In This Episode

End-of-year check-in, burnout vs bandwidth, and a listener-requested deep dive on ICS — plus a What3Words tangent (because of course) and a big 2026 announcement from Brian.

The crew rolls into the final stretch of 2025 running on fumes: Brian’s voice is cooked, Adam’s been sick for weeks, Doug is… at the emergency vet because a dog ate a sock (classic). The guys talk holiday reality, emotional bandwidth, and how hard it is to truly “shut off” work.

Then a listener (Jeff) hits them with a solid request: let’s talk ICS — from small incidents to big ones, staffing, comms, unified command, and why the chain-of-command matters even when it feels inconvenient.

Matt ties it into his own real-world lesson: don’t bypass your assignment / supervisor just because the Division is “right there.” ICS isn’t just for the person talking on the radio — it’s for the whole system listening.

Matt also breaks down What3Words (and how it helps with remote rescues and wildland ops), Adam talks unified command challenges, and Brian sets the record straight on how volunteer departments handle ICS on the East Coast.

And then… Brian drops the news: a new North Carolina fire-service podcast is officially live.

Key Topics

• End-of-year fatigue + why the “heaviness” of late December is real

• Emotional bandwidth and the struggle of checking work email nonstop

• Housekeeping: Patreon, merch, and what the team needs to grow it

• Moment of silence for fallen first responders

• Thoughts & prayers for Sam from Fire Tech and his dog battling Lyme disease

• Listener request from Jeff: Tabletop discussion on ICS

• Why ICS works best when you don’t skip the chain

• Unified command realities with fire/EMS/law (and why it breaks down)

• Volunteer vs career: ICS isn’t a staffing issue — it’s a culture & training issue

• Wildland fire ICS: strike teams, divisions, branches, briefings, and why it scales

• What3Words + Avenza maps for remote rescue location accuracy

• Call to action: Rate ICS in your area from 0–10

• Big news: Brian launches “Carolina Fire Watch” (NC-only fire service show)

  
  

  Quote-Worthy Moments

• “I hate that little red dot with the number in it.”

• “ICS can expand and retract… and that’s the beauty of it.”

• “Inspect what you expect.”

• “If you allow agencies to respond who won’t do ICS… you’re assuming liability.”

Call To Action

🚨 On a scale of 0–10, how well does ICS actually work in your area today?
Drop your number + why (and keep it respectful — don’t name departments).

Sponsors

• Unkie’s Seasoning – go grab the goods and support the family

• The Burn Box (Tom) – monthly firehouse gear, tools, and surprises

  
  

  
  

  Community / Snail Mail Shoutouts

• Big love to Rhett (longtime listener, age 6) — and yes… the “Sorry Rhett” shirt is coming.

• Comments of the week included gift-giving as a captain/crew leader and a bunch of holiday love.

Big Announcement

🎙️ Brian launched a North Carolina-only fire service podcast:
“Carolina Fire Watch” — in partnership with the North Carolina State Firefighters Association, built for the ~56,000 firefighters across NC. Monthly episodes, recorded today, and inspired by the community and conversations coming out of SAFRE + listeners like Jeff.

The crew rings in the New Year with laughs, real talk, and a full reset for 2026. From Unkie’s wild coin story (and the infamous “goats” detail) to a heartfelt moment of silence, this episode hits the perfect mix of firehouse humor and purposeful reflection. Then the guys revisit their 2025 “Word of the Year,” share what worked (and what didn’t), and lay down their 2026 words with intentions they’re ready to live out.

• Unkie breaks down the coin mishap and the ABH ship firefighter history behind the design

• New Year’s perspective check: “We’re 25 years past Y2K…” 🤯

• Quick roster update: Doug’s out handling family life (staying “present” like he promised)

• Housekeeping: Patreon updates + listener engagement plans

• Sponsors shout-outs: Unkie’s Seasonings + The Burn Box

• A meaningful moment of silence honoring fallen firefighters and recognizing expanded cancer-related benefits for families

• The crew revisits 2025 “Words of the Year” and reflects honestly on growth, balance, and reality

• 2026 “Words of the Year” revealed: Prioritize. Step Up / Step Out. Consistency. Evaluate.

