Explore every episode of the podcast The Anchor Point Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reframing Our Relationship With Fire Through Mentorship And Stewardship With Dr. Sasha Berleman | 12 Mar 2024 | 01:44:34 | |
People have lived collaboratively with fire, and fire has brought and supported life since time immemorial. This was something Dr. Sasha Berleman heard when she was a young adult enrolled in an educational program at a nature reserve that her grandmother used to take her to. This sent her on a lifelong journey to explore and educate others on living harmoniously in a fire-prone environment.
Known as the Fire Poppy, Dr. Berleman shares insights on wildland and prescribed fires, stressing their vital role in fire-adapted ecosystems. She talks about the challenges of using fire and changing how people see it. Dr. Berleman also talks about the Fire Forward program, which helps more people use prescribed fires safely. The program focuses on leadership, working together, and helping communities. She also talks about how the government and groups can learn from each other and how everyone can work together better. Dr. Berleman underscores the need for collaboration, resource sharing, and mentorship, concluding with a focus on the recipe for success and the potential for future growth, as well as the importance of mentors and paying it forward.
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| On The Line And In The Ring: Fighting For Strong Relationships With Chase And Sammy Worthington | 01 Mar 2024 | 01:50:08 | |
Explore the thrilling intersection of firefighting and professional boxing in this captivating episode. On today's show, Chase and Sammy Worthington stop by to talk about what it takes to make a strong, lasting relationship through their personal experiences with a wildfire career and a professional boxing career. Chase Worthington, a Squad Leader on the Folsom Lake Veterans Crew and a US Navy Veteran, brings the perspective of a wildland firefighter. Meanwhile, Sammy "The Heat" Worthington, a renowned professional boxer and UBO women's Super Lightweight World Champion, adds the exhilarating world of boxing to the conversation. Discover how their unique experiences highlight the parallel between pursuing passions in both careers and relationships. Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of these demanding yet fulfilling paths, fighting wildfires on the line and in the ring while loving on each other. | |||
| Overcoming Adversity: The Journey To Mental Health And Healing With Jay Walker | 23 May 2023 | 01:19:29 | |
Welcome to the The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 117 with Jay Walker, a wildland firefighter from Wells, NV. Jay has served on multiple wildland firefighting crews, including Ruby Mountain Hotshots, Jackson Hotshots, and Elko District Engine Modules. He is currently the acting superintendent of Ely Helitack, based out of Panaca, Nevada.
In 2020, Jay experienced a severe rollover accident in a UTV resulting in the loss of his hand. After multiple surgeries, hardships, and financial challenges, he experienced something arguably worse than the pain of the accident itself - the mental health challenges.
In this episode, we dive into Jay's personal journey to discovering a distinct approach to prioritizing his mental health and recovery. It is an incredibly uplifting account that highlights his unwavering determination, how he overcame his demons, and his desire to support others in their own paths. Jay serves as a true inspiration and the epitome of the indomitable human will. His enthusiasm for fire remains undiminished, and he continues his firefighting endeavors using a unique set of prosthetics despite the unfortunate loss of his hand.
Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast," to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com. Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! ---------------------------- The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| Paradigm Shift in Health and Wellness w/ Fernado Montes | 09 Mar 2020 | 01:45:30 | |
Today's episode is an thought exercise where we bring up the discussion of what we can do better on the topic of overall fitness, health, and wellness. We often get caught up in the status quo when it comes to approaching firefighter fitness, health, and wellness - and in its in my humble opinion that it needs to be addressed and improved... Thats why we have today's episode with Fernando Montes, the exercise physiologist for LACoFD, on the show today to have a discussion about why we are doing it wrong and what we can do to make it better for the federal Wildland service... Before coming to the LACoFD Fire Department, Fernando worked in human performance for three decades - including work with top D1 college athletic programs and tactical athletic development for special operations forces. Now he is the go to guy to for developing new systems based off of real world data to improve the lives and performance of Wildland Firefighters in the field... If you want to get ahold of Fernando, or want to inquire about a seminar, you can contact him here: fernando.montes@fire.lacounty.gov Hope you guys enjoy the show! ..........................
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery The Smokey Generation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation | |||
| Overcoming Adversity, Fighting Fire, and State Agencies w/ Michael McManus | 02 Mar 2020 | 01:07:38 | |
Mike McManus is an Assistant Fire Warden with the Idaho Department of Lands. He began his wildland career in 2008 and following the completion of his second season underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. He returned to the wildland arena in 2012 after grinding through a year’s worth of rehab and missing a season. Mike's career has seen him fill the role of engine captain, squad boss, crew boss and burn boss. Mike credits the department with taking a chance on him and affording him the opportunity to get back into wildland fire. Mike, as well as other fire managers, are right in the middle of their seasonal hiring and department also has a few permanent positions open. So listen up for those of you still looking for a place to fight fire during the 2020 season and you might just find something that fits!
Personal Instagram: @four_fifths_ca Personal Twitter: @bombero_mike
Job Links: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-us/jobs/ Also the IDL Website. IDL Twitter:@IdahoLands IDL Facebook: @IDLFireInfo
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The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery The Smokey Generation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation | |||
| (Bonus Episode) Filter Build Invitation w/ Clay Hess | 24 Feb 2020 | 00:01:29 | |
Come join Clay Hess for a water filter build for communities affected by disaster or that do not have access to clean water! These filters will provide clean, safe drinking water for 10 people for 10 years! This is an awesome opportunity to give back and pay it forward, here's the details: Cheyanne Filter Build Event with Wine To Water: March 21st from 6 to 9pm Tickets are available here: https://give.winetowater.org/event/cheyenne-filter-build/e271124 A $50 dollar donation gets you in the door and includes - Wine tasting, snacks, live music, and a key note speaker! If you guys can't make it, that's okay... You can still donate $50 bucks for the cost of building a filter! Thanks guys! | |||
| Clean Water around the World w/ Clay Hess | 24 Feb 2020 | 00:43:16 | |
Clay Hess is a Wildland Firefighter in the summer, and in the off season, he travels and provides systems to make clean drinking water to communities effected by disaster and that do not have access to clean water... Clay is a good dude, who is passionate about his work due to the fact that every 90sec a child 5 and under dies from a water related illness... Clay states: "There have been many "ripples" in my life and I believe that each one is responsible for my finding Wine To Water. When I'm not fighting fires as a Wildland Firefighter I'm committed to raising money to fight the world water crisis and traveling with Wine To Water to Nepal and the Dominican Republic to dig wells and build water pumps and filters. Wine To Water is an incredible organization that is committed to support life and dignity for all through the power of clean water. Clean water is powerful and life changing, not only for those helped, but for those who help. My life has been forever changed." Im all about good causes, and paying it forward - Keep up the good work, Clay! Clay can be found here: Instagram: @winetowater @water_is_everything_ Cheyenne filter build Ticket link for build- https://give.winetowater.org/event/cheyenne-filter-build/e271124
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The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery The Smokey Generation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation | |||
| The Australia Experience w/Justine Gude | 17 Feb 2020 | 01:20:00 | |
Australia has experienced a catastrophic and very tragic wildland fire season... In order to help combat these blazes across the country, the United States and Australia teamed up to send some of our fire personnel down to help. Justing Gude is one of those folks! Justine has been a crew member on Texas Canyon Interagency Hotshot Crew for 5 years and has had the unique opportunity to be apart of International firefighting efforts in Australia... Today on the show, Justine swings by to share her experience while in Australia and give some advice to future rounds of personnel heading down to Australia... You can find Justine on Instagram if you guys and girls have any questions at @j_justine... https://www.instagram.com/j_justjustine/ Enjoy! ......................... New audio recording software! Lemme know what you think!
