In this episode, John Velez discusses his return to podcasting after a six-month break, focusing on leadership within the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the mission of saving lives and protecting property, while also addressing the need for effective communication and motivation among firefighters. John shares insights on how to encourage commitment and personal growth within the fire service, highlighting the significance of living out the values and principles that leaders preach.

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss how to find success and maintain a positive influence within a broken system, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize the importance of having a robust life outside of work, recognizing personal warning signs of burnout, and the power of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of focusing on the present and carving out a corner of excellence in one's department.Podcast Referenced: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-john-delony-show/id1527609854?i=1000701224232

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential elements of building a team of professionals within the fire service. They explore the definition of professionalism, the importance of establishing a culture of accountability, and the significance of recruiting individuals based on values rather than just competency. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear expectations, peer accountability, and the role of leadership in maintaining a high standard of professionalism. The hosts also address the challenges of working with a crew that may not align with one's professional standards and how to elevate team performance in such situations. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the importance of building rapport and relationships in leadership, particularly in the fire service. They emphasize personal growth, maintaining proficiency in training, and the balance between coaching and correction. The discussion also highlights the significance of addressing issues promptly to foster accountability and professionalism within a team.

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential habits that contribute to effective leadership, particularly in the fire service. They explore the definitions of habits, the significance of humility, and the importance of receiving criticism as a means for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedback to become a better leader. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of embracing criticism as a tool for personal growth, the art of giving constructive feedback, and the significance of leading with purpose and service. They emphasize the need for self-awareness, effective communication, and the role of humility in leadership. The discussion also touches on the importance of walking in obedience to one's mission and the impact of tone and intent in delivering feedback.

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the essential elements of effective leadership, focusing on the importance of mission and vision as foundational aspects. They discuss the significance of self-leadership, self-awareness, and the traits that make a leader worth following, such as selflessness and a positive attitude. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of caring for others and the role of humility in receiving feedback. They also highlight the importance of building a supportive circle of friends who can provide constructive criticism and accountability in the journey of personal growth. In this conversation, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, humility, and continuous learning. They explore strategies for personal growth in leadership roles, the significance of mentorship, and the journey of becoming a skilled fireman. The dialogue highlights the need for self-awareness, accountability, and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the growth process. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate leadership skills and the importance of being rooted in one's purpose.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez engages with Jesse and Micah Horton of Horton's and Hunt, discussing their journey in the fire service, the importance of communication, and the role of mentorship. The conversation highlights the value of honest communication in leadership and the significance of mentorship in developing the next generation of firefighters. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the critical role of mentorship in the fire service, emphasizing the need for accountability, effective communication, and the qualities that make a good mentor. He highlights the importance of honest feedback and the necessity of finding mentors within one's own department. The discussion also covers the challenges of training in busy fire departments and the significance of planning and engagement in maintaining skills. Velez encourages firefighters to seek mentorship and to be proactive in their personal and professional development.

In this episode of Lead Well Wednesdays, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the importance of personal growth plans, focusing on the concepts of vision and mission. They explore how understanding these concepts can lead to effective leadership, especially in the firehouse. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in defining one's why and how to implement these ideas practically within a team. Through personal anecdotes and practical examples, they illustrate how to create a cohesive team vision and the significance of leading oneself before leading others. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez discuss the essential elements of effective firefighting and leadership. They emphasize the importance of mastering the fundamentals of firemanship, gaining crew buy-in by understanding the 'why' behind the mission, and building strong relationships to foster effective leadership. They also explore the significance of personal growth through mentorship, continuous learning, and investing in oneself through books, podcasts, and conferences. The discussion highlights that leadership is a journey that requires time, patience, and a commitment to putting others first.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons engage in a deep conversation with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, focusing on the critical issues of mental health, family dynamics, and the importance of community support within the firefighting profession. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding firefighter suicides, the need for open dialogue about mental health, and the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment. Blake shares his personal journey and the inception of Next Rung, emphasizing the mission to provide help and resources for firefighters in need. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the mission of Next Rung, emphasizing the importance of impacting lives and being a beacon of hope for those in need. He shares insights on perseverance within the fire service, the significance of faith and support systems, and the challenges of leadership. The discussion highlights the need for authentic leadership and the importance of serving others. Velez concludes with encouraging words, reminding listeners of the value of community and the support available through Next Rung.

