"From the top ropes!" Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Chief Scott Thompson to the show to discuss some of the hottest issues facing today's fire service. Chief Thompson is currently the Fire Chief of the Colony (TX) FD, is author of the book "The Functional Fire Company" and was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024. This no-holds-bar, haymaker of an e…

Join Sean and Nick as we welcome special guest, Jason Hoevelmann to the show. Jason is the Fire Chief of the Florissant Valley (MO) Fire Protection District, is author of the Fire Engineering book "The New Company Officer", was keynote speaker at FDIC 2024, sits on the FDIC advisory board, and is owner/operator of enginehousetraining.com. In this j…

This episode takes a look at the ins and outs of rural fireground operations as we welcome to the show former Navy vet, Loveland-Symmes (OH) FD Captain, and Fayetteville FD Asst. Chief Bill Adkins to the show. Bill is also heavily involved as an author and featured contributor at Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment magazine where he has dozens o…

We welcome Chief Dave McGlynn back to the show to discuss all things leadership related. With all the emphasis on leadership these days, there are seldom discussions had on the dark side of leadership: the sacrifice, loneliness, conflict and stressors that come with being in these roles and positions. We tend to focus on the feel-good parts of lead…

This episode pulls no punches as we welcome special guest and fellow Midwesterner, BJ Breecher to the show. BJ is known for his love for the job, commitment to excellence and a passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. If you're looking to improve your operational effectiveness, BJ absolutely lays the framework for success in this epi…

Episode 48 is coming in swinging with our special guest, Build Your Culture Co-Founder and Jacksonville (FL) Fire-Rescue fireman, Pablo Gener. This episode takes a hard look at all things culture related and its impact on our fire departments, firehouses and personal morale. If you want a warm, fuzzy, feel-good discussion, you're in the wrong place…

Season 4 continues with this gnarly 2-hour deep dive into the mind of special guest, Aaron Fields. This episode examines the origins and mindset behind the renowned Nozzle Forward engine class and "Drilling for Function". Buckle your seat belt. Aaron straight up drops some serious knowledge and gets to the root of instructional philosophy and disci…

Season 4 kicks off with a haymaker of an episode! Jim Silvernail is Fire Chief of the Kirkwood (MO) FD, is an FDIC advisory board member and author of the book, Suburban Fire Tactics. Listen in as the chief holds court on suburban fire tactics, challenges facing the suburban fire service, tips for maximizing your personnel and finally the mindset n…

Yeah, you guessed it... we're both a little burnt out. I mean, we still love running, but we're re-evaluating our relationships with our favorite sport. If you're anywhere near as obsessive as we are, then you might be facing runner's burn out too! Check in and see how we're coping. Don't stink! What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email …

In big epsiode Four-Ohh, Jim and Chris revisit the advantages and pitfalls of working with both training plans and running coaches. We're gettin' back on the horse, y'all! Jim digs the Altra Timp5 trail shoe What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Threads: conversat…

Hello? Is this podcast on? Jump in as Jim and Chris return to their mics after some much needed time off. Running, and podcasting can both be a source of stress as well as joy. We took time away form both to try and balance out life's other needs. Join us as we talk about finding our way back into running. Jim loves his Speedland GS Oak trail shoes…

Joins us as we interview our friend, Jessica to discuss her running journey and experience recently completing her first marathon. What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Threads: conversationalpacepod Facebook page: Conversational Pace Podcast Twitter: CPacePod Tik…

It would have been 30 gifts, but Jim copied one of Chris'! Runners can be so hard to buy for, especially during a stressful holiday season. Let us make it easier for you! Chris' List Under 50: Squirrel’s Nut Butter $15 for sticks $3-$25 for Tins Zebra Hemp Rub $45 Smartwool Merino Gloves $24 Smartwool Merino Beanie $30 Tracksmith Brighton Neck Warm…

The crew welcomes Captain Jeremy Mathis of the Covington (GA) FD and member of the FAST Rescue Solutions to the show to talk about one of the most important concepts in not only the fire service, but also in life: BALANCE. The crew dives into keys to living a balanced life, the work/life balance as well as balance in the firehouse. We also discuss …

Jim and Chris are thankful they for their running family filling in for them on this very special episode of the podcast. Previous guests Barb and Carolyn host the podcast for the day and give some thoughts on things they are thankful for and try their hands at a Moment of Zen and Defend Your Gear segments. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for list…

Chief Dave McGlynn of the Letterkenny (PA) FD and owner of Passion in Leading LLC joins the show to discuss all things leadership and training! Do you have what it takes to elevate your leadership? Do you have what it takes to take your department's training to the next level? This episode will challenge you to BE more passionate, effective and res…

Jim goes solo this episode and talks about how running can turn into a bit of an obsession and start to become an unhealthy part of your life. What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Threads: conversationalpacepod Facebook page: Conversational Pace Podcast Twitter: …

