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PODCAST

Firefighters Podcast

The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this

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All Episodes

136:47

#380 The Worlds Strongest Firefighter 2025 with Frank...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/06/16

Today’s we explore what it means to live with strength, service, and purpose. with a man who represents all of that and then some.Frank Boniello is not just a firefighter. He’s not just a U.S. Air Force member. And he’s not just strong. He is officially the World’s Strongest Firefighter 2025.Today we share the story behind the podium. Behind the gold-plated fire axe. Behind the lifting platform, the stone carries, the axle presses, and the hydrant loads.Frank’s journey is one of resilience,

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97:28

#379 A Story of Racism, Resilience & Resisting...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/06/09

In this episode, I sit down with Sal Naseem. A powerful voice on racism, resilience, and truth. From growing up as a Scottish Pakistani Muslim in Kilmarnock to challenging injustice at the highest levels of UK institutions, Sal’s story is raw and remarkable. His early life was marked by violence, survival, and a front-row seat to systemic failures from machete attacks at his family’s shop to witnessing police corruption first-hand. These experiences forged a deep understanding of empathy, moral

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18:54

#378 Leadership, Low Agency & Learned Helplessness in...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/06/05

In this solo episode I explore a quiet but powerful undercurrent in the UK Fire and Rescue Service: low agency and learned helplessness. Speaking not from a podium but shoulder to shoulder with every member of the service - we confront the cultural forces that stifle voice, innovation, and change. Why do so many of us feel stuck, unheard, or disconnected from the power to make a difference? We unpack the psychology behind this, challenge the systems we’ve inherited, and offer a hopeful, practical

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34:54

#377 Instructor Discussion Netherlands Smoke Cooling...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/06/02

In this first episode from our trip to the Netherlands, I had the privilege of joining leading fire service professionals at the Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid (NIPV) to explore the latest in smoke cooling experiments. Building on the foundation of the “Smoke Cooling and Nozzle Techniques” report, this phase of research brought together international experts to challenge long-held assumptions, test techniques under controlled conditions, and refine the tactical understanding that underpins

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81:05

#376 Fighting Fire Fit with Phill Matthews

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/29

Phill Matthews is a former wholetime firefighter turned online coach, specializing in helping serving and aspiring firefighters enhance their fitness and performance. Through his platform, Fighting Fire Fit, he has assisted hundreds in achieving their health and career goals. After finishing active duty, Phill is now channelling his experience and passion fulltime into coaching serving and aspiring firefighters helping them meet the demands of the job and perform at their best when it matters...

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101:11

#375 Hazmat, Detection & The Hidden Threats we face...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/26

Today were talking hazardous materials, detection technology, and how it’s reshaping our work in the fire and rescue services. Joining me is Dr. Mark L. Norman, a Senior Field Applications Scientist at 908 Devices and a leading subject matter expert in optical detection technologies. With over 20 years of experience in hazmat detection systems for emergency response, Mark brings both scientific expertise and real-world insight. He holds a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, ha...

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21:31

#374 Firefighter Stephen Hunt & The Paul’s Hair and...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/19

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, we revisit the tragic events of July 13, 2013, when Firefighter Stephen Hunt of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service lost his life at the Paul’s Hair and Beauty World fire in Manchester. Drawing on published investigation reports, inquest findings, and conversations with those who attended the incident, we piece together a detailed timeline of events and examine the operational decisions, safety measures, and communication breakdowns that shaped this

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17:50

#373 PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/16

Send us a textFinal episode in our PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination Seminar Series. So far, we've heard powerful stories from families, survivors, and advocates within the firefighting community. Today, we shift focus to innovation and action.Joining me is Jo Taylor MBE, founder of De-Wipe—a company dedicated to developing scientifically backed decontamination solutions that help reduce the risk of occupational cancer among firefighters. Jo brings a unique perspective: one that

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29:27

#372 PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/14

Send us a textWelcome back to the Decontamination Seminar Series. Today, we continue that journey with two remarkable voices from within the firefighting community—Robbie Burns and Michelle O'Toole. Both are cancer survivors. Both are advocates. And both have first-hand insight into the physical and mental toll of battling cancer as part of the firefighting community.This episode is a raw, honest, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and the importance of advocacy in the

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61:08

#371 Service without Self-Destruction with Dan...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/12

Send us a textIn today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Dworkis — emergency physician, Chief Medical Officer at the Mission Critical Team Institute, and founder of The Emergency Mind Project — for a powerful conversation on how mission-critical teams like firefighters and first responders can perform under pressure, recover effectively, and grow with intention. We dive into why emergencies often go wrong, the mental residue of high-stress calls, and how to balance service with self-care. From

