Beyond the Stretch

We finish a shorter episode talking about ourselves a little bit. Leading off is the question, “What would you be doing if you weren’t a firefighter?”

Kicking off Season 4 with a new concept. "Ghosts". We are going to discuss some challenges and unfortunate events firefighters experienced resulting in a LODD back in 1999. What did we learn from their sacrifice?

The final episode of 2023 finds the two of us talking about the crazy new hiring processes departments are implementing in order to quickly fill their organization's ranks. Wrapping up 2023 talking about the hot topics of transfers, laterals, and abbreviated hiring. Happy New Year, and here's to a wonderful 2024. 

We take on a suggestion from one of our listeners and tackle the process of "bridging the gap" between the old school and new school firefighters. 

Nothing sets the the tone for a shift war like some stolen pumpkin spice coffee creamer. But how do we end the absurd behaviors?  Well, maybe buffaloes have the answer. 

The boys are back talking about the servant leadership mentality, and whether or not the breakdown for success is really occurring at the follower-ship level.

Chief Richard Ray joins Uncle Mike for the second consecutive year at the SC Fire-Rescue Conference. Chief Ray talks about his experience and perspective as a volunteer firefighter, which we often forget comprises the majority of firefighters in the USA. Uncle Mike and Chief Ray finish off by talking about recruitment and retention in today's work culture. 

Uncle Mike is joined live at the SC Fire-Rescue conference with Kevin Manhardt. He speaks about his multi-family dwelling class, life as a Squad boss, and what it takes to start a FOOLs Chapter. 

Number 30 of Beyond the Stretch focuses on new beginnings and changes. How do you handle these new opportunities?  Where does the motivation come from to produce positive outcomes, especially when you weren't necessarily prepared or happy to be placed in a different situation? From the ashes rises the Phoenix. 

In 29, we talk about the things we wish we knew earlier in our fire service careers, and provide some tips and tricks we’ve picked up to our listeners. 

We dabble in some intro music and learn about Uncle Mike’s run in with a rap star. We then transition into talking about uphill battles and what it takes to love the process. 

No special guest? Nope, just Mike and Vinnie somehow relating Nicholas Cage to the fire service…

Season 3 starts off with two of the founding members of Fire Wife Life LLC joining us to talk about the reasons for their mission and how they have grown into the supportive global network they are today. 

TBD - 

Last episode of season 2. 

Squad boss and councilman, Capt. Mike Dozier joins us on the podcast. Author of The Company Officer page, he talks about the vital role a company officer plays inside the day-to-day firehouse life. 

There is a difference between being uncomfortable and being unsafe. Or is there?
We talk about this and more in number 23. 

With New Year's resolutions in full swing, Mike and Vinnie discuss the discipline it takes to be successful. Uncle Mike also elaborates on the 21-day process of developing a successful habit.