Retirement sounds like freedom… until the phone stops ringing. Jim Burneka breaks down what life really feels like after you hang up your gear for the last time: better sleep, sure, but also the ego hit, the identity shift, and realizing the machine keeps rolling without you. This is a straight-up firefighter conversation about purpose, tribe, and why you have to start building a healthy retirement from day one on the job.

Expect to learn:

• How to avoid the “retire and disappear” trap when the firehouse moves on without you
• Why your ego takes a hit after retirement, and how to flip that into freedom
• What “happy and healthy career + retirement” actually means (not just a bumper sticker)
• How to build purpose before you need it, so retirement doesn’t wreck you
• Why most departments “check boxes” until someone dies—and how to lead change anyway

If you’re a firefighter who wants to retire strong but you’re worried about losing your identity, your people, or your edge... this one’s for you.

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Want to be the calm one when everything goes sideways? This is how you build that. Captain Brian Yonkin talks speaking up, handling imposter thoughts, and using systems to sharpen leadership instead of guessing. Then he tells the story of rolling up on a working fire… and finding out there’s a second fire down the street. If you want to lead under pressure without losing your head, this episode gives you tools you can use as early as next shift.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Brian trains himself to speak up and handle conflict without blowing up
• What his “imposter syndrome” warning sign is—and how he shuts it down early
• How to set goals without the “New Year, new me” nonsense (and actually follow through)
• How trust in your crew is built—and why it matters when you have to make fast calls
• Three non-negotiables for being a strong firefighter in 2026: train, relax, and have a life outside the job

If you’re a firefighter who wants to lead better, stay sharper, and not let the job eat your life… this one’s for you.

Being consistent at the gym is non-negotiable. Fit For Service holds you accountable AND give you results. Check it out at https://keepthepromisefire.com

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

If you’re the “fixer” at home and in your firehouse, this episode will punch you right in the gut. Captain Brian Yonkin breaks down what changed since 2024—promotion to captain, hard family stress, and realizing he was running on fumes without calling it depression. We talk TRT, therapy, asking for help, and how being a dad made him a better leader. This is firefighter reality: you can’t pour from an empty cup and still think you’re “tough.”

What You’ll Learn:

• How to spot when you’re quietly burning out even if you think you’re “fine”
• Why “I’ll handle it” can turn into a slow mental crash—and how to start asking for help
• A simple way to lead better: be curious, not judgmental, and meet people where they’re at
• How to build calm focus when life is pulling you in 10 directions
• Why doing more for everyone else can wreck you—and how to stop being the default problem-solver

If you’re a firefighter who feels responsible for everything and you’re tired, stressed, or numb… this one’s for you.

Subscribe to the show and keep the promise you made — to yourself and your crew.

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!