Send us a text

Recently the Chicago Fire Department dropped a monster policy change regarding first due operations at residential dwellings.  Uproar was easy to find online but we take closer look and see what the new guidelines actually mean. Firefighters hate change, but also the way things are so we'll see how this one turns out.

Tailboard Confessions are back and this time Angie and I are providing the fodder.  There are just some jobs that we won't do at the fire station and they happen to be the easiest ones. And yes, I'll be taking the garbage out or standing there with the broom.  

Also, a couple of the local fire departments had a nightmare week with several fatal accidents and tough calls.  Their Chiefs stepped up and wrote a letter to the public that caught Angies eye.  They provided a look at some great leadership and how to build a strong group of firefighters.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Want it from the top and complain about it from the bottom. Firefighter morale runs through the middle and with a weak middle management core, morale will suffer.

We’re also talking about some self worth, and inappropriately holding others to your standards and expectations.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Picture yourself sitting at the table on shift.  Stories are flying and you've got the perfect one to tell, but the wrong person is sitting next to you.  Well guess what, we are the right persons.  In our new segment Tailboard Confessions, we want to hear all the details of you best and worst moments. Dirt, scandal, conflict, and some victories of course.

On the topic of the wrong person at the table, we also talk about cranky firefighters and how they got that way.  Is it worth it trying to 'change' someone, or should we just set the table and let them come to it when they're ready?  

The firehouse dynamic is unlike any other and we are having conversations unlike the others.  Join us and talk to you soon.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

So many problems in the fire service are from firefighters looking at something and thinking "I can do it better". That's how Mike Ettenberg started Fronline Optics.  Hear how he is doing it differently and how his company is deeply tied to charity.

Then we're talking about Zone 2 training and why we want an alternative to the CPAT.  Angie hates the vests, I hate the cost, and the fireservice deserves better. 

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

This week we are speaking with Dr Daniel Higuera.  Dr. Higuera works in Southern California and has dedicated his education to improving firefighter performance.  He and his team handle over 2000 firefighters a year and he is a professor at the Santa Ana College.  We're talking about at wearable technology, call volume impacting body composition, and how to make the best of your situation.  

Please find Dr Daniel on IG @dr.danielhiguera where he posts a ton of useful infographics backed by actual science he is using in the field.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Direct from the floor of FIDC we got an inside scoop of their presentation on cannabis in the fire service.  We're talking Cannabis, CBD, and Firefighters.

The conversation around THC and CBD is a polarizing one in the fire service and when the title of the presentation was posted on Facebook, it was met with numerous firefighters running towards retirement instead of getting with the times.

Change is coming.  

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Our experiences and perspectives as firefighters is continually changing and updating.  Recently the development of fire conferences for women has grown in popularity but Angie had a different experience with one.

We talk about how our perspectives have changed through the years on topics like discipline, women's conferences, probationary members, and being part of a union.

Thank you for listening and make sure to hit the coffee button before Angie loses it.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

FEMA has put out notice that National Fire Academy has cancelled all courses for the time being.  It's not often that we are affected by the actions of others but we are in a new age and a strange time.  What does this mean for us, you, your crew, and the future of firefighters?

Then, Angie goes to the dim web for some sleep advice from ChatGPT.  Sleep is a major point of frustration for most firefighters so is there a way to hack through and still have a life?

Thanks for listening and enjoy 15% off Frontline Optics with code TAILBOARD.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Keto, paleo, carnivore, intermittent fasting, buzzword, influencer diet, fad, call it what you will but firefighters are suckers for them.  Is one diet better than the other, is carnivore the ultimate (mistake) for firefighters?  What about the GLP-1 movement?  Can and should firefighters use medication to lose weight if it can help improve their performance, or is it the easy way out.

So many questions, just enough time.  Join us for our some facts, but more ideas and thoughts on the popular food movements.  Definitely join us for the 14ish starting March 1st.  Details inside and at 4thShiftFirefighter.com

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Leadership in the fire service can look like a lot of different things.  Different styles, tactics, and success rates.  Servant Leadership has become popular for a reason and the fireservice has the chance to implement it every day.

