Couplings Fire Podcast: Recent Episodes
Taylor
Join me, Taylor, - a volunteer firefighter & fire wife to my favorite firefighter - as I talk everything and anything fire related.
I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
It's time for another Fireflix & Chill.
Let's get into a TV show this time: Tacoma F.D.
Join us every month or two (or whenever we want to chill) for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie/show, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all. Do you agree with what we think? Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't? What's the next show we should watch? Let us know!
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As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Pessimism is a common thread in the first responder industry - and sometimes I get so sick of it! We have the privilege to do this job, so let's act like it.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Part 2 with Kyle Straight!
This episode, we get into all things F.O.O.L.S. (Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads Society). What are they about, is there a chapter near you, how do you join, and even more questions will be asked and answered. Be ready for plenty of rabbit trails - Kyle and I just can't help ourselves!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Today, I dig out an interview I recorded last summer that sadly never ended up getting published. Well, it's about time.
Kyle Straight joins me to talk shop on fire life and go into some of our favorite conferences we've attended. We end the episode with a great segment of Family Firefighter Survival - going over so much, including how not to get divorced while going to paramedic school.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
It's been a minute....
I've been gone a while and much longer than I would have ever thought, but God's been doing work in the trenches that required my full attention. Come with me on a journey through my version of Faith, Family, Fire and why I'm coming back to the podcast world.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Welp, life happens. I planned on relaunching the podcast today, but alas - it will have to wait until tomorrow. Join me then!
Ready to chase those pesky rabbits? I have the perfect guest to take us on this journey: David Pruitt. Such a great talk - we had to break it into 2 episodes!
Some topics here in part 2: NFPA 1403, Does it scare you enough to train?, Disorientation & Discomfort, Fire history dive, The condition determines your position, Learn your partner's search language, How to show fire to your students, Know your niche, Comparing house to victim to suspects, Making conversations the norm, - and we end it all out with another fantastic, deep segment of Family Firefighter Survival.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Ready to chase those pesky rabbits? I have the perfect guest to take us on this journey: David Pruitt. Such a great talk - we had to break it into 2 episodes!
Some topics here in part 1: How David got into the fire service, purposeful training, Vetting information, Fire WANTS to consume you, Completion is what matters, The fire service is hard to get into but easy to stay, How we value our firefighters, Find the moments of truth, Laying your heart on the line, Call volume vs call quality, Making every call a fire call, and more.
Part 2 with David will be coming next week!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, Kathy Edwards & Tracy McCart join me to talk all about a little idea they had that turned into a widespread community of spouses helping spouses: Fire Wife Life. The fire life can be hard to navigate at times, and whether you are a spouse or firefighter tuning in, there are tons of nuggets to grab out of this episode to apply to your relationship. Let's dig in.
Connect with Fire Wife Life at www.firewifelife.org.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
I'm in a place where I know I need to recommit to things: from the podcast to my family, church to the fire department. Getting back into the swing of things when you've been away for so long can be daunting. Sometimes all it takes are small steps every day to get back to where you were. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Find my favorite fire conferences: linktr.ee/couplingsfirepodcast
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Join me for an experiment. Before I gave birth to my son, I was curious about how hard or easy it would be to put family first when it came to the fire service: conferences to fire calls to job opportunities, and everything in between. Would my priorities flip like a switch due to hormones? Would I have the most agonizing FOMO or guilt? I wanted answers. So, I sat down and recorded my thoughts 1 week before my due date - and then I recorded the 2nd half 8 weeks after. This episode gets real, deep, and emotional. I find thoughts I didn't know I had and take on struggles I didn't know I'd face - all in real time. Firefighters: If you want a chance to open up about why family first is hard, this episode is for you. Spouses: If you want to know why your firefighters have a hard time saying no to fire things, listen in. It's sure to be eye opening.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
You know the saying: "If you do a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life." Yep - it's another one of those episodes - I have a different take on this common phrase. I say: If you do a job you love, you'll work HARDER than you ever have in your life. With that love comes drive, frustration, fulfillment, and strain. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Let's get deep. Have you ever felt an overwhelming, neverending, reckless love? The kind of love that chases you down to bring you back home - no matter how far you've stepped off the path? The fire service is top notch at going to great lengths to save Mrs. Smith, but what about our own? What about the firefighter who everyone has already written off? You know who I mean: the firefighter always causing problems, making all the wrong choices, and on their way out the door. They deserve someone to go the extra mile for them - and they deserve that someone to be you. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Getting back into regular episodes, this week I talk with Nick Magoteaux with Brothers Helping Brothers.
We have SO MANY good discussions around his experience in a police explorer program, working dispatch, firefighting, the Brothers Helping Brothers mission, and the upcoming Firefighter Health & Wellness Conference held in Exotic Beavercreek, Ohio every October. We end the episode with our staple segment, Family Firefighter Survival - this time digging into Nick's new adventure of becoming a dad.
Brothers Helping Brothers: www.brothershelpingbrothers.org
Conference information:https://events.brothershelpingbrothers.org/ffhw2023/
Get ready for an inside look at an extremely cool, effective, and useful tool in the fire service: The Williams Key. Trevor and I get into his testing journey for the fire service, the tools he is creating to help firefighting operations, and - as always - Family Firefighter Survival.
See the Williams Key for yourself here:www.williamskey.com
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.comFor 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Happy Revenge of the 5th, everybody! Yep - that's right - I had to take advantage of all the Star Wars references with my podcast returning to its' regularly scheduled weekly episodes.
