The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

Blake Stinnett is coming BACK on the SCRAP! It's been FIVE YEARS since Blake joined me for Episode 95, and a LOT has happened since our last conversation and I can't wait to get into it.Blake is the founder of Next Rung, with a mission to make sure firefighters and first responders struggling know they aren't alone. What he's built goes beyond raising awareness. Next Rung is putting real resources into the hands of those who need them, connecting firefighters with peer support, counseling, and treatment when they need it most.I'm looking forward to digging into how far Next Rung has come over the past five years, the challenges they're seeing in the fire service today, and what it's going to take to continue breaking down the barriers that keep firefighters from asking for help.On December 31, 2024, Blake was involved in an apparatus accident that put him on medical leave. Since then, he's had to navigate a very different set of challenges, learning how to move forward when life and the job don't go according to plan.Just some of the things we've got planned include digging into identity, purpose, faith, resilience, and what happens when someone who's spent so much time helping others finds himself facing his own challenges. And of course, whatever else Blake has on his mind!LIVE audience, get your questions ready! You guys always help take these conversations down rabbit holes we didn't even know we needed to explore. Grab that front-row seat and join us LIVE for Episode 381! Episode 381 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.FN Simple UniformsIdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.Snap-Tite Hose

I'm fired up to have THE Mike Dugan on the SCRAP! Retired FDNY Captain on Ladder 123, longtime fire service instructor, one of the greatest storytellers in the fire service, and someone who has spent decades pushing firefighters to be better at this job. There's a LOT to get into with this one!Mike has been around the fire service for more than 50 years, and if you've ever heard him teach or speak, you know he doesn't hold back when it comes to his passion for the job!We dig into Mike's storied career, the current state of the fire service, and what more than five decades of experience have taught him. Through the lens of time and reflection, we'll get his perspective on the direction the fire service is heading, what we're getting right, what we're getting wrong, and what needs to change.We also revisit Mike's 2011 FDIC keynote speech and explore what's changed in the 15 years since. There's no shortage of ground to cover, and I'm looking forward to hearing Mike's take on it all!Mike also has a unique connection to one of the most unforgettable days in our nation's history. On September 11, 2001, he was photographed hanging an American flag from a light pole near Ground Zero, a powerful moment captured amid the devastation.Episode 380 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:@ulresearchinstitutes (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.@firestationfurniture@snaptitehoseBreaking Norms

I'm excited to have Brent Brooks back on the SCRAP! Brent joined me for Episode 220, and here we are almost three years later, getting ready to do it again!Brent brings more than 30 years of fire service experience, specializing in high-rise and complex-building operations. His work connects fireground tactics, building design, engineering, and operational decision-making, including developing tactics and response plans that have been adopted by departments internationally.In 2026, he received both the George D. Post Instructor of the Year Award and the Tall Building Fire Safety Outstanding Contribution Award in the UK.We start by digging into an upcoming high-rise time-to-task study he is rolling out at the International High-Rise Operations Conference (IHROC) in Pensacola Beach next month.Brent and his team are developing hands-on training tracks to measure critical tasks, from hose stretches and standpipe operations to high-rise search, ventilation, and wind-impacted fires. The goal is to better understand where the time goes and how that information can improve training, tactics, and operational decisions.ANd of course the live audinece never dissapoints!!!! Episode 379 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:@snaptitehose@IdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.@ulresearchinstitutes - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Frank Viscuso is coming back on the SCRAP for a SPECIAL MONDAY NIGHT episode! This will be Frank's 5th appearance on the show, and I can tell you that I always look forward to our conversations.We'll be getting into Frank's newest book, One Degree of Difference, the leadership lessons behind it, building strong teams, and plenty of other topics in Frank's wheelhouse. If you've listened to any of our previous conversations, you already know there's no telling where this one will go! ANd of course the audience did not dissapoint withthe absolute fire they brought!Episode 378 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:@snaptitehose@firestationfurniture@ulresearchinstitutes - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

