Tailboard Talks Firefighter Podcast
170 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago -The Tailboard Talks Firefighter Podcast offers wellness and lifestyle content for firefighters and paramedics from veteran of the fire service since 2003. Some of the best and worst conversations happen at the tailboard so grab some coffee and come chat.
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Episodes
Maintain 3 Points of Contact on the Firefighter Wellness Ladder, Revisited
April 18, 2024 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBWe've all heard the rule of maintaining three points of contact when working on a ladder. Well, the same goes for your personal wellness. Sleep, nutrition, fitness, and behavioral health are the points of contact and each one that you don't have contact with increases your chances of falling off the ladder. In this episode I'm going outside of the box with my suggestions on each topic. We've all heard specific sleep tips, nutrition guidelines, and how many minutes we should work out per ...
Avoid Burnout and Compassion Fatigue by Finding Your Thing.
April 11, 2024 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBServe the public, contribute to the community, progress the department, the fire service is bigger than you, put your people first. But when do you come first? As your obligations, involvement, and family grow we end up with less and less that is just for us. We can be busy all day long and still feel like we got nothing done. But maybe that's because we got nothing done for ourselves. Todays episode is about finding something that is just for you. Firefighters are drawn to service at o...
Think Small For Big Results
April 04, 2024 05:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBFirefighters hate two things, the way the things are now and change. Changing the fire service can be approached the same way you eat a whale, one bite at a time. Before we get into the details about thinking small for big results, there was a fantastic article on firefighternation.com titled The Aging Firefighter- Health and Fitness Considerations Throughout a Career, written by Alex Redshaw from O2X I'm hitting some of the bullet points of his article but go read it for the second half,...
Better Policies for Women Means Better Policies for All
March 28, 2024 05:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBThis week we spent spring break on the beach for our first camper trip of the year. Please enjoy this replay of my conversation with Stephanie White. Stephanie White is a full time firefighter with over 20 years of experience who works with an organization called the Beltane Guild to assist departments in creating and instituting pregnancy and postpartum policies and programs. She has presented along with the IAFF on the topic and Fire Engineering has given her the reigns of the Five Afte...
Exectile Dysfunciton
March 21, 2024 05:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBHave you ever been real busy, but also real engaged and productive? I have but I've also been stuck with a list of non-stimulating tasks that leave me paralyzed and stuck in neutral. This episode hits the pop psychology world by storm with the ideas of psychological momentum and a little look at executive dysfunction. Guess what, the fire service is full of people like us who could benefit from a little more regulation. Of course I can't just let you know about these things but also give...
In-house Training vs Outside Certs
March 14, 2024 05:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBThis is the sort of week when I'm especially grateful for the awesome community of this podcast. I'm training for a massive gravel bike ride in August and prepping for our first big camper trip to Florida. So thank you for answering my Instagram question box and giving me some content topics for the episode. First I'm answering "What is one thing you want to learn about, on and off the job" and then I give you my preference between in-house training vs traveling to outside events and cour...
The Best Advice You've Gotten
March 07, 2024 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBAdvice in the fire service is abundant, but GOOD advice is much more scarce. I went to the IG polls to ask about the best advice, and best compliment you've received. Firefighters are a critical, harsh, pessimistic bunch so when one goes out of their way to encourage, compliment, or offer good advice it can really stick in your head. I share your answers as well as some stories and examples of advice I've gotten and compliments that hit home. Than you and check out my affiliates. Discou...
Is Seniority Really the Problem?
February 29, 2024 06:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBHow much weight does seniority carry in your fire department, and how much carrying do the senior members do? Some departments have senior members who are bonafide recliner compressors while others use their senior membership as the backbone of the organization. Regardless of which one you're involved with, those senior firefighters are getting paid more and have more time off, which can be a major pain point for the junior contingent. Curt and I cover a bunch of aspects of this and some ...
The Earth is Slow, but the Firefighter is NOT patient
February 22, 2024 06:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBYou have a long career, don't let a temporary inconvenience ruin other peoples perception of you. Firefighters have an expansive perspective of patient and incident outcomes but a terrible ability to look past our immediate discomforts. Finding someone who has been through what you're going through can save you from turning that inconvenience into a career defining event. If you were waiting for me to break out the Chinese proverbs, you're in luck. "Maybe so, maybe not, we'll see" is a ...
Flex on your crew, not the public
February 15, 2024 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBMaking something look easy is one of the greatest flexes. Whether it's picking locks, being happy when you're not supposed to, flexing the seniority on the high hat badge, or tossing around the 4 inch when others are struggling. Take advantage of the flex but be ready for your turn on the short end. It's all in good fun so don't be afraid to laugh and get a little competitive. Also, I read some terrible advice about what to do when the public asks you about bad calls. Stop acting like a...