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery The Smokey Generation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation | |||
| Kendal "Fordy" Ford w/ KFord Custom Woodworks | 10 Feb 2020 | 00:38:35 | |
Today on the show, Kendal Ford "aka Fordy" drops in and gives us the skinny on running his side gig - KFord Custom Woodworks... You guys know i'm a huge advocate for creating a side gig, paying it forward, and doing rad stuff in your spare time and Kendal does just that... You've probably seen his work on Instagram, like the incredible memorial plaque for Frank Esposito from Big Bear Hotshots... If you guys are looking for some badass woodwork, definitely hit up Kendal's shop - Its Firefighter owned and operated, built to last, high quality, and there is no job too big or too small!
IG: @kford_woodworks Email: kfordwoodworks@gmail.com Enjoy! Sponsors: The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery The Smokey Generation
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation | |||
| Operational Drones w/Simon Weibel | 03 Feb 2020 | 00:42:50 | |
The future is now! Today on the show Simon Weibel stops by and shares some pretty rad information on Drone Amplified and the IGNIS 2 UAS/PSD system! Simon has been around the game for a bit, here's a little bio on him: Simon Weibel started fire right out of High School with Grayback Forestry Inc. on their Type 2 IA crew. After that I got my EMT-B certification and did three seasons with Eldorado IHC. After a break of 4 years from fire, where I got my degree and worked in business development, I decided I had to come back and currently am working for Oregon Department of Forestry as a Forest Officer. In ODF I got introduced to drones being used in fire and decided I needed to get into that and help push it forward, which led me to working with Drone Amplified and the IGNIS firing system. Currently I work in the off season as the west coast representative for the company, and help push sales, training development, and program integration for our system, the IGNIS. If anyone wants to get in contact with questions, or to set up a demonstration, they can contact me phone or email: 541 500 7128 or through our website or instagram: @droneamplified on IG
Sponsors: Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch! Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!! Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation! And, as always, support this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation! | |||
| Happy Holidays from the WFF | 23 Dec 2019 | 00:13:07 | |
Happy holidays from the Wildland Firefighter Foundation! Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s main focus is to help families of firefighters killed in the line of duty and to assist injured firefighters and their families. We honor and acknowledge past, present, and future members of the wildland firefighting community, and partner with private and interagency organizations to bring recognition to wildland firefighters. The Foundation came together as a group of volunteers in 1994, shortly after the Storm King tragedy. With dedication and lots of volunteer work, plans were developed for a national monument to honor firefighters, a dream that was realized in May 2000. The Wildland Firefighter Foundation was officially formed in the spring of 1999. Our board members realized that there was a great need to have emergency support services for the families of fallen firefighters. Be sure to check out their website and re-up your 52 club membership! The WFF --> https://wffoundation.org/52-club/ Thank you everyone for making The Anchor Point Podcast a huge success in such a short time, and a Huge thank you to all of our sponsors: Hotshot Brewery, The Smokey Generation, and Mystery Ranch! We will be taking a little hiatus over the holidays to regroup and spend time with our family - We will see you again in the new year! | |||
| Firefighter Fit Endurance w/ Kyoul Cha | 09 Dec 2019 | 01:06:06 | |
Ladies and gentlemen, today on the show, I have Kyoul Cha - This dude is one hell of a firefighter, mentor, and athlete! He has been fighting fire since 2004 with Globe IHC and Payson Helitack. Soon after that, he got into the world of Spartan racing in 2015 through2018... After his stint with Spartan, he decided to pay it forward by creating his own insanity fueled endurance program with Firefighter Fit Endurance! Kyoul Says: "FirefighterFit Endurance was created to address the physical fitness Pretty fricken awesome! Be sure to check his program out with these links: https://firefighterfitendurance.com https://www.facebook.com/FirefighterFIT/ https://www.facebook.com/3echoOCR/ https://www.instagram.com/firefighterfit_endurance/?hl=en Hope you enjoy! Be sure to hit him up with any questions!
Hotshot Brewery --> https://www.instagram.com/firefighterfit_endurance/?hl=en The Smokey Generation --> https://www.instagram.com/firefighterfit_endurance/?hl=en And, as always, please support the Wildland Firefighter Foundation: | |||
| Save Alberta Rappel w/Adam Clyne | 02 Dec 2019 | 00:44:48 | |
Some things will always baffle me - like taking a multi-mission capable helicopter program and throwing it in the trash can. This short sighted decision was made after 3 back, to back, to back insane fire seasons... Today on the show - We have Adam Clyne, a spotter from the Alberta Rappellers on the show to share how we can save this valuable program... Alberta's wildfire rappel program has been axed by the provincial government in order to cut cost, yet the 23 million dollar price tag of the savings doesn't make any sense compared to the potential of saving hundreds of millions of dollars by stopping small fires before they go big... The "RAP" program has been in place for 36 years, and employs 63 firefighters every fire season, not including the support staff or pilots for these programs. The overall objective for the "RAP" crews is to insert firefighters into the fire via helicopter rappel and aggressively attack small fires soon after detection to keep the fires from growing into large, catastrophic fires... In addition to this, they provide: Fireline emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, and hazardous fuels reduction across the entire province of Alberta... If you want to support the Alberta RAP program, check out these sites: Change.org: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2554289287998862/about/ Also feel free to hit up Adam Clyne on Instagram.. Thanks for listening, everyone... Lets help our brothers out! SPONSORS: Hotshot Brewery: https://www.hotshotbrewing.com The Smokey Generation: http://thesmokeygeneration.com Merch: https://www.hotshotbrewing.com/collections/tapp And always, please consider donating to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation! | |||
| Nevada Fire Aviation with Jeremy Seng, Alec Goicoechea, Lucas Rhea, and Melissa Fry | 16 May 2023 | 02:02:01 | |
Welcome to Episode 119 of The Anchor Point Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the world of wildland firefighting and the culture that surrounds it. In this episode, we'll be discussing the crucial role of aviation and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, featuring guests from different aspects of the industry. Join us as we delve into the day-to-day operations of the various helitack crews and the ins and outs of the tanker bases. We also take a look at the management side of the fire aviation program and discuss how it all comes together to help fight wildfires. With wildfires becoming increasingly common and devastating, it's more important than ever to understand the role that aerial firefighting and aviation assets play in the overall strategy to control these fires. From the equipment used to the training required, our guests break down the essential elements of a successful aerial firefighting operation. Jeremy Seng - Detailed BLM National Flight Operations Program Manager. He shares his experiences on how helitack crews and fire retardant can win the day with wildfires, the challenges and importance of coordinating with ground crews, and how his team manages resources during times of high fire activity. Lucas Rhea - Nevada State Office Air Attack, joins us next to discuss the unique challenges of working in Nevada and Air Attack operations. He also shares some of his experiences as the superintendent of the Las Vegas Helitack crew. Melissa Fry - Wells, Nevada, Single Engine Air Tanker Base Manager, discusses her role in managing a Single Engine Air Tanker base and ensuring the safety of pilots and crews. She also shares some of the challenges and rewards of working in such a dynamic environment. And Alec Goicoechea - Nevada State Aviation Manager... Alec discusses the management side of the fire aviation program, including the process of allocating resources and equipment to different parts of the state based on need and the challenges of maintaining a high level of readiness in an unpredictable fire season. Overall, this episode covers a variety of topics related to aviation resources and aerial firefighting operations in Nevada, from the day-to-day operations of helitack crews to the ins and outs of tanker bases. Join us as we dive into the world of aerial firefighting and the unique challenges faced by those on the front lines of wildfire control. Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com... Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy! To find out more about the Nevada BLM Aviation Program - Check out: www.nevadafireinfo.org Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! ---------------------------- The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| Off Season Mental Health w/ Dr. Mynda Ohs PhD. | 18 Nov 2019 | 01:22:48 | |
Today on the show, we have our second appearance by Dr. Mynda Ohs, where we talk about the importance of mental health in the off season... The off season can be hard - So we have a candid discussion about what we can do to address the issues that we face every year. From reintegration back into the home life; to what it takes to foster healthy habits to not just survive, but thrive, during the off season... We address a ton of the stressors of the off season in this episode, and we DO realize that this is not a "one size fits all" episode - So here are some resources for you to look into in case you are struggling this winter: USFS EAP: BLM EAP: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation: Fully Involved Life: National Suicide Prevention Hotline = 1-800-273-8255 Next Rung: Please, reach out to these resources if you need help... Don't hesitate, don't feel like you are alone...
