Spotlighting the passion and perseverance of firefighters, the Better Every Shift Podcast helps all firefighters get better every day, every call, every shift.
Hosted by Madison (Wisconsin) Fire Lieutenant Aaron Zamzow and FireRescue1 Editor-in-Chief Janelle Foskett, the show brings kitchen table conversations to the airwaves, always focused on solutions, positivity and the realities of station life. Zamzow and guests tackle myriad hot topics, fire service news, plus a dash of pop culture, bringing some levity to the often very serious nature of the profession. Dig into what drives firefighters to improve themselves, their crew, even the fire service as a whole. Listen in to get better every day, every call, every shift.
New episodes of the Better Every Shift podcast launch every Thursday on FireRescue1.com as well as major podcast platforms. A video version of the podcast will air on YouTube.
Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The firefighter-counselor explains the problem with avoidant coping and how to help your brain finally deal with the ‘leftover stuff’
The Mesa fire chief spotlights the department’s forward-thinking approach to health, safety, social services and more
Understanding our physiological stress response is key to managing chronic stress
MOST POPULAR EPISODES
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: FIREGROUND OPERATIONS
Chiefs John Tippett and John Oates debunk the idea that safety and aggression are mutually exclusive
Andrew Klein details the commercial fire where light smoke turned violent eruption, plus what saved him and how he’s managing his mental health
The San Francisco assistant chief talks tactical tips for dominating the fire
The Orange County Fire Authority chief traveled to Altadena, where he grew up, as fires tore through the community in January
The thermal imaging expert details how TICs can help firefighters be ‘intelligently aggressive’
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: BEYOND THE FIRE SERVICE
The CEO of the Spartan endurance sports brand wants to help 100 million people get fit – now 101 million with his offer of a free race for all firefighters
Through running, Glaze finds a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mental health
Colts center Danny Pinter shares the catalyst for his cause, plus gridiron lessons to apply to the fireground
Dr. Danny Evans, aka “The Language Tutor,” shares simple keywords, directives and questions that all firefighters should know
The former first responder shares his personal mental health struggles and urges others to build a support system
The former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence shares critical leadership lessons
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: LEADERSHIP
Breaking down recent news that’s getting readers fired up
As we mark 20 years since Hurricane Katrina, Chief Marc Bashoor reflects on recent shakeups at the agency and its ultimate responsibility
Better Every Shift’s resident scientist shares how the upcoming Science to the Station event helps firefighters connect with peers and experts
The incoming and outgoing IAFC presidents address common challenges facing fire service leaders, plus the power of collaboration
Detailing simple steps to reduce exposures and improve long-term health
Chiefs John Butler and Otto Drozd explain the unique influence of the association and why it’s leading the fire service
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue fire chief reflects on his first year at the department
Dr. Glenn Landry details the science behind good sleep and how firefighters can adapt
Firefighter Paul Duran shares his stellate ganglion block experience, and Dr. Jim Lynch explains the science behind the procedure
The NFFF director of fire programs details the many actions firefighters can take today to improve long-term survivability and quality of life
Bassi, who serves as CEO for the Center for Public Safety Excellence, shares the power of department accreditation and personal credentials, plus ‘AI for newbies’
Dr. Kenny Fent, NFR team lead, details this massive project to better understand occupational cancer among firefighters
MORE EPISODES
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine talks Safety Stand Down resources to share with your crew, plus managing “sticky” traumatic event memories
The chief gave Zam the boot to go back to school two years ago – and he did
The Cuba (Alabama) fire chief talks FD recruitment, plus the programs helping his members better serve their community
Zagaris served as the planning section chief at the scene
How emergency responders overcome communication challenges and secure reliable networks
Dr. Rachelle Zemlok takes the Better Every Shift crew inside the psychologist’s office during First Responder Wellness Week
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor offer potential solutions that would accommodate both training and program reviews
The longtime volunteer, safety and health advocate underscores the power of showing your members you care
San Francisco’s new chief is a longtime SFFD veteran and constant cheerleader for the city
FireRescue1’s podcast was awarded first place in the Best Feature/Series (Broadcast) category