Shows / Better Every Shift
Better Every Shift
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to…
Episodes
Better Every Shift‘This isn’t what I signed up for’: Chief Bob Horton unpacks his provocative editorial
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chief Bob Horton from Fire District 3 in Jackson County, Oregon, about his…
- Better Every Shift
‘Are we really this childish?’ Reflecting on the ‘over-sexed culture’ station investigation in S.C.
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the news of a Columbia, S.C., fire station that was investigated for its…
- Better Every Shift
FDNY Chief Frank Leeb talks training at ”The Rock” and how to market safety messages to members
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Frank Leeb, a deputy assistant chief with the FDNY, currently serving as chief…
- Better Every Shift
Side Alpha Podcast: IAFC President Ken Stuebing talks vaccine mandates, leadership tenets that resonate, and IAFC support
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Ken Stuebing, fire chief of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency in Nova Scotia…
- Better Every Shift
Keith Stakes details the newly expanded mission for UL‘s Fire Safety Research Institute
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Battalion Chief Keith Stakes, a research engineer with UL's Fire Safety Research…
- Better Every Shift
Varone explores the top disciplinary issues that get fire officers in hot water
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with fire service legal expert Curt Varone about one of his favorite topics -- discipline…
- Better Every Shift
‘I didn‘t come here to make friends‘: Discipline in the fire service
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor take a high-level look at discipline in the fire service, the importance of consistency, and how…
- Better Every Shift
Tulsa Chief Michael Baker talks firefighter morale, department change and lifelong learning
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Michael Baker, fire chief for the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Fire Department. Chief Baker…
- Better Every Shift
Pittsburgh Chief Darryl Jones details how to engage the naysayers and be a positive change-agent
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Darryl Jones, fire chief for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and member of the…
- Better Every Shift
Chief Sam Greif tackles terrorism response and cybersecurity threats facing public safety
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Sam Greif, fire chief of Plano Fire-Rescue in Texas, and Chairman on the…
- Better Every Shift
‘A punch in the gut‘: Unpacking the Baltimore FD retirement debacle
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor weighs in on the debacle unfolding in Baltimore after a court of appeals ruling upholds…
- Better Every Shift
Public safety leaders discuss the 20th anniversary of 9/11
In this special episode of the Side Alpha podcast, fire, EMS and law enforcement leaders from across the Lexipol media sites come together to reflect on the…
Better Every ShiftFormer Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano reflects on the arduous role of redesigning FDNY post-9/11
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with former FDNY Chief of Department and Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano about 9/11 and…
Better Every Shift‘We shall never forget‘: Reflections and questions 20 years later
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the upcoming 20-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He considers…
Better Every ShiftNIFC‘s Jessica Gardetto addresses the wildfire threats unfolding across the country
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Jessica Gardetto, the public affairs chief for the National Interagency Fire…
Better Every ShiftDivision Chief Martha Ellis unpacks fireground communications and FirstNet
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Division Chief Martha Ellis, executive director for the Public Safety Broadband…
Better Every ShiftChief Bashoor tackles a new epidemic: ‘D-Drivers‘ putting first responders at risk
We are facing a new epidemic: 'D-Drivers' – drunk, drugged, drowsy, disrespectful, disgruntled, drag-racing, discourteous, distracted and just plain dangerous…
Better Every ShiftCaptain Andrea Hall discusses servant leadership plus her presidential inauguration story
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Captain Andrea Hall about fire service leadership, specifically servant…
Better Every ShiftChris Cebollero unpacks ET3, treatment-in-place, reimbursement and more
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with Chris Cebollero about some of the hottest topics in fire-based EMS, including…
Better Every Shift‘Be nice‘: Chief Bashoor applies Chief Brunacini‘s mantra to interactions within the industry
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor considers the differences that exist among personnel in the fire and emergency services…
Better Every ShiftDr. Sara Jahnke details the effects of ‘Long-COVID‘ on first responders
