Best Curt Mega Podcasts (2024)

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Weekly Scrap #255 - Andrew Pristach, Tradesman and Fabrication 1:28:33

1h ago1:28:33

1:28:33

Joined on this episode by Andrew Pristach and we had a lot of topics to cover! We discuss forcible entry and training realism. Skill acquisition, training theory and stress. Tool design and the challenges and processes involved. Of course that is just what we had planned and does not include the wonderful topics and questions from the audience! Enj…

1
Weekly Scrap #254 - Rich Stack, Blitz Attack & Instincts 1:45:15

1d ago1:45:15

1:45:15

Very excited for this episode as I am joined by the always awesome Rich Stack. We discuss leading from the front. Having the moral courage to call a mayday. Family and the fire service, the sacrifices and the struggle. Training your instincts and of course... blitz attack! And as every scrapper knows, that is only what we had planned and does not i…

1
Weekly Scrap #253 - Micah Horton, The Undisclosed Agents 1:26:50

11d ago1:26:50

1:26:50

Joined on this episode by the one and only Micah Horton, and it an awesome Scrap! Our topics include: The Anecdotal vs. fact based training. The evolution of technology and tactics. How to broaden your perspective and your departments. Why probationary year is not the year for firefighters to become the best janitors the department ever had... and …

1
Weekly Scrap #252 - Bryan LaFleur a passion for mentoring 1:28:54

20d ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Joined on this episode by none other than Bryan LaFleur himself! Highly requested guest and it was a great conversation. We start off by talking about building a truck culture from the ground up. Then we discuss a legacy of mentorship, creating cultures of accountability, the culture of why? How to let your failures drive you and so much more. Of c…

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Weekly Scrap #251 - B.J. Breecher on Training, Fitness and Expectations 1:36:45

29d ago1:36:45

1:36:45

Joined on this episode by the one and only B.J. Breecher, and it was a fun Scrap, he was not afraid to poke some bears! We discuss training versus just checking boxes. Why so many departments just go through the motions. Being fit for duty, and the ramifications. Expectations versus standards. As well as the challenges of working at a combination d…

1
Weekly Scrap #250 - Curt Isakson, Faith Family, Fire, Friends and the Future. 2:33:15

1M ago2:33:15

2:33:15

Joined once again by the person I call an absolute force of nature...hurricane Ike.... Curt Isakson! We talk about the challenges of the firefighter life. Training up the most important Probie. In the words of Chief Ike, "I am giving you everything on this one, and i am not holding back. There are going to be some hurt feelings." You know it would …

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Weekly Scrap #249 - Ryan Scellick Stress and Decisions 1:46:03

1M ago1:46:03

1:46:03

Joined this week by the YOOF himself, Ryan Scellick and we discuss all things decision making, specifically in emergent situations and the stress involved. We discussed Coopers Color Code, we discussed Grossman and "On Combat" it was a fun Scrap! And that does not even factor in the wonderful live audience and all that they brought to the discussio…

1
Mega Scrap Echo!! With Scott Thompson, Nick Ledin and Sean Duffy 1:46:38

1M ago1:46:38

1:46:38

Sean Duffy, Nick Ledin and Scott Thompson come on to talk about the state of OSHA and the revisit to two in/two out. Here is Nick Ledin " TWO IN/TWO OUT IS TOO SLOW.... FIRE SERVICE, WE NEED YOUR HELP... Currently, OSHA is proposing folding two in/two out, with some changes, into a new safety and health standard. This would make it MORE difficult f…

1
Weekly Scrap #248 - Dennis Legear, Fire Stream Design 1:34:41

2M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Joined on this episode by the exceptional mind that is Dennis Legear. It is hard to name someone who has put in more effort and thought into fire stream development than Dennis. We talk about the three key aspects of fire stream application: Volume, placement and velocity. Handline attack package design, as well as large stream development. Target …

1
Weekly Scrap #247 - Michael Dozier, the Company Officer 1:29:01

2M ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Joined on this episode by the Company Officer himself, Michael Dozier! It was a phenomenal episode as we deep dove into leadership at the company level, and discussed his key principles for success. Of course every Scrap is driven by the audience as they ask the most insightful questions and take control of the direction of the conversation. This o…

1
Weekly Scrap #246 - Anthony Kastros, Calm the Chaos 1:31:39

2M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

Joined on this episode by the one and only Anthony Kastros to go deep diving into command. We talk about decision making. the levels of command. How to become that calming force in the middle of the chaos. Of course we discussed his new book that was just released and instantly sold out! And as always the audience chimed in and took us in direction…

1
Weekly Scrap #245 - Mike Gagliano, Rockin the Fire Service 2:05:41

2M ago2:05:41

2:05:41

Joined by one of my favorite amigos, the one and only Mike Gagliano. We discussed fireground decision making. The art of go and no-go. The pendulum swing that is the fire service, and how to build a culture that rocks at your fire house. Of course the audience contributed and absolutely brought the heat for the show!…

1
Weekly Scrap #244 - Scott Thompson, Legacy and Life 1:53:51

2M ago1:53:51

1:53:51

Joined on this episode by one of my biggest mentors, the one and only Scott Thompson. We talk mentorship, being mentored. The discussion will always cover culture and how you can impact your department no matter what level you are at. Of course no matter what me and Scott were planning to talk about... the audience came in and absolutely crushed it…

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Weekly Scrap #243 - Dan Shaw, 25 to Survive and more 1:14:00

3M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Joined on this episode by Dan Shaw and it was an excellent episode! We talked about 25 to Survive and LODD's impact on everyone. Leadership through the ranks and how to have an impact on your organization. Challenges of rising through the ranks, and lessons he has learned throughout the last three decades. Of course the audience took over and drove…

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Weekly Scrap #242 - Ian Bennett, Live Fire 1:18:43

3M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Joined on this episode by Ian Bennett and it was an exciting episode, especially if you love the topics of training and live fire. I was able to pick his brain on his training philosophies and the lessons he has learned. Ian is one of the best and it shows in this interview. Of course the audience always sends the best questions that the guest can …

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Weekly Scrap #241 - Mike Greco, bringing brutal honesty 1:03:29

3M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

My guest this week is none other than Mike Greco. He is a very opinionated firefighter and not afraid to share his mind. Our planned topics were truck operations and tactics, as well as how to be a leader in the modern fire service. Of course the best laid plans by the Scrap are always beautifully derailed by the best audience in the world, and the…

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Weekly Scrap #240 - Michael Paschal, Time, Tactics and Experience 1:23:41

3M ago1:23:41

1:23:41

Joined on this episode by Chief Michael Paschal and I am excited for all that we got to discuss. It seems like every class I attend in my home state he is always there. Even with his decades of experience he is still a student of the game. He has forgotten more than I know about fireground strategy and tactics and it was an awesome discussion. Of c…

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Weekly Scrap #239 - Candace Ashby, Solving the Disconnect 1:12:17

3M ago1:12:17

1:12:17

WOW, what an episode! One of the most requested guests for the Scrap... Chief Candace Ashby. We discuss the six most common organizational issues. Leadership from the bottom up. Why the disconnect exists between the men and women on the line and the brass in the office. How to stop the blame cycle and start being effective. How to make an impact an…

1
Weekly Scrap #238 - Robert (RJ) James, Capitol Fire Training 1:21:48

4M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

Joined on this episode by one of the best in the business, RJ, Robert James. It was a good time as we dove into his mindset and approach to training. Engine work, truck work, FF rescue and survival, concepts and special operations. Of course the best laid plans by me and the guest are always wonderfully derailed by the phenomenal questions from the…

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Weekly Scrap #237 - Paul Capo, When Things Go Bad 1:26:30

4M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

Joined on this episode by the one and only Paul Capo. Was an amazing conversation as we talked about firefighter rescue and survival. Truck operations, and instructional methodologies. The Audience took over early and Paul absolutely crushed all of their questions. Enjoy the show!!By Corley Moore

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Weekly Scrap #236 - Dane Yaw, Tradition, Morale, and Training 1:41:07

4M ago1:41:07

1:41:07

Joined on this episode by one of my best friends in life, my confidant and my brother, the one and only Dane Yaw. We discuss how you can manufacture and build pride, ownership and tradition in your department. The challenges that come with it. We talk about his mindset towards training and the impact that culture has on training, especially with ne…

1
Weekly Scrap #235 - Preston Lyons, Fit Fire Fortitude 1:16:42

4M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Joined on this episode by none other than Preston Lyons, and we had a lot we planned to talk about. Starting with filling the gap between Fire Conferences and reality, The 5 non-negotiables for the firehouse, eradicating the age old past time of humiliating the rookie, and gossiping about each other at the kitchen table. Learning to use negative en…

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Weekly Scrap #234 - David Rhodes, Unapologetic Editor in Chief 1:38:26

5M ago1:38:26

1:38:26

Joined on this episode by the artist formerly known as Smoke Daddy! We discuss how busy he has been, and what all is in the works for FDIC, and Fire Engineering. The upcoming publications, and all of the challenges associated with them! Leadership, culture and motivation were on the agenda, and of course all the questions from the audience. It was …

1
Weekly Scrap #233 - Jon Eric Johnson, the Why 1:38:34

5M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

The killer line-up of 2024 guests continues this episode with Jon-Eric Johnson, and I had a blast with this conversation. We discuss the four stages of competency. Leading as a young officer, understanding crew identity. And of course as always the direction of the Scrap was ultimately determined by the audience as they tuned in live and threw so m…

1
Weekly Scrap #232 - Clyde Gordon, Warriors, Wisdom & Wheelbarrows 1:33:13

5M ago1:33:13

1:33:13

Joined on this episode by the one and only Clyde Gordon. If you don't love this man, it is only because you do not know him. I was excited for this conversation and he completely blew those expectations out of the water. Of course we talked about training, and discuss the lessons he has learned over the years. As always the best laid plans of the S…

1
Weekly Scrap #231 - Robert RJ Wynne, Authenticity and Challenges 1:15:57

5M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Joined on this episode by Robert RJ Wynne and I was excited to say the least. Last year I had the pleasure of a one hour car ride with this man and before it was over I knew he had to do a Scrap. You will not be disappointed with this episode and the story that RJ shares. Get ready for a gut check of reality, and vulnerability. Not to mention the a…

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Weekly Scrap #230 - Craig Haig, the Dynamic Fire Chief 1:26:26

6M ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Joined on this episode by Craig Haigh, with over 30 years of experience as a fire chief and is always ready to share the lessons he has learned. We discuss how to develop leaders inside your organization. We deep dive into recruitment and retention in the modern fire service. Of course the audience brought their questions and they absolutely took o…

1
Weekly Scrap #229 - Ben Fleagle: Warrior, Poet, FOOL 1:22:23

6M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Excited to be joined on this episode by none other than El Presidente of the FOOLS international... Ben Fleagle. Was very excited for this episode and the topics we got to discuss including, the importance of the Fire service to society. The FOOLS international and their role in the fire service. Leadership in all of it's facets. Character and its …

1
Weekly Scrap #228 - Gabe Salas, leading up. 1:04:28

6M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Joined on this episode by Gabe Salas, and he did not disappoint! Was an an exciting one as we discussed the power of the senior "man". How to maximize the impact of accountability and lead by example. Of course the audience threw a ton at us, and Gabe crushed each and every answer. Enjoy another great episode!…

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Weekly Scrap #227 - Scott Hewlett, Multiple calls and more 1:11:48

6M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

Joined on this episode by one of the best in the business, Scott Hewlett host of the Multiple Calls Podcast. We discuss building grit, and the power of vulnerability. Living in a state of readiness and 'fight mode'. Fear of losing the ability to be a warrior. Autopilot vs. observer and so much more! And if you know the Scrap, you know the audience …

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Weekly Scrap #226 - Rob Fisher, Truck Work, Tactics and Fun 2:00:38

7M ago2:00:38

2:00:38

Weekly Scrap #226 - Kicking off 2024 with one of my favorite people on the planet. I call this man any time that I need to bounce an idea or need life advice. He is one of the coolest cats in the fire service and I love him. We dig into some tactics talk, some knuckle-dragger stuff with tools and roof ops. Of course as always we expected the audien…

1
Weekly Scrap #225 - Rick Lasky, Pride & Ownership once more 1:44:06

7M ago1:44:06

1:44:06

Joined once again by Chief Rick Lasky. It has been a few years since he has been on the Scrap and it was another amazing, episode with him. We talked about how to build that culture of pride and ownership. Of course when you talk to Chief Lasky you know we are going to get a dose of where we came from, and understanding the "why." And as always the…

1
Starkid's 'VHS Christmas Carols' with Janaya Mahealani Jones 1:01:09

7M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Janaya Mahealani Jones, star of the newest Starkid musical 'VHS Christmas Carols', joins me to chat about the show! Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curt…

1
VHS Christmas Carols with James Tolbert 1:11:27

7M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

Director James Tolbert joins me to chat about directing the newest Starkid musical, VHS Christmas Carols! Check out the VHS Christmas Carols digital ticket, available now through the end of 2023! For live episodes, join me on Twitch at Twitch.TV/curtmega Join my Patreon.com/curtmega Follow me on IG, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Threads: @curtmega…

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Weekly Scrap #224 - John Salka, First in Last out 1:02:39

7M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Joined on this episode by one of the all time greats in the fire service. We have discuss so much, starting with experience and decision making, the critical role of leadership in high stress situations. Adaptability and resiliency... and that of course all went out the window as soon as the audience started asking their great questions. It was a g…

1
Weekly Scrap #223 - Jarrod Sergi, More No Nonsense 1:28:51

7M ago1:28:51

1:28:51

Joined on this episode by one of my favorite people, the one and only Jarrod Sergi. We planned to discuss leadership and culture and how much of an impact you can have at your organization. Common pitfalls for leaders and things you should avoid as well as what has and has not worked for Jarrod. This of course was just the plan, but if you know the…

1
Weekly Scrap #222 - Bobby Eckert, LFG!!!! 1:22:33

8M ago1:22:33

1:22:33

My guest this week was none other than the one and only Bobby Eckert, not much more needs to be said. He is Eckert Fire Tactics, he is Tuesdays are for Tactics. If you want an opinion, look no further than this guy right here. I promise you, when you listen you will get an answer. I love this guy, and he had once again, another amazing scrap!!!…

1
Weekly Scrap #221 - Josh Chase, Jump Seat Leadership 1:26:14

8M ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Joined on this episode by Josh Chase and we talked about all things leadership, especially when it comes to leading from where you are. We discussed the lack of focus on developing leaders from the ground up in the fire service. Why he wrote the books he wrote and the journey he has been through. Mental health, and overcoming adversity... and as al…

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Weekly Scrap #220 - Brent Brooks, High Rise Firefighting 1:30:36

8M ago1:30:36

1:30:36

Joined on this episode by Brent Brooks, and we are going to be talking about High rise Firefighting. We are going vertical and it was an awesome episode. Brent has spoken across the globe on the subject of High Rise firefighting and we had great topics to discuss, but as always the audience completely took over and made the scrap awesome!…

1
Weekly Scrap - Firemanship Special (Part Deux) All the details!!! 1:28:28

8M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Going live with Cody Trestrail to discuss all the details for Firemanship 2024. Cody takes the time to explain how the registration will work, and then gives a rundown of all the HOT tracks, the Lectures, and the Workshops. If you are looking for information on Firemanship, this is the episode for you. Share this podcast with anyone who might be in…

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Weekly Scrap #219 - Ron Smith, Training Seconds 1:33:58

