In this episode, Tim and Mickey dive deep into the heart of what keeps the fire service strong: standards, tradition, and legacy. They explore how the old-school values of the job shape today’s firehouse culture and the delicate balance between honoring the past while adapting to modern challenges.

The highlight of the episode is Tim’s detailed step-by-step breakdown of a challenging cellar fire his company faced. He recounts the critical decisions made under pressure, the tactics used to overcome the unique obstacles of a cellar fire and the lessons learned from the experience.

Re Run: Chapter 50. Tim Klett

Scott Thompson, Fire Chief of The Colony, TX Fire Department and author of The Functional Fire Company discusses the importance of strong leadership in the fire service, emphasizing the blue collar nature of firefighting and the need for a culture that prioritizes mentorship and training. He highlights the disconnect between administration and operations, the impact of personal agendas, and the critical balance between recruitment and retention. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating a positive work environment and the role of communication in fostering a successful fire department. 

No excuses and unapologetic, Scott Thompson is as real as it gets.  Find more information about Chief Thompson at -  www.fireserviceleadership.com

🔥 Thanks for tuning in to this episode of National Fire Radio!
We’re more than just a podcast — we’re a movement, connecting the American fire service through conversations about culture, leadership, tradition, and innovation.

📱 Follow us on social media:
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🚨 National Fire Radio — Lighting the spark in the fire service, one story at a time.
#NationalFireRadio #FireServiceCulture #TheSeniorMan #FirefighterPodcast #TraditionTrainingCulture

403. "It's Always the Cheap Seats" - Scott Thompson

In this powerful conversation, Rob sits down with firefighter/paramedic Megan Funk to tackle one of the fastest-growing challenges in emergency services—mental health calls. Megan shares her path into the fire service, the increasing frequency of psychiatric emergencies, and how her department is adapting through hands-on EMS training and a renewed focus on compassionate care. Together, they explore the real-world struggles of patients in crisis, the importance of de-escalation techniques, and how empathy, training, and advocacy can transform how first responders approach mental health. This episode is a call to action for every responder to lead with understanding—and to break the stigma, one call at a time.

Frontline Mindset Episode 42 – FF Megan Funk - Giving Grace on Mental Health

If Not You, Then Who? – A Conversation with Chief Shannon Stone

Description / Narrative:
In this episode of the National Fire Radio Podcast, I sit down with Chief Shannon Stone—a 35-year veteran of the fire service and a true example of what leadership looks like in today’s American firehouse. From firefighter to fire chief, Shannon has served in multiple departments across Florida, and his experience shows.

We talk about staying connected to the job—why he still goes to fires, still trains, and still surrounds himself with people who push him to grow. He breaks down the operational and cultural systems that have transformed the Midway Fire District, including a dynamic peer-reviewed promotional process, clearly defined performance standards, and a hiring philosophy that puts character before credentials.

Shannon drops gold throughout—on leadership, legacy, burnout, and building a firehouse culture that leaves no room for bottom dwellers. From the emotional impact of being a second-generation firefighter, to the responsibility of preparing the next generation, to building a regional alliance where multiple departments train and operate like one—this conversation covers it all.

Key Themes We Dive Into:

Leading from the front and staying operational as a chief

Building accountability-driven promotional processes

The importance of “feeding yourself” through teaching and training

Creating a winning culture in small- and mid-size departments

The influence of family legacy and mentorship in shaping a career

If you're in the fire service and care about culture, performance, and leadership—this episode is for you.

👉 Take this conversation back to the firehouse and talk about it. Because when we’re talking about the job, we’re making the job better.

🔥 Thanks for tuning in to this episode of National Fire Radio!
We’re more than just a podcast — we’re a movement, connecting the American fire service through conversations about culture, leadership, tradition, and innovation.

📱 Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @NationalFireRadio
Facebook: National Fire Radio
YouTube: National Fire Radio
TikTok: @NationalFireRadio
X (Twitter): @NationalFireRadio
LinkedIn: National Fire Radio

🎙 Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform to help us keep growing!

406. “If Not You, Then Who?” Shannon Stone

Join Mickey in a conversation with Lieutenant Jason Redman, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and best-selling author, on my latest episode.

Jason's journey is one of resilience, triumph, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of maintaining high standards in the fire service.

Top Floor Tactics Episode 29. Ret. Navy Seal Lieutenant Jason Redman

In this episode, Jeremy Donch speaks with John Kane, the coordinator of education and outreach for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). They discuss the mission of the NFFF, which is to honor fallen firefighters, assist their families, and prevent future tragedies in the fire service. John shares insights into the various educational programs offered by the NFFF, including in-person training and online resources, aimed at improving firefighter safety and leadership. The conversation also highlights the importance of the Courage to Be Safe initiative and the personal journey of advocacy within the fire service.

407. National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Education and Outreach - John Kane

Espresso downpitched ultra

Postcard (All I Need Is You)

The National Fire Radio Podcast Channel featuring a variety of personalities and their podcasts that capture the essence of the Fire Service.