#116 Firehouse Pride, Station Projects & the Return of the Trades cover art

#116 Firehouse Pride, Station Projects & the Return of the Trades

#116 Firehouse Pride, Station Projects & the Return of the Trades

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In this two-man show, Matt and Brian dive deep into firehouse pride, station maintenance, and how blue-collar skills and project work have changed in the fire service over the years.

🛠️ This Week’s Topics Include:

  • Why today’s firefighters don’t fix stuff like they used to (and should they?)

  • The value of trades in the firehouse—and why painting a wall matters

  • Old-school camaraderie vs. modern-day burnout

  • A deep dive into post-shift culture then vs. now: helping each other build decks, cut lawns, and pour concrete

  • How call volume, liability, and policies have changed how we maintain our stations

  • Can AI ever replace a good firehouse handyman? (Hint: No)

  • The return of the skilled trades and why they matter more than ever

🔥 Brian shares his wild ride at the Blackstone Social Summit, including:

  • Cooking under pressure—literally

  • Getting a bell and a McDonald's coffee

  • How drippy, sexy eggs made for a fireground-style kitchen scramble

  • Behind the scenes of content creation and collaboration with Blackstone Griddle Crew

💪 Plus:

  • Matt talks about greasing his RV bearings for the first time—fireman pride at work!

  • Brian opens up about the evolution of his career and why he believes we need to bring back ownership, pride, and problem-solving in every aspect of the fire service

  • A real talk moment on burnout, side gigs, and what our schedules look like today vs. 20 years ago

📢 Shoutouts:

  • 🎉 Rhett (age 6) – Our youngest listener! Thanks for riding with us!

  • 💬 Courtney Jordan, Tanner, and Colt – Thanks for your Spotify feedback!

  • 👕 FAT Apparel & The Salty Fireman – Check out the combo shirt and solo cup deal!

  • 🧂Unkie’s Seasoning – Proud sponsor and firehouse favorite (even Matt’s mom’s trailer is stocked)

🧯 Sponsor Highlights:

  • Unkie’s Seasoning

  • Burn Box & FD Collector’s Club – July’s box includes sweet North Carolina swag!

🧠 Moment of Silence – Never forgotten. Always honored.
🗣️ “Well said.”

👨‍🏫 Leadership Class Reminder:
Catch Matt and Brian at SAFRE in Raleigh, NC on August 8th for their leadership workshop. Come say hi, bring your trade skills, and let’s talk shop.

📲 CALL TO ACTION:
We want to hear from YOU:

  • Do you still take on station projects?

  • What trades do you bring to the fire service?

  • What’s your department’s approach to station maintenance?

Drop your comments on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or wherever you get your fire content. 💬

👨‍🚒 Subscribe & Support the Brotherhood:
Like, comment, and subscribe to help grow this awesome fire service community. You’re the reason we’re climbing the charts. Let’s keep it going.

🎧 Available now in video on Spotify & YouTube.


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