Angie and Chris tell some stories of leadership and what traits make effective leaders, besides the company line of integrity and honesty.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

We have both been pretty critical of the working out in gear contingent in the past but times are changing and we have to reevaluate our stance from time to time.

We're going over our old arguments against the practice of working out in firefighting gear along with why those reasons might be outdated.

We're also revealing the 5 foundational movement patterns for firefighters and a new version of the burpee that's built to accomplish the goal of fitness without the risk of overuse injury.

Use the information in here at your own risk but let us know what you think and if it's helped you.  

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

In a world where each new week brings a new risk, what is a firefighter to do?  Well, do the things we know how to, control the controllables.  Modify the modifiable.  Risk is part of the job but so is protecting yourself.

Angie and Chris review some of the staples of the fire service and how they positively and negatively impact our health.  Alcohol, smoke exposure, IDLH stuff, diesel exhaust, and just plain old existence in the fire service.

Check out the exam and testing resources mentioned at the end of the episode and reach out if you'd like a copy to give to your doctor.

Thanks for listening and talk to you soon.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Angie does not like new years resolutions.  Firefighters do not like new years resolutions.  When you can't even figure out what day of the week it is, it really makes January 1 a pretty poor date to try and make any changes.

Instead, listen to our takes on starting your fitness or nutrition journey and some ideas on how to make the programs work for you.  Look for the 14ish to start up in February and have a happy quitters day on January 10th.

Thank you for listening and here's to 2025

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Firefighters are notorious for being hard on their tools.  But that doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money to accommodate the rough use.  Finding durable, inexpensive, replaceable tools is a better approach for most of us.

Follow along and check out my pick for the four best categories of tools and the best options in those categories.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Say hi to the new hosts of Firefighter Nation's latest show, Beyond The Headlines.  Angie and I will be talking to authors and contributors to the Firefighter Nation homepage and getting the story behind the article.

In this episode fellow firefighter Angie introduces herself and we start the conversation talking about an article but quickly spin off on tangents including hustle culture, saunas, and what firefighter fitness and workouts looked like in the olden days.

Look for episodes to start on firefighter nation in January 2025.  Weekly episodes will continue here so keep tuning in and spread the word.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Way back in 2022, Curt and I answered a handful of listener questions.  The last question was from a person who had some unhappy feelings about paramedic school, job requirements, and some bad characters they had dealt with along the way.

Turns out the way Curt and I answered this question created some hurt feelings and emotional responses.  But here we are, more than two years later, and would we change our answers?  Maybe not.

I'm not saying being stoic in your appreciation for the job is easy in all circumstances, but it can be your choice in almost all of them.  Separate the job from the jokers, and don't let them rain on your parade.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

So there I was, feeling fat, looking for a reason to workout and needing to record an episode.  Years ago Joe Galli and I had talked about a Hot Ones type of show but with fitness instead of wings.  Well today was the day that it all came together.

In the future these will be with a guest and tons of fun.  For now, I'm doing deadlifts, and answering questions that you submitted on IG.  "Would you try to talk you kids out of being firefighters?" is just one of the questions I answer while struggling to get blood to my brain tissue.

Thanks for listening and watching on YouTube and I'm excited to do more of these.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

This episode originally aired in Feb of 2023, and we're still playing the 'sick or allergies' game today.  Some firefighters are stingy with their sick time and will always blame allergies no matter how obvious their illness is.  Others are just looking for a reason to call in and barely need a sniffle.

The decision to workout or not when you're sick can be an extremely easy one, or a real hand wringer.  But, in this episode I give a couple simple tips and guidelines to keep in mind.

We're also talking about a very common theory that suggests you are more prone to sickness and infection following bouts of intense exercise.  This has a strong foothold in the endurance world but there is a large body of evidence to dispute it.
Here is a great paper that goes into way more detail on the subject https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00648/full

Thank you for listening and please follow the affiliate links below.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Informal leadership is the absolute lifeblood of a functioning firehouse.  Firefighters want to be counted on in the streets and given massive responsibilities  during emergencies.  But for an officer to trust you during an emergency, they have to first trust that you can handle yourself the other 75% of the time.

