In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Mark Rossi to explore what truly makes a firehouse crew great. With 20 years in the fire service, Rossi shares lessons on fostering trust, empowering team members, and creating a culture where every role, from rookie to seasoned firefighter, matters. He emphasizes the power of genuine connection, ongoing training, and leading by example to build resilient, motivated teams that rise to any challenge. Rossi also reflects on the importance of honoring tradition through his volunteer work with the Black Pearl Pipes and Drums, and offers candid thoughts on preparing for retirement. 

In this episode of The Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley sits down with his son Joshua to explore the unique challenges firefighters face in balancing family life and the demands of their profession. Reflecting on over a decade of fire service experience and recent personal losses, Larry emphasizes the importance of not letting the firefighting family overshadow family at home. Joshua shares his perspective on growing up with a firefighter dad, revealing the complexities that come with irregular shifts, missed holidays, and the emotional distance that sometimes follows.  With candid, unpolished conversation and mutual respect, they discuss how personal leadership starts at home, and how nurturing those relationships strengthens one’s ability to lead effectively in the field. 

During this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Mike Cox, director of Fire & EMS Solutions, Esri; Baylie Scott, research scientist for UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute; and Jason Orellana, community risk reduction specialist for the Cape Coral (FL) Fire Department.  During this discussion on leveraging data for community risk reduction in the age of NERIS, the panel experts talk about what to expect from the new NERIS platform and how fire departments can make the most of this new system. No matter the size of your department or if don't have a formal CRR function yet, you can learn how to leverage these new data capabilities.

In this episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn welcomes Billy Hux, the chief state fire marshal in Virginia. Hux brings nearly three decades of fire service experience to the conversation, which explores the critical role of fire marshals, including code enforcement, fire prevention, arson investigation, and public education. During the discussion, Hux sheds light on the complexity of code adoption and enforcement, the evolving nature of fire service training, and the vital need for ongoing education in the face of new hazards like energy storage systems. The conversation also addresses leadership challenges, including succession planning and bridging generational gaps within the fire service. 

On this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman welcomes Assistant Chief Brandon Roark from the South Bend (IN) Fire Department. They discuss Roark's program, “The High-Functioning Dysfunctional Fire Department," and Roark reflects on personal experiences from his life and career as he explains the process of developing high-functioning teams. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

This episode of Fire Service Court explores the complex role NFPA standards play in firefighting operations, criminal cases, and civil litigation. Hosts Brad Pinsky, John K. Murphy, Chip Comstock, and Curt Varone discuss how failing to understand or comply with NFPA guidelines can lead to devastating outcomes, including jail time and a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. They examine a 2002 New York case where ignorance of NFPA standards led to criminal manslaughter charges, illustrating the real-life stakes of compliance.  The panel stresses that while NFPA standards are valuable safety benchmarks, they are not absolute law. They highlight the critical need for fire departments to audit compliance, educate personnel, and engage expert legal and operational defense. Through practical advice, including checklist implementation and risk management, this episode equips firefighters and chiefs to protect both their teams and their departments from legal and safety pitfalls. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com  

Marking the end of year two for the Talkin' Tactics podcast, hosts Robert "RJ" James, lieutenant from Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue; Sam Villani, battalion chief from Montgomery County (MD) Fire and Rescue; and David Polikoff, assistant chief from Frederick County Fire and Rescue, reflect on their individual journeys, fire service leadership challenges, and their plans for 2026. They emphasize the importance of early preparation for promotional exams, mentoring future leaders, and maintaining clear communication and discipline. They also look ahead to upcoming training opportunities, policy updates, and FDIC 2026. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of The Backstep Boys, hosts Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer explore the nuances of fire service culture, leadership challenges, and the legacy that shapes today’s firefighters. From Aurnhammer's long-awaited trip to a West Point football game, rich with history and tradition, to profound discussions on organizational culture inspired by pioneers like Edgar Schein and Dr. Kim Allen, the conversation unpacks the ways culture drives behavior, impacts safety, and defines leadership effectiveness. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at what it truly means to lead and belong in the fire service today.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this year-end discussion on Generation Engine, Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett unpack the complex issues of hazing, practical jokes, and inappropriate behavior within firehouses, highlighting the crucial role of intent and crew dynamics. They examine a recent severe hazing incident in Ocala, Florida, and its wider implications on leadership accountability and fire service culture.   The conversation also explores mental health screenings during recruitment, the challenges posed by social media’s influence, and the importance of authentic recruitment that reflects the true demands and experiences of firefighting.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of the Point of Origin podcast, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake are joined by Dave McGlynn, host of The Training Officer. The three cover the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by fire service leaders. Drawing from their combined decades of experience, they look at the unique pressures chiefs encounter, the difficulty of finding trusted outlets, and practical strategies like writing and peer check-ins for managing stress. Highlighting the importance of authentic relationships and meaningful praise, they envision a future where leadership adapts to generational changes within the fire service.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss what defines a great boss in the fire service. Drawing from decades with the FDNY and beyond, they share stories of inspiring leaders—from tough, no-nonsense officers to approachable mentors who genuinely cared about their crews and families. They explore how different leadership styles, whether firm or friendly, can equally motivate firefighters and create a cohesive, effective team. Lasky and Salka emphasize that the best bosses balance mission focus with personal connections, understanding the pressures firefighters face both on and off duty.  They reflect on lessons learned under legendary officers like Pete Lund, Bill Allen, and Jimmy Murtaugh, revealing how great leadership is rooted in respect, accountability, and empathy.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore.https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of Two Vollies and a Guest, hosts Jerry Knapp and Tim Pillsworth welcome Celeste Flynn and Sara Laird. Flynn and Laird share their deeply personal stories of losing their firefighter husbands to fires caused by failures in corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST), which is used in residential gas piping. They detail how lightning strikes can energize CSST, causing arc perforations and rapid, hidden fires in interstitial spaces within walls and floors. (These risks often go undetected by thermal imaging cameras.) Their firsthand experience drives a statewide push in Maryland to ban the most vulnerable CSST products, while advocating for stricter national safety standards.  Beyond educating firefighters on recognizing and mitigating these fires, Flynn and Laird discuss the challenges families face after line-of-duty deaths, including navigating complex benefits and support systems. Through their nonprofit, Phoenix Advocates, they provide free training, data collection, and family assistance nationwide. 

