In This Episode
Christmas energy from the jump: Foreigner references, “when the **** did we get ice cream?” and the show immediately going off the rails (as usual).
Patreon is officially LIVE:
Rookie Tier ($5): Member shout-outs, submit topic requests, and a chance to be chosen for the Turnout Drill via Wheel of Names.
Engineer Tier ($10): Everything in Rookie plus behind-the-scenes videos, occasional bonus episodes, and entry into a monthly raffle for fire goodies.
The mission: grow the show’s reach (marketing + expanding the community), not “back pocket” money.
Merch update: Store is moving, more items coming, and the crew is pumped to keep evolving it.
Sponsor love: Quick hits for The Burn Box / FD Collectors Club and Unkie’s Seasoning (with some classic side quests along the way).
Real-world reminder: Talk about a house explosion in Salisbury that injured firefighters—thankfully no deaths—and a broader reminder about highway operations and winter hazards.
Christmas gifts at the fire station:
Matt breaks down how gift-giving can get awkward when expectations aren’t clear.
Solution: just ask the crew upfront if they want to do a gift exchange and set a price limit.
Brian shares a boss move: cooking for the crew during the day to build connection without adding another night obligation.
Adam talks “in-house” traditions: crew tools, shared gift ideas, and company pride items (bags, mugs, station-branded gear).
Christmas lights at the firehouse:
Stations that go full-send on decorations (including a kitchen that looks like Christmas exploded—in the best way).
A tradition of cutting a “Charlie Brown” tree behind the station and decorating it with firehouse flair.
Snail Mail segment:
Listener questions on other fire podcasts to check out (National Fire Radio + Fire Engineering get mentioned).
A great listener comment about why it’s hard to talk about calls with people outside the job—followed by a powerful conversation on talking to your spouse, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health.
Big picture: Gratitude for the community, momentum heading into year three, and excitement for what’s coming in 2026.
“Patreon… you gotta get on!”
“It’s seven minutes and thirty seconds… new record for off the rails.”
“Do you guys put up Christmas lights around your firehouse?”
“Sometimes they don’t understand it—but they need to hear you.”
✅ Join Patreon: Support the show + unlock bonus content + raffle entries.
✅ Check the merch store: New designs/items always coming.
✅ Follow/Subscribe: Spotify + Apple + YouTube (video episodes).
✅ Comment: Does your station do gift exchanges? And do you decorate the firehouse?
Quotes / Moments You’ll RememberCalls to Action