The Fireground Fitness Podcast, Rayne Gray

“Slow and low that is the tempo”, the deep rhetorical prose crafted by the Beastie Boys perfectly sums Ep.92’s guest, Greg Morales. A true native Phoenician, Morales grew up on the west side of town right across the street from fire station 24. Into old cars, hard work and brotherhood, G Mo, is old school in all the right ways and leans into the next generation, mentoring and shining a light on the path for would be firefighters. W...

In the business of firefighting injury is a real concern and can befall us at any time. Often, injury will change the direction of our lives, stop us from running, make us more cautious when lifting or cause us to focus, strengthening and shoring up areas of weakness. It can alter our path in ways we may never consider, opening doors and changing our path forever.  

This is part of the story we discuss in Episode 91 in my sit-dow...

I truly love hearing about other people’s journeys as it provides such valuable insight. It provides important perspective as we all struggle with something and realizing that you are not alone, it all becomes just a little more tolerable.

I really appreciate today’s guest, Fire Chief Carlos Aviles, who honestly and vulnerably shared his story. We discussed the growth he gained through adversity, Aviles’ time in the Army reserve,...

Sometimes when you meet a person you sense a little something that sets them apart from the gen pop. The way they carry, or present, themselves - maybe a clear sense of comfort in a room full of senior members, the assortment of military tattoos unashamedly inking across the forearms, the dogged determination demonstrated every time they are presented with opposition. Finding all these uncommon virtues in one person is rare for sur...

I recently attended the 2023 Phoenix Firefighters Symposium hosted by the United Phoenix Firefighters. It was a great opportunity to hear a variety of speakers sharing thoughts and ideas from across the fire service. I share that to tell you that in 2024 you need to attend; but also how this created a unique chance to sit down in person with our guest Chief Frank Leeb. After Leeb gave a fantastic present...

One of the coolest parts of hosting the FGF podcast is talking to firefighters from my hometown and across the country. Hearing what is important to them in their communities, and in their firehouses, really broadens my own thinking. This is the whole point of this FGF project - to grow our collective understanding.

Epis...

Nate Harpster and I sat down to talk about milking alpacas, ice baths, breath work, discipline, injuries, sleep deprivation and so much more! Tune in and enjoy.

Mentioned in this episode:

Nate Harpster, learn more about today’s guest on episode 12!

Ben Dubin, Breath work: episode 49

Xendurance

discount code: natervision15

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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So,...

My learning has always come with scars. It has never been easy or intuitive, rather it has always been by trial and error. I have come to understand that life teaches us many things and often it takes perspective, distance and time away from something before we truly grasp the lesson.

While talking with Eric McCormack, our guest on Episode 85, I realized that I am not alone in this understanding. He shared wisdom he has gathered du...

Firefighters have an amazing capacity to solve problems and make things better. Adrian and Joff, our guest on episode 84, are doing just that with their fitness program Fire Athlete. Their mission to craft an easily accessible and targeted training program for firefighters and allied pros is on point. In today’s episode we discuss their personal journey in the fire service as well as what inspired the creation of Fire Athlete and h...

Have you ever considered where you got your work ethic? My baby-faced Brother, Fire Chief Aaron Culwell, a true Sooner, born and raised in Norman Oklahoma, has thought through this question.  In episode 83 Culwell shared his findings with us. He also shares how his faith shaped the direction of his life, leading him to the fire service, the Air Force, and a life committed to public safety. Give it a listen and enjoy!

Our guest in...

So often we discuss how we make time sensitive decisions in fast evolving emergency events. This applies clearly on the fireground where rapid and smart decisions can be the difference in rescue and fire suppression. Frankly, we are making critical decision in our lives all the times - the skill transcends the fireground.

Good fireground decision makers easily arrive at concrete plans and execute clearly and definitively! Years of ...

So often we discuss how we make time sensitive decisions in fast evolving emergency events. This applies clearly on the fireground where rapid and smart decisions can be the difference in rescue and fire suppression. Frankly, we are making critical decision in our lives all the times - the skill transcends the fireground.

Good fireground decision makers easily arrive at concrete plans and execute clearly and definitively! Years of ...

So often we discuss how we make time sensitive decisions in fast evolving emergency events. This applies clearly on the fireground where rapid and smart decisions can be the difference in rescue and fire suppression. Frankly, we are making critical decision in our lives all the times - the skill transcends the fireground.

Good fireground decision makers easily arrive at concrete plans and execute clearly and definitively! Years of ...

So often we discuss how we make time sensitive decisions in fast evolving emergency events. This applies clearly on the fireground where rapid and smart decisions can be the difference in rescue and fire suppression. Frankly, we are making critical decision in our lives all the times - the skill transcends the fireground.

Good fireground decision makers easily arrive at concrete plans and execute clearly and definitively! Years of ...

Fire station 25 is situated in one of the more interesting burrows on the west side of Phoenix. This multi-company house is incredibly busy and the firefighters stationed there choose 25 for that very reason. A little over 19 years ago I rolled into 25 on assignment to complete my last probationary rotation and there I met today’s guest, Ben Belleuvre. Ben is a Firefighter in France and he came to Phoenix to learn the PFD way and s...

Do you ever stop and reflect on the many experiences that have shaped and formed who & what you’ve become? As you consider this, recognize that you have survived 100% of the most difficult and challenging days you’ve faced thus far. Carry this forward as you ponder the many adventures and learning opportunities that lay in wait.

In episode 81 Ardell Deliz and I did just this and discussed the many lessons learned growing up in Puer...

No one wants to talk about diet! It’s a hard topic, as with religion and politics, there are as many ways to “eat optimally” as there are people with opinions.  We have anchored these opinions in facts drawn from firehouse kitchen table talks and other compelling anecdotal evidence. In full transparency, I have tried every plan – Carb loading, Zone, Atkins, Keto, Paleo, Carb cycling, and my all-time favorite – the See food diet.  I...

I have had the pleasure of chatting with our guest, Ashley Losch, a few times over the years and finally had the opportunity to get her on the podcast. In episode 79, Losch and I discuss a variety of things, including vulnerability. A topic most of us turn away from, Losch leaned in, sharing her thoughts on how it impacts our communication and capacity as a team. We got into her work as a PIO and the challenges and opportunities we...

Every one of us on this earth travels a different path during our journey. Some walk a straight and uniform trail and others find themselves navigating rocks and bushes while going down the path less traveled. Our guest today, Colin Kennedy, has taken a unique path finding himself living in Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and traveling to many others countries before he landed in United States and the PFD. He’s a native Irishman, a...