, our departments, and the fire service as a whole. 🔥 Join the conversation and let us know: Should firefighters be disciplined for off-duty social media posts? Support the Podcast: Patreon: Exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Turn Out Drills, monthly giveaways, and more. Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning Burn Box Little Station 5 #Firefighter #FireService #Firehouse #SocialMedia #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterLife #Leadership #FirstResponder #FireDepartment #FirefighterPodcast #Professionalism #VolunteerFirefighter #CareerFirefighter #FirehouseCulture #Brotherhood #FireRescue #EmergencyServices #FirefighterTraining #Podcast #FirehouseKitchenTable In This Episode:Patreon & Community UpdatesSnail Mail

🚒 Would You Rather: White Shirt Edition Returns! 🚒 The boys are back with another round of firefighter debates, hot takes, and leadership conversations that hit a little deeper than usual. This episode starts with some housekeeping, sponsor updates, Patreon shoutouts, and a heartfelt tribute to fallen firefighter Chief Harold Osborne before diving headfirst into a series of thought-provoking "True or False" discussions. Topics include: 🔥 Are the best firefighters usually the quietest? 🔥 Is your reputation built more in the station or on the fireground? 🔥 Do firefighters eventually become the people they once complained about? 🔥 Can accountability and brotherhood truly coexist? 🔥 Are most leadership problems actually communication problems? 🔥 Does failure help people discover their purpose? 🔥 Who sacrifices more for a firefighter's career—the firefighter or their family? The conversation gets real as Matt, Brian, and Unkie share personal experiences about leadership, promotion, family life, communication, and the realities of serving in the fire service. One of the most powerful discussions of the night centers around the sacrifices made by firefighter families and why they may be the true unsung heroes of the profession. Plus, in this week's Snail Mail segment, the crew answers a listener's question about becoming a firefighter at 45 years old and why it's never too late to pursue a career that matters. Featured Sponsors 🔥 Unkie's Seasoning 🔥 FD Collectors Club 🔥 Burn Box Patreon Perks Special thanks to our newest Engineer Tier member and congratulations to this month's Patreon Perks winner! We also preview some exciting upcoming giveaways with Little Station Five. 💬 Question of the Week: True or False: Our families sacrifice more for our fire service careers than we do. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🚒 Stay safe. Stay salty. Stay Cool.

Hot Take Meter: Are We Setting the Internet on Fire? This week, the entire crew is back together—Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie—for a brand-new game called Hot Take Meter . Every statement gets ranked as a Cold Take, Warm Take, Hot Take, or Nuclear Take , and the guys aren't holding back. From rookie cell phone policies and firehouse traditions to chiefs riding rigs and the ever-controversial topic of vertical ventilation, this episode dives headfirst into some of the fire service's most debated topics. Some takes spark healthy discussion. Others threaten to melt the comment section. In This Episode: 🔥 Should rookies stay off their phones during shift? 🔥 Are firehouse traditions disappearing—and is that a good thing? 🔥 The surprising debate around vertical ventilation and modern fireground operations. 🔥 Should chiefs still ride rigs occasionally? 🔥 Uniform policies, professionalism, and firehouse culture. 🔥 A Patreon Turnout Drill winner is selected live! 🔥 June Patreon Perks winner Benjamin Fry gets his Burn Box package. 🔥 Little Station 5 joins forces with The Cool Fireman Podcast to sponsor July's Patreon Perks package. Patreon Updates A huge thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! This month’s Patreon Perks winner is Benjamin Fry , and July’s giveaway is being sponsored by our friends at Little Station 5 (Quinn and Travis) with an exclusive merch package. Join Patreon today: Rookie Tier – $1/month Engineer Tier – $2/month (includes monthly giveaway eligibility) Honoring Our Fallen This episode also takes a moment to honor fallen firefighters: Josh Morgan Demair Lloyd Robert B.K. Kildruff Jr. As well as K9 Knight and all first responders lost in the line of duty. Question of the Week What's your hottest fire service take? Drop it in the comments and let us know if it's: ❄️ Cold 🌤️ Warm 🔥 Hot ☢️ Nuclear 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share the show. 🔥 Support the podcast at The Cool Fireman Podcast Patreon. 🚒 Follow us on social media for clips, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes content. #FirefighterPodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #HotTakeMeter #FirehouseCulture #FireService #FirefighterLife #TruckCompany #Leadership #FirefighterTraining #FirstResponder

🔥 WOULD YOU RATHER: FIREHOUSE EDITION 🔥 This week Matt and Doug bring back one of the podcast’s favorite formats with another hilarious and brutally honest game of “Would You Rather?” — firehouse style 👊 The guys debate everything from lazy firefighters vs know-it-alls, strict policy vs complete chaos, old salty captains vs overly motivated new captains, and whether respect from your crew matters more than admin approval 😂 Along the way they dive into: 🚒 Firehouse culture and leadership 🚒 Freelancing vs accountability on the fireground 🚒 EMS life and ambulance burnout 🚒 Old school experience vs new school motivation 🚒 Cooking at the station vs doing dishes 🚒 Promotions, trust, and earning respect 🚒 Retirement conversations in the fire service 🚒 Why freelancing can get firefighters hurt The episode also includes: 🔥 Patreon Perks winner announcement 🔥 Updates from Unkie’s Seasoning and Burn Box 🔥 Snail Mail listener comments 🔥 Discussion on firefighter sleep deprivation and wellness This one is packed with laughs, honest opinions, firehouse banter, and plenty of controversial takes that every firefighter can relate to. 👇 Drop your answers in the comments: Would YOU rather work with a lazy firefighter or a know-it-all firefighter? 👀 🎙️ The Cool Fireman Podcast #FirefighterPodcast #FirefighterLife #WouldYouRather #FirehouseHumor #Leadership #EMS #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew sits down with Megan from Finergy Fuel Energy Drink to talk about building a firefighter family business, balancing marriage and kids while chasing big goals, and creating a healthier energy drink option for first responders and people constantly on the go. Megan shares the real behind-the-scenes struggles of starting a business from scratch while raising two kids under two, supporting a firefighter husband, and trying to grow a brand without losing sight of what matters most. The crew also dives into: ⚡ The truth about the energy drink industry ⚡ Why ingredients and formulation matter ⚡ Building a business while balancing family life ⚡ Social media struggles for small businesses ⚡ Supporting firefighter-owned companies ⚡ Long nights, stress, and staying grounded ⚡ Funny debates about pineapple pizza 🍍😂 ⚡ The realities of entrepreneurship in the fire service community This episode is packed with laughs, honest conversations, business insight, and motivation for anyone trying to build something meaningful while juggling real life. 🎙️ Featuring: • Megan from Finergy Fuel • Brian • Unkie • Matt 👇 Check out Finergy Fuel online and support firefighter-family-owned businesses! #FirefighterPodcast #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #FirefighterLife #EnergyDrink #Firewife #FirstResponderLife #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew sits down with Rescue 1 CBD founder and firefighter/paramedic Jon Vought to have a REAL conversation about firefighter sleep deprivation, inflammation, recovery, and the stigma surrounding C*D in the fire service. Jon shares how a devastating foot surgery, long-term opioid use, and terrible sleep led him down the path of creating a firefighter-focused C D company specifically designed to help first responders WITHOUT risking failed drug tests. The crew dives deep into: 🔥 The difference between C* D and T* C 🔥 Why firefighters struggle with sleep 🔥 How cannabinoids affect circadian rhythm 🔥 Pain relief vs inflammation relief 🔥 Nicotine pouches, sleep health, and recovery 🔥 Drug testing myths in the fire service 🔥 Why Rescue 1 CBD became the first firefighter-tested C* D company studied by universities The conversation gets nerdy, hilarious, and incredibly informative as the guys break down how poor sleep is impacting firefighters everywhere — and what we can actually do about it. Plus, Jon survives the Turnout Drill with questions about chili beans, challenge coins, and helicopter flying. 😂 👨‍🚒 Guest: Jon Vought 🌐 Rescue1CBD.com 📲 Instagram: @rescue1cbd As always, thank you for supporting The Cool Fireman Podcast. Like, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your crew! 🔥🚒 #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #Firefighter #CBD #FireService #MentalHealth #SleepDeprivation #FirstResponder #FirefighterWellness #Recovery #Podcast #FirehouseCulture #EMS #Paramedic #HealthAndWellness #Brotherhood

