Trending Topics
FR1_BES_2025Refresh_3540x750_v3.png

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.

Enjoying the show? Please take a moment to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.

SPONSORED BY
FEATURED EPISODES
The IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year details some of the innovative programs at the Colorado Springs Fire Department
MOST POPULAR EPISODES
MORE EPISODES
Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine details this year’s Firefighter Safety Stand Down theme, from EVs to e-bikes and beyond
Billy and Brian Goldfeder share their insights on prioritizing family amid such passions for fire service life
The chief highlights the immense responsibility, plus the importance of support, that comes with his new role at the Foundation
The Myrtle Beach (S.C.) training chief talks go/no-go decision-making, plus creating a culture that prioritizes action
The EMS leader and advocate emphasizes putting the workforce at the top, with leaders giving them every opportunity to succeed
The Salisbury (N.C.) division chief shares the origins of his training focus, his personal evolution on the job, and what it means to be “combat ready”
Highlighting the best moments of the show, from memorable “hallway run-ins” to attention-getting exhibits and non-stop special events
The fire chief – and longtime strategic-thinker – urges firefighters to develop their 1-, 3- and 5-year game plans
The training officer explains the physiological response during a mayday incident and why training that’s too difficult can build problematic habits
The DC firefighter and founder of Food on the Stove shares the impetus for building the nonprofit and offers simple nutrition tips
With his retirement nearing, the NFFF’s executive director reflects on the Foundation’s evolution and the profound connections he’s made along the way
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
Chief Marc Bashoor joins a special live Better Every Shift to discuss what it really means to be a healthy firefighter
The Charleston, S.C., chief reflects on his journey from the trauma of the Sofa Super Store fire tragedy to finding – and living – his growth-focused mission
From ‘let it burn’ to full submersion, Captain Patrick Durham explains the continuum of extinguishment approaches
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, Chief Erik Gabliks, Dr. Sara Jahnke and Chief Bryan Frieders hope to inspire health-focused action – and talk some serious smack along the way
The first firefighter-influencer of the modern era shares how his early speaking nerves transformed into a love of making comedy videos
Dr. Rachelle Zemlok – who is also married to a fire captain – details the ‘4 horsemen’ of the firefighter-relationship apocalypse, plus how to avoid conflict escalation
The Laramie County fire chief tackles recruitment and retention misses, organizational tempo and fostering a culture of critical thinking
Captain Ashley Losch explains the endless coordination at play, identifies the biggest hurdles ahead, and even spills a little big game tea
The big stories, hot takes and moments that moved us from the month
The Loveland, Colo., chief shares lessons from his time in media and urges leaders to maintain forward progress for their organizations
The Raleigh firefighter and peer support advocate explains her perspective on healthy boundaries, therapy and why connection is life-sustaining
‘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
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
What do you want Zam and the team to discuss on the Better Every Shift podcast?