Explore every episode of the podcast Firefighters Global Consulting - Behind The Smoke

In this episode, we go over our most popular AND controversial Instagram post. We explain our reasoning behind each of the 5 ways as we double down on our advice to those in and outside the fire service. Agree or disagree? Let us know again!

The return of Adamo, the meeting of the minds, the first time all 3 of us sat down in front of the mics together. Fan requested episode where the banter IS the topic.

In this episode, we break down the critical differences between virtual and in-person firefighter interviews. We cover the unique challenges of presenting yourself on camera, how to "read the room" when you aren't actually in it, and the technical pitfalls that can instantly derail your chances. Learn how to build a genuine connection with the panel, stand out, and prove you're the right fit for the crew. Even when it's all done virtually!

In this fan requested episode, we dig into a valid worry some candidates have; will my speech impediment stop be from becoming a firefighter? We go over the reasons why it may or may not impede your progress, and how to tackle the issue head on.

In this episode, we decode the "experience gap" and explain exactly why hiring panels hesitate on younger candidates. More importantly, we give you a concrete, 3-to-5-year blueprint to build an undeniable profile We cover the best jobs to hold right now, the volunteering that actually matters, and how to prove you have the maturity to handle life-or-death emergencies. Stop guessing what the panel wants to see.

In this episode, we break down the concept of the "Fire Profile" and answer one of the most common questions aspiring candidates ask us: Where should I volunteer? We’re cutting through the resume-padding myths and diving into four specific volunteer "genres" that build the exact traits Recruitment Officers are looking for.

We’ll show you how to find a volunteer opportunity you're passionate about, and how to translate those hours into interview gold.

In this episode, we break down the most common past lives of firefighters, from tradesmen and military veterans to corporate office workers and retail grinders. We’re diving into the exact pros and cons each background brings to the academy floor and the fire station.

Find out how your previous career can actually be your greatest asset (or your biggest blind spot) when transitioning into the fire service.

In this episode, we break down what it actually means to take ownership of your health in the fire service. From surviving the academy and probation to ensuring your career longevity, you can't wait or expect for the department to protect you at every turn. We’re covering the hard truths of the job; from reporting injuries, to critical importance of sleep hygiene, to how to proactively combat the quiet killers of our profession - cancer and PTSD.

Tune in and take care of yourselves!

In this episode we sit down with Stephen majestic to discuss and learn about how firefighters can invest, save, and plan for retirement!

Stephen Majetic is a financial advisor and entrepreneur, and the founder of Everwealth. After starting his career in banking, he spent the past 12 years building an independent practice focused on honest, client-first advice. Stephen is known for breaking down complex financial strategies into clear, practical terms, so clients feel confident and fully understand their decisions—something that truly sets him apart from the typical advisory experience.

Introducing the newest member of the FGC team! Brendan Nelson! Brendan has been a career firefighter for 5 years now spending the last year and a half on the Hazmat team. Previously Brendan was a volunteer firefighter in Point Roberts, Washington. He is also Currently the director of fundraising for World Police Fire Games Club in his department . Partnered with Firefighters Global Consulting in 2025 stepping into the role of Client Acquisition President.

Mike is a Company Officer in a California fire department and the founder of Front Seat Academy, an online leadership and promotional preparation platform designed to expand access and opportunity for firefighters pursuing advancement.

With over 14 years in the fire service, Mike has served in multiple operational roles including engine operator, tiller operator, truck driver, and fire boat pilot. His experience includes suppression operations, multi-company incidents, maritime response, and high-performance team environments.

Beyond operations, Mike has been actively involved in labor leadership for nearly a decade and currently serve in an executive association role. His writing has been featured in national fire service publications, with additional work accepted for future release.

Through Front Seat Academy, He has designed and built a comprehensive self-paced online program focused on preparing firefighters for the promotional process. The curriculum includes leadership development, interview preparation, role-play scenarios, in-basket exercises, essay writing, and tactical simulations. The mission is to help capable firefighters translate real-world experience into assessable performance and step confidently into the officer role.

In this episode we sit down with Sgt. Terry Parma of the Vancouver police recruiting team.

Terry launched his policing career in 2007 as a Custodial Guard at the Vancouver Jail. After graduating from the Justice Institute of BC, he served in various roles across Districts 2 and 3, worked in Recruiting, and became a Neighbourhood Police Officer at the Khalsa Diwan Community Police Office.

As a Sergeant, he had the opportunity to return to the VPD Jail to coach and mentor the next generation of law enforcement officers. Since 2022, Terry has been one of four Sergeants in the Recruiting section.

Throughout his career, Terry has spearheaded numerous youth and community initiatives that have made a lasting impact within the VPD.

His dedication and service have earned him multiple commendations, including the two Chief Constable’s Commendations, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award of Valour, and the Vancouver Police Foundation’s Community Volunteer of the Year.

Matt Johnston is a full-time fire officer and the CEO of First Responder Health Services (FRH). A trained mental health clinician, Matt co-founded the Occupational Awareness Training (OAT) Program in 2017 following a cluster of suicides within the fire service.

The OAT Program focuses on upstream mental health training for frontline workers and currently supports more than 10,000 participants across British Columbia.

Combining 25 years of training in the mental health field with firsthand experience responding to nearly 5,000 emergency calls, Matt develops evidence-informed programs aimed at strengthening mental wellness and reducing suicide risk among first responders. Since founding FRH, the organization’s education platforms have delivered mental health training to over 100,000 users across Canada.

On this episode we sit down with Alex from adaptable strength. Alex comes from a family with strong military roots and went into the First Responder field in 2019 in the Dispatch Room. He stayed in the 911 field until December of 2023. After getting fed up with responding after emergencies happened and watching co worker's health decline from the job he took his decades of lifting and personal health improvement to the professional scale and began Personal Training and online coaching. He takes individualized coaching to the extreme with the specialties of working with First Responders and those with "odd life circumstances." Nowadays Alex takes on many roles in the unusual areas of health and fitness through his coaching with military/First Responders, coaching the Chester County Special Olympics Powerlifting Team, working with 98 Octane - a nonprofit for improving the health of military and first responders, and developing training resources for individuals with Autism and IDD with another non profit EmpowerU Specialty Fitness.

Paul Tylla is the creator of HEAL and co-founder of drinkheal.ca, co-owner of Frontline Functional Training and Martial Arts, and a lifelong public servant committed to building healthier people and communities. His career spans 28 years as a professional firefighter, supported by earlier service as a U.S. Navy rescue swimmer, where teamwork, discipline, and a calm under pressure mindset were essential in high-risk environments.

Beyond his operational career, Paul is the charitable founder and current president of the DNV Firefighters Charitable Society, where he supports initiatives where firefighters work to raise funds awareness for community-based causes. His entrepreneurial and charitable work is grounded in service, accountability, and purposeful action.

Paul’s mission is deeply personal. He was a primary caregiver for his wife, Linda Tylla, during her battle with ALS, an experience that reshaped his understanding of strength, vulnerability, and the importance of compassionate systems of care. In her honour, HEAL focuses its charitable giving on the ALS community, translating lived experience into meaningful advocacy, support, and impact for others facing similar challenges

Dr. Daniel Higuera is a professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College. He works with approximately 2000 firefighters per year across 20 fire departments in Southern California providing health and wellness education and interventions. He educates on topics such as sleep health, cardiovascular disease, physical performance, and cancer prevention. His research focuses on the applicability of wearable technology for firefighters.

We sit down again with Sach, after his amazing run across Canada to raise awareness for mental health. We talk about his experience and the people he met along his way. It was great to have him back on the show!

Check out: https://sachinmotion.ca/

We once again take questions from our followers and answer them on the podcast. Questions such as "Do Firefighters and Cops hate each other?" and What are the qualities you value most in a new member?" Enjoy!