Solving problems, pushing activity, and being the go-to crew is more than just showing up on game day for a fire.  Most of our careers and problems are not fire based, but they are personnel based. Becoming an informal leader in the station is the best way to be trusted with leadership on the streets.

Also, did you hear Athletic Greens ( AG1 ) is a total disaster and founded by a criminal?  Turns out the green powder is not only useless for health, but also rooted in crime and fraud. But their marketing was top notch so who knew.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

This episode was originally titled Diversify Your Happiness and was posted earlier this year.  After a short story about Nathan's bike crash record, we talk about building out a list of stuff you can do to get your mind right.

Having a pre set list or at least a mental algorithm of things to do can keep us happy and healthy instead of idle and frustrated.  Firefighters have an inherent drive to be busy but can also get completely locked up and lost in their phones when looking for a distraction.  Mental health in the fire service is no joke and too much screen time is a direct competitor to our wellbeing when used as a crutch.

Being nose deep in the phone has its place but it is easier than ever to make that the default setting.  By building out your menu of interests and activities you can better serve yourself and the public.

So build out your list and be the firefighter you know you want to be.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Your ability to consider something a challenge or a threat has direct implications on you success.  And as ridiculous as it sounds, your body will fire off different chemicals for challenges than it does for things you consider threats.  Cortisol is the main player in so many of our health and wellness issues and threats make your body secrete it at a rapid pace.

Adrenaline is the challenge chemical and it's the one that will get you across the finish line.  Preparing for the job in ways that test your physical and mental capacity will help you view difficult tasks and situations and challenges and help you succeed.

Thanks for listening and check out the website for discounts and free downloads.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Stephanie White is the new Managing Editor of FirefighterNation.com. I spoke with her over year ago and we talked about all things pregnancy in the fire service.  Her work with the Beltane Guild assisted departments in writing policies and procedures for pregnancy and postpartum as well as grants for those struggling to start a family.  One thing to remember is that better policies for females equals better policies for all in the fire service.  Here is our conversation the first time we sat down, and you can absolutely look forward to a new on in the near future.

Original show notes: Stephanie White is a full time firefighter with over 20 years of experience who works with an organization called the Beltane Guild to assist departments in creating and instituting pregnancy and postpartum policies and programs.

She has presented along with the IAFF on the topic and Fire Engineering has given her the reigns of the Five After Midnight Podcast.

Stephanie speaks from personal experience and integrates contemporary science and research to inform, educate, and improve the fire service.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Hit the Buy Me A Coffee Button if you like the show!

Firefighter Nation launched earlier this month and they're doing some very good things.  I'm giving a quick look at their mission and what they are delivering to the fire service.

Then I'm giving a nod to a lieutenant who is retiring this month.  I worked with this guy in the last couple years and he has been throwing around a saying that stuck with me.  Suffering is not a prerequisite.  I'd like to hear your opinion on what that means to you and what you think of my interpretation.
 
There are lessons for old guys and new firefighters alike so please let me know if any of this resonates.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

This week is all about making training work for you.  Three ways that firefighters can increase their success on the training ground and the instructors can set the membership up for success.

The original air date of this episode was 70 episodes ago in 2023.  The points are still valid and I'm planning on taking them for some new content in the future.

Check out www.4thshiftfirefighter.com for discounts and free downloads

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.

Send us a text

Go to 4thShiftFirefighter.com and download the new free PDF's that are available.  Daily DOSE, 14-ish, the Firefighter Wellness Ladder, and the Strength Workout Template.

Training new firefighters is a tough task and even harder when we can't get out of the way.  I'm hitting some points that I've seen and used when training probationary members.

Patience is number one, limit their options, and give them the freedom to make the tasks work with the assets they already have.  These are three of the biggest lessons that will help build strong and effective firefighters.

Thank you for listening and check out my affiliates on the website for discounts.

Support the show

Affiliate links:

Rescue1CBD Use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Frontline Optics use code TAILBOARD for 15% off

Fourth Frontier.com Use code FFTailboard for 25% discount on the X2 strap

Athletic Brewing- Code TTFP10

Submit topics/request guests

Thank you for listening and let's all keep working to be more capable and durable both on shift and away from it.