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. 8h ago

    Episode 136 with Mike Norris-Host of the 5% Podcast

    In this episode, Mike Norris shares his insights on fireground decision making, leadership, and the importance of maintaining professionalism and humility in the fire service. We explore topics like tactical decision making, victim behavior, stress physiology, and the value of conferences and networking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Norris and his background 01:06 Mike Norris's focus on leadership and decision making 01:48 Early influences and desire to become a firefighter 03:25 Podcast journey and focus on quality content 04:56 The importance of meaningful guest selection 06:32 The saturation of fire service podcasts and maintaining quality 07:13 The responsibility of content creators and guests 08:34 The effort behind producing a quality podcast 09:34 The value of vetting guests and content 11:12 Building connections and the importance of professionalism 13:04 The impact of misinformation and the responsibility of content creators 14:06 Learning from experts like Gary Klein and the importance of humility 16:50 Legacy in the fire service and mentoring the next generation 20:27 The motivation behind podcasting and sharing knowledge 22:26 Writing for Fire Engineering and Firefighter Nation 23:25 The importance of unique content and research in articles 25:29 Control tactical aggression and decision making under stress 30:00 The significance of accurate radio reports and scene size-up 33:36 Managing stress and maintaining calmness during incidents 37:37 Upcoming Southwest Fire Conference and training opportunities 45:39 The importance of teamwork, trust, and humility in firefighting 48:24 Understanding victim psychology and search strategies 50:23 Details about the Southwest Fire Conference in El Paso 56:35 Preparing for conferences and networking opportunities 01:04:05 Encouragement to love the fire service and stay positive You can see myself and Mike Norris this January at the Southwest Fire Conference, in El Paso, TX Tickets are still available; https://southwestfireconference.com/ Check out Firefighter Nation: https://www.firefighternation.com/ Get Energized with The Energy Drink: https://theenergydrink.com/

    Episode 136 with Mike Norris-Host of the 5% Podcast
  2. Oct 27

    Episode 135 Brendan McDonough-From Tragedy to Recovery

    In this episode, Brendan McDonough shares his powerful story of survival, grief, and recovery after the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed the lives of 19 of his brothers. He discusses the impact of trauma, the journey to sobriety, and how faith and community played a vital role in healing. Brendan McDonough shares his inspiring journey of overcoming tragedy, addiction, and finding purpose in the fire service. Brendan reminds all of us the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the power of faith and community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Brendan McDonough's background 00:26 Introduction to Brendan McDonough's Journey 02:56 The Yarnell Hill Fire: What happened and its significance 03:10 The Impact of Personal Loss and the Fire Service 07:12 The Making of 'Only the Brave' and Honoring Heroes 09:58 Brendan's early life, firefighting career, and the 2013 fire 12:14 The Role of Faith and Community Support 16:01 Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Sobriety 20:04 The fire's progression and Brendan’s role as a lookout 20:18 Returning to Firefighting and Leadership 24:00 The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care 27:58 Lessons in Humility and Service 30:06 The fire's rapid change and the deployment of fire shelters 31:56 Future Goals and Continuing the Mission 36:00 Final Thoughts and Words of Inspiration 40:12 The tragedy unfolds: loss of 19 firefighters 50:01 Brendan’s immediate reactions and survivor’s guilt 59:48 The aftermath: grief, community support, and personal struggles 01:10:03 Brendan’s journey to sobriety and faith 01:20:04 The role of therapy and counseling in healing 01:29:53 Reflections on the media, movie, and legacy 01:40:12 Lessons learned and messages of hope and resilience You can find Brendan McDonough Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/001wXxUp Partnered with Firefighter Nation: https://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/ Energized by The Energy Drink: https://theenergydrink.com/ Thank you to Industrial Protection Services for sponsoring this episode: https://www.ipp-ips.com/

