Best Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy Podcasts (2025)

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#116 Firehouse Pride, Station Projects & the Return of the Trades 54:09

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4d ago54:09

54:09

In this two-man show, Matt and Brian dive deep into firehouse pride, station maintenance, and how blue-collar skills and project work have changed in the fire service over the years. 🛠️ This Week’s Topics Include: Why today’s firefighters don’t fix stuff like they used to (and should they?) The value of trades in the firehouse—and why painting a wa…

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#115 Inside the Firehouse: Why the Kitchen Table Solves Every Problem 46:04

11d ago46:04

46:04

This week, the boys are hot, humid, and hilariously unfiltered. Brian, Doug, and Unkie talk sweat in places God didn’t intend and why the kitchen table is the sacred place in the firehouse for solving problems (and sharing a little too much). They also get real about peer support, HR misunderstandings of firefighter humor, and remembering the late …

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#114 Texas Flood Disaster, Firefighter Ambush, 4th of July Staffing Plans 37:11

19d ago37:11

37:11

Welcome back to The Cool Fireman Podcast! In this episode, Freddie makes his glorious return to the mic—and it’s pure gold from the jump. ✅ What’s Inside This Episode: 👨‍🚒 Freddie’s Return • The crew celebrates Freddie’s comeback (with very gentle Canadian detention jokes) • The usual banter—gray mustache tips, PB&J wisdom, and why Unkie’s Seasonin…

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#113 Doug’s Nip Slip, Louisiana Vibes, and Hydration Truth Bombs 47:31

26d ago47:31

47:31

🔥 Welcome to The Cool Fireman Podcast – Episode 113 (Even if Doug Thinks It’s 109)! 🔥 This week’s episode is packed with real firefighter stories, firehouse humor, and critical fireground safety talk. Whether you’re on shift, off-duty, or just love fire service culture, tune in for a wild ride: ✅ Doug’s Backwoods Adventures Tractor life in straw ha…

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#112 Faithful, Accountable, Teachable — The Legacy of Chief Darick Fisher 1:09:31

1M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Special Guest: 🎙️ Chief Darick Fisher – Navy veteran, retired DOD Fire Chief, small business owner, and published author In This Episode: The guys sit down with long-time friend and mentor Darick Fisher to talk about: 🔥 His journey from Navy engineer to DOD firefighter and fire chief 🧠 What retirement really looks like (“I’m just as busy now, I jus…

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#111 Fire vs. Police: Who Handles Traffic at Car Wrecks? 41:01

1M ago41:01

41:01

🎙️ Hosts: Matt, Doug, Unkie, and Brian 📅 Episode Drop: Friday, July 20th In this lively episode, the crew is back with full firehouse chaos — and that means turkey calls, wizard hats, and a little metric system drama. Highlights include: 🦃 Doug just can’t help himself and drops another turkey call. Natural talent or firehouse curse? You decide. 🎩 U…

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#110 Honoring Jay Lyons – Firefighter, TikTok Creator & One of the Cool Firemen 1:00:08

2M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

This week’s episode is unlike any other. We pause the usual firehouse banter and storytelling to honor and reflect on the life of someone who truly embodied what it meant to be a “Cool Fireman.” Jay Lyons—known to many as @he_fights_fire on TikTok—was more than a content creator. He was a passionate firefighter, a devoted father, a loving partner, …

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#109 True Story: The West Pharma Explosion and the Fire Chief Who Led the Response 1:04:26

2M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

🚨 Complacency Is Creeping In... 🚨 Have we convinced ourselves that nothing big can happen again? That regulations alone will save us? 🔥 This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian questions the mindset that's settling into the fire service—and we bring the perspective of someone who lived the worst-case scenario. 🎙️ Chief Deral Raynor, Incident Co…

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#108 Big Coins, Bigger Opinions 51:57

2M ago51:57

51:57

📦 Sponsored by: Unkie Seasoning — Use code DAD25 for Father's Day! In this episode, the crew gets off to a classic, chaotic start as Doug unboxes his latest FD Collectors Club coin live on the show. They dive deep into everything from coin girth to grocery store fire lane etiquette — yep, it gets heated. The gang debates whether fire trucks should …