Mynda Currently provides 24-hour on-call Critical Incident Debriefings, counseling services, and instruction. She has also been a guest presenter at numerous conferences. She has worked several critical incidents involving police and fire departments, including the recent Montecito Mudslides, providing support and education to all fire departments present, law enforcement and Incident Management Team 3. She has also provided professional support during the Las Vegas shooting and to several LODD for the Forest Service as well as local law enforcement. She played a major debriefing role of first responders to the San Bernardino terrorist shooting. Additionally, she has experience working in the EMS field as an EMT for 4 years. Not only does she have over 14 years of experience working in the field of crisis intervention and suicide prevention, but has also been married to a Battalion Chief for over 20 years. This has given her a unique perspective of living within a first responder community and family while adding to her education and professional experiences. She also (literally) wrote the book on how to make relationships strong and amazing in her book - "Fully Involved". If you are in a relationship, definitely check out her book!
Merch is available! Sponsors: Hotshot Brewery: The Smokey Generation: | |||
| Fire Lunches W/ Kyle Kamp | 11 Nov 2019 | 01:05:05 | |
Today on the show, I have Kyle Kamp from Valley to Peak Nutrition to discuss fire lunches, why nutrition is key to performance, and talk about the long term health effects of our diets... Kyle is a Registered Dietician, hailing from Boise, Idaho, Where he specializes in fueling mountain athletes with Nutrition Plans, Meal Planning, Nutrition Analysis, and Consultation for their adventures... Has also got a pretty awesome story about how he turned his life completely around with diet and exercise... "A day in December of 2008 changed the course of my life. I was 21 years old, weighed 270 pounds, and found myself experiencing chest pains from the strenuous activity of… opening Christmas presents. I knew my life had to change.
Over the next year I engulfed myself in learning about nutrition and exercise, and I watched the scale drop more than 140 pounds — more than half my body weight. As exciting as it was to successfully lose weight, I was also frustrated by the inconsistencies in what I was reading online about nutrition. I was hungry for truth. Not opinions. Not fads. Not some diet plan that some guy came up with in his basement. But actual science-based, “this is the way the body works” nutritional information." As you can see, he is very passionate about his lifestyle and his work - And he passes this dedication to his craft on to his clients... Kyle, thank you for coming on the show! Here is some links where you can connect with Kyle: Website: Instagram: Linktree: Hit him up! He's more than willing to help and answer questions! Enjoy... MERCH: SPONSORS: The Smokey Generation: And of course, please consider supporting the Wildland Firefighter Foundation: | |||
| Fire Fitness W/ Zach Roubo | 04 Nov 2019 | 01:18:40 | |
Former Wildland Firefighter Zach Roubo stops by The Anchor Point Podcast and shares his first hand experiences with firefighting, MMA, Brazilian Jui-jitsu, and fitness... Zach has been in the Reno area for over 20 years now. He has been doing martial arts for 19 years and in 2019 received his 4th degree black belt in MMA and his purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. When not at work or in the gym, you can usually find him paddle boarding in Tahoe, hiking anything with a hill or relaxing, playing the guitar. I have been in the fitness industry for a few years. My original training came through CrossFit and IFA. After meeting Matt and coaching him in boxing, I did my CPPS certification with Diesel Strength (Joe Defranco and Jim Smith). "My personal fitness goal is to be active and outdoors as long as I can. My fitness goal for my clients is to be out of pain, feel great and help them achieve their goals." Zach has some great tips and advice for getting yourself ready for the fire season! Be sure to check out Pendola Training at http://www.pendolatraining.com where you can find Zach coaching and doing awesome stuff! Or you can always give him a call... (bold move, Zach) Enjoy!
Merch is available!!! Click here -> https://www.hotshotbrewing.com/collections/tapp Sponsors: Hotshot Brewery -> https://www.hotshotbrewing.com The Smokey Generation -> http://thesmokeygeneration.com The American Wildfire Experience -> http://wildfire-experience.org
Wildland Firefighter Foundation -> https://wffoundation.org | |||
| A Day in Dispatch W/ Lauren Bellinger | 28 Oct 2019 | 00:52:37 | |
Ever wanted to know what its like from the dispatcher's perspective? Today on the show, we have Lauren Bellinger swing by and talk about what goes on behind the scenes at dispatch... Lauren was a Wildland Firefighter for a few years before she became an initial attack dispatcher (with a caffeine addiction) in R2. When she's not swamped with fire activity in dispatch, she spends her free time riding horses, reading, and hanging out with her husband... Its pretty interesting to see the perspective from someone in dispatch - especially since we interact with them daily yet never really see them... Hope y'all enjoy the show!
-New show format that puts advertisements up front... Let us know what you think!
Good Coffee: https://www.hotshotbrewing.com Good People: http://wildfire-experience.org Good Cause: https://wffoundation.org | |||
| Global Response W/ Alex K Potter (Bonus Content) | 21 Oct 2019 | 00:01:35 | |
Please consider volunteering or donating to a wonderful cause! https://www.global-response.org/ https://twitter.com/grm_global?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/global.response/ GRM Fundraiser for Syria - https://www.facebook.com/donate/405675677000033/ Got questions? She has answers! Alex can be found here: https://www.alexkaypotter.com/ https://twitter.com/alexkpotter | |||
| Do No Harm w/ Alex Potter | 21 Oct 2019 | 00:42:46 | |
Today we are going have a chat with Alex K Potter about her unique background as a conflict zone photojournalist and trauma nurse in Yemen and Iraq! She's been around the world and has seen some incredible things that humanity has to offer... Also, some of the horrors... Alex Potter is a photojournalist, nurse, and wildland firefighter. She has worked in the Middle East since 2012, focusing on Yemen and Iraq, humanitarian crises and political change, and is a co-founder of Global Response Management, a medical non-profit operating in conflict and disaster areas. Alex recently started working as a wildland firefighter on the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho.
https://www.alexkaypotter.com She also helped co-found the medical nonprofit, Global Response. You can find them here: https://www.global-response.org Also they have a fundraiser going to raise money for a response to Syria that can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/405675677000033/ Thanks everyone, hope you enjoy the show! UPDATES! 10/19/2019 - Merch will be available soon! Keep tuned! SPONSORS: Wildland Firefighter Foundation (Not a sponsor, but I love the cause) Hotshot Brewery: The Smokey Generation: | |||
| WTF is a WFM w/ Jon Freeman | 14 Oct 2019 | 00:54:38 | |
Not too many people know what Wildland Fire Modules (formerly known as wildfire use modules) are, so we are gonna answer it! Jon Freeman is the captain of Columbine Wildland Fire Module (WFM), a Type 1 WFM based on the San Juan National Forest in Durango, CO and we will go over all the topics pertaining to WFM's - Day to day ops, what they get to do on large fires, and some of the cool tech that they get to utilize in the field! We even go over some tips and tricks to get picked up on one of these crews... Jon got into fire in 2001 and has worked for the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management on various modules throughout the United States. He received his Master’s in Fire Ecology from Colorado State University in 2006. Jon is also a PADI certified SCUBA diving instructor and does his best to spend his winters underwater teaching diving in SE Asia, or at least he did up until he accepted a 26/0 year round position. More information on detailing can be found here: More information about Wildland Fire Modules can be found here: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/wildland-fire-module-unit Hope everyone enjoys the show! UPDATES: I decided to switch up the formatting of the show and put the adds right up front to see if it works better... Let me know what you think about the new format! Youtube is launching soon, along with some new merch! - More info to come soon!
http://thesmokeygeneration.com And our other sponsor, Hotshot Brewery! https://www.hotshotbrewing.com Also make sure to hit up The Wildland Firefighter Foundation and join the 52 club today! Stay safe everyone! | |||
| So, you wanna jump? w/Andrew Pattison | 07 Oct 2019 | 01:14:51 | |
So, you wanna take that leap? - Here is a good starting point! Andrew Pattison, from Missoula Smokejumpers, is on the show to explain some of those best practices and what it takes to be a Smokejumper - He also dispels some of those myths, mysteries, and rumors surrounding some of the aspects of the program... Andrew is a good dude and has a ton of firefighting experience, not to mention a rad career... Hailing from the great state of Montana, he has come on the show to get you skookum on what to expect from the program. If you guys and gals are at all interested in a jump spot, then definitely listen to this episode! Take notes, get those resumes dialed, and start networking! Announcements are for temp seasonal SMKJ positions! Get those applications in and start applying! Andrew is more than willing to answer any questions about the program that you may have, so be sure to hit him up or give him a follow on the IG link below: https://www.instagram.com/smokejumpers_on_ig/?hl=en or https://www.instagram.com/drewjumpsin07/?hl=en Also, be sure to check out this link to one of the many Smokejumper announcements below: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/547194800# Good luck, and happy hunting... We couldn't have made the podcast what it is today without the following folks: Check out https://www.hotshotbrewing.com for all your coffee needs! Check out http://thesmokeygeneration.com and http://wildfire-experience.org/our-projects/the-smokey-generation for our amazing folks in the field and the recipients of the Smokey Generation X Mystery Ranch grants! And always, check out the folks that support us in a time of need: https://wffoundation.org and become a member of the 52 club today! Thanks everyone, enjoy that time off! | |||
| Episode 17 Teaser Episode w/Andrew Pattison | 05 Oct 2019 | 00:05:06 | |
follow your passion and your dreams... | |||
| Helitack Hiring Tips and Tricks w/Jason Bullough | 29 Sep 2019 | 00:43:11 | |
Today on the show, Jason Bullough stops by to share his information about the Helitack life and some best practices to get picked up by a helitack crew... Jason has 17 years of fire experience, 8 years on Wasatch, and in the off season he works with region 4 hiring team to facilitate selecting the best qualified applicants for seasonal positions. We cover a ton of topics related to Helitack on today's show, everything from: Crew member expectations, qualifications desired, day to day operations, PT expectations, and the ins and outs of what to expect from a season on a Helitack module... Hiring Season is coming to a close soon! September 30th is the last day that announcements are going to be up for temporary seasonal hiring for most regions... However, keep in mind that region 1 is experiencing some issues with the last announcement that they posted - They will be reposting the announcements to USAJOBS in the beginning of October... Make sure to check out USAJOBS for a full list of announcements... https://www.usajobs.gov More information about Wasatch Helitack can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/uwcnf/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fseprd521268&width=full You can also check out their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/wasatchhelitack/?hl=en Hope you guys and gals enjoy. Hurry and get those applications in!!! Also, be sure to swing by the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to support a good cause... https://wffoundation.org | |||
| "Nevada Hotshot and Handcrew Superintendents Tell It How It Is" with JP, Chase, Justin, and Kris | 09 May 2023 | 01:49:13 | |
Welcome to The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 118! In this episode, we delve into the world of wildland firefighting with a focus on the Nevada Bureau of Land Management Handcrews and Interagency Hotshot Crews.
Our guests for this episode include JP Blair, Justin Zabala, Kris Bruington, and Chase Maness, all experienced Hotshots who have worked on the frontlines of some of the toughest wildfires in the country. We talk about their experiences as members of these elite firefighting teams, how they have seen the industry evolve over the years, and the direction the industry is heading with the new changes on the horizon. We also have an honest and candid conversation about the following topics:
Finally, we explore the role of social media in firefighting and how it can be used for "clout chasing" or for a greater good. Our guests provide examples of how social media can be leveraged to educate the public on fire safety and prevention.
JP Blair - Superintendent of Vegas Valley Veterans Crew, US Marine, and former Del Rosa Interagency Hotshot Asst. Supt. Justin Zabala - Current Assistant Superintendent, soon to be Supt. of Ruby Mountain Hotshots. Kris Bruington - Fire Operations Coordinator for the NV BLM, former Lone Peak IHC Superintendent. Chase Maness - Eastern Nevada Agency BIA Fire Management Officer, former Midnight Suns and Ruby Mountain IHC Superintendent.
