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In this episode, Brendan McDonough shares his powerful story of survival, grief, and recovery after the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed the lives of 19 of his brothers. He discusses the impact of trauma, the journey to sobriety, and how faith and community played a vital role in healing. Brendan McDonough shares his inspiring journey of overcoming tragedy, addiction, and finding purpose in the fire service. Brendan reminds all of us the power of resilience, the importance of mental health, and the power of faith and community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Brendan McDonough's background 00:26 Introduction to Brendan McDonough's Journey 02:56 The Yarnell Hill Fire: What happened and its significance 03:10 The Impact of Personal Loss and the Fire Service 07:12 The Making of 'Only the Brave' and Honoring Heroes 09:58 Brendan's early life, firefighting career, and the 2013 fire 12:14 The Role of Faith and Community Support 16:01 Overcoming Addiction and Embracing Sobriety 20:04 The fire's progression and Brendan’s role as a lookout 20:18 Returning to Firefighting and Leadership 24:00 The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care 27:58 Lessons in Humility and Service 30:06 The fire's rapid change and the deployment of fire shelters 31:56 Future Goals and Continuing the Mission 36:00 Final Thoughts and Words of Inspiration 40:12 The tragedy unfolds: loss of 19 firefighters 50:01 Brendan’s immediate reactions and survivor’s guilt 59:48 The aftermath: grief, community support, and personal struggles 01:10:03 Brendan’s journey to sobriety and faith 01:20:04 The role of therapy and counseling in healing 01:29:53 Reflections on the media, movie, and legacy 01:40:12 Lessons learned and messages of hope and resilience You can find Brendan McDonough Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/001wXxUp Partnered with Firefighter Nation: https://www.firefighternation.com/podcasts/ Energized by The Energy Drink: https://theenergydrink.com/ Thank you to Industrial Protection Services for sponsoring this episode: https://www.ipp-ips.com/

In this Episode, I had an opportunity to learn more about Jason Yerkovich, a battalion chief with nearly two decades in the fire service, as he talks through the path that took him from art director to firefighter, and how that journey shaped his view of leadership, family, and service. It centers on the idea that the job only works when you stay human, stay teachable, and bring the best of the firehouse home with you. We discuss the cultural side of the fire service, including bad leadership, training, accountability, and why self-awareness matters just as much as technical skill. Jason also shares the personal experiences behind his book, Carrying the Fire, and why therapy, vulnerability, and servant leadership are part of building better firefighters and better people. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:46 Jason's Journey from Art Director to Fire Service 04:31 Leadership, Fatherhood, and Building Camaraderie 07:58 Balancing Family Life with a Demanding Career 11:47 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability 15:12 Overcoming Challenges and Developing Leadership Skills 19:52 The Role of Social Media in Modern Leadership 25:10 Handling Difficult Conversations and Performance Issues 29:49 The Importance of Self-Reflection and Continuous Growth 34:56 Building a Culture of Respect and Accountability 40:07 Advice for Emerging Leaders in Emergency Services 45:03 Closing Remarks and Resources Check out Jason Yerkovich book available on AMAZON: https://a.co/d/0hI5ECVL Visit The Energy Drink Use code-Nozzle Tov for 20% oof! https://theenergydrink.com/ Visit Engine House Designs Check out my Nozzle Tov hats! https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/products/nozzle-tov-hat?_pos=1&_psq=nozzle&_psid=035ac7eba&_ss=e Visit R1P Fuels! Get some energy with no crash! https://r1pfuel.com/ Check out Dinges Fire Company See what they can do for you!! https://www.dingesfire.com/

In this episode, Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a firefighter and a man of faith. He discusses the impact of trauma, the importance of faith, and how to find hope and healing through faith and community. Jason Sautel shares his inspiring journey from firefighter to evangelist, emphasizing the importance of mental, spiritual, and physical resilience. He discusses his book, the impact of sharing personal stories, and how faith and community support can help overcome life's challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:29 Introduction to Jason Sautel's journey and mission 02:03 Growing Up in California and Early Influences 02:42 The impact of sharing personal stories and writing the book 04:03 Childhood Trauma and Lack of Love 07:05 Getting Into Firefighting by Grace of God 07:24 The role of faith in overcoming adversity 12:04 Building resilience through mental, spiritual, and physical health 13:03 The Downward Spiral and Mental Health Struggles 17:48 The importance of community, leadership, and leading by example 22:30 Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing authenticity 23:54 Finding Faith and Hope in Christianity 27:05 The ripple effect of the book and helping others 29:00 Near-Death Experience and Spiritual Awakening 32:19 The significance of early resilience training in firefighting 36:04 Writing Books and Spreading Hope 36:57 Jason's message to those struggling and the power of hope 37:56 The Power of Faith and Seeking Help 42:09 Closing thoughts and how to connect with Jason https://theenergydrink.com/ https://www.ipp-ips.com/

