“Our mission is to support you in your mission.” Eriks Gabliks, superintendent of the National Fire Academy, joins the show to talk all things NFA programs and goals, and to hear about Zam’s first time visiting the campus and experiencing NFA life. Gabliks knocks down the top excuses firefighters give for why they can’t attend the academy and details how the program is continually evolving in sync with fire service culture. Plus, we dig into all this: How the campus experience rejuvenates passion for the fire service The American history embedded in the NFA campus Why one of the top NFA-attendee complaints features ice cream sprinkles Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback and offer guest suggestions!

“It’s about crew bonding and laughter in my firehouse – and apparently me being the butt of every joke.” Fairfax Firefighter-Paramedic Stephanie White details how she nurtures her relationship with her crew every shift, not just with laughter, but also by being vulnerable enough to have difficult conversations when needed. Plus, we dig into all this: How crews can best support a pregnant firefighter on the job Why the color of White’s hair can determine the potential for shift chaos How to create a space for vulnerable conversations and real talk This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Captain Andy Glaze is on a four-year streak of running 100+ miles per week, and while he’s not suggesting that all firefighters attempt the same feat, he does urge movement: “Movement is medicine.” Glaze shares his journey from drinking and smoking to becoming an ultra-marathon runner, and how physical fitness helped him manage his mental health. From ultra anxiety to ultra resilience, Glaze describes the power of setting goals, finding motivation in embracing challenges, and the importance of community.  Plus, we dig into all this: The power of ice baths – misery during and elation after Running laps around the station with radio in hand Glaze’s running-related challenge to firefighters Pushing through the “pain cave” to find gratitude This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“I saved George Strait’s life, and he doesn’t even know.” Country star Frank Ray shares that story and many more as he details his unique journey from law enforcement to the music scene. Ray recently visited more than 50 fire and police departments across the U.S. and Canada to spotlight first responder mental health, addressing the power of forming a support system and speaking up about personal struggles. Plus, we did into all of this: Ray’s mental health initiative, FRAY How music impacted his first responder career Why having a hobby outside of work is critical The musicians who have inspired Ray throughout his career Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“Every second mattered.” When actor Jeremy Renner was severely injured in a snowcat accident last year, Truckee Meadows Fire Rescue crews’ swift action and medical intervention played a crucial role in saving Renner's life. TMFR Firefighter-Paramedic Alex Hughes and Captain Greg Lompa join the show to share operational details from the call, plus we dig into all this: The critical role of teamwork amid equipment failures Why backup plans are a key part of public safety planning Preparing for weather-related obstacles at challenging scenes “It's not about the limelight; it's about being able to perform when you need to.” This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“Do your folks come to work expecting to learn something new? Or is it a surprise when they are asked to go to a class or a drill? That’s culture.” Battalion Chief Chris Paskett wants to create a culture of learning in the fire service, where organizational education is baked into the daily routine. He offers four (of 20!) areas where departments can seek to encourage a top-down focus on continuing education and ways to evolve the culture to support that goal. Plus, we did into all of this: How to create bite-sized daily trainings that move the needle The impact of learning styles and why they matter Looking for small wins with learning This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Columbia Southern University. Learn more about how you can earn an affordable, accredited quality degree 100% online at ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Fire. Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. You can also follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your podcasts. And email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

Joe De Sena – the founder and CEO of the Spartan endurance sports brand – has long said his vision is “to get 100 million people healthy and off the couch,” and now he’s adding a million to that goal with his pledge of a free Spartan race to all firefighters. That’s right, De Sena made the big announcement during this week's show. De Sena’s a realist, though. He knows not everyone is ready for the world of endurance sports, so he shares some words of wisdom to meet firefighters where they’re at, namely, “It doesn’t have to be everything, but it has to be something; do something every single day.” Plus, we dig into all this: Three things he learned in his youth from a local organized crime family The motivational power of a calendar His philosophy on working out the stress Why we need to gamify our health Register for a free Spartan race here – and let Zam know if you want a race partner. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.

Chief Bryan Frieders is fired up about preventing occupational cancer – fired up to the point where he’s putting firefighters of all ranks on blast for not doing everything possible to prevent an often-preventable disease. He calls out firefighters for not wearing their SCBA, cleaning their gear and taking care of their health (“Why are we risking our lives? Stupidity.”), as well as leaders who don’t prioritize member health and safety (“If you’re old school, then you’re lost”). And having just worked the Super Bowl, among many other large-scale events, Frieders considers the connections between preparing for big events and preventing the Big C – and even shares what Bono had to say to him before a recent performance. Plus, we dig into all this: Questioning our tactics related to car fires and ventilation The unfortunate connection between bugles and plungers The firefighters who might want to apply for work at Wendy’s The push to put the FCSN out of business – for the best possible reason This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

Fairfax County (Virginia) Battalion Chief Rocco Alvaro is passionate about professional development, but he wasn’t always on a clear path himself. In fact, it took a metaphorical “punch in the face” from a mentor for him to go back to school and walk the professional development walk – and he’s incredibly grateful for the punch. Alvaro joins Better Every Shift this week to talk all things professional development, including where departments can begin with standing up their own programs. Plus we get into all this: How fire departments can follow a “farm team” model; The three foundational elements we all need in our training; The lack of vision permeating the fire service today; and How higher education is the best way to answer the vital question, “What’s over the horizon?” This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Columbia Southern University. Learn more about how you can earn an affordable, accredited quality degree 100% online at ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Fire.  Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

“You’ll use it more than you’ll ever know,” Zam says about going back to school – and he would know, having recently started his own higher education journey. So this week, the Better Every Shift crew welcomes Chief Keith Padgett, the Fire and EMS Academic Program Director with Columbia Southern University, where Zam is currently taking classes, to talk all things advanced degrees, higher education and fire service training. Don’t miss all this: Padgett’s advice for firefighters who are new to higher education The #1 program in which firefighters are enrolling Padgett’s early struggles with school and his “look at me now” moment The degrees for “going beyond” chief-level education Padgett’s advice for firefighters who feel stagnant in their career This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Columbia Southern University. Learn more about how you can earn an affordable, accredited quality degree 100% online at ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Fire.