Best Zeke Thomas Podcasts (2025)

1
You Don't Shrink Yourself to Make Others Comfortable: Terrell Grice on Success, Haters, and Staying True 55:18

3d ago55:18

55:18

Send us a text What happens when you refuse to dim your light for others' comfort? When you set firm boundaries without apology? When you decide to keep winning despite the whispers of doubt around you? YouTube superstar Terrell Grice joins me to share his remarkable journey from Southern church choir singer to creator of "The Terrell Show" with 2.…

1
USDA And DOI Sign Joint Wildfire Memo. Sec. Rollins Directs Forest Service Wildfire Response In New Order. No Tax On Overtime...? 31:13

9d ago31:13

31:13

On today’s show: To support and subscribe👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Yesterday, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum received their 2025 wildfire briefing in the Forest Service offices and signed a joint wildfire memo afterward. Further, Secretary Rollins issued a memorandum directing the USDA and Forest Service to take immediate acti…

1
Your Flaws Are Your Superpowers: A Conversation with Charli Lark 45:32

10d ago45:32

45:32

Send us a text What happens when you stop hiding your "too much" and embrace it as your superpower? Charli Lark found out after years of playing small. "If the sun doesn't ask permission to shine, why should you?" asks host Alethea in this soul-stirring conversation about breaking free from society's expectations. Singer-songwriter Charli Lark shar…

1
The Secret Weapon for Winery Marketing With Jared Siebert of Vintools 48:06

10d ago48:06

48:06

Meet Jared Siebert, Owner and Developer of Vintools, a company revolutionizing winery eCommerce through smart integrations and streamlined marketing solutions. Jared combines deep web development expertise with a passion for solving real-world challenges in the wine industry. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Learn about Vintools’ offerings an…

1
23 Years As A Fire Wife: The Struggles And Joys Of Wildfire Relationships. Brittany Culbertson joins to discuss what it’s like to be a longtime Fire Wife. 1:09:16

14d ago1:09:16

1:09:16

On Today’s Show: To subscribe and support 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/With wildfire couples starting another season and enduring the struggles that come with that, I thought it would be a great time to have a conversation about exactly this. Brittany Culbertson is a mom of two boys (17 & 20) and a proud Wildland Fire wife for 23 years. S…

1
Owning Your Authenticity: The Spellman Twins on Breaking Barriers 1:14:15

16d ago1:14:15

1:14:15

Send us a text Support the show Have a Good Day On Purpose... YA' WelcomeBy Alethea Crimmins

1
The Timber Executive Orders: Former NEPA Assistant Director For The USDA, Sharon Friedman, Joins To Discuss The Orders. 1:12:11

18d ago1:12:11

1:12:11

On today’s show: To Support and Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ These last couple of weeks, listeners have been asking for an episode of the recent Timber Executive orders on Timber management in the National Forests. So, I invited Sharon Friedman on the show, who has a wealth of knowledge as the former Assistant Director of NEPA …

1
Unbothered: Navigating Haters with Teontee Loves 42:49

24d ago42:49

42:49

Send us a text What happens when you refuse to shrink yourself for anyone? Teontee Loves knows exactly. The viral sensation and music artist joins Alethea Crimmins to deliver a masterclass in authentic self-expression and staying unbothered by critics. "They are bothered because you are unbothered by them trying to bother you." This powerful insigh…

1
Getting Through Critical 80 Healthy, Now What? Sustainable Wellness Through The Fire Season With Jessie Thomas. Jessie is a Former Hotshot, Smokejumper, and now a health and fitness coach. 1:23:44

1M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and support: 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome Jessie Thomas to discuss health and fitness through the fire season. Sometimes, you need to hack the system to make it work for you, as the food and nutrition provided are often subpar. So, Jessie provides solutions for how you make it through the year whil…

1
Living In The Wildland Urban Interface: Insurance Costs Rising, Home Hardening, And Wildfire Risk Maps. Stanford Scholar Michael Wara provides a needed dose of reality. 1:03:29

1M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe and support the show 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With recent developments in Oregon, Idaho, and California regarding their use of wildfire risk maps, the skyrocketing cost of insurance, and the reality of living in the Wildland Urban Interface, Stanford scholar and lawyer Micheal Wara joins the show to prov…

