Best Backstop Podcasts (2025)

1
The Backstop Boys: The Lifesaving Power of Fire Codes 1:16:44

2d ago1:16:44

1:16:44

In this episode of The Backstep Boys, Ron Kanterman, Tom Aurnhammer, and fire protection expert Jack Murphy explore the critical role fire codes and standards play in firefighter safety and building resilience. From the origins of the International Fire Code to the political challenges of code updates, they unpack why these regulations matter beyon…

1
The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Turning a Volunteer Fire Department Around 1:11:56

18h ago1:11:56

1:11:56

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: Turning a Volunteer Fire Department Around In this episode of the Professional Volunteer Fire Department, host Tom Merrill welcomes Chief John Buchan of the Florissant (CO) Fire Protection District. Buchan shares how he turned a struggling volunteer fire department around in just one year—doubling members…

1
Fireground Strategies: Insights on Division Supervision, Training, and Fire Dynamics 1:04:47

4d ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Fireground Strategies: Insights on Division Supervision, Training, and Fire Dynamics In this episode of Fireground Strategies episode, Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus, of the Elizabeth (NJ) Fire Department, shares practical strategies for improving fireground command through effective division supervision. Drawing on 13 years of frontline experience…

1
Perspectives on Leadership: Leadership, Trust, and the Power of “Why” 1:13:47

5d ago1:13:47

1:13:47

Perspectives on Leadership: Leadership, Trust, and the Power of “Why” In this episode of Perspectives on Leadership, host Stephen Shaw sits down with leadership expert Frank Viscuso to explore the foundations of teamwork within the fire service. Drawing on decades of experience, they discuss how a shared sense of purpose, clear standards, and authe…

1
Fire Service Court: Religious Rights, OSHA Rules, and Operational Realities 40:18

6d ago40:18

40:18

Fire Service Court: Religious Rights, OSHA Rules, and Operational Realities This episode of Fire Service Court covers several topics that may have your department talking. The conversation addresses the complex and often contentious issue of facial hair policies in fire departments. The discussion centers around a recent case involving a veteran fi…

1
S4 E7 What Lies Beneath: The Quiet Roots of Rebellion 58:31

7d ago58:31

58:31

In this episode, Scott and Deb go beyond the outward signs of rebellion to explore the roots beneath: fear and pride. While we often focus on the visible “fruit” of sin, the Savior is gently inviting us to dig deeper. Fear isolates us, pride hardens us, and both quietly keep us from receiving the healing and connection we long for. Through scriptur…

1
Mayday Monday: Rescuing a Heavily Entrapped Firefighter 2:07:42

9d ago2:07:42

2:07:42

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of Mayday Monday. This month we review a fire from St. Mary’s County, Maryland. On June 27, 2023, several departments were dispatched for a fire in a two-story, single-family dwelling. The chief of the first-due fire company was first to arrive on scene and found heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors …

1
Fire Service Data and Tech Talk: The Path Forward with Tom Jenkins 53:49

11d ago53:49

53:49

The Path Forward with Tom Jenkins In this episode of Fire Service Data and Tech Talk, host Eddie Buchanan welcomes Tom Jenkins, senior advisor/research manager for UL Fire Safety Research Institute on the NERIS project. They discuss the transformation of fire service data collection and technology through the National Emergency Response Information…

1
Main Street Firefighting: Lessons from a Complex Main Street Fire 58:12

13d ago58:12

58:12

Main Street Firefighting: Lessons from a Complex Main Street Fire In this episode of Main Street Firefighting, get an inside look at a challenging downtown fire involving legacy brick buildings with cockloft involvement—fueled by heavy winds and complicated by unique building features like spiral staircases and metal roofing. The department’s rapid…

1
S4 E6 Rebellion - Burying Our Weapons of Rebellion 1:01:18

14d ago1:01:18

1:01:18

In this powerful season opener of Redeemed Through His Blood, Scott and Deb take us deep into the heart of our fallen condition—and the Savior’s invitation to let go of the things that keep us from Him. Drawing from Alma 23 and personal reflection, they explore what it means to bury not just obvious sins, but the subtle, spiritual weapons of rebell…

1
Fire and Training: Building High-Performance Teams 19:05

15d ago19:05

19:05

In this episode of Fire and Training, host Doug Cline breaks down the core elements needed to build and sustain high-performance teams. Leadership here isn’t about titles or rank—it’s about clear purpose, strong communication, and unwavering accountability. Cline highlights seven key characteristics, from fostering open dialogue to cultivating trus…

1
The Larry Conley Show: Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service 1:25:51

16d ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Leadership, Legacy, and Lifelong Service in the Fire Service In this episode of the Larry Conley Show, host Larry Conley welcomes recently retired Arlington County (VA) Deputy Chief Tiffanye Wesley. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of a firefighting career and life beyond the fireground. Reflecting on decades of breaking barriers, mentorshi…

1
The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures 1:22:39

19d ago1:22:39

1:22:39

The Mikey G and Mikey D Show: Firefighter Operations in High-Rise and Big-Box Structures Hosts Mike Dugan and Mike Gagliano talk with a panel of fire service experts about the Firefighter Air Coalition supplement in Fire Engineering, and their respective articles that cover the complexities of firefighting operations concerning high-rise buildings …

1
First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies 1:01:25

20d ago1:01:25

1:01:25

First Due Battalion Chief: Building Hazards and Response Strategies Seasoned firefighters Danny Sheridan and Erik Pettaway discuss the challenges presented by void spaces in residential and commercial buildings. Drawing insights from Frank Brannigan's seminal work, Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service, the hosts highlight critical…

1
Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire Service 1:00:40

22d ago1:00:40

1:00:40

Women in Fire: Mental Health in the Fire Service In this episode of the Women in Fire radio show, hosted by Lisa Baker, leading voices from the fire service engage in a critical discussion on mental health, coinciding with National Mental Health Awareness Month (May). The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing mental health challenge…

1
Talkin’ Tactics: Mastering Engine Company Operations 1:12:23

23d ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Talkin’ Tactics: Mastering Engine Company Operations In this episode of Talkin’ Tactics, hosts David Polikoff, Robert "RJ" James, and Sam Villani discuss the essential components of engine company operations. Drawing from their extensive experiences in the fire service, they discuss the critical importance of promptly putting water on the fire and …

1
Tactical Impact: The Essential Role of Air Replenishment Systems 1:14:24

25d ago1:14:24

1:14:24

Tactical Impact: The Essential Role of Air Replenishment Systems In the latest episode of Fire Engineering's Tactical Impact, host Jim Silvernail and Jason Hoevelmann welcome guests Mike Gagliano and Kris Blume to explore the transformative role of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS) in modern firefighting. As fire departments face increas…

1
Hooks & Hoses: Mastering Fireground Size-Ups 31:52

26d ago31:52

31:52

Hooks & Hoses: Mastering Fireground Size-Ups In this episode of Hooks & Hoses, expert fire service professionals explore the fundamental strategies for conducting effective size-ups during emergency responses. Building on experiences from the recent FDIC International, the discussion focuses on best practices for initial and ongoing fireground comm…

1
BuildingsonFire: Row House Challenges, Part 2 1:12:47

27d ago1:12:47

1:12:47

BuildingsonFire: Row House Challenges, Part 2 In this episode, host Christopher Naum discusses how intricate dynamics of firefighting within row house structures are explored. He covers several lethal incidents from 2014 to 2023, which resulted in 11 line-of-duty firefighter deaths, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by these common yet comple…

1
The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: The Younger Generation of Firefighters 1:16:01

29d ago1:16:01

1:16:01

The Professional Volunteer Fire Department: The Younger Generation of Firefighters Often labeled “the problem” with today’s volunteer fire service, the young people joining the ranks today are different from generations past. But that is true of every generation, and these young men and women are NOT the problem. Yes, there are some problems and se…

1
S4 E5 Trait vs. State: Redeemed in Our Fallenness 55:33

29d ago55:33

55:33

In this vulnerable and hope-filled episode, Scott and Deb explore what it really means to live in a “fallen state”—and why understanding the Fall of Adam and Eve is essential to understanding Jesus Christ. Drawing from their personal journeys, recovery experiences, and scriptural insights, they discuss the difference between our divine trait and ou…

1
Backstep Boys: Confined Space and Technical Rescue 1:04:41

30d ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Backstep Boys: Confined Space and Technical Rescue In this episode, Ron Kanterman and Tom Aurnhammer discuss technical rescue and confined space operations within the fire service. The conversation covers historical perspectives, revealing the evolution of rescue protocols since the introduction of OSHA regulations in the 1990s, and the dire need f…

1
Tailboard Talk: Collaborative Training and Accreditation in the Fire Service 45:46

1M ago45:46

45:46

In this engaging episode of Tailboard Talk, hosts Chris Rasmussen, Craig Nelson, and Jeff Wallin explore the critical role of collaboration among fire and emergency services through joint training initiatives and the accreditation process. They discuss how building relationships across departments can enhance operational effectiveness and safety on…

1
The Command Post: Fireground Efficiency and the Importance of Hose Loads and Training 43:09

1M ago43:09

43:09

In the latest episode of The Command Post, hosts Rick Lasky and John Salka engage in a lively discussion on fireground efficiency, emphasizing the critical role that hose loads play in firefighting operations. They cover the advantages of various hose configurations, including pre-connected lines and static loads. They also highlight how each optio…

1
S4 E4 We're Not Broken - We're Fallen 47:25

1M ago47:25

47:25

In this heartfelt episode, Scott and Deb dive deep into the doctrine of the Fall of Adam and Eve—not as a story of shame, but as the essential backdrop to healing, growth, and redemption. With warmth and real-life vulnerability, they explore how understanding the Fall reframes our view of mortality, weakness, temptation, and pain. You’ll hear about…

1
Sons of the Flag: Dr. Benjamin Levi 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Sons of the Flag: Dr. Benjamin Levi In this riveting episode of Sons of the Flag Radio, we explore the transformative work being done in burn care with Dr. Benjamin Levi, professor in the Department of Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center and division chief of Burn, Trauma, Acute and Critical Care Surgery. The discussion addresses the pressing…

1
Fireground Strategies: Addressing Cancer Risks and Precautions 1:12:04

1M ago1:12:04

1:12:04

In this engaging podcast episode, guest Creston Ludlow discusses the pressing issue of firefighter cancer risks, reflecting on his extensive experience in the fire service. He highlights the alarming increase in cancer cases among firefighters, previously thought to be a retiree issue, and emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and tangible …

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