I'm excited to have Jenny Grima on the SCRAP! From fireground operations and training to leadership and the challenges that come with this job!📅 Tuesday, October 13thJenny is a Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic, and certified health coach who has been serving in the fire service since 2016, including seven years in Special Operations. She has experience teaching nationally with On Scene Training Associates and has served as a lead HOT instructor at FDIC.Just some of the topics we covered; firefighter body mechanics, women in the fire service, building confidence, and becoming an instructor. We'll also get into the transition from firefighter to company officer, earning the trust of your crew, leading by example, and building confidence in that new role.With Jenny's background in biology, health coaching, and training, there was plenty to dig into when it comes to mental and physical health, career longevity, and staying ready to do the job.We covered a lot of ground, the conversation went further than I anticipated. The audience, brought such amazing questions as usual!==================Episode 377 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:Snap-tite HoseIdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Kevin Shea is on The Weekly Scrap!I’ve been trying for a LONG time to land this white whale, and he has finally agreed to come on the Scrap! If you’re familiar with Kevin Shea, you already know why I’ve been chasing this one for so longRetired FDNY Lieutenant with more than 40 years in the fire service as both a volunteer and professional firefighter. Kevin's career includes time with Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan and involvement in one of the most incredible roof-rope rescues in FDNY history.Two years later, Kevin was operating with Rescue 1 at the 1993 World Trade Center bombing when he fell more than 40 feet into the blast crater while searching for a reported victim and was critically injured.He has spent decades sharing his experience with the fire service, teaching firefighting and technical rescue to state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as the military and private industry. He continues to share his knowledge through Glacier Rescue Solutions, his involvement with FDIC, and as a contributing author for Fire Engineering.I’ve waited a long time for this conversation, and I appreciate all the questions the live audiance brings to the show every single week.Episode 376 goes LIVE Tuesday, October 6th with Kevin Shea and is made possible by our incredible sponsors:Snap-tite HoseFire Station FurnitureFire Innovations - Check out fireinnovations.com/weeklyscrap featuring the new Osprey - an NFPA certified carabiner and ladder hook, that fits in the palm of your hand and opens with a simple twist.UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Sean Duffy is BACK on The Weekly Scrap!Sean has been part of some great Scrap conversations over the years, and every time he comes on, he knocks it out of the park. Serving in the fire service since 2004, Sean has built a reputation around search, training, fireground performance, and building a culture that puts the mission first. He’s the founder of the Great Lakes HOT Fire Conference, co-founder of Build Your Culture, and has spent years teaching firefighters across the country and internationally.In his previous Scrap appearances, we’ve dug into Searchable vs. Survivable, Search and Culture, and the Mega Scrap Echo discussion surrounding OSHA and two-in/two-out. If you haven’t heard those episodes, go back and check them out.This time around, we’re digging into “training for reality,” SEARCH, and why “policies are our playbook.” There’s a lot of knowledge and experience to pull from with Sean, and it was awesome to dive into.Fire InnovationsIdentiFire - Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.Snap-tite HoseUL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) - Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

If you want to talk about standards, getting outside your comfort zone, finding your why, and taking ownership of your career, there was plenty to get into with Jeff.Jeff is an Engine Company Boss in Naples, Florida, now in his 11th year in the fire service after serving 10 years in the United States Marine Corps. He has continued to push himself through some of the most demanding training opportunities out there and now gives back as a cadre member and instructor with Proactive Rescue Operations (PRO).Just a few of the things we enjoyed digging into: what Jeff calls the “reset button,” getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and finding your “why.” What drives you to sign up for something difficult? What keeps you going when the voice in your head starts telling you to quit?We’ll also talk about taking ownership of your career path — stepping outside the comfort of your own organization, putting yourself in situations where you’re measured against a different standard, and being willing to find out where you really stand.And of course, LIVE audience.Episode 374 goes LIVE Tuesday, September 22nd with Jeff Colon and is made possible by our incredible sponsors:Fire Station FurnitureSnap-tite HoseUL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Mike Salzano!Talking firefighting, training, engine company operations, and leadership, there’s plenty to get into on this episode.Mike brings nearly three decades of experience in the fire service, with much of his career spent in engine companies. Today, he serves as a Battalion Chief with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and continues to share that experience through training and teaching.He's the owner of FS Training & Consulting, founder of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Expo, and has spent years teaching Engine Company Operations, including the MEGA — Make Engines Great Again class.We cover a lot including engine company operations, the basics, first-line deployment, preparing for when things don’t go according to plan, leadership, and training. There was a lot of directions we could of taken this one, and with Mike’s experience and passion for the job, we had no shortage of things to discuss.Mike was last on Episode 196, where we talked respect, leadership, developing others, communication, size-up, and plenty more. If you haven’t heard that Scrap, go back and give it a listen before Episode 373.And of course the live audience brought the heat!!!! 🤘🤘Episode 373 was recorded LIVE Tuesday, September 15th with Mike Salzano and was made possible by our incredible sponsors:Snap-tite HoseIdentiFire — Use code VIGILANCE for 10% off your order.UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

This week on The Weekly Scrap... Chief Michael Terpak!I’ve been looking forward to getting Mike back on the show, and we made it happen.If you haven’t listened to his first appearance on Episode 87, now’s a good time to go back, give it a listen.Mike Terpak has built an impressive career in the fire service and continues to share his knowledge and experience with others.45 years in the fire service, 36 years with the Jersey City Fire Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief and City-Wide Tour Commander, author of six best-selling fire service books, instructor, educator, and retired adjunct professor in Fire Science.He has spent decades studying the job, teaching it, writing about it, and continuing to give back to firefighters — both those new to the job and those looking to promote.We talk fireground operations, knowing the basics, knowing your own backyard before worrying about someone else's, high-rise firefighting, and some of those fundamentals of the job that simply never change.We also get into the promotional side of the fire service. Mike has spent years helping firefighters and fire officers prepare for that next step and has written extensively on both fireground operations and the promotional process.With Mike’s experience, knowledge, and perspective, I have a feeling we’ll have no shortage of things to discuss.And of course, LIVE audience brought the questions. 🤘🤘Episode 372 with Mike Terpak is made possible by our incredible sponsors:Snap-tite HoseFireStation FurnitureUL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.