BETTER EVERY SHIFT: NEWEST EPISODES
The 3-minute routine that could save your career — and retirement
49:09
How to operationalize your data | Better Every Shift
The grant scramble starts now
Schaeffer: The fire service can’t afford CAVE leadership
Better Every Shift: Wallentine on SSD 2026.mp4
42:38
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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MOST POPULAR EPISODES
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: FIREGROUND OPERATIONS
Andrew Klein details the terrifying fire that changed his life, plus how he’s managing his mental health
NERIS lead developer Craig Weinschenk addresses questions and misconceptions surrounding the system — and how the team is working to improve it every day
Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer explains how ego, burnout and the “Chiefs Against Virtually Everything” mindset can stall progress — and why leaders must choose growth over comfort
Our resident thermal imaging expert returns to unpack the “Filmmaker Firefighter” problem and share a checklist for smart TIC use
The San Bernardino County (Calif.) FPD fire chief says it’s time to step up to fix what’s broken in the fire service — and that means embracing technology and innovation
After decades of work in the firefighter counseling space, Leto shares what he’s learned about resilience, relationships and the healing power of doing good
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
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
Lautz describes extreme diets as “trying to get to a second-story window without a ladder,” which she combats through pro tips for making better choices on scene and at home
The co-founder of HeartFit for Duty shares the common risk factors for cardiac and cancer challenges – and the simple exercise with the greatest impact
The risk management expert delivers commonsense wisdom, including three actions he would take if he were in charge
Captain Marc Wysocki: It’s time to treat mental health like any other readiness standard
The Behind the Shield podcaster outlines the simple formula that makes a fourth shift work
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dr. Bita Shahidi shares a simple mobility reset to help firefighters reduce pain, prevent injuries and protect their quality of life after the job
Battalion Chief Jesse Schilling shares advice for navigating career transitions and strengthening your bench
Eminem’s anthem about owning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity applies to hard truths in the fire service
Battalion Chief Greg Sawyer explains how one month at a slower station — replete with some cool health toys — can help members feel human again
Chief Bryan Frieders breaks down the fire department role at major events like the Super Bowl and large festivals
Tracking exposures, traumatic calls, hazmat incidents and unique situations creates a personal record that protects you long after the call ends
MORE FROM ZAM
Whether you’re a new firefighter or a seasoned chief officer, these Better Every Shift-approved books offer insights to help you lead better, think sharper and perform at your best
Three essential flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
Chronic inflammation is driven by sleep disruption, poor nutrition, limited exercise and unresolved trauma
The shift from the 12 MET benchmark to age- and sex-adjusted percentiles is reshaping how departments define fitness, risk and readiness
From vision and work ethic to service and resilience, these lessons from Arnold’s book map directly to the realities of the firehouse
From shift schedules to PFAS gear, these are the stories that lit up our socials
The 10 holiday films that survive debate, repeat viewings and the remote control
Simple, consistent actions can drive meaningful improvement without complicated plans or equipment
The crew’s wealth of experience and dedication set a high bar in an environment where all-women crews were often scrutinized
From the Ape Hanger to the Electroshock Therapy, the obstacles test teamwork, physical fitness and mental endurance
From cardiac care to supplements and yoga, Better Every Shift answers your questions from the live podcast event
How first responders can adapt to and recover from adversity faced on the job
ADDITIONAL EPISODES
Assistant Chief (ret.) Jo-Ann Lorber underscores the power the delegation amid the expanding expectations of the fire chief
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Josh Waldo and Chief Marc Bashoor offer potential solutions that would accommodate both training and program reviews
FireRescue1’s podcast was awarded first place in the Best Feature/Series (Broadcast) category
The IAFC’s technology advisor encourages fire service leaders to apply this simple mantra to embracing new tools
Live at FDIC, Better Every Shift cohost Aaron Zamzow is capturing attendees improvement strategies
Fire service leaders urge firefighters to get ready for this even-faster growing type of fire
The battalion chief explains how so much of her decision-making is rooted in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks blaze
The Myrtle Beach (S.C.) training chief talks go/no-go decision-making, plus creating a culture that prioritizes action
Chief Marc Bashoor joins a special live Better Every Shift to discuss what it really means to be a healthy firefighter