1
Music is the weapon in the war against unhappiness. 47:02

1M ago47:02

47:02

Send us a text "Music is the weapon in the war against unhappiness." These powerful words from Alethea Crimmins capture the heart of this transformative conversation with Broadway performer Nicolas King. From the moment Nicolas steps into the passenger seat, the chemistry is electric. With a voice smooth as silk that's earned him recognition as a m…

1
Burnout Isn't a Badge of Honor: Conversations with Rapper JunoFlo 45:04

1M ago45:04

45:04

Send us a text Hustle culture has convinced us that rest is a reward we haven't earned yet. But what if constant grinding isn't the badge of honor we've been led to believe? What if it's actually killing our creativity and joy? Rapper JunoFlo joins me to unravel how the 24/7 productivity mindset has shaped his 14-year music career. From being raise…

1
Yes, There Is A Draft Executive Order For Wildfire. Here Is What's In It. Also, Oregon scraps wildfire risk map and Oklahoma Governor wants dissolve wildfire agency. 1:04:40

2M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

On today’s show: To subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ There have been ongoing discussions about major changes in the wildfire world for some time now. As significant changes are ongoing across the government, we get our first look at a draft executive order regarding a national wildfire service and more. This includes aviation and c…

1
Steering Your Life: From Self-Doubt to Unshakable Confidence 54:36

2M ago54:36

54:36

Send us a text Ever feel like an imposter in your own life? In this soul-stirring conversation, acclaimed actress Michelle Gomez (Sabrina, The Flight Attendant) slides into the passenger seat to share her thirty-year journey of perseverance against constant rejection and self-doubt. Michelle reveals how career counselors told her to become a secret…

1
Narcissists, Boundaries, and Peace, Oh My!!! 14:32

2M ago14:32

14:32

Send us a text Support the show Have a Good Day On Purpose... YA' WelcomeBy Alethea Crimmins

1
California’s Growing Fuel And Wildfire Problem. A Conversation With Zeke Lunder. Fuels mitigation and prescribed fire are key to the solution. 1:01:21

2M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Zeke Lunder is a Pyro-geographer. His parents fled the Bay Area for the hillbilly sticks of Northeastern California in the late 1970s, when the timber industry was still a major part of the local economy, and Zeke started working in the woods in high school on a Forest Service c…

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Human Lookouts V.S. The Robots... A 35 Year Lookout Veteran, Zeyn O'Leary Gives His Perspective. 51:49

2M ago51:49

51:49

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Zeyn O’Leary, a 35-year veteran fire lookout who has staffed towers since 1991. Zeyn started in the Iron Mountain Lookout on the Willamette National Forest, staffed the Rose Peak Lookout in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, and currently staffs the Mt. Pis…

1
What Happens When You Stop Chasing Potential and Choose Yourself? 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

Send us a text What does it take to transform from walking with your head down to commanding every room you enter? Christine O'Banner—the statuesque beauty from "Too Hot to Handle" and "Perfect Match"—reveals her powerful journey from crippling insecurity to radiant self-confidence. Standing 6'1" with a Nigerian-Dutch background, Christine once str…

1
The Continuing Resolution Deadline, Wildfire Pay, And Wildfire Legislation. Senator Tim Sheehy Joins The Show To Discuss It All. Deadline for passage is Friday night. 16:01

3M ago16:01

16:01

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With less than 48 hours to pass the Continuing Resolution that locks in base wage increases for wildland firefighters, I welcome Senator Tim Sheehy of Montana to discuss where we are. The House passed the Bill this week, and the Senate is expected to vote on it imminently. Will …

1
Trauma, Advocacy, and Reclaiming Your Truth: A Conversation with Zeke Thomas 57:18

3M ago57:18

57:18

Send us a text When nobody believes you, sometimes you have to get on that rooftop and make them hear you. That's exactly what Zeke Thomas did when he shared his sexual assault story on Good Morning America at 27 years old, becoming one of few Black men to publicly speak about such trauma. The talented DJ, producer, and champagne entrepreneur joins…