Join me this week as I go over a little of how motherhood is going, some struggles adjusting to this new life, and a look at where the podcast is headed.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Yep, you read the title right - I'm starting my maternity leave from the podcast early. I've been absent for a little while, due to some complications with the pregnancy. Everything's fine, but family comes first here, so that means taking a break from the "extras" of life and going to enjoy the last couple weeks of pregnancy & snuggling my newborn when he arrives. Don't worry - I'll be back with NEW weekly episodes again starting May 5th!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Oh yes - another series is coming to the podcast! Join me for Car Chronicles. Are you like me - where when you take long drives to conferences or other destinations, your brain just... runs? You find yourself on a topic, can't stop thinking about it, get completely fired up, and want to talk to someone right then? Yeah - it happens to me a lot. So, I introduce you to Car Chronicles. The audio isn't the best (I hope to invest in a lapel mic to make future segments of this better), but the content is straight from my heart. No notes, less than 5 minutes of prep - just solid stream of consciousness and a look into how my brain works & processes topics.
This episode, we're getting into Tunnel Vision. Yeah - you know tunnel vision from the fireground, but what about when driving or even in day to day life? Can focusing so hard on our end goals really be a bad thing or get in the way? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
As first responders, we are pulled and stretched into so many directions - simply because people "need" us. This is a building block of who we are and why many of us do the job. But, what happens when those responsibilities pile up, eating more and more of our time, energy, and soul - to the point of damaging our lives? Do we leave those who are relying on us hanging? Does this actually effect our families too? Join me as I dig into the dilemma we face every day.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Get ready for an inside look at an extremely cool, effective, and useful tool in the fire service: The Williams Key. Trevor and I get into his testing journey for the fire service, the tools he is creating to help firefighting operations, and - as always - Family Firefighter Survival.
See the Williams Key for yourself here:
www.williamskey.com
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Happy New Year!
I'm not a fan of New Years Resolutions - so we get into something I'm trying this year - Anti Goals. What the heck are Anti Goals? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Get Official Podcast Merch at couplingsfirepodcast.myspreadshop.com
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Join me as I get into some amazing tips and tricks with my friend Brandon Fletcher (Chief Fletcher - 901) about AFG Strategies for Success. Chief Fletcher is one of those who volunteer their time to evaluate and score the applications that are received by AFG - part of the process that determines if your grant is selected - which means he knows better than many what works and what usually doesn't.
We don't go over all of the steps to make sure you spelled your name right or have your SAM account - you can get that anywhere. We focus on the narrative section, priority lists, and what evaluators are actually looking at and for. Stay tuned through to the entire episode for tips all the way till we sign off. Whether you are applying this year or in future years, this is one episode you will want to download to listen to and reference more than once.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Are you ready for a different type of episode this week? You're in for a ride.
Join me and my good friend, Logan Watts, as we get into the age old debate of Standards vs Excellence. There is no right or wrong opinion for this topic - our goal is to get you to think and really understand the different ways this can be approached. When we are able to look at things from all sides, we increase our ability to make better decisions and set up ourselves, fellow firefighters, and crews up for success. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
This week, I'm joined by my husband, Chris, and Rob Ridley from National Fire Radio! Join us as we dig into our 2022 Christmas Lists. There are no rules for our lists, so get ready for some fun, laughter, and rabbit trails on what we would like for the fire service this year.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Here we go again - ready for another episode where I combing several of my loves together into one? You're in the right spot!
What do the fire service, Disney, and Star Wars have in common? Choosing a successor, of course! Join me this week while I dive into some current events in the Walt Disney Company and how that got my brain churning of why the change up is such a relatable topic to the fire service, and how I believe we should be choosing successors and training future leaders in the fire service. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, I'm joined by Dennis Reilly for some amazing conversations, chasing that poor rabbit till it's completely tuckered out. From his journey of getting into the fire service to retirement and everywhere in between (and even beyond), this is an episode chalked full of stories and life lessons. Of course, we end the episode with a segment of Family Firefighter Survival and see just what it takes to make a marriage last - and thrive - through an entire career.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Are you guys ready for a new episode series?? I introduce to you: The Pregnancy Files.
When I found out I was pregnant back a few months ago, I scoured the internet for tips and advice on firefighter pregnancies - but was pretty unsuccessful. Yes, there were some resources out there, but nothing on what I wanted to know. So, I decided to take it into my own hands - If I couldn't find what I was looking for, I was going to make something for the next firefighters who have them same questions as I do.
Join me in real time as I navigate the emotions, questions, and hard decisions that come with being pregnant as an active firefighter. Stay tuned in the coming months for episodes that continue the journey - all the way through the finish line and beyond.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
I'm back from a small hiatus due to moving houses, but I'm ready to record in full force!
This week, Dr. Sara Jahnke joins me in an amazing talk all about firefighter reproductive health. With talk on pregnancy, miscarriages, sperm, hormones, and more - this podcast is not just for the ladies out there, or even just those looking to have kiddos around. Hormones affect all of us - so come learn something new with me. Let's dig in.
To find out more from today's episode: www.Science-Alliance.org (use code "coupling" to sign up for 1 year of free membership!!!) Email Dr. Sara Jahnke: jahnke@ndri-usa.org Watch Fire Engineering Webcast with Sara Jahnke
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout! www.FlameDecon.com Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Hello for the 2nd installment of Fireflix and Chill.
Chris is back and this time, we watch Backdraft 2.... and boy, was it a doozy.
Join us every month or two for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all. Do you agree with what we think? Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't? What's the next movie we should watch? Let us know!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
It's that time again. The last time I updated everyone on what life as a firewife was back in January when I talked about how the academy experience was like from my perspective. Well, my husband is now off of his probationary status and we've been tackling his new schedule out on the streets for about 10 months. So.... what's it been like? Have we finally gotten used to it? Did it take 3-6 months like we thought?
