Firefighter Nation Podcast Network’s

Host Chris Marella welcomes Wayne Jones to this episode of Beyond the Headlines. They discuss Jones's article "Fire Department Culture: Do You Jump Ship or Man the Pumps?" A career captain for Horry County (SC) Fire Rescue, where he has served since 1996, Jones addresses the important decision of whether to stay with or leave a department, and also touches on mentorship and mindset.  This podcast is brought to you by...

From its roots in the late 1990s as the first-ever online firefighter magazine to today’s expansive network offering thousands of training opportunities nationwide, the FireNuggets has grown into a vital resource for departments and individuals alike. During this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Michael Goldstein welcomes guest Jeffrey Bryant, a lieutenant for the Aurora (IL) Fire Department, and president of this i...

Guest Rob Fisher joins this episode of The Revolutionaries to dig into mentorship in today’s fire and EMS world. From the “senior man is dead” problem to culture clashes with third-service medics, the retired battalion chief from Snohomish (WA) Regional Fire & Rescue breaks down why informal, relationship-driven mentoring still matters more than any training calendar. The crew hits on static assignments vs rotatio...

During this episode of the Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, a true leader in fire safety and emergency response. They delve into her impactful tenure as the U.S. Fire Administrator, highlighting her groundbreaking work that supports firefighters on the front lines, particularly in wildland firefighting.

Together, Dachinger and Dr. Moor...

Protein is essential for firefighter performance, recovery, and long-term health. But how it is distributed, timed, and sourced often does not match the physical demands of training and shift work. In this solo episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz breaks down how much protein firefighters need based on common goals, practical ways to structure protein intake using food and on-the-go options during long shifts, and how to choos...

During this episode of APS Radio, host Jim Burneka welcomes guest Julie Paidar. The two discuss the recent passage of the Honor Act. Paidar shares the significance of the legislation, which recognizes occupational deaths due to firefighter cancer as line-of-duty deaths. She also offers details about how to go about filing claims for Public Safety Officers Benefits (PSOBs).

Beyond policy, ...

On this episode of The C.A.N. Report, veteran firefighter Dennis Livoli, lieutenant-paramedic with the Derry (NH) Fire Department talks about his 20-plus years of experience serving the community and his personal journey preparing to run the Boston Marathon. He addresses the deep connection between his firehouse family and the community, the evolving challenges within the fire service, and the importance of mentorship...

In this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick and Jim welcome guest Kepra Jack, the cofounder, owner, and director of operations at HeartFit for Duty. They discuss how Kepra got involved with the fire service and the origins of the organization. They also touch on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), her involvement with the Science Alliance/Science to the Station conference, and more.

The conversa...

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle welcome Mike Dugan, a veteran FDNY captain. Dugan opens up about his decades-long career in the fire service, and goes back to his beginnings as a volunteer. Reflecting on his firsthand experience at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, Dugan shares the chaos, trauma, and lasting impact that day had on him and his family. He discusses the crucial role of men...

On this episode of Multiple Calls, host Scott Hewlett and guest Kyle Romagus take a closeup look at firefighting training and experience. Beyond textbook knowledge, the discussion addresses the critical importance of understanding fire behavior, recognizing dangerous conditions, and thinking strategically under pressure. The speakers emphasize the value of mentorship, hands-on experience, and continuous learning to pr...

In this episode of Five After Midnight, host Stephanie White, editor in chief of Firefighter Nation, welcomes guest Paul Shoemaker, a Colorado firefighter and paramedic. Shoemaker shares his battle with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma amid a demanding fire service career. Diagnosed in 2025, Shoemaker details how relentless stress, sleeplessness, and workplace toxicity took a heavy toll on his mental and physical hea...

On this episode of The C.A.N. Report, host Mike Goldstein welcomes Sean Duffy. Duffy shares his journey from volunteering at a Florida firehouse to becoming a respected firefighter and educator in Michigan. The Ann Arbor firefighter opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new state, navigating the realities of fire service, and the critical importance of humility and reflection. He emphasizes building a st...

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella is joined by Keith Schumacher, author of The Bell You Can’t Afford to Miss, about an aspect of firefighting often overlooked: the emotional and social challenges. Schumacher shares his journey navigating the pressures of being “all in” on the job while recognizing the need to invest in family and community, especially through volunteering at his child’s school. Their conve...

In this episode of The Revolutionaries, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons open up about their personal journeys through family challenges, career growth, and the complexities of fire service culture. They discuss the struggle of staying authentic both on and off the air, the pressures of social media, and the importance of meaningful mentorship within fire departments. Highlighting the need for unity over division, they critiq...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, Chief John M. Curd Jr. of Riviera Beach (FL) Fire Rescue speaks with host David Dachinger about the often-overlooked complexities of fire station design. Prioritizing contamination reduction, contagion control, safety, efficiency, and firefighter well-being, Chief Curd shares how he’s pioneering a shift in mindset within his department and the industry.

Firefighter Nation welcomes The C.A.N. Report, hosted by Michael Goldstein, who describes the show as "a mission to bring the fire service and first responder community of New Hampshire to the masses." This episode delivers a compelling conversation centered on leadership, brotherhood, and the often-unspoken mental health realities that first responders face. The guest, Samson "Mufasa" DeSessa, is a seasoned U.S. Air ...

On this episode of We Can't Believe They Gave Us a Show, hosts Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka welcome guests Eileen and her daughter Kat Bellew. Eileen Bellew shares the raw and moving story of how their lives were changed by the tragic loss of Eileen’s husband John, a New York City firefighter who died in the Bronx Black Sunday Fire, 21 years ago. 

They recount the harrowing moments of t...

In this episode of Fueling Fire, host Megan Lautz welcomes performance dietitian Diana Nguyen, who breaks down what pre-workout powders actually do and why most people are chasing a buzz instead of real fuel. They cover caffeine dosing, proprietary blends, safety risks, and smarter alternatives that actually work for first responders.

The host and guest also debunk common myths, explain t...

In this episode of Mental Health Monthly, hosts Dan Degryse and Chris Muscle discuss the complexities of retiring from the fire service. They share their personal journeys navigating the physical, emotional, and mental shifts that come with hanging up the helmet. The hosts also discuss critical topics like managing health risks, including cancer and heart issues, improving post-retirement sleep patterns, and the impor...