Before They're Gone

bonnieweidler
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Bimonthly

Before They’re Gone is a gripping, story-driven podcast that dives headfirst into the real-life chaos, triumphs, and trauma of a first responder’s career—told by the man who lived it: my dad, Country. From harrowing rescues to moments that nearly cost him his life, each bi-monthly episode unpacks the raw truth behind the sirens. With guest appearances from fellow responders who were in the thick of it, this is more than storytelling—it’s a race against time to preserve the voices and memories of those who’ve seen it all, before they’re gone.

  1. 1d ago

    Medicine and April Fools

    For years, Station 7 was home. In this episode, Country shares stories from his time on the east side. Some calls were serious. Some were strange. Many required quick thinking and a little creativity. From medical emergencies that did not have a clear answer to moments that tested his instincts, these are the calls that taught him how to think outside the box. Of course, it would not be a Station 7 episode without a few laughs. Country also looks back on some of the pranks he pulled on his supervisors and the reactions they got from the people in charge. Before the episode ends, there is a brief introduction to someone who will play an important role in the story ahead. He meets the woman who would later become my mom. Medicine, mischief, and a little bit of fate all come together in this chapter of the story.

    36 min

  2. May 29

    Station Seven Stories

    This episode, Country takes us inside life at Station 7 — sharing stories from the calls that stuck with him most. From intense medical emergencies to unforgettable fire scenes, this conversation dives into the side of the job people do not always hear about. A lot of the episode focuses on patient care, the pressure of medical calls, and the human moments that come with the job. Some stories are funny, some are intense, and some still stay with him years later. It is an honest look at what day-to-day life was really like at Station 7 and the experiences that shaped him along the way.

    46 min

  3. May 12

    Leaving Central Station

    This one starts on a heavy note. We lost James Sledge—an Old Timer who taught Fire School alongside Country. One of those guys everyone respected, not just for what he knew, but for how he carried himself. We never got the chance to sit down with him for this podcast, and that hurts a little more in moments like this. From there, it turns into memories of Country’s last shifts at Central, a short stop at Four’s, and then the move out East of the River.  Country always figured he’d end up back at Central. Spoiler Alert…He didn’t

    59 min

  4. Apr 21

    “The House was Puffing”

    A house that looked like it was breathing. In this episode, Country walks you through one of the most intense calls of his career, a rare backdraft in Austin, Texas. As the house started “puffing,” everyone on scene knew exactly what it meant. No one had to say a word. Training took over, and so did trust. We also get into what life looked like around that time, from a boys trip to Cozumel and diving stories, to stepping into leadership as a Lieutenant and filling in as Captain at Central Station. It’s one of those episodes that really shows what the job is like in the moment, and what stays with you long after it’s over.

    39 min

  5. Apr 7

    Hazmat is Fun and Always Wear Clean Underwear

    “Hazmat is Fun and Always Wear Clean Underwear” might get a laugh, but for Country, it holds more truth than you’d expect. In this episode, we follow his path to becoming a lieutenant at Central Station. He walks through the process, the studying, and what it really takes to step into a leadership role. But the job has a way of testing you when you least expect it. An unexpected hazmat call on Congress Ave in Austin, Tx turns an ordinary day into something else entirely. What starts off routine quickly shifts, and before it’s over, it leads to full decontamination… and yes, stripping down right there on scene. It’s a reminder that no matter how much you prepare, you still have to meet the moment when it comes. Along the way, Country shares a few other calls and the kind of lessons that only come from doing the job for real. Because sometimes the simplest advice is the kind you carry with you forever.

    47 min

  6. Mar 18

    Mutual Mutual Aid

    Every Texas flooding season brought danger to low water crossings. During one downpour weekend, Dad was working the dive van and swiftwater boat for Austin when they got a call from Thorndale—over an hour and 40 minutes away—for mutual mutual  aid. A car was trapped with an elderly couple inside. Dad and two others crewed the van and went to help. They acted fast, worked as a team, and successfully rescued the couple. What started as a routine call led to something extraordinary. They had intended to submit their names for an AFD watch, but the chief went above and beyond—and awarded them a Medal of Valor. Episode 12, Mutual Mutual Aid, is full of heroism, tension, and Dad showing how he stays calm and capable under pressure.

    48 min

  7. Mar 3

    The Saudi Chapter

    In 1991, after the Kuwait War, Dad had the opportunity to go to Saudi Arabia to help with a major oil spill. It wasn’t something he had planned. He had to get special permission from the chief to go, and he had no idea how long he’d be gone. What followed were long days in the desert, unexpected challenges, and stories I had never heard before. Things shifted. Plans changed. And like always, Dad adapted. This episode is dramatic at times, surprisingly funny at others, and gives a glimpse into a chapter of his life that feels almost unreal now. He left for Saudi Arabia not knowing what to expect. He came home and somehow ended up playing for the AFD Flames football team. From halfway across the world back to Texas, this one is about saying yes, figuring it out, and stepping up when you’re needed.

    48 min

  8. Feb 17

    From Fire to Friendship

    In this episode of Before They’re Gone, it’s just me and Country again — and this time we go back to 1991. After a massive explosion in Houston, my dad was sent down to help with industrial cleanup through EMTech. What started as a response to disaster turned into something much bigger. That’s where he met Walter. Walter was an environmental safety specialist. Dad was a firefighter and industrial cleanup guy. Two different roles. Same mission. What grew out of that job site was a friendship that lasted decades — from long days in hazardous conditions to annual ski trips and lifelong memories. Walter is gone now. But the stories aren’t. This episode isn’t just about explosions and cleanup work. It’s about the bonds built in hard places. The friendships formed in chaos. And the kind of people you never forget. Listen to these stories. Collect the wisdom. Remember the names. Before they’re Gone.

    51 min
See All (18)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Before They’re Gone is a gripping, story-driven podcast that dives headfirst into the real-life chaos, triumphs, and trauma of a first responder’s career—told by the man who lived it: my dad, Country. From harrowing rescues to moments that nearly cost him his life, each bi-monthly episode unpacks the raw truth behind the sirens. With guest appearances from fellow responders who were in the thick of it, this is more than storytelling—it’s a race against time to preserve the voices and memories of those who’ve seen it all, before they’re gone.

Information

  • Creator
    bonnieweidler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © bonnieweidler
  • Show Website
    Before They're Gone