Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast

Hosted by Heath Meredith

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148

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Teaching what it takes to be a successful firefighter on and off the job. Having real life conversations about topics that most people refuse to talk about. Thirdalarmcowboys.com Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys

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August 23, 2026Episode 13054 min

#130 Do as I say, Not as I Do

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Cigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys Promo Code- TAC Workout Supplements- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys TestresQ.com Promo Code- Thirdalarm (20% off first month) The podcast episode begins with an introduction to the Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast and the host's activities on the ranch. It then covers upcoming events and engagements, sponsorship and promotional content, and a discussion on an upcoming controversial article. The host shares his experiences with chiefs and the realities of ranching, as well as the challenges of budgeting and ranching. The conversation delves into the challenges of running a business, the stress of managing a business, toxic leadership, and the essence of leadership. It emphasizes the importance of giving a damn and the simplicity yet difficulty of effective leadership. Takeaways Realities of ranching Challenges of being a chief Leadership is simple but hard Leadership requires giving a damn Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast 01:28 Upcoming Events and Engagements 08:07 Sponsorship and Promotional Content 14:58 Discussion on Upcoming Controversial Article 15:05 Experience with Chiefs and Ranching Realities 24:12 Challenges of Budgeting and Ranching 29:35 The Reality of Running a Business 30:20 The Stress of Running a Business 31:54 Leadership and Accountability 33:19 Toxic Leadership and Expectations 35:00 The Role of a Chief and Leadership 36:25 The Essence of Leadership 43:13 The Responsibility of a Chief 45:54 Leadership and Accountability

August 13, 2026Episode 1291 hr 5 min

#129 Fire Service Cowardice

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Founding Outlaw App- https://forms.gle/rA3y9vg6UqDcB2gs9 Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys Promo Code- TACMONTH1 Protein and Supplements- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Testresq.com Promo Code- Thirdalarm The Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast discusses the growth of the platform, the formation of the Founding Outlaws, and the issue of cowardice in the fire service. The host emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth and standing up for what is right, addressing the challenges faced by the fire service and the impact on mental health. Heath Meredith discusses the growing frustration and disillusionment among citizens and firefighters, emphasizing the need for authenticity, integrity, and adherence to constitutional rights. He also addresses the changing landscape of the fire service and the importance of pursuing fulfillment and purpose in one's career. Takeaways Platform growth and Founding Outlaws formation Challenges of cowardice in the fire service Importance of speaking the truth and standing up for what is right Constitutional rights and freedom of speech are at the forefront of citizens' frustrations. The fire service is experiencing a shift towards a focus on operational ability and real-world training. Chapters 00:00 Platform Growth and Founding Outlaws Formation 07:33 Challenges of Cowardice in the Fire Service 27:18 Importance of Speaking the Truth and Standing Up for What is Right 32:56 Growing Frustration and Disillusionment 39:43 The Changing Landscape of the Fire Service 48:59 Living a Reality You Don't Believe In 59:13 Pursuing Fulfillment and Purpose

July 31, 20261 hr 8 min

#128 The Curse

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Protein- https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1-clear/?a_aid=thirdalarmcowboys Cigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys Promo Code: TAC The conversation delves into the real-life experiences of individuals in the fire service and the impact of personal experiences on professional behavior. It explores the challenges and dynamics of life in the fire service, shedding light on the cross-bugle curse and the need for change and accountability within the industry. The conversation delves into the themes of leadership, accountability, self-reflection, and continuous learning. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, continuous learning, and the need for strong leadership and accountability in the fire service. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in the fire service. Takeaways Real-life experiences in the fire service The impact of personal experiences on professional behavior Leadership and accountability Self-reflection and continuous learning Chapters 00:00 Life in the Fire Service 24:21 The Cross-Bugle Curse 34:56 Leadership and Accountability 56:28 Self-Reflection and Continuous Learning

July 4, 20261 hr 4 min

#127 State of the Fire Service- Radioactive

thirdalarmcowboys.com Cigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys Promo Code-Fistfight Energy Drinks/Protein- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys The podcast episode delves into the toxic and corrupt state of the fire service, addressing issues of toxic behavior, leadership, and the mental health crisis. It highlights the culture of fear and silence, as well as the duty to act and the goldfish mentality prevalent in the fire service. Heath Meredith discusses the impact of AI in the fire service, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and authenticity. He also delves into the business side of the fire service and the role of firefighters in society. Finally, he encourages action to create positive change within the fire service. Takeaways Toxic behavior and corrupt leadership are pervasive issues in the fire service. The culture of fear and silence contributes to the mental health crisis among firefighters. Authenticity and real-life experience are crucial in the fire service. The role of firefighters extends beyond firefighting, impacting society and culture. Chapters 00:00 The State of the Union of the Fire Service 10:05 The Culture of Fear and Silence 31:46 The Duty to Act and the Goldfish Mentality 47:20 The Business Side of Fire Service 53:28 The Role of Firefighters in Society 01:00:53 Taking Action to Create Change

