Wind The Q Podcast

Derick Dodson
  • 5.0 (4)
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Wind The Q - The Stories Behind The Sirens is a fire service podcast hosted by Derick Dodson, bringing real conversations from the fireground, the fire house, and the home. From leadership and training to mental health and personal stories, this show dives into the experiences firefighters carry long after the sirens fade. 

  1. 16h ago

    The Firefighter Family: What the Job Really Does to the People at Home - Family Round Table Discussion

    Send us Fan Mail What is it really like growing up and living in a firefighter family? In this special Wind The Q family roundtable, Derick Dodson sits down with his wife, Mindy, and their four daughters, Gracie, Callee, Hynlee, and Piper, for an open conversation about what the fire service looks like from the other side of the station doors. They talk about the realities of the 24/48 schedule, missed holidays and family events, the advantages of having Dad home during the week, the unpredictability of the job, pride in the fire service, sacrifices families quietly make, and the ways the job can change a firefighter over the course of a career. There are serious moments, funny family stories, and perspectives firefighters don't often get to hear: what our families actually see when we come home. Because being a firefighter may be one person's career, but the fire service affects the entire family. 🎙️ Wind The Q: The Stories Behind The Sirens What has the fire service asked your family to sacrifice, and what has it given them in return? #FirefighterFamily #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterWife #FirefighterLife #FirstResponderFamily #FirehouseLife #FirefighterMentalHealth #FireServicePodcast #WindTheQ This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  2. Aug 20

    The Last Call: The People We Meet, The Moments We Miss, and Why Every Call Matters - Lt. Derick Dodson

    Send us Fan Mail What if the last call you ran with someone was just that... the last call? In this solo episode of Wind The Q, we take a hard look at something firefighters rarely think about in the moment: we never know when we're experiencing something for the final time. The last call with a longtime partner. The last shift with your crew. The last meal around the firehouse table. The last time you ride in a particular seat. The last conversation before someone retires, promotes, transfers, leaves the fire service, or life simply takes them somewhere else. The fire service moves fast. We spend so much time looking toward the next call, the next shift, the next promotion, and the next stage of our careers that we can completely miss the significance of the moment we're living right now. The Call You Never Knew Was the Last is about brotherhood, change, gratitude, memories, relationships, and learning to appreciate the people beside you while they're still there. Because eventually, every firefighter will answer a final call. Most of us just won't know it was the last one until it's already over. 🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Wind The Q. If you could go back and run one more call with one person from your career, who would it be? #WindTheQ #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterLife #FirefighterPodcast #Brotherhood #Firehouse #FirstResponder #FirefighterLeadership #FirefighterMentalHealth This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  3. Aug 14

    Raising a Family on Shift: The Reality of Parenting in the Fire Service | Diego Gonzalez

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be a parent when the fire service regularly pulls you away from home? In this episode of Wind The Q – The Stories Behind The Sirens, Lt. Dodson sits down with firefighter Diego Gonzalezfor an honest conversation about parenting in the fire service. They talk about balancing the responsibilities of being a firefighter with being a father, missing important moments because of shift work, making the most of the time you do have at home, and the challenge of being mentally present with your family after a long shift. The fire service can demand nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, training, and sometimes pieces of you that are difficult to leave at the station. But while being a firefighter may be part of your identity, being a parent carries a responsibility that lasts long after the uniform comes off. This episode is about fatherhood, family, sacrifice, priorities, and finding a balance between serving your community and showing up for the people waiting for you at home. 🎙️ Wind The Q – The Stories Behind The Sirens Topics include: Firefighter parenting • Firefighter dads • Fatherhood • Work-life balance • Shift work • Firefighter families • Marriage and family • Missing holidays • Being present at home • Fire service culture • Family sacrifice • Life as a firefighter #WindTheQ #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterDad #Fatherhood #Parenting #FirefighterFamily #FirstResponder #ShiftWork #FirefighterLife This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  4. Aug 6

