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The Cool Fireman Podcast

The Cool Fireman Podcast

Written by: Matt Brian Adam and Doug
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About this listen

 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, and Doug Careers Economics Personal Success
Episodes
  • #143 Upstaffing for Chaos: Snow/Ice, Hurricanes, Wildfires & EOC/FEMA Reimbursement Basics

    #143 Upstaffing for Chaos: Snow/Ice, Hurricanes, Wildfires & EOC/FEMA Reimbursement Basics
    Jan 26 2026

    The Cool Fireman Podcast | Featuring Matt, Brian, Doug Bishop, and Unkie (Adam)


    Episode summary

    Episode 143 starts with classic pre-show chaos (tech issues + “Instagram crushing”), then pivots into a real-deal conversation about upstaffing—why it matters, how it’s triggered, what it looks like across the country (snow/ice, hurricanes, wildfires), and the hardest part of emergency operations: deciding when you can’t respond. The crew also hits sponsor updates, a powerful moment of silence request, and finishes strong with Snail Mail—highlighting promotion motivations and a listener question about leading with love from the back seat.



    14:40 – Moment of silence (LODD / cancer-related death)
    A listener email from Tyler Adams requests recognition of David Hendricks, Crescent VFD (Crescent, Texas), who died from job-related cancer (email dated Jan 15). The crew honors him with a moment of silence and discusses the continuing impact of occupational exposure and long-term health effects.



    Main discussion: Upstaffing (what it is + why it matters)

    20:20 – What triggers upstaffing?
    Doug breaks down winter storm operations: snow/ice projections, above-ground power lines, down trees, stuck units, and how departments decide to add resources.

    Storm readiness checklist & resources

    • 72/48/24-hour storm checklists

    • “Storm boxes” / totes with required items

    • Instant chains, Z-cables, heavy chains (deep-snow thresholds, speed limitations)

    • Brush trucks + MSU/ambulance support + occasional snow plow attachments

    • Parks/forestry departments helping with non-powerline tree calls


    28:40 – Hurricane realities & hard decisions
    Brian shares hurricane lessons learned: evacuations, resource shortages, and what happens when response becomes physically impossible. The crew talks about the public expectation of “they’ll come” vs the operational reality of risk assessments and responder safety.

    34:10 – The hardest call
    Brian and Doug hit the human element:

    deciding to stop dispatching during severe conditions is one of the most mentally draining decisions in a career.

    38:00 – Mandatory vs volunteer upstaffing
    Doug explains how their staffing system pushes out texts/emails and how, if needed, upstaffing becomes mandatory—especially when conditions demand it.

    41:10 – EOC + finance side (FEMA reimbursement)
    Brian outlines how disaster declarations and documentation flow through local/state/federal layers and why accurate documentation is essential for:

    • overtime reimbursement

    • resource requests

    • budget survival after repeated disasters
      He also notes current conversations around FEMA process changes due to bureaucratic delays.

    49:20 – West Coast comparison: wildfire “upstaffing” via pre-positioning
    Matt explains how CA handles wildfire readiness: red flag pre-positioning, North Ops/South Ops strike team staging, OES resources, and “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation messaging.

    50:50 – Post-incident notes (critical takeaway)
    Brian recommends crews capture notes after each operational period to support post-incident critique and justify future staffing/tools.


    Snail Mail (listener highlights)

    Zach’s take on promotions
    Stay at the level you’re passionate about. Promotion for title/pay increases risk when leadership lacks heart and preparation.

    Colt’s question: “How do you lead with love riding backwards?”
    Matt shares Pastor Joby Martin’s definition:

    Love is my joy in the Lord expressed toward others at great expense to myself.

