
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
With FEMA news changing by the day, Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on the current shakeups at the agency as well as the criticisms it faced 20 years ago following Hurricane Katrina. The chief offers insights into why FEMA’s role in disaster response has been misunderstood for years, plus the federal-level changes that could better elevate the role of the fire service. Bashoor urges fire service leaders to speak up about what they need to effectively serve the community — and that includes the impact of losing FEMA funding or programs. “The fire service has not always been one to squeak,” Bashoor notes, calling for firefighters to get more involved where they can, whether at the local, state or federal levels.
Resources:
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Some FEMA staff on leave after ‘statement of opposition’ letter ahead of Katrina anniversary
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A timeline of federal program changes impacting the fire service
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It’s time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback and suggest future guests.

Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Returning (again!) to Better Every Shift, fire service scientist-extraordinaire Dr. Sara Jahnke gets real about the firefighter/research connection: Historically, “we’ve done a sh*tty job translating science to practice” — but that’s changing with the growing movement around Science to the Station, an event that brings together firefighters, researchers and health experts to bridge the gap and form powerful connections. Dr. Jahnke outlines the magic of the S2S event and how all firefighters can get involved, even if you can’t make it to the November event in Colorado.
Dr. Jahnke also encourages everyone to participate in a national research study to better understand how sleep patterns and fatigue impact firefighter health and well-being. This study includes career and volunteer firefighters and spouses/partners of volunteer firefighters to ensure the researchers capture the full picture of sleep-related challenges in the fire service. Take the survey.
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback or suggest future guests.

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
‘Nobody has a unique problem’: Waldo and Wolford talk shared solutions
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Fire-Rescue International is underway, and with that comes the leadership handoff at the IAFC. Before Chief Josh Waldo hands the baton to Chief Trisha Wolford, the two return to Better Every Shift to reflect on Waldo’s time as president and what awaits Wolford as she steps into the president’s boots — or really, if you know her, high heels. The chiefs discuss the most common issues they see facing the fire service today, and how leaders can lean on each other for best practices, collaborative partnerships and general support.
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Aggressive firefighting: ‘We’ve corrupted the concept’
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
The two smartest Johns in the fire service are digging into the hottest topic in the fire service. Chiefs John Oates and John Tippett unpack the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey results, tackling the much-debated question of whether safety culture and aggressive tactics can coexist. Spoiler alert: They can! But it’s how they coexist that’s drives this nuanced discussion of training priorities and go/no-go decision-making.
Resources:
- Download: What Firefighters Want in 2025 [eBook]
- More data: What Firefighters Want
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by FirstNet, Built with AT&T, the nationwide dedicated communications platform built to support firefighters like you.
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Extra Alarm: How to deliver strong initial on-scene size-up reports
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Keith Padgett, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent communication from the first-arriving officer to establish command and set the tone for incident operations. He outlines a standard format for initial reports that includes arrival notification, structure description, visible conditions, tactical actions and command declaration. He also highlights the value of practicing these reports in training to build confidence and clarity under pressure. Officers are encouraged to use tools like thermal imaging during the walkaround to identify hidden hazards such as basement fires. The goal is to improve operational efficiency, reduce confusion for incoming units and enhance firefighter safety.

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
‘You can really decrease your risk’: Dr. Jeff Burgess talks firefighter cancer
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
“We can now answer all sorts of questions” about firefighter cancer risks and mitigations, shares Dr. Jeff Burgess, one of the most well-known fire service researchers who is fighting the good fight — for you. Dr. Burgess, who serves as director of the Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research at the University of Arizona, details the two major categories where firefighters can take action to reduce their cancer risks — exposure reduction and healthy living — and offers simple steps related to both. Tune in to hear his guidance on the following:
- PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”)
- Overhaul and engineers on air
- Plasma and blood donation
- Municipal water sources
- On-scene decon
- Carpet at the station
Resources:
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by MagneGrip. Eliminate diesel exhaust fumes from inside the fire station with a MagneGrip exhaust removal system. Learn more at MagneGrip.com.
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Extra Alarm: Continuation of command — what happens when the IC goes down?
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Deputy Chief Vince Bettinazzi, addressing the critical steps for managing a situation where the incident commander (IC) becomes incapacitated. Bettinazzi emphasizes the importance of preparing for such scenarios, including training and designating backups. He explores the impacts on fireground operations and various strategies for continuity of command, such as transferring responsibilities to other battalion chiefs, safety officers or rapid intervention team officers. The need for clear identification and communication from the IC is highlighted, along with practical solutions to maintain command structure effectively. The episode serves as a prompt for fire departments to develop or review their contingency plans for unexpected IC incapacitation.

Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
“Metro Chiefs is leading the fire service — and I know there are other entities that would argue that, but I’ll take that to the bank.” Fire Chief John Butler, president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association,” emphasizes the influence of the association, which represents just 1% of departments but covers 50% of population. Part of Metro’s influence stems from its unique governance, with its “two parents” — the IAFC and the NFPA. Chief Otto Drozd, Metro Chiefs executive secretary, also explains why the association acts as a “safe space” for fire chiefs to share challenges and ideas. We dig into this and more:
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The associations quest to grow membership
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Why relationships are “high octane” for Metro
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How to tap into Metro Chiefs resources
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What’s on the agenda for the next Urban Fire Forum
This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore.
Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Thursday Jul 10, 2025
‘We rehearsed this’: Chief Eric Morgenthaler talks mayday command
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
In the nanosecond after hearing the mayday, Castle Rock (Colorado) Battalion Chief Eric Morgenthaler went from “Is this really happening?” to “I know what I need to do.” His crew had trained repeatedly on scenarios just like this — a firefighter through the floor. Morgenthaler shares a play by play of the mayday as well as his command mindset throughout the event. Additionally, Castle Rock Fire & Rescue has developed an after-action review and video so others can learn lessons and best practices from the incident.
Watch: Firefighter Mayday – After Action Review video
Download:
Sponsor shout-out: This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by Pulsara. Whether replacing radio reports, alerting specialty teams, or managing mass-casualty incidents, Pulsara simplifies communication. One Tool. Every Day. Regardless of Event. Learn more at Pulsara.com.
Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Extra Alarm: Emergency logistics — who’s your go-to officer?
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Paul Fawcett, tackling the critical role of logistics officers in emergency response operations. Fawcett addresses the necessity for a logistics team to manage and streamline complex responses, highlighting their responsibility to provide supplies and ensure that facilities, food, sanitation, lighting, power and communication needs are met. Additionally, learn about training resources offered by FEMA and other institutions to equip logistics officers for their roles.
Content read by Chief Marc Bashoor.