Oh yeah - and I got some big news to share with you all. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
We are allowed to change our opinions. As we gather more information, times change, and our personal circumstances evolve, so may - and should - our opinions.
Are we judging people based on something they did/said years ago, even when they are a different person now? Are we discrediting some who support an opposing view than their earlier years? Are we as people too worried about memorializing our words and image that we fail to stand our ground and push for something we believe in - all in the name to stay in "good light"? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Bonus Episode time!!!
I was so honored to be asked by Jeremy Sanders to be a guest on the Crew 1st Culture podcast!
"I'm joined today by my friend Taylor Anderson host of the Couplings Fire Podcast. Taylor talks about her journey that has brought her into the fire service and into becoming a podcast host. I enjoyed giving her the opportunity to be on the other side of the microphone this time and loved hearing her story."
"Anyone Can Cook" - I love this quote from Ratatouille. But what does it mean? Can anyone really cook? How does this have any ties into the fire service? Join me and all of my quirks as we dig into this topic.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon,
use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Yep, that title caught you, didn't it?
This week, let's get into the top points I took from my experiences in high school & college band that helped shape me into the firefighter I am today, and the reminder of what I want to be.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
For 15% off of Flame Decon, use code "couplings15" at checkout!
www.FlameDecon.com
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Join me and Adam Haywood from Independent Fire Training as we go into all things rotary saws! This subject is so niche, how and why did Adam decide to create a training company based off of this tool? Find out with me.
Some of the subjects we touch on this week: Formative moments in our careers, why being a passionate instructor matters, how do you find out more about those nice subjects you're passionate about, why we love online lectures, rotary saws (uh, duh!), Family Firefighter Survival, and.... water cans?? Yes. Water cans. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
If you've been around the fire service for any length of time, I can almost guarantee you've heard the phrase "Water boils from the bottom." It's empowering, inspiring, and makes us feel invincible. Now, I don't think this is a bad phrase, but I do have a bone to pick with it and those of us (yes - me included) who use it. Are we truly understanding & vocalizing what this phrase entails before we use it as advice? Is who you're giving the advice to comprehending what you're telling them? Does any of that even matter? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, my friend Brandon Fletcher (Chief Fletcher 901) joins me for one of the most unscripted episodes ever. When I told him rabbit trails were encouraged, he took that to heart - and I'm thankful he did!
Where did we go? Pursuing knowledge, never stop learning, make it happen, jealousy, resentment, quality over quantity, applying leadership principles of volunteer leadership to the career side, morale is a metric, change is required, Family Firefighter Survival and SO MUCH MORE. Come with us on this adventure.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
We're in the middle of some longer guest episodes and I wanted to give you something short, but very powerful to think about today: Do you take the time to "enjoy the sunsets"?
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Are you ready for something NEW?! This episode marks the beginning of a brand new series on the podcast: Fireflix and Chill.
Would it surprise you to know that I have not seen very many fire movies and shows? I know, I know - I'm so into this fire life, it doesn't make any sense. Dude, I had never seen Backdraft before we recorded this episode! Oh yes...I said WE: Welcome back one of the OG's of the podcast - my husband, Chris!
Join us every month or two for a new installment on this series where we will pick a fire movie, watch it, and record our reactions & opinions to share with you all. Do you agree with what we think? Is there something we should have discussed, but didn't? What's the next movie we should watch? Let us know!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, Corley Moore from Firehouse Vigilance joins me on the podcast to dig into - well, just about everything. I thought I loved rabbit trails and chasing squirrels... Corley is right there with me!
Consistency, Introvert Power, Navigating Conflict, Promotion, Death by 1000 Cuts, Tradition, Family Firefighter Survival, and more..... The topics are real, the people are down to earth, and we are just speaking our minds. Come join us as we fight complacency with vigilance.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Join me as I talk with some amazing people in the fire service at Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake 2022 - at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
Everyone in these mini episodes:
- David Mellen & Ben Burbridge with Valor Fire Training
www.valorfiretraining.com
- Andy Soccodato with The Water Theives
www.thewaterthieves.com
- Kathy Edwards & Tracy McCart with Fire Wife Life
www.firewifelife.org
- Kyle Straight with Brew City FOOLS
www.brewcityfools.com
- Dennis Reilly with First Line Fire Service Training
www.facebook.com/CHFDBC1303
- Jeremy Sanders with Crew 1st Culture
www.crew1stculture.com
- Chris Kessinger with Citizens First Fire Training
www.citizensfirstfiretraining.com
- Adam Haywood with Independent Fire Training
www.independentfiretraining.com
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Youtube: www.youtube.com
As this episode comes out, I'm currently at Revolutionary Fire Tactics at the Lake in Missouri - no doubt having an absolute blast. While I was packing a few days ago, the quote I have on my folio that I keep my notebook in for conferences caught my eye: "Kick down doors for others to walk through."
Yeah, it can seem silly to have this quote written on my folio for others to see, but this quote has an incredible meaning in my heart. This quote has helped push me to who I want to be and who I am on my way to becoming. No - it's not the macho, "I'm awesome and follow me". It's also not girl power, "I'm a girl in the fire service and I have to pave the way." This quote has a much deeper meaning than any of that. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
I was joined by Pip & Tracey (aka Mrs. Pip) and we had FUN. The rabbit trails are endless - and these are when you know things are coming from the heart, and some of the best conversations can be had.
What happens when both spouses are in the "helping" world? Have you always been into fitness? Are family workouts easy? Do changes & problems come up after 18 years of marriage? How do you begin to work through those? Is Instagram like reality? Are balances of personalities needed in not just marriage, but friendships and work relationships too? We go through all of those questions and more.
