Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast
Kevin Housley
Welcome to the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast where we coach you to deal with the stressors of the job as a first responder as well as how to thrive off-duty.On the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we talk about positive ways to harness and increase human performance, how this applies to firefighters and first responders and dive into the concepts that lead to your overall health, happiness, and physical and mental health. Topics covered will include human performance psychology, sports psychology, bodies response to stress, mental fitness, physical fitness, recovery techniques, breathing practices and how to be mindful even in the most...
#57. What It Really Means to Be a Professional
We throw the word professional around a lot in the fire service. But are we truly approaching the job with a professional mindset?In this episode, we explore the transition from amateur to professional—what it takes, what it really means, and how to apply those lessons on and off the job. Inspired by The Way of the Champion by Paul Rabil, we break down the mindset shifts that separate those who show up from those who excel.What You’ll Learn:🔥 The difference between getting paid and thinking lik
Feb 5, • 10:27
#56. Firefighter Wellness, Resilience, and Crackyl Magazine with Kory Pearn
What happens when we stop focusing just on the job and start taking care of the person behind the gear? This week’s podcast answers that question in a big way.I sat down with Kory Pearn, firefighter and founder of Crackyl Magazine, to talk about building resilient firefighters and tackling the challenges that impact us beyond the calls. Kory’s got an incredible story—one shaped by health scares, years in the fire service, and a mission to put firefighters first.🔥 Here’s what we dive into:The Se
Dec 18, 2024 • 53:24
#55. Building Resilient Firefighters with Captain Dani Landholm
Join us as we dive into the world of training, leadership, and resilience with Captain Danielle Landholm of the Omaha Fire Department.Dani brings a wealth of experience, from her beginnings as a volunteer firefighter to leading innovative changes in fire academies. She’s a trailblazer in cultivating meaningful training experiences that focus not just on skill but also on building resilient, well-rounded firefighters.🔥 Here’s what we cover in this episode:The Journey of Leadership: Dani’s story
Dec 11, 2024 • 58:33
#54. Building Resilience & Saving Lives: A Wellness Blueprint with Christian Macklin
How do you revolutionize wellness in the fire service? You listen, you lead, and you start small but think big.In this episode, we sit down with Christian Macklin, Health and Wellbeing Officer at South Metro Fire Department. Christian’s journey from a light-duty assignment to leading one of the most innovative wellness programs in the country is nothing short of inspiring. Whether you're a line firefighter, officer, or chief, there’s something in this episode for you.Here’s what we dive into:The
Dec 4, 2024 • 1:02:08
#53 Thriving Through Resilience with Jay Bettencourt: Lessons from the Fireground and the Loss of Captain Bowen
In this powerful episode of the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast, we sit down with Jay Bettencourt, company officer from Asheville, North Carolina, instructor, and founder of the Resilient Mind Program. Jay shares how a life-altering line-of-duty death early in his career shaped his approach to training, resilience, and mindfulness. Together, we explore the psychology of high performance in the fire service and how firefighters can thrive under pressure.From Survival to Thriving: Jay recounts h
Nov 27, 2024 • 1:12:27
#52. Acknowledge, Accept, Let Go With FF Doug McGraw
It's our one year anniversary of the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast and to celebrate we have a very special topic and guest to share with you.This week we speak with former professional baseball pitcher and retired firefighter Doug McGraw on how to show up strong, serve well, and finish strong. Doug has been an instrumental part of my human performance journey and without his guidance, ecouragement, and mentorship over the years, Firefighter Craftsmanship would not be a thing. In this episod
Nov 20, 2024 • 1:29:01
#51. Igniting Creativity: The Key to Building High-Performance Cultures in the Fire Service & Beyond
In this episode of the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast, we dive into how creativity can transform the fire service by building a culture rooted in high performance and genuine engagement. Creativity is often seen as an afterthought in a field focused on discipline, protocols, and safety. But what if tapping into our creative potential could enhance individual and team performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being?We explore the following key topics:1. Self-Determination Theory and Moti
Nov 13, 2024 • 20:20
#50. Are you a First Reactor or a First Responder? Featuring Dave Gillespie of Tactical Resiliency Training
How good are you at actually choosing your response? Is it an intentional choice or is it more of a reaction that you just kind of muddle through? This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we continue our deep dive in how to build your firefighter resilience through intentional training. Division Chief Dave Gillespie helps us connect some dots and gives us some great and simple to implement techniques and processes to help make our response an attainable thing. In this episode we cover
Nov 6, 2024 • 1:13:45
#49. Jeremy Sanders of Crew 1st Culture: Identifying the Good in the Small Spaces
We hear a lot about how we get to choose our mindsets and how we should see the good in everything and every situation we're involved in. That's all great but is it reality?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we have the honor of speaking with Jeremy Sanders of Crew 1st Culture and we dive deep into how things like the growth mindset and separating from the negativity actually work. This is a conversation you aren't going to want to miss.In this episode we cover:Why having foundat
Oct 30, 2024 • 1:10:55
#48. Breathe How You Want to Feel with Matteo Pistono
Want a free resource that you already have harnessed and built into you physiology, psychology and biology? One that can amp you up or slow you down and can absolutely help you CRUSH your goals, expand your mental toughness, and grow your resilience? This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we have the honor of speaking with Matteo Pistono and expand on his recent book "Breathe How You Want to Feel" and learn some actionable tools that you have access to right at this exact moment. Thi
Oct 23, 2024 • 1:20:09
#47 Be a Linchpin.
