The C.A.N. Report

Mike Goldstein

Welcome to The CAN Report Project! The channel dedicated to real conversations about fire service leadership, firefighter culture, toxic leadership, officer development, and modern fire training. This isn’t surface-level motivation. This is about fixing what’s broken inside the firehouse. On this channel, we cover: Fire service leadership development Toxic leadership in the fire service Firehouse culture reform Firefighter mental health & resilience Accountability in the ranks Officer and company officer growth Modern fireground tactics & training Ending complacency in the fire department Building strong, positive department culture If you’re a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, or aspiring leader who believes the fire service must evolve — this channel is for you

  1. 30 Jun

    Episode 111 Maggie Atkins...Never giving up hope

    Maggie Atkins is a dedicated member of the Washington Fire Department, where her family's legacy runs deep. As the daughter of the fire chief, she has been involved in firefighting for nearly a decade. Her passion for service is matched only by her love for animals, and her commitment to learning and personal growth. Maggie's journey is not just about her role as a firefighter, it’s also about how she has navigated the complexities of her health challenges with grace and determination Maggie's journey through kidney disease since age 10 shows us the power of community and resilience. From being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease to battling through treatments, Maggie shares her incredible story of strength. Despite the odds, she emphasizes the importance of self-care and support from loved ones. Her experience reminds us that every small step counts in our health journeys. I ask all of you to truly listen to Maggie’s message and to consider donating to her GofundMe and to click on the Donor page to see if you are a match, or to please share her information to help spread awareness and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 05:27 Health Challenges: Early Diagnosis and Remission 10:40 The Dialysis Experience: Daily Life and Adjustments 16:27 Overcoming Health Crises: Infections and Hospitalization 21:50 Mental Health Advocacy: Coping with Trauma and Therapy 35:17 Understanding Trauma and Mental Health 42:44 Community Support and Fundraising Efforts 51:00 Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity Maggie's Kidney Donor Page https://nkr.org/DLX986 Maggie's Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/maggie-atkins-needs-of-a-kidney-donation

    Episode 111 Maggie Atkins...Never giving up hope
  2. 30 May

    Episode 104 with Chief Ryan McCormick of First In Fire Conference

    In this episode I had the opportunity to talk with Chief Ryan McCormick from Arkansas, Ryan shares his experiences as both a career and volunteer firefighter. We discuss the differences in mindset between volunteer and career firefighters, the importance of training and mutual aid, and the significance of building relationships within the fire service. Chief McCormick also highlights the First In Fire Conference, which he founded to provide training and networking opportunities for firefighters. Additionally, he talks about the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of the fire service and introduces Lone Star Tactical Buildings, a company focused on providing affordable training props for fire departments. Chief McCormick ends the episode with insights on leadership and the importance of continuous learning in the fire service. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chief Ryan McCormick 03:04 The Dual Role of Volunteer and Career Fire Chief 05:48 Mindset Differences: Volunteer vs. Career Firefighters 08:38 Training and Expectations in Fire Service 11:25 The Importance of Mutual Aid and Training Together 14:11 Building Relationships and Confidence in Fire Service 17:08 The First In Fire Conference: A Platform for Learning 19:41 Networking and Community in Fire Service 22:39 The Role of Lone Star Tactical Buildings 25:22 Balancing Family and Fire Service Responsibilities 28:20 Upcoming Events and Future Plans 31:17 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Make sure to visit The First In website for updates: https://first-in.com/ https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/ https://lonestartacticalbuildings.com/

    Episode 104 with Chief Ryan McCormick of First In Fire Conference
  3. 28 Apr

    Episode 98 Don't let Cancer define you: Chief Dennis Reilly and Paul Shoemaker

    In this episode of the Can Report, host Mike Goldstein, engages in a heartfelt conversation with Chief Dennis Reilly and Paul Shoemaker, both of whom have bravely navigated their journeys with cancer. They share their personal experiences, from the initial diagnosis to the emotional and physical challenges they faced. Paul recounts discovering a lump that led to his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, while Chief Reilly discusses his prostate cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Both guests emphasize the importance of early detection, mental resilience, and the support of their families and fire service communities during their battles with cancer. The discussion also delves into the mental health aspects of dealing with cancer, highlighting the fears and uncertainties that accompany such diagnoses. Both Paul and Chief Reilly stress the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and the role of nutrition and fitness in their recovery processes. They advocate for proactive health measures within the fire service community, encouraging listeners to prioritize their health and seek help when needed. We end the episode with a message of hope and resilience, reminding everyone that while cancer is a daunting challenge, it can be faced with strength and support. Takeaways "Cancer is just a small part of my total being." "Wake up every day and tell yourself that you're going to beat it." "If you ignore it, it gets worse. If you treat it, you can come out on the other side with a strong likelihood of doing well." "You have to realize that cancer is in your body all the time." "The only thing you can control is your positive attitude." "Eat from the perimeter of the grocery store and stay out of the aisles." "You can’t replicate what you go through with cancer." "If you have cancer, it's only going to continue to get worse." "You have to be proactive about your health." "Don't just say it's nothing; find out what the problem is." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Cancer Journeys 01:16 Paul Shoemaker's Diagnosis and Experience 04:24 Dennis Riley's Prostate Cancer Journey 06:10 Coping with the News of Cancer 09:13 The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis 16:26 Support Systems and Community Response 23:37 Navigating Healthcare and Treatment Options 28:38 Dennis Reilly's Cancer Journey 32:35 The Emotional Toll of Diagnosis 36:03 Community Support and Positivity 41:24 The Power of Nutrition and Juicing 45:18 Fitness and Recovery Strategies 52:01 Reflections on Healthy Living 55:22 The Importance of Sleep and Wellness 57:11 Understanding Cancer Risks in Firefighting 01:02:03 Facing Fears: Living with Cancer 01:09:26 Mental Health and Coping Strategies 01:15:43 Future Endeavors and Leadership in Fire Service https://chiefreilly.com/ NEXT LEVEL TRAINING NETWORK- https://www.instagram.com/nextleveltrainingnetwork?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== https://www.firefightercancersupport.org/ https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/ https://www.thecanreportpodcast.com/ https://thekitchentablefoundation.org/

