The Firefighters Podcast

• #399 LEADERS AS GARDENER'S: Building Psychological Safety and Future Ready Fire Services with Ann Millington OBE - Chief Executive of Kent Fire and Rescue Service

  In this episode, I sit down with Ann Millington to dig into what leadership really looks like in the fire and rescue services today. We talk about psychological safety, building no-blame cultures, and navigating the messy reality of budget cuts and complex organizational structures. Ann shares why inclusion and well-being aren’t optional extras but the foundation of effective teams, and we get into how emotional resilience and strong communication can change the way leaders show up.What really stuck with me is Ann’s view that great leaders are gardeners — cultivating growth, recognizing super strengths, and creating space for people to thrive. Together we explore mentorship, coaching, feedback, and recognition, while also looking ahead to the big challenges around innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in our service. This was a conversation full of honesty and practical wisdom, and I think it’ll challenge you to rethink leadership in the fire service.Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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• #398 REMEMBERING THE 343: Firefighters United for the 911 Memorial Stair Climb

  I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend Scotty Hewson to talk about his remarkable journey through aviation, firefighting, and service. Scotty shared how his love for helicopters started as a child at an air show with his grandfather, a passion that carried him into the Army Air Corps where he served as a Lynx crewman and door gunner. His story is one of resilience, setbacks, and determination, and it gave us a chance to reflect on how the skills and lessons of military life cross over into the fire service.Our conversation then turned to something deeply close to both our hearts: the Terry Farrell Memorial Stair Climb. Scotty spoke about his first climb in 2016 and how it sparked a mission that’s grown into one of the biggest firefighter efforts ever undertaken in the UK. Together we explored the plans for September 2026, when 343 UK firefighters will travel to Atlanta to climb in honour of the 343 FDNY firefighters lost on 9/11. This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a call to unity, remembrance, and service, and I’m proud to share it.JOIN US BY REGISTERING HEREAccess all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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• #397 NORTHANTS FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE 2025 DEBRIEF

  In this episode I'm joined by my good friend Dean Keeber to celebrate the very first Northants Firefighter Challenge, hosted at the stunning Rushden Lakes. We explore the unique course design, the overwhelming community support from sponsors, volunteers, and cadets, and highlight inspiring athlete performances including overall winner Matt Adams, Dettie Bala, and Matt Weston. Dean also shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of organising the event and why the future looks so bright for this growing competition.Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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• FIREFIGHTER FOUNDATIONS: Pressurised Staircases in UK High-Rise Buildings

  In this episode of the Firefighters Podcast, we dive deep into the role of pressurised staircases in UK high-rise buildings. These engineered systems are designed to keep smoke out of escape routes, protecting residents during evacuation and giving firefighters a safe access path to the fire floor. We explore how they work, why they matter, and the fire science behind pressure differences, flow paths, and smoke movement.We also break down the challenges for crews on the ground from over-pressurisation and door discipline to wind-driven conditions and system failures. With practical takeaways, real-world case studies, and a strong focus on firefighter safety, this episode gives you the knowledge to protect the stairwell as your lifeline on the fireground.The Firefighting Foundations mini-series is a focused collection of episodes designed to lay down the essential building blocks of our craft. It’s not a complete manual, and it doesn’t claim to be.Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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• #396 FIREFIT WORLD RECORD HOLDER BRAD DICKS

  Today I’m speaking with Brad Dicks, firefighter, father, and the current world record holder in FireFit, the ultimate test of speed, strength, and resilience in the fire service.Brad opens up about the mindset and discipline it takes to compete at the highest level, from relentless training and visualization, to the resilience that keeps him going when others burn out. He shares stories of community, mentorship, loss, and the balance between chasing excellence and staying grounded at home.This conversation goes beyond competition. It’s about grit, humility, mental health, and what it means to keep pushing your limits while still living a full, balanced life. And with the 2025 FireFit Canadian National and World Championships (Sept 10–15, St. Catharines, Ontario) on the horizon, Brad is once again stepping up to prove that the champion mindset is about more than winning.....it’s about how you play the game.Access all episodes, documents, GIVEAWAYS & debriefs HEREJoin me on the United for 9/11: Memorial Stair Climb – Atlanta 2026 HEREPodcast Apparel, Hoodies, Flags, Mugs HEREPODCAST GIFT - FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyIDEXFIRE & EVACUATION SERVICE LTD HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydratedSend us a textSupport the show***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.*** Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

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