This episode of the podcast features John and Noah, discussing the World's Strongest Firefighter competition at the Arnold Sports Festival. The competition raises money for firefighter charities and brings together firefighters from around the world. The hosts talk about their personal connections to firefighting and the impact of the event. They emphasize the athlete experience and the sense of community that the competition fosters. The episode highlights the unique opportunity for firefighters to compete on a big stage and represent their departments and countries. The World's Strongest Firefighter competition is held annually at the Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. The event provides a platform for firefighters to showcase their strength and athleticism. The competition is fast-paced and firefighter-centric, with a focus on cardio and high-intensity exercises. The Arnold Sports Festival is a premier sports festival that attracts top athletes from around the world. The event has grown over the years and continues to raise funds for firefighter charities. The winners of the competition carry the title with respect and often use their platform to give back to their communities. The event fosters a strong sense of community among the participants and spectators. The conversation covered various topics including the Arnold Sports Festival, the World's Strongest Firefighter competition, the importance of mental health in the fire service, the camaraderie among firefighters, and the impact of the event on the participants and the community. It will have you asking yourself the question. What’s My Size Up? Because, What you do off the job, MATTERS!!!

Mickey and Jeremy express confusion about why there is a need to coin the phrase 'for them' when it has always been understood that the purpose of the fire service is to serve the civilians. The discussion touches on the importance of safety culture, the prioritization of saving civilians over firefighter safety, and the need for clear communication and understanding of the job's expectations. The conversation also explores the role of teaching and training in firefighting, the importance of perspective and background in learning, and the need for experienced firefighters to mentor and guide new recruits. The speaker emphasizes the significance of standards, the loss of experience in the fire service, and the need to maintain and uphold those standards.

In this conversation, Pip and Jon discuss various topics including their experiences in the fire service, the challenges of working in administration, and the benefits of routine and sleep. They also touch on the importance of effective leadership and problem-solving in the fire service. Jon shares his background as a bagpiper and the founder of Rescue One CBD, a company that provides CBD products to firefighters. They also discuss the changing landscape of CBD and THC regulations. The conversation revolves around the benefits of CBD and the importance of self-care for firefighters. The main themes include the science behind CBD, the misconceptions about CBD, the role of CBD in improving sleep and mood, the importance of self-care for firefighters, and the need to balance work and personal life. The conversation also touches on the importance of healthy habits, such as mindfulness and exercise, and the significance of disconnecting from work to maintain mental and physical well-being. It will have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up???? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!!

Top Floor Tactics Episode 38. by Jeremy Donch

Jeremy sits down with Lieutenant Mark Zidiak of Ladder Co. 2, Clifton, NJ Fire Department for the August 2024 @FireandSafetyNJ featured segment, Behind the Department. This series focuses on the department that built their 2022 Pierce Arrow XT 100' Heavy Duty Steel Aerial. A big part of understanding the apparatus builds is understanding the department and how they operate. So many factors go into the design and operations of a new apparatus. Looking at the final build is always easier to understand when you know why they built what they did. This conversation talks about the department, their membership, history and legacy as well as the future of the department. -- For more information on this build and the others in the 2024 Calendar project, go to www.f-ss.com or visit our YouTube channel.

From the private sector to the public sector, Ryan McCormick knew that he wanted to serve. Growing up in a Pastor’s home, service was at the forefront of his upbringing. From early on, Ryan wandered over to the local firehouse to help with Christmas tree sales or wash the trucks. This introduction to the fire service led him down a path of wanting to serve as he grew older. Working as a private sector engineer, he knew riding a desk wasn’t for him. From there, a stint as a police officer and finally finding his way into the career fire service. Many years later Ryan finds himself as the Chief of Department of a small career department. He believes in empowering your people, working for the people and hasn’t lost sight of what the mission truly is. A great conversation about “them” along with his willingness to letting his people be little bit different…. It’s all done with the intent to shine. Don’t let Ryan McCormick’s soft, gentle demeanor let you believe he is a push over; he is not!! He is loyal to his people and the public and is unapologetic for his passion and love of the job. This passion has pushed him to create the First In Fire Conference, held this year from September 11-14, 0224 in Little Rock, Arkansas. A four day conference filled with big names and even bigger passion. When you’re striving for excellence, there is no rest and Ryan certainly not resting anytime soon.

In this episode, Pip interviews Jennifer from FD Beyond Explorers about her experience in the fire service and the importance of diversity in recruitment. They discuss the challenges of social media usernames, the differences between explorer programs on the East and West Coasts, and the role of the Boy Scouts in supporting explorer programs. Jennifer shares her journey from wanting to be a veterinarian to becoming a paramedic and eventually joining the fire service. They also touch on the importance of casting a wide net in recruitment and the impact of sleep deprivation in the fire service. The conversation in this section focuses on the challenges of sleep and rest for firefighters. They discuss the difficulties of getting restful sleep during shifts and the impact it has on their physical and mental well-being. They also talk about the importance of being prepared for the unique sleep patterns and alertness required in their profession. The conversation then transitions to the topic of mentorship and the importance of diversity in the fire service. They emphasize the value of learning from each other's strengths and experiences to create a strong and effective team. Jennifer shares her experiences as a female firefighter and emphasizes the need for a diverse workforce in the fire department. They also talk about the challenges of working in hot weather and the importance of staying fit and acclimated to gear. Jennifer highlights the positive aspects of the fire service and the valuable relationships she has formed. They conclude the conversation with a discussion about the power of kindness and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Causing you to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

The conversation revolves around the question of which position on the fire ground is the most stressful and difficult to be good at. Mickey discusses various positions, including the first due engine chauffeur, the first due battalion chief, and the nozzle position. They explore the challenges and responsibilities of each position and the importance of teamwork and company integrity. The conversation highlights the stress and pressure faced by firefighters in different roles and emphasizes the need for mental toughness and grit. Mickey and Mike also discuss the significance of the mealtime ritual in fostering camaraderie and understanding within the firehouse.

Preston Lyons, a firefighter with a decade of experience, shares his journey of personal accountability and transformation within the fire service. He discusses overcoming imposter syndrome and the importance of storytelling in connecting with peers. Preston highlights the core principles of his platform, including a rejection of mediocrity and a commitment to honor. He also reflects on his path from the Navy to firefighting, emphasizing community engagement and the emotional challenges of podcasting. His dedication to continuous growth resonates throughout the conversation.

David Rhodes, Chief and Editor in Chief of Fire Engineering magazine, shares his insights on safety culture in the fire service. He discusses the need for accountability and upholding traditions while navigating modern challenges. Rhodes emphasizes collaboration and the importance of active participation in the firefighting community. He speaks candidly about his own cancer journey and the emotional weight of leadership, highlighting the urgent need for mental health conversations and proactive health management in firefighting.