In today's episode, we went over what we were both feeling in the moment - burnout. We explore some of the causes, signs, and discuss practical strategies for prevention & resilience in one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions. If you are just getting on or you're an old salty dog, don't skip this one out.

Get ready to suit up! This week's episode takes you inside the fast paced, real-world drills of firefighter recruitment. We’re breaking down the essential skills stations; from mastering the charged hose line and ladder raises to navigating zero-visibility search scenarios. If your skills test is coming up, you won't want to miss this one!

This week, we talk about the ultimate firefighter recruit setback: failing the Recruitment Process. We break down the mental shift required to re-enter the grind, retake the exams, and stare down the same evaluators. This is a raw conversation about humility, grit, and what it truly takes to walk back into the fire when you’ve already been burned.

Fan requested episode... we love these! Adamo and I go over what it's like to be applying to the fire service much later in life. We go over what are some of the positives, negatives, and potential upcoming challenges to you if you're an old salty dog. Turn up the volume for this one.

Seb is a veteran of the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, and current CEO of Raven Strategic Inc. With over 20 years of service, Seb has spent most of his career on the emergency response team, working his way up to Sgt. Major. We also dive into Seb's BJJ black belt, public speaking, masters in counter terrorism, and latest co-authored book "The Warrior and The Garden". Remember how we said our last podcast was one of the longest? This one is even longer! Enjoy.

IG:@slavccmdr

Advanced Care Paramedic, educator, founder of Red Point Performance & Safety Inc. and a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt! With over 20 years of service to the people of BC, Sheena brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FGC Behind the Smoke table. We also discuss her current work in helping first responders develop on-the-job skills in high risk environments. One of our longest podcasts yet, so check it out!

We've been lucky enough to have one of our clients (great guy, but we won't name names!) offer to help other aspiring firefighters in their journey by letting us use his unfinished & rough firefighter application as a teaching moment. We go over what to fill out, what recruiters are looking for, and how to stand out in one of the very first impressions you will make in your firefighter recruit process.

Last week was the first time we've missed publishing an episode. THIS WEEK, we dive into why that was the case - our little newborns. Adamo and I chat about our time as new fathers and balancing family life with firefighting.

From recruitment to the fireground, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making its way into the fire service. In this episode, we explore how AI is being used today, where it could go in the future, and what it means for firefighters on the job or for those looking to get on. Is AI a powerful tool or a dangerous crutch?  Was this created by AI? Spooky

Backdraft, Flashover, and Rollover. In this episode, we break down what they mean, how to spot the warning signs, a war-story or two, and what every probie needs to know to survive these hostile fire events. Even if you are a seasoned vet brushing up on fundamentals, this is must-know knowledge for your fireground survival.

Whether it’s a structure fire, bushfire, or a racoon stuck in a dumpster, if you’re showing up unprepared, you’re dead weight. In this episode, we break down what gear to bring to the most common firefighter calls, and why it matters. If you're a probie trying to figure out what gets you a head nod vs. a head shake, or want to know more about what we actually do in a shift, this one’s for you.

Today's episode focus: apparatus operations, pump panel basics, mindset behind the wheel, and critical mistakes to avoid when you are in the driver seat. Any new recruits, aspiring drivers, and even officers who want to better support their engineers/operators should have a listen!

Today we’re diving into the major differences between being a career firefighter and a volunteer firefighter. We’ll break down the pros, the cons, the training, the lifestyle, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for your goals.

In this episode, we go over our own beliefs into what constitutes good mentorship of a probationary firefighter. What our expectations are, limitations, and how we approach those new firefighters that want to do better, and those that go against the flow.

In this episode, we go rank by rank; from the lowest little tadpole recruit to the big Croc/Chief. We talk about rank structure, why we have it, and how it works for the most of the Fire Departments out there.

Whether you are thinking about getting into the Fire Service or whether you are halfway through a process, visiting a Firehall / Fire Station should be on your to-do list. In this episode, we break down steps you need to take to ensure your visit goes well, and what to expect once you are inside.

In this episode we go over the Do’s and Don’ts for probationers and ways to make you stand out in a positive way and avoid the negatives.