• Snail Mail: Listener Zach’s word “Seek,” plus questions about Unkie’s book coming to Audible and a shoutout to Job Town Tools

• “Success is forged in the fire of discipline…”

• “If you can make yourself 1% better every day… you’re way ahead of the game.”

• “Faith, family, then fire… not the other way around.”

• “It’s okay if the only thing you did this year was survive.”

• Brian: Accountability (and the ongoing struggle with balance + order of priorities)

• Unkie: Discipline (and a reminder that surviving the year counts)

• Matt: Study (growth as a captain, but learning the hard lesson: out of sight = out of mind)

• Freddy: Consistency (consistent effort, but also “consistently busy” — learning when to breathe)

• Brian: Prioritize (Faith → Family → Fire + health and fewer “yes” commitments)

• Unkie: Step Up / Step Out (ownership + leaving behind what no longer serves)

• Matt: Consistency (compound interest in knowledge, relationships, and leadership)

• Freddy: Evaluate (take a breath, assess bandwidth, and refocus on what matters)

• Zach (Spotify): Word = “Seek” — seeking God to be a better man, husband, friend, future firefighter, and healthier overall.

• Listener question: Will Unkie’s book be available on Audible? Answer: Yes (in progress / TBD details).

• Billy (Job Town Tools): “Bosses should absolutely get their guys a little something.” Mentions Crew Packs designed for exactly that.

• Unkie’s Seasonings

  • Garlic & Herb currently sold out (because y’all crushed it)

  • Hickory Smoke Salt / “Salty Fireman” still available

• The Burn Box

  • Monthly fire service gear box: gloves, hoods, tools, stickers, turnout bags, and more

Drop your Word for 2026 in the comments and tell us why. One word. Real intention. Let’s revisit it together a year from now.

In This EpisodeQuote-Worthy Moments2025 Words Recap2026 Words of the YearSnail Mail ShoutoutsSponsorsCall to Action

In This Episode

• Christmas energy from the jump: Foreigner references, “when the **** did we get ice cream?” and the show immediately going off the rails (as usual).

• Patreon is officially LIVE:

  Patreon LINK!

  • Rookie Tier ($5): Member shout-outs, submit topic requests, and a chance to be chosen for the Turnout Drill via Wheel of Names.

  • Engineer Tier ($10): Everything in Rookie plus behind-the-scenes videos, occasional bonus episodes, and entry into a monthly raffle for fire goodies.

  • The mission: grow the show’s reach (marketing + expanding the community), not “back pocket” money.

• Merch update: Store is moving, more items coming, and the crew is pumped to keep evolving it.

  MERCH LINK!

• Sponsor love: Quick hits for The Burn Box / FD Collectors Club and Unkie’s Seasoning (with some classic side quests along the way).

• Real-world reminder: Talk about a house explosion in Salisbury that injured firefighters—thankfully no deaths—and a broader reminder about highway operations and winter hazards.

• Christmas gifts at the fire station:

  • Matt breaks down how gift-giving can get awkward when expectations aren’t clear.

  • Solution: just ask the crew upfront if they want to do a gift exchange and set a price limit.

  • Brian shares a boss move: cooking for the crew during the day to build connection without adding another night obligation.

  • Adam talks “in-house” traditions: crew tools, shared gift ideas, and company pride items (bags, mugs, station-branded gear).

• Christmas lights at the firehouse:

  • Stations that go full-send on decorations (including a kitchen that looks like Christmas exploded—in the best way).

  • A tradition of cutting a “Charlie Brown” tree behind the station and decorating it with firehouse flair.

• Snail Mail segment:

  • Listener questions on other fire podcasts to check out (National Fire Radio + Fire Engineering get mentioned).

  • A great listener comment about why it’s hard to talk about calls with people outside the job—followed by a powerful conversation on talking to your spouse, setting boundaries, and protecting your mental health.

• Big picture: Gratitude for the community, momentum heading into year three, and excitement for what’s coming in 2026.

• “Patreon… you gotta get on!”

• “It’s seven minutes and thirty seconds… new record for off the rails.”

• “Do you guys put up Christmas lights around your firehouse?”

• “Sometimes they don’t understand it—but they need to hear you.”

✅ Join Patreon: Support the show + unlock bonus content + raffle entries.
✅ Check the merch store: New designs/items always coming.
✅ Follow/Subscribe: Spotify + Apple + YouTube (video episodes).
✅ Comment: Does your station do gift exchanges? And do you decorate the firehouse?