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#107 Check-In Time: Passion, Balance, and the B.S. That Burns It Out 32:33

2M ago32:33

32:33

In this week’s episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie get real about burnout, passion, and what it means to stay motivated in the fire service—especially after decades on the job. Doug’s allergies are flaring up, Adam’s pulling full-time dad duty, and Matt’s stuck in a hotel… but the mics are on and the conversation is solid. The crew checks in on themselv…

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#106 The Fire Life: Sippy Cups and Shift Change 47:03

2M ago47:03

47:03

This week, Matt, Doug, and Unkie are back behind the mics — sweating it out in a closet, talking dryers that don’t work, how many horses is too many, and why the 48/96 schedule might be the greatest fire department hack of all time. 👨‍🚒 We break down shift schedules and how they impact family life, mental health, and relationships. Matt raves about…

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#105 Budget Cuts & Cowboy Hats 46:53

3M ago46:53

46:53

What happens when your dream tool gets cut from the budget? The guys talk fire department finances, backup plans, and hovercraft rejections. Brian breaks down the budget process, Unkie explains how credit cards vanished from his department, and Doug? Well… he’s still trying to get cowboy hats approved because that mustache deserves a brim. 🤠🔥 Plus:…

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#104 East Coast Lincoln & the Candle Crusade 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

From kitchen fires to candle mishaps, from firehouse kitchen tables to national fire code debates—we’re hitting it all in this one. Brian, aka East Coast Lincoln, opens the show with heartfelt honesty and a long-overdue moment of silence. The crew dives deep into the real-life value of public education in the fire service, how fire inspections aren…

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#103 Back in the Box (ft. Burn Box Tom) 🔥📦 1:00:52

3M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

The boys are back with Burn Box Tom, and it’s safe to say the chaos has never been more fun. From Tom’s Buzz Lightyear headset to tales of FDIC madness, we’re talking booths, mustaches, and the mysterious art of cutting a hole in a Burn Box (yep, that joke gets made). We dive into what it’s like to sling firefighter-owned gear at the Super Bowl of …

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#102 Fed Fire, Dirty Rice, and Giveaway Dice! 1:03:44

3M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Fresh off Episode 100, the crew is back in action—and it’s a fed fire kind of night. Matt, Unkie, and special guest Nick Hammond (aka @fireman1231) break down the wild world of federal fire service—what it’s like to get hired, how operations differ from city departments, and the perks of repping stars and stripes on the job. Doug and Nick bring the…

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#101 Live(ish) from Indy: FDIC Recap, Burn Box Shenanigans & Brotherhood Moments 30:27

4M ago30:27

30:27

Big City Doug and Big Body Brian are coming to you almost live from FDIC in Indianapolis! It’s the first time they’ve recorded in-person together, and they’re bringing the laughs, the lessons, and a whole lotta love for the fire service. In this special episode:🔥 We reflect on the first days at FDIC—massive booths, gear galore, hovercrafts (yes, re…

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#100 A Look Back and a Big Thank You 1:07:19

4M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

We made it to triple digits, folks! 💯 In this special 100th episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew reflects on the wild ride of the last two and a half years — from chaotic pre-shows and unforgettable guests to real firehouse laughs, emotional stories, and everything in between. We highlight some of our favorite moments: 🔥 Chief Ronnie Hayes…

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Special Episode – The Ultimate Fire Conference Experience 58:52

4M ago58:52

58:52

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew pivots from their planned Episode 100 (don’t worry, it’s coming soon!) to dive into the world of fire conferences. From FDIC to SAFRE and everything in between, we’re breaking down: 🚒 What’s the deal with fire conferences? Why you NEED to attend at least one in your career. How conferenc…

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#99 ADHD in the Fire Service w/ Stephanie White 31:51

