Advertise on podcast: Make Due: Suburban Fireman Podcast

Season 6 is officially underway! After a long sabbatical the show is BACK! Host Nick Peppard gives an update on what's been going on since last year. He provides a run down on changes to the show as well exciting new content in the works for season 6! Buckle up, season 6 is coming at ya fast!!!

Chris Naum (Syracuse, NY) brings over 5 decades of experience to the show as both firefighter, fire officer, architect, educator, author, and public speaker. Chris joins the show to blow the lid off building construction in the modern fire service. We discuss how the lack of deeper understanding of building construction in the modern fire service has had unintended consequences at both the strategic and tactical levels. We discuss several fire service buzzwords and catch phrases, their origin and the oversimplification that has occurred because of them. The show dives into how construction features and technology have changed with each era and how this information can be used to make educated decisions on the fireground. If you're looking to get the thinking juices flowing and elevate your building construction knowledge, this episode should do the trick! 

Ready to elevate your Pump Operator game? Then you need to catch this episode! Chief Paul Watlington of Burlington (NC) FD is a 24-year fire service veteran, owner of Impact Fire Training, and presents regularly around the country including FDIC. In this episode Paul discusses the role of the pump operator, the importance of working driver/operators, troubleshooting, mindset, training and traits needed to succeed at a high level in the pump operator position. Paul drops some practical knowledge and experience that is sure to improve all would-be pump operators, current D/O's, as well as company officers and chief officers looking to improve their pump operator training programs and drills. Turn up your dial and enjoy!

Episode 65 welcomes special guest, Ljay Geist out of Garden City (KS) FD to the show. We discuss his love for engine work, his recent work with HEN nozzles and his initial impression of the HEN nozzle in interior firefighting. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into leadership specifically from the perspective of those not in formal leadership positions. Ljay lays the groundwork for having a positive impact on your crew, firehouse and organization. This episode is about street level leadership and how to capitalize on it to build better fire departments!

Episode 64 welcomes special guest, Julio Ramos to the show to take a technical deep dive into common saws used in the fire service. Julio is an 18-year student of the trade currently serving as a Lieutenant on a squad company in a major metropolitan department in central Florida. He is owner/operator of Fireground and Special Operations, LLC and has instructed at numerous conferences across the country. This episode is a cut above (pun intended)! Julio breaks down the ins and outs of fire service saws. From getting in detail about design, specs, blade and chain types, electric vs gas power saw applications, to inspection & maintenance guidelines and tactical recommendations, this episode is absolutely packed with practical knowledge, wisdom and experience that will elevate your saw game to a whole new level! You're going to want a pad and paper for this educational gem! So, grab a drink and enjoy!

Episode 63 welcomes special guest, Todd Edwards to the show to discuss suburban strategies, tactics and training. Todd brings 43 years of experience to the table. Notably, Todd faithfully served in numerous capacities over 30+ years with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is the founder and lead instructor at Fire Life Training and has been instrumental in conducting a variety of high-quality fire service training and education programs across the nation. In this episode we examine variables impacting strategic and tactical decision making specifically through the lens of the minimally staffed suburban fire service. We also examine the importance of realistic training and how it can greatly improve our chances for success when the bell rings. Grab a cold (or warm) drink and enjoy! This episode is packed with some great nuggets from a man who truly loves and gives back to the job! ​

Episode 62 welcomes our friend and brother, Aaron Zamzow to the show. Zam is a 20-year fire service veteran serving as a Lieutenant with the Madison (WI) Fire Department. He is head coach at Fire Rescue Fitness, has 30 years of experience as a fitness trainer, and holds a bachelor's degree in health and wellness. He hosts the Better Every Shift podcast, has authored numerous fire service articles and was recently featured on the cover of Crackyl Magazine. This episode explores functional health and fitness as it pertains to the fire service. Zam explains why a wholistic approach to the job is important and gives great tips for improving your health and fitness game. If you're struggling with those new year's resolutions, need help getting started or just want to up your health and fitness game, this episode is sure to motivate and inspire you to do better! 

We're Baaaaaaack! Season 5 kicks off with a dynamite episode featuring special guest, Scott Hewlett! Scott is a 26-year fire service veteran currently serving as a Training Officer in an urban fire department in southern Ontario, Canada. Scott is also founder and host of the Multiple Calls podcast. The crew takes a hard look at mindset, personal growth and mental health in the fire service. We can't think of a better way to start the new year and the new season than talking shop with our brother north of the border. Cheers!

Sean and Nick wrap up season 4 with special guest, Frank Viscuso. Chief Viscuso retired with the rank of Deputy Chief in New Jersey, has written numerous Fire Engineering articles, is an accomplished author of 12 books including Step Up and Lead, Common Valor and Flashpoint, was Keynote speaker at FDIC in 2022 and travels the country speaking on leadership to fire service, private sector and military personnel. This episode is packed with leadership gold as Chief Viscuso drops some serious knowledge, experience and wisdom! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! We can't think of a better person to close out season 4. Cheers!

Nick and Sean team up with Nick Ledin and Jeff Bryant of the Fire Nuggets podcast in this EPIC crossover episode! The gang discusses training, search culture, two in/two out, what it takes to run a successful fire training event, engine operations and more.

Episode 58 is coming at you fast as we welcome special guest, Justyn Fraize to the show to get his thoughts on building a strong fire culture in the suburban fire service. Justyn is a 25-year veteran of the fire service currently serving as Captain of Squad 18 in the Colony (TX) FD. Justyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a fireman, instructor and family man. He's on numerous instructor cadres around the nations including Build Your Culture, Citizens First Fire Training, Forge Fire, H.O.T. FOOLS and the Georgia Smoke Diver Association (GSD #950). In addition to discussing suburban fire culture, we also dive into training, education, physical and mental conditioning, and leadership to name a few. Grab a couple drinks and enjoy!

Sean and Nick welcome special guest, Ryan McCormick to the show to talk about what it takes to build a winning team in the fire service. Ryan is Fire Chief of Alexander (AR) Fire-Rescue and the Collegeville Volunteer Fire Department. He's founder of the First In Fire Conference and brings 25 years of both career and volunteer experience to the show. This episode takes a deep dive into why there seems to be such a disconnect nowadays between chiefs and line personnel, the importance of mindset and training, navigating the waters of leadership vs management, balancing risk management with the inherently dangerous nature of the job, and how to build winning fire department teams. Grab a beverage and enjoy!

This episode welcomes special guest, Danny Beauvais to the show to discuss what it truly means to be a student of our beloved craft. Danny is a fireman with the Mooresville (NC) Fire Department and founder of the Student of the Game fire podcast. Danny has been on the job for over two decades and brings a ton of knowledge, wisdom and passion to the table. This episode dives into mindset, training, conditioning and something all true fire service professionals possess: a constant hunger to learn and improve. 

Please join us as we welcome to the show Chief Ryan Gates of the Cayce (SC) Fire Department. Ryan is also co-founder of Soda City Training and the Truck Company Misfits podcast. This episode takes a close look at firefighting in suburbia. From strategies and tactics, to challenges faced, tips for being more effective, suburban truck culture, to command's view of the suburban fireground, this episode covers all the bases! Grab a drink and turn up that dial, 'cause episode 55 is coming at you from the top ropes!

This episode welcomes special guest, Brandon Cory to the show to talk all things RIT. Brandon is a firefighter/paramedic with the Marquette City (MI) Fire Department, authored a chapter in the book "30 Fires You Need to Know" with Chief Billy Goldfeder and Frank Leeb, is a published author with FireRescue1.com and is part of the Build Your Culture cadre. Part I of Episode 54 dives into the physical, tactical, mental and emotional components of a call where Brandon was deployed as the RIT team on a LODD at a working structure fire. Brandon shares his experience, insights and the struggles that followed that fateful day. Part I is certain to challenge each and every one of us to be better firefighters and people and is dedicated to the memory of Captain Ben Lauren who paid the ultimate sacrifice on March 13, 2020. Rest Easy Brother.