The Cool Fireman Podcast

The boys are back with Burn Box Tom, and it’s safe to say the chaos has never been more fun. From Tom’s Buzz Lightyear headset to tales of FDIC madness, we’re talking booths, mustaches, and the mysterious art of cutting a hole in a Burn Box (yep, that joke gets made).

We dive into what it’s like to sling firefighter-owned gear at the Super Bowl of conferences, how Tom’s Build-Your-Own Box was a game-changer, and the ever-growing FD ...

Fresh off Episode 100, the crew is back in action—and it’s a fed fire kind of night. Matt, Unkie, and special guest Nick Hammond (aka @fireman1231) break down the wild world of federal fire service—what it’s like to get hired, how operations differ from city departments, and the perks of repping stars and stripes on the job.

Doug and Nick bring the laughs with stories of burned rice, busted fire alarms, and the weird world of milita...

Big City Doug and Big Body Brian are coming to you almost live from FDIC in Indianapolis! It’s the first time they’ve recorded in-person together, and they’re bringing the laughs, the lessons, and a whole lotta love for the fire service.

In this special episode:🔥 We reflect on the first days at FDIC—massive booths, gear galore, hovercrafts (yes, really), and fire family from all over the world
🔥 We talk about generational impact an...

We made it to triple digits, folks! 💯 In this special 100th episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew reflects on the wild ride of the last two and a half years — from chaotic pre-shows and unforgettable guests to real firehouse laughs, emotional stories, and everything in between.

We highlight some of our favorite moments:

• 🔥 Chief Ronnie Hayes (Ep. 78) opening up about line of duty deaths and survivor benefits
• 🎯 Our virtua...

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, the crew pivots from their planned Episode 100 (don’t worry, it’s coming soon!) to dive into the world of fire conferences. From FDIC to SAFRE and everything in between, we’re breaking down:

🚒 What’s the deal with fire conferences?

• Why you NEED to attend at least one in your career.
• How conferences help firefighters learn, grow, and network.
• The classes, vendors, and behind-the-...

In this episode, we dive into a conversation that every firefighter needs to hear. We’re joined by Stephanie White—firefighter, writer, podcaster, and managing editor at Firefighter Nation—to talk about ADHD in the fire service and how it impacts everything from daily tasks to mental health, addiction, and even suicide risk.

🚨 Topics We Cover:

• Why so many firefighters thrive under pressure but struggle at home
• ADHD, dopamine, and...

🔥 "Fires first, everything else second." 🔥

This week, we welcome Jeremy Donch, founder of National Fire Radio, to the kitchen table! Jeremy is an advocate for the fire service, leadership development, and preserving the traditions of firemanship while adapting to the future. With 30 years in the fire service, he shares his unfiltered thoughts on leadership, firehouse culture, and staying engaged in the job.

💥 In This Epi...

In this episode, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie dive into a topic that every firefighter and first responder can relate to: work-life balance.

• Balancing Shift Work & Family Life – The unique challenges of a firefighter’s schedule and how it impacts time with loved ones.

• The Evolution of Side Jobs – Then vs. now: why firefighters used to have trade jobs versus today’s modern side hustles like consulting, online businesses, and ...

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Unkie dive into the unwritten rules (and written ones) that shape life in the firehouse. From popcorn machines (allowed or outlawed?) to station pride logos and uniformity debates, we tackle the battle between tradition, compromise, and common sense.

👀 Do you have a policy in the book with your name on it? We talk about habitual line-steppers, the stories behind so...

When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline.

In this episode, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie sit down with Chief Grassel to break down:
⚡ The real...

In this episode ofThe Cool Fireman Podcast, we sit down withTonya Herbert fromThin Red Line Decon to talk about something every firefighter should be thinking about—decontamination. 🚿🔥

We dive into thedangers of toxic exposure,how to get PFAS out of your gear, and thereal impact of PAHs after a fire. Tonya even breaks down whichfireground position had the highest contamination readings (and the answer might surprise you 👀). Plus,...

There’sno assigned seating in the firehouse… but let’s be real, we all know there is. 🚒👀

In this episode,Matt, Brian, Freddy, Unkie, and Doug dive into the unspoken rules of the firehouse, from thekitchen table hierarchy torecliner battles and even thesleeping arrangements that can make or break your shift. We break down:

🔥 The deep-rootedrespect andtradition behind where you sit.
🔥 Therookie vs. senior firefighter pecking order.
�...

🎙️ The Cool Fireman Podcast: Featuring Lieutenant Nathan Helten of Handy Hook

🔥 In this episode, the crew welcomes Lieutenant Nathan Helten, creator of the Handy Hook, to talk about his incredible journey in the fire service and how he designed an innovative tool to make firefighters' lives easier. From rural beginnings in Kansas to founding a game-changing product, Nathan shares his passion for problem-solving and his commit...

In this powerful episode, we welcome back Kenny Mitchell from Operation Yellow Tape to dive deep into the challenges of firefighter mental health, the stigma of silence, and how we can build better support systems. 🔥 Highlights from the episode: Kenny’s candid thoughts on why he’s tired of hearing, “Rest easy, gone too soon.” The importance of accountability and recognizing your own behaviors before it’s too late. Why every fire...

This week on The Cool Fireman Podcast, we’re joined by the one and only Salty Paramedic – now revealed as Cody! 🎉 🔥 Cody’s hilarious stories, including the time he came up with his best idea… on the toilet. 💡 🔥 The behind-the-scenes scoop on his viral social media journey. 🔥 The real story behind Limp Hoses, his new card game for first responders. 🔥 A heartfelt look at mental health in the fire service and why he’s writing D...

The Cool Fireman Podcast is back with Episode 89, and this one’s all about safety, accountability, and keeping your crew out of harm’s way. 🚒🔥

In this episode, Brian, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie tackle a wide range of topics, including:

• Brian’s question: Are we more distracted in the apparatus than ever before? How does technology help—or hinder—our safety on the road?
• Freddy’s story: A high-pressure response to a school...

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian, Matt, Unkie, and Freddy dive into all things New Year! It’s January 3rd, and we’re reflecting on 2025 with one big idea: choosing a single word to guide us through the year. 💡

From accountability to resilience, we’re picking the words that will define our actions, goals, and mindset for the year ahead. Now, we want to hear from YOU!

🔥 Call to Action: Drop a comment with the ONE WO...

In this special episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Brian is on location at SAFRE talking about the brand-new Civic Federal Credit Union branch in Wilmington, North Carolina, joined by Chris Temple from Civic. Brian and Chris dive deep into financial freedom tailored for firefighters, covering everything from personal financial stability to supporting small businesses and fostering community through credit union initiatives. Disco...

In this festive episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Freddy bring the holiday cheer straight to your firehouse kitchen table! 🚒✨

From the Nature Boy Doug's iconic "Wooo!" to airing grievances Festivus-style, we dive into everything from holiday traditions in the fire service to those naughty and nice moments of the year. Freddy keeps it real with some classic firehouse pet peeves, while Brian shares the hear...