To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com... Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy! Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! ---------------------------- The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| R6 Temp Seasonal Hiring Tips and Tricks W/Chad Schmidt | 09 Sep 2019 | 01:07:41 | |
Interested in getting into a new career with Wildland Fire? Interested in changing up your duty location? Wanna check out a new region? - Then pay attention to this episode!!! This episode covers everything you need to know about upping your chances for getting picked up with an awesome crew in an exciting career! Today on the show, I have Chad Schmidt from Central Oregon Rappellers! He's got 15 years of fire experience and in the off season, he's one of the Operations Directors for ALL of region 6 temporary seasonal hiring... Also, all this resume writing, USAJOBS navigation, and best practices information is applicable to MANY regions, not just region 6! Heres a little bio on Chad: Chad Schmidt, with Central Oregon Rappellers, has been involved in Temporary Hiring in various capacities for the last 15 years. He started his career as an Engine crewmember, gained experience in aviation on Rappel crews in R6, Served as an Assistant Fire Manager Officer on the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, and is currently the Airbase Manager at Central Oregon Rappellers in Prineville, OR. In addition to his normal duties as a base manager, he serves as one of the Operations Directors for Region 6 temp hiring. Region 6 utilizes a unique approach to temporary hiring where they assemble a small Incident Management Team to facilitate the process of applicant evaluations and selections. More information can be found here: R6 Specific hiring info: USAJOBS: Chad also gave out a ton of information on his crew, Central Oregon Rappellers, too... So, if you guys are interested in switching it up and making the jump to aviation - Definitely check out their program and shoot them an email! Just keep in mind that you must have fire experience (preferably Hotshot experience) to become a rappeller, and the fitness expectations are pretty hardcore... More information can be found here: COR on Instagram: Best of luck to all the future applicants! | |||
| Resumes, USAJOBS, and Applications - R5 Fire Hire W/ Ashley Letscher | 26 Aug 2019 | 01:17:31 | |
Ashely Letscher - Firefighter, Traveler, Fire Hire expert... Today on the show we sit down and talk about how to dial in your resume anyhow to navigate USAJOBS to land that dream spot! Ashley started her career in 2008 in Northern California for the US Forest Service on type 3 engines... After 4 seasons she went to work for the National Park Service the Yosemite Valley Engine and Cape Cod Seashore in fuels reduction in the winter off season. In 2013 she took her permanent senior firefighter on a type 4 fire engine on the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho... "Although I quite enjoyed working with the great folks I wanted to head back to California so I worked my way back getting a merit transfer to the Humbolt Toiyabe National Forest as SFF, then promoting to AFEO, and getting back into Region 5 on the Inyo National Forest where eventually I promoted to FEO... Now I currently work on the Eldorado National Forest in the same position. I love my job. The people and the adventures that it takes me on! In my free time you’ll find me traveling to my favorite spots to see friends and family and most likely near some body of water to swim and paddle board at!" Listen up dirtbags! This episode will give you some bomber information to get your resume dialed in and up your chances on getting selected... R5 Fire Hire information can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/fire-aviation/management/?cid=stelprdb5341420 And USAJOBS can be found here: https://www.usajobs.gov Thanks for listening! Hope this helps! | |||
| Sound Check with Mynda Ohs - Bonus Content | 23 Aug 2019 | 00:05:25 | |
Some more conversation with Mynda Ohs on the "where the hell are my tools?" conversation that you will inevitably have with your significant other... Check out her book if you want to survive your marriage - https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Involved-Guide-Relationship-Firefighter/dp/0578494175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HDYD0ALYL0TM&keywords=fully+involved&qid=1566540677&s=gateway&sprefix=fully+involved%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1 | |||
| Mynda Ohs, PhD. | 23 Aug 2019 | 01:26:47 | |
Ladies and Gentlemen, Episode 13 is live - And it's the perfect follow up to our show with Gary Atteberry... Now we get the clinician's point of view of how to confront some the issues we face, avoiding a clinical case of the "F*** its", and some of the tools that we can add to the toolbox when it comes to mental health! Mynda Ohs, PhD. has been providing Critical Incident Debriefings, counseling services, instructing, and has been a guest presenter at numerous conferences. She has worked several critical incidents involving police and fire departments, including the recent Montecito Mudslides, providing support and education to all fire departments present, Law enforcement and the Incident Management Team 3. Additional incidents she provided professional support to are: The Las Vegas shooting, several LODD for the Forest Service as well as local law enforcement... She played a major debriefing role of first responders to the San Bernardino Terrorist Shooting. Additionally, she comes with the experience of working in the EMS field as an EMT for 4 years and an emergency room technician. Not only does she have over 14 years of experience working in the field of crisis intervention and suicide prevention, but has been married to a Battalion Chief for over 22 years. This has given her a unique perspective of living within the first responder community and family, while adding to her education and professional experiences. Mynda even has wrote the book (in my opinion, and literally) on being in a relationship with a firefighter! Be SURE to pick up her book "Fully Involved" if you are married too, or plan on getting married too a firefighter... You can find her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Involved-Guide-Relationship-Firefighter/dp/0578494175/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RD4NERBN1CUV&keywords=mynda+ohs&qid=1566537117&s=gateway&sprefix=mynda+o%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1 DON'T search for it on Barnes and Noble - you won't like the search results... And always, swing by the https://wffoundation.org and donate! | |||
| PTSD, Cardboard Flip Flops, and Coordination Centers w/ Gary Atteberry | 29 Jul 2019 | 01:02:26 | |
Gary Atteberry has been around the block... He has been all the way from surf bum, Hotshot, rookie jumper, to operations manager for the Redmond Smokejumpers. He's got a lot of story to tell, and encountered some tragedy along the way... This is the story of the life of one firefighter, cardboard flip flops, camaraderie, PTSD, and life after tragedy... More importantly, this is the story of overcoming of adversity... We also go into what he does now at the coordination center, and how the chess pieces (resources) get moved around the GACCs and a little insight on what it takes to be a Smokejumper! Hope that the message that he sends sticks with the people that are seeking help out there, because help is available... Here is a list of some resources below... Just remember, if they can't help you directly, they can definitely point you in the right direction... https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org Break the stigma... Thank you for listening... | |||
| Stuart Palley | 22 Jul 2019 | 01:02:58 | |
If you haven't heard of Stuart Palley, then you must be living under a rock... Just sayin, bro... Stuart is a photojournalist out of Southern California who specializes in long exposure photography of wildfires at night, and they are epic. He started on the "Terra Flamma" project in 2012. It took about 5 years and over 100 wildfires to just complete this epic photo journal project... His project highlights the effects that climate change has on our environment and the direct consequences that it has on catastrophic wildfires and the human toll it has on our communities. Did i mention he is available as a single resource through NIFC? - Order him up if you need a pro! His website - https://www.stuartpalley.com/index - reads: The project has been featured in dozens of media outlets across the globe and was recognized as a Finalist in the Environmental Vision category of the prestigious Pictures of the Year International Photography competition in 2016. The project also was received awards in 2015 and 2018. Most recently his work from the project was published as part of an article on electronic surveillance entitled "We Are Watching You" in the February 2018 issue of National Geographic Magazine and climate articles on the National Geographic website. Born and raised in Southern California, Stuart has photographed for National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and many other publications. His work has appeared TIME Magazine, WIRED, New York Magazine, and The Washington Post. Thats a pretty prestigious list of publications! You can find his book at any major book retailer like: Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and even Walmart... Or you can support him directly at www.terraflamma.org... I'll post some links below! https://www.terraflamma.org = Direct Website https://www.amazon.com/Terra-Flamma-Wildfires-at-Night/dp/0764355732 = Amazon https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/terra-flamma-stuart-palley/1128298157 = Barnes and Noble Be sure to listen and pick up his book! Its excellent fire station coffee table reading material! Also be sure to support the folks over at the Wildland Firefighter Foundation... They've been the ones who have been helping us in times of need since 1994 https://wffoundation.org Thanks for listening! | |||
| The Side Hustle w/ Adam Tinker | 08 Jul 2019 | 01:26:07 | |