Yes, good job, now zip up your boots
February 08, 2024 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBThe evergreen debate of performance over personal appearance. Sure, it's easy to say that the patient doesn't care how you look when they need you, but how about everybody else on scene or that gets to witness your unzipped boots, untucked shirt, and belly hanging out when you're on more 'routine' calls. Many departments have a minimum standard, for lots of things, and it is up to the individual if they're going to meet that standard, exceed it, or make your officer talk to you about it. ...
If you have to tell the world you're an Alpha, you're not.
February 01, 2024 07:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBIs there anything more 'firefighter' than missing the most recent episode of a show because you worked on the wrong day? A listener issue was submitted and it asks about what to do when "more senior" members of the department refuse to rotate onto the ambulance. Curt and I have opinions on those people and how to handle the situation. Also I sent a horribly awkward video to Curt showing an "alpha dad" berating his kids into working out. Turns out he's a former firefighter and now angles ...
You Stayin' Out of Trouble?
January 25, 2024 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBWell, trying to. But sometimes we just can't help ourselves. Fear not, Curt and I are here to help...probably. I asked for some listener stories, conflicts, and tales and we got them. Curt and I go over a situation that a firefighter had with his Lieutenant after a mistake was made. Before that we're giving some opinions on episode 2 of True Detective and answering the most important question to date; is Avenged Sevenfold old enough to be cool yet? Thank you for listening and send your...
New Firefighter Career Path Planning with Curt
January 18, 2024 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBTesting, Interviewing, Academy, and Probation are the steps to get in the door at a fire department. Curt and I hit on these topics and offer some stories and lessons we've learned along the way. The more things change, the more they stay the same and becoming a firefighter is a great example of that. Sure, tests may be administered remotely instead of sitting in a gym with 500 other applicants. But, the lessons and tools needed to be a professional firefighter are rooted in hard work, se...
Firefighter Accountability Equals Freedom
January 11, 2024 06:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBAccountability to the organization can be drastically different than accountability towards your personal goals. In this episode I'm breaking down the two and although they are different, they share the common principles of clarity, freedom, and security and how they fit in the fire service or any leadership position. Along with that, building a diverse set of "bumpers" is a hugely valuable asset in your career. I go over some instances where I needed my own personal city council to make ...
Let's Light This Dumpster!
January 04, 2024 06:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBWelcome to 2024 and let's get it going! This is not your typical new years resolution episode. The arbitrary date of Jan 1 is just not the time for me to be setting goals and making behavior changes. Lucky for firefighters, we can use any meaningful time to start. These things called Temporal Landmarks are perfect for us to use. Combined with the "fresh start effect" our chances of setting goals and actually sticking to them is greatly improved. If you need help finding a goal, look to...
The Grinch was a Firefighter
December 28, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBI'm leaving some things behind in 2023. I've given too much weight to the opinions and advice from gatekeepers and people who like to project their insecurities and fears on other people. I'm running towards people, groups, and projects that are looking to drive forward and make improvements in firefighters, people, parents, and life. Finally, a short lesson learned while watching The Grinch with my 2 and 4 year old and the realization that the guy with the heart two sizes too small was a...
A Firefighter Christmas Carol
December 21, 2023 06:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBOld Scrooge had to learn from the past, present, and future and once a year we can take a look at it too. Try hating someone less, do something in the present, and think past the problem. These are the main points of making it through the holiday season, and your career. I truly hope the best for you and yours this season and as we look to the new year. Support the show Send Coffee! Affiliate links: Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard f...
Curt's New Baby, FMLA, Firefighter Xmas gifts
December 14, 2023 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBCurt is back and has a 4 month old baby! We were supposed to talk about firefighter Christmas gifts, and we did, but only after 25 minutes of stories of onesie struggles, heart valve wrecking screams, and poop. Then we do get to some of our best and worst crew gifts. Dunkin', if you're listening, I am serious about the show sponsor thing. The 4th Shift can absolutely run on Dunkin'. Support the show Send Coffee! Affiliate links: Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off Fourth Fron...
So, What's the Worst Thing You've Ever Seen?
December 07, 2023 06:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBIf you've been in the fire service for longer than a cup of coffee you've heard some form of this question. My approach on the answers has been formed over 20 years of gross stuff. Remember these couple of things; They have no idea what they're asking, and they have no concept of what the worst thing you've seen actually is. When people ask this question they're looking for entertainment, so give it to them. Give them something they can relate to, the things that are universally the wors...