We gain a lot of value when you search for resources and information from outside of your sphere of influence and outside of your industry. One great and relevant resource for us in emergency services is the world of business and specifically entrepreneurship. One of our favorite books here at Firefighter Craftsmanship is by Seth Godin titled Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we dive into some highlights from this fantastic resource and learn from
Oct 16, 2024 • 17:05
#46. Firefighter Syndrome Could It Be Affecting You Too? Featuring Jadie Miller
We in emergency services want to solve problems. This applies on way more than just 911 calls and sometimes we have to try and solve problems with ourselves or a member of our crew. At times we can notice something is "off" with ourselves or one of our crew members and maybe we chalk it up to disengagement, sleep deprivation, or just having a bad day. What happens if this bad day turns into a bad week, month or a bad few years?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we have the honor
Oct 9, 2024 • 1:08:47
#45. Dena Ali. It's Not Only The Calls. Mental Health and Organizational Leadership
There is a lot of great conversations happening about mental health in emergency services. Unfortunately some of these conversations are ignoring that the 911 calls might not be the root cause of our current challenges and fail to acknowledge that organizations play a massive part in their employee's overall wellness.This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we have the honor of speaking with Battalion Chief Dena Ali and dive deep into some of the lived realities that we need to address
Oct 2, 2024 • 1:07:53
#44. Nitric Oxide's role in your mental and physical health
Nitric Oxide (NO) is a super power gas that we actually produce on our own through normal respiration. This cool gas was initially though of as a toxin but in 1998 won a Nobel Prize for its role in cardiovascular health. This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we dive into how nitric oxide can calm you down, help you do more work on the emergency scene, help you reintegrate into your off-job life easier and even help you to eliminate a runny nose!In this episode we cover:What is nitri
Sep 25, 2024 • 11:35
#43. Hum that song, Get Tougher & Increase Survivability!
Did you know you can actually get tougher by humming a song? It's true and hilariously enough there's actually quite a bit of research to support my claim.This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we dive into how humming can increase your vagal tone (aka make you tougher), help you have higher quality days off with your family, and how this technique is commonly taught in fire academies across the country.In this episode we cover:What is vagal tone and why do we want to increase it?How
Sep 18, 2024 • 16:55
#42 Remembering 9/11/2001
Today marks the 23rd anniversary since the attacks on the United States of America on 9/11. It also marks the greatest rescue in the history of emergency service with over 20,000 people saved. For some of us this event was the catalyst to get into emergency services. For others of us we might have been too young to remember that fateful day.This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we pause to reflect on the sacrifice and the lives lost on 9/11/2001 and to pay homage to them and celebra
Sep 11, 2024 • 5:32
#41. Purpose Vs Performance. Can We Have Both?
