The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators...
#342 Police Interceptors, consent vs force and the true trauma cost paid by first responders with Ben Pearson
Send us a textThis week, we’re stepping out of the fire station and into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of policing with a truly extraordinary guest.Ben Pearson has spent the last 19 years fighting crime on the front lines as a member of the elite Roads Policing Unit of West Yorkshire Police. As a key figure in Channel 5’s hit series Police Interceptors, Ben has been at the center of some of the most intense and dangerous moments imaginable—chasing down criminals at high speeds, arresting murderers, rapists, and violent offenders, and bringing justice to some of the toughest cases out there. His career has been defined by courage, precision, and a relentless drive to serve and protect.But Ben’s story is about so much more than what you see on TV. It’s a journey that takes us behind the badge, offering an intimate look at the reality of life as a police officer—the highs, the lows, and the toll it can take. After years of dealing with fatal collisions, witnessing unspeakable tragedies, and losing his parents, Ben found himself fighting a battle he never saw coming. His mental health deteriorated under the weight of trauma and loss, and he discovered just how unprepared the system was to help those who serve in such high-stakes roles.connect with Ben HEREBen's Youtube HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX 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 dehydrated and for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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2:17:54
#341 Fighting stereotypes & Clearing a Path for others with Vicky Shakesby MBE
Send us a textToday, we have the privilege of speaking with an extraordinary trailblazer. Vicky Shakesby MBE broke barriers as the first full-time female firefighter in her brigade in the early 1990s, carving a path for women in a field historically dominated by men. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to progress.Connect with Vicky HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX 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 dehydrated and for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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1:29:27
#340 James Braidwood, Paul Grimwood & 200 years of Firefighting with Mike Stachowicz
Send us a textThe Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) celebrated the 200th anniversary of the world's first municipal fire service on October 23, 2024 at St Giles' Cathedral service where The SFRS hosted a commemorative service with the Princess Royal, SFRS staff, politicians, and guests in attendance.The SFRS Chief Officer led the rededication of the statue of James Braidwood, the first Master of Fire Engines and "father of modern fire services". Braidwood's great-great-great granddaughter, Diana Hamilton Jones, was also presentToday’s episode was recorded prior to this celebration alongside and guided by my good friend Mike Stachowicz AKA STACKO so join us as we journey back to the origins of organized firefighting in the United Kingdom, a journey that wouldn’t be possible without the pioneering efforts of one man: James Braidwood. Often recognized as the father of modern firefighting, Braidwood founded the first municipal fire brigade in Edinburgh in the early 19th century, a visionary move that forever changed the way we approach fire control and rescue.Link for FREE content HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20 Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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1:56:47
#339 NOW & NEXT with Pete & Carl
Send us a textGet Involved with the chat - Contribute questions, ideas & topics to be discussed on the podcast using our Firefighter Podcast Burner Phone on 07950 610749 all communication will be treated sensitively & no identity revealed without your permission In todays episode, Pete and Carl discuss the challenges of the email hedonic treadmill of poor communicationthe impact of AI tools like ChatGPTpersonal growth through changing perspectivesreflections on recent podcast gueststhe importance of effective communicationthe need for innovation in firefighter training to address health concerns. the pressing need for collaborative research in the fire serviceinnovative technologies emerging in firefightingdelve into the evolving career paths within the fire and rescue servicesthe attraction to the fire service as a lifelong career, the complexities of promotion processesand the hidden rules of effective leadership. Leadership Link HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX 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 dehydrated and for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
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1:27:39
#338 Firefighter Suicide, Mental health & a conversation on Formalised Academic Curiosity with Researcher Dr Rowena Hill MBE
Send us a textMy guest today is Rowena Hill, Rowena is a Professor in the psychology department at Nottingham Trent University, she is a Professor of Resilience, Emergencies and Disaster Science.Contact Dr Rowena Hill MBE at [email protected] LINKS:Dr Hill NTUNational review of community risk methodology across UK Fire and Rescue ServiceACER GroupFF Health & Wellbeing WorkFF Charity Suicide PreventionGet Involved with the chat - Contribute questions, ideas & topics to be discussed on the podcast using our Firefighter Podcast Burner Phone on 07950 610749 all communication will be treated sensitively & no identity revealed without your permission We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX FootwearGRENADERIP INTO Podcast ApparelLyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this life path.Our driving purpose is to create a legacy resource for the current and future generations of firefighters & first responders
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