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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NEWEST EPISODES
The retired FDNY battalion chief underscores that while being into the job is great, finding balance in your life ultimately makes you a better firefighter
With most lawsuits stemming from within the FD, officers must learn to identify and manage the conflict-seeking members most likely to turn problems into litigation
Fire Chief Robert Logan and Battalion Chief David Picone detail how SDFR shows its members ‘we’re focused on you’
Ibrahim details his own mayday experience and shares his take on proactive vs. reactive RIT
MOST POPULAR EPISODES
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: FIREGROUND OPERATIONS
Training proved critical when a Castle Rock firefighter fell through the floor at a house fire
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’
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
As NFFF liaison to the FDNY, Minogue works to support firefighters and their families – and pay forward positivity
The battalion chief explains how so much of her decision-making is rooted in the 2008 Salisbury Millworks blaze
The Institution of Fire Engineers-USA Branch president explains how all firefighters impact fire systems, plus the power of international connections
Part 1 — The San Diego Fire-Rescue captain shares the emotional story of how a seemingly “routine” call quickly escalated to a near-fatal stabbing
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: HEALTH & WELLNESS
Assistant Chief (ret.) Jo-Ann Lorber underscores the power the delegation amid the expanding expectations of the fire chief
Bill Carey shares insights from years of LODD research and media work
The chief outlines a plan for personal and professional growth
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
MORE FROM ZAM
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
Take a look at some of the important aspects of incident rehab – beginning even before the incident occurs
When performed regularly, these exercises can help reduce injuries and keep you in the game
Three essential flexibility exercises to improve range of motion
Crews discover a more complex incident, prompting many questions and quick thinking
How to make a total-body fitness system using bedsheets or webbing
As we deal with COVID-19, it’s important to keep our immune systems functioning as efficiently as possible
ADDITIONAL EPISODES
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 Myrtle Beach (S.C.) training chief talks go/no-go decision-making, plus creating a culture that prioritizes action
The Loveland, Colo., chief shares lessons from his time in media and urges leaders to maintain forward progress for their organizations
‘Pull up your jogging pants and take some notes’ because the three fitness experts offer actionable tips for health in the new year
Tackling the mixed bag of electric vehicle coverage and whether we need a fire service “reset,” plus what’s ahead for 2023