Most of us got into emergency services for a reason. Do you remember what your's was? If I was to guess it was probably grounded in some version of "I want to help people" as the foundational element. Do you still feel this way? Has the purpose for you changed over time? Has it gotten stronger or maybe morphed into some other version?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship we dive into a psychological concept of high performers that looks at how can we sustain the "passion" and build helathy,
Sep 4, 2024 • 15:37
#40. Designing Relevant Training with Captain Ian Bennett of West Coast Fire Training
Creating relevant training in emergency services is paramount to success on an actual call. But are we actually doing a good job of replicating the real world environment? How do we balance safety standards with prepping ourselves and our people to actually be ready? Are we overloading ourselves and our students and therefore missing the mark when it comes to training?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship we speak with Captain Ian Bennett of Seattle Fire Department & West Coast Fire Tra
Aug 28, 2024 • 1:05:12
#39. Forging Wellness With Captain Jesse Clark
Is Wellness the new buzzword that sounds cool but is so watered down its losing its punch? We all know it's important but what are the actual parts and pieces that make up wellness and how do we work towards them both personally and organizationally?This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship we speak with Captain Jesse Clark of Boise Fire Department who has worked through some significant challenges and has chosen to thrive vs just survive with a career in emergency services and off the job.In t
Aug 21, 2024 • 1:01:29
#38. Dr. Barb Thompson a Conversation with an Operational Psychologist
Operations is a term that all of us in emergency services are very familiar with. But have you ever heard of an operational psychologist? This special group of highly trained individuals might be the key for you personally and for your organization to take all aspects of what you do to a whole new level.This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship we speak with Dr. Barb Thompson and dive into some really important parts and pieces as we all try and get a little bit better every single day.In this
Aug 14, 2024 • 54:39
#37. Self Efficacy and How it Increases Your Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is always a focus for emergency responders. How do you build more of it? How can you be more resilient in response to the demands of the job? What are the principles that lead to healthy, happy and strong people both on and off the job?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast dives into the psychological theory of self efficacy and how you can use it to catapult not only your mental resilience but also build high performing teams using its frameworks.In this episode we cove
Aug 7, 2024 • 21:28
#36. A Chat with Sleep Specialist Dr. Mark Petrun about Emergency Responders' Shift Work and the Impact on Health
There's a lot of information out there about sleep! As an emergency responder it is tough to figure out how it all applies to you and your specific situation. Especially if you work shifts.This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features Dr. Mark Petrun a longtime pulmonologist with a specialty in sleep medicine who's been involved in the sleep conversation since the early 1980's! Along with having many shift working emergency responder patients over the years, Dr. Petrun's son is an engin
Jul 31, 2024 • 51:38
#35. Using Tech For Performance & Recovery. Featuring Jason Suntych from XTI
We hear a lot about how technology negatively impacts our performance and sleep. Especially blue light from screens before bedtime. Is there a way that we can we use technology to tap into our biology, physiology and psychology to help us become ultimate performers?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features Jason Suntych from XTI and he and his team are doing some tremendous work using PAWS (Pulse Alternating Wavelength System) technology to help you as a first responder get healthy,
Jul 24, 2024 • 1:02:53
#34. The Basics: Sleep Cycles & Your Routines!
Are you aware of the foundational basics of sleep and how a simple understanding of things like the 4 sleep cycles can impact your overall human performance as an emergency responder?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast talks dives into an easy to digest foundation of the basics!In this episode we cover:the 4 Sleep cycles and Why it's important we understand themHow does alcohol play into sleep and does it actually help you sleep better?Why becoming aware of your routines related to sle
Jul 17, 2024 • 24:19
#33: Tape It Up! Could this be the key to a better nights sleep?
Are you sleeping a full 7-9 hours a night (probably when you’re not on shift if you’re a firefighter) but still waking up feeling less than refreshed?Do you toss and turn at night, or wake up with a dry mouth every time? Have you ever gotten smacked because you snore?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast talks about a possible intervention using a small piece of tape that might be a game changer for your rest and recovery both on and off the jobIn this episode we cover:Mouth tape? Are yo
Jul 10, 2024 • 27:20
#32: Fall Asleep or Back To Sleep Quicker Using this Free Tool-Yoga Nidra
Ever have a hard time winding down and falling asleep when at home? How about when you're at work and run a late night call or calls and just can't fall back asleep? Yea...Me too! But I have found a practice that has really helped not only my sleep but literally hundreds of other emergency responders. And the best part is it costs $0.Resources mentioned in this episode:Episode 16: Reframing Performance, Neuro Nidra, and Connection for Success with Emily HightowerEpisode 31: Resilience Traini
Jul 3, 2024 • 15:54
#31. Resilience Training Using Yoga To Master the Mind with Olivia Mead of Yoga For First Responders
Resilience to the stressors of the job as a first responder can be tough. But so can the stressors of just being a human. Some of this stress is good and our reactions to it are a completely natural and appropriate response from our autonomic nervous system. Other stressors can be a detriment to our overall performance both at work and off duty. This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features Olivia Mead from Yoga For First Responders and she brings a unique approach to that thing called
Jun 26, 2024 • 1:18:12
#30. Why Tolerance Matters. CO2 Tolerance That Is!
