Fire Family Collective Podcast

In this conversation, Amanda and Suzy discuss the challenges and rewards of being a partner to a first responder. They explore the importance of community support, the balancing act of work and family life, and the emotional resilience required in their unique circumstances. Suzy shares her experiences as a librarian and a fire spouse, emphasizing the significance of having a support network and the value of literature in navigatin...

In this conversation, Amanda and Katie Kada discuss the unique challenges and misconceptions faced by fire families. They explore the realities of being a first responder spouse, the importance of self-care, and the impact of parenting on personal well-being. Katie shares her journey of prioritizing her health through the '75 Soft' program and the joy of rediscovering reading. The discussion also touches on the dynamics o...

In this episode of the Fire Family Collective Podcast, Amanda and Ashley Pridgeon discuss the unique dynamics of being part of a firefighter family. They explore Ashley's experiences growing up as a fire kid, the challenges of parenting with a firefighter spouse, and the importance of mental health resources for first responders. The conversation emphasizes the need for community support, the reality behind the romanticized im...

In episode 54 of the Fire Family Collective podcast, Amanda speaks with Stephanie and Dan Lievense about their experiences during the Eaton Fire in January 2025. Dan is a Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter; Stephanie is a marriage and family therapist. The conversation delves into the emotional and practical challenges faced by firefighters and their families during emergencies, the importance of community support, and the les...

In this episode, Peter McKenzie and Amanda Ellis discuss the transition of the Firehouse Roundtable podcast to the Fire Family Collective, focusing on the importance of community and support for families of firefighters. Amanda shares her personal journey of feeling isolated as a new firefighter's spouse and how connecting with others in similar situations has been transformative. They explore the vision for the Fire Family Co...

Guest host Amanda Ellis talks with three other fire spouses, Stephanie Kay, Maggie Hernandez, and Anna Young, about the Ventura Fire Foundation's newest initiative, the Fire Family Collective. To be launched in January 2025, the Fire Family Collective is a supportive digital community for USA fire families offering resources, education, and connection. The Collective will  empower fire families to overcome adversity, strengthe...

A deep conversation with Chief David Rhodes, a 38-year veteran of the fire service and editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine. They explore the differences between the public and private sectors, the challenges of bureaucracy and generational differences within the fire service. Chief Rhodes shares insights on the importance of training, the cultural shifts in the fire service, and the significance of outside involvement in p...

Derrick Bean, a Fire Engineer, Girl Dad, and new member of the Foundation's Board celebrates the show's 50th epsiode with guest host Joe Booth. Derrick shares his unique journey to becoming a firefighter, including his multicultural background and experiences in various fire departments. The conversation delves into the importance of diversity in the fire service, the role of fire cause investigation, and the challenges o...

In this conversation, guest hosts Amanda Ellis and Stephanie Kay talk with marriage and family therapist (and fire wife) Tiffany Atalla about parenting as a firefighter family and navigating the challenges that come with it. The discussion includes fostering understanding and connection with children, empowering kids to be independent and resilient, and maintaining a united front as parents. Overall, the conversation provides pract...

Brian Waters, LA County Fire Department captain and owner of Code 3 Invest, talks with Peter about his journey in real estate investing. They discuss the importance of diversifying income sources, the risks of relying solely on a firefighter's salary, and the benefits of investing in real estate. Brian shares his personal experience with investing in rental properties and explains why he believes it is a more secure and profit...

In this conversation, Destiny Morris, LMFT, discusses the importance of reconnecting and reintegrating into the family after firefighters come home from work. The main themes discussed include hypervigilance, checking in with oneself and one's partner, closing the stress cycle, managing expectations, and healthy ways to greet each other. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, compromise, and compassion in...

Driver Engineer Jason Patton talks about his journey from mechanic to firefighter to creator of Fire Department Chronicles to Vice President of Fire Department Coffee. They discuss Firefighter Fenton as well as the importance of firefighters having a plan B and not relying on the "firefighter nonsense" they tell you at the academy. Jason also discusses the mental health movement within the fire service. The conversation e...

Brian Russo, a battalion chief for FDNY, shares his experience of 9/11 and the aftermath. He discusses the chaos and devastation of that day, the loss of colleagues and friends, and the survivor's guilt he experienced. Russo highlights the importance of mental health support for first responders and the stigma associated with seeking help. He also emphasizes the changes and improvements in command and control, communication, a...

In this conversation, Maggie Hernandez, associate marriage and family therapist and firefighter spouse, discusses the importance of recognizing personal responsibility in relationships and the need for couples to understand their own roles and boundaries. She emphasizes that marriage requires commitment and attention, comparing it to a job that deserves the same level of dedication as a career. The conversation also touches on the ...

In this episode, Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton and FDNY Lieutenant/Deputy Director, Counseling Service Unit Drew Kane discuss Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its benefits for firefighters. Drew shares his experience with TM and how it has helped him and other firefighters. Alex emphasizes the importance of taking care of mental health and encourages firefighters to have an open mind about different tools and practices. They ad...

In this conversation, the hosts interview two more firefighter paramedics as they come off probation, Ryan Vaughn and Connor Ryan-Fenwick. Ryan talks about his journey from being stabbed as a teenager to joining the Navy and eventually becoming a firefighter. Connor discusses his decision to pursue a career in the fire service and his experience working at Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District before joining Ventura City. The c...

In this conversation, our hosts interview two firefighters as they come off probation, Ryan Howell and Sam Stein.  Sam shares his background in firefighting, including working for various departments in Illinois and Wyoming before joining the Ventura City Fire Department, as well as his volunteer work in Ukraine. Ryan talks about his time with Cal Fire in Riverside and his decision to join the Ventura City Fire Department to be clo...

Part 2 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence.  Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer su...

Part 1 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer sup...