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You only get one shot: Train for the moments that matter

Eminem’s anthem about owning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity applies to hard truths in the fire service

Palms sweaty? Knees weak? Arms heavy? Good. That means you care.

Zam’s borrowing a page from Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” to underscore a hard truth about the fireground: Sometimes you only get one shot. There is no rewind on a mayday, no reset button on a rescue and no do-over on a critical command decision. Zam draws parallels between elite athletes training for their Olympic moment and firefighters preparing for the call that will test everything they know. Sharing stories from the sports world and his own experience on the job, Zam urges you to remember this simple fact: Every call deserves your full attention. Every drill should be treated like the one that could define your career.

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Previously on the Better Every Shift Podcast
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
Zapp, a human performance researcher and retired firefighter, talks health monitoring, smart (and safe) exercise, creatine supplements and more
Our 2025 walkaround breaks down the year’s controversies and triumphs — and opportunities for growth in the new year