Best Firefighting Podcasts (2026)

1
450. Community Risk Reduction - Nate Rice 1:02:07

19m ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Jeremy sits down with Nate Rice, Division Chief of Fire Prevention with the Peoria, IL Fire Department, for an in-depth conversation on leadership, culture change, and the true impact of Community Risk Reduction (CRR). With nearly four decades in the fire service, Chief Rice shares his unexpected transition from operations to fire prevention and ho…

1
Assessing the Needs of the U.S. Fire Service 48:07

2h ago48:07

48:07

Every five years since 2001, NFPA has conducted a massive research project known as the Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service. It's a survey that goes out to about 30,000 fire departments across the country with questions aimed at finding out whether the fire service has the resources it needs to accomplish the enormous job we've asked them to …

1
Stretch, Charge, Flow, and Move with Daryl Liggins 21:46

1h ago21:46

21:46

We often talk about the fireground as a chaotic environment, because it is. But there is a tendency in the modern fire service to meet that chaos with complexity—adding more gadgets, more steps, and more theories to what is, at its heart, a simple physical battle. When the heat is high and visibility is zero, complexity is the enemy. It slows you d…

1
448. "Utilizing Your People" - Tyler Whitfield 1:05:37

3d ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Tyler Whitfield returns to National Fire Radio for a powerful follow-up conversation on growth, leadership, and building high-performing fire companies. Now several years into his role as a promoted company officer with Clearwater Fire & Rescue, Tyler reflects on the transition from informal leader to officer, earning trust, and inheriting a compan…

1
Family First: Balancing Leadership at Home and On Duty 1:40:46

3d ago1:40:46

1:40:46

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 …

1
Leveraging Data for Community Risk Reduction with NERIS 57:50

2d ago57:50

57:50

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…

1
Inside the Fire Marshal's Office with Billy Hux 1:06:27

3d ago1:06:27

1:06:27

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…

1
Chapter 104 Operating Outside Your Comfort Zone 27:34

8d ago27:34

27:34

In this episode, Mickey kicks things off by talking about some of his favorite episodes of 2025 before diving into the FDNY relocation policy and what it really means to operate outside your comfort zone. When you’re relocated and working with unfamiliar companies in unfamiliar buildings, the margin for error increases, and the details matter more …

1
Firehouse Leadership: Making Dysfunction Work 1:14:21

10d ago1:14:21

1:14:21

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. …

1
Navigating NFPA Standards to Avoid Criminal Liability and Lawsuits 59:05

13d ago59:05

59:05

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-millio…

1
Will Female Firefighters Soon Have Better Fitting Gear? 41:11

14d ago41:11

41:11

About 80 percent of female firefighters say that their personal protective clothing doesn't fit right, and studies show that ill-fitting gear puts women at greater risk of being injured on the job. In this podcast from 2023, Jesse talks to two textile researchers working on multi-year project to better understand the issue and to gather the data ne…

1
Talkin’ Tactics Year Two Wrap-Up: Goals for 2026 in the Fire Service 59:37

14d ago59:37

59:37

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 leadershi…

1
Fire Service Culture and Lessons from the Line 1:16:13

14d ago1:16:13

1:16:13

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 inspir…

1
Chapter 103 Nickel Dime Quarter 3:58

15d ago3:58

3:58

In this From the Front Seat episode, Mickey breaks down why crowding the stairs kills tempo and creates confusion on the fireground. He talks about understanding your position, knowing where you fit in the operation, and why discipline in movement matters just as much as speed.

1
Navigating Hazing, Leadership, and Social Media Challenges 51:22

16d ago51:22

51:22

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 acco…

1
Mental Health, Leadership, and the Evolution of the Fire Service 50:59

16d ago50:59

50:59

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 o…

1
447. Crossing Borders - Rob Policht 1:18:33

18d ago1:18:33

1:18:33

In this episode of National Fire Radio, Rob Pollack delivers a raw and honest conversation about leadership, accountability, and the evolving culture of today’s fire service. From the firehouse to the fireground, Rob breaks down what’s been lost—and what must be rebuilt—when ownership, humility, and hard conversations are avoided. The discussion ex…

1
Working for a Great Firefighter Boss: Lessons from FDNY Veterans 40:34

18d ago40:34

40:34

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 lea…

1
446. A Different Path to Healing - Angela Skudin & the 343 Fund 51:16

20d ago51:16

51:16

Jeremy sits down with Angela Skudin, founder of the Casey Skudin 343 Fund, to talk about her journey from severe, unexplained illness and chronic pain to reclaiming her health through advocacy, detox-focused wellness, and alternative therapies—including Iboga/Ibogaine and other integrative approaches. Angela shares what it was like being misdiagnos…