Ok, we didn't actually count. There are probably way more than ten tips! Jim and Chris have both run in some really cold conditions. That's hard to avoid doing what we love in the hinterlands of Chicago. Jim reviews Yak Trax for slushy conditions while Chris digs his Norda 001 G+ Spikes Chris' cold weather running recommendations... >50°Shorts and …

Jim goes solo this episode to interview his wife, Carolyn. Carolyn started her running journey at the same time as Jim but has taken her own path through her running career. Carolyn recently finished The Air Force Marathon and an awesome trail race. Jim also reviews the brand new Altra Via Olympus 2 in Defend Your Gear. Altra Via Olympus 2 Ornery M…

Nick welcomes Cobb County (GA) Capt. and UL FSRI technical panel member, Sean Gray to the show to take a 2-hour deep dive into some of the amazing research being conducted by the UL FSRI. Sean shares his insights into the research, holds court on the topic of fire dynamics and how it relates to the modern fireground, and shares his tactical experie…

Join us this week as we spend an hour chatting with our buddy, Marc the cyclist! Aside from spending lots of time on two wheels, Marc is also an avid runner. He recently finished his first marathon up in Ann Arbor and crushed a local 10k. The Saucony Kinvara just might be Marc's favorite shoe! What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us…

Tune in as Jim and Chris discuss their ideas on the right nutrition to keep your running on track. This episode covers overall thoughts on your daily diet as well as race day or long run fueling. What's helpful, what's yummy and what's downright gross. Chris digs applesauce. and Huel Daily Greens. Jim digs the Altra FWD with 4mm drop. What do you t…

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Fire Chief (ret.) and owner of First Line Fire Service Training LLC, Dennis Reilly! The chief gives us some great insight in regard to the standards we hold. This is a deep dive examining personal, cultural, professional, and organizational standards and expectations. The conversation also reviews physical fitne…

Join Jim and Chris for some random chit chat about all things running! We're recapping a bit about the Chicago Marathon, where we're at in our training, and Chris sneaks in a gear review. Chris digs the Topo Phantom 3 Jim finds deals on the Asics Novablast 3 Chris' snaps from the marathon It's cold and rainy where we are. Maybe grab a warm beverage…

This weekend is the Chicago Marathon! Though neither Jim nor I are running it, we do have plenty of thoughts from our previous experience. Tune in to get the low down. What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Threads: conversationalpacepod Facebook page: Conversation…

We take a trip back to the beginning and give our novice selves some advice that we wish we knew back then. We also recap what we've been up to lately and have a Moment of Zen after some gear talk. Quad Lock Cases Luke Humphrey's Race Equivalency Calculator What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com I…

What have we been up to? Lots! Running! Racing! Traveling and snickering at the ridiculousness of shoe manufacturers. Follow along as we relive recent exploits and dive into the dark recesses of the self searching for Zen. Adidas' $500 Marathon Shoe The SparklyPets Hands-free Dog Leash Kurgo Dog Harness What do you think? We'd love to hear from you…

This week is all about shoes that you might be thinking of as we venture into the Fall race season. What are you signed up for and what will you be running in? If you still have questions, we just might have the answers. Between the two of us, we've trained and raced in almost every 'super shoe' out there. It's our State of the Shoe-nion! What do y…

Nick welcomes good friend and fellow hard-charger JD Ducharme to the show to discuss WHY we are here. They dive headfirst into mission mindset, building a culture of excellence, training and preparation, and risk management/aversion in the fire service. If you're looking for a feel good, pat on the back kind of show, this isn't the episode for you.…

As we head into Fall races, your training plan is probably moving into the Taper phase. What's that all about? Why do it? Is there a benefit? Sometimes getting the most out of running can be counterintuitive. Why run less to run stronger? Makes about as much sense as running slow to run fast, right? Join us as we dive down the rabbit hole. The Ultr…

Sean and Nick welcome Zach Bruhn to the show to discuss engine ops, training and leadership! Zach is a Major with the Oklahoma City FD, is and instructor at Oklahoma State University, and owns Precision Fire Service Consulting. He gives us the skinny on engine ops OKC style including an examination of how they have perfected the use of the Metro Lo…

This week, Jim and Chris both came up with five tips to help you, our listeners, become better runners. Again, we draw on our own experiences, past mistakes and success to hopefully help others avoid some common pitfalls along the running journey. Hippie Farms supplements that don't bomb Jim's tummy. What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! E…

Jim and Chris relive their recent race experiences. Did Chris PR his 5k? Did Jim get eaten by a bear??? All this and more on episode 23. Running, racing and talking about it all at conversational pace. Jim's Electroshock Therapy Ironbull Trail Races in Wisconsin The Corrida del Mariachi 5k in lovely Berwyn, Ilinois! What do you think? We'd love to …

Nick and Sean welcome Estero (FL) Fire Rescue Division Chief of Operations and Training, Grant Schwalbe to the show to talk grabs. This fast-paced, action-packed episode takes a look at search and rescue best practices for both searching and removing fire victims. We also discuss some of the excellent programs Grant is part of including When Things…