    Episode 98 Don't let Cancer define you: Chief Dennis Reilly and Paul Shoemaker
  4. 31 Mar

    Episode 94 with Ashton Hampshire of SafeStride

    In this episode of the Can Report, host Mike Goldstein interviews Ashton Hampshire, a 19-year-old entrepreneur and college student from Arizona. Ashton shares his journey of developing Safe Stride, a firefighter safety product designed to improve visibility in smoky environments and on roadways. Inspired by his father's career as a fire chief, Ashton discusses the alarming statistics of firefighter fatalities due to visibility issues and how his product aims to address this critical problem. He recently participated in a Shark Tank-style competition at his university, where he earned recognition for his innovative approach to firefighter safety. The conversation delves into the challenges Ashton faces as a young entrepreneur, including product development, testing, and the importance of feedback from firefighters. He emphasizes the need for proactive visibility solutions, especially in dangerous situations like roadside incidents. The episode also touches on the negativity that can arise in the fire service community regarding new ideas and products, highlighting the importance of constructive criticism and support for innovation. Ashton's passion for making a difference in the fire service shines through, making this episode both inspiring and informative for listeners interested in entrepreneurship and firefighter safety. Takeaways "I knew that I wanted to do something with firefighters because I grew up around it so much." "There's been over 500 deaths in firefighters because they're not seen on the side of the road." "The hope is that mine will be a little bit more serious than that with it being fireproof, waterproof, and rechargeable." "I figured there needed to be something to address that part of your body." "I just want to help people, like I..." "It's interesting seeing that level of hate from firefighters when a lot of times firefighters are the ones that are looked up to." "If you believe what you're doing is going to help somebody, keep doing it." "I want to get on Shark Tank. That'd be awesome." "I have a provisional patent, by the way." "The biggest part of Safe Stride is that it just increases accountability, like all around." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ashton Hampshire 01:49 The Inspiration Behind Safe Stride 02:55 Developing the Product: Challenges and Innovations 09:02 Shark Tank Competition Experience 13:08 Feedback from Firefighters and Testing Plans 18:21 Addressing Concerns About Visibility in Smoke 22:17 The Importance of Positive Feedback and Support 26:02 Navigating Negativity in the Fire Service 34:04 Navigating Negativity in Firefighting 35:59 The Importance of Innovation and Safety 37:48 Visibility Challenges for Firefighters 42:26 The Role of Technology in Firefighter Safety 46:55 Future Innovations and Entrepreneurial Aspirations 52:49 Closing Thoughts on Community and Support https://thekitchentablefoundation.org/ https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/ https://www.thecanreportpodcast.com/ https://safestride.us/

  5. 24 Mar

    Episode 93 chatting with Louie Cimino #LOUIEISM

    In this episode of the CAN Report, I had the privilege to sit down with Louie Cimino, a passionate firefighter and motivational speaker. Louie shares his journey in the fire service, starting from his early days as a shipboard firefighter to becoming a battalion chief in Arkansas. He discusses his philosophy, encapsulated in the concept of #Louieism, which emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions in building strong teams and cultures within the fire service. Louie also highlights the significance of mental health and community support, particularly through initiatives like the Kitchen Table Foundation, which aims to provide resources and a supportive environment for first responders and their families. Throughout the conversation, Louie emphasizes the need for positivity, connection, and proactive mental health strategies. He shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with mental health challenges and the importance of gratitude and self-reflection. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with their communities and seek help when needed, reinforcing the message that no one is alone in their struggles. Takeaways "Small bricks build large castles on the fire ground and in life." "You can't keep all your energy to yourself; share it with others." "Gratitude can lift your energy and change your frequency." "We are all here for a reason; don't isolate yourself." "It's important to connect with others and share your experiences." "Negativity is like cancer; it can poison your life." "You have to be present in the moment to lead effectively." "Don't be afraid to ask for help; there are resources available." "Your journey is unique; embrace it and share it with others." "The smallest smile can make a big difference in someone's day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Louie Cimino and the Kitchen Table Foundation 03:23 Louie's Journey in the Fire Service 06:14 The Importance of Mental Health in First Responders 12:35 Understanding Louieism: Building Strong Teams 19:54 The Kitchen Table Foundation's Mission and Goals 26:10 Creating Community Support and Connections 33:45 The True Mission of Support 36:24 Navigating Moral Trauma and Wellness 38:26 The Power of Gratitude and Frequency 41:43 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 47:02 Finding Balance: Unplugging and Self-Care 50:05 Lessons from Experience: McDonald's to Firefighting 53:58 Health Journeys: Running and Wellness https://thekitchentablefoundation.org/ https://www.nextrung.org/ https://www.thecanreportpodcast.com/

About

Welcome to The CAN Report Project! The channel dedicated to real conversations about fire service leadership, firefighter culture, toxic leadership, officer development, and modern fire training. This isn’t surface-level motivation. This is about fixing what’s broken inside the firehouse. On this channel, we cover: Fire service leadership development Toxic leadership in the fire service Firehouse culture reform Firefighter mental health & resilience Accountability in the ranks Officer and company officer growth Modern fireground tactics & training Ending complacency in the fire department Building strong, positive department culture If you’re a firefighter, company officer, chief officer, or aspiring leader who believes the fire service must evolve — this channel is for you

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