This episode has no official Family Firefighter Survival section - instead, the entire episode encompasses this segment of the show.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
We have a problem in the fire service, and this one is called Monday Morning Quarterbacking. You know - where someone sits and watches fire videos from fire departments running calls across the country & world, but they don't just watch - they bash & critique, throwing any sense of professionalism and decorum out the window. I can't stand people like this. But - more importantly - how do I make sure I myself don't slip into these episodes from time to time? Is there a difference between Monday Morning Quarterbacking these videos and actually learning from them? What do the two look like and how do we keep ourselves on a good path to get the most we can out of our time watching these videos? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, we go DEEP into something I knew basically nothing about: CBD. Jon Vought from Rescue 1 CBD joined me for an inside look at CBD for first responders. I had a great time and learned SO MUCH from someone who has gone above and beyond to do the research. But - before we got into that - we take a rabbit hole down the topic of explorer programs and the amazing impact it can have on your community & fire department.
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today. One of my favorite takeaways from this week's section: Jon has a way of looking at decompressing from the job I've never heard before - and something I'm definitely going to look into. You definitely want to listen in to hear his take.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Okay, maybe I watch too much HGTV, but have you ever noticed how similar finding a fire department to apply for or join is eerily similar to House Hunters? Then, once you are on, there tends to be the unavoidable renovations like on Property Brothers? Is there a one-size-fits-all approach to finding the perfect department or is there room for different tastes? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, I'm joined by Lance Routson from the Iowa Fire Flyer podcast to talk about... well, just about everything! Starting out with how he came to be in the fire service, we quickly dive into rabbit hole after rabbit hole - following it almost down into Fire Service Wonderland. This was such an engaging episode with amazing perspectives that I can't wait for you to hear.
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Are you learning the information and skills being taught to you, or are you simply memorizing for the "test"? Are you building your Lego model with a solid foundation you know is right, or are you going to have to tear it apart and start over halfway through when you figure out you messed up? How do you find out which one you're doing, and how do we make sure that amazing Hogwarts Castle Lego set will look like the picture on the box when we're finished? Yes, I'm mixing the fire service with Legos this week. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Taking advantage of the rewind. What the heck do I mean by that? We live in an amazing day and age where we have the ability to stop, rewind, and take things in again. Do we take advantage of it as much as we should? Now, you may think of a video, podcast, or music right away when I talk about rewinding, but this also happens when we retake a class, read the notes we've written, reread a book, have the same conversation with someone - the list goes on and on. Our brains are so interesting and when you put yourself into situations more than once, you're able to solidify an idea you've learned, pick up on new information, or see things from a new perspective than the first time around. It's fascinating and oh so valuable. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, I went through a fire training. I was completely ready to go, tons of energy, I'd done it plenty of times before - I'd be fine. Middle of the training, I completely botched it and had to tap out. I was angry with myself, embarrassed, and just plain frustrated. This feeling. This is what we're talking about today: Dealing with Failure. How do we deal with it in the moment? What path are you going to choose after failing? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
“You want weapons? We’re in a library! Books! The best weapons on the world!” - Doctor Who
It's true, books are our best weapons - even when fighting fires. Do you have a dedicated library space in your firehouse? What does it look like? What resources do you have in it? Is it an inviting place where people want to be? Does your department or crew foster an atmosphere of learning? I've been itching to go over all of that and more. Also, what would your firehouse book club look like? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
It's time to stay true to the intro for the show and get into some real & deep discussions. Earlier this week, I was driving and the song Pretender by AJR popped up on my playlist. This song hit me SO HARD and sent me straight back to some situations where I know I've played the pretender before. I'm here to openly admit that I've been a pretender in past situations - and a good one. I'm not happy about it, I'm not proud of it - but, I know I need to talk about it. I know some of you have been the pretender at times too, and maybe this episode will reach you & help you realize it's time to stare it in the face and make the conscious effort to stop. Stop worrying about fitting in, stop worrying about being labeled, and stop worrying about impressing people. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
I think it's time to get into a little bit of Human Behavior talk. I have a personal love for personality type quizzes (mainly to figure out what the heck my own brain is trying to tell me), so this week let's get into a few common ones. We'll go over Type A vs Type B, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram. Ever wonder what type I am in these tests? Well, you'll get those answers, as well as figuring out how these tests can be a great tool to take your leadership up to the next level. Understanding human behavior is essential to creating a productive working environment and has every right to be a big part of the fire service. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Join me for a special bonus episode as I talk about what's going on in life & an update on stickers!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Wait - they have a fire department in Antarctica?! What's it like? How's the weather? How many people are there? What does your day look like? Is firefighting the same in that climate? Do you use different equipment? What about hydrants? How do you even get the opportunity to go down there?? Yep - those were all of my questions, and more.
My friend, Justin Ferris, joins me on the podcast this week to talk all about his year-long contract to Antarctica back in 2003. What do you think of when you think of Antarctica? I think of the planet Hoth from Star Wars, polar bears & penguins, being a frozen block 24/7, and a single building in the middle of nowhere. Well, I was a little right AND I was very wrong!
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
Many of us are not only unaware of the number of choices we make in a given day, but - more importantly - how each choice we make plays an impact on our lives. From small decisions (like what to have for breakfast) to larger decisions (like what job to take), each decision creates a new path and either sets us up for success or slows our progress. What's decision fatigue? Are small decisions really that important? How do we go about making better decisions? Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, Tom Marchiano joins me to talk all about engaging new members - from the application all the way to the officer's seat. Way back in Episode 2, Chris and I went into Tips for the New Volunteer Firefighter, now join Tom & I for a great look from the senior firefighter/officer's view to make sure we set them up for success. We jump into so many tracks of thought on this one - you definitely won't want to miss it.