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52:39

#370 Honouring Martin Green: A Family's Story with...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/05

Send us a textHonouring Martin Green: A Family's Story - Welcome to this special episode in our six-part mini-series on firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination — brought to you with the support of PGI, leaders in high-performance protective gear for those who serve on the front line.Today’s conversation is one that hits straight to the heart. We’re honoured to share the story of Martin Green — a firefighter with over 30 years of service, a respected professional, a devoted husband,

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27:22

#369 PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/05/02

Send us a textMy guest to day is John Lord, John is a Training specialist in Incident Management and a global leader in bringing attention and driving change in the fight against firefighter cancer.this is part of of a powerful six-part mini-series dedicated to one of the most critical issues facing our profession: firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination.In this series, recorded around the Particulate, Protection & Decontamination Seminar held at Biggin Hill on March 27th, 2025, we

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18:05

#368 PGI Particulate Protection & Decontamination...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/30

Send us a textwelcome to a very special episode, the launch of a powerful six-part mini-series dedicated to one of the most critical issues facing our profession: firefighter cancer, protection, and decontamination.In this series, recorded around the Particulate, Protection & Decontamination Seminar held at Biggin Hill on March 27th, 2025, we dive headfirst into the hard truths and urgent conversations we need to be having — not tomorrow, but today. With input from survivors, health and safety

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94:09

#367 Herding sheep & Finding your Natural Leadership...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/28

Send us a textToday I’m joined by Stuart Jackson — founder of ICE and a true force when it comes to human-centred leadership and cultural transformation. Stuart’s spent decades helping people, teams, and organisations unlock their potential, working across everything from the NHS to UK fire and rescue services. In this episode, we dive into what leadership really looks like in today’s world — the messy, emotional, deeply human kind. We talk about the power of gut instinct, emotional intelligence,

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32:17

#178 Harrow Court Hertfordshire Incident Debrief...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/21

Send us a textThis incident debrief covers the tragic fatalities of Firefighter Wornham and Firefighter Miller who lost their lives at 85 Harrow Court, Silam Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire on 2nd February 2005.ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXHAIX Footwear

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76:31

#366 Ben Selby Fire Brigades Union Assistant General...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/21

Send us a textWhen Ben Selby joined me on The Firefighters Podcast, we had a wide-ranging and powerful conversation about the vital role of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and the evolving challenges faced by fire and rescue services in the UK. As the FBU’s Assistant General Secretary, Ben offered deep insight into issues like firefighter pay, recruitment, and the shifting demands of the job. We explored the importance of the Grey Book, the direction of a College of Fire, and the complexity of current

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103:58

#365 Leadership, People & Unseen Privilege with Abi...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/14

Send us a textAbi Manifold has over 25 years of experience in Learning and Organisational Development, Abi’s approach to leadership, culture, and performance is deeply rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the practical application of human insight. Her diverse background as an executive coach, psychometric profiler, and leadership facilitator gives her a rare ability to blend strategic thinking with meaningful, people-first practices. Throughout our discussion, Abi emphasized the importance of not

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89:51

#364 Red Teaming, Critical Thinking, Adaptive...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/04/07

Send us a textJayson Coil is Assistant Fire Chief and Battalion Chief at Sedona Fire District in Arizona. With over 25 years of operational and leadership experience particularly in wildland firefighting and major disaster response, Jayson shares powerful insights on decision-making in complex environments. We dive into topics like adaptive leadership, red teaming, decentralizing command, and improving decision quality during crisis. Jayson also reflects on organizational change, trust, and morale,

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72:02

#363 Policing, Black History, Stop & Search &...

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/03/31

Send us a textI had a powerful and inspiring conversation with Nigel Best, whose journey spans over 40 years of service in Nottingham. From his beginnings as a postman to becoming a teacher and eventually working in diversity and inclusion within the Nottinghamshire Police, Nigel’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and deep community engagement. He shared how his experiences as part of the Windrush generation shaped his identity and passion for education, and how DJing taught him

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155:56

#362 Justin Johnston Ret Chief Fire Officer UKFRS

Firefighters Podcast ·

2025/03/24

Send us a textJustin Johnston served in the UK fire & rescue service for 30 years finishing his career as the Chief Fire Officer of the Lancashire Fire and Rescue ServiceIn our conversation we explore the weight of leadership responsibilities, the need for professional growth, collaboration, more opportunities and the multifaceted challenges and responsibilities faced by leaders in the fire services. We also speak about the operations world debriefing Major incidents like the Cumbria Floods of

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418 results

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