National Fire Radio Podcast Platform

Technician Eric Budd is all in, period. With 22 years in the fire service, the last 10 with Washington DC, Eric worked hard to find his way to the position he is in today. Attaining the rank of Technician in Rescue 3 is no easy feat. Countless hours of studying, training and learning the job consumed Eric for over a year. The process taught many lessons, much more than the actual skill and knowledge of the job. Motivation and discipline fueled the process. His commitment to excellence and following through on achieving this prestigious position follows suit with the culture of his company. The company fuels the pride and pushes each member to be their best. The road has been long, but the payoff is everything. Adopting the idea of "Failing Forward", Eric applies this to his everyday. As he travels the country lecturing about his story, he shares insights and stories from a busy urban department. He captures alot of the work in videos that highlight the daily work of DC firefighters. Promoting the good of the job comes through in everything he does. Being able to share his love of the job through teaching with Traditions Training has allowed for him to reach others who are looking for more. Constantly challenging himself, Eric Budd has only begun on his long road to promoting the very best the job has to offer.

Always with a smile, Lafontant "Raymen" Dorival has the ability to get people excited. From his early roots in the church, his presence and his passioned delivery of the spoken word, Raymen is for lack of better words a motivational speaker in the highest sense. He consumes those around him, finding the words needed to pick a Brother up, to motivate the unwilling and a true proponent of the Fire Service. When he was new to the fire service, he didn't have the ability to even understand the most basic tasks within the job until he stepped foot in the academy and firehouse. Lacking prior knowledge of the job, he found his way through hard work, determination and finding mentors who could help guide him in his journey. Admittedly, Raymen says he only became a fireman after year six, a pivotal time in his career when he realized he had to go all in on the fire service he fell in love with. His journey is inspirational and his passion and love is infectious. Known for his speaking engagements, classes he teaches and his social media channel, The Way of the Nozzle, Raymen is making an impact and doing it as a constant gentleman with a big ass smile!!

In this episode, Pip and Ryan Pennington discuss the journey of Ryan in the fire service, his experiences, and the importance of positivity and leadership. They explore the opportunities available to firefighters beyond their primary roles, the significance of training and skill development, and the value of personal accountability. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being present in life and creating a positive environment in the firehouse, while also reflecting on the experiences that shape their careers and lives. In this engaging conversation, Ryan and Pip discuss the complexities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of self-care, and the need for mental health awareness in the fire service. They reflect on legacy, succession planning, and the significance of family connections while navigating career changes and aspirations. The dialogue emphasizes personal growth, responsibility, and the impact of positivity in both personal and professional realms. This episode will have you asking yourself the question, What’s My Size Up??? Because, what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

Jay Collins, a former Green Beret, shares his journey of service and sacrifice. Raised by his grandparents, who instilled in him the value of being part of something bigger than himself, Jay joined the military and fell in love with it. He later entered politics because he saw the need for good people to step in and make a change. Jay emphasizes the importance of teamwork, accountability, and leaving things better than you found them. He also discusses the challenges of mental health in the military and the need for support and open communication. Jay shares his experiences of being in jump school during the September 11th attacks and his deployment to Afghanistan, where he sustained injuries but continued to serve. Despite facing setbacks and physical limitations, Jay's determination and commitment to service remain unwavering. Jay Collins, a retired Green Beret and founder of Operation Barbecue Relief, shares his inspiring story of resilience and service.

In this episode, Pip interviews Shannon, a firefighter and extreme sports enthusiast. They discuss the challenges of balancing a career in emergency services with family life, the importance of having a support system, and the impulsive nature of their personalities. Shannon shares her journey into the fire service and her love for water activities, including scuba diving in Antarctica. They also touch on the physical demands of the job and the need for self-care. Shannon shares her experiences with extreme challenges, including scuba diving in Antarctica and stand-up paddleboarding. She discusses the training and preparation required for these activities and the support she received from her family and friends. Shannon emphasizes the importance of setting goals and pushing oneself outside of their comfort zone. She also highlights the joy of making memories and inspiring her children through her adventurous pursuits. Shannon shares her experiences of participating in the 80-mile paddleboard crossing from the Bahamas to Florida. She recounts her first attempt in 2021, where she faced challenges with her nutrition plan. In 2022, she attempted the crossing again and faced different conditions and nutrition challenges. Shannon also discusses her involvement in raising awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF) and her partnership with Flame Decon, a company that supports her fundraising efforts. She shares her training experiences and offers advice for those interested in paddleboarding or supporting her journey. This episode will have you asking yourself the question? What's My Size Up??? Because what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

In todays conversation, Mickey is joined by Etan Blatt with the FDNY 34.3 Foundation and its annual run to honor the 343 firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. Mickey asks about the origins of the foundation and the route of the run, which starts in Long Beach and ends at the World Trade Center. The conversation then shifts to the 34.3 Foundation and its mission to support firefighters and their families, both in line of duty deaths and off-duty deaths.

The September 2024 featured department on the Fire and Safety Services Ltd. Calendar Project is the Borough of Berlin, NJ Fire Department. Jeremy sits down with Battalion Chief Mark Maloney and Deputy Chief / Fire Marshall Bill Behnke to discuss their dynamic department while paying homage to their culture and history. For more information on this department and the 2024 Calendar Project, check out www.f-ss.com along with Fire and Safety Services, Ltd. on all of the social channels.

In this “mini” episode of The Size Up, Pip reflects on the end of summer, the loss of a friend to cancer, and his own self-doubt. He discusses the importance of schedules, the impact of his unique gifts, and the power of sharing others' stories. Pip also invites listeners to suggest guests for future episodes and offers gratitude for their support. Pip is then joined by his son Dex, who grills Pip on The Size Up 10. Because what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!

16 years with the Sioux City, Iowa Fire Department, George Glass has certainly found his love for the job. Working blue collar jobs prior to the fire service, his personal drive and work ethic has set him up for success in the fire service. His early days of being mentored by hard hitting firefighters, they laid down the expectations and demands of the job and George appreciated them for that. Today, he finds himself in that Senior Man position, working with those coming up behind him to understand the core principles and values that the fire service demands. Understanding your why has become a huge part of George's philosophy towards the fire service and in life. A unique approach to many, George has come to understand what he needs to fulfill the why. Work, church and kids; a simple yet solid approach to finding "balance" while navigating everyday life. His saying, "I'm not special, I'm different" resonates with his life's mantra and it helps with working with the younger generations to ensure he is giving them the attention they need to succeed. George Glass has taken the time to understand his place and knows he has much to give. The process is apart of his life and he works hard to ensure he does his part in making the process count for those that we serve.

In this conversation, Pip and Marlon discuss their experiences as firefighters and law enforcement officers, highlighting the challenges and rewards of their respective careers. They touch on topics such as the fear and mental wellness in emergency services, the impact of overtime on work-life balance, and the public perception of firefighters and police officers. They also discuss the changes and improvements happening in law enforcement, the importance of positive encounters with the community, and the need for more platforms to share stories from the field. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling and learning from others, the impact of internal affairs investigations on mental wellness, the need for better communication and support during disciplinary processes, the challenges of working in large and small agencies, and the preparation for the Olympics in LA. Causing you to ask yourself the question. What’s My Size Up??? Because what you do off the job, MATTERS!!!!