Prepared To Fight Fire Podcast

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Three best friends.
Three different ranks.

In this episode, I sit down in New York City with two of my best friends: Captain Chahine, who has been a firefighter alongside me for 13 years, and Driver Engineer Petithomme, who has served for 12 years. As a firefighter with 13 years on the job myself, we each bring a different perspective and a lot of shared history to the conversation.

We talk about failure, our experiences on the job, the brotherhood, and life beyond the firehouse. It’s an honest conversation about what we’ve learned along the way and the friendships that have been part of it.

If you’re in the fire service, working toward it, or simply value a real conversation between longtime friends, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we sit down with Chief Freddie, a decorated fire service leader with over 31 years in the City of Miami Department of Fire Rescue. From his early days as a firefighter-paramedic to serving as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Freddie’s career is defined by leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to training the next generation. He’s played a key role in major city projects, developed strategies to modernize Miami Fire Rescue, and has trained thousands of firefighters across the country. Tune in as Chief Freddie shares lessons on leadership, service, and the lifelong pursuit of excellence in the fire service.

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In this engaging conversation, Frankie shares his transformative journey from living an average life to embracing a mindset of excellence. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to flip the switch in his life, the importance of commitment to change, and the value of patience in achieving long-term goals. The discussion also delves into his evolution as a runner, highlighting how he overcame initial reluctance and developed a passion for the sport. Throughout the conversation, Frankie emphasizes the mental benefits of running and the importance of facing challenges head-on, ultimately finding solace in the process of movement.

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Justin Burch is a career firefighter with 9 years on the job, currently serving with Oak Ridge Fire Department. Cutting his teeth in the fire service after a 10 year career as a Professional Chef. Outside of the firehouse he’s a certified Nutrition Coach, helping firefighters build sustainable eating habits, so they can perform better both on and off the job. A graduate of both the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, and Georgia F.L.A.M.E.S., he is an advocate for education around firefighter health and wellness.

In this conversation, Justin Burch shares his unique journey from being a classically trained chef to becoming a firefighter and nutrition coach. He discusses the importance of nutrition in the fire service, the cultural resistance to dietary changes, and practical approaches to meal planning. Justin emphasizes the significance of understanding macros and calories, coaching strategies for firefighters, and the role of mentorship in personal growth. He also reflects on the challenges of training for smoke diver programs and the reality of firefighter training, concluding with insights about his initiative, Fire Bytes, which merges culinary skills with nutrition coaching.

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Chief Chris Tennyson has spent 25 years in the fire service, shaping the culture of training, resilience, and leadership. From contracting in Iraq to serving with the Charleston Fire Department and now as Deputy Chief of Training at Summerville Fire-Rescue, Chris has dedicated his career to raising the standard for firefighters. A Georgia F.L.A.M.E.S. and Smoke Diver graduate, FDIC HOT Instructor, and passionate advocate for mental health.

In this episode, Chief Chris Tennyson shares his 25-year journey in the fire service, highlighting the impact of programs like Georgia F.L.A.M.E.S. and Smoke Diver. He opens up about resilience, leadership, and mental health—calling firefighters to push their limits, support one another, and uphold the highest standards of the profession.

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In this episode, Eric Haskins shares his unique journey from a professional snowboarder to a dedicated firefighter. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the transformative experience of the Smoke Divers program, and the value of building confidence through adversity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of leading by example, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and mastering the basics to achieve professionalism in the fire service.

Eric Haskins is a Senior Firefighter and Acting Captain with Nampa Fire, Idaho’s first Georgia Smoke Diver, and founder of Firehouse Strength & Conditioning. A former U.S. Project Gold snowboarder and Boise State hockey captain, he’s now a leading voice in firefighter fitness, co-creator of the Firefighter Physical Fitness Test, and host of the Firehouse S&C Podcast.

follow Eric on instagram @firehouse_sc

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"No one is built different; the real difference comes down to the daily decisions we make. Talent isn’t the key. Discipline, choice, and consistent action are. This podcast is about helping you make better decisions that change your life."

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In this engaging conversation, Chief Frank Malta discusses the importance of physical fitness, leadership, and mentorship within the fire service. He reflects on his personal journey, the evolution of training standards, and the critical role of setting a positive example for new recruits. Our conversation emphasizes the need for continuous personal growth, accountability, and the impact of fitness on mental resilience, ultimately inspiring a culture of excellence in the fire department.

Frank Malta is a 25 year member of the fire service, and is a Battalion Chief in the Frederick County (MD) Division of Fire and Rescue Services. Frank is a Maryland State Rescue Instructor as well as a member of the Combat Ready Fire Training team. Frank is the Chief of Frederick County’s Training Academy and as part of his duties oversees one of, if not the hardest, fire academies in the State of Maryland, where teamwork, attention to detail, and a refusal to quit are the foundational principles to building highly motivated, smartly disciplined, and basically trained firefighters.

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In this episode, I discuss the realities of becoming a firefighter, emphasizing the importance of understanding the profession's demands. The conversation covers the foundational elements necessary for success, including physical fitness, mental resilience, and proper nutrition. I stress the expectations placed on firefighters and the need for thorough preparation to meet those expectations. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for aspiring firefighters to assess their readiness and commitment to the profession.