4M ago31:51

31:51

In this episode, we dive into a conversation that every firefighter needs to hear. We’re joined by Stephanie White—firefighter, writer, podcaster, and managing editor at Firefighter Nation—to talk about ADHD in the fire service and how it impacts everything from daily tasks to mental health, addiction, and even suicide risk. 🚨 Topics We Cover: Why …

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#98 BEBOP YOUR BOOGER BOX ft. Jeremy Donch of National Fire Radio 53:11

5M ago53:11

53:11

🔥 "Fires first, everything else second." 🔥 This week, we welcome Jeremy Donch, founder of National Fire Radio, to the kitchen table! Jeremy is an advocate for the fire service, leadership development, and preserving the traditions of firemanship while adapting to the future. With 30 years in the fire service, he shares his unfiltered thoughts on le…

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#97 Work-Life Balance in the Fire Service 46:16

5M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie dive into a topic that every firefighter and first responder can relate to: work-life balance. Balancing Shift Work & Family Life – The unique challenges of a firefighter’s schedule and how it impacts time with loved ones. The Evolution of Side Jobs – Then vs. now: why firefighters used to have trade j…

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#96 Popcorn Machines, Policy, and Professionalism—Oh My! 52:34

5M ago52:34

52:34

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Unkie dive into the unwritten rules (and written ones) that shape life in the firehouse. From popcorn machines (allowed or outlawed?) to station pride logos and uniformity debates, we tackle the battle between tradition, compromise, and common sense. 👀 Do you have a policy in the b…

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#95 EV Fires: Let It Burn or Fight It? 🔥⚡ 1:00:23

5M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline. In this episode, Mat…

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#94 Did You Decon? A Firefighter’s Guide to Staying Clean with Tonya Herbert 1:18:32

6M ago1:18:32

1:18:32

In this episode ofThe Cool Fireman Podcast, we sit down withTonya Herbert fromThin Red Line Decon to talk about something every firefighter should be thinking about—decontamination. 🚿🔥 We dive into thedangers of toxic exposure,how to get PFAS out of your gear, and thereal impact of PAHs after a fire. Tonya even breaks down whichfireground position …

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#93 This is My Seat 40:59

6M ago40:59

40:59

There’sno assigned seating in the firehouse… but let’s be real, we all know there is. 🚒👀 In this episode,Matt, Brian, Freddy, Unkie, and Doug dive into the unspoken rules of the firehouse, from thekitchen table hierarchy torecliner battles and even thesleeping arrangements that can make or break your shift. We break down: 🔥 The deep-rootedrespect a…

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#92 Handy Hooked on Innovation: Firefighting Smarts with Nathan Helten 44:24

6M ago44:24

44:24

🎙️ The Cool Fireman Podcast: Featuring Lieutenant Nathan Helten of Handy Hook 🔥 In this episode, the crew welcomes Lieutenant Nathan Helten, creator of the Handy Hook, to talk about his incredible journey in the fire service and how he designed an innovative tool to make firefighters' lives easier. From rural beginnings in Kansas to founding a game…

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#91 Kenny Mitchell – Beyond "Rest Easy" 38:39

6M ago38:39

38:39

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Kenny Mitchell from Operation Yellow Tape to dive deep into the challenges of firefighter mental health, the stigma of silence, and how we can build better support systems.🔥 Highlights from the episode:Kenny’s candid thoughts on why he’s tired of hearing, “Rest easy, gone too soon.” The importance of accoun…

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#90 The Salty Paramedic: Memes, Mental Health, and Limp Hoses 32:25

6M ago32:25

32:25

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, we’re joined by the one and only Salty Paramedic – now revealed as Cody! 🎉🔥 Cody’s hilarious stories, including the time he came up with his best idea… on the toilet. 💡🔥 The behind-the-scenes scoop on his viral social media journey.🔥 The real story behind Limp Hoses, his new card game for first responders.🔥 A …

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#89 Safety, Situational Awareness, and Staying Ready 30:39

