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
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
“Code 3” — the action-comedy centered on a paramedic’s life in crisis — hits select theaters this week, and co-writer Patrick Pianezza joins Better Every Shift to detail the behind-the-scenes movie magic that transformed his real-life EMS experiences into an independent film starring Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery and Aimee Carrero. Pianezza, who also served as a volunteer firefighter, shares his process capturing both the pressures and the humanity of EMS work — all wrapped in some seriously dark humor — plus all this:
-
The scene he loves that didn’t make the movie
-
The “Usual Suspects” moment that shifted the tone
-
His push to “go darker” with the humor
-
The medical scene they had to get right — his moviemaking “hill to die on”
Read more about Code 3: Why ‘Code 3’ might be the most honest EMS film yet
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.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!