Firefighters, It's Grazing Season (The most wonderful time of the year)
November 30, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBRaindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, I ate two pies in the firehouse kitchen. If you have fear and shame about counter surfing this season, this is the episode for you. We're all eating the pie, so do the damage and move on. I give a couple ways to conceptualize the holidays and set the plan for January. I'm all about the realistic approach to these things and this is no exception. Thanks for hanging out and save me a piece. Support the show Send Coffee! Affiliate links: Res...
PTSDecember with Captain Matt Spaid
November 23, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBMatt Spaid is spearheading a new mental health campaign this winter. PTSDecember is here to give you some tools to cope and some investments in your future. Matt claims he is absolutely not an influencer but you can be the judge after we run through the similarities he has with the Liver King. He's trying to get as many resources into as many firefighter heads and families as possible so when we have a tough call, time, or career, we know where to turn and what to do. Find the movement ...
Firefighters, it's ok to care
November 16, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIt's literally one of the foundational principles of being a first responder. Also, one of the things we are least willing or comfortable sharing, when we care. "I don't care" is a statement that can divide, turn off, and isolate us. "Nobody cares, work harder" is the marching song of the firefighter hardo and aside from being a flawed sentence structurally, it does very little for those who actually need it. Let's chat about it. Support the show Send Coffee! Affiliate links: Rescue...
More Firefighter Happiness, Less Firefighter Heart Attacks
November 09, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBWhat do you do on or after shift that makes you happy? I share some answers from IG to that question to kick off the episode. Then, I was on a popular firefighter website the other day and there were three stories about firefighters having heart attacks an cardiac arrest. One while on a call, and two others of guys being found unconscious at the station. My approach to firefighter fitness is measured depending on the context and needs of the situation. For a lot of us, preventing a hear...
Firefighter Leadership and Conflict
November 02, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBLast week I posted the question "The best leaders know..." and the responses are in. I highlight two of the ones that stand out to me in this episode. I got into a gnarly confrontation with another firefighter last week. I went into it using the correct tactics to resolve it quickly and within minutes, those tactics had gone to the dark side. It was the type of conversation that redefines a relationship. Sometimes you can tell someone off and not have to worry about seeing them for a co...
Keys to the Gatekeepers
October 26, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBGatekeepers are those awesome people who decide who, gets what. Who gets an audience with the chief, who gets to be on the special team, and even who someone gets to be friends with. But, not all gatekeepers are adversaries and in the fire service, some are absolute necessities. I've noticed a few different kinds of fire department gatekeepers. Some are formal, some are informal, and some are the product of a relationship gone sideways. I share my own stories about these including the s...
Mandatory Fitness Assessment, So What?
October 19, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBAnother Fire Prevention Week has come and gone. Did you know that the Great Chicago Fire was NOT the worst thing to happen that week? The Peshtigo fire is still known as the most destructive fire with an even higher death count than the Chicago fire. Then I talk about the newly implemented mandatory fitness test for the Decatur Alabama Fire Department. FireRescue1 posted a story with the details and I summarize it with some thoughts of my own about the tough decisions to expose some of y...
Taylor Goodman: Mentors Ruin Imposters
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBTaylor Goodman is an embedded strength coach for a large department in Northern Virginia. She was brought on in 2020 and immediately started building and growing relationships in the fire service. She was brought on and empowered by a captain who has set her up for success and guided her along the way. Taylor knows the science, but knows that all the book smarts in the world are useless without relationships. Feel free to make her the influencer she does not want to be and find her on IG...
Just Eat the Pizza
October 05, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBQuick topics in this episode. First, the Daily DOSE is going strong. Check in on the @4thShiftFireifghter IG and use the #DailyDose and tag @4thShiftFirefighter. Second, Women In Fire received over 1 Million dollars in FEMA grant funding for education and support projects! The Beltane Guild is one of the named contributors to their upcoming efforts. If that sounds familiar, it may be because Stephanie White (Episode 134) works with the Beltane Guild to provide guidance and education t...
Highland Park Parade Incident Breakdown w/ BC Jeff Marusich
September 28, 2023 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBJeff Marusich is a 25 year veteran of the Highland Park Fire Department in Illinois. On July 4th of 2022 an active shooter incident occurred at the Highland Park 4th of July Parade. Jeff was tasked with the internal examination of the department response, and lessons learned. So often in the fire service we build our opinions from newspaper articles, after action reports, and rumors. Today we get to talk with a member of the affected department who is able to present the information in a...
