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March 28, 2025 58 mins

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-scenes moments that make it all worth it.

👥 The People & The Brotherhood

  • The insane energy of meeting firefighters from all over the country.
  • Why some of the best learning happens outside the classrooms—in the hallways, over dinner, or (let’s be honest) at the bar.
  • Unkie’s adventures partying with Chicago Fire, Boston Fire, and other notorious conference legends.

🛠️ The Vendor Experience

  • What it’s like on the other side of the table as a small business at a fire conference.
  • Unkie shares his experience with Unkie’s Seasoning, West Broad Apparel, and the Burn Box Booth at FDIC.
  • Why conferences aren’t just about learning—they’re about supporting firefighter-owned businesses and keeping the tradition alive.

💡 What You’ll Learn from This Episode:
✅ How to get the most out of fire conferences—big or small.
✅ Why firefighters should ALWAYS be students of the job.
✅ The networking goldmine that happens at every conference.
FDIC Tips for first-time attendees.
✅ Why leadership classes like the SAFRE Leadership & Culture course by Matt & Brian are a must-attend.

🎁 Special Giveaway Alert! 🎁
🔥 Comment on YouTube or Spotify (or BOTH) for a chance to win! 🔥

  • A Cool Fireman Podcast Koozie
  • Exclusive Podcast Merch
  • Firefighter Swag from our sponsors

🏆 Double Entry if You Comment on Both Platforms!

🎤 Upcoming Events & Appearances:
📍 FDIC Indianapolis – April 2024
Come meet Doug, Brian, and Unkie at the Burn Box Booth and check out firefighter row!

📍 SAFRE – August 2024
🔥 Matt & Brian’s Leadership & Culture Class
📍 South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo – Raleigh, NC

🚒 JOIN THE CONVERSATION! 🚒
💬 What’s your favorite fire conference?
💡 If you haven’t been to one, what would you want to learn?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!

#FireConferences #FDIC #SAFRE #FireServiceTraining #Brotherhood #CoolFiremanPodcast #FirefighterNetworking #LeadershipMatters


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