1
Hidden Dangers of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing: Two Personal Stories 1:03:20

20d ago1:03:20

1:03:20

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 st…

1
Are You a Shark or a Dinosaur? Challenges in the Volunteer Fire Service 57:33

20d ago57:33

57:33

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 const…

1
Command and Tactical Coordination of Search and Rescue 59:37

21d ago59:37

59:37

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 int…

1
Chapter 102 Safest Place on the Fireground 8:08

22d ago8:08

8:08

In this episode, Mickey discusses the critical safety measures that firefighters must take when operating on the fireground. He emphasizes that the safest place is actually one step inside the fire building, away from potential hazards. Mickey also explains the concept of “collapse zones” and the importance of ongoing situational awareness, particu…

1
Leadership and Legacy in Volunteer and Career Firefighting 1:06:20

23d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

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…

1
Legacy, Leadership, and Life After the Fire Service: Stephanie White 53:22

24d ago53:22

53:22

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, p…

1
445. Rock Bottom to Rebirth, Nate Morgans 1:12:55

25d ago1:12:55

1:12:55

In this emotional and unfiltered episode, District Chief Nate Morgans of the Tulsa Fire Department sits down to share a story that spans leadership, trauma, addiction, redemption, and the power of truly transformational healing. Nate takes us from his earliest days on the job, through rapid promotions and deployments to Afghanistan and Ukraine, int…

1
Testing the EV Toolbox 1:06:32

28d ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Myriad new tools have emerged in recent years that claim to help firefighters safely contain and extinguish electric vehicle fires. However, few of these tools have been independently tested, until now. This year, researchers burned dozens of EV battery packs and four full-sized vehicles to assess the effectiveness of these tools and the tactics re…

1
444. Faith, Fire and Flight - Tom Wiezcerzak 1:17:06

28d ago1:17:06

1:17:06

n this episode, Jeremy sits down with Deputy Chief Tom Wiezcerzak, the commanding officer overseeing Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations at Newark Liberty International Airport—one of the busiest and most complex aviation environments in the world. Tom breaks down the enormous responsibility of protecting thousands of passengers a da…

1
Ch 101 Lithium Ion Battery Fires Inside Commercial Structures 10:53

1M ago10:53

10:53

Another Street Talk, this time recorded at Manhattan's Dublin House on the Upper West Side. In this episode, Mickey discusses lithium-ion battery fires in commercial occupancies — what we’re seeing in the field, why these fires are escalating rapidly, and how first due companies need to approach them with a different tempo and disciplined tactics.…

1
Exploring AI, Robotics, and Real-Time Data at the 2025 Technology Summit 58:35

1M ago58:35

58:35

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, advan…

1
Year-End Lessons and Goals for Fire Service Leaders 14:44

1M ago14:44

14:44

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 h…

1
443. "Building Legacy" - Jack Murphy 2:01:31

1M ago2:01:31

2:01:31

This episode dives deep into the extraordinary career and impact of Jack Murphy—fire marshal, educator, code advocate, author, and one of the foremost voices in high-rise fire safety and building intelligence. Through storytelling, lessons learned, and decades of lived experience, Jack walks us through the evolution of the modern fire service and t…

1
Mastering Firefighting Fundamentals: Why Basics Matter More Than Ever 52:26

1M ago52:26

52:26

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 frontli…

1
442. 53 Years, My Senior Man - Jim Webb 1:07:51

1M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Jim Webb, the senior man of his home firehouse and a 53-year member of the Franklin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. From growing up in River Edge around his father’s firehouse to carrying on his grandfather’s FDNY Ladder 8 legacy, Jim walks us through a lifetime in the American volunteer fire service—back whe…

1
Chapter 100 Capt. Mike Gray FDNY 1:44:08

1M ago1:44:08

1:44:08

In this episode, Mickey sits down with Capt. Mike Grey — a recently retired FDNY captain who led both Probationary Firefighter School and Ladder 19 in the Bronx. Two positions that carry real weight in this job. They get into everything: leadership, loyalty, friendship, self-doubt, and how all of it shows up on and off the fire floor. It’s real, it…

1
David Dubowski on Tradition, Training, and Leading with Purpose 49:58

1M ago49:58

49:58

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 …

1
So You Want to Be a Firefighter? Insights from Women in Firefighting 57:48

1M ago57:48

57:48

In this episode of the Women in Fire podcast, experienced fire service leaders break down what it really takes to become a firefighter today. The panel shares unfiltered advice for aspiring firefighters. They take a close-up look at the importance of understanding the physical and mental demands of firefighting. They also discuss navigating the len…