    Who Are You Without the Badge? | Firefighter Identity with Lt. Axel Agan

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you when the uniform comes off? In this powerful episode of Wind The Q – The Stories Behind The Sirens, Lt. Dodson sits down with Lt. Axel Agan to discuss one of the most overlooked topics in the fire service: identity. For many firefighters, the job becomes more than a career—it becomes who they are. But what happens when the pager goes silent? When you retire, get injured, promote, or life takes you in a different direction? How do you keep the fire service from becoming your entire identity while still giving it your all? Together, Lt. Dodson and Lt. Agan tackle: Finding your identity beyond the badgeThe cost of loving the job too muchBalancing faith, family, and the fire serviceParenting, marriage, and maintaining healthy prioritiesRetirement, injury, and life after the fire serviceBuilding a legacy that lasts longer than your careerWhy your greatest title may not be "Firefighter"Whether you're a rookie, a seasoned firefighter, an officer, or preparing for retirement, this conversation will challenge you to ask one important question: Who are you when you're not wearing the uniform? 🎙️ Listen now and join the conversation. 👍 If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please: Like this episodeSubscribe to Wind The QShare it with your crew, department, and familyLeave a review wherever you listen to podcastsYour support helps us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the fire service. #Firefighter #FireService #FirefighterLife #Leadership #Brotherhood #MentalHealth #FaithAndFire #FireOfficer #FirstResponder #WindTheQ #FirefighterPodcast #PublicSafety #LeadershipDevelopment #Family #Identity This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  5. Jul 30

    What They Never Teach You - FF Carson Murray, FF Travis Moore, & FF Ian MacFadden

    Send us Fan Mail What are the little things that make a big difference in the fire service? In this episode of Wind The Q: The Stories Behind the Sirens, Lt. Dodson sits down with firefighters Ian MacFadden, Carson Murray, and Travis Moore for a practical roundtable discussion on the firehouse wisdom that isn't found in textbooks. From the $20 Rule and everyday carry (EDC) essentials to locker setup, pocket organization, comfort items, and hard-earned tricks learned through experience, this episode is packed with practical advice that every rookie and veteran firefighter can use. Whether you're just starting your career or have decades on the job, you'll walk away with ideas to make you more prepared, more comfortable, and more effective on every shift. Topics include: The $20 Rule explainedFirefighter EDC (Everyday Carry)Pocket and locker essentialsFirehouse hacks and practical tipsLessons learned the hard wayRookie adviceGear organizationComfort items that make long shifts easierFire service culture and mentorshipIf you enjoy real conversations about the fire service, leadership, brotherhood, and the job behind the job, subscribe and follow Wind The Q everywhere you listen to podcasts. Let us know in the comments: What's one firehouse tip or trick that has made your life easier? This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  6. Jul 23

    Would You Want To Teach You? The Inside Scoop On Coachability - FF Adam Hollis

    Send us Fan Mail The best firefighters never stop learning—but not everyone is willing to be coached. In Season 2, Episode 3 of Wind The Q, Lt. Dodson sits down with Firefighter Adam Hollis to discuss one of the most important traits in the fire service: coachability. Why do some firefighters grow while others plateau? How do pride, attitude, humility, and accountability affect your career? Whether you're a rookie firefighter, company officer, or seasoned veteran, this conversation will challenge you to take an honest look at yourself. Do you think coachability is more important than talent? Let us know in the comments. Follow Wind The Q everywhere for more conversations about fire service leadership, culture, training, and the stories behind the sirens. #WindTheQ #Firefighter #FireService #Coachability #Leadership #FireOfficer #FirefighterTraining #Firehouse #Brotherhood #ProfessionalDevelopment #FirstResponder #EMS #FireCulture #FirePodcast #TheStoriesBehindTheSirens This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  7. Jul 16

    Roundtable Reality Check - Leadership, Training, & Firehouse Culture - Lt. Adam Sambor, Lt. Jared Robison, & Lt. Kyle Hudson