Lets face it, we are a talented pool of craftsmen and craftswomen that are out there in the field. Our talents and skills make us valuable, not only in the realm of fire, but far far beyond - Adam and I came to the same conclusion: PUT THOSE SKILLS TO WORK! Today on the show, Adam and I talk about starting your own business and the importance of a "side hustle" - Not only for some additional income, but for the fact that doing something you love in the off season may just save your sanity! Adam Tinker is a second generation firefighter. His father is a salty OG Del Rosa Hotshot, so naturally Adam got into fire as well... Adam has spent a few years on Big Bear Hotshots, a few years on helitack, a few years on an engine, and a couple of details with dispatch. He's also one hell of a mentor, and has served as cadre at both the local and regional level. He is a firm believer that mentorship and leadership will teach far more than you can ever give on the line... He started Palmleaf Leather as a side hustle in 2016 shortly after getting married, and the business has flourished... He makes some kick ass leather stuff like belts, koozies, and knife sheathes - Be sure to give him a follow and check out his stuff! Palmleaf Leather can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/palmleafleather/ The rest of the folks that we mention in the show can be found in the following links: https://www.wishes4warriors.org And of course, please help the people that help our community - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation... https://wffoundation.org Thanks for listening, stay tuned! | |||
| Injury and Recovery w/ Dr. Anthony Harrell | 01 Jul 2019 | 01:03:06 | |
Former Ukonom Hotshot and practicing physical therapist, Dr. Anthony Harrell DPT, is on the show today to talk about injuries, recovery, and fitness! Dr. Harrell has a physical therapy practice based in California and graduated from the University of California, San Francisco - During his time there he studied the effects of cross training on injury risk reduction and performance variables on wildland firefighters... More recently, he used his experiences from wildland firefighting and physiotherapy to cofound "The Human Resilience Project" - A platform where people can become their most resilient self and achieve their full capacity with whatever they pursue! He is really into the idea of tribalism in societies, so he decided to empower his tribe with the Human Resilience Project! Dr. Harrell's Instagram can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/dr.harrell.dpt/ The Human Resilience Project can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/humanresilienceproject/ Be sure to check them out! Side Note - Have you guys taken care of your 52 club membership this year? Get on that now! swing over to https://wffoundation.org and donate! These folks are the front line in taking care of the families of wildland firefighters that have passed in the line of duty or have been injured on the job... Thank you everyone! Keep sharing the podcast! | |||
| Ben Gregory | 24 Jun 2019 | 00:42:42 | |
Ladies and gentlemen - Episode 8 is live with Ben Gregory! Today on the show, we talk about his fireline photography project and his work with The Smokey Generation... Ben served in the United States Air Force as a aircraft mechanic, shortly after his service, he transitioned to the world of wildland fire... He's been in fire for about 4 years and is one of the recent recipients of The Smokey Generation and Mystery Ranch's grants for his work in 35mm digitized photography and writing! Ben is a cool dude who is very passionate about photography, traveling, and chasing fire - Be sure to give him a follow on his Instagram to see all the updates on his photography project this season... You can find Ben's Instagram here: You can find The Smokey Generation here: Special thanks to The Smokey Generation, Mystery Ranch, and Waterax for providing this awesome opportunity to these talented individuals. | |||
| Sleep and Fatigue w/ Dr. Randy Brooks Ph.D. | 15 Jun 2019 | 01:19:21 | |
Dr. Randy Brooks Ph.D. is essentially writing the book on Wildland Firefighter fatigue and sleep... He's an Extension Professor of Forestry and Extension Forestry Specialist at the University of Idaho, and has a passion for expanding the awareness and safety for Wildland Firefighters... This subject is very near and dear to him because not only is his son a Wildland Firefighter, but he has lost a colleague on the Twisp River Fire in Washington... His studies include a survey of 400 Wildland Firefighters, and approximately 60 Wildland Firefighters wearing "Redibands" - A wrist worn activity monitor that reports sleep data... His recent webinar can be found here: https://www.nrfirescience.org/event/assessing-wildland-firefighter-sleep-and-fatigue-while-fire-assignment His Instagram can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/randy.brooks2950/ His work with reducing risks with fatigue is a subject that we should all be taking into consideration! Definitely worth following up on! Enjoy! | |||
| "Heli-Ops? With A Fire Engine?" And More With Truett, Austin, Elliot, And Chris From The NV BLM Fire Engine Program | 02 May 2023 | 01:47:20 | |
Welcome to the The Anchor Point Podcast, episode 117! In this episode, we dive into the world of wildland firefighting with a focus on the Nevada Bureau of Land Management Fire Engines program. Joining us are Truett, Elliot, Chris, and Austin, who share their experiences and insights into the unique capabilities that the program offers. We explore the different techniques used in wildland firefighting with specialized fire apparatus, including: mobile attack, wildland urban interface suppression, and the unique ability to perform helicopter bucket filling operations. Our guests provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges and skills required to successfully navigate these complex situations, and suppress fire in a multitude of ways. In addition to discussing the technical aspects of wildland firefighting, we also delve into the human component of fighting fire. Our guests share their personal stories and the mental toll that fire season can have on firefighters and their families. We wrap up the episode with a discussion on the future of wildland firefighting and the role that social media plays in recruiting new firefighters. Our guests provide valuable insights into how technology can be harnessed to attract and train the next generation of firefighters - Or become one of our worst enemies in the wrong hands... Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast", to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com... Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy! Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! ---------------------------- The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| Fireline Medic -Michelle Raponi | 10 Jun 2019 | 01:03:42 | |
Michelle Raponi started in the wildland game with me back in 2010. She crushed some fire for a few years, then decided that she wanted to pursue emergency medicine after a traumatic event in the ER... Michelle is a badass... She has a few years of fire under her belt, and even more experience as a paramedic! Word of warning - Don't hit on her while she's scrubbing out your damn poison oak blisters... She's more than willing to answer any medical questions, definitely hit her up on her instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/rawponi/ Be sure to drop us a review on iTunes and check us out on spotify! Also - check us out on our Instagram @theanchorpointpodcast, drop us a message if you have a badass story or if you have some badass photos you want posted! | |||
| Pulaskis And Barbells | 03 Jun 2019 | 01:04:46 | |
On today's show, we crush a couple of beers and talk fitness with Ty Gilstrap - Founder of Pulaskis And Barbells! Ty has been a firefighter since he was 18 years old, and he brings a ton of fire knowledge to the table... He brings an even greater amount of fitness knowledge to the table as well - with his 19 years of power lifting, multiple Crossfit certifications, NASM personal trainer, and NASM nutrition coach certs, he brings a well rounded platform for a fitness program... Pulaskis and Barbells can be found here: https://www.pulaskisandbarbells.com/workshops Be sure to check it out, and use code "FULLSEND" for 15% off your order from Pulaskis And Barbells! | |||
| Fire in Australia w/ Jack Fry | 28 May 2019 | 01:58:13 | |
Australia is quite a bit different than the states, obviously... So, lets talk about Australia! Today on the show, we have one of my Aussie homies, Jack Fry... Jack Fry has been an all risk volunteer firefighter in Victoria, Australia for 10 years. When he isn't doing his volunteer duties, he is a full time search and rescue officer for the state... He's been on a metric ton of bushfire (wildfires) over the course of his career and is an "American" equivalent of an engine boss, crew boss, and IC. He's also just about to finish his paramedic school... We cover a lot of topics on this episode (too many to list here)... So give it a listen! - Its about 2 hours long, and we get into a ton of comparisons between the U.S. and Australia's firefighting operations... Hope you enjoy the show! You can find Jack's Instagram here - https://www.instagram.com/jackfryadventureguy/ | |||
| The big badass boot episode w/ JK Boots | 23 May 2019 | 00:49:27 | |
We did it... We have JK Boots on the show to FINALLY answer the burning question of how to take care of, fit, and break in your boots - Straight from the professionals over at JK Boots! These guys have been in the game for a while, so I'd take their advice seriously - especially you first season guys and those of you looking for a new pair of boots! Be sure to drop us a review on the Apple Podcasts app, and share this to everyone who is looking for boots! Enjoy, you dirtbags... Thanks for your support! | |||
| Amanda Monthei | 17 May 2019 | 00:54:36 | |
Episode 2! With Amanda Monthei... On this episode, Amanda and I talk about life as a rookie hotshot, how she became a hotshot, and the grant that she won with The Smokey Generation and Mystery Ranch... Show note: About minute 36 to 39 the phone connection starts to break up - sorry, some stuff is out of my control... | |||
| Nelda St. Clair | 12 May 2019 | 01:36:29 | |