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke defines "Long-COVID," outlines the symptoms and addresses a powerful article by a firefighter…
Better Every ShiftChad Costa considers why some firefighters are still suffering from ‘Dirty Helmet Syndrome‘
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Battalion Chief Chad Costa and Fire Chief Marc Bashoor tackle the concept of "Dirty Helmet Syndrome,"…
Better Every ShiftIAFC CEO Rob Brown discusses the future of the IAFC, plus emerging fire service issues
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor speaks with the International Association of Fire Chiefs' new CEO, Rob Brown. The two…
Better Every Shift‘I‘d say America is still burning‘: Chief Bashoor reflects on seminal fire and life safety report
In light of the new NFPA report 'Fire in the United States Since 1980, Through the Lens of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem,' Fire Chief Marc Bashoor…
Better Every ShiftPete Piringer talks PIO life and offers tips of the trade
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, renowned PIO Pete Piringer offers a look into the life of a public information officer. He shares how he found…
Better Every ShiftSean Duncan details how and why firefighters should follow PPE decontamination protocols
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Homeland-Six CEO Captain Sean Duncan tackles some of the key issues related to firefighter PPE decontamination and…
Better Every ShiftChief Nathan Trauernicht: Inside a university fire department
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht tackles a variety of topics: What it's like to lead a university-affiliated fire…
Better Every ShiftJim Pauley and Russ Sanders explain how firefighters can get involved in the NFPA
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, NFPA President Jim Pauley and Metro Chiefs Executive Secretary Chief Russ Sanders break down the mission and vision…
Better Every ShiftUnpacking mobile integrated healthcare in the fire and emergency services
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses a hot topic in the fire and emergency services -- the increased focus on mobile…
Better Every ShiftFire Chief Trisha Wolford tackles cross-generation supervision in the fire service
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Trisha Wolford, fire chief in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and chair of the IAFC’s Professional…
Better Every ShiftNVFC leaders Sarah Lee and Kevin Quinn detail the organization‘s current transition plans
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Bashoor speaks with National Volunteer Fire Council interim CEO Chief Kevin Quinn and incoming CEO Sarah Lee…
Better Every ShiftSuperintendent Eriks Gabliks shares what‘s ahead for the National Fire Academy
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, National Fire Academy Superintendent Eriks Gabliks reflects on his career and what it's been like to take the reins…
Better Every ShiftChief Eric Valliere explains the 2021 Safety Stand Down theme, ‘Rebuild Rehab‘
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Scottsdale (Arizona) Assistant Fire Chief Eric Valliere explains this year's Safety Stand Down theme, "Rebuild…
Better Every ShiftChief Dan Rogers explains why not every volunteer wants to operate like FDNY
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Assistant Chief Dan Rogers explains discusses his article, “And that’s OK: Not all volunteers want to operate like…
Better Every ShiftWhy do we keep experiencing so many apparatus rollover accidents?
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor details the ongoing problem of apparatus rollover accidents. He discusses several recent…
Better Every ShiftChief Jon Dorman addresses how to balance booksmarts and practical fireground skills
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief John Dorman digs into the debate about balancing education and hands-on training, outlining some of the ways…
Better Every ShiftAaron Zamzow and Marc Bashoor share their fitness journeys and current fitness regimens
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Madison (Wis.) firefighter and fitness expert Aaron Zamzow takes a big picture look at firefighter fitness and the…
Better Every ShiftISFSI President Chief Peter Van Dorpe connects fire service training and research
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Fire Chief (ret.) Peter Van Dorpe, president of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, addresses the…
Better Every ShiftHow the Cosumnes Fire Department incorporated virtual reality into training
Kirk McKinzie, a fire captain (ret.) with the Cosumnes Fire Department, and Cosumnes Firefighter Justin Quarisa share their experience bringing immersive…
Better Every ShiftThe Firefighter 3 crew swap stories about those firefighter life skills beyond FF1 and FF2
The "Firefighter 3 crew" -- Matthew Hennessy, Andrew Beck and Ben Willey -- talk to Chief Bashoor about all the firefighter life skills that no one taught you…
Better Every ShiftDeputy Chief Ian Emmons offers guidance for fostering a new crop of leaders
