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Better Every Shift

FireRescue1

FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.

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  • 24 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 49 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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  • #306
    May 15 · 33 min

    Zam’s formula for better health and performance

    For years, Zam was known as “the fitness guy” in the fire service, preaching workouts and functional training. But his perspective has evolved to recognize that firefighter health is rooted in the convergence of several factors — the difference-makers for career longevity: Nutrition and hydration to reduce inflammation Functional fitness, mobility and core work to improve performance and reduce injuries The power of sleep and recovery The role gratitude, mindset and positivity in changing physiology and stress response Zam also shares the challenge that changed his own health trajectory — choosing five daily habits for 50 days through the R50 Challenge — and explains how small, consistent actions can lead to moving better, feeling better and performing better on and off duty. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

  • #305
    May 7 · 47 min

    Dena Ali returns: Mental health starts with leadership

    “We have to rethink it.” That’s the challenge Battalion Chief Dena Ali brings to our latest conversation on firefighter mental health, not because the fire service hasn’t made significant strides but because too many firefighters are still struggling in silence. In her return to Better Every Shift, Ali explains why leadership, sleep and psychological safety are deeply tied to firefighter wellness, and how peer support programs tap into the “magic” of the brotherhood and sisterhood. Ali also shares the leadership mistakes she’s learned from herself, including finding balance between empathy and boundaries. There’s plenty here for chiefs, company officers and firefighters looking for practical ways to build healthier crews — starting with habits that don’t require a budget or a new policy to implement. Register: FRCE Mental Wellness Symposium Read: “Hope out of darkness: A guide to first responder mental wellness” Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback.

  • #304
    April 30 · 43 min

    Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell’s mission to elevate the fire service

    Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell is working to elevate the fire service. She prioritized this mission during her tenure as U.S. fire administrator and continues the push in her new role as principal fire safety strategist for UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute. Dr. Lori details the new role, spotlighting FSRI’s role in advancing global fire safety research, especially in lithium-ion batteries and climate change impacts. We dig into all this, plus: Where the USFA should live within the federal government The significance of One Voice advocacy for the fire service worldwide Advice for emerging fire service leaders How to manage burnout in high-stress fire service careers Practical steps for fire service leaders to influence policy and national safety standards Read next: ‘Don’t let USFA go back in the shadows’: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell’s message to fire service leaders It’s time for a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback.

  • #303
    April 16 · 59 min

    Develop TIC discipline

    Chief Andy Starnes, our resident thermal imaging expert, is back for a thermal imaging 101 crash course: how to check the TIC every shift, how to clean it, where to attach the TIC to your gear, plus some basic do’s and don’ts. Starnes, the founder of Insight Fire Training, explains how to maximize the technology while avoiding the “Filmmaker Firefighter” problem. Starnes details some unique features of Seek Thermal’s imagers and encourages listeners to check out instructional videos from Insight Fire Training’s TIC Resource Center to use during crew training. Visit TheFireStore (booths 110 and 111) and Seek Thermal (booths 15509 and 2435) at FDIC. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email editor@firerescue1.com to share feedback.

Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes