Episodes

  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #10 - District Chief Chris Kidder
    Oct 5 2025

    In this episode we talk with District Chief Chris Kidder about the importance of training, leadership, being an influencer (of people), the two articles he has had published, and much more.

    A link to Chris' article "Developing the Mindset for the Suburban Chief Officer" from the May 2025 edition of Fire Engineering is here:
    https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-leadership/developing-the-mindset-for-the-suburban-chief-officer/

    A link to Chris' article "7 Ways a Company Officer Becomes and Influencer" published in August 2023 on www.firehouse.com is here:
    https://www.firehouse.com/leadership/article/53068882/7-ways-a-company-officer-becomes-an-influencer

    Episode: 10
    Release Date: 10/5/2025
    Guest: District Chief Chris Kidder, South Walton (FL) Fire District
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    54 mins
  • Talkin' Fire Ep #9 - BC Patrick Wirkus - Division Supervisors and More
    Sep 21 2025

    In this episode we talk with Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus about using Chief Officers as Division Supervisors and much more.

    A link to Patrick's article "USING CHIEF OFFICERS AS DIVISION SUPERVISORS" from the May 2025 editions is here: https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighting/fire-leadership/using-chief-officers-as-division-supervisors/

    Episode: 9
    Release Date: 9/14/2025
    Guest: BC Patrick Wirkus, Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Talkin' Fire Ep #8 - Matt Berkins
    Sep 21 2025

    In this episode we talk with Matt Berkins about training, reps, and that there is no secret ingredient to success.

    A link to Matt's Letter to the Editor "THERE IS NO “SECRET INGREDIENT" from the December 2024 edition is here: https://www.fireengineering.com/firef...

    Episode: 8
    Release Date: 4/28/25
    Guest: Matt Berkins, St. Tammany Fire Protection Distr. #1, Slidell, LA
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    52 mins
  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #7 - Joe Campagna
    Mar 16 2025

    In this episode we talk with Joe Campagna, Leominster (MA) Fire. We talked about the value of local training conferences and the Massachusetts Fire District 8 Firefighters Conference.

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570942431784

    Episode: 7
    Release Date: 3/16/25
    Guest: Joe Campagna, Leominster Fire
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    58 mins
  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #6 - Joe Guarnera, John Yovanovitch, Tiger Schmittendorf
    Mar 16 2025

    In this special episode, we chat with our panelists about the value the National Fire Academy brings to the US Fire Service. We discuss the void that the fire service would feel if the NFA is not restored and what action steps you can take to support the NFA.

    Episode: 6
    Release Date: 3/15/25
    Guest: Joe Guarnera, John Yovanovitch, Tiger Schmittendorf
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #5 - Dr. Denis Onieal, Chief (Ret) Marc Bashoor, Asst. Chief Chad Costa
    Mar 16 2025

    In this special episode we chat with Dr. Denis Onieal, Chief (Ret) Marc Bashoor, and Asst. Chief Chad Costa focusing on the value the National Fire Academy brings to the US Fire Service. We discuss the void that the fire service would feel if the NFA is not restored and what action steps you can take to support the NFA.

    Episode: 5
    Release Date: 3/15/25
    Guest: Dr. Denis Onieal, Chief Marc Bashoor, and Asst. Chad Costa
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    49 mins
  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #4 - Joe Cea
    Mar 16 2025

    In this episode, we talk to Joseph Cea. Joe has brought his experience as educator to the fire service and has recently written a thorough article on providing instruction to youth members. Our conversation covers Joe's role as a station keeper and on-call firefighter, as well as his methodology for connecting with fire service youth.

    You can find the article in the 'Training Notebook' feature of the December 2024 issue of Fire Engineering magazine.

    https://www.fireengineering.com/firefighter-training/teaching-fire-service-youth-more-than-just-instruction/

    Episode: 04
    Release Date: 3/8/25
    Guest: Joseph Cea
    Host: Dean Babineau
    Executive Producer: Mac Rice

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Talkin' Fire - Episode #3 - Zane Riggs
    Feb 15 2025

    In this episode, we talk to Zane Riggs from a major metropolitan fire department in the southeast. He has more than 14 years of experience and believes in training and hard work. He also participates in a couple of interesting mentoring roles. This was a great episode to record and we know you will enjoy it.

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    58 mins