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

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!

071. Senior Man Is a Title You Have to Earn: Frontline Optics [Part 1]

You can love the job and still build the next chapter. In Part 1, former firefighter-paramedic Mike Ettenberg tells us how a kid who chased sirens on a bike turned his party-bus side hustle into Frontline Optics. From the EMT grind to 30 failed applications, Mike shows why the firefighter mindset, solve problems and never quit, works in business too.What You’ll Learn:How to stay hungry after 30 “no’s” and finally land the jobWhy small-department mandatories can push you to create Plan BThe cake-takes-time rule: slowing your firefighter feedback loop for business successA step-by-step look at bootstrapping 300 pairs of shades into a six-figure brandThe paralysis-by-analysis trap—and simple ways to beat it and just startIf you’re a firefighter who’s dreaming about life after the job, or already growing a side hustle, this one’s for you.Check out Frontline Optics and our firefighter training tools at keepthepromisefire.com. Subscribe, share, and keep the promise - to your crew and your future.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!

070. People Love Us, Don’t Let Them Down: Bobby Eckert [Part 3]

The gloves are off in Part 3.Captain Bobby Eckert returns to finish what he started, and he doesn’t hold back. From being called “the villain” of the fire service to commanding firegrounds and building one of the most respected training programs in the country, Bobby explores what it really takes to lead, teach, and stay true to yourself - no matter how loud the haters get.What You’ll Learn:The fire service politics Bobby’s done pretending to tolerateWhat happens when you teach the truth - and they come for your nameWhy social media can’t handle real firefighters being real humansThe actual purpose of fire training (and why your gloves better be in the rig)The power of authentic leadership, accountability, and letting go of egoIf you’re tired of the fire service popularity contest and just want to be a better firefighter and leader—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!