

Better Every Shift
FireRescue1
FireRescue1’s Better Every Shift Podcast spotlights the passion and perseverance of firefighters. Hosted by Madison, Wisconsin, Firefighter Aaron Zamzow, 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, whether fire service, news or even pop culture-focused, 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 9, 2021 • 58min
Chief Nathan Trauernicht: Inside a university fire department
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Nathan Trauernicht tackles a variety of topics: What it's like to lead a university-affiliated fire department; key fire department programs that align with the university's mission; how the department handled the COVID-19 pandemic; life in the wildland-urban interface; and more.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Jun 1, 2021 • 1h 3min
Jim Pauley and Russ Sanders explain how firefighters can get involved in the NFPA
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, NFPA President Jim Pauley and Metro Chiefs Executive Secretary Chief Russ Sanders break down the mission and vision of the National Fire Protection Association, the standards version of "how a bill becomes a law," plus how firefighters can -- and should -- get involved in the standards process.
Learn more:
Metropolitan Chiefs Section: nfpa.org/metro
NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem: nfpa.org/ecosystem
NFPA LiNK: NFPA.org/link
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

May 26, 2021 • 16min
Unpacking mobile integrated healthcare in the fire and emergency services
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Marc Bashoor discusses a hot topic in the fire and emergency services -- the increased focus on mobile integrated healthcare. Chief Bashoor explores how the city of Oakland, California, is integrating MIH into its service delivery, and calls on fire service leaders to explore MIH options.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

May 16, 2021 • 38min
Fire Chief Trisha Wolford tackles cross-generation supervision in the fire service
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast by FireRescue1, Trisha Wolford, fire chief in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and chair of the IAFC’s Professional Development Committee. dives into the hot topic of cross-generation supervision in the fire service. Chiefs Bashoor and Wolford consider whether "traditional" or stereotypical characteristics of different generations hold true or if they are used too often as a crutch for poor leadership. The chiefs also explore how to best supervise all members, regardless of age and experience.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

May 12, 2021 • 44min
NVFC leaders Sarah Lee and Kevin Quinn detail the organization‘s current transition plans
In this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief Bashoor speaks with National Volunteer Fire Council interim CEO Chief Kevin Quinn and incoming CEO Sarah Lee about the organization's leadership transition following the untimely passing of CEO Heather Shafer, plus the vision for the future of the NVFC and how the organization is marking its 45-year anniversary.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

May 2, 2021 • 41min
Superintendent Eriks Gabliks shares what‘s ahead for the National Fire Academy
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, National Fire Academy Superintendent Eriks Gabliks reflects on his career and what it's been like to take the reins at the academy. He addresses the impact of COVID-19 on training activities and when the academy will be back in person. Gabliks also details some of the changes ahead to the EFO program and outlines some of his personal goals as superintendent.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Apr 27, 2021 • 45min
Chief Eric Valliere explains the 2021 Safety Stand Down theme, ‘Rebuild Rehab‘
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Scottsdale (Arizona) Assistant Fire Chief Eric Valliere explains this year's Safety Stand Down theme, "Rebuild Rehab," so members stay healthy on the incident scene. Chiefs Bashoor and Valliere talk about the physical issues that can arise when rehab efforts are not prioritized, ideas for integrating rehab activities into training, and where fire departments can learn more about the Safety Stand Down.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Apr 21, 2021 • 47min
Chief Dan Rogers explains why not every volunteer wants to operate like FDNY
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Assistant Chief Dan Rogers explains discusses his article, “And that’s OK: Not all volunteers want to operate like FDNY,” which generated considerable debate and discussion among FireRescue1 community members. Rogers underscores that volunteers have lives beyond the station walls, and we can’t force them to all have the same level of commitment and passion, even if it means frustration when fewer members show up to non-fire calls. Chief Bashoor reads some of the social media reactions, giving Chief Rogers a chance to address readers who disagree and those who support his sentiment.
Read Chief Rogers' article: https://www.firerescue1.com/volunteer/articles/and-thats-ok-not-all-volunteers-want-to-operate-like-fdny-OP28oHfDoDJ46mUk/
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Apr 13, 2021 • 13min
Why do we keep experiencing so many apparatus rollover accidents?
In this episode of the Side Alpha podcast, Fire Chief Marc Bashoor details the ongoing problem of apparatus rollover accidents. He discusses several recent incidents, what went wrong, and what drivers must consider when operating fire apparatus. Chief Bashoor also explains the 3 Gs of highway incidents: Get there, get done and get out.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.

Apr 7, 2021 • 55min
Chief Jon Dorman addresses how to balance booksmarts and practical fireground skills
On this episode of the Side Alpha Podcast, Chief John Dorman digs into the debate about balancing education and hands-on training, outlining some of the ways higher education can complement fireground skills. Dorman details what firefighters should look for in a higher education institution or program, plus the pros and cons of online learning versus in-person courses.
This episode of the Side Alpha Podcast is sponsored by Homeland-Six Tactical Radio Straps. These custom radio straps feature extractor washable decontamination, superior comfort and functionality. Learn more at homelandsix.com.


