Better Every Shift
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
Latest episodes
Jul 28, 2020 • 19min
Side Alpha Podcast: Chief Jason Caughey talks volunteer leadership
Fire Chief Jason Caughey discusses a variety of volunteer fire department challenges, plus how to manage different generations among volunteers while always maintaining the public's trust.
Jul 24, 2020 • 11min
Chief‘s Forum: We are not the enemy
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the fact that some fire service leaders face a new challenge in being deemed ‘guilty by association’ during recent national emergencies.
Music by David Hyde
Jul 14, 2020 • 19min
Side Alpha Podcast: Linda Willing addresses diversity of members and opinions
Linda Willing tackles fire service diversity, of both members and opinions, plus challenges facing women in the fire service, generational differences and mentoring the next generation.
Jun 30, 2020 • 31min
Side Alpha Podcast: Dr. Sara Jahnke discusses COVID-19 surges and testing
Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue and EMS Health Research, explains what we know about the likelihood of COVID-19 surges, and tackles antibody testing reliability.
Jun 22, 2020 • 7min
Chief‘s Forum: There‘s a fire service budget tsunami coming
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor explains that fire/EMS departments will not be immune to the sweeping cuts many communities are beginning to experience; as such, it's key to find ways to prove your worth, cut where you can, and maintain the safety of your members.
Music by David Hyde
Jun 16, 2020 • 9min
Chief‘s Forum: COVID-19: Where do we go from here?
As the conflagration continues, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor underscores that it's time to focus on your members, budget, planning for the future, and strong leadership.
Music by David Hyde
Jun 15, 2020 • 18min
Side Alpha Podcast: FEMA‘s Cathie Patterson details grant application tips
Cathie Patterson, the branch chief for fire grants at FEMA, helps departments better understand the grants process, including how the peer review process works and grant pitfalls that can hinder grant success.
Jun 3, 2020 • 27min
Side Alpha Podcast: Chief Todd LeDuc discusses the firefighter health trifecta
Todd LeDuc, Executive Assistant Fire Chief (ret.), Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue, tackles the top three health issues facing firefighters: cardiac issues, cancer and behavioral health challenges, and share strategies for staying healthy on the job.
Jun 2, 2020 • 21min
Side Alpha Podcast: Division Chief Kent Davis details protest response in Charlottte
Division Chief Kent Davis discusses the Charlotte (N.C.) Fire Department’s Police Assist Companies (PAC) and how it was used during the recent police violence protests in Charlotte, specifically during an alarming incident where crews were trying to conduct a confined space rescue while being harassed by protesters.
May 28, 2020 • 40min
Side Alpha Podcast: SFFD Lt. Baxter details Pier 45 response efforts
Lt. Jonathan Baxter, the Homeland Security Operations and Public Information Officer with the San Francisco Fire Department, details the firefight to contain the massive Pier 45 fire in the Fisherman’s Wharf area of the city – a firefight that also involved protecting the World War II-era SS Jeremiah O’Brien, which is docked at the pier.