    Send us Fan Mail Roundtable Reality Check | Leadership, Training & Firehouse Culture | Wind The Q Podcast Three experienced fire service leaders. One table. No scripted answers. In this episode of Wind The Q, Lt. Dodson is joined by returning guest Lt. Adam Sambor, along with first-time guests Lt. Kyle Hudson and Training Officer Lt. Robison, for an honest conversation about the state of today's fire service. From leadership and accountability to training, morale, and building a strong firehouse culture, this roundtable dives into the challenges firefighters and officers face every day. The discussion includes personal experiences, practical lessons, and straightforward advice that can help firefighters at every stage of their careers. In this episode, we discuss: What separates good departments from great onesLeadership that creates trust and accountabilityWhy meaningful training matters more than checking a boxBuilding and maintaining a positive firehouse cultureCommon mistakes made by new officersAdvice for firefighters preparing for the next step in their careersLessons learned from years on the jobWhether you're a probationary firefighter, seasoned company officer, instructor, or chief officer, this episode offers practical insight you can apply on your very next shift. Subscribe to Wind The Q for real conversations, leadership lessons, and the stories behind the sirens. If this episode brought you value, share it with your crew and help us continue raising the standard across the fire service. Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe #WindTheQ #Firefighter #FireService #Leadership #FireTraining #FireOfficer #OfficerDevelopment #CompanyOfficer #FirehouseCulture #Brotherhood #FirstResponders #FirePodcast #TrainingOfficer #EngineCompany #TruckCompany This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

  8. Jul 9

    The Gap Nobody Talks About In The Fire Service - Lt. Derick Dodson

    Send us Fan Mail SEASON 2 PREMIERE — NOW LIVE  What happens when firefighters stop getting better… and don’t even realize it?       In this Season 2 opener of Wind The Q — The Stories Behind The Sirens, Lt. Dodson delivers a raw, unfiltered solo episode breaking down The Gap Nobody Talks About in the Fire Service. This episode dives deep into the reality that many firefighters, officers, and first responders face—the slow drift into comfort, complacency, and average performance.       From a full recap of Season 1—including powerful conversations on mental health, leadership, training, firehouse culture, addiction, recovery, and the realities of the job — to a hard look at where the fire service is today, this episode sets the tone for everything coming next.  Topics Covered:  Fire service complacency and performance decline  Leadership Accountability, and personal standards  Firefighter mindset and professional growth  The gap between who you said you’d be and who you are now  Why consistency matters more than experience  Firehouse culture and its impact on performance  Season 1 recap:  key lessons and conversations  What to expect in Season 2: guests, giveaways, and deeper topics. This isn’t just another fire service podcast episode—it’s a reality check.  Whether you’re a rookie firefighter, senior firefighter, or company officer, this episode challenges you to evaluate where you stand and what you’re doing to improve.  Now streaming on ALL platforms.  Share this with someone in your crew—and start the conversation.  Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe #FireService #FirefighterLife #Leadership #FirefighterTraining #FirstResponder ::: ---  This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support This episode Includes dynamic content. If you feel impressed to help support the show, follow the link below. If not, please continue to like, share, follow, and subscribe for more great content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/support Wind The QShop gear we trust. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from purchases at no extra cost to you.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wind-the-q-podcast/id1890605910 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2NwJHtyLmDdv4rrAssRJUY?si=vd600rTcSn-k2WEJUgnbbA YouTube https://youtube.com/@windtheqpodcast?si=qtbDcvImIf50Xpd7 If you’ve been listening and want to help keep this going, you can support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2605628/subscribe

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Wind The Q - The Stories Behind The Sirens is a fire service podcast hosted by Derick Dodson, bringing real conversations from the fireground, the fire house, and the home. From leadership and training to mental health and personal stories, this show dives into the experiences firefighters carry long after the sirens fade. 

Information

  • Creator
    Derick Dodson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Wind The Q Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wind The Q Podcast

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