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The Cool Fireman Podcast

The Cool Fireman Podcast

By: Matt Brian Adam Doug and Freddy
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 The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. We tackle topics that matter most to firefighters—career growth, safety, mental health, and the everyday challenges on and off the job. Featuring real talk, expert guests, and a bit of humor, this is where the fire service connects, learns, and shares stories. Whether you're a firefighter or simply interested in the life of one, join us for conversations that are as informative as they are engaging.Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • #145 Firefighter Mental Health Awareness — The Power of the Pause w/ Greg Rudiger

    #145 Firefighter Mental Health Awareness — The Power of the Pause w/ Greg Rudiger
    Feb 9 2026
    SummaryIn this episode, the guys welcome back Greg Rudiger (Resilient Another Day / The Radcast) for a real, needed conversation about mental health in the fire service—and why we must start talking to recruits and new members early, not just after 15–20 years of calls, stress, and life piling up. The crew covers how peer support, resiliency tools, spirituality, and the “power of the pause” can help firefighters stay in the fight—at work, at home, and into retirement.Greg returns (first appeared on Episode 75) for Episode 145.Matt sets the tone: firefighters are killing themselves—and we need to stop acting like it’s not real.The crew agrees this topic should be in fire academies nationwide, not treated as an afterthought.Patreon updatePatreon is growing fast: 12 members (with a recent surge of new sign-ups).The team discusses possible perks like watching the podcast live during recording via Riverside.New subscribers shout-outsTyler Carson (free member)Tyler AdamsJesus & SophiaSocial FD (paid supporter)MerchNew flagship merch drop: shirts/hoodies/hats/long sleeves + specialty designs.Discount code mentioned: “Episode144” for 15% off (limited time).SponsorsUnkie’s SeasoningsBurn Box / FD Collectors ClubPlus love for Blue Collar FiremenGreg breaks down the shift toward a proactive approach:If firefighter survival training is 75% prevention, why isn’t mental health training the same?They’re teaching recruits common language + tools before they ever hit the street:Stress continuum (blue/green/yellow/orange/red)Breath work / mindfulnessWork-life balance, sleep, nutrition, exercisePeer support resources and appsThe goal: normalize “Cap, I’m not okay” and make it safe to say.Brian brings up the tension:Some firefighters reject the mental health conversation as “victim mindset.”Greg responds: it’s not about weakness—it’s about leading with love, listening, and meeting the human.Also discussed: the “weaponization” concern—people claiming mental health issues to avoid accountability—without dismissing anyone who truly needs help.Greg’s point hits hard:You don’t carry one tool on the rig—you carry a toolbox.Same for wellness: breath work might work today, but tomorrow it might be running, faith, calling a buddy, stretching, ocean time, etc.The theme: sometimes you have to sit in the uncomfortable long enough to move through it.The crew emphasizes not being afraid of silence—on the mic and in real life.The pause helps you:respond instead of reactrecognize what you’re feelingBrian shares scripture and the Footprints poem to underline the spiritual dimension:Faith isn’t “religion as performance”—it’s spiritual grounding and support.Greg ties it into wellness: the spiritual pillar is often the missing piece.Shared theme: we’re not meant to carry it alone.Freddy raises a huge point:Retirement can be dangerous for mental health—loss of structure, identity shift, isolation.Greg explains what they’re doing:retiree peer support groupsintentional check-ins (personal phone/email, not “department HR”)spouse inclusionmonthly breakfasts and continued connectionMatt addresses a correction from a listener regarding PAH exposure discussion from Episode 144:Clarifies the study measured urinary metabolites, not dermal skin measurements.Reinforces the key takeaway: SCBA use (even for engineers in the hot/warm zone) reduces exposure.Comment: How are you “par checking” your people?What tools are you using—peer support, faith, exercise, breath work, counseling, retirement groups?If you’re struggling: reach out to someone (your crew, peer support, or the podcast team).Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collectionsGreg / RAD: resilientanotherday.comSocial: @stay.rad10 (IG/TikTok)Greg RudigerFounder: Resilient Another Day (RAD)Co-host: The RadcastOffers: resiliency training + help building peer support frameworks (“can’t be a prophet in your own town” support)
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • #144 Firefighter Cancer Support Network: Training, Prevention, and Peer Support with Scott Jennie

    #144 Firefighter Cancer Support Network: Training, Prevention, and Peer Support with Scott Jennie
    Feb 2 2026

    Special Guest: Scott Jennie | Firefighter Cancer Support Network

    In this powerful and timely episode, the crew sits down with retired Captain Scott Jennie, National Training Program Manager and California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). This conversation dives deep into the realities of occupational cancer in the fire service, the cultural shifts needed to protect firefighters, and the life-saving resources available when the unthinkable happens.