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
If you've been listening for a while, you may have picked up that I'm a fan of Disney. No, not just the movies & parks, but the business side of the company too. From paying attention for the last 10 or so years, I've picked out 3 things I think Disney has been doing right to keep their business at forefront people's minds when they want quality - and how those 3 things translate straight over to the fire service.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
How do I even begin to describe this episode?
I'm joined by Jeremy Sanders from the Crew 1st Culture podcast - and we dig DEEP. Choosing what "hill to die on", doing things in your own time, finding your place, pursing daily growth, managing life as a single parent, becoming a foster parent, unique struggles of a blended family, life balance, and going over the fears we all have of opening up - this episode is a whopper. We get into amazing, deep, REAL talk. Things we don't want to admit and hard truths. The kind of conversations both of us wish we would see throughout the fire service, in the station, and in our personal lives.
It's a long one, but it's exactly the conversation that deserves the extended air time.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
UGH! Isn't it just THE WORST when you're driving the rig, lights & sirens blaring, and you get stuck behind someone who just won't pull over? Maybe they do, but it's the absolute last place you'd like them to go. It's SO frustrating! I get it. I don't like it either. But, have you ever stopped to think that it may not be entirely their fault? When was the last time you thought of that scenario from their position - not as a trained first responder driving your POV in daily life, but as just another non-trained citizen? I have a lot of thoughts on this one and maybe some takes on it you haven't thought of before. Let's dig in.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
This week, I dive with my friend Steven Bridges into the process of what it's like to purchase a new apparatus from a manufacturing company. We go into the whole process, how long it takes, what it's like, and some tips Steven's learned through the years. If you've never been through the process before, this is definitely an episode that will open your eyes and give you a good starting point for your own purchase. This will be a part 1 of 2 - with the 2nd part being an interview with an apparatus manufacturing company for their views and tips on the process - to be recorded & released in the future.
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
It's been 1 year since the start of this podcast - How is that possible?!
Take a look into the journey of this past year, where our listeners are from, the most popular episodes, and exciting new things coming for the podcast!
As always, I don’t claim to be an expert, I just love to talk fire and I’m not afraid to get into real & deep discussions. Everything I say is my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions of any agency or organization I am associated with.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC75ze7HT8IAlVYwV1y5Aosg
I'm back this week with another guest episode - this time featuring Richard "Zuni" Zuniga from Talkin Outta My Stache!
This episode has A LOT of great information in it. We start out exploring the mind of a creative, jump into how he found his way to the fire service, touch on interview prep tips, and then dig into the main topic - Having "The Job" be your identity - and our thoughts on having a well rounded and fulfilling life.
Zuni and I end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
How did we get to the "Chief/President does everything" way of running things? Are there ways we can spread out that responsibility off of their shoulders to help prevent burnout and keep the people in those positions focusing on the overall picture of moving the department forward? Let's go through some ideas and thoughts I have on this subject.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
The Line of Duty Deaths from Baltimore this week have been bothering me, more than any past LODD I've heard about... Why is that? What's changed? Why am I suddenly experiencing fear: Fear for my friends, fear for my husband, even fear for myself. You can do everything right, train, be in great shape..... and yet, still..... things happen. I'm not going to let fear stop me from doing this "job" I love so much, so what can I do to help manage it? How do I as a spouse keep it from overcoming me when my husband goes out on a "good" call while on shift? Let's get into it.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
I'm back this week with another guest episode - this time featuring Nick Higgins from The Firehouse Tribune!
We dig into his new book - The 5-Tool Firefighter - and have some amazing conversation. "It has long been said that firefighters are truly a special breed of athletes. In fact, firefighting and sports go hand in hand. Instead of training for world championships or gold medals, firefighters are training each and every day to protect life and property all around the world. So, what separates good firefighters from exceptional well-rounded firefighters? Simply five key attributes obtained and implemented through Nick's time in the fire service and as an athlete." So, what are the attributes that make a 5-Tool Firefighter? Join us as we go all in. You won't want to miss this one.
Nick and I end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they wish they would have done differently, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
I'm feeling a bit under the weather this week, so it's the perfect time to use one of my short episode topics.
Life can be tough and frustrating. Have you stopped to think about all of the good things lately? Whether in your personal life or at the fire station, there are plenty of things to be thankful for. Whatever we look for, we will find.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Chris is getting to finishing his fire academy with his new department.... so how did I end up handling it? You saw the first week's woes back in Episode 30, now get the entire low down of what it's like being a spouse during the academy:
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What each section was like
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What the hardest timeframe was for me
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What we did to survive
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What I wish we would have done
-
What I look forward to with shift days
-
and What I'm dreading about shift days.
This episode does not reflect Chris's opinions on academy and is in no way critiquing the department's academy set-up (to be honest, I actually love the way they set it up).
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Should we chat about the elephant in the room? Doors that closed (or slammed) in your face: Didn't pass your NREMT or FF1, Didn't get the job, Didn't make the officer position, Let go from your career or volunteer department, You just don't understand a training no matter how hard you try, or maybe you had an injury. Why does this happen? What does it mean? What can we do about it? Let's chat.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Merry Christmas Eve everyone!!!
This week's episode I'm joined by my friend, Curtis Hensley, and we take a page out of our childhood where we used to write up a Christmas List for Santa every year. Well, we've grown older through the years, but that doesn't mean we don't still have a Christmas List - and ours are based around fire! Have a good time with us while we laugh, reminisce, and dream of our most desired items.
