Tailboard Talks Firefighter Podcast

Send us a textThis episode originally aired in Feb of 2023, and we're still playing the 'sick or allergies' game today.  Some firefighters are stingy with their sick time and will always blame allergies no matter how obvious their illness is.  Others are just looking for a reason to call in and barely need a sniffle.The decision to workout or not when you're sick can be an extremely easy one, or a real hand wringer.  But, in this episode I give a couple simple tips and guidelines to keep in mind.We're also talking about a very common theory that suggests you are more prone to sickness and infection following bouts of intense exercise.  This has a strong foothold in the endurance world but there is a large body of evidence to dispute it.Here is a great paper that goes into way more detail on the subject https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00648/fullThank you for listening and please follow the affiliate links below.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textInformal leadership is the absolute lifeblood of a functioning firehouse.  Firefighters want to be counted on in the streets and given massive responsibilities  during emergencies.  But for an officer to trust you during an emergency, they have to first trust that you can handle yourself the other 75% of the time.Solving problems, pushing activity, and being the go-to crew is more than just showing up on game day for a fire.  Most of our careers and problems are not fire based, but they are personnel based. Becoming an informal leader in the station is the best way to be trusted with leadership on the streets.Also, did you hear Athletic Greens ( AG1 ) is a total disaster and founded by a criminal?  Turns out the green powder is not only useless for health, but also rooted in crime and fraud. But their marketing was top notch so who knew.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textThis episode was originally titled Diversify Your Happiness and was posted earlier this year.  After a short story about Nathan's bike crash record, we talk about building out a list of stuff you can do to get your mind right.Having a pre set list or at least a mental algorithm of things to do can keep us happy and healthy instead of idle and frustrated.  Firefighters have an inherent drive to be busy but can also get completely locked up and lost in their phones when looking for a distraction.  Mental health in the fire service is no joke and too much screen time is a direct competitor to our wellbeing when used as a crutch.Being nose deep in the phone has its place but it is easier than ever to make that the default setting.  By building out your menu of interests and activities you can better serve yourself and the public.So build out your list and be the firefighter you know you want to be.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textYour ability to consider something a challenge or a threat has direct implications on you success.  And as ridiculous as it sounds, your body will fire off different chemicals for challenges than it does for things you consider threats.  Cortisol is the main player in so many of our health and wellness issues and threats make your body secrete it at a rapid pace.Adrenaline is the challenge chemical and it's the one that will get you across the finish line.  Preparing for the job in ways that test your physical and mental capacity will help you view difficult tasks and situations and challenges and help you succeed.Thanks for listening and check out the website for discounts and free downloads.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textStephanie White is the new Managing Editor of FirefighterNation.com. I spoke with her over year ago and we talked about all things pregnancy in the fire service.  Her work with the Beltane Guild assisted departments in writing policies and procedures for pregnancy and postpartum as well as grants for those struggling to start a family.  One thing to remember is that better policies for females equals better policies for all in the fire service.  Here is our conversation the first time we sat down, and you can absolutely look forward to a new on in the near future.Original show notes: 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 After Midnight Podcast.Stephanie speaks from personal experience and integrates contemporary science and research to inform, educate, and improve the fire service.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textHit the Buy Me A Coffee Button if you like the show!Firefighter Nation launched earlier this month and they're doing some very good things.  I'm giving a quick look at their mission and what they are delivering to the fire service.Then I'm giving a nod to a lieutenant who is retiring this month.  I worked with this guy in the last couple years and he has been throwing around a saying that stuck with me.  Suffering is not a prerequisite.  I'd like to hear your opinion on what that means to you and what you think of my interpretation. There are lessons for old guys and new firefighters alike so please let me know if any of this resonates.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textThis week is all about making training work for you.  Three ways that firefighters can increase their success on the training ground and the instructors can set the membership up for success.The original air date of this episode was 70 episodes ago in 2023.  The points are still valid and I'm planning on taking them for some new content in the future.Check out www.4thshiftfirefighter.com for discounts and free downloadsSupport the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textGo to 4thShiftFirefighter.com and download the new free PDF's that are available.  Daily DOSE, 14-ish, the Firefighter Wellness Ladder, and the Strength Workout Template.Training new firefighters is a tough task and even harder when we can't get out of the way.  I'm hitting some points that I've seen and used when training probationary members.Patience is number one, limit their options, and give them the freedom to make the tasks work with the assets they already have.  These are three of the biggest lessons that will help build strong and effective firefighters.Thank you for listening and check out my affiliates on the website for discounts.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textNo matter your rank, you will eventually asked to do more "Stuff". Whether that's run reports, EMS call review, training audits, lesson plans, or whatever other admin/clerical work needs to get done to keep the wheels moving.That stuff is part of the job, but for many it can also be the thing that ruins the job.  Boundaries in the fire service are a weird thing and vary greatly depending on the setting and nature of the request.  Refusing to pump an additional line is easy if you don't have enough supply but telling the boss that you can't work on a spreadsheet because you don't have enough time is a different conversation.Firefighters need to balance the street with the desk and doing that is more and more difficult.  I go over some common issues as well as some ideas for managing the situations we find ourselves in.Please support the show by using the Buy Me A Coffee button and consider becoming a subscription member.Thank you.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textThank you for listening, watching, donating coffee money, buying stickers, sharing posts, and sending messages.  This podcast is an evolving project and we're entering a new phase of growth.We're also talking about some finer points on the wellness ladder.  The tendency of firefighters to regain control through destructive measures and the interplay of behavioral and mental health.The 4th Shift Firefighter and Tailboard Talks Podcast are yours.  And I can't wait to see where we take it.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textYou'll get it all in this episode.  Rankings of the most dangerous robots and monsters, Nathans outlook on firefighter fitness, and at least one complete sentence.Maybe it's true that everything you need to know you learned in kindergarten.  Nathan already knows that working out in your fire gear is not the way to go.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textPrevent, reduce, and even fix your back pain by taking one small half step backwards.  The traditional foot position of squatting and deadlifting may be the cause for your back injury.  Luckily there is a simple way to adjust that position that will let you be strong and effective on the fire ground and over the course of your career.Firefighters get tasked with lifting heavy, awkward, and non compliant weight from the ground on a regular basis.  Your ability to do that over and over again for decades is what matters and this small adjustment can buy you some time.The stagger or kickstand stance is a great way to work around the restrictions of your fire gear and avoid light duty.Send this one to a firefighter or your favorite meat head who has back pain or is working on avoiding a back injury.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textFor 16 years of full time employment, Katie and I have done a good job of living within our means.  Looking ahead to big purchases and saving or pinching pennies or budgeting so we could either put down a sizable down payment or pay it off in full.Buying something big and working OT to pay for it was not in our playbook and it made for some tense times but the cost of being at work just wasn't worth buying more stuff.But then last week I bought a giant truck, went and got a loan, and I'm working one OT a month to pay for it.  Loserville.  But we have a big awesome truck to tow around our giant camper so how mad can I be?  I guess we'll find out.I give some words of caution on spending and some advice when those big purchases are coming down the pipe.  Enjoy and keep those bills tight.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textRace Week! I'm heading to Lincoln, Nebraska for a 78 mile gravel race and this week has been jam packed.  Today alone I bough a new truck, took the truck and camper to the shop to get the hitch adjusted, then sold my old truck to Carmax.  Since I still can't manage my time, this week is a repost of one of the most popular episodes.  Enjoy, share, rate, and review.  If you're really motivated please find the Buy Me A Coffee button and show your support that way! Thank you!Testing, 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, service, and learning.As a bonus, the next batch of episodes will have some True Detective talk since the fourth season just kicked off.  No real spoilers in this one but more to come.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textIf you give a firefighter ten bucks he'll ask you if you have a 20.  It's in our nature to want more, ask for more, and not be satisfied with what we're given.  But when it comes to your fitness, the buck stops with you.This company started as a fitness company and expanded to be a firefighter lifestyle brand.  That does not afford a zero fault relationship with fitness vs the fire service.The 4th Shift is all about the things you do above, and next to your career to make you more capable and durable on the job and away from it.  Fitness is an evergreen subject that will always require more effort than just the hour you can attempt on shift.Please respond to this episode with your feedback and feel free to tell me how wrong I am.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textStuff gets weird quick when a promotable position is on the line.  Friends become competition and a surprising amount of emails get sent to 'all'I'm going over three things to do and one thing to avoid at all costs during promotional testing season.  The move from Firefighter to Lieutenant or Captain is a big one and the stress and disruption that the test causes is a great indicator of that.Once that reading list gets posted, stuff is about to get weird.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textJust because your back feels tight does not mean it needs to be stretched. That tightness could actually be a protective measure and here you come trying to stretch it out of existence!This is just one of the points touched on in this episode. Firefighters are quick to turn to stretching and the idea that getting more flexible is the answer for reducing injuries.  But what if you need less stretching and more mobility?If you like the episode please share it with someone and visit the 4thshiftfirefighter.com site for discounts and offers.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textI almost had to throw someone out of the kitchen at work after witnessing some inappropriate behavior. I'd love your take on the situation.Then I'm talking about some frustrations I had when a friend came to me and showed me the workouts he was doing at his new gym.  Firefighters love intensity and the fitness world is filled with people willing to pour it on and make you feel tired, even if it doesn't help you do your job better.But of course I leave you with some fundamental framework for some of the most effective workout builder methods I have.Be on the lookout for the 14-ish PDF, the Strength Builder Template, and the Daily DOSE PDF on the 4thShiftFirefighter.com site soon.Thanks and if the mood strikes you, donate some coffee money to support the show.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textSlow down and make a good decision then be as aggressive as possible carrying out that plan.All out non-stop aggression can drive us head first into bad situations if our excitement puts blinders on our decision making.  Firefighters only have so much information and a short time to make decision on scene, but you don't need to make it even harder on yourself by rushing.We're also in the first week of another 14-ish Not Too Difficult, and I give a brief overview of what that is and why I like it over any 30 or 75 day grind.Check out the 4thShiftFirefighter.com site for discount codes, episodes, and more.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a textOf course it is, but how you do it is more important than when you do it.  If nobody had a critical thought about how we do things, we might still be feeding horses and passing buckets.  The fire service has come a long way and mostly by figuring out better ways to do stuff.If you're a newer firefighter this episode has some tips on the "right" way to talk about the weak points of your department.  But beware that the wrong way will send a clear message that you're a 2-20 or an IKE.There's some stuff for old guys too.  You know the ones who are the loudest at the table and get some good laughs poking holes in the organization but haven't offered anything in the way of suggestions or improvements.Share this episode with a whiner.Support the showAffiliate links:Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% offFourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strapAthletic Brewing- Code TTFP10Submit topics/request guests Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.