This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, we dive into something every firefighter—rookie or salty vet—should care about: mentorship. From the old kitchen table talks to today’s struggles with phones and generational disconnect, the crew gets honest about how mentorship has evolved, what makes a good mentor, and why it matters now more than ever.

Expect a little banter, some real talk, and plenty of heart.

💬 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• “Can You Beat Kenny?” Competition:
  Who’s the first to listen every Friday? Kenny thinks he is. If you think you’ve got what it takes, drop a comment on our Friday Instagram post for a chance to win!

• What Is Housekeeping?:
  We explain our opening segment: sponsor shoutouts, community love, and updates from past episodes.

• Mentorship Then vs. Now:

  • Why kitchen table talks mattered.

  • Is the “sink or swim” culture gone for good?

  • The dangers of soft feedback culture.

• Truth vs. Kindness:

  • Why good mentors aren’t always the nicest—but they are honest.

  • Don’t confuse gentle coaching with sugarcoating.

• Being a Mentee (and a Mentor):

  • The importance of having someone to trust, confide in, and learn from.

  • How a good mentor shapes not just your firehouse skills, but your character.

  • Pro tip: You don’t stop needing a mentor once you promote.

• Why Firehouse Culture Matters:

  • Phones vs. fellowship.

  • Why captains need to lead the crew off the couch and back to connection.

  • Shift trades, respect, and why “screwing your buddy” should never be okay.

🚒 SNAIL MAIL SHOUTOUTS:

• Rebecca: Proud Cool Fireman Podcast Addict—and yeah, we say “f*ck” a lot.

• Internal Inferno: 14 years old and wants to be a paramedic. Our advice? Be a kid, stay out of trouble, and find someone to look up to.

• Zach Brown & Station 2 Crew: That steak and eggs smell was 🔥

• Little Firefighter (on TikTok): Spartan rig updates and truck spec talk continues.

• Chief Joey Webb: Major love for Ben Hooper & Ben’s Backdraft BBQ.

💥 QUOTES TO REMEMBER:

“You need someone who tells you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear.” – Matt
“Don’t take it personal. Take it serious.” – Brian
“Every generation says the next one has it easier. What if we just stopped teaching them the way we were taught?” – Adam (a.k.a. Unkie)
“Not on my watch, bro. Not on my watch.” – Matt

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
📲 Follow us on Instagram @coolfiremanpodcast
🔔 New episodes drop every Friday at midnight (PT)