In this episode, the crew kicks things off with pure mayhem — snowstorms in Michigan, salmon rain in California, and a spontaneous performance of “It’s Raining Men.” From there, the guys dive into housekeeping, holiday updates, merch drops, and a surprising announcement from Brian about his upcoming Fire Marshals International Swimsuit Calendar.

But the main topic?
👉 AI in the Fire Service.
The crew discusses the real, practical ways firefighters and medics are using AI to improve documentation, training, promotional prep, and workflow efficiency — and where the line is when it comes to ethics, privacy, and skill degradation.

This episode is full of laughs, insights, and real conversations from the firehouse kitchen table.

🔥 Topics Covered

• Snowstorms, salmon rain, and the most chaotic podcast intro ever

• Holiday energy in the firehouse

• Doug’s mysterious absence (Hint: Dolphin training. Yes… seriously.)

• Housekeeping: Merch, Burn Box, Unkie’s Seasonings, and more

• Brian’s Fire Marshal swimsuit calendar reveal

• **AI in the Fire Service:

  • Should firefighters use AI for reports?

  • Using AI for narrative cleanup vs. full narrative writing

  • Ethical concerns and HIPAA pitfalls

  • AI for training, testing, scenario creation, promotional prep, and SOP development

  • The future of EPCRs and AI-built documentation frameworks**

• Over-documentation in EMS and why it happens

• The difference between departments using AI and those with policies against it

• The importance of keeping PHI and names OUT of AI tools

• Pro tips for using AI responsibly

• Snail Mail: Listener questions, traditions, and heartfelt wins

• Highlighting listeners Jacob and Benjamin — HUGE thank you!

🔥 Merch Store

Support the podcast!
Grab your hoodies, long sleeves, mugs, and more — all through Notorious Fire.

🛒 Shop here:
https://notoriousfire.com/collections/the-cool-fireman-podcast

Every purchase helps support the show and keeps the chaos going.

📬 Snail Mail Highlights

• Travis shares his station’s tradition of using Fill the Boot to buy gifts for 18 kids

• Quinn asks for Jason Patton (we’re trying!)

• Jacob lands an interview after asking the crew for mentorship advice

• Benjamin lists The Cool Fireman Podcast as his #1 podcast of the year

• Listeners show big support across TikTok, IG, and YouTube — we appreciate you!

  
  

🔥 Call to Action (Listener Question)

Does your department have an AI policy?
What can you legally use AI for… and what’s forbidden?

Comment on Spotify or message us on Instagram — we’ll feature the best responses next episode.

🎙️ Hosts

Matt • Brian • Freddy • Unkie
Doug (in Miami… teaching dolphins Spanish?)

Welcome back to The Cool Fireman Podcast, now dropping episodes every Monday!

In this post-Thanksgiving episode, Matt, Doug, and Unkie talk all things holiday routine at the firehouse—from brunches and Christmas trees to how each department handles weekends, downtime, and the importance of mental health during the holidays.

🔥 Topics Covered:

• The vibe of working holidays in the fire service

• Why “getting your Sunday back” is a real thing

• Putting up Christmas lights at the station (Clark Griswold would be proud)

• Doug’s call involving boiling chitlins (don’t worry, he didn’t go in)

• Department lateral transfers and what it means to “start over”

• The power of routine for mental health during the holidays

• Matt defends the legendary 12–2 “safety nap”

• A shoutout to our awesome listeners and supporters

• And yes… Brian’s transparent Speedo photo shoot gets brought up 👀

🕯 Moment of Silence – A heartfelt pause for first responders lost this year, both on-duty and off, including those struggling with mental health. You are not alone.

🛍️ MERCH IS LIVE!
Support the podcast and look rad doing it:
👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/products/all?page=1

We’ve got hoodies, long-sleeve tees, mugs, and some amazing new designs—including the “Sorry Rhett!” drop and parody-inspired fire service graphics.

👕 Want to see a new design or have an idea for apparel? Let us know—we're always cooking up more.

📣 Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you listen:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | TikTok | Instagram
And if you loved this episode, share it with your crew or drop a comment—we read every one.

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Doug, and Unkie sit down to reflect on what they’re most thankful for — family, the firehouse, facial hair, and of course, deviled eggs.

👨‍🚒 Whether you spent Thanksgiving on duty, deep-frying a turkey, or getting trampled at a Walmart for $10 off a TV, we’re here with laughs, gratitude, and a few firehouse food debates you didn’t know you needed.

🔥 In this episode:

• Roscoe’s post-turkey coma update 🐕

• Why Unkie believes deviled eggs should be eaten year-round

• Doug’s favorite leftovers

• The difference between stuffing and dressing (fight us)

• Matt's thoughts on smoked turkey vs Easy Bake pellet smokers

• A heartfelt moment of silence for those we’ve lost

• Shoutouts in our snail mail segment to longtime listeners, first-time commenters, and the legend himself: Quinn, the OG Little Fireman

🛍️ MERCH STORE IS LIVE!
Want to support the pod and look good doing it?
Check out our new merch line — hoodies, mugs, shot glasses, long-sleeves, and more:
👉 https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/products/all?page=1

Promo code TCFP for 15% off through the end of November!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 From our firehouse to yours — Happy Thanksgiving.
Now go make that leftover turkey sandwich (with Duke’s mayo and black pepper, per Doug’s strict instructions).

Featuring: Quinn a.k.a. The Little Firefighter

In this special episode, we welcome a rad young guest — Quinn, better known online as The Little Firefighter. He joins Matt, Brian, and Unkie at the kitchen table to talk all things fire service, family, TikTok, and what it means to be part of the firehouse culture.

