The Cool Fireman Podcast

Hosted by Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy

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175

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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.

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August 17, 2026Episode 3633 min

Unlimited Fire Department Budget: What Are You Buying First? | LIVE from SAFRE

What Would You Buy With an Unlimited Fire Department Budget? 🚒💰 The Cool Fireman Podcast is LIVE from Raleigh, North Carolina at the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE)! For the first time, the guys are all together at the booth, surrounded by fire apparatus, equipment, technology, and just about every possible way a fire department could spend money. So we asked the obvious question: If your department handed you an open checkbook, what are you buying? Matt is looking at a high-tech command vehicle loaded with drone capabilities. Doug wants to strengthen the ladder truck fleet. Adam wants quality new engines and better reserves. Brian has his eyes on a rescue truck for his volunteer department. But the conversation gets bigger than just buying cool stuff. When does technology actually make firefighters safer and more efficient? When does it become overkill? Should departments spend money replacing apparatus, refurbishing what they already have, or investing in new technology? And how much should the individual needs of your community determine where that money goes? We also get into apparatus replacement cycles, reserve fleets, preventive maintenance, drones, command vehicles, firefighter safety, department pride, retention, and why attending conferences like SAFRE can expose you to ideas you'd never see inside your own department. And yes… we're recording live from the conference floor, so naturally there's plenty of chaos along the way. Now it's your turn: You're walking into SAFRE with an unlimited fire department checkbook. What are you buying first? Huge thanks to Unkie's Seasoning, Burn Box, and Operation Yellow Tape for supporting us at SAFRE. Thanks for listening to The Cool Fireman Podcast!

August 10, 2026Episode 351 hr 4 min

Firehouse Morale vs. Money: What Actually Makes a Great Department?

STAND YOUR GROUND: Firehouse Morale, Leadership & Elite Training This week, Brian brings a new game to the table: Stand Your Ground. We give our answer, defend it, and see where the conversation takes us. Would you rather be the chief of a department with unlimited funding but terrible morale—or lead a department everyone loves that's constantly short staffed? Would you rather have the best officer you've ever worked for or the best crew you've ever worked with? Would you rather work at a fun station with average training or a serious station with elite training? And would you trust AI to help recommend fireground tactics? Those questions lead us into a much bigger conversation about firehouse culture, leadership, morale, company pride, tradition, training, succession planning, and why you can't simply throw money at a bad culture and expect it to get better. Matt shares a story about bringing back an old Laguna Beach Fire Department shirt and why the department doesn't want those duty shirts sold to the public. Brian talks about honoring the generations that came before us, and Adam somehow takes that conversation completely off the rails with a story about firefighters buying chief shirts specifically to donate them to thrift stores. 😂 We also get back into the 24/72 vs. 48/96 debate, overtime implications, staffing, vacation time, and whether the newest schedule everyone is talking about is actually the best schedule in the fire service. Plus, we're headed to SAFRE in Raleigh, North Carolina! Come hang out with The Cool Fireman Podcast August 14–15 at Booth 307. What would YOUR answers be to the Stand Your Ground questions? Follow The Cool Fireman Podcast so you never miss an episode.

August 3, 2026Episode 341 hr 3 min

The Firefighter Schedule Debate: Is 24/72 the Future of the Fire Service?

What started as a discussion about the best firefighter work schedule quickly turned into a deep dive into recruitment, retention, staffing, and the future of the fire service. Visit: TheCoolFireman.com UnkiesSeasonings.com TheBurnBox.com Matt, Brian, and Adam compare some of the most common shift schedules, including 48/96, 24/72, 24/48, and other regional variations, while sharing firsthand experiences from their own departments. Matt explains why he's become a huge fan of the 48/96 schedule, Brian discusses Greenville Fire Rescue's transition to a 24/72 schedule, and Adam shares how Norfolk is using laterals and competitive schedules to attract firefighters from neighboring departments. The guys also tackle the realities of staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, succession planning, firefighter recruitment, and why departments have to think years ahead before making major operational changes. Is it really cheaper to pay overtime than hire another firefighter? How do departments prepare enough engineers and captains to support a fourth shift? And could better schedules become one of the biggest recruiting tools in the fire service? Before diving into the main topic, the crew announces this month's Patreon Perks winner, talks about preparations for SAFRE, gives updates from Unkie's Seasonings and Burn Box, and honors firefighters who recently made the ultimate sacrifice. They also discuss the devastating tornado damage at the Pierce Manufacturing facilities in Appleton, Wisconsin, and what that could mean for the fire service across the country. Whether your department works 24/48, 48/96, 24/72, or something completely different, this episode is packed with honest discussion about what works, what doesn't, and what the future of firefighter scheduling may look like. As always, thank you for listening and for being part of The Cool Fireman Podcast family. We'd love to hear from you. What schedule does your department work, and if you could choose any schedule, what would it be?

July 27, 2026Episode 3358 min

NFPA Wants Firefighters to Go Home Safe... So Why Does Everyone Hate It?

Why do so many firefighters criticize the NFPA and IAFF? Is it really about unnecessary regulations, or is there more to the story? In Episode 169 of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, and Adam dive into one of the most debated topics in the fire service. Sparked by hundreds of comments on social media, they discuss firefighter safety standards, turnout gear, apparatus requirements, union involvement, and why so many firefighters have strong opinions about the organizations that help shape the profession. The conversation also explores leadership in the fire service, why chiefs often receive criticism, and the importance of understanding the "why" behind policies before writing them off. Whether you agree or disagree, this episode is all about having an honest conversation that challenges assumptions and encourages firefighters to think deeper. In this episode: 🔥 Why firefighters criticize the NFPA 🔥 The real purpose of firefighter safety standards 🔥 IAFF's role in protecting firefighters 🔥 Turnout gear, apparatus standards, and firefighter health 🔥 Leadership, chiefs, and department culture 🔥 Lessons learned from social media discussions 🔥 Honoring firefighters we've recently lost If you enjoy these conversations, please LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and leave a comment below. Question of the day: Do you think the NFPA has helped or hurt the fire service? We'd love to hear your perspective in the comments. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔥 Support the podcast on Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, bonus episodes, giveaways, and more. 🌐 Website: https://thecoolfireman.com #firefighter #fireservice #NFPA #IAFF #leadership #firedepartment #firepodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #firstresponders #firetraining

July 20, 2026Episode 3259 min

The Truth About Firehouse Culture | Let's Play "Finish the Sentence"

What makes someone the firefighter everyone wants to work with? In this episode, Matt and Doug play "Finish the Sentence" and let the conversation take over. From firehouse culture and leadership to rookie mistakes, truck company operations, cooking at the station, and even dream jobs outside the fire service, this episode is packed with laughs and real conversations from two firefighters who have lived it. Along the way, they also discuss: - Why adaptability is one of the most important firefighter traits. - The quickest ways to lose respect in the firehouse. - What separates great rookies from average ones. - Why the kitchen table is still the heart of every station. - The best types of fires to respond to (and why). - Truck company expectations and interior firefighter mindset. - Firehouse traditions worth keeping—and a few worth questioning. - SAFRE Expo updates and what to expect from The Cool Fireman Podcast booth. - Patreon, Burn Box, FD Collectors Club, Unkie's Seasoning, and more. They also answer listener comments from Spotify and TikTok, including a discussion about fire department spending and one firefighter's journey into the profession. Whether you're a rookie, seasoned firefighter, volunteer, officer, or simply love the fire service, this episode has something for everyone. 🔥 Question of the Week: Finish this sentence... "The kitchen table should always..." Leave your answer in the comments! 🎙️ Support the Podcast - Follow & Subscribe wherever you listen. - Join our Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, bonus videos, giveaways, and monthly Patreon Perks. - Check out our sponsors: 🚒 See us at SAFRE in Raleigh, NC! #Firefighter #FireService #Firehouse #Leadership #TruckCompany #EngineCompany #FirefighterPodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #EMS #FireTraining

July 13, 2026Episode 311 hr 5 min

What's the BIGGEST Waste of Money in the Fire Service?

Is it equipment? Training? EMS supplies? Something else entirely? In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast , Matt and Brian tackle a topic every firefighter has an opinion on: where does the fire service waste the most money—and where should we actually be investing it? From bottled water and disposable supplies to expired medications, conference budgets, uniforms, and station culture, they dive into the difficult balance between stewardship and providing firefighters with the tools they need to succeed. The conversation goes beyond dollars and cents. Brian shares why transparency with crews matters when discussing budgets, while Matt offers the perspective from the firehouse floor—where many firefighters understandably think, "Not my problem." Together they explore how leadership can bridge that gap through communication, trust, and showing crews the return on investment when departments save money. The episode also includes: - A Patreon update and July Patreon Perks winner - Sponsor updates from Unkie's Seasonings, Burn Box, FD Collectors Club, and Operation Yellow Tape - A heartfelt moment of silence for firefighters and families facing difficult times - Listener comments and Snail Mail - A discussion about paycheck protection, FMLA, and protecting your family if you're injured off duty Whether you're a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, volunteer, or simply interested in how fire departments operate, this episode offers practical leadership lessons and a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of managing public resources. - Biggest wastes of money in the fire service - Transparency in fire department budgets - Why small expenses add up - Training vs. equipment funding - ROI in the fire service - Building trust between chiefs and firefighters - Leadership through communication - Firefighter financial responsibility - Patreon updates & listener mail - Protecting your paycheck 🎙️ If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Cool Fireman Podcast on Spotify, leave a rating, and share it with another firefighter. Your support helps us continue bringing real conversations from the firehouse every week.