In this powerful episode, the crew sits down with Australian former police officer, detective, wellness coach, and first responder advocate Erin Jane for an honest conversation about firefighter mental health, relationships, burnout, trauma, and resilience. Erin shares her journey from law enforcement in Australia to becoming a first responder wellness coach in the United States after meeting her firefighter husband in Berlin. She opens up about losing her father to suicide, volunteering on crisis hotlines, and why she felt called to create a space where first responders can talk openly without judgment. The crew dives deep into “cab therapy” and kitchen table conversations in the firehouse — why firefighters use dark humor to cope, why those conversations matter, and why sometimes they still aren’t enough. Matt talks about missing the firehouse camaraderie while recovering from a heart attack and how the laughs inside the engine cab can become part of the healing process. Erin explains the importance of being intentional about wellness, from creating routines and exercising first thing in the morning to grounding yourself, decompressing after shift, and learning how to recognize stress before it spirals into burnout, divorce, addiction, or worse. The conversation also explores: The physiological effects of trauma and sleep deprivation Why first responders struggle to ask for help Fear of stigma, losing careers, or appearing weak How communication impacts firefighter marriages Why resentment can destroy relationships The importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation The reality of chronic sleep deprivation in the fire service Healthy coping strategies vs. maladaptive behaviors Doug asks Erin what firefighters and cops are best at hiding, and her answer hits hard: fear. The crew discusses how many first responders silently carry stress, trauma, and emotional exhaustion while pretending everything is fine. The episode balances heavy topics with plenty of laughs, including Erin introducing the now legendary “Sodomy Scale” — a humorous communication system she and her firefighter husband use to explain how rough a shift was without needing to relive every detail. The crew also talks about: 🔥 Firehouse culture 🔥 Relationships in the first responder world 🔥 Intentional wellness practices 🔥 Trauma awareness for new firefighters 🔥 The importance of recognizing warning signs early 🔥 Why asking for help is not weakness Erin also shares details about: 🎧 The Thin Line Rock Station 🎙️ Her podcast I’ll Hold Space for Your Darkness 🚒 The upcoming 24-hour live fundraiser supporting first responder mental health initiatives and suicide prevention organizations. As always, the episode wraps up with laughs, turnout drill questions, and classic Cool Fireman Podcast banter. Follow Erin Jane: 📲 Instagram: @erinjanecoaching 🌐 erinjanecoaching.com 🎧 The Thin Line Rock Station 🔥 Roll it, GG.

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast , the guys circle back on a topic that sparked a lot of conversation— the “family feel” of the firehouse . After some feedback from listeners, they take a step back from the negativity and bring it back to what really matters: how the fire service shows up when one of its own is going through something tough . From injuries and family emergencies to extended time away from work, this episode dives into the real ways firefighters support each other—both on and off the job. 🔥 In This Episode Why the “firehouse family” isn’t gone—it’s what you make it Real story: Supporting a crew member during a child’s medical emergencyMeal trains, check-ins, and the small things that make a big impactDepartment policies: sick leave, donated leave, and light duty assignmentsThe importance of accident insurance and financial preparedness Why younger firefighters need to understand the benefits early How different departments handle injuries (on-duty vs. off-duty)Maintaining firehouse culture despite phones, new stations, and changing times 💡 Key Takeaways The firehouse culture may look different—but the brotherhood is still there Support doesn’t have to be big— a text, visit, or meal goes a long way Protect yourself: insurance, benefits, and planning matter more than you think Culture is built intentionally— it doesn’t just happen anymore When life hits hard, the fire service still shows up 👊 🧯 Housekeeping New Patreon members welcomed (free + paid tiers) 🔥 May Patreon Perks Winner: William “Crummy” Crumpacker Patreon continues to grow—thank you to everyone supporting the show Plans in the works for live podcast recordings and audience interaction 🤝 Sponsors Unkie’s Seasoning The Burn Box – firefighter subscription gear 🕊️ Moment of Silence A moment of silence is held for first responders lost this past week, with a reminder to properly honor those we may have missed in future episodes. 📬 Snail Mail Listener engagement continues to grow across platforms Feedback on firehouse culture debate Conversations around generational differences in the fire service FDIC shoutouts and community connections 💬 Final Thought The firehouse family isn’t dead. It just looks different now. And at the end of the day… it’s still about showing up for your people when they need it most. 👇 Question for You 👉 Have you seen your department step up for someone in a tough situation? Drop your story—we’re reading them.