7M ago30:39

30:39

The Cool Fireman Podcast is back with Episode 89, and this one’s all about safety, accountability, and keeping your crew out of harm’s way. 🚒🔥 In this episode, Brian, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie tackle a wide range of topics, including: Brian’s question: Are we more distracted in the apparatus than ever before? How does technology help—or hinder—…

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#88 New Year, New Word, New Years Resolution! 32:26

7M ago32:26

32:26

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Matt, Unkie, and Freddy dive into all things New Year! It’s January 3rd, and we’re reflecting on 2025 with one big idea: choosing a single word to guide us through the year. 💡 From accountability to resilience, we’re picking the words that will define our actions, goals, and mindset for the year a…

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#87 Financial Freedom for Firefighters with Chris Temple from Civic Federal Credit Union 21:11

7M ago21:11

21:11

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian is on location at SAFRE talking about the brand-new Civic Federal Credit Union branch in Wilmington, North Carolina, joined by Chris Temple from Civic. Brian and Chris dive deep into financial freedom tailored for firefighters, covering everything from personal financial stability to suppor…

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#86 The Christmas Special 🎄🎙️ 31:11

7M ago31:11

31:11

In this festive episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Freddy bring the holiday cheer straight to your firehouse kitchen table! 🚒✨ From the Nature Boy Doug's iconic "Wooo!" to airing grievances Festivus-style, we dive into everything from holiday traditions in the fire service to those naughty and nice moments of the year. Fred…

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#85 EMS Deployment—How Departments Do It Differently 33:33

8M ago33:33

33:33

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Freddy, and Doug break down how each of their departments handles EMS deployment. From the number of medics required to the unique protocols and strategies, they highlight the differences that make each system work—and the challenges that come with them. 💡 Whether you’re running single medic…

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#84 The Challenges of Change in the Fire Service 46:15

8M ago46:15

46:15

🚒 Welcome to The Cool Fireman Podcast! Join Matt, Adam, Brian, Doug, and Freddy as they gather around the virtual firehouse kitchen table to tackle the big topics shaping today’s fire service. In this episode, the crew takes on change—how it’s managed, communicated, and received in fire departments across the nation. Key Highlights: 📝 Leadership Le…

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Special Episode: Supporting Firefighter-Owned Businesses with West Broad Apparel 27:46

8M ago27:46

27:46

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian sits down with Russell Davis from West Broad Apparel to discuss the importance of supporting firefighter-owned businesses. Together, they dive into how these businesses help maintain traditions in the fire station while fostering a strong sense of community and brotherhood. From custom desi…

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#83 Conversations at the Kitchen Table 50:55

8M ago50:55

50:55

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Freddy, and Doug dive into one of the most important spaces in the firehouse—the kitchen table. From the topics that bond our crews to the occasional tough conversations, we explore what makes this space so special. Plus, we tackle the question: Should chiefs sit down and break bread with the crew?…

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#82 Every Good Rookie Shall… 🚒👊 58:31

9M ago58:31

58:31

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Adam, and Freddy break down the essentials of what makes a good rookie. From attitude and work ethic to learning the ropes and respecting the team, we’re talking about the traits and actions that set the best rookies apart. If you’re new to the fire service or just want a refresher on what i…

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#81 Leather Helmets – Tradition or Practicality? 🪖🔥 57:57

9M ago57:57

57:57

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy dive into the classic debate: leather helmets. Are they worth the investment, or are they just a nod to tradition? The crew breaks down the pros and cons, from durability and protection to the pride that comes with wearing one. Tune in to hear our take on whether leath…

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#80 Mastering Resource Allocation and Fire Pre-Plans 🚒📝 1:02:11

9M ago1:02:11

1:02:11

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Adam, and Freddy dive into the essentials of resource allocation and fire pre-planning. From effectively managing limited resources on the scene to creating thorough pre-plans that can make or break an operation, the crew shares insights and real-life experiences that highlight the importanc…

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#79 Why Are Fire Engines Red? 37:14

9M ago37:14

37:14

In Episode 79 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Adam, and Matt tackle a fun and curious question: "Why are fire engines red?" The crew dives into the history and theories behind the iconic color choice for fire trucks, exploring everything from tradition to visibility. But that’s not all! The guys also chat about Slot Dog, a grilling gadget that’…