Firefighters work in environments that require the use of a finite air supply through their SCBA. Being efficient, conditioned, and resilient to all kinds of factors is extremely important for a host of reasons but one is due to this limited air supply. This is one reason why CO2 tolerance is so important but it's certainly not exclusive to firefighters! CO2 tolerance is equated to tolerance to stress overall. Check out this weeks Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast episode that dives into a worki
Jun 19, 2024 • 17:14
#29. Using Periodization For Basic Skills Training
Planning firefighter training can be really tough. Keeping the crew and yourself engaged is sometimes a struggle and it’s easier at times just to wing it. However, winging it usually leads to unfocused actions and just doing the same thing over an over. Is there a concept out there that we can use to develop and plan relevant, useful and fun training?!In this episode we cover:What is Periodization and how can we apply it to basic skills training?The three main components of periodization and how
Jun 12, 2024 • 15:18
#28. Be a Hedgehog and Not a Fox
Have you ever felt completely overextended in work or your personal life? How much of this was because of choices or opportunities that were presented to you that may seem great at the beginning but in time proved to not meet your intended goals or outcomes?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we dive back into the fantastic Jim Collins book titled Good to Great and specifically look a the Hedgehog concept.In this episode we cover:What is the Hedgehog concept and why is it filled with s
Jun 5, 2024 • 22:44
#27. How to Be Into the Job, Be Well Received & Change Cultures for the Better with Preston Lyons of Relentless Rejects
Have you ever been labeled as "too into the job" or struggled to bring a new concept back to your organization? Have you struggled to lead up or down the chain of command and are at a loss on where to start to get some buy-in and traction? Is the balance of being good at your job and good at home taking its toll?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features Preston Lyons from the Relentless Rejects Podcast and he brings a realistic and simple approach that is not only based in effective
May 29, 2024 • 1:24:33
#26. Using Your Breath For Relaxation & a Box Protocol
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to dive into how to use your breath to help you calm down, have a clear mind, and even help you fall asleep or fall back asleep!In this episode we cover:What does CO2 have to do with respiration and why does it matter?3 simple to use breath practices to help you refocus and mitigate stressHow a box breath works and we practice this protocolReferences:Yoga For First Responders Podcast featuring Kevin HousleyThe Vital Connection. Sleep,
May 22, 2024 • 26:17
#25. The Group Effect and Behavioral Matching
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to dive into the Group Effect and how Behavioral Matching can hinder or elevate you as an instructor and/or leader in emergency services. This is an integral component as you try to maintain and build cultures you want to be a part of.In this episode we cover:What is the Group Effect and why is this foundational for positive change?What are the Factors of Behavioral MatchingHow we can improve our teams, relationships and organizations
May 15, 2024 • 31:35
#24. The 5 Components of Feeling Heard
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to continue the discussion about communication and how to build better teams and feel more connected. "Feeling Heard" is a concept all of us have experienced both in a positive sense and a negative one.In this episode we cover:What are the 5 components of feeling heard?How do the 5 components interact with the 3 entities (Me, You, We)?How we can improve our teams, relationships and organizations as a result of simply "feeling heard"Aga
May 8, 2024 • 15:27
#23. Feeling Heard. What is the Research Around This Integral Concept?
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about communication and how to build better teams and feel more connected. "Feeling Heard" is a concept all of us have experienced both in a positive sense and a negative one. In this episode we cover:What are the entities involved in feeling heard?Why is feeling heard such a big deal and how does it tie into employee retention?The research that supports it and how it impacts overall success and increases organizational culture
May 1, 2024 • 17:53
#22 Increase Your Efficiency Using the Pomodoro Technique
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about efficiency and how to get more done using a simple concept called the Pomodoro Technique.In this episode we cover:What the heck is the Pomodoro TechniqeWhy it works and how it increases engagement, accomplishment and motivationThe research that supports it and how it increases overall awarenessPut this technique in play today to be a more effective emergency responder!