June 24, 202626 min

#126 Earning That Title

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Cigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys Promo code: TAC Protein/Energy Drinks: 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys The podcast episode features Heath Meredith discussing the growth of Third Alarm Cowboys, his personal background in the oil field, and the value of hard work in the fire service. Heath emphasizes the importance of earning one's title and badge every day through hard work and dedication. Takeaways Hard work and dedication are essential in the fire service Earning one's title and badge through manual labor and dedication is a core value of the Third Alarm Cowboys brand Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast 05:31 Challenges in Pursuing a Firefighting Career 13:30 The Value of Hard Work and Accomplishment 25:35 The Fire Service and the Value of Hard Work

June 22, 20261 hr 17 min

#125 Bridging Gaps feat. Fire Chief Marty Cornilson

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Supplements- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Cigars- paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys promo code: TAC The podcast episode features a conversation between Heath Meredith and Marty Cornilson, a fire chief with 31 years of experience. They discuss topics such as fire season preparations, recruitment and retention challenges, leadership styles, and the changing dynamics of the fire service. Marty shares insights on bridging the gap between fire chiefs and firefighters, addressing staffing struggles, and promoting a positive fire service culture. The conversation covers a range of topics related to fire service leadership, training, and organizational culture. It emphasizes the importance of probationary periods, accountability, community engagement, and the need for innovative and practical training methods. The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding the mindset of firefighters and the need for effective leadership and management practices. Takeaways Fire season preparations are underway in California and Texas, with a focus on pre-deployment and red flag warnings. Recruitment and retention challenges in the fire service are influenced by factors such as competition from larger departments, changing demographics, and the need to adapt leadership styles to accommodate diverse personalities. The role of leadership in the fire service is evolving, with an emphasis on understanding and accommodating different learning styles and personalities, as well as promoting a positive fire service culture. Probationary periods are crucial for identifying and addressing issues with new firefighters early on. Community engagement is essential for building trust and support for the fire service. Innovative and practical training methods are necessary for preparing firefighters for real-life emergency situations. Understanding the mindset of firefighters and providing effective leadership and management practices are key to a successful fire service organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Fire Season Preparations 06:31 Recruitment and Retention Challenges 16:58 Involvement in Conferences and Training 24:15 Promoting Personnel and Leadership Styles 38:35 The Importance of Probationary Periods

June 15, 20261 hr 8 min

#124 Firefighter 6-Packs feat. Captain Dan Ski FDNY

Thirdalarmcowboys.com Supplements- Protein - Energy drinks- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Firefighter Cigars- paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys promo code: TAC The conversation covers a range of topics related to firefighter fitness, nutrition, and the challenges of maintaining physical readiness for the demands of the job. It emphasizes the importance of strength, conditioning, and injury prevention for firefighters, as well as the need for a balanced approach to fitness and performance. The discussion also touches on the cultural attitudes towards fitness and the misconceptions surrounding physical appearance and performance in the fire service. The conversation covers a range of topics including fitness, diet, and the impact of the fire service on the body. It emphasizes the importance of education, simplicity, and self-care in maintaining physical and mental health as a firefighter. Takeaways Firefighter fitness requires a focus on strength, conditioning, and injury prevention. Balanced nutrition and workout routines are essential for maintaining fire ground performance. Cultural attitudes towards fitness and physical appearance in the fire service can lead to misconceptions and unrealistic expectations. Education Simplicity

May 27, 202658 min

#123 Fire Officer Tactical Sheet

Fire Officer Tactical Sheet 30 day Breakdown over the real How To be a good officer. The next generation of firefighters are different than anything we have ever seen before. thirdalarmcowboys.com Energy Drinks- 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Cigars- Paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

May 12, 202655 min

#122 Trust and Training

How do Trust and Training relate in the Fire Service? Whats my biggest flaw? thirdalarmcowboys.com Protein and energy drinks 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Cigars paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

May 1, 2026Episode 12159 min

#121 Us vs Them

thirdalarmcowboys.com The podcast episode covers a range of topics related to the fire service, including supporting a mentor's political campaign, an upcoming fire summit, hands-on training, the 'us versus them' mentality, financial challenges, and salary disparities in leadership positions within the fire service. The conversation delves into the prevalent 'us versus them' mentality in the fire service, highlighting the impact of this divide on the relationship between firefighters and fire chiefs. It also emphasizes the importance of a mission-focused mindset for both firefighters and fire chiefs, offering insights into the challenges and solutions for addressing these issues. Takeaways Real-life situations in the fire service Impact of leadership and promotions on firefighters Us versus them mentality in the fire service The importance of a mission-focused mindset Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 12:27 Us Versus Them Mentality in the Fire Service 19:30 Financial Challenges and Disparities in the Fire Service 26:55 Salary Disparities and Leadership Positions 33:04 The Role of Fire Chiefs 46:36 Mission-Focused Mindset Protein and Energy Drinks: 1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys Cigars- paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys promo code: TAC