Nelda is a former firefighter who's worked her way through the ranks, and ultimately help bring about the CISM program. On this episode she covers her history, her background, and the reasons why she is so dedicated to mental health. Along with that, she goes into great detail about the CISM program and the importance of self care/buddy care... This is unscripted, barely edited, and raw episode... Its a bit long, and a bit dark, but its great information and can help you, or someone that you know down the road... I wanted to tackle this episode right off the bat on episode one because its the "elephant in the room" discussion. Its a topic that nobody wants to acknowledge - So, Nelda and I decided to take the discussion head on... Side note: im still figuring this whole podcasting thing out, so this episode might have some volume issues... You'll deal with it... Hope you guys enjoy | |||
| Q & A with Assistant Director of BLM Fire and Aviation - Grant Beebe on Pay, Classification, and Other Issues | 25 Apr 2023 | 02:43:45 | |
The Anchor Point Podcast Episode 116 with, Grant Beebe, Assistant Director of BLM Fire and Aviation. On today's episode we will be discussing Wildland Firefighter Pay Parity, Classification, Mental Health Issues, and much more... The wildland firefighting workforce is currently facing a number of challenges, and these issues are the focus of The Anchor Point Podcast Episode 116. The guest on the show today is Grant Beebe, Assistant Director of BLM Fire and Aviation, and the conversation centers around current concerns regarding wildland firefighter pay parity, classification, and mental health issues. One of the primary issues facing wildland firefighters is pay and retention. With the expiration of the BIL pay and benefits supplement in October, many fear that they will be back to the pay schedules and rates that existed before the work of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and NFFE. Grant acknowledges the uncertainty and discusses the potential personnel crisis that could result from a lack of equitable pay, benefits, and classification. Beebe believes that pay parity is crucial for the men and women who are the boots on the ground. In his opinion, an equitable pay rate needs to be established, and there should be efforts to retain personnel who are vital to the day-to-day operations of wildland fire ops, including dispatchers, WG, militia, logistics, and secondary fire personnel. Beebe explains that there are plans to address these issues, including temp buyback, insurance and benefits, and classification. However, the question of how to fix these problems remains. Beebe suggests that it may require legislative action. Another issue affecting the wildland firefighting workforce is mental health. Beebe acknowledges that there is a mental health crisis within the ranks and discusses efforts to address the issue. He notes that the BIL provided funding for the development and improvement of mental health programs across all agencies. Beebe discusses some of the programs that are being improved with this funding and notes that there are other mental health programs on the horizon. Beebe also discusses operational changes and concerns, including aviation, fuels, and hiring. He discusses the BLM aviation programs and how they plan to bolster fuels programs without overburdening fire employees who have already worked 1000 hour seasons. Grant also discusses transparency and honesty with hiring. DISCLAIMER: For the topics discussed today: I want to make it absolutely clear that I disagree with some of the things said by Grant in this episode - And I do agree with some of the stuff he says as well. However I will say this: Grant, we're all looking up to you in the Bureau of Land Management. We hope that you have those difficult conversations and listen to the boots on the ground - Because those are the people that have the most skin in the game, and you have the position and power to bridge the gap to do what's right by them. I hope that this is of value and I hope that everyone out there gets to understand Grant from his position and his perspective... Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| "Want To Be A Stud At Running?" with: Lucas Garrett, Founder of Landsharks Running Company | 19 Apr 2023 | 01:52:01 | |
Welcome to The Anchor Point Podcast episode 115 with: Lucas Garrett, founder of Landsharks Running Company. In this episode, Lucas shares some important running tips and tricks, such as proper recovery, the importance of sleep, why supplements and PEDs are dumb, and how to become an overall better runner... Lucas was a football player who wanted to learn how to run faster, but he was told he didn't need to learn to run because he was an offensive lineman. Despite this, Lucas was determined to prove them wrong. He lost 60 pounds, joined his junior college track team, and ran the 1500 and 800. After junior college, he started competing in triathlons and working on all three disciplines. Lucas' passion for running grew as he discovered that he could compete and loved learning new things about the sport. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and went into the fire service, working up and down the state of California, eventually landing his dream job at the Lodi Fire Department. But Lucas still wanted something more, so he began reading books by top running experts like Jack Daniels, Matt Fitzgerald, Ben Bergeron, Alex Hutchinson, Brad Hudson, Timothy Galley, Steve Magness, and Ryan Hall. It was a podcast episode with Ryan Hall that ignited a fire in Lucas to become a marathoner and running coach. Join us in this episode to learn more about Lucas' journey and how he founded Landsharks Running Company to help others achieve their running goals. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, Lucas' story will inspire you to never give up, and to make it through the fire season un-injured and an overall better runner! If you want to get ahold of Lucas for either some one on one, or group coaching - Be sure to check out the following links: Website: https://www.landsharksrunningco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landsharksrunningco/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/landsharksrunningco Be sure to hit him up! Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| The Hotshot Up Foundation with Anthony Powers | 09 Apr 2023 | 01:59:17 | |
Welcome to another episode of The Anchor Point Podcast! In today's episode, we have special guest, Anthony Powers, a former hotshot hailing from Southern California. He has risen through the ranks to become a Captain with the Forest Service, and is now serving as a firefighter for the city of Burbank, CA. Anthony is also the President of the non-profit organization, Hotshot Up, which is dedicated to supporting firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Join us as we delve into Anthony's remarkable journey of service and learn more about Hotshot Up's mission and impact. Anthony Powers is a true Southern California native, born and raised in the region. His passion for firefighting started early on, and he pursued it with unwavering determination. Anthony's career spans across the Angeles National Forest, where he honed his firefighting expertise, and now he serves as a firefighter for the city of Burbank, CA, a role he took on in 2020. In addition to his role as a firefighter, Anthony is also the President of Hotshot Up, a non-profit organization with a noble mission. Hotshot Up is dedicated to supporting firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly those who have fallen while battling wildfires. The organization was officially established as a non-profit in December 2020, but its roots trace back to 2017 when it was founded as the Dalton Hotshots. Hotshot Up's mission is to provide support, assistance, and resources to the families and loved ones of fallen firefighters. They aim to offer financial and practical support during the difficult times following the loss of a firefighter in the line of duty. The organization understands the unique challenges faced by the firefighting community and seeks to alleviate some of the burdens through their programs and initiatives. Anthony is grateful for the unwavering support of his family and everyone who believes in Hotshot Up's mission. He acknowledges the contributions of his team and partners who have worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of fallen firefighters' families. Their combined efforts and dedication have made Hotshot Up a formidable force in supporting the firefighting community. Anthony's journey from being a So Cal hotshot to becoming a firefighter and President of Hotshot Up is pretty rad. His passion for firefighting and commitment to serving the public and the fire community is commendable. Hotshot Up's mission to support families who have experienced the tragedy of an LODD is making a meaningful impact, and Anthony is grateful for the support he has received. If you want to find out more about the Hotshot Up Foundation, or sign up for the annual volleyball tournament and fundraiser on April 15th, 2023 - Check out the link below! https://www.hotshotup.com/team-registration Thank you for joining us in this episode of The Anchor Point Podcast, and remember to show your support to Hotshot Up and the firefighting community. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and news from the wildland fire community, BY the wildland community! You guys know the drill... Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| Pay and Classification Budget Proposal Updates with Grassroots Wildland Firefighters & NFFE | 20 Mar 2023 | 01:48:05 | |
