Best Matt Brian Adam Doug And Freddy Podcasts (2025)

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#136 AI in the Fire Service: Ethics, Documentation, and Firehouse Chaos 1:04:44

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6d ago1:04:44

1:04:44

In this episode, the crew kicks things off with pure mayhem — snowstorms in Michigan, salmon rain in California, and a spontaneous performance of “It’s Raining Men.” From there, the guys dive into housekeeping, holiday updates, merch drops, and a surprising announcement from Brian about his upcoming Fire Marshals International Swimsuit Calendar. Bu…

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#135 Holiday Routines, Chitlins Calls & Firehouse Christmas Routines 47:18

13d ago47:18

47:18

Welcome back to The Cool Fireman Podcast, now dropping episodes every Monday! In this post-Thanksgiving episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie talk all things holiday routine at the firehouse—from brunches and Christmas trees to how each department handles weekends, downtime, and the importance of mental health during the holidays. 🔥 Topics Covered: The vi…

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#134 Gravy, Gratitude & Gobble Sandwiches | Thanksgiving Special 36:59

16d ago36:59

36:59

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Doug, and Unkie sit down to reflect on what they’re most thankful for — family, the firehouse, facial hair, and of course, deviled eggs. 👨‍🚒 Whether you spent Thanksgiving on duty, deep-frying a turkey, or getting trampled at a Walmart for $10 off a TV, we’re here with laughs, gratitude, and a few fireho…

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#133 Quinn, aka The Little Firefighter Talks Fire Family, Pranks & Passion for the Job 1:05:50

23d ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Featuring: Quinn a.k.a. The Little Firefighter In this special episode, we welcome a rad young guest — Quinn, better known online as The Little Firefighter. He joins Matt, Brian, and Unkie at the kitchen table to talk all things fire service, family, TikTok, and what it means to be part of the firehouse culture. NEW MERCH STORE: https://notoriousfi…

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#132 Why Veterans Make Great Firefighters + Lateral Transfers & Firehouse Trust 53:16

30d ago53:16

53:16

In this powerful Veterans Day episode, Brian, Doug, and Freddy honor the veterans who serve both our country and our firehouses. From shoutouts to community heroes like The Salty Paramedic to emotional reflections on fallen brothers, this one hits deep. NEW MERCH STORE: https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home 🚒 Topics Covered:…

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#131 Pigskin Appetizer Draft & Real Talk for New Recruits 55:26

1M ago55:26

55:26

This week’s episode has it all — snacks, sarcasm, shout-outs, and snail mail. The guys take a break from the heavy topics and go full-on firehouse fun mode in this Fantasy Appetizer Draft episode. Who picked the best three-game day snacks? That’s up to YOU to decide! Plus: 🚨 A big-time merch announcement 📬 New messages from listeners in our Snail M…

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#130 Mentorship in the Fire Service + Halloween Shenanigans 1:12:42

1M ago1:12:42

1:12:42

This episode is half Halloween chaos, half serious kitchen-table mentorship talk — with a little FD candy in between. 🎃 Costumes? Check. 😷 Smelling like sweaty Cheetos? Sadly, also check. 💥 Real firehouse talk about mentorship, generational shifts, and showing up for your crew? Absolutely. We pick up where Episode 129 left off — answering listener …

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#129 Mentorship in the Fire Service — Are We Failing the Next Generation? 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, we dive into something every firefighter—rookie or salty vet—should care about: mentorship. From the old kitchen table talks to today’s struggles with phones and generational disconnect, the crew gets honest about how mentorship has evolved, what makes a good mentor, and why it matters now more than ever. Expe…

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#128 Firehouse Responsibility Beyond Emergencies | Community Impact & Leadership 1:00:37

2M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

This week’s episode is an absolute rollercoaster—from serious community risk reduction to Doug being attacked by a rhino on safari, and even an amazing question from a 14-year-old future paramedic in our SNAIL MAIL segment 🐌. We talk about what it means to truly serve your community, not just during emergencies, but through prevention, education, a…

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#127 Firefighter Turned Pitmaster: Ben Hooper’s BBQ & Leadership Journey 59:28

2M ago59:28

59:28

In this flavorful and heartfelt episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew sits down with Ben Hooper, firefighter-turned-pitmaster and owner of Ben’s Backdraft BBQ in Waynesville, NC. Ben shares his journey from firehouse kitchens to launching two food trailers and a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant—all while staying rooted in faith, communi…

