Better Every Shift

FireRescue1
Better Every Shift

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.

  1. Extra Alarm: Borrowing from business simply doesn’t work for the fire service

    1 DAY AGO

    Extra Alarm: Borrowing from business simply doesn’t work for the fire service

    This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Johnny Torgeson, the assistant chief of operations for Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow Fire & Emergency Services in California. Torgeson emphasizes the need to reject traditional business-derived leadership models and instead lead differently. The chief explains how to “disrespect the norm,” reinvent your position and put in the work toward a more unconventional approach that doesn’t rely on tools from books that aren’t meant for fire officers or theories that have yet to be realized as successful tools for the fire service. Most importantly, we shouldn’t copy-paste the leadership patterns of our predecessors. Read the original article on FireRescue1.

    15 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    San Diego Fire Rescue chiefs talk recruitment, wellness and community connection

    There’s a lot going on at San Diego Fire Rescue, as we hear from Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone with the health and safety office on this week’s Better Every Shift. The department leaders outline a host of unique programs and efforts focused on members. They also address the recent L.A. wildfires (to which San Diego sent resources), plus the debate about DEI that emerged amid the incident. Some topics we hit on the show: Recruitment: Breaking down barriers to reach potential members Wellness: FD training modeled after a Division 1 athletic program Family dynamics: Launching a “2-in/2-out” event for couples DEI: “No standards have changed” Outreach: Reintroducing the FD to the community WUI fires: Game-changing weather where Mother Nature is going to win 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!

    1h 9m
  3. Extra Alarm: ‘The Great AI Lie’ – greater efficiency does not always equate to improved mental health

    FEB 4

    Extra Alarm: ‘The Great AI Lie’ – greater efficiency does not always equate to improved mental health

    This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Division Chief Chad Crouse, who addresses the impact of AI on mental health and productivity in the fire service. He observes that fire chiefs tend to use time saved by AI to do more at work rather than focusing time saved on personal wellness. Highlighting a cultural expectation that productivity equals success, Chief Crouse calls for a shift in how we deploy technology in order to reclaim time for personal health and relationships. Read the article on FireRescue1.

    10 min

  4. JAN 30

    Introducing the Firefighter Mayday Survey with Lt. Bassel Ibrahim

    Orlando Lt. Bassel Ibrahim is carrying the mayday research torch through the launch of the Firefighter Mayday Survey. The project is a variation and continuation of Don Abbott’s Project Mayday following the chief’s death in 2022. Ibrahim shares what drove him to take on such a huge project, which shares real-world mayday and near-miss data to improve firefighter safety, training and tactics. We dig into all things mayday research, plus all this: Proactive vs. reactive RIT RIT’s role as jack-of-all-trades Switching radio channels The problem with LUNAR Ibrahim’s own mayday experience Why “without data, there is no progress” Watch FireRescue1’s on-demand webinar featuring Lt. Ibrahim: “Mayday survival – personal experiences, practical tactics.” BONUS: Take the What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey. 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!

    1h 8m
  5. Extra Alarm: ‘I will stay connected to the members’ -- a challenging goal for newly promoted leaders

    JAN 28

    Extra Alarm: ‘I will stay connected to the members’ -- a challenging goal for newly promoted leaders

    This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Eric Linnenburger, who focuses on the importance of genuine connection for newly promoted fire service leaders. Linnenburger identifies the challenges leaders face in maintaining a meaningful connection with their teams, backed by What Firefighters Want survey data that reveals a significant disconnect between fire chiefs and line personnel. The chief also shares practical recommendations for building trust and enhancing relationships within the team, emphasizing the necessity of human skills and leading by example rather than from behind a desk. [Note: The What Firefighters Want in 2025 survey is now live. Share your voice here.]

    12 min

  6. JAN 23

    Jo Terry: ‘PTSD does not have to end in tragedy’

    Kentucky Assistant Chief Chip Terry called himself a public servant – and lived by those words, shares his widow, Jo Terry: “He was there to serve the public. Now it's our turn to help serve you.” Following Chip’s death by suicide in 2017, Jo started the Chip Terry Fund, which strives to educate first responders and their families about PTSD and provide funding to offer mental health treatments to those in need. Jo shares Chip’s story, including what healthcare provided missed in their assessments and how his PTSD impacted their entire family, plus all this: The “big warning signs” of a firefighter in crisis, including “Jackass Syndrome” Why spouses often detect the problem first The physiological processes that make PTSD difficult to manage alone Why Jo says, “it shouldn’t be a widow’s job to do this” Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

    1h 3m
  7. Extra Alarm: Leading through the political conversation at the kitchen table

    JAN 21

    Extra Alarm: Leading through the political conversation at the kitchen table

    Welcome to FireRescue1’s Extra Alarm – your audible source of original content from FireRescue1. This week’s insights come to us from Eric Latimer, division chief of fire operations for the Springfield (Missouri) Fire Department. Latimer discusses how best to navigate political conversations at the firehouse kitchen table, and emphasizes the need to maintain respect and unity, despite differing opinions, to uphold the mission of effective service delivery. Listen to the end for additional insights from Chief Marc Bashoor.

    8 min

  8. JAN 16

    ‘Do the next right thing right’: Kevin Sofen talks tech fundamentals

    New tools and technology can feel daunting, particularly if you already feel behind the curve, but the opportunities are endless if you can embrace a learning mindset that focuses on simply doing the next right thing right – fundamentals first, then baby steps. For example, when someone suggests a new tool, start by changing a knee-jerk “no” to a more open-minded “maybe,” then take another step, even watching a single video about the new technology. That’s the advice from technology advisor Kevin Sofen, who has spent more than a decade making connections between fire service organizations and industry to help fire departments implement new technology and data management tools. We dig into all this and more: New innovations, like AI, satellite communications and drones Top sessions from the IAFC’s Technology Summit International How to involve more seasoned members without expecting them to be tech “champions” Reframing the phrase “death by a thousand cuts” to “solutions by a thousand little things” for technology Shifting the mindset from having to use tech tools to wanting to use tech tools Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback!

    1h 6m
See All (231)

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    FireRescue1
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Better Every Shift

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