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
3 days ago
3 days ago
This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is extra super because Zam and Janelle are talking all things Super Bowl with Glendale (Arizona) Captain Ashley Losch, digging into the fire and EMS preparations, training and coordination for this year’s big game. Captain Losch details the many moving parts of “Super Season,” what they’ve learned from the past two Super Bowls the city has hosted, plus how the Damar Hamlin incident prompted additional questions. Plus, we get into all this:
- The big messaging change for this year
- Maintaining citywide staffing during the big game
- The tabletop exercise that had 150 agencies represented
What else …
- Hot seat sneak peek: Best Super Bowl halftime shows of all time
- Don’t miss: How the super-wealthy deal with Super Bowl travel
- Episode power quote: “It’s about connection, it’s about coming together for a common goal, making sure that people are safe, making sure that everyone has a good time, everyone goes home with good memories, and the sheer amount of people that are coming together to make sure that happens is really incredible.”
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month:
- Damar Hamlin’s medical emergency live on Monday Night Football – and the many “takes” that followed;
- Controversy over an Alabama firefighter whose tattoo and hair prompted complaints that ultimately led to her dismissal; and
- The fallen FDNY firefighter whose organ donation saved multiple lives, including two retired FDNY members.
We also recognize Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and offer simple tips for talking to your doctor about the unique health risks firefighters face on the job.
Resources we mentioned on the show …
- Fallen FDNY firefighter donates organs to 5, including 2 retired firefighters
- firefighter fired for head tattoo, hairstyle violations
- Firefighter grooming standards: An evolving policy issue
- Fire, EMS agencies urge CPR training in wake of NFL player's mid-game medical emergency
- Firefighter Cancer Support Network
- 40PlusFire
- Provider’s Guide to Firefighter Medical Evaluations
Connect with us!
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
This episode of the Better Every Shift podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit Lexipol.com.
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle talk to a dear friend, Loveland (Colorado) Fire Rescue Authority Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach, about what it was like to serve as the editor-in-chief of two major fire service publications, then transition back into fire department life. The chief reflects on his family's fire service connection, his vision for Loveland, and how his career has come full circle.
Plus, we get into all this:
- A “spicy” analogy for old school vs. new school leadership
- His unique connection to the Beverly Hills Supper Club fire
- What firefighters don’t get about politics
- When to hit the accelerator and when to tap the brakes
- The book he dares all firefighters to read
What else …
- Don’t miss: When it’s OK to make the fire chief uncomfortable
- Episode power quote: “It’s one thing to advocate it in print or on the speaking circuit; it’s another thing to be in this position and have to deliver.”
- Hot seat sneak peek: Mini-Tim
Resources we mentioned on the show …
- Chief Sendelbach’s father, Ed, pins the golden badge
- “What’s Killing Us?” Firefighter Health & Safety Seminar, March 20, 2023
Connect with us!
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Raleigh Battalion Chief Dena Ali joins the crew for a candid conversation about firefighter behavioral health, its connection to physical health, and her belief that the fire service needs its leaders to go beyond simply referring members to actually connecting with their members. We dig into that, plus all this:
- The sleep stat that shocked us
- The power of replacing the term “selfish” with “self-care”
- How to embrace being a “not-knower”
What else …
- Question: Does taking a nap make you lazy?
- Hot seat sneak peek: Tear-inducing movies and “Big Bootie Blueprint”
- Episode power quote: “Most of us would love to set boundaries, but our culture never made us feel like it was OK to have boundaries.”
Note: We did experience some minor technical difficulties on the video version, so check out how we replaced Zam’s pixelated look about halfway through the show.
Resources we mentioned on the show …
- ‘Be a not-knower’: The power of leading with humility
- Firefighters go above and beyond call of duty for woman who lost home
- “Therapy is awesome”
- 'It's OK to not be OK': Firefighter focuses on breaking the silence around mental health
Connect with us!
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
‘Pull up your jogging pants and take some notes’ because the three fitness experts offer actionable tips for health in the new year.
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam joins forces with fellow firefighter fitness experts Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss, authors of “Firefighter Functional Fitness,” to offer actionable tips for health in the new year – and non-fitness-guru Janelle learns that even experts need help from time to time. Plus, all this:
- Why mindset is the first piece of the health puzzle
- How smartphones impact firefighter health
- Who said it? “I crush ice cream and tequila like nobody’s business, and I gotta stop.”
What else …
- Don’t miss: A simple pro-tip for hydration
- Hot seat sneak peek: What music the experts listen to during workouts
- Episode power quote: “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford via Jim Moss
Resources we mentioned on the show …
- “Firefighter Functional Fitness” (book)
- Firefighter Functional Fitness (website)
- Fire Rescue Fitness
Connect with us!
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
Thursday Dec 29, 2022
Thursday Dec 29, 2022
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam and Janelle dig into the year that was, from the major incidents that are still top of mind to our “words of the year.”
