In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Lieutenant Paul Patrikis, who brings 16 years of combined career and volunteer fire service experience and currently serves with the Simpsonville Fire Department in South Carolina.

Paul is also the owner of Paulie’s RX Burns. We dive into the world of wildfires—how they vary across different parts of the country—and explore the critical role prescribed burns play in protecting our communities and ecosystems.

On this episode, Nick & Tom had the honor to sit down with retired Battalion Chief Andy Starnes and owner of Insight Fire Training to discuss all things thermal imagining. They discuss Andy’s curriculum is used internationally, and his expertise which has contributed to the development of several thermal imaging cameras and the first thermography-based firefighter certification credentialed through Western Kentucky University. Nick and Tom also dive into Andy's deep involvement in firefighter wellness and advocacy, serving as a board member of the 5-Alarm Task Force and supporting numerous first responder charities.

Insight Training LLC – Thermal Imaging Training Consultants

From North England to across the pond, we sat down with Crew Manager James Meredith to explore the differences between UK and US firefighting. From operations to mental health and culture, James shared real talk and valuable insight from 15 years on the job. It's more than tactics, it's about people, passion, and purpose on both sides of the Atlantic. Tap in to hear the full episode on Station Talk!

IG: Stokeandvent

On this episode, the boys sit down with retired Chief Tony Correia to discuss emotional intelligence and character in today's fire service. Tony discusses tackling an essential but often overlooked topic: Emotional Intelligence & Character in the Fire Service. What does it mean to lead with emotional intelligence? How does character impact decision-making, teamwork, and resilience in this high-stakes profession?

In this episode, Tom discussed mindfulness meditation for first responders with John Grandinetti, Captain of the Eloy Fire District in Eloy, Arizona.
Mindfulness meditation has emerged as a vital tool for first responders, providing them with essential techniques to manage stress and enhance overall well-being. The rigorous demands of their profession can lead to heightened anxiety and emotional fatigue; thus, integrating mindfulness practices into their daily routines can significantly mitigate these effects. By fostering present-moment awareness, first responders can better process traumatic experiences, improve their focus, and strengthen resilience. Regular mindfulness meditation promotes mental clarity and encourages a compassionate approach towards themselves and the communities they serve. Ultimately, embracing mindfulness can lead to healthier, more balanced lives for those on the front lines, ensuring they are better equipped to handle the challenges of their vital roles.
Tune in to this great conversation on your favorite podcast-listening platform!

On the episode, Nick & Tom sit down with EJ Henninger of Building Firefighter Development to discuss his newly published article in Fire Engineering, " Success Starts Early: Building Knowledge and Relationships for Effective Operations" and how and why building relationships with town officials, zoning boards and building managers plays a role in your early preplanning and building sizeups.

Building Firefighter Development

On this episode, Nick and Tom had the pleasure to discuss leadership with retired Lt. Colonel Oakland McCulloch of the United States Army. Oak discusses what leadership means to him, how to establish a winning culture and the importance of a professional leadership developmental program.

Home | Your Leadership Legacy | LTC Oak McCulloch | United States Amazon.com: Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be: 9781952037108: McCulloch, Oakland: Books

Oakland McCulloch - Keynote Speaker - Your Leadership Legacy | LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/ltcoakmcculloch

https://www.facebook.com/ltcoakmcculloch http://www.youtube.com/@ltcroaklandmcculloch2878

Tom sat down with Firefighter Jeffrey Price of the Windsor Heights Fire Department (IA) to discuss tips, tricks and tactics revolving around shorthanded firefighting, a situation that affects fire departments across our country.