Please Suck Less – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Please Suck Less

David Polikoff

Business

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/10d. Total Eps: 31

Quick rants about bosses, leaders and managers who make life suck for those around them. And how to deal with them.

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Apple

Data updated on 04/07/2026

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Apple Podcasts

🇨🇦 Canada - Management
13/10/2025
#68

Spotify

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Score global : 63%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Put the Phone Down, Leave Politics Out, Train Hard — or Get Out

Season 2 · Episode 10

Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 08:39

Too many firefighters are wasting time doom-scrolling, arguing politics, and ignoring what matters. The firehouse isn’t a lounge or a debate club — it’s where we sharpen skills, build trust, and get ready to save lives.

This episode of Please Suck Less tears into:

Why your phone is killing your growth and your crew’s future.
Why politics have no place in the firehouse.
How to create a culture of nonstop training that actually makes you better.

👉 Do better. Suck less.

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Leaders Who Don’t Train First, Eat Last, or Protect Their Crew… SUCK

Season 2 · Episode 9

Saturday, September 13, 2025 • Duration 08:18

💥 If you’re a fire officer who cuts the line at chow, skips reps in training, or throws your people under the bus — you’re failing. Period. This episode of Please Suck Less rips into what real leadership looks like:

Command done right: Life Safety, Incident Stabilization, Property Conservation.
Why leaders eat last… but damn sure train first.
Taking care of your people so they know you’ve got their back.

No ego. No excuses. Just raw truth for the fireground and the firehouse.
👉 Do better. Suck less.

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Don't be an Ass, Don't be spiteful

Season 2 · Episode 8

Sunday, August 17, 2025 • Duration 10:17

I call out the wannabes and fast-trackers in the fire service. If you want that next set of bugles, you’d better master your current rank first. Remember—this career is supposed to be enjoyed, not just endured.

Stop making emotional, knee-jerk decisions that wreck your credibility.

Learn when to compromise without selling out your people.

I push firefighters to find real mentors, ditch the shortcuts, and step into leadership with grit, brains, and purpose. If you’re serious about leading, this episode is your wake-up call.

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Shut up and let your officers make a decision

Season 2 · Episode 7

Saturday, July 12, 2025 • Duration 09:37

Summary

In this episode, I break down the brutal truth about decision-making on the fireground. When seconds count, we don’t need chiefs calling shots while still responding—we need officers who are empowered to make the call. I dive into why real leadership means trusting your people, not babysitting them. We talk about building a culture where mistakes become lessons, not career-enders, and where leaders back their crews, not break their confidence. If you want to build warriors on the line, you’ve got to give them room to lead.

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Train for everything; High Frequency and Low Frequency incidents

Season 2 · Episode 6

Saturday, June 28, 2025 • Duration 12:16

I discuss the critical importance of training in the fire service, emphasizing the need to balance training for high-frequency and low-frequency calls. I highlight the public's expectations regarding rapid response and ethical conduct, and stress the importance of accountability and transparency in firefighting operations.

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Accountability, the dirty word. You Ain't Hijacking June!

Season 2 · Episode 5

Monday, June 9, 2025 • Duration 10:23

I discuss the importance of accountability for all people, particularly within the fire department. I emphasize the need for discipline and adherence to policies, explaining how these elements contribute to a healthy work environment. Additionally, I highlight June as Men's Mental Health Month, urging listeners to support one another and seek help when needed.

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Lead by example, don't be lazy. Politicians Suck!

Season 2 · Episode 4

Monday, April 21, 2025 • Duration 10:36

In this episode, I discuss the essential qualities of effective leadership, particularly in the context of the fire service. I emphasize the importance of leading by example, setting clear expectations, and maintaining core values such as approachability and accountability. The conversation also touches on local political issues in Maryland, highlighting the need for leaders to be aware of their responsibilities and the impact of their decisions.

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Are there any adults in the room

Season 2 · Episode 3

Friday, March 7, 2025 • Duration 10:50

In this episode, I discuss the importance of respectful disagreement in leadership and organizational culture. I emphasize that it's essential to voice disagreements with facts rather than feelings and propose solutions. I also critique the current political climate, calling for politicians to act as responsible leaders and find common ground rather than engage in divisive rhetoric. The conversation highlights the need for accountability and constructive communication in professional and political settings.

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If you can do the job, you will have a seat at the kitchen table.

Season 2 · Episode 2

Friday, February 7, 2025 • Duration 08:39

In this episode, I discuss the ongoing challenges faced by the fire service, particularly regarding budget cuts and the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Iemphasize the importance of adequate funding for the fire service to ensure public safety and the need for a focus on performance over identity politics. I argue that firefighters are dedicated professionals who deserve proper resources and respect, regardless of their background.

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Bullying and Weakness

Season 2 · Episode 1

Saturday, January 4, 2025 • Duration 12:12

Summary

In this episode, I discuss the issues of bullying within the fire service, particularly from upper management. I emphasize the importance of respectful confrontation and documentation when dealing with bullies. Additionally, I address the rising trend of EMS units calling for manpower assistance, urging personnel to maintain physical fitness to handle their responsibilities effectively.

Takeaways

Bullying in the fire service often stems from insecurity in leadership.
Respectful confrontation can resolve bullying issues.
Documentation of conversations is crucial when addressing workplace bullying.
Stand up to bullying and be respectfully.
Confronting bullies can lead to improved relationships and understanding.
Physical fitness is essential for EMS personnel to perform their duties.
Firefighters should not rely on additional manpower for manageable tasks.
It's important to create a culture of accountability in the fire service.
Maintaining fitness standards is vital for operational effectiveness.

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Please Suck Less – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Please Suck Less – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities