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The Cool Fireman Podcast

The Cool Fireman Podcast

Von: Matt Brian Adam Doug and Freddy
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 The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. We tackle topics that matter most to firefighters—career growth, safety, mental health, and the everyday challenges on and off the job. Featuring real talk, expert guests, and a bit of humor, this is where the fire service connects, learns, and shares stories. Whether you're a firefighter or simply interested in the life of one, join us for conversations that are as informative as they are engaging.Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy Erfolg im Beruf Ökonomie
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  • Honor Guard in the Fire Service: Professionalism, Tradition, and Doing It Right

    Honor Guard in the Fire Service: Professionalism, Tradition, and Doing It Right
    Feb 16 2026
    The crew kicks things off in classic “kitchen table” fashion (yes… with an unfortunate shart confession) before shifting into a respectful, meaningful conversation about Honor Guard in the fire service—why it matters, what professionalism looks like, and how departments can build/strengthen their own teams. Along the way: sponsor shoutouts, a moment of silence for two fallen firefighters, and a trick-question flag trivia that gets Matt good.In This EpisodeCold Open: The “Literal Sh*t ShowUnkie admits to a wet fart situation (aka: shart), sparking a round of “we’ve all been there” stories.Brian loses his appetite mid-conversation.Doug officially welcomes everyone to the literal “shit show” that is the podcast.”Housekeeping & UpdatesPatreon ShoutoutsNew Patreon members welcomed:Ricky BirdBig Bob Penrod (Doug’s new nickname for him)B. Stapleton (the crew debates what the “B” stands for—Brandon? Bradley? Bryce? Broseph? Bart?)Merch UpdateMerch is moving: shirts, hoodies, hats, and now embroidered hats are rolling out.Big thanks to everyone who’s ordered.Sponsor ShoutoutsUnkie’s SeasoningsUnkie will be at Virginia Fire & Expo in Virginia Beach (Feb 19–21)Hanging around heavy hitters like Taylor’s Tins, National Fire Radio, and more.Burn BoxThe crew highlights recent box items (hoodie, stickers, mask bag).“If you’re on the fence, jump off and get one.”Potential New Sponsor IdeaThe crew makes a strong case for Dude Wipes becoming a sponsor… for obvious reasons.Moment of SilenceThe team honors two recent losses in the fire service:Firefighter Michael Mejia (National City FD) — passed from complications of a severe illness.Firefighter Howard Bennett (60) — fell into the icy Delaware River while inspecting a fireboat at Wiggins Park Marina.Main Topic: Honor Guard in the Fire ServiceThe crew emphasizes Honor Guard as a prestigious, humbling, high-respect role.Doug shares that Honor Guard may be the most important work he does in his career.Doug lays down a core philosophy:Honor Guard should be professional, tactful, and executed quietly.Cadence screaming or making it “about you” defeats the point.Unkie shares frustration with “Marine Corps cadence” style pageantry in civilian settings.Doug’s pet peeve: ascots (“Victorian era nonsense” 😂)Matt shares a probationary-day moment:At a Memorial Day ceremony, he placed a wreath… and saluted his Captain instead of the flag.Crew compares Matt to “Officer Doofy.”Unkie hits the crew with trivia:Trick question: What degree does the American flag angle during Present Arms?Answer: It doesn’t. The U.S. flag does not bow—only other flags do.Brian nails it. Matt gets smoked.Bonus trivia:Texas is the only state flag that can be displayed at the same height as the U.S. flag (as explained in the episode).Ricky Bird praises the importance of recent mental health episodes.Kenny Mitchell encourages using the episode for roundtable training and discussion.Doug shouts out Chelsea from “Hold the Line at Home” for sharing mental health content.A listener shares they were admitted to a psych facility after letting things build up—crew praises the honesty and reinforces:“It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not okay to stay not okay.”“Welcome to the literal shit show…” — Doug“You shouldn’t be heard.” — Doug on Honor Guard professionalism“Ditch your bricks.” — Doug (throwback phrase that may become merch)How does YOUR department run Honor Guard?Drop it in the comments—structure, training, uniforms, pay/OT, recruiting, etc.What’s the worst (or weirdest) Honor Guard/Class A uniform detail you’ve seen?Keep it respectful… but let’s hear it.
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    58 Min.
  • Firefighter Mental Health Awareness — The Power of the Pause w/ Greg Rudiger