Apr 24, 2024 • 16:50
#21 The Window & Mirror of Leadership
On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about Leadership. More specifically, we're starting a deep dive into the best selling book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins. An absolute must read!In this episode we cover:What the 5 Levels of Leadership identified in Good to Great are & how you can use themThe 5 levels of leadership in conjunction with self-awareness to change your effectivenessWhy the Window and Mirror Analysis is so important for leadershipHow to use the W
Apr 17, 2024 • 18:04
#20 Reappraisal and How To Use It For Your Mindset
Why don’t we every so often take an appraisal ourselves? Do you ever really stop and think about why you do what you do or if your current situation is still meeting your intended goals and objectives?On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about Reappraisal (aka Reframing) and how you can use it to increase your performance and mindsetIn this episode we cover:What is reappraisal and reframing?How you can use reappraisal in conjunction with awareness to change your r
Apr 10, 2024 • 20:04
#19 Build Your Tribe
Have you noticed your career in emergency services has changed you?That your relationships both at work and off the job have diminished?On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about Building Your Tribe and why it's so important to focus on relationships to be happy, healthy and strong!In this episode we cover:Why can building culture be so difficult?How staffing models can impact how we are built as humansThe ways you can control the controllables and grow thriving r
Apr 3, 2024 • 21:37
#18 Imagery Training For An Increase In Your Skillset
Are you looking for a creative way to get more out of your training?Where the option is free, easily accessible and will increase performance? On this week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast we’re going to talk about a heavily studied sports psychology principle that you definitely already use in your daily life. It’s called Imagery Training and it can absolutely level up your game and basic skill set!In this episode we cover:What is Imagery and Why Can It Help Me Level Up?What are the parts an
Mar 27, 2024 • 18:49
17. #17 "The 24/72 Shift & the Golden Handcuff Model" With James Geering of Behind the Shield Podcast
Have you wondered if there is a better shift schedule? One that potentially doesn't jeopardize your health or wellbeing? Or maybe you're frustrated by the "golden handcuff" narrative?This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features James Geering from Behind the Shield Podcast and he brings the HEAT about emergency responder health, shift schedules, not believing our own lies and speaks about his journey transitioning out of the fire service to pursue other options. It's a fantastic thought
Mar 20, 2024 • 1:30:12
16. #16 Reframing Performance, Neuro Nidra, and Connection for Success With Emily Hightower of Shift- Part 2
Are you tired of performing well in one area of your life and completely struggling in another area? Do you have trouble falling asleep, turning your brain off, or falling back asleep after a wake-up or running a 911 call? This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features part 2 of our conversation with Emily Hightower from Shift and she gives you some great tools to sleep better, connect with yourself and those around you, and perform at an elite level in all areas of your life. Check it o
Mar 13, 2024 • 47:22
15. #15 Get Tougher & Reintegrate With Some Simple Tools With Emily Hightower of SHIFT-Part 1
Have you ever had a hard time turning your brain off when you got off duty? Have your relationships ever been strained as you tried to reintegrate into daily life off shift? This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast features Emily Hightower from Shift/Adapt and she gives you some great tools to be successful both at work and at home while playing the long game . Check it out here.In this episode we cover:What is down regulation and how do you do it successfully?How can you practice more com
Mar 6, 2024 • 35:45
14. #14 Anxious? Is It a Trait or a State?
On an emergency scene have you ever wondered why sometimes you didn't perform like you did hundreds of times in training? How about why you have a little more anxiety when you're in one situation vs another? Or even why you have an underlying anxiety when you're at work vs when you're not? This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast dives into anxiety and the differences of Trait Anxiety vs State Anxiety. Check it out here.In this episode we cover:What are the differences of Trait & State
Feb 28, 2024 • 25:06
13. #13 Challenge the Narrative Featuring Capt. Sean Gray
On this weeks Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we talk with Captain Sean Gray from Cobb County Fire Department. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:How to be an agent of positive change in yourself & your fire departmentHow a lifetime of fitness commitment transfers to our jobs as firefightersWhat the key is to play the long game in the emergency servicesWays to increase your mental toughness and build a culture you want to be a member ofYou can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spoti
Feb 21, 2024 • 47:15
12. #12 Do you have Expectations Of Yourself and How do You Communicate them?!