4th Shift Firefighter Daily DOSE
September 21, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBJoin me in October for the 4th Shift Daily DOSE. Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins are all the 'feel good' chemicals that are associated with exercise and general happiness. Each morning in October I'll be doing a short bout of exercise to give myself a DOSE. The parameters of the month are very simple; pick 5 movements you like and then each day you pick one and do between 20 and 100 of it. That's the starting point. Some days you might feel good and do 100 of every movemen...
Stephanie White: Better Policies for Women= Better Policies For All
September 14, 2023 09:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBStephanie White is a full time firefighter with 20 years of experience who works with an organization called the Beltane Guild to assist departments in creating and instituting pregnancy and postpartum policies and programs. She has presented along with the IAFF on the topic and Fire Engineering has given her the reigns of the Five After Midnight Podcast. Stephanie speaks from personal experience and integrates contemporary science and research to inform, educate, and improve the fire serv...
The Illusory Truth Effect and Firefighters
September 07, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBHow many things do you tell yourself over and over again that aren't quite true, but now there just a part of who you are? The illusory truth effect is the theory that the more you hear something, the more true it becomes. The fire service is full of examples of this. Pushing fire, oxygen is good for everyone, 12 leads are too difficult for the street, 'they don't want a person like me promoted'. Lies, ALL LIES! A lot of times we do this to protect our ego and limit what we're capable o...
Having One Of Those Days?
August 31, 2023 09:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBSometimes getting into the job is just tough. Recently I had one of those days and I just couldn't get going. Today we're talking about how I handle those days and some suggestions from the IG poll. The transition to 4th Shift Firefighter is happening in a few days and I'm very excited to see where the new focus on firefighter lifestyle and wellness takes us. Thank you for going above and beyond and continually working on being more capable and durable both on the job and away from it. ...
Unexpected Positives Of The Fire Service
August 24, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBWhy can't we talk about good stuff sometimes!? I asked you what some unexpected positives of being part of the fire service have been and the answers were great, as always. Expectations can really set us up for some pleasant surprises or some pretty harsh realities. Intentions can save us from the emotional damage of false expectations. Hear more about it in the episode and share it with someone that comes to mind. Starting Sept 1 were turning into 4th Shift Firefighter! Let's keep t...
The Cost Of Nothing
August 17, 2023 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MBThis week the show is on the road. Recording from the camper on the sandy shores of Grand Haven, Michigan. Two quick topics so I can get back to the beach. First we look at the cost of doing nothing. Firefighters hate the way things are and hate change even more. So what changes are worth the cost? Then the evergreen topic of low back pain. Why it might happen, and where to look to make it better. If you dig the episodes or think I'd be a good fit to speak at your department or confe...
Know It All vs Do Nothing
August 10, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBWhat's worse to deal with, a know it all or a do nothing? The poll results are in and the do nothings are the big losers. I go into some of the similarities between the two and where I think their attitudes come from. Before that I announce some big news starting in September and have some ideas about failure after talking with one of the guys this week. If you think my message or style would work well for your department, I am available for hire for seminars, keynotes, and conferences. ...
You Screwed Up, Now What?
August 03, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThe Chief is on his way down to see you. You know what it's about. You fu@&ed up. I've been in that room and have seen the fabled three stacks of paper, each one less inviting and more of a threat to your career. In this episode I'm giving you ways to help keep the damage to a manageable level. So many of the times, the way we react to the conversation is so much more damaging than the actual mistake that led to the conversation. I've seen people totally blow it and get fired because t...
127: Firefighters Are Not Tactical Athletes, w/ Vanessa Frost
July 27, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBVanessa Frost is a strength coach and wellness coordinator for the Pflugerville FD in Texas. She has been with her department for 7 years and is also a mother to two young boys and wife to a firefighter. Vanessa and I cover some ground talking about the fitness evaluations she does with her department as well as trends in the fire service she's noticed from the fitness lens. Not least of all we address the term of "Tactical Athlete" and if it is justified being used with firefighters. If...
126: Is The Fire Service Lacking Manliness?
July 20, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBWork harder, stop feeling bad for yourself, be a winner, toughen up, depression isn't real....wait, wut? These were some of the taglines from a social media figurehead that a co worker was fond of and opened a discussion about manliness, grit, and character. Is the fire service short on manliness, or masculinity, or both? Is that really such a bad thing in all cases though, and if so what can we do to change it. Lots of ground to cover in this one. Support the show Send Coffee! Affil...