    🔥 Episode Highlights

    • Scott’s transition from the fire floor to national cancer advocacy

    • Why firefighter cancer rates continue to rise nationwide

    • Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of annual safety stand-downs

    • The myth of “it’s just part of the job” — and why it doesn’t have to be

    • The critical role of peer-to-peer (badge-to-badge) support during a cancer diagnosis

    • How Firefighter Cancer Support Network helps firefighters and their families, free of charge

    • What to do immediately after receiving a cancer diagnosis

    • Navigating workers’ comp, presumptive laws, and self-advocacy

    • Why overhaul is one of the most dangerous exposure periods

    • “If you smell smoke, you smell cancer” — fighting fire aggressively and smart

    • Culture change: accountability at every rank, from probie to chief

    • Why engineers often experience the highest PAH exposure levels

    • Small daily habits that significantly reduce cancer risk

    • Early detection, screenings, and why education saves lives


      🧠 Key Takeaways

    • No firefighter should ever fight cancer alone

    • Occupational cancer is preventable with awareness, behavior change, and accountability

    • Clean gear, clean air, clean cab — every call, every time

    • Leadership is not rank-dependent; anyone can speak up and make a difference

    • Firefighters must prioritize long-term health to enjoy retirement with family

    🎗️ About Firefighter Cancer Support Network

    Firefighter Cancer Support Network is a nationwide nonprofit providing:

    • Peer-to-peer mentorship

    • Cancer toolkits and survivor guides

    • Education and training

    • Navigation support for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery

    • Resources for firefighters, EMS professionals, and immediate family members

    All services are free of charge.

    👉 If you or someone you know needs help:
    🌐 https://www.firefightercancersupport.org/
    📞 Assistance available via website or hotline
    🧑‍🚒 Volunteer mentors and state directors available nationwide


    🛒 Support the Podcast

    Check out our latest merch and help support the show:
    👉 https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections


    🤝 What’s Next

    The Cool Fireman Podcast will be planning a future Fill the Boot–style fundraiser to directly support the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Stay tuned for details.

    As always — thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community.

    🎙️ Roll it, Gigi.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #143 Upstaffing for Chaos: Snow/Ice, Hurricanes, Wildfires & EOC/FEMA Reimbursement Basics

    #143 Upstaffing for Chaos: Snow/Ice, Hurricanes, Wildfires & EOC/FEMA Reimbursement Basics
    Jan 26 2026
    The Cool Fireman Podcast | Featuring Matt, Brian, Doug Bishop, and Unkie (Adam)Episode summaryEpisode 143 starts with classic pre-show chaos (tech issues + “Instagram crushing”), then pivots into a real-deal conversation about upstaffing—why it matters, how it’s triggered, what it looks like across the country (snow/ice, hurricanes, wildfires), and the hardest part of emergency operations: deciding when you can’t respond. The crew also hits sponsor updates, a powerful moment of silence request, and finishes strong with Snail Mail—highlighting promotion motivations and a listener question about leading with love from the back seat.NEW MERCHANDISE STORE:https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections/all14:40 – Moment of silence (LODD / cancer-related death)A listener email from Tyler Adams requests recognition of David Hendricks, Crescent VFD (Crescent, Texas), who died from job-related cancer (email dated Jan 15). The crew honors him with a moment of silence and discusses the continuing impact of occupational exposure and long-term health effects.Main discussion: Upstaffing (what it is + why it matters)20:20 – What triggers upstaffing?Doug breaks down winter storm operations: snow/ice projections, above-ground power lines, down trees, stuck units, and how departments decide to add resources.Storm readiness checklist & resources72/48/24-hour storm checklists“Storm boxes” / totes with required itemsInstant chains, Z-cables, heavy chains (deep-snow thresholds, speed limitations)Brush trucks + MSU/ambulance support + occasional snow plow attachmentsParks/forestry departments helping with non-powerline tree calls28:40 – Hurricane realities & hard decisionsBrian shares hurricane lessons learned: evacuations, resource shortages, and what happens when response becomes physically impossible. The crew talks about the public expectation of “they’ll come” vs the operational reality of risk assessments and responder safety.34:10 – The hardest callBrian and Doug hit the human element:deciding to stop dispatching during severe conditions is one of the most mentally draining decisions in a career.38:00 – Mandatory vs volunteer upstaffingDoug explains how their staffing system pushes out texts/emails and how, if needed, upstaffing becomes mandatory—especially when conditions demand it.41:10 – EOC + finance side (FEMA reimbursement)Brian outlines how disaster declarations and documentation flow through local/state/federal layers and why accurate documentation is essential for:overtime reimbursementresource requestsbudget survival after repeated disastersHe also notes current conversations around FEMA process changes due to bureaucratic delays.49:20 – West Coast comparison: wildfire “upstaffing” via pre-positioningMatt explains how CA handles wildfire readiness: red flag pre-positioning, North Ops/South Ops strike team staging, OES resources, and “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation messaging.50:50 – Post-incident notes (critical takeaway)Brian recommends crews capture notes after each operational period to support post-incident critique and justify future staffing/tools.Snail Mail (listener highlights)Zach’s take on promotionsStay at the level you’re passionate about. Promotion for title/pay increases risk when leadership lacks heart and preparation.Colt’s question: “How do you lead with love riding backwards?”Matt shares Pastor Joby Martin’s definition:Love is my joy in the Lord expressed toward others at great expense to myself. Calls to actionJoin Patreon: Rookie ($1) / Engineer ($2) for extra content + Turnout Drill opportunitiesSubmit a Moment of Silence request: email coolfireman @ gmail.comSnail Mail: drop comments/questions on Spotify—your message may be featuredStay engaged: support legislative efforts affecting firefighter safety, cancer research, and operational risk
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    1 hr and 6 mins
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