Join Nick and Sean with our friend and guest, Dep. Chief (ret.) Steve Prziborowski of the Santa Clara (CA) County Fire Department. The crew unpacks some practical tools in this banger of an episode talking all things leadership! From new members to company officers to chief officers of all ranks, this episode hits on the needed traits, skills and t…

As we continue exploring running head games, we delve into guilt, the ego, and how the two can sabotage your progress. Long story short, just let go of that stuff and set yourself free. Your running and your family will thank you! Altra Vanish Carbon (Jim loves this shoe!) Charlotte's Web CBD Sleep Gummies (maybe these help?) Huel Daily Greens (cos…

How on Earth do we get through our toughest runs? Grit, determination, resilience... sheer unadulterated angst? Whatever you wanna call it, the mental fortitude that those tough runs require is something that can be trained, just like your body. As Chris tries to hold onto his voice, he and Jim discuss tricks, tips and personal philosophies that ha…

We were both so excited to move away from the UltraMarathon and into the Summer of Speed! Chasing running dreams isn't always what you thought it was gonna be. Ok, it rarely is! Join our pity party as we try to figure out just wtf is up with us. Wherefore art thou Running High? Can you be had in a can? Evidently not. Offield CBD & THC Products (don…

This is the episode you've been searching for (see what I did there). Seriously though. Dustin Martinez of Cobb County (GA) FD and Reformation Training absolutely lays down the gauntlet when it comes to search and rescue in this full-throttle, tactics heavy episode. This is blue-collar, firehouse table style learning at its best! (Disclaimer: no pa…

2 hours of laughs, passion and knowledge with the one and only, Jake Barnes. Jake is the Battalion Chief of Training at the New Albany (IN) Fire Department, is an instructor with ISFSI having taught multiple times at the FDNY's "The Rock" and has instructed at numerous fire conferences around the country including FDIC. Jake is also the host of the…

In this episode, we're hanging out with our friend, Barb, frequent running companion and just another ordinary runner (of marathons). We obviously had a lot of fun recording and I think you'll enjoy the vibe. Get your ears on it! Stryd Pod (ewww) Baleaf Sports (quality gear, great price) Altra Lone Peak New Balance Shoes (not just for middle-aged w…

This week's epsiode is a casual discussion of a few different running topics, Chris' impression of Jack Handey and Jim's review of the Nix Biosensor. Join us for our thoughts on: What sort of runner are you? Running culture and politics Hailstorm of random banter Finding joy in a race we didn’t ‘race’ Real food fueling Running consistency Discussio…

See Jimmy Eat World & Manchester Orchestra live: https://JimmyEatWorld.lnk.to/Tour GET THE MUG: https://kingsroadmerch.com/jimmy-eat-... Subscribe: https://smarturl.it/JEWSubscribe Animations and Logo: Tonianne Tartaro @tonianaro and Emily Argiro @em_argiro Credit Sequence Music: “Flying On By” by Jackson, Finn and Jim Adkins. Published by Red Pods…

We interview our local running cheerleader Thuy. Thuy shares details on local run clubs, her start in running, and some lighter topics like fuel and favorite running brands. Familia Fresh Market Our Link Tree What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Threads: conversa…

Jim's brother, Jason is an award winning power lifter. He takes us on his journey through running, weight loss and his discovery of lifting. Our Linktree! What do you think? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at conversationalpacepod@gmail.com Instagram: conversationalpacepod Facebook page: Conversational Pace Podcast Twitter: CPacePod TikTok: Co…

Rather than dedicating the show to a single topic, we polled our friends about numerous running related issues that we could take a brief look at. Everything from apple sauce to Yoga to running in the rain. We have opinions and we're not afraid to share them! New Balance Fuel Cell SuperComp Elite v3 Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Our Linktree! What do y…

Our good friend and all-around badass fireman, Devin Craig joins the show to spread the cure to the masses. Devin is a Captain in the FD in the Houston (TX) metro area and has been doing work for the past 20 years. He brings a level of passion, humor and tenacity that's evident from the moment you meet him. In this episode we discuss the Train or D…

Sean and Nick welcome our good buddy and all-around badass fireman, Wyatt McCall to the show to dive into building performance-based culture, the importance of attitude, leadership at the company level and the criticality of having a training mindset on the job. This unfiltered, raw conversation is just what the doctor ordered to get your batteries…

Ever wondered how running slow could actually make you run faster? Let's dive into the world of the 80/20 running method, where we'll reveal how an easy pace, relative to your marathon or half marathon goal pace, could be your secret weapon. We'll also discuss the critical role of heart rate data in gauging effort levels, and share the science-back…

As much joy as running brings to our lives, it's not without its own pitfalls. Join us today as we talk about some common injuries that runners suffer, how to manage them and when to get back out on the road. As always, you should work closely with a trusted healthcare professional when dealing with any serious injury. Podcasters are not doctors, w…