BETTER EVERY SHIFT: NEWEST EPISODES
Better Every Shift: Major event command
39:56
It’s time to track your incidents. Chief Oates explains how and why
48:25
Should firefighters work out in their gear? Annette Zapp breaks it down
Your 2025 after-action review
‘Chiefing 101’: The evolving nature of the fire chief role
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
Chief Bryan Frieders breaks down the fire department role at major events like the Super Bowl and large festivals
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
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 IAFC Career Fire Chief of the Year details some of the innovative programs at the Colorado Springs Fire Department
The IAFC president shares how it can be difficult to release the reins, but seeing your members be successful is truly the greatest achievement
The Scottsdale (Arizona) assistant chief says the true meaning of fireground safety is getting lost in the discourse
The Anne Arundel County fire chief underscores the importance of transparency and trust when stepping into a new leadership role
Turning the tables on Lt. Zamzow to gain some insights on his fire service career, plus a peek behind the podcast curtain
Exploring the shift from reactive to preventative strategies in emergency services and the crucial role of technology and health initiatives
BETTER EVERY SHIFT: HEALTH & WELLNESS
The former CAL FIRE chief of fire protection shares stories from her unique path from seasonal firefighter to fire chief and beyond
Berkeley Captain Chris van Luen now helps other firefighters understand their prevention, detection and treatment options
The outgoing IAFC president reflects on his accomplishments, lessons learned and impactful moments from the past year
The Pittsburgh fire chief offers guidance for fixing the leadership troubles highlighted in the What Firefighters Want survey
Jason Caughey, fire chief of the Laramie County Fire Authority in Wyoming, shares tips for creating a strong command culture
The fire captain-turned-publisher shares the early inspiration for the lifestyle publication, plus the newest cover story
MORE FROM ZAM
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
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
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
