In this week’s episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie get real about burnout, passion, and what it means to stay motivated in the fire service—especially after decades on the job. Doug’s allergies are flaring up, Adam’s pulling full-time dad duty, and Matt’s stuck in a hotel… but the mics are on and the conversation is solid.

The crew checks in on themselves and each other, digging into the leadership traits they admire most—and the ones they struggle with. From fading passion to professionalism, from firehouse vibes to fireground performance, it's a raw, reflective look at the human side of firefighting.

🔥 Can passion survive politics?
🔥 Does communication solve the “loud dog” problem?
🔥 Should we really be parking in the red while buying groceries?
🔥 And why is Unkie’s four-minute home rule changing the game?

Also: shoutouts to Unkie’s Seasoning, Burn Box, FD Collectors Club, and a quick dive into arson investigation training from Pinehurst.

Whether you're a rookie, a vet, or somewhere in between, this one’s for the ones trying to keep the fire lit.

Visit

Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

Unkies Seasonings https://unkiesseasoning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopye_NRki8Ev9I4qy6ACkI3dw59rhjleSp0Bw-ilcB-lmT3M_G-

Burn Box https://www.theburnbox.com/

This week, Matt, Doug, and Unkie are back behind the mics — sweating it out in a closet, talking dryers that don’t work, how many horses is too many, and why the 48/96 schedule might be the greatest fire department hack of all time.

👨‍🚒 We break down shift schedules and how they impact family life, mental health, and relationships. Matt raves about his new 48/96 gig, Doug explains the reality of 24/48s at a busy house, and Unkie shares what it’s like working 72 hours on/24 off.

🧠 Real talk about the mental transition from firehouse to home, implementing “the 4-minute rule” with spouses, and why communication is king when your house is literally and figuratively on fire.

🔥 Plus:

• Doug's growing horse family 🐴

• Why every dryer should be a Speed Queen 💨

• The unspoken tension of holidays, holding over, and emotional decompression

• Shoutouts to our moms (a little late, but heartfelt)

• Burn Box reviews & more FD Collectors Club goodness

💬 Stick around to the end for our weekly Moment of Silence and some behind-the-scenes talk on what might be next for podcast drop days.

—

👂 Subscribe & Follow Us: We’re 6 Spotify followers away from 700. Tell your mom 'n them. Let's go!
📦 Burn Box Lovers: Watch for new shorts from Doug featuring the Snagger Tool.
🎧 Want more? DM us your questions, stories, or topics for future episodes.

#FirefighterLife #FirehouseFamily #4896Schedule #MentalHealthMatters #BurnBox #FirstResponderLife #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #ShiftsAndShenanigans

What happens when your dream tool gets cut from the budget? The guys talk fire department finances, backup plans, and hovercraft rejections. Brian breaks down the budget process, Unkie explains how credit cards vanished from his department, and Doug? Well… he’s still trying to get cowboy hats approved because that mustache deserves a brim. 🤠🔥

Plus:
🥩 Unkie’s BBQ brand cracks the Top 10%
🐎 Doug adopts a horse named Reba
🎩 Cowboy hats vs. tradition
💸 Budget hacks every firefighter should know
🎁 Burn Box gear talk and behind-the-scenes laughs

Tune in for the knowledge, stay for the nonsense.

#CoolFiremanPodcast #FireDeptLife #BudgetBattle #RebaMcIntyre #BurnBox #CowboyHatDebate #FirefighterHumor