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival" - but Christmas Themed! Curtis and I get into family Christmas Traditions each of us keep every year.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
A post on social media recently got to me. A first responder, brand new into the "job", was guilted and pressured into removing their post after coming to a first responder facebook group to ask a question and get constructive answers. Unexpectedly, they received negative comments, jabs against their abilities & knowledge, and - quite honestly - bullying and harassment. Ultimately, they ended up leaving the group. This happens time and time again. Why do we fail our fellow firefighters this way? Why does it keep happening? What can we do to keep this from happening? Let's talk.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media! Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Join me as I share an amazing conversation with Bill Dungey, creator of The Wedge. What is The Wedge? In the simplest terms - it's a goal setting program designed to teach you how properly set goals and succeed in achieving them. Yes, that's the simple explanation, but there is SO MUCH MORE to the program. And, did I mention the program is Free???? I'm trying out this program in January myself and can't wait to experience it!
We end the episode with another segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they wish they would have done differently, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
I had the amazing opportunity last month to go on two 24hour ride alongs with a career city fire department. In this week's episode, I'll walk you through my experience, what I learned, what differs from the volunteer experience I know, and what absolutely blew me away. If you have ever thought of making the transition from volunteer to career, this episode is for you.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This week, my friend Rob Ridley from National Fire Radio and I go over the question, "Are there such a thing as bad members?". What differentiates a bad member from a good member? We then travel around from topic to topic - both related and unrelated as far as the rabbit holes take us. This is a long episode, but every bit is filled with valuable insight & opinions.
We end the episode with the 3rd, but first OFFICIAL segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Thank you, Rob, for the name! Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they wish they would have done differently, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Do you get stuck in the same bubble & routine that you're used to? Constantly go to the same restaurants, hang with the same people, watch the same shows, read the same type of articles? You're stuck in an algorithm, my friend.
What would life be like if we broke that cycle? How do we grow our perspectives and thought processes to come up with new possibilities and solutions to our lives and even the fire service? Let's dig in.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This week, my friend Logan Watts joins me to talk over the importance of the search and the realities rural departments deal with. Volunteer or Career - it doesn't matter & the public doesn't care - they just want you to do the job you signed up for. You're in for a lot of deep insight and intriguing rabbit trails on this one.
We end the episode with the second segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they wish they would have done differently, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Do you have a plan to fight a main street fire in your first due? Have you ever thought about how you would respond, what resources you need, and what your department is even capable of? Don't wait until the call comes in to think about it for the first time. This episode is here to get you thinking, helping you figure out what information to gather to start making your plan. As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can. Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know! Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out! Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast Clubhouse: @couplingspod Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This week I have the amazing opportunity to sit down with a friend and mentor who has had a very big impact on my growing passion in my fire career: David Mellen of Valor Fire Training.
How can conferences have an impact on you? What is the importance of realistic training? How does good training impact future fire calls? We cover this and more in an episode full of good conversation. We end the episode with the first official segment of "Family Firefighter Survival". Each guest episode, we will dig into how the job works & intertwines with family life, what they wish they would have done differently, what they have learned along the way, and how they make the best of it with their family today.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Buckle in, we get real on this episode. Be prepared to challenge the way you've always thought about things and open your mind to another perspective.
This one is for those of us (myself very much included) who are gung-ho, fire always on our minds, and tend to think, "no one else is taking this seriously". Are we the problem? Can we actually avoid unneeded animosity and accomplish so much more if we modify our thinking & behavior towards others? I invite you to join me down this rabbit hole of consciousness as we explore the idea.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
I'm joined by a firefighter I've looked up to and whose podcast & message helped inspire me to grow out into the wide world of the fire service and even start my own podcast - Robby Owens of the Average Jake Firefighter Podcast & Blog.
A leave of absence isn't a bad thing. Whether career or volunteer, taking a leave can be strategic, re-energize you, and actually strengthen your passion for the job. So, why should you take a leave? When should you take one? With both Robby and myself having experience in this topic very recently, we share our thoughts. Let's dig in.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
My friend David Stender joins me this week to discuss our thoughts on the importance of getting out of your "bubble" to attend out of house trainings & why networking is such a big deal to us.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Well, a few weeks have passed and talking with some others, I realized there are a few topics I recorded that need a little more explanation. These come from the episodes "It's Not Your Emergency...Or Is It?" and "Anxiety and the Fire Service Part 1".
After better explaining some of those points, I jump into the main episode topic - Why your department should be family oriented. Since Chris and I will be having kids some day, this is a topic I've been personally invested in for years. We'll get into the reasons why it's important and some ideas to help your department develop that family culture around the firehouse.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
I have my friend Jonah Applegarth on the podcast to share his experience working on a wildland firefighting department back in 2015.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
A short and sweet episode for you. We get right to the point, "Are you doing it for the right reasons?" This episode is made to make you think, reevaluate, and maybe realign if you need to.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This will be a two parter episode, with the 2nd part coming out sometime in the future.
I get down to the nitty gritty details with my anxiety, what it's like, and how I deal with it on the fire ground. By joining me for this episode, I hope you pick up some new ways to help you with your anxiety or give you a perspective on what those with anxiety go through to help your fellow first responders deal with it in the future.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This episode gets raw. What started out as a quick, pre-episode update turned into a full fledge topic.
Do you ever have something tug on your heart so much and you just need to talk it out? Yeah - that's what happened. Get ready for real, unfiltered, and brutal honesty on how the last week has been going for me & adjusting to Chris's new life as a career first responder.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Welcome to my first completely solo full episode!
"What the heck is the local newspaper doing on scene? Why are they standing in that spot that's obviously dangerous/too close? They keep getting in our way. Could they park in a worse spot? I wish they would stop putting wrong information out there. Why is it so hard for them to understand what we need them to do?!" ... I've heard it all. Heck, I've even thought it all.
Let's tackle that this week.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Hold on tight, everybody. Unexpected turns coming up. You've been warned...