What else …
- Hot topic: The electric vehicle “mixed bag” of coverage
- Holiday hot seat sneak peek: Our professional milestones
- Episode power quote: “It’s been a heavy year … but we don’t get called in when someone has a good day.”
- Don’t miss: What Firefighters Want in 2023 theme announced
Resources we mentioned on the show …
- 2022 Year in Review: Major events and milestone moments
- 2022: The year in fire photos
- ‘Quiet quitting’: How fire officers can combat the phenomenon
- When firefighters quit en masse
- ‘The Great Resignation’: It could go either way for the fire service
- ‘This is not what I signed up for’: Why some firefighters simply don’t understand the job
- NYC, Philly tragedies highlight need to strengthen CRR efforts, trauma support
- Firefighters share support for Ukrainian fire crews on front lines of military action
- Video: FF injured as crews continue work on Walmart warehouse fire
- Dangerous lake-effect snow wallops New York
- Video: FDNY firefighters rescue individuals from high-rise fire that injured 38
- Electric vehicles and fire apparatus resources
- Video: Ragú delivers 792 jars of pasta sauce to Okla. firefighters
- ‘I saw you on TikTok’: The fire service recruitment strategy no one is talking about
- Lexipol Media Sites Recognized for Editorial Excellence in B2B Journalism
- crew frees kitten from Walmart soda machine, suggests 'Pepsi' for a name
- FF's son injured in Wis. Christmas parade incident walks again
- A year after tragedy, the Dancing Grannies ‘celebrate life’ in return to the Waukesha Christmas parade
- FDNY’s Frank Leeb: ‘We can do better. Start today.’
Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Zam talks to Bozeman (Montana) Fire Chief Josh Waldo about making incremental changes, whether at the individual or organizational level, plus all this:
- Waldo’s gut-check moment that changed his fire service trajectory;
- The first thing he did when he arrived at the Bozeman FD;
- An inside look at his new opportunity with the IAFC; and
- What fires him up more than anything from his firefighters.
What else …
- Don’t miss: His experience with ESPN GameDay’s visit to Bozeman
- Hot seat sneak peek: Favorite concert
- Episode power quote: “If you’re doing things the same way you were 5, 7, 10 years ago, you fell behind a little bit. That’s just the way things are in our profession.”
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Oakland Fire Chief Reggie Freeman joins Zam to talk:
- The unspoken battle – or war – between new and older members;
- Changing how we define competence;
- Why diversity is a choice for fire departments;
- Chiefs who have forgotten where they came from;
- The motivation of injustice; and
- His kids’ future in the fire service (??).
What else …
- Hot seat sneak peek: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
- Don’t miss: His advice to his 18-year-old self.
- Episode power-quote: “Family inspires me, injustice motivates me.”
Additional resources
Chief Reginald Freeman tapped to lead Oakland Fire Department
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, Dr. Sara Jahnke, director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research, joins Zam to bond over their shared forgetfulness of their own articles and, more importantly, the reality of translating fire service science to real-world tactics and behavior, plus all this:
- Her “fourth-child” project – the Science Alliance (and merch!);
- Simple steps for positive change;
- The power of positive peer pressure;
- The motivating story about cigarettes in fire service culture; and
- Her pop culture black hole, even with Coolio;
What else …
- Don’t miss: The data point that made her gasp
- Hot seat sneak peek: Her “walk-up” song
- Episode power quote: “People say, ‘I’m not a scientist, I’m just a firefighter,’ but I’m not a firefighter, I’m just a scientist.”
- Did you catch the movie quote? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com
Stuff we mentioned on the show …
Science to the Station: A Health & Wellness Alliance (aka Science Alliance)
- Sign up here, enter code ZAM for a free year membership to the Science Alliance
Additional resources
Read more from Dr. Jahnke about studies related to opioid use, shift schedules, alcohol use, Long-COVID and more.
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
Thursday Dec 01, 2022
On this episode of the Better Every Shift podcast, FDNY Deputy Chief Frank Leeb joins Zam to talk about what it means to be better every run, every day, every shift, plus:
- The transferability of experience – and lessons learned;
- The power of tracking small failures;
- The greatest threat to today’s firefighters;
- What we do too much, too late and too fast; and
- The best advice he’s ever received – and that he passes on to others.
What else …
- Don’t miss: Twin Parks fire review and analysis
- Hot seat sneak peek: Favorite firehouse meal
- Episode power quote: “Why can’t we learn the lesson that somebody else paid the price for maybe thousands of miles away?”
Stuff we mentioned on the show …
- What Firefighters Want in 2022: Fireground Leadership (Digital Edition – free download)
- After-action reviews: Because the ‘perfect fire’ doesn’t exist
- WHO cancer division reclassifies firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogenic profession
- FDNY: Constant use of multiple space heaters sparked fire that killed 17
Additional resources