In today's episode, we went over what we were both feeling in the moment - burnout. We explore some of the causes, signs, and discuss practical strategies for prevention & resilience in one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions. If you are just getting on or you're an old salty dog, don't skip this one out.
Get ready to suit up! This week's episode takes you inside the fast paced, real-world drills of firefighter recruitment. We’re breaking down the essential skills stations; from mastering the charged hose line and ladder raises to navigating zero-visibility search scenarios. If your skills test is coming up, you won't want to miss this one!
This week, we talk about the ultimate firefighter recruit setback: failing the Recruitment Process. We break down the mental shift required to re-enter the grind, retake the exams, and stare down the same evaluators. This is a raw conversation about humility, grit, and what it truly takes to walk back into the fire when you’ve already been burned.
Fan requested episode... we love these! Adamo and I go over what it's like to be applying to the fire service much later in life. We go over what are some of the positives, negatives, and potential upcoming challenges to you if you're an old salty dog. Turn up the volume for this one.
Seb is a veteran of the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and current CEO of Raven Strategic Inc. With over 20 years of service, Seb has spent most of his career on the emergency response team, working his way up to Sgt. Major. We also dive into Seb's BJJ black belt, public speaking, masters in counter terrorism, and latest co-authored book "The Warrior and The Garden". Remember how we said our last podcast was one of the longest? This one is even longer! Enjoy.
IG:@slavccmdr
Advanced Care Paramedic, educator, founder of Red Point Performance & Safety Inc. and a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt! With over 20 years of service to the people of BC, Sheena brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FGC Behind the Smoke table. We also discuss her current work in helping first responders develop on-the-job skills in high risk environments. One of our longest podcasts yet, so check it out!
We've been lucky enough to have one of our clients (great guy, but we won't name names!) offer to help other aspiring firefighters in their journey by letting us use his unfinished & rough firefighter application as a teaching moment. We go over what to fill out, what recruiters are looking for, and how to stand out in one of the very first impressions you will make in your firefighter recruit process.
Last week was the first time we've missed publishing an episode. THIS WEEK, we dive into why that was the case - our little newborns. Adamo and I chat about our time as new fathers and balancing family life with firefighting.
From recruitment to the fireground, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into the fire service. In this episode, we explore how AI is being used today, where it could go in the future, and what it means for firefighters on the job or for those looking to get on. Is AI a powerful tool or a dangerous crutch? Was this created by AI? Spooky
Backdraft, Flashover, and Rollover. In this episode, we break down what they mean, how to spot the warning signs, a war-story or two, and what every probie needs to know to survive these hostile fire events. Even if you are a seasoned vet brushing up on fundamentals, this is must-know knowledge for your fireground survival.
In this episode, we break down one of the toughest firefighter interview questions: “Tell us about your most stressful situation.” We’ll dig into what panels are really looking for, the common mistakes candidates make, and how to craft an answer that shows resilience, clear thinking, and leadership under pressure.
Whether it’s a structure fire, bushfire, or a racoon stuck in a dumpster, if you’re showing up unprepared, you’re dead weight. In this episode, we break down what gear to bring to the most common firefighter calls, and why it matters. If you're a probie trying to figure out what gets you a head nod vs. a head shake, or want to know more about what we actually do in a shift, this one’s for you.
Today's episode focus: apparatus operations, pump panel basics, mindset behind the wheel, and critical mistakes to avoid when you are in the driver seat. Any new recruits, aspiring drivers, and even officers who want to better support their engineers/operators should have a listen!
Today we’re diving into the major differences between being a career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. We’ll break down the pros, the cons, the training, the lifestyle, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for your goals.
In this episode, we go over our own beliefs into what constitutes good mentorship of a probationary firefighter. What our expectations are, limitations, and how we approach those new firefighters that want to do better, and those that go against the flow.
In this episode, we go rank by rank; from the lowest little tadpole recruit to the big Croc/Chief. We talk about rank structure, why we have it, and how it works for the most of the Fire Departments out there.
In this episode, we dive deep into the core aspects of a common type of firefighter panel interview question - a time you broke a rule / went against policy. For more Deep Dive questions (and other in-depth analysis) please visit our Patreon.
Whether you are thinking about getting into the Fire Service or whether you are halfway through a process, visiting a Firehall / Fire Station should be on your to-do list. In this episode, we break down steps you need to take to ensure your visit goes well, and what to expect once you are inside.
In this episode we go over the Do’s and Don’ts for probationers and ways to make you stand out in a positive way and avoid the negatives.
Think you’re ready to be a firefighter? In this episode, we lay it out raw: if you're in it only for the T shirt, the days off, or the badge — we don’t want your business. FGC gets real about what separates true professionals from paycheck scavengers. We talk attitude, entitlement, and the hard truth about why the fire service isn't for everyone. If that offends you, good — it’s probably not your calling.