I (Taylor) am taking on the podcast solo this week to update you all on the big changes coming to the podcast... this should be fun.
As always, I don't claim to be an expert. I just love to talk fire. All I want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want me to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let me know!
Be sure to let me know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find me on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send me an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
We talk one of our favorite subjects - Mentorship. Formal, informal, personal, and career. Chris gets fired up on this one, Taylor brings up tons of tangents, and just a tad bit of technical difficulties.... oh the joys.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find us on Social Media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Join us for a night at Chris & Taylor's kitchen table. In classic table talk fashion, we let the conversation go where it wants and have a great, laid-back night.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find us on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
This week, we'll get a look into the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge & Shane's journey with competing in it. He also shares his mental health journey & the class he has began teaching regarding the importance of mental health in the first responder world.
Want to reach out to Shane?
E-mail: shaneasmith36@me.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shane.smith.714049
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sasmith36
- or reach out to us & we'll get you in contact!
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Find us on Social Media!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouplingsFirePodcast
Instagram: www.instagram.com/couplingsfirepodcast
Clubhouse: @couplingspod
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
We decided to bring you some of our favorite ideas for fundraising. Whether you are raising money for your operations, a fellow firefighter, a charity organization, or what-have-you, a good fundraiser idea plays a huge part in getting you the money you need. And, Taylor let slip one of her favorite ideas to date, so definitely take advantage of this episode.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
No, this one didn't come from The Lion King..... though Taylor would have loved it to be.
Join us for a shorter episode on what being prepared in the fire service means & looks like to us.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Helllllooooo Color!
Taylor loves color, so we had a discussion on how color plays a big part in the fire service from the helmets & gear all the way to colors of lights.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
We start off with some random conversations.... did you even have to guess?
When we finally get started on this episode - we explore the argument: "It's not your emergency" vs "Yes, it IS your emergency". Come explore this topic with us and let us know what your takes are!
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
"Oh, no! Not a podcast about rehab..... uggghhhh...."
We get it - but hang in there with us. We look into the age old EMS vs Fire and all of the frustration that comes along with it when it comes to rehab. Join us as we give our takes & maybe some ways rehab on small volunteer departments could improve - all in the name of being better for our communities.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
This episode is a long one - but a good one.
Who are you more likely to like/help out: The brother who you hang out with a lot, makes you laugh, checks in on you, & supports you in your efforts -or- the brother who only comes to you when they are in trouble, needing money, and complains about everything they have and that it's not good enough?
This is how fire departments should view themselves from the eyes of the public. In this episode, we go over some basics in Public Relations, marketing your department to your community, and why it's important. For any in-depth perspective or if you want some help/insight on your own situation - reach out! Taylor would LOVE to chat.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Join us as we recap the 2021 Nebraska State Fire School. We didn't take any classes this year, but since Taylor photographs the school every year, she's able to drop in on every class and learn some tidbits/tricks/tips throughout the weekend. This year, Chris tagged along on the photography coverage and got to see how Taylor experiences the school every year.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
On the podcast this week -
We have been wanting to do an episode on our opinions on preparing upcoming officers & leaders in the volunteer fire service for a while. BUT - before we get to that, we get in to Instagram a bit.... and Chris starts to make improvements with it..... kinda. ;)
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Our FIRST EVER Interview!!!
Our friend, Tim Zehnder, was brave enough to be our guinea pig & first interview on the podcast. We talk over his journey in grain bin emergency training and we learn so much we never knew we never knew.
Need to reach out to Tim?
Cell: 507-848-6535
E-mail:Zehndert@mpcc.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tim.zehnder
- or reach out to us & we'll get you in contact!
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
**Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Today, we wanted to bring you a different kind of episode than normal - a.k.a - we needed a night off. Haha!
Listen in as we ask random questions relating to the fire service back and forth & get ready to laugh!
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
When looking to find a solution for a crosslay lay for a new truck our department acquired, we realized that there's far too little information out there showing the pros, the cons, & just in general listing and comparing the various crosslays out there. On top of that, there were not many options of lays for 4-wide crosslay bays. So, what did we do? We decided to take a stab at creating our own lay.
Join us as we talk about the process of creating our own lay (Switchback), comparing some common lays (Minute Man, Triple Lay, & Flat Lay), and - as always - some tangents and commercial breaks of things we just can't get off our minds.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
We all know the story -
You want to train & have the most realistic training for your volunteer department, but you don't have the time/budget/resources/etc. to put on the fancy burn building scenarios. So, what do you do? Usually the same thing you've always done - crawling stress-free in the station bays with your nomex over your mask, practicing the skills of the extrication (but never scenarios of a victim being trapped), or becoming the best "parking lot fire" engine crew. You do the same thing every month or at least the same thing every time you practice that topic. The guys get bored & just go through the motions. Your group starts losing the enthusiasm & will to perform at practice. You wonder - there has GOT to be a way to simulate the real thing better than this.
We want to help. In this episode, we gathered a bunch of different ways to make training more realistic- on a budget - from our experiences on the fireground, conference trainings, the web, and just plain imagination. Nothing in this episode is revolutionary, but it doesn't have to be. They're things we don't think about because fire departments tend to do trainings the same way every time.
As always, we don't claim to be experts. We're two people who love to talk fire. All we want is to give the inspiration to anyone listening to take the steps to bettering their volunteer fire department however they can.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know!
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
In this episode, we go over one of the questions sent into us by one of our listeners in Pennsylvania - What does our department have for trucks?
We dive into each of the trucks, what's on them, & how they are utilized for various types of calls.
After the truck talk, we do our best to recreate a conversation had with one of the officers of the department - where we realize that sometimes there may be different ways of setting up the trucks/rearranging which trucks are first due, compared to the way it's always been done.