    Calls to action

    • Join Patreon: Rookie ($1) / Engineer ($2) for extra content + Turnout Drill opportunities

    • Submit a Moment of Silence request: email coolfireman @ gmail.com

    • Snail Mail: drop comments/questions on Spotify—your message may be featured

    • Stay engaged: support legislative efforts affecting firefighter safety, cancer research, and operational risk
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Fire Service Promotions: Should You Move Up the Ranks or Stay a Firefighter? | Leadership, Trust & Transparency

    Fire Service Promotions: Should You Move Up the Ranks or Stay a Firefighter? | Leadership, Trust & Transparency
    Jan 19 2026
    The crew comes in hot (volume, chaos, and immediate regret from anyone driving to work) and rolls straight into classic Cool Fireman banter—plus an update on Doug being on a kid-free Disney cruise doing “arts and crafts” (which may or may not be locked behind the Engineer Tier paywall 😂). From there, the guys hit housekeeping: Patreon, merch, sponsors, and giveaways, then pivot into the main conversation—promotions in the fire service.They break down the real reasons people promote (and the wrong ones), why leadership exists at every rank, and how transparency and trust from chiefs/officers can shape culture and reduce frustration. The episode closes with a strong call to action about the one character trait you value most in an officer, a Snail Mail segment featuring standout listener comments, a moment of silence, and the best outro in the business… Roll Gigi 🎤⬇️Highlights & Key MomentsCold Open Chaos (aka “Not on Mars!”)Immediate high-volume intro and rapid fire jokes.Doug update: Disney cruise with no kids, plus the legend of Doug’s “arts and crafts.”HousekeepingPatreon shout: Engineer Tier teased for behind-the-scenes content (including Doug cruise content).Giveaways teased (Engineer Tier perks + fire service goodies).Merch reminder: Still live through Notorious Fire (and somehow still too exclusive for the hosts to own).SponsorsThe Burn Box (monthly gear + training aids + a recipe feature)Unkie Seasoning (Elizabeth Salt / Chipotle love, and shoutouts to supporters)Main Topic — Promotions & Leadership in the Fire ServiceCore question:Should you keep climbing the ladder… or is it totally fine to stay a firefighter (or stay where you are)?Big TakeawaysPromoting for title or pay alone = bad foundation.Unkie’s take: the best reason to promote is to lead.Leadership ≠ rank.Brian’s point: there are “leaders” everywhere, but “leadership” is different—and can be positive or negative depending on intent and character.Don’t promote the best “widget maker” just because they’re good at the job.Sometimes the best move is to keep great firefighters right where they are for effectiveness and culture.Readiness matters.Freddy pushes back on “I’m up next because seniority” promotions—if you haven’t put in the work, it can be dangerous.Transparency builds trust.Brian’s argument: chiefs and officers can reduce frustration by explaining the “why” behind decisions—budget, legal requirements, policy changes, and more.But… some chiefs can’t take feedback.Freddy points out a real flaw: if leadership takes feedback personally, “open dialogue” becomes punishment and resentment.Culture NoteRespect the rank, but trust is earned—Matt’s view: you can respect position without automatically trusting the person.Call to ActionIn the comments:Drop ONE word that describes the character trait you value most in an officer.Examples: Trust. Transparency. Humility. Consistency. Accountability. Communication.Snail Mail HighlightsZach is back with another heater:No social mediaFunctional strength + longevityDaily journaling + Bible/prayer with his wifeBeing slow to speak and intentional with wordsSteven Weber confirms pronunciation (short “e” like “grill”) and shares his lifestyle goal: cut soda/sweets + get back to early gym mornings.Courtney focuses on: more water, journaling, building muscle, and finding a therapist.Continued love for the What3Words discussion and “word of the year” accountability.Moment of SilenceThe crew closes with a moment of silence for the brothers and sisters lost over the last week.Outro Celebrity MomentGigi joins at the end (dance life + birthday shoutout), then delivers the iconic closer with a mic drop energy:“ROLL GIGI!” 🎤⬇️
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    1 hr
  • #141 Firehouse Nutrition & Fitness: Whole Foods, Better Sleep, and Sustainable Progress