July 6, 2026Episode 301 hr 6 min

Firefighter Hobbies: Why You NEED a Life Outside the Firehouse

What should firefighters do when they're off duty? This week, the guys tackle a listener question from Squawk , a brand-new firefighter getting ready to start his career. They discuss why every firefighter needs hobbies outside the fire service, how to balance them with family life, and which hobbies can actually become unhealthy. The conversation covers everything from golf, fishing, smoking meat, lawn care, softball, Disney trips, and camping... to why your hobby should never become more important than your spouse or kids. The crew also announces the July Patreon Perks winner , talks about new Unkie's Seasonings taste-testing, Burn Box gear, honors firefighters and loved ones lost in the line of duty, and answers listener comments from social media. Whether you're a rookie firefighter or have decades on the job, this episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself—and your family—is part of being a great firefighter. In This Episode: - Why firefighters need hobbies outside of work - Can certain hobbies become unhealthy? - Balancing the fire service with family life - Mental health and finding healthy outlets - Golf, fishing, cooking, camping & other firefighter hobbies - The importance of paycheck protection for risky hobbies - July Patreon Perks giveaway winner - Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project - Burn Box gear spotlight - Honoring firefighters and loved ones we've lost - Listener questions & Snail Mail If you're enjoying the show, consider joining our Patreon community for bonus content, behind-the-scenes videos, giveaways, and exclusive perks. Stay safe... and remember: Laugh. Learn. Support. Timestamps: 00:00 - Robotic vacuums & opening banter 01:20 - Doug's hair dye update 02:20 - Listener question: Firefighter hobbies 03:10 - Patreon updates & new members 04:30 - Unkie's Seasonings community flavor project 08:15 - Burn Box spotlight 10:20 - July Patreon Perks winner announced 12:30 - Honoring Captain Dee Barbara 15:30 - Honoring fallen firefighters 20:20 - Why every firefighter needs a hobby 21:30 - Are some hobbies unacceptable? 23:45 - Family balance vs. personal hobbies 33:00 - Favorite hobbies and why they matter 42:30 - Protecting your paycheck with risky hobbies 43:30 - Do firefighters have enough time for hobbies? 49:00 - Hobbies we wish we had 52:00 - Would You Rather: One expensive hobby or five cheap hobbies? 56:30 - Snail Mail & listener comments 1:04:00 - Final thoughts & Patreon reminder Follow The Cool Fireman Podcast: 🚒 Weekly episodes featuring firefighters from across the country 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts. #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterPodcast #MentalHealth #Leadership #FirstResponders #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

June 29, 2026Episode 2958 min

Firefighters Are Addicted to Service... But Who Takes Care of You?

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast , the crew tackles one of the biggest challenges firefighters face—and it has nothing to do with fighting fires. What starts as a listener question about rank and responsibility quickly turns into a powerful conversation about leadership, sacrifice, family, and the pressure that comes with serving others. From firefighters on the engine to chief officers answering calls long after they leave the station, the discussion explores how every rank carries a different kind of responsibility. One of the most impactful moments comes when Matt says: "The hardest thing you'll ever do is look in the mirror and be honest." Brian builds on that thought by explaining that firefighters are often addicted to service . Even on their days off, many struggle to stop helping others, answer one more phone call, volunteer for one more responsibility, or put the job ahead of themselves and their families. The crew discusses why balance is one of the hardest lessons to learn in the fire service. In This Episode: - Why leadership becomes more complicated with every promotion - The sacrifices families make that often go unnoticed - The importance of perspective across every rank - Why firefighters struggle to disconnect from the job - Looking in the mirror and taking honest accountability - How service can become an addiction - Why empathy matters more than assumptions - Finding balance between faith, family, and the fire service Also in this episode: - Welcome to our newest Patreon Engineer members - July Patreon Perks giveaway announcement - Little Station 5 collaboration update - Burn Box and FD Collectors Club highlights - Unkie's Seasoning updates and upcoming releases - Listener mail discussing PTSD, firefighter photos, and social media professionalism - Preview of next week's discussion on firefighter hobbies and life outside the station This episode is a reminder that while firefighters dedicate their lives to serving others, true leadership starts with being honest with yourself. If you're a firefighter, officer, volunteer, or anyone striving to lead well, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Support The Cool Fireman Podcast Join our Patreon community for bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, Turnout Drills, and monthly Patreon Perks giveaways. #Firefighter #FireService #Leadership #FirefighterPodcast #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterLife #FirstResponder #Firehouse #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealth #SelfReflection #FireCaptain #Brotherhood #VolunteerFirefighter #CareerFirefighter #FireDepartment #StationLife #FaithFamilyFire #PersonalGrowth #FirehouseCulture