IF YOUR'E NOT READY MESSAGE ME ON INSTAGRAM "READY" AND LETS CHANGE THAT.

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In this episode, Chief Jay Hurley shares his experiences and insights from over 25 years in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mastering basic skills, maintaining physical fitness, and the role of mentorship. He reflects on his journey through the Georgia Flames and Smoke Diver programs, the legacy of Chief Mo Baxter, and the evolving culture of firefighting. The conversation highlights the significance of personal endeavor over the pursuit of success and the obligation firefighters have to mentor and support one another.

Jay Hurley is a 25-year fire service veteran and the current Fire Chief of a suburban department in Georgia. A lifelong student of the job, Jay has completed extensive advanced training, including Firefighters Laboring and Mastering Essential Skills (F.L.A.M.E.S.), the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, and the North Carolina Breathing Equipment School.

He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs, and serves as Task Force Leader for Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force 6 in Northwest Georgia.

Since 2017, Jay has been an FDIC HOT Instructor, as well as a lead instructor at the Metro Atlanta Firefighter’s Conference. In addition, he regularly contributes to fire service blogs and online publications, sharing knowledge and experience with the broader firefighting community.

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In this episode of the Prepared by Fire podcast I engage with Carlos, a seasoned firefighter, discussing the importance of authenticity, community, and mental health in the fire service. We explore the challenges of navigating criticism, the significance of mentorship, and the need for continuous learning and personal growth. Carlos shares his insights on leadership, the power of humility, and the importance of setting long-term goals. The conversation emphasizes the duty to help others and the necessity of self-care in a demanding profession.

Carlos Martinez is a 23-year Fire Service veteran and Rescue Lieutenant in the Miami-Dade area. He began his career in 2001 as a U.S. Air Force firefighter after 9/11, later deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Carlos has served at military installations across the Middle East, Europe, and the Southern Caribbean, and has been educating Emergency Medicine and Paramedic students since 2014.

Carlos owns and operates eCerts Now Inc. (http://www.eCertsNow.com), he provides educational services to first responders, fire service professionals, and the public.

Contact: Info@eCertsNow.com

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In this episode with Scott Chappell we discuss his journey in the fire service, the importance of leadership, structure, and personal development. Highlighted are the challenges and lessons learned from the Smoke Diver program, the significance of teamwork, and the need for continuous self-assessment in one's career. Scott shares insights on how to navigate the complexities of leadership while maintaining humility and the value of asking questions. The conversation emphasizes that the fire service is just one chapter in a person's life, and it's essential to embrace growth and change.

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In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Nic Pluskota & I discuss their experiences in the fire service, focusing on the importance of training programs like Georgia Flames. They explore the mental and physical challenges faced during training, the significance of mindset and effort, and the role of mentorship in overcoming complacency. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media on the fire service and the necessity of continuous improvement through basic skills and attention to detail.

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In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, Stephanie White and i discuss the complexities of mental health within the fire service, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving culture of firefighting.

They explore the challenges of leadership, the impact of social media, and the necessity of creating a supportive environment for all firefighters.

The conversation emphasizes personal growth, the balance between old and new school values, and the significance of sharing experiences to foster change in the fire service.

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In this episode of the Prepared to Fight Fire podcast, Tony Gillan and i discuss the warrior mindset, the journey of recovery from a severe injury, and the importance of leadership in the fire service. We explore how mentorship and a positive mindset can inspire others, even in the face of adversity. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability and empowerment in leadership roles, highlighting the significance of believing in oneself and others to foster growth and resilience.

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In this episode of the Prepare to Fire podcast, host Julian Serrano speaks with firefighter Samuel Jacobs about the power of a growth mindset and the impact of coaching in the fire service.

They discuss the challenges of training, the importance of humility and resilience, and how failure often fuels the most meaningful growth.

The conversation highlights how authentic leadership, mental toughness, and mentorship shape not just better firefighters, but better people.

Physical fitness, mindset, and a deeper purpose beyond technical skills are emphasized as critical components of lasting success in the fire service.

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In this episode, Julian Serrano shares his personal journey of growth and challenges faced while preparing for two intense firefighting programs: One Bad Tour and Georgia Flames.

He emphasizes the importance of accountability, mental toughness, and the need for proper preparation and nutrition.

Throughout the conversation, Julian reflects on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of community support, and the key takeaways from his experiences that can help others in their firefighting careers.

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In this episode of the Prepared to Fire podcast, Julian Serrano discusses the importance of fitness for firefighters, outlining the unique challenges they face and how to build a solid foundation of fitness.

He emphasizes the need for stamina, strength, and endurance, and provides practical advice on training and maintaining fitness throughout a firefighter's career.

The conversation also touches on the importance of continuous improvement and the mindset required to succeed in this demanding profession.

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On today’s episode, we’re joined by Rudy Becerra. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Rudy is a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and brings 17 years of experience as a firefighter. His mission is to inspire and guide young firefighters to excel and strive for constant improvement in their craft, with the hope that they too develop a deep passion for the job, just as he has.