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#78 Live with the Leland Fire Chief on Firefighter Death Benefits 47:28

9M ago47:28

47:28

In Episode 78 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Matt, and Unkie take the show on the road for a live podcast in Leland, North Carolina, where they sit down with the Fire Chief of the Leland Fire Department. In this special episode, the crew discusses the critical topic of firefighter death benefits, highlighting the importance of providing suppor…

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#77 Responding to Hurricane Helene 🌪️🚒 37:59

10M ago37:59

37:59

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Freddy take a deep dive into the response efforts surrounding Hurricane Helene and discuss how USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) teams mobilize across the nation when disaster strikes. From deployment strategies to the unique challenges of hurricane response, the crew shares insights …

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Special Episode: Community Risk Reduction with Maria Bostian 🚒💡 36:51

10M ago36:51

36:51

In this special episode, we’re joined by Maria Bostian, the NFPA Instructor of the Year! 🎉 Matt and Brian sit down with Maria to dive into a crucial topic in the fire service: Community Risk Reduction (CRR). 🔥 Maria shares her insights on what CRR really means, why it’s essential for fire departments, and how agencies can implement effective strate…

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#76 The Path to Promotion 🚒💼 42:38

10M ago42:38

42:38

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Freddy dive into the world of promotions within the fire service. From preparing for the test to navigating the interview process, they share their own experiences, tips, and what it takes to move up the ranks. 🎯 But it doesn’t stop there! The crew also discusses what happens AFTER…

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Special Episode: Catching Up with Nick Hammond! 🚒🎙️ 44:27

10M ago44:27

44:27

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew is reunited with Nick Hammond, an OG host of the show! 🎉 Matt, Doug, Unkie, and Freddy sit down with Nick as he shares what’s been going on in his world—switching fire departments, having a baby, and adjusting to life’s new challenges. 👶🔥 But it wouldn’t be a Cool Fireman episode without some fo…

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#75 Building Resilience with Greg Rudiger from RAD Consulting 53:48

10M ago53:48

53:48

In Episode 75 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, we’re joined by Greg Rudiger from RAD (Resilient Another Day) Consulting for an insightful conversation on health, wellness, and resilience. Greg is passionate about helping first responders build the mental and physical strength needed to face the challenges of the job. Greg shares practical tips for main…

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#74 Wildland Fire Deployments 51:30

10M ago51:30

51:30

In Episode 74 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Unkie, and Doug sit down to talk about Matt's recent wildland fire deployments to the Park Fire and the Line Fire. Matt shares his firsthand experience from the frontlines, giving us a detailed look into the challenges, teamwork, and intense conditions faced during these fires. But it's not al…

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#73 Fire Tech and SAFRE Expo with Sam Massa 36:30

11M ago36:30

36:30

In Episode 73 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian sits down with Sam Massa from Fire Tech by HiViz to talk all things fire technology and their experience at the SAFRE (South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo) in Raleigh, North Carolina. Join Brian and Sam as they dive into the latest innovations in lighting and safety technology that are shaping the fire s…

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#72 New Platform, Same Mission: Responding to Active Shooter Scenarios 42:51

11M ago42:51

42:51

In Episode 72, the whole gang is back together! Matt, Brian, Unkie, Freddy, and Doug reunite to share some exciting news—we’ve switched to a new podcast platform, and we’re thrilled to tell you all about it! We dive into how this change will help improve our show and provide a better experience for our listeners. But it's not all about technical up…

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#71 Innovating Firefighter Tools with Billy from JobTown Tools 50:56

11M ago50:56

50:56

Job Town Tools Promo Code For 25% OFFPromo: TheCoolFireman In Episode 71 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Unkie, and Freddy are joined by a special guest, Billy from JobTown Tools. Billy shares his experiences from his time with FDNY, one of the most renowned fire departments in the world, and how those experiences inspired him to start hi…

Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, And Freddy Podcasts