Think you’re ready to be a firefighter? In this episode, we lay it out raw: if you're in it only for the T shirt, the days off, or the badge — we don’t want your business. FGC gets real about what separates true professionals from paycheck scavengers. We talk attitude, entitlement, and the hard truth about why the fire service isn't for everyone. If that offends you, good — it’s probably not your calling.

Crush your firefighter panel interview with FGC’s tried and true 8 Rules of Communication. In this episode, we break down exactly how to present yourself, build trust fast, and speak with clarity under pressure. Whether you're walking into your first interview or trying to fix a broken process, these rules give you the edge you need to stand out in front of any panel. Confidence, structure, and purpose — every answer, every time.

In this episode, we break down the top 3 reasons you're likely failing the Firefighter Panel Interview. Whether it's rambling, dodging the actual question, or showing up unprepared—we dig into exactly what's holding you back from landing the job.

In this episode, we take you coast to coast across Canada. We explore the average salary, cost of living, and tie-breaking factors you may be considering if planning on moving towns. We hope these small glimpses into the firefighter life across the country helps you on your journey West...or East!

Jamie Flynn is a former British Special Forces operator turned professional BASE jumper, Security Specialist and wingsuit pilot. Now based in Squamish, BC, he’s also a firefighter, Search & Rescue member and mental health advocate. With thousands of jumps and a world championship title, Jamie shares his journey from combat zones to cliff edges to his transition into the Fire Service. Follow his adventures: @jamieflynnbase.

A former law enforcement officer turned ultra-endurance athlete, is on a mission to break the silence around mental health in the service community. He’s raised over $78,000 through the Sach-in-Motion Fund and is set to run 7,500 km across Canada in 75 days — all to support first responders and veterans.

You can find more on him here: https://sachinmotion.ca/

In this episode, we reconnect with an old friend whose journey has taken him from the front lines of the military to the front lines of the fire service. Together, we reflect on our time in the army, share stories from the fireground, and dive into the lessons learned along the way. Now serving as an Assistant Deputy Chief in the country’s large metropolitan fire department, James brings a wealth of experience, insight, and leadership to the conversation.

Today we take you through a regular day of a 24hr Firefighter shift. What we do from the moment we walk into the fire hall, to the coffee table during shift change a day later. Join us for a small glimpse into our humble day.

Today we sit down and chat with Mike Varga, an 18 year veteran of the fire service and Master Chef finalist. Mike takes us through his passion for firefighting as well as cooking. We explore the tie between the two vocations and how they come together at the fire station.

In this special guest episode, we sit down for a chat (over Zoom) with Big White Fire Department's Chief Josh Foster. We dig into how the Work Experience Program functions, duties of a firefighter, and what a Chief may look for in firefighter applicants.

In this very special episode, we catch up with Shawn Albrecht, owner and head coach of Frontline (formerly Ascension) - where he trains numerous first responders. Shawn has been grappling for 24 years and works as a Paramedic full time.

In this special episode, we speak with Roger Takahashi, former Vancouver Canucks conditioning coach with decades of experience. Roger also works with new Firefighter recruits in the field of hydration, breathing techniques, training strategies, VO2 testing, and more. You do not want to miss this one!

Got big gaps in your resume or multiple short stint jobs? Have you been self-employed for the last 10 years? In this episode, we go over some potential red flags that the Firefighter Interview Panel might prod into, and some (what we call) "orange" flags that you'll have to justify on the spot. Get ready!

In this special episode, we have our very first guest - Will Brodie! Will is the team lead for his Fire Department's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. He also sits on the BCPFFA Mental Health Subcommittee. The 3 of us go into mental health, resiliency, and resources available for aspiring and veteran Firefighters alike.

In this episode, we go over 6 questions a Firefighter Interview Panel may ask that you should answer without hesitating. Hesitating on Questions such as "Why do you want to be a Firefighter?" or "Tell us about yourself?" may cause red flags and you should prepare accordingly.