8M ago1:33:58

1:33:58

Joined on this episode by none other than the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Training Seconds himself, Ron Smith! I am excited for this one and looking forward to all of the topics we will attempt to tackle. The surprise was of course that Kyle Romagus was in town, and he co-hosted this scrap! From search tactics and fire attack, to alphabet soup an…

1
Weekly Scrap #218 - Ray McCormack, talking nozzles 1:10:26

9M ago1:10:26

1:10:26

New pieces of equipment come out all the time in the American Fire Service, but nothing has created as much interest as the HEN Nozzle in a long time. Not only has it been stirring interest but it is also endorsed by some very big names in the fire service. With the sheer number of questions I was receiving about the nozzle, I decided to have Ray o…

1
Weekly Scrap #217 - Brian Crush on the State of the Fire Service 1:29:05

9M ago1:29:05

1:29:05

Joined on this episode by my friend and mentor, the one and only Brian Crush!!! This episode hade me super excited for this discussion. From his perspective on the current state of the fire service, to the future as he sees it. Of course we discussed Firefighter Rescue Survey and the data so far. How he feels about his newly constructed training fa…

1
Weekly Scrap #216 - Reginald McKnight on Training and Purpose 1:04:19

9M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Joined on this episode by Reginald McKnight to discuss all aspects of training especially when it comes to new recruits. We will deep dive into the challenges of training in todays world. How he goes about developing a training program. What they look for in instructors. Why training is important, how to develop and mold the probationary firefighte…

1
Weekly Scrap #215 - Paul Shoemaker, Next Level Extrication 1:43:55

9M ago1:43:55

1:43:55

Joined on this episode by the one and only Paul Shoemaker. Paul is passionate about Electric Vehicles and Lithium ion batteries! We go deep diving into considerations and concerns for this evolving aspect of our craft. Off gassing, UHSS components, the sheer amount of water we are using, and how we can be more effective. And of course the audience …

1
Weekly Scrap #214 - Bassel Ibrahim, One Bad Tour 1:27:38

10M ago1:27:38

1:27:38

Joined on this episode by none other than my brother Bassel Ibrahim, to talk about one bad tour. Thinking outside the box. How to have a playbook, but remain flexible. Resiliency and taking on challenges. How to deal with crew rotation, especially when it is for positive reasons. How to develop a bench, and the difference between qualified and cert…

1
Weekly Scrap #213 - Frank Leeb, Cornerstones of Leadership 1:39:06

10M ago1:39:06

1:39:06

Joined on this episode by the one and only Frank Leeb. Many know him as the Deputy Chief of safety from the FDNY, I know him as a friend and mentor. The timing of this show could not be better as he just released his debut book, the brand new "Cornerstones of Leadership on and off the fireground." We discuss the stories in the book, what brought it…

1
Weekly Scrap #212 - Brian Richards and the iPhone generation 1:39:12

10M ago1:39:12

1:39:12

Joined by my good friend Brian Richards to discuss the new generations of firefighters and how to engage and bring them on board. We plan to deep dive into their perspective and why certain aspects that older generations take for granted seem foreign to them. It was an awesome and interesting discussion, especially when you throw in the audience an…

1
Weekly Scrap #211 - Jeff Rothmeier, Mastering the Craft 1:17:21

10M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Was very excited to have this conversation with Jeff Rothmeier— had a blast discussing his book that just came out this year: "Mastering the Craft." We discussed his military background and how that shaped the mindset of the book. His special operations background. His studies in organizational culture and the power it has in an organization. The m…

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Weekly Scrap #210 - Jonah Smith, Engines, Officer Leadership 1:31:12

11M ago1:31:12

1:31:12

Joined on this episode by Hornet Fire training himself, Chief Jonah Smith. Super excited to talk about all things engine. Company/Chief Officer Leadership, we discuss Lou Holtz and the impact he had on Jonah. Then as much info as we could cram in about Firefighter Rescue Survey. As always the best laid plans and topics were aided by the phenomenal …

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