    #141 Firehouse Nutrition & Fitness: Whole Foods, Better Sleep, and Sustainable Progress
    Jan 12 2026
    The guys kick things off with some classic pre-show chaos (storms, Starlink, “Wicked” talk, hay and horses) before shifting into a real conversation about health and fitness in the fire service. Freddy frames it as a “new year” topic—less about resolutions and more about lifestyle consistency—and Matt shares his on-duty heart attack story as a reminder that being “in shape” doesn’t automatically equal being protected. They dig into nutrition habits, added sugar, energy drinks, sleep, accountability apps, and the idea that the goal isn’t a number on the scale—it’s being capable on the worst call of your career.Key Topics & MomentsWeather, Starlink, and Farm LifeWind gusts, Starlink shifting in the yard, and the dream of stable internet for streaming youth sports.Doug’s day includes hay pickup and a farrier visit (hoof care)—Matt learns a new word.Quick ShoutoutHappy Birthday to “GG” (the outro celebrity) — the crew encourages listeners to comment birthday wishes.Patreon UpdatesThe crew thanks new and ongoing Patreon supporters and starts a “virtual turnout drill” segment:Subscriber spotlight questions like sunrise vs sunset, favorite sandwich, and bucket list.Merch store is still live, with the tease that Patreon members may get exclusive items.SponsorsUnkie’s SeasoningTom / The Burnbox (including mention of their latest box and the “calendar”)Main Topic — Fitness, Diet, and Being ReadyFreddy sets the tone: our job isn’t compatible with “fitness rollercoasters.” Staying ready matters because you never know which run will test you.Matt’s On-Duty Heart Attack (Oct 18, 2022)Matt shares he had a heart attack on duty with no warning signs, despite being active and in good shape.He believes his fitness level helped him survive and recover.He talks about how it changed his mindset around diet, sugar, lifestyle, and annual health checkups.He mentions deeper cholesterol metrics like ApoB and Lp(a) and encourages listeners to talk with their cardiologist—especially with family history.The “Skinny but Unhealthy” TrapMatt describes being the “fattest skinny guy you ever met” (lots of sugar, sweets, and junk).Discussion of insulin resistance as something worth learning about and paying attention to.Freddy’s Reset: Sleep, Energy Drinks, Added SugarFreddy shares his own weight swings and what derailed him: school schedules, stress, poor sleep, energy drinks.He’s rebuilding with:30 minutes of daily movementZone 2 cardioCutting energy drinks and sodaReducing added sugarsUsing protein powder in coffee as a “mocha” hackDaily pushups + squats challenge (and the struggle of wanting instant results)Doug’s Take: Whole Foods > Processed FoodsDoug leans into the “back to basics” approach:More whole foods, fewer lab-made processed foodsWater over sodaBlack coffee and cutting sugar where possibleHe gives a nod to Megan at RescueRD as a resource for nutrition guidance (and suggests having her back on).Apps & Tools MentionedBevel (Freddy): fitness tracking, calories/macros, accountabilityMyFitnessPal (Freddy): previous trackerYuka (Matt): barcode scanner that rates foods and highlights additives/ingredientsEncouragement to take advantage of wellness programs: labs, ECG, treadmill, etc.Snail Mail HighlightsListener Zach shares his 2026 word(s): Seek and Trust (faith, academy prep, baby #3, trusting the process).Colt shares appreciation for the ICS conversation and downloads What3Words after the episode.Quotes to Pull for Clips“This job isn’t compatible with rollercoasters. You’ve gotta stay ready.”“Make it a lifestyle. If you stop, you feel off.”“I was the fattest skinny guy you ever met.”“If you’ve got family history—get a cardiologist. Once a year.”“You were treating the monitor, not the patient.”Call to ActionWhat lifestyle change are you making in 2026?Not a “resolution”—a real, achievable shift that makes you better for your department, your family, and yourself.Drop yours in the comments.
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    40 mins
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