The audio on this is not very good and i am aware. Due to unfortunate circumstances the wifi was not working and cell service was spotty in this building. Fortunately we got something out of it, you may just have to listen pretty hard. In this podcast episode, host John Velez discusses with a roundtable panel at the For Them Fire Conference about various aspects of the fire service, focusing on leadership, mentorship, recruitment, and training. He emphasizes the importance of making new recruits feel valued and the need for authentic leadership within the fire department. The conversation also touches on professionalism, effective training methods for new firefighters, and the tactical use of water management and deck guns in firefighting. Throughout the episode, Velez encourages open dialogue and interaction with the audience, fostering a collaborative learning environment. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the importance of continuous learning and personal growth within the fire service. He emphasizes the need for effective training, strong leadership, and mental health awareness among firefighters. The dialogue highlights the challenges faced by modern fire service personnel and the necessity of fostering a supportive culture in firehouses to ensure the well-being of all members. The Roundtable Panel Consisted of: James Nisbet Timothy McGough Joshua Resweber Nathan Pipps Kevin Pflueger Ljay Geist Josh Wheeler Daniel Cano Devin Craig

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, Chief David Rhodes shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing his journey from a small municipal department to becoming the editor in chief of Fire Engineering. He emphasizes the importance of continuous training, innovation, and adapting to the changing landscape of firefighting. Chief Rhodes also highlights the role of FDIC in providing valuable education and training opportunities for firefighters, while addressing the challenges posed by budget constraints in fire departments. The conversation delves into the balance between knowledge and experience, and the need for firefighters to invest in their own training to stay effective in their roles. In this conversation, John Velez discusses the challenges and intricacies of firefighting tactics, the scrutiny faced from administration, and the importance of data in decision-making. He emphasizes the need for a balance between risk management and aggressive tactics in firefighting, while also addressing the cultural shifts within the fire service. Velez calls for active participation in shaping standards and training to improve the overall effectiveness and safety of firefighting operations.

In this episode, John Velez and Brad Conrado discuss the significance of culture in the fire service, emphasizing the need for clear vision, values, and actions to establish and maintain a positive culture. They explore the role of leadership in influencing culture, the importance of accountability among peers, and share success stories of cultural change within their department. The conversation concludes with actionable steps for listeners to develop their own cultural vision and mission statements.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the nuances of leadership within the fire service. They discuss the concept of leading up the chain of command, emphasizing the importance of honor, respect, and understanding motives. The conversation highlights the significance of creating a supportive environment for new firefighters, the necessity of honest conversations, and the proactive approach of bringing solutions rather than problems to leadership. The episode aims to provide actionable insights for improving leadership capabilities in the fire service.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Preston Lines discuss pressing issues in the fire service, focusing on recruitment and retention challenges. They emphasize the importance of social media in attracting new candidates and the need for fire departments to present an honest portrayal of the job. The conversation also highlights the significance of creating a supportive culture for new firefighters, the role of company officers in retention, and the necessity of prioritizing firefighter wellness and work-life balance. The episode concludes with a discussion on upcoming conferences and events in the fire service community.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Brad Conrado delve into the importance of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the role of attitude and influence. They discuss how personal experiences and perspectives shape their understanding of leadership, and how a positive attitude can significantly impact team dynamics and personal performance. The conversation highlights actionable steps for improving leadership qualities and fostering a supportive environment in the firehouse and beyond. In this conversation, Brad Conrado and John Velez explore the significance of attitude in the workplace, particularly in the fire service. They discuss the importance of understanding and humanizing others, seeking opportunities to serve, and practicing gratitude to foster a positive mindset. The duo emphasizes the need for a supportive community and the value of authentic connections among colleagues. They also highlight the necessity of anticipating unexpected challenges and maintaining control over one's attitude, regardless of external circumstances. The conversation concludes with a commitment to ongoing discussions about leadership and personal growth.Grabs Podcast referenced - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7j6CyCdeReeiKWmsKpWyd0?si=zXZ0pvf0RseSY-jR-fpuaw

