Fit To Fight Fire: Lead Yourself

Wednesday Burn 023 - Jen Piper wrote a letter to the fire service late last year which detailed her frustrations with the overall fitness level of our profession. We published her letter as part of Burn Episode 016.We talk to her about why she wrote the letter and possible solutions to her and many others' frustrations with deconditioned firefighters. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 072 - Robert Lobascio is a leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in building and driving sales organizations to achieve and exceed challenging revenue objectives. Robert was also a contributor to our latest book, The Backstep. We talk about the superior/subordinate relationship and how to best navigate different styles of leadership. We also touch on DiSC behavioral styles and how they play their part in the workplace. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 022 - You just went and recharged your batteries at a regional fire conference or a hands-on-training class. Now it's back to reality at your own department or firehouse where others don't share the same level of passion. So how do you bring your knowledge and energy back and spread it effectively? FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 021 - The traditional riding position of the formal fire service leader is in the right front seat, but what if you could lead from any position? We believe you can. We discuss our new book, The Backstep, and why a back seat leader is necessary for any crew to perform at a high level.

Episode 071 - Dr. Craig Wetterer is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in several different practice settings that include correctional facilities, a police and public safety practice, neuropsychological and forensic assessment clinics, and a maximum security forensic psychiatric hospital, where he currently conducts forensic psychological assessments for the State of Nevada. We discuss coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and how breathing and fitness can enhance performance and create more resilience. We also talk about the process of finding the right therapist when needed in our line of work. Craig earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA in 2015, and an MA (2001) and BA (1996) from California State University - Sacramento. His clinical training emphasized neuropsychological and forensic assessment, and interventions that treat acute stress, trauma, and PTSD. Prior to his career transition into clinical psychology, Dr. Wetterer spent

Episode 070 - Jeff Rothmeier is currently a firefighter with Milwaukee FD after spending over a decade with St. Paul FD. He is also a contributing author of Fire Engineering and Fire Rescue magazines and the founder of Maneuver Fire Response.  Jeff talks about transitioning to firefighting after military service, why he left one fire department for another, and lessons he has learned regarding leadership and expectations in and around the fire service. This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.

Wednesday Burn 020 - There will always be apathy in the fire service, but how do you overcome this and make change for the better? Where do you start?

Episode 069 - This is a story about a firefighter that went to work one day with only two children, but came home with four. Richard Jett takes us through the night of October 24, 2017, when one call changed his life.  Richard serves as a Master Firefighter with Lenexa (KS) Fire Department. He has been in the fire service for eight years, with the last four being with LFD. He and his wife have been blessed with four amazing children and his allegiance to Jesus is top priority as it drives him in his work in the fire service and helps him remain responsible to his family. He holds multiple certifications in Tech Rescue and a Master's Degree in Theology. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 019 - If we want to be professionals, we have to be relentless in our training as tactical athletes. At times that may mean training through pain. What happens if you get hurt on the fire ground, will you just quit? Audio played in this episode from the book "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim S. Grover.

Episode 068 - The final part of our three-part episode series featuring 'Senior Man' Cody McGinnis with East Metro Fire Rescue. We talk about why people leave departments now but not so much two to three decades ago, and the importance of standing up for yourself, your crew or your partner when the line gets crossed. We also discuss how building close relationships with those at your fire house are crucial to trusting one another. Listen to the first two episodes by following these links below: Episode 057 - The Senior Man Part I Episode 066 - The Senior Man Part II FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 018 - Turnover within a fire department is a result of a corporate-like culture. Corporations that have a continuous revolving door of employees are focused on the bottom dollar and simply looking good, not being good. But to actually be good means that your actions and decisions are based on not only what your customers want, but more importantly what they expect. So what do the citizens in our communities really want? Are we giving them what they expect? Photo Credit: Scott Thompson (The Colony Fire Department)

Episode 067 - We begin this episode by discussing faith and religion and their unique applications to each individual in society. We talk about purpose, and also about stereotyping and the views surrounding it both then and now. John holds a PhD in Theology, Philosophy, and Cultural Theory from the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program. He enjoys discussing big ideas in and out of the classroom. In addition to adjunct teaching, John is a Grants Officer for the National Park Service. This episode of FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Elevated Safety.

Episode 066 - Cody McGinnis is back on the show to talk about a probationary firefighter's first day and how it can go one of two ways. We also talk about creating a station culture that is welcoming to firefighters of all skill levels, and the importance of developing trust and relationships within a crew. Cody is a Fire Medic with East Metro (CO) Fire Rescue and currently rides backwards on a Ladder Company. He is also the man behind the Mile High Firefighter's Conference. Stay tuned for Part III coming in March 2021. Click here for Part I. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 065 - Jim Moss is the author of Firefighter Success and Firefighter Functional Fitness, and was also a guest on Episode 004 of our podcast. He interviews John Spera on his Firefighter Success Podcast (Episode 006) and they discuss John's recent decision to join South Metro Fire Rescue (CO) and be the new guy once again. Jim also asks John about how to begin a lifestyle change when it comes to starting a new fitness routine. Check out the full interview with John on FirefighterSuccessPodcast.com. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 017 - Listen to some highlights from Brothers In Battle's GRABS Podcast (Episode 46) with Nick Ledin, who interviews FTFF's Tom Johnson. Click here to listen to the full episode. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Wednesday Burn 016 - Sometimes perspective can change everything. Do we as firefighters realize our responsibility when we step on a fire truck? Is our purpose only centered around our own comforts and routines? One firefighter's wife has issues with the current state of a large portion of the fire service, and she's not alone. Download the letter here. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 064 - Sir Winston Churchill once said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” We discuss a recent victim rescue at East Metro Fire Rescue and whether it constitutes as a 'finest hour' moment or just living up to the oath. Dan DeJesus, Jack Thompson, and Hunter Hackbarth join us for a roundtable talk. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 063 - Ben Adams is a man who knows how to get back up after being knocked down. He was left to pick up the pieces and be the sole provider and caretaker of his children after his wife filed for divorce. He is also no stranger to persevering through hard times, as he lost his father to suicide when he was a freshman in high school. But through times like these, he has found a way to redefine himself. Ben says it’s all about perspective and avoiding a victim mindset. FTFF Lead Yourself is sponsored by Shur-Sales & Marketing, Inc.

Episode 062 - Ross Chapman has 17 years in the fire service and 13 of these as a career firefighter. He is a Lieutenant with the Arlington Heights (IL) Fire Department and is assigned to Tower 1. He is a member of the MABAS Division 1 Technical Rescue Team, a Rescue Squad Officer with Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1, and is a certified Urban Search and Rescue Specialist through the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). He is the Co-Managing Director of Elevated Safety, a company specializing in rope rescue, rope access and confined space projects and training.We talk about his beginnings in the fire service and with Elevated Safety. He also tells us how he has navigated his new roles as a Lieutenant, a business owner, and a father.  Ross has written articles featured in Fire Engineering and Facilities Safety Magazine. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Management from Columbia Southern Un

Wednesday Burn 015 - In another clip from the Mind Over Matter podcast, we discuss what elements contribute to forming a well-rounded firefighter.  It should be no surprise that physical fitness is discussed, but there is certainly more needed in order to be great on the fire ground.