Have a topic or question you want us to cover? Know someone who would like to be a guest on the podcast? Let us know! **Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Who knew you could get inspiration for an episode from a Disney movie? Taylor's obsession paid off.
What motivates you?
After watching Planes: Fire & Rescue, we dig into this hard question that we find most people aren't comfortable answering 100% honestly. Maybe you agree, maybe you don't. Whatever your core motivation is - know what it is and use it to help you in serving the fire service.
Listen for our recommendations on how to start motivating others & where we find motivation at when we're feeling a lack of it.
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
This week - we go over some of the major differences we see between males & females in the fire service.
We're married. We're both firefighters. One Male, One Female. Who better to go over this topic than us - right? ;)
We don't want to stereotype - there are definitely all ranges of each gender - but we all know stereotypes are there because there can be a lot of truth behind them. Follow us down the rabbit hole & let's dive into this together!
In order to give you transparency - We are no longer members of the particular volunteer fire department we have served with the past 8 & 9 years. This episode was recorded prior to this decision being made, and you will hear us speak in the episode as if we are still members of this department, even though that is no longer the case when this is being released. Everything said on our podcast are our own opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of the said department or any other agency we are associated with.**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
We think it’s time to tackle the problem of seeing people on scene in the first 5 minutes not knowing what to do, not wanting to “Freelance”, and thus resulting in not doing anything or - sometimes worse - asking the officers before they do every little thing.
So, in this episode, we go over our opinions on what the first 5 minutes on scene should look like for various incident types. We also bring up the importance of creating a "First 5 Minutes" task list for your department that you can complete without asking your officer - keeping them free and able to do their job.
Also - Will we ever stop clicking & messing with our pens?? Who knows….
In order to give you transparency - We are no longer members of the particular volunteer fire department we have served with the past 8 & 9 years. This episode was recorded prior to this decision being made, and you will hear us speak in the episode as if we are still members of this department, even though that is no longer the case when this is being released. Everything said on our podcast are our own opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of the said department or any other agency we are associated with.
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
The one where we learned a lot...
Let's see if this sounds familiar:
You go to this awesome training put on by fire professionals. During the training, you learn a great tactic/skill and think your department could benefit from adapting to or having it in their toolbox for a specific event, so you decide to bring it back and train your guys on that tactic/skill on a training night. At the training night, your officers are absolutely opposed to what you want to bring in for one reason or another, tell you they're never going to do it, and in turn - you develop resentment against the officers or even the department as a whole. They just don't seem to get the advantages to it and you can't figure out why.
Sound about right?
We know what you've gone through - we have too.
In this episode, we go over in detail one of these conflicts that occurred in the last 6 months and left a big impact on us. We go over everything we learned, how we should have approached the issue differently, and also how we think the officers could have acted - all to keep the conflict from escalating the way it can and sometimes does.
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
On the podcast this week:
We start off by recapping some current events (at the time we recorded this in February), including the large car pile-up in Texas.
Then, we get on to our main topic & go over Taylor's experience at the 2021 Les Lukert Conference in Kearney, Nebraska. Put on by the NSFSI (Nebraska Society of Fire Service Instructors), this conference is geared towards training & leadership and held every year at the beginning of February in Kearney. The NSFSI brings in national level instructors (including Mike Dugan, Jim Duffy, Billy Greenwood, Mark VonAppen, David Mellen, Jake Hoffman, Brandon Fletcher - just to name a few) to this amazing, small conference.
Some of our favorite aspects of this conference is how small it is, the welcoming atmosphere, & the true 1-on-1 culture that comes with that.
This year, Taylor took 4 classes - and we touch on the highlights of each one:
HOT class - Fireground Fundamentals with Jake Hoffman & Squad 5 Training
Classroom - Just Culture for the Fire Service with David Mellen of Valor Fire Training
Classroom - Fully Involved with Mark VonAppen
Classroom - Shaping your Vol. Fire Department to Fit Today's Expectations by Brandon Fletcher
*Go ahead and put the 2022 Les Lukert conference on your schedule now! Contact us for more information on the conference.
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.*
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
This week, we go over our thoughts on Long Call Operations & considerations volunteer departments should take while running these calls.
We'll go over 3 main fires:
-
The "Big Grass Fire" from the last episode (8 hours)
-
The "Converse Fire" structure fire a few years ago in our town (12 hours)
-
The "Co-op Grain Bin Explosion" - a call we had last Halloween (48+ hours).
Considerations we discuss are: food, hydration, sleeping considerations, creating shifts, missing your day job, & using mutual aid.
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
- Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
- Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
Back for part 2!
In part 2: We're looking at some more of our favorite trainings we've done in house, what we found has worked well, what we found that HASN'T worked, and how to keep your firefighters engaged during practice.
Want more information on any training we've mentioned? Reach out!
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
Join us as we dive into our department's in house trainings & how Chris as the training officer, along with his training committee, turned our ideas in to reality.
In part 1, we'll be figuring out what your department should be training on and where to put your focus, how to turn your ideas into actual practices, and go over some of our favorite trainings we've created.
Want more information on any training we've mentioned? Reach out!
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com
This week, we talk on our top tips for the New volunteer firefighter.
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
**Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**
We dive on in to our first episode with a little of getting to know a bit about us (Chris & Taylor), our department (in the South Central area of Nebraska), and what we hope this podcast will be. Stick around to the end to hear some rapid fires both related to and not related to the fire service.
Everything said on the Couplings Fire Podcast are our opinions and in no way represent the opinions & values of any agency we are associated with.
**Be sure to let us know what you thought of the podcast by leaving a rating, review, and by reaching out!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @CouplingsFirePodcast
Send us an e-mail at: couplingsfirepodcast@gmail.com**