

National Fire Radio Podcast Platform
National Fire Radio Podcast Channel
The National Fire Radio Podcast Channel featuring a variety of personalities and their podcasts that capture the essence of the Fire Service.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 34min
419. "Never Let the Moment be Bigger Than You" - Frank Viscuso
In this inspiring episode, Jeremy Donch sits down with Frank Viscuso — retired Deputy Chief from Kearny, NJ, bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, and the 2025 George D. Post Instructor of the Year — to explore the intersections of leadership, coaching, and personal development. Drawing from over 26 years in the fire service, Viscuso shares invaluable lessons from both the fireground and the baseball diamond, where he has coached youth athletes with the same passion and dedication he brought to his firefighting career.Listeners will hear powerful insights on perspective, resilience, and the ability to learn from both success and failure. Frank discusses the importance of instilling respect in young athletes, valuing the journey over the destination, and using storytelling as a tool for leadership. His career achievements — including authoring seven influential books such as Step Up and Lead and Step Up Your Teamwork, writing over 70 standard operating guidelines, and securing millions in grant funding for life-saving equipment — provide a strong foundation for his leadership philosophy.The conversation dives into effective fire reporting, building and maintaining systems for success, and the role of humility, faith, and positivity in personal growth. Frank’s journey from a young, uncertain rookie to a respected leader and motivator serves as a testament to how adversity can fuel transformation. The episode wraps up with a focus on celebrating others’ successes and fostering a culture of support and excellence within the fire service.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
418. City Tour With COD Jesse Flax, Camden, NJ
During the "From Framerails to Finsih" episode with Camden, NJ, Jeremy tours the city with Chief of Department Jesse Flax. Their discussion is a great back and forth about the history of the city and the many neighborhoods their department protects. Chief Flax speaks passionately about he cioty he grew up in and has the honor of being the Chief of Department. This interview is from the "From Framerails to Finish" film in partnership with @FireandSafetyNJ

Aug 11, 2025 • 46min
Chapter 86 - Bob Pressler
Mickey Farrell sits down with FDNY legend Bob Pressler for a raw conversation on the craft of firefighting — from mastering the basics to making high-stakes decisions under pressure. They dig into leadership, search operations, trust on the fireground, and how experience, intuition, and solid training outweigh gimmicks and internet noise every time.

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
417. "A Thinking Man's Game" - Sherard Glover
Richmond, VA Truck 2 fireman Sherard Glover joins Jeremy to discuss his insights and passion for the job. From his upbringing in Brooklyn, the fire service was always a great memory which has left a lasting impression on him. Aviation mechanic school, taught him to learn the process from different perspectives and that details matter. Years later, finding himself on the job in Richmond, VA, those skills and memories help fuel his love of the craft. Sherard crushes this episode with a solid perspective of what the job is and how he carries himself while doing the greatest job on earth. TakeawaysThe mission of the fire service remains unchanged.Firefighting is a calling and a lifestyle.Critical thinking is essential in firefighting.Training breeds confidence and effectiveness.Understanding building construction is crucial for safety.Mentorship plays a vital role in developing new firefighters.Fire service culture impacts performance and standards.The events of 9/11 inspired many to join the fire service.Engagement in learning is key to improving skills.The fire service offers personal growth and community.

Aug 7, 2025 • 8min
Frontline Mindset Episode 44 – The Weight We Carry
In this episode of Frontline Mindset, Rob opens up about the emotional burdens that come with being a leader in the first responder community. He shares personal stories of grief, burnout, and the importance of self-care. Rob emphasizes that leadership does not equate to invincibility and discusses the challenges of managing stress while supporting others. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings and prioritize their mental health, reminding them that it's okay to not be okay.

Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 5min
416. “Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years” - Rob Reardon
Jeremy is going by Chief Rob Reardon of Duxbury, Massachusetts, shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, trust, and community engagement. He discusses the significance of creating a positive firehouse culture and the role of education in leadership development. Chief Reardon highlights the need for initiative and problem-solving within the team, while also addressing the challenges of negativity in the fire service. Ultimately, he reflects on the legacy one leaves behind and the impact of fostering a supportive environment for all firefighters.

Aug 4, 2025 • 9min
Ch 85. Street Talk - Cocklofts and Attics
In this chapter, Mickey enjoys a coffee on the Upper West Side of Manhattan discussing the discrepancies between social media portrayals of firefighting and the realities on the fire ground. Emphasizing the importance of understanding local tactics and the specific challenges posed by different building types, the host provides insights into effective firefighting strategies, communication, and situational awareness. The conversation highlights the need for young firefighters to be mindful of their surroundings and the critical details that can impact safety and effectiveness during operations.

Jul 28, 2025 • 13min
Ch 84. Real RIT
In this episode, I break down the real-world decisions behind firefighter removal—when to package a downed firefighter and when speed takes priority. Training gives us structure, but on the fireground, those lines blur fast. We’ll talk about how to bridge the gap between textbook drills and the messy reality of getting one of our own out alive.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
414. Innovation in Station Alerting - EaseAlert
Jeremy is joined by Blake Richardson and Harrison Klein of EaseAlert, an innovative company that is changing the way station alerting works across the country. Focusing on the health and wellness of firefighters, their sensory equipment assists with lower stress alerting, creating a better way for firefighters to be notified about a response. For more information, check out www.easealert.com.

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 31min
413. Bridging the Gap, Key City Fire Conference 3.14.24
A throwback to one of the Bridging the Gap events at the Key City Fire Conference,