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, hosts John Velez and Preston Lyons discuss the importance of culture and leadership within the fire service, the role of tailboard firefighters, and their personal passions for firefighting techniques. They emphasize the value of networking and community, sharing experiences and insights to improve the fire service as a whole. The conversation highlights the need for continuous learning and mentorship, as well as the significance of being part of something larger than oneself in the fire service.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, host John Velez speaks with Danny B, a seasoned firefighter and host of the Student of the Game podcast. They discuss Danny's journey in the fire service, the importance of training and mentorship, and the cultural differences in firefighting. Danny shares his passion for the job, the significance of physical fitness, and his aspirations for leadership. The conversation emphasizes the value of community, personal growth, and the need for positivity in the fire service.

In this episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast, John Velez and Logan Hinkle discuss the intricacies of the fire service, focusing on the importance of volunteer experience, the value of training, and the expectations of the public. Logan shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the significance of being well-rounded in skills, the necessity of understanding fire behavior, and the importance of accountability. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by volunteer departments and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in firefighting practices.

In this conversation, Mike Goldstein discusses his involvement in the Explorer Academy, a program that provides advanced training to young explorers and junior firefighters. He emphasizes the importance of instilling core values, teamwork, and passion in the youth, as well as the impact of exposure to top-notch instructors and speakers. The conversation also touches on the limitations of online fire training programs and the value of in-person, hands-on experiences. he hosts discuss the impact of speakers like Jeremy Donch and Raymond Dorville, who inspire and motivate firefighters through their passion and ability to connect with others. They emphasize the need to bring in speakers that the younger generation can relate to, as social media plays a significant role in their lives. The conversation also touches on the experience of attending conferences like the Dagum Conference and the County Fire Tactics Officer Development Program, where the sense of family and hospitality stood out. The hosts highlight the importance of networking, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and sharing knowledge and experiences with others. They discuss the value of patience, effective communication, and creating a welcoming environment for both adults and kids. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming Castillo Way conference and the importance of supporting fellow firefighters in need.

This episode of the Tailboard Misfits podcast features Joe Johnson of the Porter Fire Department discussing an upcoming conference to benefit one of their colleagues, Castillo, who has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The conference will be a three-day event, with one day of lectures and two days of hands-on training. The lineup of instructors includes Raymond Dorval, Clyde Gordon, Mo Davis, and Mike Johnson, among others. The conference aims to honor Castillo and raise awareness about the challenges faced by firefighters battling cancer. The conversation revolves around the upcoming Castillo Way Conference, which is dedicated to honoring and supporting Lieutenant Jesse Castillo, who is battling stage four lung cancer. The conference will feature lectures and hands-on training sessions led by experienced instructors from various fire departments. The goal is to bring together firefighters who are willing to work hard and learn from each other. The conference will also raise funds for Castillo and his family. The conversation highlights the importance of brotherhood in the fire service and the dedication of firefighters to their profession.

The conversation is about the For Them Fire Conference, a firefighter training event in Port Arthur, Texas. The conference includes lectures and hands-on training sessions focused on engine work, primary search, and tactics. The keynote speaker is Chief Tom Hollick, who will deliver a special presentation about the meaning of 'for them' in the fire service. The conference also features instructors such as Cody Trestrail, Kyle Romagus, and LJ Geist. There will be social events for networking and building relationships with fellow firefighters. The conference aims to provide valuable knowledge and skills to attendees while fostering a sense of brotherhood. We battled some internet issues so we apologize for walking over each other a bit.