1
Cooking Fire Facts and Figures 25:48

1M ago25:48

25:48

Cooking is such a routine part of everyday life that it's easy to overlook its potential dangers. According to NFPA research, cooking is the leading cause of reported home fires, home fire injuries, and home fire deaths in the United States. With Thanksgiving this week—the day with by far the most cooking fire incidents of any day on the calendar—w…

1
Mastering Fire Service Instruction 58:55

1M ago58:55

58:55

In this episode of Talking Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, assistant chief, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, and Robert "RJ" James, lieutenant, Frederick County (MD) Fire and Rescue, talk about what it takes to be a successful fire service instructor. Drawing from extensive real-world experience including recent training sessions in Charlottes…

1
RE RUN Chapter 25. 1:13:01

1M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

In this episode Jeremy and I sit down over a few cold beers to delve into the world of leadership and the critical traits and skills that define effective leaders in high-stakes environments, examine the concept of "Firefighter IQ," and discuss the ever-growing influence of social media on the firefighting community.…

1
441. Therapy - "Gas Tank Trips" 1:13:41

2M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Episode 441, Gas Tank Trips, brings back Shimek from Conversation Is Ventilation for another one of Jeremy’s on-air therapy sessions that a lot of us secretly need. What starts as a laugh about Jeremy’s new studio and his wall of t-shirts quickly turns into a deep dive on purpose, fulfillment, and why so many firefighters stop having fun as they ge…

1
Safety Is the Destination: Fireground Decisions, Training, and Leadership 51:17

2M ago51:17

51:17

In this episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka discuss the evolving fire service culture with a focus on safety, training, and leadership. They reflect on decades of experience from departments throughout the United States. And they share personal stories that highlight the critical balance between aggression and caution on th…

1
440. "Give a Inch, Take a Mile" - Sean Eagen 1:31:41

2M ago1:31:41

1:31:41

In this episode, Jeremy reconnects with longtime friend and Buffalo Fire Department Captain (and soon-to-be Battalion Chief) Sean Eagen for a wide-open, honest conversation about the fire service, personal growth, and the realities of the job after nearly three decades on the line. Sean shares the changes in his own life—stepping back from brewery …

1
Empowering Volunteer Firefighters: Enhancing Health, Fitness, and Longevity 58:11

2M ago58:11

58:11

In this episode of The Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill sits down with Dr. Allison Barry, assistant professor at the School of Health and Consumer Sciences at South Dakota State University. Dr. Barry shares insights from her groundbreaking community-based research focused on improving physical activity and nutrition among vo…

1
Mentorship Matters: Lifelong Lessons and Leadership in the Fire Service 1:02:40

2M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

In this episode of the Backstep Boys, Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer welcome Dr. Denis Onieal, whose 50+ years in the fire service span roles from chief of the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department to superintendent of the National Fire Academy. They discuss the evolving role of mentorship within firefighting, highlighting the critical importance of g…

1
Chapter 99 Details vs Instinct 3:06

2M ago3:06

3:06

In this quick episode, Mickey breaks down the line between the details we teach in training and the instincts that actually carry you on the fire floor. The discipline matters, the details matter but when the shit is on and the lights are out experience and instinct takes over. From victim removal to advancing the first line, Mickey cuts through th…

1
Consistency and Creativity in Company-Level Training 1:02:47

2M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

In this episode of Generation Engine, seasoned fire service veterans Todd Edwards and Anthony Rowett break down the essentials of effective company-level training. Drawing on decades of frontline experience, they emphasize that the biggest obstacle isn’t resources but consistency. Regular, short, hands-on drills—not lengthy punishments—build the cu…

1
Leadership Lessons on Culture and Accountability in the Fire Service 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode of Point of Origin, hosts Billy Hux and Bobby Drake sit down with Garrett Dyer (ret.), assistant chief, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. Drawing on over three decades of experience, Dyer unwraps the critical role leadership plays in shaping department culture and driving organizational success. He emphasizes that lead…

1
Leadership Lessons on Expectations and Communication in the Fire Service 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Steve Shaw sits down Mark von Appen, a retired fire captain from California. Von Appen is a respected voice known for his leadership blog, Fully Involved. During their discussion, they explore the vital role of clear expectations in firefighter leadership and team success. Drawing on 30 years of e…

1
439. "Meet Me Half Way" - Dan Czaruk 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Jeremy sits down with Battalion Chief Dan Czaruk for an outstanding conversation that cuts right to the heart of today’s fire service: leadership, mentorship, communication, culture, and the responsibility we all share to build up the next generation. Dan talks about starting his career at 19, terrified but eager, and the mentors who shaped his pat…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Firefighting Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide