Being a firefighter is tough. In addition to the job stress that firefighters face, there’s also an expectation of staying up to date with the latest trends in the fire service. But between firefighting, family, working a second job, or continuing their education, many find it difficult to find the time to keep up with the latest news, education, training, and frontline tactics.
This is where the beauty of podcasts come in. Podcasts are a great form of consuming useful content since they can be played anywhere – at the gym, at home, or in the car.
To spare you some more time, we’ve compiled the 10 best firefighter related podcasts in no particular order. From topics like training and safety to real firefighters sharing their experiences on the job, we hope these will be a great resource to help sharpen your skillset.
1. Firefighter Training Podcast with Peter Lamb
Rating: 4.9/5 (31 ratings)
Episodes to date: 100
Average length per episode: 40 minutes
For those who want to advance their knowledge on firefighter training, safety, and current events, this is the podcast for you. The host of the show is Chief Peter Lamb, a 35-year veteran of the fire service. On top of being an author, Chief Lamb has lectured nationally on a variety of topics, including tactics, incident command, training, and operations.
To start listening, here are some of “the best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Controlling the Response” and “Mutual Aid and Automatic Aid.” Listen to the podcast here.
2. Code 3 Podcast
Rating: 4.4/5 (48 ratings)
Episodes to date: 266
Average length per episode: 20 minutes
This podcast is hosted by award-winning journalist Scott Orr, who has covered the fire/EMS/police beat for most of his 30-plus year career in news. These bite-sized episodes are not only for firefighters but also for those interested in knowing what it takes to be in this field. Join Scott as he interviews a diverse group of individuals involved in the fire service, from Chiefs to Probies to Engineers. To get the most information and resources out of this podcast, head on over to their website. There you can find all the episodes along with information about each guest speaker and the books/articles they have written.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “The Accidental Comedian with Travis Howze” and “Don’t Believe Your Own PR with Ken Himel.” Listen to the podcast here.
3. Side Alpha
Rating: 5/5 (25 ratings)
Episodes to date: 24
Average length per episode: 25 minutes
For those in the fire service, FireRescue1 is a staple for breaking firefighting news, and current firefighting trends and topics. But did you know that they also have a podcast? Side Alpha places the spotlight on fire service leaders and emerging leaders as they discuss hot topics facing firefighters today. It is hosted by Chief Marc Bashoor, Executive Editor of FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Bill Webb talks fire service politics” and “SFFD Lt. Baxter details Pier 45 response efforts.” Listen to the podcast here.
4. Off Duty Podcast
Rating: 4/5 (60 ratings)
Episodes to date: 26
Average length per episode: 1 hour 30 minutes
This podcast is for those who want to unwind and relax after a stressful day on the job. Off Duty is a light-hearted talk show that gives insight into the lives and minds of real-life firefighters. Born at the firehouse coffee table, this comedy podcast will make you feel like you’re just having a casual talk with friends. Join hosts, Chief, Probie, and Ryan as they invite a guest to sit down with them to talk about life.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 2: Jay’s Experience” and “Episode 24: Jury Duty.” Listen to the podcast here.
5. Fit to Fire: Lead Yourself
Rating: 5/5 (224 ratings)
Episodes to date: 60
Average length per episode: 40 minutes
Are you looking to grow in the areas of firefighter fitness and leadership? Then look no further! This podcast explores different topics by asking this to listeners: “Would you want you rescuing you?”. Hosts John Spera and Tom Johnson started this podcast in 2017 because they realized there was an abundance of material on leading others, but not so much on leading yourself. This podcast focuses on helping firefighters take personal ownership and accountability to become successful leaders both in the firehouse and in their personal life.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 47: Adam Maiers” and “Episode 52: Mindset.” Listen to the podcast here.
6. On the Line
Rating: 4.5/5 (29 ratings)
Episodes to date: 31
Average length per episode: 45 minutes
This podcast is geared for today’s wildland firefighters. Get the most up-to-date news about training, tips, and educational information on what to expect as a wildland firefighter. Listen to knowledgeable hosts, Charlie Palmer and Brent Ruby, along with new guests every episode, as they discuss every aspect of this dangerous job.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Nutrition 2.0” and “Firefighters are Burning Out.” Listen to the podcast here.
7. Disaster Dads
Rating: 5/5 (25 ratings)
Episodes to date: 45
Average length per episode: 40 minutes
Need a good laugh? This podcast is hosted by real-life dads who are former volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with over 60 years of cumulative experience. Day-to-day disasters come in many forms, and it’s important to develop the skills to be able to handle them. Casual, lighthearted, and funny, the “Disaster Dads” tell entertaining stories of their own experiences to help you prepare for whatever your next disaster may be.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 27: They Grow Up So Fast” and “Episode 32: It’s a Marathon not a Sprint.” Listen to the podcast here.
8. Firefighter Toolbox Podcast
Rating: 4.8/5 (16 ratings)
Episodes to date: 74
Average length per episode: 30 minutes
This podcast features interviews with firefighters, leaders, and experts to learn what it takes to be a great firefighter and leader. For those who want to expand their skillset, this podcast aims to give the right tools so you can be the best firefighter and leader you can be. The Firefighter Toolbox has a goal to provide firefighters with “positive energy and resources to share with their station, crews, and younger firefighters to reinforce and complement the lessons and training being taught at the station.”
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 47: The 6 C’s in Leadership” and “Episode 65: Improving Fire Scene Cooperation.” Listen to the podcast here.
9. Journeyman Firefighter Podcast
Rating: 4/5 (63 ratings)
Episodes to date: 17
Average length per episode: 1 hour
Here is another podcast that emulates the feeling of talking with your friends around the coffee table in the firehouse. Join hosts Kiel Samsing, Grant Schwalbe, and Andrew Zysk as they interview fire service professionals from various backgrounds and positions. Soak up knowledge from their guests as they talk about why they entered this career, training, their hobbies, and everything in between!
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 4: Aaron Fields” and “Episode 9: Dennis LeGear.” Listen to the podcast here.
10. The Volunteer Firefighter Podcast
Rating: 4.9 (32 ratings)
Episodes to date: 103
Average length per episode: 1 hour
Are you a volunteer firefighter? Then this is the podcast for you. Tune in to each episode to listen to a group of rural volunteer firefighters. They discuss how their department works together to innovate, adapt, and overcome the challenges they face both on and off the fire ground. The Volunteer Firefighter Podcast was created as the founders realized there was a “fairly large gap in information for volunteer departments.” This podcast looks at topics from a volunteer perspective, which sets them apart from other firefighting shows.
Here are some of the “best of the podcast” episodes you might want to check out: “Episode 66: Memorable Structural Fires” and “Episode 97: Armchair Firefighting.” Listen to the podcast here.
Let us know if we missed one of your favorites! Or, take a listen and give us feedback on what you thought of our recommendations.
