Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters

076. The “Goldilocks” Decon That Firefighters Will Actually Use [Part 1]

If you think “no smoke smell” means you’re clean, you’re wrong. Navy vet and FLAME founder Tara Cornett shows how her multi-charcoal “Goldilocks” blend pulls cancer-causing junk off your skin. Crews tested it after working fires, and post-shower swabs came back non-detectable. We lay out fast, simple decon you’ll actually do between calls.What You’ll Learn:A 3–5 minute decon routine you can run as soon as you’re back.Why smell does not mean safety, and how pore size helps grab more bad stuff.How to pick decon that works without wrecking your skin.Station cross-contamination traps (wheels, recliners, fridge handles) and how to break them.Laundry basics for hoods and base layers so you don’t put junk back on your body. If you’re a firefighter who wants fast, no-BS decon that actually lowers exposure and keeps you in the fight, this one’s for you.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

075. The Failures Make Me Who I Am [Part 3]

What happens when you take firehouse grit and channel it into building a business? Ralph shares how his passion for the job evolved into launching Cervitas Training Solutions — and how leadership, failure, and brutal lessons learned in the fire service prepared him for entrepreneurship.What You’ll Learn:How fireground leadership translates into building a businessThe surprising link between failure and long-term successWhy ego kills growth — and how to surround yourself with the right peopleHow to turn dark moments into fuel for your next winWho This Is For: If you’re a firefighter who’s hungry for more — more growth, more impact, and more out of life beyond the station — this one’s for you.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

074. You'll Learn Something From Everyone You Work With [Part 2]

Leadership in the fire service isn’t about the badge — it’s about the lives that depend on you. In this episode, Ralph Suppa opens up about the sleepless nights, the toll of responsibility, and the lessons learned from failure. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re doing enough for your crew, this one hits home.What You’ll Take Away:Why real leadership means putting your people first — even when it costs you sleep or worseHow to face the crushing weight of responsibility without breaking under itThe mindset shift every officer needs to keep their crew safeWhy failure in leadership can become your greatest teacher If you’re a firefighter who’s stepping up to lead — or wants to — and you feel the weight of that responsibility, this one’s for you.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

073. The Real Cost of Promotion in the Fire Service [Part 1]

Promotion changes everything — not just your title. In this episode, Captain Ralph Suppa opens up about his journey from rookie firefighter to respected officer, the wins that built him, and the failures that shaped him. From grueling tests to unexpected lessons in leadership, Ralph shares what it really takes to step up without losing your crew or yourself.What You’ll Learn:How to build unshakable trust with your crew — even after you make mistakes.Why finding the right mentors can change your entire career.The truth about the “competition” in promotion processes (and how to turn rivals into allies).How to handle the backlash when your success doesn’t sit well with everyone.The mindset shift that separates great firefighters from great leaders.If you’re a firefighter who’s grinding for the next step or struggling with the politics of promotion, this one’s for you.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!

072. There Are Two Types of Senior Men: Which One Are You? [Part 2]

You can build something incredible and still serve. In Part 2, Mike gets real about growing Frontline Optics while staying grounded in firefighter values. He shares the emotional highs and gut checks of going all-in on a brand, how he manages burnout, and why giving back to the fire service is built into his business. If you’ve ever felt torn between your calling and your next move, this one hits hard.What You’ll Learn:The moment Mike knew it was time to leave the fire service, and how he handled itWhy firefighter grit is your superpower when building a businessHow Frontline Optics supports firefighter mental health through nonprofit givingWhat actually happens after you step away from the jobHow to grow a mission-driven brand without losing your identityIf you’re a firefighter who wants to leave the job better than you found it - and build something meaningful after - this one’s for you.Grab a pair of firefighter-built sunglasses at Frontline Optics, then check out our training tools at keepthepromisefire.com. Subscribe, share, and keep the promise - in service and beyond.Support the show🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!>>> Shop Keep the Promise!