Wildland firefighting is a difficult but necessary job, and the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters Union (GWFF) and National Federation of Federal Employees Union (NFFE) have made it their mission to bring about changes for better pay and classification for wildland firefighters. Wildland firefighting can be incredibly dangerous and there's no room for error on the line, yet wildland firefighters often don't receive adequate compensation for their efforts. The proposed budget changes under consideration could help bring much-needed relief to our nation’s wildland firefighters. Wildland firefighters have been pushing for a better pay and classification structure for years. Hear from the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and NFFE about the latest fiscal year 2024 federal budget proposal updates and what they mean for the future of wildland firefighting... In this episode, we catch up with the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters and National Federation of Federal Employees Union to get the latest on their efforts to secure better pay and classification. Wildland Firefighters put their lives on the line every summer in order to protect our national public lands. Learn how you can support Wildland Firefighter Pay Increases and show your appreciation for Wildland Firefighters. If you want to support these men and women, you can do the following: Sign petitions, email your local representatives, share Wildland Firefighter stories, donate to Wildland Firefighter organizations, make your voice heard, contact Wildland Firefighter organizations, and reach out to Wildland Firefighters near you. Wildland Firefighters are a much needed, yet under-appreciated workforce... Let's show our support for them by supporting these Wildland Firefighter Pay increases. Featured guests on this episode: Lucas Mayfield - Grassroots Wildland Firefighters President
The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| Sex, Relationships, and First Responders with Destiny Morris, AMFT | 27 Oct 2022 | 02:00:04 | |
Full disclaimer, this episode is pretty NSFW (Not Safe For Work)! Lets be honest with ourselves for a hot second - The topic of sex is pretty taboo... Many folks out there tend to shy around the subject, and even worse: They don't communicate to their partners about the subject. This can cause problems in the bedroom, which can cause other issues within the relationship... And being in a relationship with a Wildland Firefighter - or, being a Wildland Firefighter in a relationship - Can be difficult at times... (especially with the lack of communication and no cell phone service) That's why we have Associate Family and Marriage Therapist, Destiny Morris, on the show to have an honest, candid, and "life pro-tip" conversation about healthy relationships and a healthy sex life... Here's a little more about Destiny: "Destiny Morris is an associate marriage and family therapist who specializes in first responders and their families! In this podcast we will be discussing sex and first responder relationships- the common struggles as well as tips and tricks to keep the fire alive. Destiny has a remote private practice in Santa Barbara, California, and can see anyone in the state of California." Destiny is one rad therapist, and an advocate for healthy relationships in the first responder community... If you want to find out more about her, or get a visit with her practice - Check out the following links: Instagram - On_Being_Resilient Psychology Today - Destiny Morris I know we primarily talk about male/female relationships in this episode... But, the things we talk about are genuinely universal in nature - no matter what love looks like for you- I just hope this episode helps you folks (in any kind of relationship, or playing the field) to have a better love life, and hopefully "spice it up" in the bedroom... Also - Consider taking a look at that book I mentioned... It's called, "The Adventure Challenge... In Bed" if you're looking to spice it up in the bedroom... Don't worry, its not a "zero-to-kinky shit" kind of book (its pretty tame, actually) - Its more like actually fun (adult) stuff you and your partner can do to better understand each other sexually, and zero in on what gets you and your partner going... (Trust me, its fun) You know the drill... Stay safe, stay savage... Enjoy! ------------------ The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Hotshot Brewery Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The A.W.E. | |||
| "F*** Cancer" - with Kaleena and Matt Lynde | 24 Oct 2022 | 02:26:11 | |
The Eldorado National Forest is in the house, again! Today on the Anchor Point Podcast: We have the fire "power couple", Kaleena and Matt Lynde, to talk about some of the lesser known career paths in wildland fire, working as a public information officer, fire aviation, and to tell the story of overcoming this shitty thing known as cancer... Kaleena and Matt Lynde met while at WFTC, and started dating after apprenticeship academy. Kaleena headed to an apprentice position on Shasta Lake Hotshots and Matt went to a squad boss position with Big Hill Helitack. At the end of that season, Kaleena was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer - Matt took on that battle with her.... Now that they have been together for over 16 years, Kaleena is cancer free and they are still in fire... Working their way through different operational fire and aviation positions. These folks are the prime example of two people helping make the other person the best version of themselves. To find out more about Kaleena and Matt, give them a follow on Instagram: Kaleena Lynde - @girl.in.the.mnts You know the drill... Stay safe, stay savage... Enjoy! ------------------ The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Hotshot Brewery Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The A.W.E. | |||
| The Humanity Behind Wildland Firefighting Through “Hotshot” With Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann | 05 Oct 2023 | 02:59:03 | |
When discussing or covering wildfire situations, most people and media outlets focus more on their destruction rather than the humanity behind it. In this episode, Brandon Dunham sits down with Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann to discuss the making of his cinematic masterpiece documentary "Hotshot," which tells the story of some of the most elite, the most hardened, and the most skilled men and women on the fireline. He talks about the movie’s six-year filming process, which involved catching firefighters in action and getting in the middle of the most dangerous wildfire areas. He explains how the documentary can help reshape public perception about wildfire, shifting the focus to firefighters’ pay and experiences. Gabriel also discusses why he avoided tackling climate change in “Hotshot” and how to get rid of dirty politics when it comes to wildfire fighting. Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast," to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com. Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!
Y'all know the drill: Stay safe, stay savage... Peace! ---------------------------- The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks: Mystery Ranch Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The A.W.E. | |||
| A Deep Dive Into Wildland Firefighter Culture with Matt Carroll and Jody Jahn, PhD | 26 Sep 2022 | 02:09:25 | |
Wildland firefighters are a unique bunch... Especially when it comes to the culture, and how we interact with "outsiders", our mission, and with each other... That's why we have Matt Carroll and Jody Jahn on the show today to talk, more in depth, about the "Deep Dive" project by the USFS and how it can reveal some insights about why we make the decisions that we do... About Matt: "Matt Carroll works as an Organizational Learning Ambassador with the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Office of Innovation and Organizational Learning (IOL). His focus is on piloting forward-looking learning projects in and beyond the physical safety realm using the practices and philosophies developed in the Facilitated Learning Analysis (FLA) process. Currently he is imbedded with the Forest Service’s Work Environment and Performance Office (WEPO) to build capacity for learning in the anti-harassment program. Prior to his role as a Learning Ambassador, he worked for three years at Acadia National Park as the Interagency Zone, Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) for the North Country Interagency Fire Program, responsible for the 37 U.S. Fish and Wildlife and 22 National Park units within the 6 New England states. Over half of Matt’s career was spent as a primary wildland firefighter. He began in 2000 working on the Baker River Interagency Hotshot Crew out of western Washington. He then spent 11 years as a Smokejumper with the McCall Smokejumpers based out of Idaho. Concurrent with his time as a firefighter he took on a number of detail assignments including to the Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers program at the Washington Office, as the R4 Fire and Aviation Management Diversity Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator (FAMDORC), on an R5 team developing a region-wide assessment to inform forest level plan revisions, and with the Forest Service’s International Program (IP) in Brazil and Matt’s academic background is a mix of biophysical and social science at community centered schools with interdisciplinary curricula including an Associate’s degree from Paul Smith’s College, a Bachelor of Arts from College of the Atlantic and a Master’s of Forestry from Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies." About Jody Jahn (Researcher, CU Boulder): " Jody Jahn, PhD: Jody is an associate professor of Organizational Communication at University of Colorado Boulder. Her research looks at how wildland firefighters learn about hazards through integrating codified knowledge (e.g., 10 & 18, safety documents) with their embodied experience. This research program builds from 8 seasons of wildland firefighting and two seasons of work in Antarctica. Both of these folks are some heavy hitters on why we make the decisions that we do on the line... And they are determined to make it a safer, more efficient, and more inclusive environment for future generations of wildland firefighters. To participate in the "Deep Dive" project, check out the following link: To get ahold of Matt Carroll, check out this link if you have any questions: You know the drill... Stay safe, stay savage... Enjoy! ------------------ The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks... Mystery Ranch Hotshot Brewery Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations: The Wildland Firefighter Foundation The Smokey Generation | |||