Life & Safety with Jimmy Rios

In the firehouse birthdays aren’t marked with parties or piles of presents. Most of the time you’re lucky if someone grabs you a card... or maybe a balloon from the grocery store. (Hold back your excitement folks!) The real tradition? Pranks and hazing. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes questionable, always memorable. 

In this episode, Jimmy's sharing some of the funniest stories from his time in the firehouse. From collapsing bed...

Many people overlook the needs of their aging loved ones when creating emergency plans. In reality, Grandma may not have a plan at all. That's why it's essential to include her specific needs in your safety strategy.

In this episode, Jimmy and Megan discuss how disaster preparedness evolves as we (and our loved ones) age. They cover everything from slip-proof showers and sturdy handrails to go-bags tailored for seniors, pr...

What do frostbite, CPR, fire extinguishers, and a cardboard cutout of Justin Bieber have in common? They all make an appearance in this week’s episode. And yes, that’s exactly the kind of day it was.

Jimmy and Megan are playing “Two Truths and a Lie,” Life Safety style. Each round tests Jimmy’s ability to separate fact from fiction on topics like drowning, emergency kits, seizures, airplane safety, and more. Turns out, not everythin...

You know that one friend who insists they “don’t burn”, then spends the whole beach day turning into a lobster? Yeah… don’t be that friend.

In this episode, we’re talking all things too much sun and not enough water. Jimmy and Megan sharing stories, smart tips, and a few bad decisions from their own half-baked adventures. You’ll hear how to treat a sunburn (please skip the butter), what dehydration actually feels like, and how to co...

It’s odorless, invisible, and a little misunderstood. In this episode we're busting some of the most common myths about carbon monoxide. Including why that outlet plug detector might be a waste of your moola.

We'll break down how CO poisoning actually works, where you should place your detectors, and how to avoid other sneaky everyday dangers, like blocked chimneys and indoor grilling disasters, to running generators durin...

You’ve probably seen it in movies... someone collapses, a family member screams “They have a DNR!” and suddenly everyone freezes. But what actually happens in real life when a do-not-resuscitate order enters the scene?

In this episode, Jimmy and Megan dig into what a DNR really means, how it's used in emergency situations, and what makes it legally valid (hint: it’s not a tattoo). Jimmy shares a jaw-dropping story about teachin...

This week, we’re lighting a fire under your safety habits. Jimmy and Megan break down how to protect your home from wildfires, what to do if you’re caught hiking when a fire breaks out, and why those fire extinguishers from big box stores might not save the day. 

From defensible space and dryer lint hazards to why goats might be your best landscaping crew, we’ve got practical tips for fire season readiness. Plus, Jimmy shares why co...

It’s CPR Awareness Week, and we’re setting the record straight. In this episode, Jimmy and Megan tackle the most common myths and misconceptions about CPR, from outdated advice still floating around the internet to reasons why people hesitate to jump in and help.

Do you have to check for a pulse? Nope. 

Is mouth-to-mouth still required? Not necessarily. 

Can you perform CPR without a certification? Absolutely, and the dispatcher on th...

What happens when you mix martial arts, a little peer pressure, and three people who should definitely not be sparring at work?

You get a wild, hilarious, and surprisingly insightful podcast episode on self-defense, teamwork, and knowing your limits.

Jimmy is sharing stories from his many many years of martial arts training... from the moves he’s mastered to the injuries he’s racked up along the way (including one unfortunate groin i...

From Yosemite run-ins with the highway patrol to six-foot flames caused by DIY fire starters, this episode covers the real-life risks of venturing into nature and how to prep like a pro... even if you’re just going for “a quick hike.” 

Jimmy and Megan talk trail safety, packing tips, camping fails, and how to purify water with everything from iodine tablets to French-press-style filters. 

Whether you’re heading into the backcountry o...

Most people don’t realize how fast someone can bleed out... or how easy it is to stop it (if you know what to do). In this episode, Jimmy and Megan are joined by Miguel for a deep dive into one of the most practical, life-saving skills out there: stopping the bleed.

But don’t expect a boring first aid lecture. We’re talking real talk: how white clothes can trick you, what soaking through a winter jacket really means, and why you sho...

When we hit “record” for the first time, we didn’t have a clue what we were doing. We were totally winging it. Honestly? This whole podcast started more like a group text—inside jokes, random stories, and way too much laughing at ourselves.

One year later—57 episodes (63 counting bonus episodes!), countless bloopers, a lot of late-night editing sessions, and more lessons than we ever expected—we’re still here. Still showing up. Stil...

Spring cleaning isn’t just about sparkling garages and organized shelves—it’s also the perfect time to double-check your emergency supplies. 

In this episode, Jimmy and Megan roll up their sleeves and dive deep into their own camping and disaster gear to figure out what’s worth keeping, what’s better off retired, and why even a dusty water filter might still deserve a spot on your emergency supply shelf.

We cover it all: sleeping bag...

This episode, we’re flipping the script with a rapid-fire game of “Would You Rather?”—Life & Safety style. Jimmy’s in the hot seat as Megan throws out 10 surprisingly tough scenarios with a safety twist. Would he rather perform CPR on a stranger in a crowd *or* on a loved one all alone? Get lost in the forest with just a flashlight *or* brave a city-wide blackout with nothing but a water bottle? Survive 24 hours in the desert w...

Ever wonder what happens when you bring someone along for a ride-along on a ambulance or a fire engine for the day? According to first responders, it’s either a total snooze-fest, or a wild and crazy adventure—and there’s rarely anything in between. In this episode, Jimmy and Megan dig into the strange superstition known as the “ride-along curse,” sharing their own stories from both sides of the experience.

From Megan’s unforgettabl...

We all like to think we can bounce back from anything—but sometimes our bodies have other plans for us. In this episode, we’re swapping stories about the injuries that taught us the hard way how important it is to rest, recover, and know your limits. From a high school football game that ended with a torn rotator cuff, to a wrestling match gone wrong, and a rollerblade trick that backfired—this episode is full of moments where we p...

In this episode, Jimmy and Megan swap stories about their favorite food finds, from a legendary taco truck on O’Toole to a Mongolian BBQ place tucked beside a questionable pool hall. Since we spend so much time training onsite at client offices across the Bay Area, we’ve been lucky enough to discover some incredible local eats. (Shout out to our amazing clients who always know the best nearby spots) 

But no food adventure is ever ju...

Picture this: there’s an emergency, someone dials 911, and the dispatcher asks for the location. But instead of a clear answer, they get: “Uh… we’re in the Fishbowl?” Or maybe, “We’re by the thing, you know, near the back door?”

Not exactly helpful.

In this episode, we tackle one of the sneakiest yet most preventable dangers in workplace safety—bad location names. Whether it’s confusing conference room names, vague directions, or int...

Think driving a forklift is just like driving a car? Not even close. Forklifts are a leading cause of workplace injuries, and many companies don’t even realize they may be out of compliance with OSHA regulations... until an accident happens and they're in trouble.  In this episode you’ll learn why proper forklift training isn’t just a formality, but a critical safety measure that protects your workers, reduces liability, and k...