1
From Hobby to Empire: Claire Sulmers on Breaking into Fashion 44:56

3M ago44:56

44:56

Send us a text Step into the world of fashion with the unstoppable Claire Sulmers, founder of Fashion Bomb Daily. In this captivating episode, Claire shares her incredible journey from a Southern girl facing rejection to a fashion icon redefining representation in the industry. You’ll discover the origins of Fashion Bomb Daily—her platform that emp…

1
Funk Revolution: Hoss on Passion, Perseverance, and Creating Your Own Path 35:01

3M ago35:01

35:01

Send us a text Musician and visionary Hoss joins us for an engaging conversation about Funktacy, his innovative fusion of a record label and magazine. Hyde's journey from DJing and playing instruments to founding Funktacy and Funky C Academy is fueled by his deep-rooted love for funk music and icons like James Brown. Despite the risks, Hyde's reali…

1
Golden Eagles Hotshot Justin DeMoss: The Hotshot Wellness Summit. Mental Health On And Off The Fireline. 59:08

3M ago59:08

59:08

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome Justin DeMoss, current Golden Eagles Hotshot and of Hotshot Wellness. Justin is a dedicated humanitarian with a passion for improving physical, mental, and spiritual health. His mission is to help individuals achieve a better quality of life through holistic wellness. …

1
Getting Fire Ready: JJ Shelley Discusses The Importance Of Nutrition, Sleep, And Health Awareness On The Fireline. Former Marine Infantryman and Arizona Wildland Firefighter. 1:01:34

3M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The last time JJ was on the show, we discussed his study on fire lunches and their effects on the wildland firefighters’ bodies. Since then, he has been working with Hotshot Crews and other fire resources to set them up with the optimal plan to maintain nutrition and health pre,…

1
Florida's Fire Season Is Here: Dr. Ludie Bond, PIO For The Florida Forest Service, Explains The Current Conditions On The Ground. 30:00

3M ago30:00

30:00

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome back Dr. Ludie Bond to discuss the already active Florida Fire season. Conditions across Florida are abnormally dry, and forests are starting to see fire activity they would typically see in March. The recent hurricanes also have impacted fuels, with large swath…

1
Turning Controversy Into Comedy: Sarah Hester Ross on Humor, Motherhood, and Musical Empowerment 47:42

3M ago47:42

47:42

Send us a text Meet the remarkable Sarah Hester Ross, a musical comedian who transformed the pandemic’s limitations into a soaring career. Her viral presence on TikTok and Instagram has opened doors to an Amazon Prime show, where she uses her platform to tackle serious topics like women’s and human rights. With humor and unmistakable charisma, Sara…

1
Update On The Positions Lost Over The Last 48 Hours. NPS, DOI, FS. The Agencies have gone dark with all communications. 47:31

3M ago47:31

47:31

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Nearly 7,000 probationary employees were terminated in the last 48 hours across the land management agencies and park service. This included researchers at the Missoula Fire Lab, trails crews, biologists, and others. The agencies have yet to communicate on the terminations that …

1
"What's That Pink Stuff?" A Conversation With The Vice Chairman Of Perimeter Solutions, The Sole Retardant Contract Company With The USFS. 45:01

4M ago45:01

45:01

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I have a conversation with Eddie Goldberg, Vice Chairman Of Perimeter Solutions. Perimeter Solutions holds the sole contract with the Forest Service for retardants and has operations around the globe. We discuss the testing that retardants undergo, their composition, the safety …

1
Journey to Resilience: Gina Thompson on Music, Mental Well-Being, and Self-Education 50:01

4M ago50:01

50:01

Send us a text Join us for an inspiring conversation with the remarkable R&B artist Gina Thompson. From being discovered by Rodney Jerkins in 1994 to releasing her debut album "Nobody Does It Better," Gina's journey through the music world is filled with iconic collaborations and unforgettable anecdotes. We reminisce about her hit single "The Thing…

1
A New Wildfire Agency, Massive Grant Cuts, And A Hiring Freeze. An update on all three. 46:05

4M ago46:05

46:05

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I cover the proposal for the new National Wildfire Fire Service. This has been discussed for decades, and an effort to finally streamline the wildfire bureaucracy now has bipartisan support. It would consolidate all fire agencies under one umbrella. The USDA sent out a policy em…

