Priority Traffic Podcast Chris Warden

Lee Throckmorton, a retired firefighter and strength and conditioning coach, discusses the importance of fitness in the fire service and the unique approach of Kaizen Groundworks. He shares his extensive prior service history, including lifeguarding, firefighting, law enforcement, and SWAT training. Throckmorton emphasizes each profession's different demands and mindsets and the need for a balanced approach to strength and conditioning. He explains the programs and training offered by Kaizen Groundworks, which focus on building aerobic capacity, strength, and resilience. Throckmorton also highlights the importance of setting goals and understanding the why behind training strategies. In this conversation, Lee Throckmorton discusses the importance of setting goals and training accordingly, the role of body fat percentage in performance, the purpose of Kaizen Groundwork, and the significance of trusting the process.


Takeaways


Fitness and wellness are crucial in the fire service; leaders should prioritize these aspects.Different professions within public safety have unique demands and require specific training approaches.Kaizen Groundworks offers programs and training to help individuals in the tactical sphere improve their strength, conditioning, and overall performance.Setting goals and understanding the purpose behind training strategies is essential for success in the fire service. Solidify your goals and train accordingly.Body fat percentage is not the sole determinant of high performance.Kaizen Groundwork offers training and consulting services for those interested in the tactical realm.Trust the process and be patient in achieving your goals.Kaizen Groundworks
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In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Levi Bousquet about his journey in the fire service, his commitment to firefighter health, and the fight against cancer.
Levi shares his background from a blue-collar family to becoming a full-time firefighter, highlighting the importance of health and wellness in the fire service. He discusses a near-drowning experience early in his career that strengthened his dedication to the profession. Levi also reflects on the Back Bay Fire in Boston and the lessons learned from that tragic event.
Levi emphasizes the value of experience and skills from outside the fire service and the challenges faced in real-life fire situations. He talks about the origins of Nine Alarm and the impact of the Back Bay Fire. Levi explains the importance of raising awareness about cancer in the fire service and the discovery of PFAS. He shares the challenges of designing a solution and the support received from the Last Call Foundation. He urges firefighters to take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and wiping their skin.
Levi highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating and exercise. He emphasizes the need for retirement savings and the value of time during retirement. Levi also discusses the role of leaders in the fire service and the impact of unofficial leaders. He encourages firefighters to take small steps for career advancement.
Levi discusses developing the Defender brief and shirt, which offer particulate and moisture resistance. He explains the testing and certification process and the goal of improving the fire service. Levi urges fire departments to seek support and assistance in writing grants.
In conclusion, Levi emphasizes the long-term impact of firefighter protection and the importance of leaving the fire service better than it was found.

Big 5 takeaways:
Health and wellness should be a priority in the fire service, and proactive measures should be taken to prevent cancer.Personal experiences and background can shape one's commitment and dedication to the fire service.Learning from past incidents and tragedies is crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future.Experience and skills from outside the fire service can be valuable assets in firefighting.Firefighters can take small steps to protect themselves, such as wearing SCBA, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.9Alarm Apparel
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In this episode, host Chris Warden interviews Mark Hill, a visionary leader in education in the fire service and author of Two Dark Thirty. They discuss technological advancements and their impact on education and training, including resistance to change in the fire service.

They also explore the challenges in the education field and Mark's transition to the fire service. Marc emphasizes simplifying complex concepts and the power of storytelling in teaching, and highlights the importance of awareness and the Dunning-Kruger effect.

The conversation focuses on communication, training, and continuous improvement in the fire service, and the value of difficult conversations and leadership development. It concludes with information about upcoming speaking engagements and consulting work.

Key Takeaways
There is often resistance to change in the fire service, but it is important to embrace new technologies and methods to improve training programs. Evaluation and improvement are crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of training programs.The fire service has evolved significantly over the years, and it is important to adapt to these changes. Transitioning from teaching to the fire service can be challenging, but it offers new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Transitioning to a full-time firefighter role often involves teaching and volunteering.Simplifying complex concepts and using storytelling can enhance the learning experience.Awareness is the first step to learning and development.The Dunning-Kruger effect highlights the importance of recognizing our own limitations.
Connect with Mark:

website www.twodarkthirty.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/02d30/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-hill-679172a0/
Twitter @twodarkthirty
Instagram @twodarkthirty
YouTube @twodarkthirty




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In episode 032 of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris Warden interviews Megan Lautz, the RescueRD, a registered dietitian and trainer of firefighters and police officers. They discuss the unique challenges of fueling firefighters and provide tips and tricks for improving diet and exercise. Megan emphasizes the importance of sleep for firefighters and the impact of trauma on food choices. 

They also discuss the difference between dietitians and nutritionists and the need for tailored nutrition advice for firefighters. Megan recommends focusing on calories, protein, and fiber and guides navigating fast food options. They also discuss the role of pre-workout nutrition and caution against excessive caffeine intake. In this part of the conversation, Megan Lautz discusses the risks of pre-workout supplements and the importance of using them responsibly. She also provides insights into caffeine intake and timing, emphasizing the need to be mindful of the quantity and timing of consumption. 

The discussion then shifts to energy drinks and their high caffeine content, highlighting the potential dangers of excessive consumption. Megan also addresses concerns about artificial sweeteners, explaining that there is limited evidence to support claims of long-term harm. The conversation further explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and cancer risk, emphasizing the importance of moderation. 

Finally, Megan offers advice on managing stress, eating, and maintaining a healthy relationship with food, emphasizing balance and self-care. In this conversation, Megan Lautz discusses nutrition challenges for firefighters, focusing on hydration and oral rehydration solutions. She explains the importance of sodium and sugar for performance, particularly in high-intensity situations. 

Megan also addresses the dilemma of providing healthier options in canteens and the role of snacks and hydration for firefighters. She emphasizes using sugar for high-intensity performance and the importance of hydration for overall performance. Megan recommends useful resources, including books and websites, and concludes with the priority traffic of prioritizing protein and plants in firefighter nutrition.


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In this episode, Annette Zapp shares her journey into the fire service and her challenges as a female firefighter. She emphasizes the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for proactive strategies to offload trauma and stress. 

Annette discusses the four pillars of wellness: sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement. She also highlights the impact of shame and gossip in the fire service and the need for self-awareness. 

Annette challenges the idea of exercising in fire gear and advocates for fireground-specific training instead. This part of the conversation focuses on the challenges faced by female firefighters, the connection between mental and physical health, the importance of holistic wellness, the need for professional intervention in firefighter health and wellness, the flaws of fit-for-duty tests, strategies for helping firefighters improve their health and wellness, the role of mentors in fire service wellness, and the future of wellness in firefighting. 

Finally, Annette shares her insights on the importance of human performance in fire departments and the need for collaboration and scaling. She emphasizes hiring meaningful professionals and provides information about an upcoming event in January. 

The main takeaway is the importance of caring for one's mind and body through sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement.
Takeaways


Female firefighters face challenges due to ill-fitting gear designed for male measurements.Mental and physical health are interconnected and must be addressed for overall wellness.Proper training and support are essential for peer fitness trainers in the fire service.Health and wellness in the fire service require professional intervention and cannot be solely the responsibility of individual firefighters.Fit-for-duty tests need to be comprehensive and administered by professionals to ensure accuracy and fairness.Meeting firefighters where they are, getting them out of pain, and helping them achieve meaningful goals are effective strategies for improving their health and wellness.Mentors are crucial in guiding and supporting firefighters' health and wellness journey.The future of wellness in firefighting includes the widespread adoption of embedded health and wellness personnel in fire departments.Connect with Annette HERE:
FireRescueWellnessFireRescueWellness on InstagramFRW BLOG -----GREAT STUFF HERE!!Work with FireRescueWellness
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“Firefighting is a serious business, and it requires continuous commitment to knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Dennis Reilly

Calling all firefighters and those looking to level up their personal growth! In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dennis Reilly, a retired Fire Chief with an awe-inspiring career spanning over four decades.
Join us as Dennis shares his journey, filled with stories of triumph, challenges, and personal growth. As an Army veteran who served in combat and a seasoned firefighter who played a pivotal role in the aftermath of 9/11, Dennis brings a wealth of experiences and insights to the table.
In this candid and engaging conversation, we'll delve into the mental aspects of firefighting and training, an often overlooked yet vital part of our profession. Dennis emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and offers practical strategies to support firefighters in coping with the intense demands of their job.
So, grab your favorite mug, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and join us for an inspiring and informative conversation with Dennis Reilly. Get ready to ignite your personal growth and become part of a community of high-performers who are always ready to tackle the next challenge!

  Unbeatable Mind – Mark Divine 
"Unbeatable Mind" by Mark Divine; aims to provide tools and techniques to help individuals achieve their maximum potential in any career or life situation through an integrated plan of warrior development.
Leadership and Training for the Fight: A Few Thoughts on Leadership and Training from a Former Special Operations Soldier
Tested and effective leadership and teaching advice based on riveting combat stories from a Special Operations veteran.
In Leadership and Training for the Fight, MSG Paul R. Howe, U.S. Army Retired, shares ideas on leadership that he has developed through extensive combat experience. Howe tells riveting stories of military operations and analyzes leadership concepts. He also gives advice on how to understand students and how to refine your teaching methods. Written with the unique insight of a Special Operations soldier, this book is the perfect guide for anyone interested in improving leadership skills in civilian or military situations.
©2011 Paul R. Howe (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
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