The Stoke and Vent Podcast

In a heartfelt conversation, Lee Ralph and Warren Shepherd from Freedom in the Fire open up about their personal journeys and the impactful work they're doing in mental health advocacy.Ralphy brings a combination of his experience in the Fire and Rescue Service and his time in the Royal Marines, alongside his role as a family man. Warren also brings his experiences as a firefighter to the table, alongside his time as a boxer and a musician. He’s also in the process of publishing a book focused on mental health, reflecting his passion for helping others. One of the most notable initiatives they’ve started is the bench talks, where they sit in their fire gear in public spaces, inviting anyone to come and chat. Ralphie shares, "It works superbly well. It didn’t initially work when we were sat plain clothed, but with the fire kit on, they just beeline straight for us." This down to earth approach has allowed them to connect with individuals from all walks of life, proving that sometimes all someone needs is a friendly ear.Both Ralphy and Warren have faced their own mental health battles, which fuels their drive to support others. One of their main messages is ‘vulnerability is strength” - “If these two guys can talk about it, can open up about it, can get emotional about it, then wow, so can I".

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Akers - a British born, New Zealand Firefighter, now based in Auckland. Matt and I discuss his early life and neurodivergence, bouncing from one job to another, relationships, separation, travel, mental and physical health and joining the fire service. Matt also shares his story of taking the brave decision to move from side of the world to the other, as we discuss the ways this has impacted his life.Matt is also, remarkably, still firefighting after being fitted with a pacemaker three years ago, which he shares the story of during our conversation, and explains his road to recovery after a health scare that left him wondering if he would be able to continue his career. This is a good honest conversation with a true gentleman.

In the world of firefighting, the role of a union president is pivotal in advocating for the rights and welfare of firefighters. Andrew Fox-Hewitt, an experienced Fire Brigades Union (FBU) official and candidate for FBU President, shares his journey and vision for the future of the union. In this episode, we explore his perspectives on the challenges firefighters face, the significance of union representation, and his plans to enhance the FBU's impact.Andrew has dedicated over 24 years to the fire service, beginning as a retained firefighter before transitioning to a wholetime firefighter role in Cheshire. His extensive experience within the FBU includes various roles, such as but not limited to, branch representative, brigade secretary, regional secretary and executive council member. His background from a family of miners has instilled in him a strong appreciation for trade unionism and the importance of solidarity among workers.Andrew Fox-Hewitt’s candidacy for FBU President brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of the union. His commitment to understanding the unique challenges faced by firefighters, advocating for their health and safety, and ensuring transparent governance resonates with the core values of the trade union movement. As he seeks to implement these changes, it is evident that Andrew is dedicated to improving the lives of firefighters across the UK.

In this insightful episode, former Manitoba IAFF President Alex Forrest shares his extensive experience as a firefighter and advocate for occupational cancer recognition. We discuss the importance of presumptive legislation, the risks firefighters face from carcinogens, and the progress needed in the UK to protect those who protect us.Recommended reading Health Risks and Fair Compensation in the Fire ServiceRecommended viewing The Toxic Secret in Firefighter Gear

In this conversation, Sean and Jacqueline Toomey of First Responder Sleep Recovery discuss the critical importance of sleep recovery practice for first responders, sharing personal experiences and insights into how sleep deprivation impacts mental and physical health. They emphasise the need for cultural change within the fire service to prioritise sleep and wellness, and introduce practical strategies, including Yoga Nidra, to enhance sleep quality.The discussion highlights the connection between sleep and overall well-being, urging first responders to invest in their sleep health for a better quality of life.Please see the following guided sleep recovery practice for further insight.

Today’s guest is Ryan Conley of Carna Bunker GearRyan is a Firefighter in the US, with a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. He is also a former Competitive Powerlifter, Author, and advocate for firefighter safety, health, and fitness, and owner of @carnabunkergear - a company that provides carcinogen free training gear to reduce cancer in the fire service.In this conversation, Ryan and I discuss the intersection of firefighting and fitness. He shares his journey into the fire service, the importance of physical fitness for firefighters, and the unique health risks they face, particularly regarding cancer and heart disease.Ryan emphasises the need for preventative measures, education, and community support to improve firefighter health and safety. He also highlights his book, which aims to provide valuable insights into maintaining health and performance in the fire service. Ryan also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy body fat percentage, the significance of medical screenings for cardiovascular and cancer risks, and the role of fiber in diet.He emphasises the impact of exercise on sleep deprivation and performance, particularly for firefighters. The discussion also touches on the cultural resistance to change within the fire service and the need to leave a better legacy for future generations. Ryan shares insights on cancer statistics in firefighting and the importance of balancing workout intensity while on shift.

Today's guest is Alex Gapper of Pumps and PlatesAlex is a firefighter and online fitness coach. We discuss firefighter health and fitness, what firefighters are up against when it comes to managing the challenges of the job and what we can do about it.Alex also talks us through the mistakes we make when it comes to our fitness and what we need to be doing to build healthy foundations and stay fit as we move through our careers and years in the job.We also discuss watch culture and station life, and what it’s like trying to hold down a fitness routine and good nutrition without taking yourself too seriously.

Today's guest on The Stoke and Vent Podcast is Nick Higgins. Nick is the creator and editor of The FireHouse Tribune, author of the book, The 5 Tool Firefighter, and is a Lieutenant and Training Instructor in New Jersey, USA, as well as the host of the 5 Tool Firefighter Podcast, and co host of The Station Talk Podcast.Nick and I discuss his role in the fire service, his introduction and route into life in the fire service, his background in college baseball, mental and physical health, and his approach to work and to life. As this interview took place on 9/11 this year, we also discuss the events of September 11th 2001, and Nick’s own personal experiences and relationships that were affected by the events that day.

Today's guest is Jon Saxby, former Light Dragoon Cavalryman turned personal trainer.Jon is an old friend of mine from my home town of Hull, Yorkshire, and was a member of the British Army Cavalry Regiment - The Light Dragoons from 2002 to 2011. He is also a husband, a father, a musician and a personal trainer.We discuss his various deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Operation “Panther's Claw” - a major British military offensive in Helmand Province in 2009 and the toll this took on the regiment. Jon pays tribute those that were lost, and opens up about his diagnosis of PTSD since leaving the military, and his on going recovery and transition from military life into the civilian world.This is a great episode with some hard hitting moments, emotional testimonies and raw honesty from Jon. And of course we have a bit of a laugh along the way.

After initially working for an architectural firm specialising in the design of fire stations, emergency centres and police stations, Tonya Herbert now owns and runs Thin Red Line Decon, a US based company encompassing Responder Wipes and Florida PPE Services, specialising in decontamination and maintenance of firefighter PPE, and the supply of products such as decon wipes, shampoo and on scene decon in the form of Storm Stick Decon.Tonya also works alongside Healthy Firefighters, the pioneers of the Skelleftea model - “a collaborative project aimed at preventing occupational health hazards among firefighters. Now adopted as the standard in 17 European countries, the ‘Healthy Firefighters’ project provides concise decontamination protocols which can improve firefighters’ health and well-being.”In this episode, Tonya and I discuss cancer prevention strategies, decon, PFAS, fire station design and layout, firefighter health, culture in the fire service, building good habits and breaking bad ones, and the psychology of human behaviour. Tonya is a huge advocate for firefighter health and well-being, and her passion for supporting firefighters and their families is plain to see.