This week’s episode has it all — snacks, sarcasm, shout-outs, and snail mail. The guys take a break from the heavy topics and go full-on firehouse fun mode in this Fantasy Appetizer Draft episode. Who picked the best three-game day snacks? That’s up to YOU to decide!

Plus:
🚨 A big-time merch announcement
📬 New messages from listeners in our Snail Mail segment
👨‍🚒 Tips for new recruits starting the Fire Academy
🧂 Unkie’s Seasonings update
🔥 A call to action that’ll get your stomach growling

🥨 Pigskin Appetizer Draft:

5 firemen. 3 rounds. Snake-style draft.
Game Day Food Showdown.

Pick Highlights:

• Freddy: Pulled pork nachos, jalapeño poppers, cheeseburger egg rolls

• Matt: Spinach artichoke dip (in a bread bowl), sliders, pigs in a blanket

• Unkie: Classic meatballs, buffalo chicken dip, deviled eggs

• Brian: Boneless wings (or chicken nuggets 🤔), queso dip, cheeseburger sliders

• Doug: Traditional wings, pizza, bacon-wrapped little smokies

🎯 You decide who won — vote on Instagram or Spotify!

🧢 Merch Announcement:

We’ve officially partnered with Notorious Fire Company for all Cool Fireman Podcast gear!
👕 Hoodies, shirts, hats — it’s all coming.
👉 Check thecoolfireman.com and our Instagram bio for updates.
Spoiler: It may already be live!

📬 Snail Mail Highlights:

• Don’t Kick My Dog 34 asked about fire academies — the crew drops major tips on mindset, heat acclimation, fitness, and claustrophobia training.

• Jacob Quartarella reached out about finding a mentor in the fire service. The team shares ideas for making connections when you don’t have firehouse contacts.

• Kenny Mitchell remains undefeated in the “Who Listens First?” challenge… can YOU beat him?

💬 Notable Quotes:

“Spinach artichoke dip… and you eat the bowl too!” – Matt
“Boneless wings are chicken nuggets with an ego.” – Doug
“That garlic and herb seasoning? Almost sold out.” – Unkie
“Every day in the academy is a job interview.” – Brian
“Respectful discourse? Always. Disrespect? No time for it.” – Doug
“We haven’t made a dime… but the brotherhood we’ve built? Worth it.” – Matt

🧠 Tips for Fire Academy Recruits:

• Acclimate to heat by wearing turnouts around the house

• Practice wearing a facepiece to build comfort and prevent panic

• Get your textbook early and start studying

• Tie knots and practice skills now — don’t wait

• Treat every day like a job interview

• Ask meaningful questions and stay humble

🎯 Call to Action:

🗳️ Vote for your favorite draft lineup!
Drop the name of the host whose appetizer picks you think are unbeatable.
🔥 BONUS: Try to beat Kenny Mitchell by being the first comment on our Friday episode post for a chance at a prize pack.

🎧 Listen Now On:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube
📅 New episodes drop every Friday at midnight PT