The Only Ship Worth a Hoot: Relationship
July 13, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBLast week was a lot. Tim's wake (see episode 124 for details), my grandmothers funeral, and joining Threads. Relationships were on full display through those experiences and lots of things caught my attention. Firefighters have complex relationships with so many things but it seems like our interpersonal relationships could not be more simple. The commonalities between us can make conversations very easy, but also the familiarity can keep us more reserved. Being part of a relationship a...
Heroes Get Remembered But Mentors Never Die
July 06, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBLast week I learned that one of my first mentors in the fire service passed away unexpectedly. It made me really reflect on the impact he had in the early years of my career and how we use mentors in the fire service. I reached out to Joe Galli to come on and share some of his ideas on the topic. Joe has a wealth of knowledge from his years as a Marine, Union President, Firefighter and Engineer. If you live in Illinois, please look up @JoeGalli439 and show up on August 7th to vote him in...
Ep 123: The Job Changed Me
June 29, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBI totally screwed myself the other day. I had plans of going to skate right after a 36 hour shift so I could decompress a little before going home. Not only did I omit my regular post-shift routine, but then I irrationally opted out of the skate too. This left me tired, frustrated, apathetic, and not at all prepared to be a good father for a 2 and 4 year old. The job has changed me, and I do not like it. My resiliency is more fragile than I thought and I don't like the idea that I have ...
Ep 122: The 14-ish and My Relationship With Alcohol
June 20, 2023 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBSmoke eatin, whisky drinking, leather chewing, mustache havin', hero. The fire service has had an intimate relationship with alcohol and all things considered hardcore since our old friend Benny Franklin. Alcohol is the great common thread between 'brothers' in the fire service and it's also the cause of many a downfall. My relationship with it is unclear, and so is my explanation of it. Thank you for listening, or watching on YouTube and stay tuned for some great guests in the near futu...
Firefighter Fitness Industry Secrets
June 15, 2023 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBHave you ever heard of the promise that a program will make you lose fat and build muscle at the same time? How about the marketing that goes into proving that someone is a "Tactical expert" and has the perfect program for you to become the hard charger you've always dreamed of? Or, have you started a program and after a few weeks the progress stopped, the fun was gone, and the honeymoon was over, but you had already been roped into a year long contract? We're hitting those topics and mor...
Big, Weak, and Undisciplined w/ Chris and Curt
June 08, 2023 07:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBCurt and I know a lot about a lot, but steroids are not on the list of deeply researched or understood topics. But that doesn't stop us from trying! Get past the first couple of minutes so we can really dazzle you with some answers to listener questions. How can I stay big and broad and still work to improve my cardio and mobility? Well, depending on what you think is "big and broad" you may not be able to get to that 4 hour marathon. But, with a lot of smart work you can be well rounde...
Our Kids Bring Out The Worst In Us.
June 01, 2023 07:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBWe're back from our most challenging and trying camping trip yet! The screeching, yelling, constant instigation, and tantrums were over the top and the kids had some bad behavior too. Katie and I sit down for an honest conversation about some difficulties we have as parents and how we're slowly catching on. As a firefighter, my daughters high pitched tantrum gives me the same jolt and reaction as the full still tones and I have a tough time dealing. And yet, we choose to pack up the truck...
Firefighters Are Just Squirrels in a Grocery Store
May 25, 2023 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBDiets are a commonplace in the fire department. Everyone is looking for the best kept secret to eat the things they want but still lose weight like they could in their 20's. In pursuit of it, we sacrifice our health, performance, and social life and just end up fat again in a year. Today we're taking a different look at diets and dieting. Most importantly the difference between spending your money on someone's diet, versus taking a look at your existing diet that Costco built. BTW, the f...
Wednesdays with Katie
May 18, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBKatie and I are on the back patio, mini solo stove going and champagne in hand. We're celebrating some regular stuff and talking about some of it too. Vanderpump, trauma bonding, 24/48 vs 48/96, Post Conference Report, New podcast logos, and her love of criminal minds. If you have a story to tell on the podcast, please fill out this link: https://www.4thshiftfitness.com/guestform If you are looking for a speaker for your conference, I'm back on the market! email me [email protected]...
Your Childhood Made You The First Responder You Are Today, w/ Molly Jones
May 11, 2023 09:00 - 56 minutes - 39.2 MBMolly Jones is back and giving us a preview of a brand new presentation she will be debuting in South Bend during a First Responder Conferences event on May 15th and 16th. After that she humors my questions with professional answers. Molly works for Advanced Recovery Systems and dedicates a bulk of her time to educating and presenting on behalf of ARS and the IAFF Center of Excellence. Reach out to Molly if you are in need of care or want to learn more about the IAFF Center of Excellence ...