NEW MERCH STORE:

https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home

Topics Covered:

• 🔔 Snail Mail returns — and Quinn's been busy commenting on Spotify!

• 🧁 Recap of the Super Bowl Appetizer Draft (congrats, Freddy!)

• 🧂 Shout-outs to Unkie’s Seasonings, Burn Box, and the new merch store

• 🚒 Quinn shares why he started his firefighting TikToks with his family

• 🏆 His big goal: be the guy who’s always there, pulling pranks, and lifting people up

• 🛠️ Firehouse pranks, old tillers, and FDIC memories

• 👻 Turnout Drill: ghosts, aliens, and pistachio ice cream?!

• 🧒 Heartfelt thoughts from Quinn’s parents about raising a fire family

• 🚨 Matt and Brian talk about junior/explorer programs and leadership development

This one’s got heart, humor, and a reminder of what keeps the fire service strong — FAMILY.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

In this powerful Veterans Day episode, Brian, Doug, and Freddy honor the veterans who serve both our country and our firehouses. From shoutouts to community heroes like The Salty Paramedic to emotional reflections on fallen brothers, this one hits deep.

NEW MERCH STORE:

https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home

🚒 Topics Covered:

• 🇺🇸 Why Veterans Thrive in the Fire Service
  The guys dive into how military experience—discipline, work ethic, service mindset—translates into being a top-tier firefighter.

• 🔁 Lateral Transfers vs. Green Recruits
  Freddy shares a personal story about transitioning departments and the personality conflicts that followed. The crew weighs the pros and cons of bringing in seasoned laterals vs. molding fresh rookies.

• 💬 Trust, Tone & Timing
  What does it really mean to build trust? Brian unpacks Stephen Covey’s “Speed of Trust” and the importance of how we communicate in the firehouse.

• 🧂 Merch Drop!
  The Cool Fireman Podcast officially launches its new merch store with stickers, mugs, hoodies, and more!

  🛒 Merch: https://notoriousfireshops.com/cool_fireman_podcast/shop/home
  🎁 Use code TCFP for 15% OFF through November!

• 💬 Snail Mail & Appetizer Draft Results
  Listener comments pour in for the Fantasy Football Appetizer Snake Draft. Deviled eggs drama. Boneless wings betrayal. Who won the snack war? (Still up for debate...)

• 🕊️ Moment of Silence
  A heartfelt tribute to veterans and a somber farewell to a fallen firefighter from Doug's department.

📢 Call to Action:
Drop a comment telling us how many veterans serve in your department—and give them a shoutout!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

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

This episode is half Halloween chaos, half serious kitchen-table mentorship talk — with a little FD candy in between.

🎃 Costumes? Check.
😷 Smelling like sweaty Cheetos? Sadly, also check.
💥 Real firehouse talk about mentorship, generational shifts, and showing up for your crew? Absolutely.

We pick up where Episode 129 left off — answering listener comments, tackling social media backlash, and diving deep into what mentorship really means in today’s fire service.

💬 In This Episode:

• 🎃 Halloween Vibes:
  Doug's dressed as a nun. Brian rocks the Scream mask. Matt's just sweating in a USA tee.
  Spoiler: We're not as funny as we think we are, but we try.

• 🚨 Snail Mail Reactions:
  The clip heard around the firehouse — we clarify the “your time isn't more important than mine” statement.
  → It’s not about sick leave. It’s about respect and doing the right thing.

• 🔥 Mentorship Talk – Part 2:

  • Are rookies today really “soft” — or just different?

  • Why the way you were taught might not work anymore.

  • Creating an environment where rookies feel safe asking questions.

  • Holding onto accountability while ditching the unnecessary ego.

• 👶 New Firefighters & Generational Shifts:

  • Lateral hires, job-hopping, and the shift from fear-based leadership

  • The power of appreciation and how simple gratitude builds trust

  • Let rookies learn the why — not just memorize the what

• 🚒 Real-Life Training & Tactics:

  • Using tech (YouTube, IG) as modern-day tabletop drills

  • Changing hose loads, nozzle pressure debates, and field-tested feedback

  • “If you're not doing something better or safer… why not?”

• 📣 Shoutout Time:

  • Kenny Mitchell: Still undefeated in the “first to listen” challenge

  • Quinn a.k.a. “Little Firefighter”: Our newest (and possibly youngest) superfan

  • Rebecca: The mystery commenter finally revealed

  • Andrew: Your RIT team question is on deck — we want more info!

• 🎁 Giveaway Alert:
  Think you can beat Kenny? Be the first to comment on our Friday episode drop (Spotify or Instagram) and win a firehouse prize box!

  🧠 Notable Quotes:

“We’re not saying don’t use sick leave. We’re saying don’t screw your buddy to save your Saturday.” – Matt
“Your time isn’t more valuable than mine.” – Brian
“Mentorship means creating a space where rookies feel safe to fail — and strong enough to ask questions.” – Freddy
“Tradition isn’t bad… but don’t let it stop progress.” – Doug
“You’re not better than anyone — this job will humble you.” – Unkie

👻 Halloween PSA:

Parents — be the adult. Firefighters don’t want to respond to tragic calls on Halloween night. Keep your kids safe, stay visible, and don’t be “that house.”

📫 Snail Mail Segment:

We’re loving the DMs, comments, and questions. Keep them coming!
Want to be featured in Snail Mail? Hit us up at thecoolfireman@gmail.com or DM us on TikTok / Instagram.

🎧 Listen Now On:

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

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)