What happens when two firefighters from different backgrounds connect over shared experiences? In this episode, Mike Goldstein welcomes Rob Masters to discuss their journeys in the fire service, the challenges they faced, and the importance of speaking up about issues that often go unaddressed. Rob Masters began his firefighting career later in life, starting at 37 after years in the dog training business. Rob and Mike share a bond rooted in their experiences at the same fire department. They reflect on how their paths intertwined through social media, sparking conversations about the realities of the fire service that many are hesitant to discuss. Check out The Energy Drink Enter Nozzle Tov-Get 20% off! https://theenergydrink.com/ Visit Industrial Protection Services See what they can do for you! https://www.ipp-ips.com/

This conversation follows Mike Goldstein and guest Carter Shaw as Carter shares his path through fire service, military service, and the devastating loss of his lieutenant and close friend, Kyle Hines, to suicide. The episode turns a personal tragedy into a practical warning about what to look for, how departments miss signs, and why peer support and therapy cannot be an afterthought. Carter Shaw brings firsthand experience from the fire service, the military, and a deeply personal recovery process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:59 Carter Shaw's background and journey into the fire service 04:00 What draws people to the fire service and the mindset required 06:02 The challenge of separating personal life from firefighting 09:01 Signs leading up to the suicide of Carter’s lieutenant 14:06 The traumatic call and its impact on Carter and his team 20:06 The warning signs and mental health struggles of Carter’s lieutenant 23:55 Department response, debriefing, and resources available 30:05 The importance of mental health support and seeking help 39:58 Carter’s personal recovery and ongoing mental health journey 49:55 Resources for first responders and their families 57:11 Final thoughts and message of hope and support Frontline Strong- https://fst5.org/ NextRung- https://www.nextrung.org/ First Responder Center For Excellence- https://firstrespondercenter.org/ The Energy Drink-Use Nozzle Tov for 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode, Mike Goldstein sits down with Dylan Brown, the founder of The Unmasked Fireman, for a straight-up conversation about fire service culture, fitness, humility, and leadership. Dylan shares how his page became a place to talk honestly about the job, the good and the bad, and why he believes accountability starts with the person in the mirror. They also dig into smoke diver training, staying grounded after hard-earned accomplishments, and how social media can either build up or drag down the fire service. If you care about becoming a better firefighter without losing your edge, this one is worth your time. https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode, I sit down with Chief Clyde Gordon for a wide ranging interview about his time in the fire service, including more than three decades with the Houston Fire Department. The conversation centers on the leadership lessons Chief Gordon learned the hard way, the responsibility officers have for training and accountability, and how modern tactics must adapt to midrise, townhome, and short staffed operations. Chief Clyde Gordon shares personal stories from the fireground and from his life outside the job, including the loss of a firefighter that reshaped his leadership style and the impact the fire service had on a young man named Rodney who later became part of his family. It is an honest, practical conversation about standards, courage, and why doing the right thing matters more than being liked. Visit The Energy Drink, Use the discount code NOZZLE TOV to receive 20% off your order https://theenergydrink.com/ Visit Industrial Protection Services for all of your fire service needs in the New Hampshire Area. https://ipp-ips.com/

In this episode I sit down with Jordan LaPoint as we unpack a messy fight over leadership, staffing, and accountability in a Michigan fire department. Jordan explains how a proposed fire district, personnel actions, and a hostile work environment led to multiple resignations and a legal battle that is still unfolding. We discuss what it looks like when a department loses trust from the inside out, why members stay quiet, and what happens when speaking up puts your career at risk. Jordan also shares why he ultimately resigned, what the remaining staffing looks like, and why the community could feel the consequences most. Visit The Energy Drink https://theenergydrink.com/ Enter Nozzle Tov for 20% off

In this episode I sit down with husband and wife coaching team Sarah and TJ Prieur about the systems, habits, and mindset shifts that helped them move from overwhelm and fight or flight into a more intentional family and professional life. They also unpack TJ’s traumatic fireground experiences, how those calls affected his nervous system, and why mindfulness, communication, and structure matter so much for first responders and their families. In this interview, Sarah and TJ share how clarity, boundaries, and daily routines can reduce chaos at home and at work. They also explain how their coaching approach blends practical structure with mindset, trauma awareness, and family-centered living. Visit The Energy Drink Enter Nozzle Tov and get 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/ https://ipp-ips.com/ Honor Captain Joshua Laird https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/joshua-d-laird/

Linda Crane is a Colorado firefighter/EMT, founder of Salty Sirens Training, and a national fire service instructor dedicated to developing competent, confident, and resilient firefighters. She has taught at regional and national conferences on topics including search operations, victim removal, ladders, VEIS, forcible entry, hose movement, firefighter health, leadership, and performance. In this episode, Linda Crane shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a fire service family to becoming a firefighter and founder of Salty Sirens Training. She discusses her advocacy work, training philosophy, and how she empowers women and first responders through education and mentorship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:18 Linda Crane's journey into the fire service 03:37 Her advocacy work with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation 05:31 Creating Salty Sirens Training and its mission 07:37 Overcoming negativity and online trolls 08:50 Her involvement in fire service conferences and mentorship 11:35 Getting into the fire service as a woman 13:52 Physical training, fitness, and passing the CPAT 23:28 Inspiration behind Salty Sirens and representation 27:18 Building a high-performance training culture 33:32 Handling criticism and staying resilient 40:54 Balancing passion, humility, and authenticity 49:01 Specialized skills and training in the fire service 54:47 Connecting with Linda for training and mentorship 01:02:11 Closing remarks and future plans Visit The Energy Drink-Use NOZZLE TOV for 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/ Visit Engine House Designs LLC Get yourself a Nozzle Tov Hat! https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/products/nozzle-tov-hat?_pos=1&_psq=nozz&_psid=bc011f430&_ss=e Check out Notorious Fire and visit my on line shop! https://notoriousfireshops.com/the_can_report/shop/home

In this episode of The CAN Report, I sit down with Jon Kasouf of Big Apple Fire Tactics for a deep conversation about the journey from volunteer fire service to the FDNY, the realities of training, and why standpipe operations matter so much in modern fireground operations. Jon shares how he got the urge to be a firefighter early as a kid in Central New York, grew up around volunteer fire service, and eventually worked through the long process of joining the FDNY. He talks about the culture shock of moving from a smaller department into one of the busiest fire departments in the world, and what it meant to earn his place in Manhattan’s Engine Company 65 before moving to truck company work. Jon explains how remembering where he came from has helped him avoid ego and stay focused on the craft. Jon and I also discuss the pressure of teaching in public, the challenge of breaking into the conference circuit, and how feedback from students has shaped John’s growth as an instructor. https://bigapplefiretactics.com/ Check out The Energy Drink Enter NOZZLE TOV, Get 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode, Anthony Gallane shares his inspiring journey of overcoming a traumatic spinal injury, the importance of brotherhood in the fire service, and leadership lessons learned through decades of experience. Discover how resilience, mindset, and integrity can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. In this episode, Tony Gillan and I delve into the realities of firefighting careers, the importance of legacy, mentorship, and maintaining passion for the job amidst challenges. We explore how to build a supportive fire community and the value of continuous learning and leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Jazmyne Alston, a firefighter /EMT from Douglas County Fire and EMS, as she shares how she found her calling in emergency services after starting in healthcare. Jazmyne opens up about the grind of balancing school, two jobs, and motherhood, plus the public backlash she faced after a graduation post went viral. We also cover the value of strong instructors, the power of class camaraderie, and how kindness on and off the fireground can change lives. https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/ https://www.ipp-ips.com/ The Energy Drink- Enter NOZZLE TOV for 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode Jonathan Brumley, Lieutenant with the Denver Fire Department, talks us through engine company fundamentals, hose and nozzle selection, and the realities of standpipe and high-rise operations. The conversation is especially useful for firefighters who want practical ways to improve nozzle work, understand target flows, and build attack packages that match their district and staffing. We discuss how experience across multiple departments shaped Jonathan’s approach, why technique matters more than size on the nozzle, and how live fire, conferences, and honest critique accelerate growth. https://www.ipp-ips.com/ https://www.enginehousedesigns.com/ The Energy Drink- Enter NOZZLE TOV for 20% off https://theenergydrink.com/

In this episode, I sit down with retired Deputy Chief Frank Viscuso for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, failure, and the fire service culture that shapes both. Frank shares hard-earned lessons from decades in New Jersey fire service, from managing conflict and accountability to building trust without becoming soft on standards. We discuss how real leadership is built through experience, reflection, and the willingness to learn from mistakes. Frank also explains why commitment matters more than motivation, and why the best leaders combine compassion with high expectations. https://fireengineeringbooks.com/shop-all-products/step-up-and-lead/?srsltid=AfmBOorUnz9jd_yatTIJUI0brLzTa8SU1eC9locaO0Clm75alnJBdR7T Visit The Energy Drink- Enter NOZZLE TOV to get 20% off. https://theenergydrink.com/