The Weekly Scrap, Firefighter Podcast

Weekly Scrap #368 – Nick Ledin & Keith Stakes: Search, Research & Reality

My brother Nick Ledin steps in as special guest host, and I'm a little jealous as he got to sit down with Keith Stakes himself. Nick has spent years digging into civilian rescue data as a contributor to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, helping bring real-world data from thousands of reported rescues into the conversation about search and what that information can teach us about the job.Keith has been right in the middle of research that continues to shape our understanding of the modern fireground. Keith is a Principal Research Engineer with UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute and a fire protection engineer whose work focuses on fire service tactics, firefighter safety, and fireground operations.Put these two together and buckle up. Listen in as they dig into NFPA 1700, the data surrounding search and rescue, and how research and real-world rescue data have impacted the fire service.There is SO much information packed into this one.Episode 368 is made possible by our incredible sponsors:  Snap-tite Hose   -   FireStation Furniture   -   and UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute — Visit the dedicated page created specifically for Weekly Scrap listeners, giving you access to some of the best firefighter research and training resources available at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Weekly Scrap #367 – Larry Conley: Staying in the Fight

Larry Conley is on the Scrap, and what a great conversation. Larry has served more than thirty years in the fire service, and he's spent much of that time teaching and mentoring other firefighters. Now retired, Larry continues to invest his time in making the fire service better.If you've followed his work, heard him teach, or listened to The Larry Conley Show, you know there are plenty of directions this conversation can go.Leadership. Training. The job. The people. And the lessons earned over more than three decades in the fire service.We'll have a plan...But the live audience usually has other ideas.Episode 367 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety: Use code VIGILANCE to save 10% on any order, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. Visit  a dedicated page just for Weekly Scrap listeners giving you access to one of the best firefighter research resources available - fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Weekly Scrap #366 – Dan Shaw: 25 to Survive... The Conversation Continues

Chief Dan Shaw returns to The Weekly Scrap.If you caught Dan's first appearance on Episode #243, you already know the conversation didn't disappoint. Now he's back, and we're ready to see where this one takes us.With more than three decades in the fire service, including retiring as the Assistant Chief of Operations for the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue, Chief Shaw now works with organizations across the country, helping develop leaders, strengthen culture, and challenge the way organizations think about leadership and organizational excellence.If you've been around The Weekly Scrap for any length of time, you already know that we'll come in with a plan, but the live audiance may take us down some rabbit holes with thier beautiful questions. Some of the best moments happen when the conversation takes a turn no one expected, and that's exactly what makes these live shows so great.Episode 366 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, FireStation Furniture, and the UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners at fsri.org/weeklyscrap.

Weekly Scrap #365 – Candace Ashby: The Greatest Job on Earth

Dr. Candace Ashby returns to The Weekly Scrap for a conversation every firefighter needs to hear. With over three decades in the fire service, a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership, and years of experience climbing through the ranks, Candace—currently serving as a Battalion Chief—has become a respected voice on leadership, accountability, and protecting the culture that makes this profession unlike any other.We'll dive into what truly makes firefighting the greatest job on Earth, why that culture is worth fighting for, and how company officers and firefighters at every rank have the ability to shape the future of the fire service through their daily actions, conversations, and commitment to one another.If you've ever wondered how we preserve what makes this profession special while continuing to grow as leaders, this conversation will challenge your perspective and leave you thinking long after it's over.And because the live audience and their questions help make this show the absolute best.. we'll start with a plan, but where the conversation ends up is anyone's guess. Join us live, bring your questions, and be part of the discussion.Episode 365 is made possible by our incredible sponsors: Snap-tite Hose, IdentiFire Safety, and the Fire Safety Research Institute. For more on FSRI, visit the special page created just for Weekly Scrap listeners: fsri.org/weeklyscrap

Weekly Scrap #364 – Benjamin Martin: Intoxicated Leadership

Benjamin Martin is coming back to the Scrap, and we've got more to unpack than we'll have time to cover.Benjamin started his career riding the jump seat of a busy urban engine company and recently retired as an Acting Battalion Chief after more than 23 years in the fire service.Many of you know him through EmbraceTheResistance.com, his articles, podcast appearances, or his nationally recognized class, Intoxicated Leadership.Over the last decade, he's challenged many of the assumptions inherited about leadership, helping firefighters at every rank recognize the hidden forces that shape culture, leadership, and performance... and what we can actually do about them.Benjamin isn't afraid to go where a lot of leadership conversations stop. He's willing to talk about the mistakes, the burnout, the difficult conversations, the organizational politics, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to do right by your people. He believes credibility isn't built only on the fireground but rather around the kitchen table, in the hallway, and during the conversations most people would rather avoid.If your ego's flammable... consider this your warning.Some of the rabbit holes we hope to head down include why leaders shouldn't always eat last, why organizations push back against improvement, and why good people quietly stop caring.As always, the live audience helps drive where this conversation goes. Some of my favorite episodes have taken unexpected turns because of the questions and comments coming from the chat.