Quotes / Moments You’ll RememberCalls to Action

The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. In Episode 137, things kick off completely off the rails (as usual) with farm animal chaos, blind dogs, and runaway cats. Then we settle in for some real talk with our very own co-host Adam McCoy—treated as the special guest he deserves to be—as he discusses his new book, Stepping Up and Stepping Out. It's part memoir, part workbook, all heart: tackling the hardest fire you'll ever fight—the one behind your own front door. Mental health, family transitions, vulnerability in the fire service, and leaving a real legacy. Plus housekeeping, moments of silence, and a wild hot wash to close it out.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Chaos Intro: Cats, blind dogs, and farm life gone wrong
• 02:00 – Housekeeping: Happy Holidays, Hanukkah shoutout, Virtual Fill the Boot (Jan 2026), Patreon ideas
• 07:00 – Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning, The Burn Box, FDIC 2026 hype
• 09:30 – Moments of Silence: Saranac FD (cancer LODD), Red McKimmy, Porterville FD tragic fire
• 15:00 – Interview with Adam McCoy: Inspiration behind Stepping Up and Stepping Out
• 18:00 – The mantra: "The hardest fire you'll fight is behind your own front door"
• 25:00 – Vulnerability, mental health, and the weight of the job
• 28:00 – Chapter 6: The Fire Next Door (parking lot talks and being there for brothers)
• 33:00 – Gold nugget one-liners from the book
• 39:00 – Workbook sections and daily check-ins
• 42:00 – Advice for rookies and the real legacy (family over firehouse)
• 49:00 – Emotional burden, work-life balance, and asking for help
• 52:00 – Brotherhood or Bullshit? Calling out the fakes
• 55:00 – Where to buy the book + the companion journal
• 55:30 – Snail Mail shoutouts
• 59:00 – Hot Wash: Apps, weather meals, pineapple on pizza debate, unwinding after a shift

Key Takeaways

• The first four minutes when you walk through the door at home matter more than the next four hours. Set the tone right.
• Toughness gets you through a shift; truth gets you through life.
• Some fires don't need water—they need honesty.
• Brotherhood is real, but it's not universal. Call out the bullies who preach it but don't live it.
• Your legacy isn't the fire department stories people tell—it's the one your family carries.
• Asking for help doesn't make you weak. Nobody has it all figured out, and that's okay.

Book SpotlightStepping Up and Stepping Out by Adam McCoyAvailable now on Amazon (search "Adam McCoy" or "Stepping Up and Stepping Out").Also grab the companion Stepping Up and Stepping Out Journal for daily check-ins and the 30-day challenge.Foreword by Kenny Mitchell (Operation Yellow Tape).

Support the Podcast

• Merch: Mugs, koozies, hoodies, tees, and more!👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home
• Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning (unkieseasoning.com) | The Burn Box
• Upcoming: Virtual Fill the Boot fundraiser (January 2026) – stay tuned on Instagram!

Call to ActionDoes pineapple belong on pizza? Yes or no? Drop your vote in the comments on Instagram/TikTok/YouTube.Tag a brother or sister who needs to hear this episode. Share the real talk—we're all in this together.

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.Thanks for riding with us, crew. Stay safe out there.

– Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and FreddyThe Cool Fireman Podcast

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.

But the main topic?
👉 AI in the Fire Service.
The crew discusses the real, practical ways firefighters and medics are using AI to improve documentation, training, promotional prep, and workflow efficiency — and where the line is when it comes to ethics, privacy, and skill degradation.

This episode is full of laughs, insights, and real conversations from the firehouse kitchen table.

🔥 Topics Covered

• Snowstorms, salmon rain, and the most chaotic podcast intro ever

• Holiday energy in the firehouse

• Doug’s mysterious absence (Hint: Dolphin training. Yes… seriously.)

• Housekeeping: Merch, Burn Box, Unkie’s Seasonings, and more

• Brian’s Fire Marshal swimsuit calendar reveal

• **AI in the Fire Service:

  • Should firefighters use AI for reports?