June 22, 2026Episode 2856 min

Social Media Fails in the Fire Service | Pride, Privacy & Professionalism

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast , Matt, Brian, and Adam tackle one of the most controversial topics in the fire service: 🚒 When does sharing become oversharing? The conversation dives into firefighter social media use, taking photos at incidents, off-duty conduct, and whether firefighters should be held accountable for what they post online. What starts as a discussion about a recent fire service controversy turns into a deeper conversation about professionalism, public trust, and representing the badge both on and off duty. Should firefighters take photos at fire scenes? Where is the line between pride and poor judgment? Should firefighters be disciplined for off-duty social media posts? Does social media help or hurt the fire service? Why public perception matters more than ever The responsibility that comes with wearing the badge Firehouse traditions vs. modern-day scrutiny The power of professionalism on and off duty Patreon Perks winner shoutouts Benjamin Fry's Turn Out Drill answers The great pineapple-on-pizza debate 🍍🍕 Favorite smells, mountain air, diesel fuel, and pipe tobacco New Patreon members and upcoming giveaways Little Station 5 collaboration announcement Updates from Unkie's Seasoning and Burn Box sponsors The crew answers listener questions about: Fire service rank and family sacrifice Firefighter hobbies and off-duty activities Volunteer firefighter jokes (again...) Future episode ideas from the audience Whether you're a career firefighter, volunteer, officer, or probationary firefighter, this episode is guaranteed to make you think about how we represent ourselves, our departments, and the fire service as a whole. 🔥 Join the conversation and let us know: Should firefighters be disciplined for off-duty social media posts? Support the Podcast: Patreon: Exclusive behind-the-scenes content, Turn Out Drills, monthly giveaways, and more. Sponsors: Unkie's Seasoning Burn Box Little Station 5 #Firefighter #FireService #Firehouse #SocialMedia #TheCoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterLife #Leadership #FirstResponder #FireDepartment #FirefighterPodcast #Professionalism #VolunteerFirefighter #CareerFirefighter #FirehouseCulture #Brotherhood #FireRescue #EmergencyServices #FirefighterTraining #Podcast #FirehouseKitchenTable In This Episode:Patreon & Community UpdatesSnail Mail

June 15, 2026Episode 271 hr 7 min

Who Sacrifices More: Firefighters or Their Families? | True or False

🚒 Would You Rather: White Shirt Edition Returns! 🚒 The boys are back with another round of firefighter debates, hot takes, and leadership conversations that hit a little deeper than usual. This episode starts with some housekeeping, sponsor updates, Patreon shoutouts, and a heartfelt tribute to fallen firefighter Chief Harold Osborne before diving headfirst into a series of thought-provoking "True or False" discussions. Topics include: 🔥 Are the best firefighters usually the quietest? 🔥 Is your reputation built more in the station or on the fireground? 🔥 Do firefighters eventually become the people they once complained about? 🔥 Can accountability and brotherhood truly coexist? 🔥 Are most leadership problems actually communication problems? 🔥 Does failure help people discover their purpose? 🔥 Who sacrifices more for a firefighter's career—the firefighter or their family? The conversation gets real as Matt, Brian, and Unkie share personal experiences about leadership, promotion, family life, communication, and the realities of serving in the fire service. One of the most powerful discussions of the night centers around the sacrifices made by firefighter families and why they may be the true unsung heroes of the profession. Plus, in this week's Snail Mail segment, the crew answers a listener's question about becoming a firefighter at 45 years old and why it's never too late to pursue a career that matters. Featured Sponsors 🔥 Unkie's Seasoning 🔥 FD Collectors Club 🔥 Burn Box Patreon Perks Special thanks to our newest Engineer Tier member and congratulations to this month's Patreon Perks winner! We also preview some exciting upcoming giveaways with Little Station Five. 💬 Question of the Week: True or False: Our families sacrifice more for our fire service careers than we do. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🚒 Stay safe. Stay salty. Stay Cool.