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
Training proved critical when a Castle Rock firefighter fell through the floor at a house fire
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
UL’s FSRI research program manager talks fire dynamics, tactical decision-making and what aggressive firefighting means to him
The Scottsdale (Arizona) assistant chief says the true meaning of fireground safety is getting lost in the discourse
The FSRI’s research program manager details the changes ahead and what fire service leaders can do right now to prepare
The San Francisco assistant chief shares tactical tips for dominating the fire so it has no chance of victory
Eric Linnenburger shares his insights on officer development, plus his own recent promotion from battalion to deputy chief
Fire service leaders urge firefighters to get ready for this even-faster growing type of fire
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
The incoming and outgoing IAFC presidents address common challenges facing fire service leaders, plus the power of collaboration
Chiefs John Tippett and John Oates debunk the idea that safety and aggression are mutually exclusive
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
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
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: HEALTH & WELLNESS
Firefighter Paul Duran shares his stellate ganglion block experience, and Dr. Jim Lynch explains the science behind the procedure
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 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
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine talks Safety Stand Down resources to share with your crew, plus managing “sticky” traumatic event memories
MORE FROM ZAM
A simple checklist can help you stay on track at the station
The carry mimics fireground movements that frequently result in slips and falls or injuries, such as pulled muscles
Burpees work the arms, back, abs, hamstrings and chest while also giving you a great cardio workout
By positioning the weight in front of the body, the goblet squat shifts the focus from the back to the core, building strength where firefighters need it the most
Planks help strengthen firefighters’ core muscles and protect their back and shoulders
If you’re exercising just for the sake of exercising, you might be selling yourself short
ADDITIONAL EPISODES
Tackling the mixed bag of electric vehicle coverage and whether we need a fire service “reset,” plus what’s ahead for 2023
The Bozeman fire chief shares tips for getting buy-in from FD leadership, the gut-check moment that changed his career, and his hopes for his new IAFC role
The former Oakland fire chief talks lifelong learning, the biggest challenge of his career, plus ‘calculated aggression,’ future book titles and pet peeves
The fire service scientist details her newest adventure, the Science Alliance, plus how to make data accessible at the station level
The deputy chief talks ‘30 Fires You Must Know,’ learning from the Twin Parks fire, his best advice, plus his favorite firehouse meals
Hosted by Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, the show spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters and how they can strive to be better every call, every day, every shift