    Firefighter Mental Health Awareness — The Power of the Pause w/ Greg Rudiger
    Feb 9 2026
    SummaryIn this episode, the guys welcome back Greg Rudiger (Resilient Another Day / The Radcast) for a real, needed conversation about mental health in the fire service—and why we must start talking to recruits and new members early, not just after 15–20 years of calls, stress, and life piling up. The crew covers how peer support, resiliency tools, spirituality, and the “power of the pause” can help firefighters stay in the fight—at work, at home, and into retirement.Greg returns (first appeared on Episode 75) for Episode 145.Matt sets the tone: firefighters are killing themselves—and we need to stop acting like it’s not real.The crew agrees this topic should be in fire academies nationwide, not treated as an afterthought.Patreon updatePatreon is growing fast: 12 members (with a recent surge of new sign-ups).The team discusses possible perks like watching the podcast live during recording via Riverside.New subscribers shout-outsTyler Carson (free member)Tyler AdamsJesus & SophiaSocial FD (paid supporter)MerchNew flagship merch drop: shirts/hoodies/hats/long sleeves + specialty designs.Discount code mentioned: “Episode144” for 15% off (limited time).SponsorsUnkie’s SeasoningsBurn Box / FD Collectors ClubPlus love for Blue Collar FiremenGreg breaks down the shift toward a proactive approach:If firefighter survival training is 75% prevention, why isn’t mental health training the same?They’re teaching recruits common language + tools before they ever hit the street:Stress continuum (blue/green/yellow/orange/red)Breath work / mindfulnessWork-life balance, sleep, nutrition, exercisePeer support resources and appsThe goal: normalize “Cap, I’m not okay” and make it safe to say.Brian brings up the tension:Some firefighters reject the mental health conversation as “victim mindset.”Greg responds: it’s not about weakness—it’s about leading with love, listening, and meeting the human.Also discussed: the “weaponization” concern—people claiming mental health issues to avoid accountability—without dismissing anyone who truly needs help.Greg’s point hits hard:You don’t carry one tool on the rig—you carry a toolbox.Same for wellness: breath work might work today, but tomorrow it might be running, faith, calling a buddy, stretching, ocean time, etc.The theme: sometimes you have to sit in the uncomfortable long enough to move through it.The crew emphasizes not being afraid of silence—on the mic and in real life.The pause helps you:respond instead of reactrecognize what you’re feelingBrian shares scripture and the Footprints poem to underline the spiritual dimension:Faith isn’t “religion as performance”—it’s spiritual grounding and support.Greg ties it into wellness: the spiritual pillar is often the missing piece.Shared theme: we’re not meant to carry it alone.Freddy raises a huge point:Retirement can be dangerous for mental health—loss of structure, identity shift, isolation.Greg explains what they’re doing:retiree peer support groupsintentional check-ins (personal phone/email, not “department HR”)spouse inclusionmonthly breakfasts and continued connectionMatt addresses a correction from a listener regarding PAH exposure discussion from Episode 144:Clarifies the study measured urinary metabolites, not dermal skin measurements.Reinforces the key takeaway: SCBA use (even for engineers in the hot/warm zone) reduces exposure.Comment: How are you “par checking” your people?What tools are you using—peer support, faith, exercise, breath work, counseling, retirement groups?If you’re struggling: reach out to someone (your crew, peer support, or the podcast team).Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collectionsGreg / RAD: resilientanotherday.comSocial: @stay.rad10 (IG/TikTok)Greg RudigerFounder: Resilient Another Day (RAD)Co-host: The RadcastOffers: resiliency training + help building peer support frameworks (“can’t be a prophet in your own town” support)
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    1 Std. und 13 Min.
  • Firefighter Cancer Support Network: Training, Prevention, and Peer Support with Scott Jennie

    Firefighter Cancer Support Network: Training, Prevention, and Peer Support with Scott Jennie
    Feb 2 2026

    Special Guest: Scott Jennie | Firefighter Cancer Support Network

    In this powerful and timely episode, the crew sits down with retired Captain Scott Jennie, National Training Program Manager and California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). This conversation dives deep into the realities of occupational cancer in the fire service, the cultural shifts needed to protect firefighters, and the life-saving resources available when the unthinkable happens.

    🔥 Episode Highlights

    • Scott’s transition from the fire floor to national cancer advocacy

    • Why firefighter cancer rates continue to rise nationwide

    • Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and the importance of annual safety stand-downs

    • The myth of “it’s just part of the job” — and why it doesn’t have to be

    • The critical role of peer-to-peer (badge-to-badge) support during a cancer diagnosis

    • How Firefighter Cancer Support Network helps firefighters and their families, free of charge

    • What to do immediately after receiving a cancer diagnosis

    • Navigating workers’ comp, presumptive laws, and self-advocacy

    • Why overhaul is one of the most dangerous exposure periods

    • “If you smell smoke, you smell cancer” — fighting fire aggressively and smart

    • Culture change: accountability at every rank, from probie to chief

    • Why engineers often experience the highest PAH exposure levels

    • Small daily habits that significantly reduce cancer risk

    • Early detection, screenings, and why education saves lives


      🧠 Key Takeaways

    • No firefighter should ever fight cancer alone

    • Occupational cancer is preventable with awareness, behavior change, and accountability

    • Clean gear, clean air, clean cab — every call, every time

    • Leadership is not rank-dependent; anyone can speak up and make a difference

    • Firefighters must prioritize long-term health to enjoy retirement with family

    🎗️ About Firefighter Cancer Support Network

    Firefighter Cancer Support Network is a nationwide nonprofit providing:

    • Peer-to-peer mentorship

    • Cancer toolkits and survivor guides

    • Education and training

    • Navigation support for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery

    • Resources for firefighters, EMS professionals, and immediate family members

    All services are free of charge.

    👉 If you or someone you know needs help:
    🌐 https://www.firefightercancersupport.org/
    📞 Assistance available via website or hotline
    🧑‍🚒 Volunteer mentors and state directors available nationwide


    🛒 Support the Podcast

    Check out our latest merch and help support the show:
    👉 https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections


    🤝 What’s Next

    The Cool Fireman Podcast will be planning a future Fill the Boot–style fundraiser to directly support the Firefighter Cancer Support Network. Stay tuned for details.

    As always — thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of this community.

    🎙️ Roll it, Gigi.
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    1 Std. und 6 Min.
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