Third Alarm Cowboys Podcast

Hosted by Heath Meredith

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Episodes

142

Latest episode

Jun 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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60 recent

June 15, 20261 hr 8 min

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

Thirdalarmcowboys.comSupplements- Protein - Energy drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysFirefighter Cigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboyspromo code: TACThe 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.TakeawaysFirefighter 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. EducationSimplicity

May 27, 202658 min

#123 Fire Officer Tactical Sheet

Fire Officer Tactical Sheet30 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.comEnergy Drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars- 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.comProtein and energy drinks1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigarspaynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

May 1, 2026Episode 12159 min

#121 Us vs Them

thirdalarmcowboys.comThe 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.TakeawaysReal-life situations in the fire serviceImpact of leadership and promotions on firefighters Us versus them mentality in the fire serviceThe importance of a mission-focused mindsetChapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast12:27 Us Versus Them Mentality in the Fire Service19:30 Financial Challenges and Disparities in the Fire Service26:55 Salary Disparities and Leadership Positions33:04 The Role of Fire Chiefs46:36 Mission-Focused MindsetProtein and Energy Drinks:1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboyspromo code: TAC

April 22, 20261 hr 17 min

#120 Texas Roots feat. Captain Kelcey Trotty

Texas Firefighter of the YearSFFMA 4th Vice President CandidateLongview Texas Fire CaptainHeath and Kelcey talk about their Texas roots. Growing up together in Nacogdoches. Kelcey is the first Chief that hired Heath for a paid fire job. Discussion about fire service leadership and the future.Longview Fire Departments radio tower high angle rescue.thirdalarmcowboys.comcigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboysProtein-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys

April 15, 20261 hr 0 min

#119 Lateral Transfers

Are lateral transfers good or bad?What do they mean for the future of the service?Why should we even do laterals?How should be pay?I challenge Chiefs to listen to this episode and reflect on their opinions about lateral transfers!linktr.ee/thirdalarmcowboysBook Training Today-thirdalarmcowboys@gmail.comProtein-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

April 10, 20261 hr 5 min

#118 What is Experience?

What is real fire experience?Do years of service count?Are you Brave?Are you the same person in real life you say you are on social media?Order your "Pick a Side" shirt today!thirdalarmcowboys.comProtein and energy drinks-1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboysCigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

March 23, 20261 hr 10 min

#117 Calling Balls and Strikes

#117 Calling Balls and Strikeslinktr.ee/thirdalarmcowboysSmoky Mountain Wkd Registration-www.smokymtnweekend.orgStop riding the fence on everything!thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboyscigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

March 9, 202659 min

#116 Violent Encounters

Jake Hecht from VEST First Responder Training comes on the show to discuss his class. Violent Encounters training is now required by NFPA. ITS ABOUT TIME! We have all had issues with crazy folks on scene or drug addicts. FINALLY someone is addressing the issue! vestfirstresponder.comthirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboys.comcigars- paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys

March 2, 2026Episode 1151 hr 7 min

#115 Small Ball Ignorance

Do we even know the basics?Complacency isn't killing us in the future... its ignorance!Fire Chiefs... here is your challenge!Whats the difference between ball and the fire service?thirdalarmcowboys.com1stphorm.com/thirdalarmcowboyscigars-paynemason.com/thirdalarmcowboys