1
A Melodic Journey of Positivity and Self-Worth 36:36

4M ago36:36

36:36

Send us a text Max Ray, the phenomenal pop artist known for her vibrant nineties-inspired sound, joins me for an inspiring conversation on "In the Passenger Seat with Alethea Crimmins." Discover how this singer, dancer, and songwriter transitioned to pursuing a music production degree at Berkeley, and how she channels authenticity and positivity th…

1
Hiring Freezes, Funding Freezes, Resignation Offers, And Hypocrisy. How We Got To Where We Are Today. Yes, D.O.G.E. took over your Agency. 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I cover all the wild reforms inside the wildfire agencies over the last week, how they happened, and why. It’s been a whirlwind of policy changes, website deletions, and top-level control of all IT and servers across the Departments. I even got a sneak peek at the current…

1
Moving The Forest Service, A Wildland Firefighter Family Support Program, And Water Bombs. The Fix Our Forests Act 31:20

4M ago31:20

31:20

On today’s show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I cover the President’s visit to the California wildfires, then dive into the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the House this week and will likely pass the Senate. Inside this Act is a provision to determine if the Forest Service should be moved to a Western state out of Washin…

1
John Gould: 10 Tanker CEO, Alaska Fire Service Manager, Head Of Air Operations For The BLM, And Longtime Smokejumper. 1:12:32

4M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I speak with John Gould, one of the most respected voices in the wildfire industry. John’s career spans the wildfire world, including being a longtime Alaska Smokejumper, chair of the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, head of Air Operations for the Bureau of Land Management…

1
Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy: What Needs To Change After These Historic California Fires. Resource ordering, issues with hydrants, aviation contracts, politics, and more. 56:41

4M ago56:41

56:41

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I spoke with Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy about the recent fires in California and the changes needed in the aftermath. Chief Fennessy is the Chair of the Firescope Advisory Committee, which will meet next week to make recommendations to improve the current system and…

1
Senator Tim Sheehy: After The Horrific Fires In California, We Need To Fix The Wildfire System To Support All Americans And Address Pay Issues For Our Firefighters. 25:22

5M ago25:22

25:22

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ With the tragedy of the Palisades and Eaton Fires in California over the last week, I sat down with Senator Tim Sheehy to discuss what needs to be done to ensure that this tragedy never happens again and make certain our wildland firefighters are supported. The Senator and I hav…

1
The Palisades Fire Origin: Investigators Are Looking At A Possible New Years Fire Holdover, Arson, And More. Origin photos show the fire starting off the Temescal Ridge Trail. 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The ATF has taken over as the lead investigator into the Palisades Fire and has been looking at the fire's origin. The best origin photo I’ve seen shows the fire starting off the Temescal Ridge Trail within the first 20 minutes of ignition. Investigators are also looking at the …

1
LAFD Chief: City Officials Failed The City And The Department. Confirms Reservoir Was Empty And Department Wasn't Notified. 26:01

5M ago26:01

26:01

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ In the last 24 hours, the LAFD Chief has commented that Los Angeles city officials have let the Department and city residents down. When further pressed, the chief confirmed that one major reservoir was empty due to construction and that her department was not notified before or…

1
Citizens Tackle And Arrest Arsonist In California Near Kenneth Fire, Curfew Issued In LA Due To Looting, Canada Sends Huge Amount Of Resources. 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ A lot of progress has been made across the California Fires, Palisades, Hurst, Eaton, and Kenneth. The hard work and labor must now be done by the crews to contain these fires. Local Residents tackled and made a citizen arrest near the Kenneth Fire of an individual who was start…

1
California Wildfire Update: Debunking Crazy Theories, What’s Actually Happening, And The Aftermath. Still a lot of work to contain these fires. 49:40

5M ago49:40

49:40

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I give an update on the current situation with the southern California fires, the unbelievable level of destruction, and the lives lost. I also discuss the wild theories that have been incorporated into news reporting. I address the hydrants running out of water, lack of resour…

1
A California Firestorm: Nearly 100,000 People Evacuated Due To The Devastating Palisades, Eaton, And Hurst Fires. Chaos as multiple fires ravage communities. 35:24

5M ago35:24

35:24

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ This morning, I give an update on the fires that started and burned through the night in Southern California. Multiple new starts have evacuated nearly 100,000 people, likely destroying hundreds of homes and businesses and tapping wildfire resources in the State. People are underst…

