The Firehouse Yak

Endeavor Business Media
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Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.

  1. 7H AGO

    Beyond the Bugles: Chief Chat with Doug Boeker

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of Beyond the Bugles, where Assistant Chief Jacob Johnson of the Pearland, TX, Fire Department, sits down with Fire Chief Doug Boeker of the Fulshear, TX, Fire Department. Together, they dive into leadership at the chief officer level, covering the do’s and don’ts of command, firehouse culture and the importance of meaningful kitchen-table conversations. The discussion blends professional insight with candid moments, offering both practical takeaways and authentic perspectives from two experienced leaders. This energetic first episode delivers wisdom, laughter and real-world leadership lessons.

    1 hr
  2. You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington

    FEB 2

    You’re Always a Firefighter First – Ryan Pennington

    Charleston, WV, Battalion Chief Ryan Pennington joins Peter Matthews to talk about his approach to every shift, reminding himself that he’s a firefighter first and foremost. With that approach, Pennington’s foundation remains rooted in the basics while he has promoted through the fire department. Pennington falls back on the principles he used to launch his training company, The Views from the Jumpseat, reminding listeners that the jumpseat is where all firefighters plant their roots in the fire service. They talk about climbing the career ladder and reacting to the number of podcasts, articles and social media talking calling for better fire service leadership and discuss the recurring challenges faced in departments across the country. How do you start every day as with a firefighter first mentality? Listen to the podcast to find out! Related links: Ryan Pennington’s biography and articles on Firehouse.com Views From The Jumpseat book

    1h 4m
  3. Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood

    12/23/2025

    Finding Your Leadership Why as a Next Generation Fire Chief – Justin Sherwood

    Justin Sherwood, who became fire chief in Bemidji, MN, nearly five years ago, reflects on the journey and shares what he learned at both personal and professional levels. Sherwood didn’t plan to follow his father’s footsteps into the fire service and pursued a degree in education, but that changed following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. In 15 years, Sherwood climbed the ranks and was named fire chief, starting a journey focused on serving the community and his members, while also navigating life. During the podcast, he reflects on the small moments that made big impacts on his life and helped shore up the foundation for the bigger challenges he would face. As the ranks of the fire service continue to see turnover, Sherwood shares advice for the next group of fire service leaders, from a serious personal struggle to daily fire service scenarios. Related links: Justin Sherwood biography and article on Firehouse.com Every Face Has a Name, Every Name Has a Face Am I Out of the Game or in a Different One?

    1h 11m
  4. Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora

    12/09/2025

    Basement Fires and Hidden Dangers Below – John Lewis and Robert Mora

    John Lewis and Robert Moran have been teaching basement fire tactics and strategies for nearly two decades, after a series of close call incidents they were involved with. The two, known as Jersey Guys Fire Service Training, discuss tactics, construction and command for below-grade residential fires on this episode.  From the use of the ELBOW acronym for basement fire size-up, to hoseline placement, ventilation tactics and search operations, Lewis and Moran dig into key strategies that can be used to prevent close calls, or worse, during residential basement fires.  Related links:  John Lewis’ biography and article on Firehouse.com  Robert Moran’s biography and article on Firehouse.com   Jersey Guys Fire Service Training on Facebook

    1h 6m
  5. An Urban Fire Captain’s Approach to Fires in Vacant Structures – Sean Eagen

    11/24/2025

    An Urban Fire Captain’s Approach to Fires in Vacant Structures – Sean Eagen

    Capt. Sean Eagen joins Peter Matthews to talk about firefighting operations in vacant structures, because many vacant buildings can still be occupied, posing a serious life hazard. Eagen, a 28-year veteran of the Buffalo, NY, Fire Department, shares his experiences and takes listeners through his size-up approach. From cues and clues on suspected vacant homes, Eagen talks about how firefighters should plan to conduct searches, including the use of a VES-like method to limit the number of firefighters on the interior, plus other fireground tactical decision-making ideas. As cold weather in many parts of the country has homeless people seeking protection from the weather, Eagen says now is the time to review your vacant structure policies and talk with crews at the kitchen table. Related links: Sean Eagen’s biography and article on Firehouse.com Truck Tactics: Vacant Properties: Search or Go Defensive?

    1h 4m
  6. Firefighters Reflect on Military Service, Veterans Day – Dan Byrne, TJ Cullison, AJ Kehl

    11/10/2025

    Firefighters Reflect on Military Service, Veterans Day – Dan Byrne, TJ Cullison, AJ Kehl

    Peter Matthews is joined by former U.S. Marine Daniel Byrne; T.J. Cullison, who served in the U.S. Army; and A.J. Kehl, who just retired from a career in the U.S. Air Force. They discuss the similarities and differences between serving in the fire service and military and what carried over from their time serving in the U.S. military to the firehouse and what Veterans Day means to them. They offer insight into the various military benefits, from the journeyman program, education and promotional points to other services for veterans, plus a look at mental health, and share the one military lesson that they continue to use today. Related Links: Daniel Byrne’s Firehouse.com bio pages and content A.J. Kehl’s Firehouse.com bio page and content My Rich Uncle: An Informal Guide to Maximizing Your Enlistment

    54 min
  7. Firefighter Training for the Unknown – Michael Daley

    10/27/2025

    Firefighter Training for the Unknown – Michael Daley

    Michael Daley joins Peter Matthews to discuss firefighter training today with a look at training challenges expected over the next five years, including new responses such as electric vehicles, and the abilities and skills news firefighters bring to the job. Daley, a proponent of well-trained and educated firefighters, says firefighters should train to a level or professionalism – whether volunteer or career – to be able to handle whatever they encounter. He discusses what training officers need to do to incorporate historical events into training, how to build a training calendar and how to ensure that members do not lose the drive to train. Related links: Training Doesn't Have Time for Rain Delays Company-Level Training Ideas for all Firefighters Michael Daley’s bio and article on Firehouse.com Fire Service Performance Concepts

    1h 16m
  8. Leadership in an Evolving Fire Service – Kristopher Blume

    10/13/2025

    Leadership in an Evolving Fire Service – Kristopher Blume

    Peter Matthews talks with Chief Kristopher Blume about the realities of leading fire departments today, as they evolve quicker than ever and what is driving people away from the fire service in historic numbers. Blume highlights key parts of his recently published book, Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service and the two discuss the background of his recent Firehouse.com article, “Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service?” and what three key factors are causing serious issues int fire department ranks. Related links: Carry the Fire: The Crucible of Leadership in the Fire Service Beyond the Smoke: What Is Driving People Away from the Fire Service? Kristopher Blume’s bio and article on Firehouse.com

    1h 5m
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About

Editor-in-Chief Peter Matthews talks with Firehouse authors and speakers and members of the fire service about firefighter training and tactics, leadership, trends and traditions.

Information

  • Creator
    Endeavor Business Media
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Firehouse
  • Show Website
    The Firehouse Yak