    Episode 135 Brendan McDonough-From Tragedy to Recovery
  3. Oct 20

    Episode 134 "Carrying the Fire" with Jason Yerkovich

    In this Episode, I had an opportunity to learn more about Jason Yerkovich, a battalion chief with nearly two decades in the fire service, as he talks through the path that took him from art director to firefighter, and how that journey shaped his view of leadership, family, and service. It centers on the idea that the job only works when you stay human, stay teachable, and bring the best of the firehouse home with you. We discuss the cultural side of the fire service, including bad leadership, training, accountability, and why self-awareness matters just as much as technical skill. Jason also shares the personal experiences behind his book, Carrying the Fire, and why therapy, vulnerability, and servant leadership are part of building better firefighters and better people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:46 Jason's Journey from Art Director to Fire Service 04:31 Leadership, Fatherhood, and Building Camaraderie 07:58 Balancing Family Life with a Demanding Career 11:47 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability 15:12 Overcoming Challenges and Developing Leadership Skills 19:52 The Role of Social Media in Modern Leadership 25:10 Handling Difficult Conversations and Performance Issues 29:49 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Continuous Growth 34:56 Building a Culture of Respect and Accountability 40:07 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Emergency Services 45:03 Closing Remarks and Resources Check out Jason Yerkovich book available on AMAZON: https://a.co/d/0hI5ECVL Visit The Energy Drink Use code-Nozzle Tov for 20% oof! https://theenergydrink.com/ Visit Engine House Designs Check out my Nozzle Tov hats! https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/products/nozzle-tov-hat?_pos=1&_psq=nozzle&_psid=035ac7eba&_ss=e Visit R1P Fuels! Get some energy with no crash! https://r1pfuel.com/ Check out Dinges Fire Company See what they can do for you!! https://www.dingesfire.com/

    Episode 134 "Carrying the Fire" with Jason Yerkovich
  4. Oct 13

    Episode 133 Jason Sautel "The Rescuers Story"

    In this episode, Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a firefighter and a man of faith. He discusses the impact of trauma, the importance of faith, and how to find hope and healing through faith and community. Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from firefighter to evangelist, emphasizing the importance of mental, spiritual, and physical resilience. He discusses his book, the impact of sharing personal stories, and how faith and community support can help overcome life's challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:29 Introduction to Jason Sautel's journey and mission 02:03 Growing Up in California and Early Influences 02:42 The impact of sharing personal stories and writing the book 04:03 Childhood Trauma and Lack of Love 07:05 Getting Into Firefighting by Grace of God 07:24 The role of faith in overcoming adversity 12:04 Building resilience through mental, spiritual, and physical health 13:03 The Downward Spiral and Mental Health Struggles 17:48 The importance of community, leadership, and leading by example 22:30 Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity 23:54 Finding Faith and Hope in Christianity 27:05 The ripple effect of the book and helping others 29:00 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening 32:19 The significance of early resilience training in firefighting 36:04 Writing Books and Spreading Hope 36:57 Jason's message to those struggling and the power of hope 37:56 The Power of Faith and Seeking Help 42:09 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Jason https://theenergydrink.com/ https://www.ipp-ips.com/

  5. Sep 29

    Episode 131 with Carter Shaw

    This conversation follows Mike Goldstein and guest Carter Shaw as Carter shares his path through fire service, military service, and the devastating loss of his lieutenant and close friend, Kyle Hines, to suicide. The episode turns a personal tragedy into a practical warning about what to look for, how departments miss signs, and why peer support and therapy cannot be an afterthought. Carter Shaw brings firsthand experience from the fire service, the military, and a deeply personal recovery process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:59 Carter Shaw's background and journey into the fire service 04:00 What draws people to the fire service and the mindset required 06:02 The challenge of separating personal life from firefighting 09:01 Signs leading up to the suicide of Carter’s lieutenant 14:06 The traumatic call and its impact on Carter and his team 20:06 The warning signs and mental health struggles of Carter’s lieutenant 23:55 Department response, debriefing, and resources available 30:05 The importance of mental health support and seeking help 39:58 Carter’s personal recovery and ongoing mental health journey 49:55 Resources for first responders and their families 57:11 Final thoughts and message of hope and support Frontline Strong- https://fst5.org/ NextRung- https://www.nextrung.org/ First Responder Center For Excellence- https://firstrespondercenter.org/ The Energy Drink-Use Nozzle Tov for 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/

    Episode 131 with Carter Shaw

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
8 Ratings

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

You Might Also Like