1
Wildfire Pay Fix Stripped From Continuing Resolution, Supplemental Pay to Continue. Massive Changes Coming To Wildfire As We Know It. DOGE is now focused on wildfire and the Agencies. 49:43

5M ago49:43

49:43

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ After three years of attempts, the final Bill of this Congress strips the wildland firefighter permanent pay fix language. The Supplemental Pay is to continue until March 14th. A reset button has been hit, and many former players won’t be there the next time this is voted on. Mas…

1
Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell: Head Of The U.S. Fire Administration. A Conversation About The Lahaina Fire, Wildfire Tech, And PFAS Affecting Firefighters. 49:02

5M ago49:02

49:02

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, who heads the U.S. Fire Administration. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell was appointed by President Joseph Biden as the U.S. fire administrator on Oct. 25, 2021. Prior to her appointment, Lori served nearly 3 years as the president and chief execu…

1
Supt. Series: Scott Gorman, Former Dalton Hotshot Superintendent And Current Orange County Superintendent. 27 years of experience, the industry, the Agencies, wildfire, and tragedy. 1:15:00

6M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

On Today’s Show: Subscribe to support👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Scott Gorman, who ran the Dalton Hotshots before making the jump to Orange County to run Santiago Crew 1. Scott started his career in 1995 and was motivated to challenge himself and pursue a wildfire career after finding a mentor in an El Cariso Hotshot w…

1
Wildfire Pay Bill: I Welcome The President Of The Forest Service Council And NFFE Western Region National Business Representative. Full update on the vote and what firefighters can expect. 41:56

6M ago41:56

41:56

On Today’s Show: Subscribe 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The President of the Forest Service Council, Andy Vanderheuel, and the Western Region National Business Representative for NFFE, Matt Brossard, join me in discussing the upcoming vote for the permanent wildfire pay legislation. We discuss the upcoming vote, what’s in the Bill, and …

1
Smoke Exposure, Wildland Firefighters, And Fertility: Dr. Luke Montrose Discusses His New Study Focusing On This Issue. How does wildfire smoke affect your reproductive health? 55:11

7M ago55:11

55:11

On Today’s Show: Subscribe to support the show: 👇 https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Today, I welcome Dr. Luke Montrose, assistant professor of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at Colorado State University. His work focuses on the health effects of wildfire smoke, and he studies how human behaviors and environment affect the way o…

1
Chief Brian Fennessy: President Of The California Fire Chiefs Association And Head Of Orange County Fire Authority. The Forest Service Aviation Policies, Workforce Shortages, Arsonists, and More. 54:46

7M ago54:46

54:46

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I am honored to welcome Chief Brian Fennessy, who has a long and distinguished wildfire career that has led him to become President of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and Chief of the Orange County Fire Authority. We had a very candid conversation about the ong…

1
Hiker Charged In Oregon After Rescue Fires Turned Into Wildfires. Is Bridger Aerospace Under Attack? 2 California Congress members write FS Chief Moore, adding to the list. 54:15

7M ago54:15

54:15

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ The Wall Street Journal published an article claiming that Bridger Aerospace is being attacked by predatory short sellers and political opponents. I cover that story and reached out to the parties involved, Montana Senator Jon Tester and Bridger Aerospace Founder and Senate candi…

1
A Conversation With FiredUp Partners: What To Expect From The Paycheck Protection Act, The Struggles Of Fire Families, And How To Help. 1:02:58

8M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

On Today’s Show: To Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ I welcome the founders of FiredUp Partners, a wildfire advocacy group working to advance real solutions for wildland firefighters nationwide. They have recently returned from Washington, D.C., where they worked on the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, better housing, …

1
A Wild Week Of Fires. Crews Stranded, Civilians Injured, And Multiple Safety Zones Used. Crazy Stories From This Busy Week. California Fire Chiefs Battle The Forest Service Over Aviation. 53:31

8M ago53:31

53:31

On Today’s Episode: Subscribe 👇https://thehotshotwakeup.substack.com/ Extreme fire behavior continues across the United States. Firefighters stranded after a bridge burned over. Multiple fires had firefighters moving into safety zones due to fire behavior. Fires in Idaho burned 12+ miles in just hours; Wyoming fires merge, burn through subdivisions…

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