In this episode of the Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes guest Tim Pillsworth a firefighter/EMT and past chief of Winona Lake Engine Co. #2, Orange Lake (NY) Fire District. They explore how consolidation, duty crews, and embracing new training methods can help departments thrive amid rising call volumes, budget constraints, and shifting community expectations. They also address the challenge of changing local government attitudes toward firefighting priorities and the potential future of paid-on-call crews. This candid conversation urges firefighters and fire leadership to shed outdated approaches and adopt a “shark” mentality versus a "dinosaur" mindset. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

Civilian victims have less time than ever before to be rescued by firefighters. Modern construction, contents, and fires create a razor-thin window of opportunity for crews to make a grab. In this episode of Command Show, hosts Anthony Kastros and Brian Brush welcome guest Captain Justin McWilliams of Clackamas (OR) Fire. They discuss the vital intersection of leadership, communication, and aggressive search and rescue tactics in modern firefighting. They spotlight the urgent need for chiefs to actively participate in training and incident command—not as passive observers but as dynamic orchestrators of lifesaving efforts.  Maximum coordination and minimal time to task are required. This does NOT mean more radio traffic, or centralized command. In fact, the opposite is true. A high-speed/low-drag operation begins from the top down, before the fire. Chiefs must train with their companies to ensure everyone is on the same page in order to maximize impact, anticipate and support needs. This podcast is brought to you by Tablet Command. www.tabletcommand.com/get-started-lp

In this episode of Fireground Strategies, hosts Anthony Avillo and Jim Duffy reflect on the challenges and rewards of a firefighting career spanning decades, from the first day as a volunteer to leading large, regional departments. They discuss motivation, mentorship, and the importance of remembering your roots, while stressing the role of company officers in nurturing growth and morale. The hosts share personal stories about adapting to evolving fire dynamics, shifting departmental cultures, and the complex transition from firefighter to leadership roles.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com 

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down with Stephanie White, recently retired firefighter and current editor in chief of Firefighter Nation. They explore the complexities of building a meaningful legacy in the fire service, the emotional challenges of retirement, and the crucial role of leadership rooted in time, patience, and genuine care. White shares stories about mentors who shaped her career and reflects on how small acts of giving time create lasting impact. Together, they tackle modern challenges like isolation within firehouses and the rise of leaders who focus more on appearances than active guidance. The conversation closes with powerful reminders about balancing legacy within both the fire service and family life. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of Fire Service Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Mike Cox and Jeff Dulin to discuss the future of technology in fire and EMS. They preview the upcoming 2025 Technology Summit International in Irving, Texas—a three-day event dedicated exclusively to fire service technology. The Summit covers data analytics, AI, robotics, advanced firefighter tracking systems, and more. The conversation highlights how real-time data platforms like NERIS are revolutionizing incident analysis and decision making, while emerging technologies such as AI-driven reporting and robotic firefighting tools promise to boost safety and operational efficiency. They also address cultural shifts within the fire service, emphasizing the integration of technology while respecting traditional values. Key topics include strategies for budgeting AI solutions, the expanding role of smart traffic preemption in response times, and the importance of fire departments engaging with technological innovation to lead rather than follow. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com    

In this candid year-end episode of The Training Officer, host Dave McGlynn offers an unfiltered look at the challenges firefighters and training officers faced over the past year, from budget cuts to mental health struggles. McGlynn shares personal reflections on the psychological toll the year took and stresses the importance of including mental health in training programs.   He encourages listeners to assess their individual and departmental growth, identify gaps, and set realistic goals for the coming year. McGlynn challenges fire service leaders to engage in honest self-reflection, forgive past resentments, and start fresh with clear plans that benefit their teams, families, and themselves.   This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com

In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, host Eric Dreiman covers the importance of being good at the basic skills and techniques of firefighting. Many firefighters want to move past the basics and train on more advanced techniques or topics. This creates a lack of a good foundation for firefighters to rely on during responses.  Drawing on years of frontline experience, Dreiman warns against rushing to advanced specialties before solidifying essential techniques like ladder placement, hose deployment, forcible entry, and search procedures. From the perils of skipping routine checks to the impact of stress and sensory overload during emergencies, this episode is a call to return to basics. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com 

In this episode of Tactical Impact, hosts Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann sit down with David Dubowski , a captain with the Spanish Lake Fire Protection District, St. Louis, Missouri, as he prepares to retire after a distinguished career. He shares stories from decades of frontline firefighting, the evolution of fire tactics, and the priceless value of preserving fireground history through photography. During this discussion, Dubowski offers candid advice for company officers and chiefs, emphasizing the importance of supporting firefighters and embracing change without losing core values. He also highlights the next generation of firefighters, which includes his own son, reflecting on legacy, challenges, and what it truly means to serve. This podcast is brought to you by TheFireStore. https://www.TheFireStore.com