  • Using AI for narrative cleanup vs. full narrative writing

  • Ethical concerns and HIPAA pitfalls

  • AI for training, testing, scenario creation, promotional prep, and SOP development

  • The future of EPCRs and AI-built documentation frameworks**

• Over-documentation in EMS and why it happens

• The difference between departments using AI and those with policies against it

• The importance of keeping PHI and names OUT of AI tools

• Pro tips for using AI responsibly

• Snail Mail: Listener questions, traditions, and heartfelt wins

• Highlighting listeners Jacob and Benjamin — HUGE thank you!

🔥 Merch Store

Support the podcast!
Grab your hoodies, long sleeves, mugs, and more — all through Notorious Fire.

🛒 Shop here:
https://notoriousfire.com/collections/the-cool-fireman-podcast

Every purchase helps support the show and keeps the chaos going.

📬 Snail Mail Highlights

• Travis shares his station’s tradition of using Fill the Boot to buy gifts for 18 kids

• Quinn asks for Jason Patton (we’re trying!)

• Jacob lands an interview after asking the crew for mentorship advice

• Benjamin lists The Cool Fireman Podcast as his #1 podcast of the year

• Listeners show big support across TikTok, IG, and YouTube — we appreciate you!

  
  

🔥 Call to Action (Listener Question)

Does your department have an AI policy?
What can you legally use AI for… and what’s forbidden?

Comment on Spotify or message us on Instagram — we’ll feature the best responses next episode.

🎙️ Hosts

Matt • Brian • Freddy • Unkie
Doug (in Miami… teaching dolphins Spanish?)

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 vibe of working holidays in the fire service

• Why “getting your Sunday back” is a real thing

• Putting up Christmas lights at the station (Clark Griswold would be proud)

• Doug’s call involving boiling chitlins (don’t worry, he didn’t go in)

• Department lateral transfers and what it means to “start over”

• The power of routine for mental health during the holidays

• Matt defends the legendary 12–2 “safety nap”

• A shoutout to our awesome listeners and supporters

• And yes… Brian’s transparent Speedo photo shoot gets brought up 👀

🕯 Moment of Silence – A heartfelt pause for first responders lost this year, both on-duty and off, including those struggling with mental health. You are not alone.

🛍️ MERCH IS LIVE!
Support the podcast and look rad doing it:
👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/products/all?page=1

We’ve got hoodies, long-sleeve tees, mugs, and some amazing new designs—including the “Sorry Rhett!” drop and parody-inspired fire service graphics.

👕 Want to see a new design or have an idea for apparel? Let us know—we're always cooking up more.

📣 Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram
And if you loved this episode, share it with your crew or drop a comment—we read every one.

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 firehouse food debates you didn’t know you needed.

🔥 In this episode:

• Roscoe’s post-turkey coma update 🐕

• Why Unkie believes deviled eggs should be eaten year-round

• Doug’s favorite leftovers

• The difference between stuffing and dressing (fight us)

• Matt's thoughts on smoked turkey vs Easy Bake pellet smokers

• A heartfelt moment of silence for those we’ve lost

• Shoutouts in our snail mail segment to longtime listeners, first-time commenters, and the legend himself: Quinn, the OG Little Fireman

🛍️ MERCH STORE IS LIVE!
Want to support the pod and look good doing it?
Check out our new merch line — hoodies, mugs, shot glasses, long-sleeves, and more:
👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/products/all?page=1

Promo code TCFP for 15% off through the end of November!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 From our firehouse to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.
Now go make that leftover turkey sandwich (with Duke’s mayo and black pepper, per Doug’s strict instructions).

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://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home

Topics Covered:

• 🔔 Snail Mail returns — and Quinn's been busy commenting on Spotify!

• 🧁 Recap of the Super Bowl Appetizer Draft (congrats, Freddy!)

• 🧂 Shout-outs to Unkie’s Seasonings, Burn Box, and the new merch store

• 🚒 Quinn shares why he started his firefighting TikToks with his family

• 🏆 His big goal: be the guy who’s always there, pulling pranks, and lifting people up

• 🛠️ Firehouse pranks, old tillers, and FDIC memories

• 👻 Turnout Drill: ghosts, aliens, and pistachio ice cream?!

• 🧒 Heartfelt thoughts from Quinn’s parents about raising a fire family

• 🚨 Matt and Brian talk about junior/explorer programs and leadership development

This one’s got heart, humor, and a reminder of what keeps the fire service strong — FAMILY.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and wherever you listen.