Episode 12 of the Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast continues to expand upon the concepts of mindset and expectations. We explore how to set positive expectations of ourselves and explore the concept of talking to ourselves vs listening to ourselves. Ultimately it is up to you! Check it out here.In this episode we cover:What are your expectations of yourself and how do you define them?Are these expectations building you up or holding you back?How does Self Determination Theory play into our ind
Feb 14, 2024 • 26:03
11. #11 Setting Expectations at the Crew Level and Beyond
This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast is up and we talk about how to set expectations at the crew level to be clear, concise, and build a cohesive team. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:What are expectations and how do we define them?Who do the expectations actually belong to and how to get all members of the crew involvedHow do we build resilient cohesive teams through clearly defined and communicated expectationsYou can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spotify!On the FFC Pod
Feb 7, 2024 • 28:08
10. #10 Mindset and How to Win The Day
This week's Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast dives into Mindset and how we ultimately get to choose it. This choice can hinder us or it can propel us. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:What are the types of Mindset?How do we develop a helpful Mindset?What myelin is and how it might be the actual superpower towards success4 strategies to train mindset to be successful in all areas of your lifeYou can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spotify!On the FFC Podcast we coach you to deal with
Jan 31, 2024 • 23:04
09. #09 Psychological Detachment From Work
In this episode we talk about Psychological Detachment from Work and give you actionable tools to help bridge the gap between work life and off-work lifeIn this episode we cover:What is Psychological Detachment?The research that supports this concept and its impactWays to recognize where you are and what needs to happen to help keep you happy, healthy and strong as an emergency responderStrategies around psychological detachment and tools that you can implement for zero costBoundary management a
Jan 24, 2024 • 24:20
08. #08 Cancer Prevention & Action-Featuring Capt. Chris Van Luen
This week on the Firefighter Craftsmanship Podcast we talk with Capt. Chris Van Luen about how to own your own health and steps you can take to proactively stay in the game. Since January is Cancer Awareness Month for Firefighters we dive into Chris' personal journey with cancer and get into some ways you can strengthen your ability to deal with some of the exposure issues we deal with as firefighters. In this episode we cover:How do we take charge of our own health as firefighters?How do we br
Jan 17, 2024 • 59:10
07. #07 Your Stress Is Affecting Those Around You
This week’s Firefighter Craftsmanship podcast is an honest conversation directed at you supervisors specifically (but we think there’s lots of value for all ranks!) We wrap up our series addressing the recent Fire Rescue1 survey in this episode and talk about How Your Stress is Affecting Those Around You. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:The data points around supervisor stress and yes it is affecting your peopleWe’re falling down as organizations in providing tools and resources to ma
Jan 10, 2024 • 29:40
06. #06 How to Empower Your People to Be Mentally Tough and Mentally Fit- Featuring Fire Chief Mike West
This weeks podcast features Chief Mike West who is doing some leading edge things with his department, Front Range Fire Rescue, especially in empowering his people to be resilient and ready. In this episode we cover:How to empower your firefighters to be mentally tough and mentally wellHow to develop happy and healthy firefighters and Chief officersThe benefits of a 1900 start time for the 48/96 shift schedule! Semper Gumby: How to create flexible cultures that also are empowered to ask “Why?”Yo
Jan 3, 2024 • 57:28
05. #05 What Firefighters Wanted in 2023
This week we talk about what Firefighters wanted in 2023 based on the survey conducted by Fire Rescue 1 of almost 2200 firefighters. In this episode we cover:The data from almost 2200 firefighters and the alarming trends that we can derive from these numbersHow we can impact ourselves and our crew in a positive wayStress and how it is negatively impacting us in the fire serviceSome solutions for immediate resultsYou can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spotify!On the FFC Podcast we empower emerg
Dec 27, 2023 • 22:37
04. #04 Athletic Identity, What is it and How Do we Build a Healthy One?
This week we talk about your athletic identity and some steps on how to build a healthy one. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:What is athletic identity and why does it matter for you as an emergency responder/tactical athlete?How do you develop healthy one?What sort of impact do others have on your athletic identity?Why does this matter in the overall scheme of things?You can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spotify!On the FFC Podcast we coach you to deal with the stressors of the job
Dec 20, 2023 • 23:43
03. #03 Building Resilience BEFORE You Need It
This week's podcast is up and it's chock full of great tips and strategies to help you go out and crush it. This week we talk about how to build resilience BEFORE you need it on an emergency call. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:What is resilience?How do we develop individual resilience before we need to tap into itHow do we build resilient teams and how does leadership play into resiliencyYou can listen here on Apple Podcast or Spotify!On the FFC Podcast we coach you to deal with t
Dec 13, 2023 • 26:54
02. #02: Allostatic Load and Your Crews' Impact on It: featuring Lt. Taylor Montey
This weeks podcast is up and it's chock full of great tips and strategies to help you go out and crush it. This week features Lt. Taylor Montey who also happens to be a licensed counselor, fitness coach, mom and wife and she brings some serious knowledge to this conversation. Check it out here!In this episode we cover:What the heck is Allostatic Load and why should you care?The masks that we wear and the impact of these longtermSeeking the approval of othersHow to create environments where peop
Dec 6, 2023 • 35:23