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Deputy Chief Ian Emmons speaks with Fire Chief Marc Bashoor about what fire service leaders are doing to prepare…
Better Every ShiftThe next ‘giant leap‘: A federal parent for fire and EMS
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor outlines what he sees as the next "giant leap" in public safety, one that could reduce the disconnect across agencies and lead to…
Better Every ShiftFirefighter and finance expert Matthew Broom details how firefighters can stay smart about money
Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew Broom, who also works in financial services, discusses how firefighters can conduct a financial size-up, tips for strengthening…
Better Every ShiftChief Ralph Terrazas shares LAFD‘s approach to county COVID-19 surges, plus vaccine distribution
Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas details the department's vaccine distribution plan for members, which focuses on education, influence and…
Better Every ShiftFire Chief Marc Bashoor tackles the debate over patient transport in the engine
Chief Bashoor weighs in on the hotly debated news of an Oklahoma City firefighter being disciplined for his decision to transport a burn victim in the fire…
Better Every ShiftFire Chief Tiffany Green explores professional development, from cadet through chief
Prince George's County Fire Chief Tiffany Green talks with Chief Bashoor about professional development in the fire service, detailing the department's fire…
Better Every ShiftFire Chief John Tippett discusses the impact of crew resource management on the fire service
Chief John B. Tippett, Jr., the director of fire service programs for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), addresses how the principles of crew…
Better Every ShiftFire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the Constitutional crisis facing America
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor addresses the current Constitutional crisis facing the country and the protests at the U.S. Capitol, where hundreds gathered to dispute…
Better Every ShiftMarc Bashoor and Janelle Foskett reflect on a year unlike any other
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett reflect on a most challenging year, discussing the unprecedented challenges fire and…
Better Every ShiftMike Pertz tackles why members leave the fire service and offers advice for new recruits
Mike Pertz, a firefighter-paramedic with the Avon Lake (Ohio) Fire Department, offers tips to prospective firefighters facing challenges joining the ranks…
Better Every ShiftGordon Graham details the top risks facing firefighters – and how to avoid them
Gordon Graham, a risk management expert and co-founder of Lexipol, delineates the 10 families of risk, identifying the single risk that poses the biggest…
Better Every Shift2019 LODD data: Analyzing the USFA report amid the push to ‘Get Below 50’
Fire Chief Marc Bashoor breaks down the U.S. Fire Administration report summarizing the fire service line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) in 2019, spotlighting the…
Better Every ShiftDr. Burton Clark examines fire service safety culture
Dr. Burton Clark, a 50-year fire service veteran, tackles firefighter behavior and organizational culture in order to help identify what prevents firefighters…
Better Every ShiftDr. David Black discusses his work with firefighters on behavioral health and mental fitness
Dr. David Black, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Cordico, discusses mental fitness within the fire service, addressing why firefighters don't seek help for…
Better Every ShiftFirefighter James Pribyl shares why he became a volunteer firefighter
Firefighter James Pribyl shares his experience as a volunteer firefighter with Turkey Creek Fire Rescue in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and its connections to…
Better Every ShiftDeputy Chief Billy Goldfeder explains what keeps chiefs up at night -- and where to focus training
Loveland-Symmes (Ohio) Deputy Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder details the problem with "personality-based mutual aid," how crews can integrate policy into daily…
Better Every ShiftGordon Graham talks response coordination and Lexipol Connect
Graham addresses how public safety agencies can employ training and policies to ensure their response efforts have a synergistic effect, rather than three…
Better Every ShiftChief Randy Bruegman outlines critical issues impacting the future of the fire service
Chief Randy Bruegman discusses the recent CPSE/ICMA white paper “21st Century Fire & Emergency Services,” designed to stir debate, create dialogue and promote…
Better Every ShiftKeith Stakes explains the recent UL FSRI research into coordinated fire attack
Keith Stakes, a research engineer with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute, describes the recent studies into coordinated fire attack, looking at the…
Better Every ShiftDivision Chief Greg Ward details Loveland‘s Tactical Firefighting Teams
Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Division Chief Greg Ward explains the origins and purpose of the department's Tactical Firefighting (TAC Fire) Teams…