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#126 Legacy, Leadership & Fire Truck Shortages | Firefighter Talk 1:01:36

2M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

This week, we dive deep into the heart of the fire service—family, legacy, and what it means to really love this job. From laughing about Brian's new acting role as the Genie in Aladdin, to sharing emotional stories about our kids following in our footsteps, this episode blends heartfelt moments with hard firehouse truths. And yes… Snail Mail is ba…

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#125 Inside Firefighter Station Bids, Post-Shift Culture & Listener Mail 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

In this episode, Matt, Unkie, and Brian get sidetracked (as usual) with shirts, stickers, Sasquatch soap, and a whole lot of firehouse banter. But don’t worry—we also dive deep into important fire service topics like shift bids, specialty teams, station culture, and the rising cost of fire apparatus. PLUS… it’s time for another edition of SNAIL MAI…

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#124 National Fire Truck Shortage & Brian’s New Role as Genie 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

In this episode, the boys are back—Matt, Brian, and Unkie—and the kitchen table banter is strong right from the jump. From Brian’s magical new role as Genie in Aladdin (goodbye, Bird Cage 👋) to a real discussion on the national fire apparatus crisis, this episode covers it all. We dive into the Senate hearing on the fire apparatus shortage and unpa…

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#123 Use It or Lose It: Auto Extrication, EMS Chaos & Firehouse Training 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

This week’s episode is packed full of real firehouse talk—from wild call stories to mental health, continuing education, and the one universal truth in the fire service: 👉 If you don’t use it, you lose it. 🔥 Episode Highlights: 🚑 Calls Gone Sideways – From patients claiming they’ll swallow their tongue to an actual arm amputation call, the crew bre…

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#122 Code 3 Driving Philosophy, Armchair Quarterbacking & Firehouse Culture 48:55

3M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode, Matt and Brian dive deep into some of the challenges (and hilarious moments) happening both in and out of the firehouse. From Matt’s code 3 siren strategy to Brian’s communication fatigue, this one’s got a little bit of everything: loud opinions, soft wisdom, and yes... more Snail Mail. 🔥 Highlights Include: 🚨 Driving Code 3: Matt …

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#121 SAFRE 2025 Recap + New Snail Mail Segment & Leadership Talk 1:01:45

4M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

In this jam-packed episode, the crew reunites for a full debrief of their time at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE) in Raleigh. From firehouse food to leadership presentations, parlay betting, bagpipes, and some questionable milk habits—this one’s got it all. 🔥 Highlights Include: 🎰 Doug explains parlays to a very confused Brian 🧂 Unki Se…

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#120 Inside the Fire Engine: First Five Minutes, Training, and Trust 52:53

4M ago52:53

52:53

This week, the crew is back at the kitchen table – and while Brian is away, Matt, Doug, and Unkie dive deep into what firemen talk about inside the engine, from banter to serious pre-call game plans. We kick things off with a little parlay talk (Doug’s gambling, not the French kind), some seasoning chat (support UnkieSeasoning.com!), and housekeepi…

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#119 Firefighter Cooking: Brisket, Pork Butt & Firehouse Favorites 52:25

4M ago52:25

52:25

This week, it’s just Brian and Adam (aka Unki) holding down The Cool Fireman Podcast kitchen table while Doug and Matt are on duty. The topic? Food—our favorite firehouse meals, family go-tos, recipe wins, and even a few epic fails. Brian shares highlights from a year of his recipes featured in the Burn Box and announces that Unki will be taking ov…

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#118 Live from SAFRE with Keynote Speaker Sam Massa of FireTech 45:51

4M ago45:51

45:51

The Cool Fireman Podcast crew is together in person at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE) in Raleigh, NC! This year’s special guest is keynote speaker Sam Massa, founder of FireTech and HiViz LED Lighting, back for another powerful conversation one year after his first appearance. We dive into Sam’s incredible journey—from small beginnings…

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#117 What It Really Means to Be a Fireman | Service, Purpose & Earning the Title 56:37

4M ago56:37

56:37

In this episode, the crew sits down to unpack one of the most foundational questions in the fire service: What does it really mean to be a fireman? Through stories, experiences, and a whole lot of heart, the guys dive into the core values of the job and what separates the patch from the purpose. 🔥 This Week’s Topics Include: Why service to others i…

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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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…