Joined on this episode by the 'Hump' himself... Jeremie Humphries and I am excited for all that we are going to talk about.  We discuss building a peer support team and the challenges and lessons learned. . How to go about changing culture, how to stay sane while leading change. Also going to discuss a topic near and dear to my heart... not being an asshole. Of course as always, the best laid plans of me and the guest will be awesomely derailed by the phenomenal questions from the live audience!  Enjoy the episode!!!

It is the one and only Bobby Eckert, the the fan, the fire, the unapologetic force behind Eckert Fire Tactics. If you’ve seen him before, you already know: Bobby doesn’t pull punches and he doesn’t do boring. From street-smart strategy to no-nonsense leadership, he brings the kind of fireground intensity that gets people talking and thinking.
Expect strong opinions, tactical gold, and the kind of real talk that only Bobby can deliver! As always the audience questions and comments steer the chaos. 

What an insightful episode of The Weekly Scrap with guest host Jake Barnes, the passionate voice of 3 Point Firefighter Podcast! A dedicated advocate for improving the fire service, Jake brings his engaging style and focus on pride, training, and fitness to the mic, drawing from conversations with firefighters nationwide. With his podcast inspiring thousands, he’s the perfect host to dive deep into the craft. Jake interviews Jesse Marcotte, a 23-year veteran of the Northville Township Fire Department and newly promoted Deputy Chief. A training coordinator since 2017, Jesse’s expertise in evidence-based fireground tactics and instructor development has earned him international recognition. As a senior education coordinator for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and ISFSI board member, he shapes modern firefighting through science-based training. A thoughtful discussion on leadership, innovative training methods, and fostering a strong fire service culture. From Jesse’s logistics mastery to Jake’s knack for sparking meaningful dialogue, this episode is practical insights and real-world wisdom for firefighters at all levels. 

Joined on this episode by one of the best in the business, Scott Hewlett host of the Multiple Calls Podcast. We discuss building grit, and the power of vulnerability. Living in a state of readiness and 'fight mode'. Fear of losing the ability to be a warrior. Autopilot vs. observer and so much more! And if you know the Scrap, you know the audience absolutely took over and drove a great conversation.  Enjoy the show!

Weekly Scrap #226 - Kicking off 2024 with one of my favorite people on the planet. I call this man any time that I need to bounce an idea or need life advice. He is one of the coolest cats in the fire service and I love him. We  dig into some tactics talk, some knuckle-dragger stuff with tools and roof ops. Of course as always we expected the audience to have the best questions and drive the discussion and they did not disappoint! Enjoy the show!

Joined once again by Chief Rick Lasky. It has been a few years since he has been on the Scrap and it was another amazing, episode with him. We talked about how to build that culture of pride and ownership. Of course when you talk to Chief Lasky you know we are going to get a dose of where we came from, and understanding the "why." And as always the best laid plans of me and the guest are almost always beautifully derailed by the audience and their wonderful questions, and I look forward to it once more.

Joined on this episode by one of the all time greats in the fire service. We have discuss so much, starting with experience and decision making, the critical role of leadership in high stress situations. Adaptability and resiliency... and that of course all went out the window as soon as the audience started asking their great questions.  It was a great interview, and Chief Salka crushed the questions, including one of my all time favorite answers to the 5th question!  Enjoy the episode!

Joined on this episode by one of my favorite people, the one and only Jarrod Sergi. We planned to discuss leadership and culture and how much of an impact you can have at your organization. Common pitfalls for leaders and things you should avoid as well as what has and has not worked for Jarrod. This of course was just the plan, but if you know the Scrap, you know the audience took over and asked nothing but great questions!  Was an amazing episode and Jarrod has already agreed to come back on for a follow up!

My guest this week was none other than the one and only Bobby Eckert, not much more needs to be said. He is Eckert Fire Tactics, he is Tuesdays are for Tactics. If you want an opinion, look no further than this guy right here.  I promise you, when you listen you will get an answer.  I love this guy, and he had once again, another amazing scrap!!!

Joined on this episode by Josh Chase and we talked about all things leadership, especially when it comes to leading from where you are.  We discussed the lack of focus on developing leaders from the ground up in the fire service.  Why he wrote the books he wrote and the journey he has been through. Mental health, and overcoming adversity... and as always every topic and question that the audience decided to throw at us!

Joined on this episode by Brent Brooks, and we are going to be talking about High rise Firefighting. We are going vertical and it was an awesome episode. Brent has spoken across the globe on the subject of High Rise firefighting and we had great topics to discuss, but as always the audience completely took over and made the scrap awesome!

Going live with Cody Trestrail to discuss all the details for Firemanship 2024. Cody takes the time to explain how the registration will work, and then gives a rundown of all the HOT tracks, the Lectures, and the Workshops. If you are looking for information on Firemanship, this is the episode for you.  Share this podcast with anyone who might be interested in going to Firemanship!

Joined on this episode by none other than the man, the myth, the legend Mr. Training Seconds himself, Ron Smith! I am excited for this one and looking forward to all of the topics we will attempt to tackle.  The surprise was of course that Kyle Romagus was in town, and he co-hosted this scrap! 

From search tactics and fire attack, to alphabet soup and to training scars. We plan to discuss the challenges of instructing, what he has learned being a part of the UL studies and of course everything the audience threw at us!

A engaging episode of The Weekly Scrap with guest host Scott Hewlett, the voice behind Multiple Calls Podcast. A 26-year veteran firefighter from Southern Ontario. His podcast, with over 300,000 listeners, delivers authentic stories about the fire service, mental health, and professional growth, making him a perfect fit to helm this episode. He’s joined by Andrew Brassard, a respected Milton Fire Department firefighter since 2000. Andrew instructs at prestigious programs like FDIC and Spartan Rescue. They explore fire service culture, leadership, and lessons from decades on the job. A candid, compelling conversation grounded in real-world experience and practical wisdom. With Scott’s knack for meaningful dialogue and Andrew’s wealth of expertise, this episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of firefighting. Don’t miss this chance to hear two Canadian fire service leaders share their stories and insights!

New pieces of equipment come out all the time in the American Fire Service, but nothing has created as much interest as the HEN Nozzle in a long time. Not only has it been stirring interest but it is also endorsed by some very big names in the fire service. With the sheer number of questions I was receiving about the nozzle, I decided to have Ray on to talk about the nozzle, and his involvement with it. This is of course just one topic, and as always the audience took control and determined the direction of the show.

Joined on this episode by my friend and mentor, the one and only Brian Crush!!! This episode hade me super excited for this discussion. From his perspective on the current state of the fire service, to the future as he sees it. Of course we discussed Firefighter Rescue Survey and the data so far. How he feels about his newly constructed training facility and all the research he put into it over the years. And as usual... everything the audience threw our way!  What an awesome scrap!!!

Joined on this episode by Reginald McKnight to discuss all aspects of training especially when it comes to new recruits. We will deep dive into the challenges of training in todays world. How he goes about developing a training program. What they look for in instructors. Why training is important, how to develop and mold the probationary firefighter into the next generation of leaders. We discuss leadership, the next generation and purpose. Of course the audience took over like always and absolutely sent the best questions at Reggie, and he absolutely crushes the answers.  Enjoy a great Scrap!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Paul Shoemaker. Paul is passionate about Electric Vehicles and Lithium ion batteries! We go deep diving into considerations and concerns for this evolving aspect of our craft. Off gassing, UHSS components, the sheer amount of water we are using, and how we can be more effective.  And of course the audience had a ton of great questions that Paul crushed! This is a topic that everyone wants more information on and you do not want to miss this Scrap!

Joined on this episode by none other than my brother Bassel Ibrahim, to talk about one bad tour. Thinking outside the box. How to have a playbook, but remain flexible. Resiliency and taking on challenges. How to deal with crew rotation, especially when it is for positive reasons. How to develop a bench, and the difference between qualified and certified... it was amazing discussions, and that does not even begin to touch on everything the audience threw at Bassel and he crushed in answering! 

Joined on this episode by the one and only Frank Leeb. Many know him as the Deputy Chief of safety from the FDNY, I know him as a friend and mentor.  The timing of this show could not be better as he just released his debut book, the brand new "Cornerstones of Leadership on and off the fireground." We discuss the stories in the book, what brought it about, his philosophies on culture and leadership... and as always, the part that makes the Scrap so much fun, the audience questions and interactions. It was an amazing Scrap, enjoy!

Joined by my good friend Brian Richards to discuss the new generations of firefighters and how to engage and bring them on board.  We plan to deep dive into their perspective and why certain aspects that older generations take for granted seem foreign to them. It was an awesome and interesting discussion, especially when you throw in the audience and all of their questions. Enjoy a great perspective from a great dude.

Was very excited to have this conversation with Jeff Rothmeier— had a blast discussing his book that just came out this year: "Mastering the Craft." We discussed his military background and how that shaped the mindset of the book. His special operations background.  His studies in organizational culture and the power it has in an organization. The mentor that he sought out and how it impacted his teaching. Plus as always, everything that the audience threw our way! It was an amazing episode.

Joined on this episode by Hornet Fire training himself, Chief Jonah Smith. Super excited to talk about all things engine. Company/Chief Officer Leadership, we discuss Lou Holtz and the impact he had on Jonah. Then as much info as we could cram in about Firefighter Rescue Survey.  As always the best laid plans and topics were aided by the phenomenal audience.  Enjoy the Scrap!

Joined on this Episode by the one and only Clay Magee. We dove down rabbit holes on various firefighting topics including: Consistency in leadership, recognizing needs, not enforcing styles, the power of the mentor, imposter syndrome, the importance of helmet cams, and so much more. Not to mention, as always everything the audience threw at us!  It was a great Scrap!  

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This was an electrifying episode of The Weekly Scrap with guest host Jeremy Donch, the powerhouse behind National Fire Radio! Jeremy is a 27-year firefighter, his passion for the fire service ignited in childhood and fueled the creation of a media empire that’s become a household name in the American fire community. National Fire Radio delivers raw, relatable stories that bridge generational gaps, blending gritty tradition with modern innovation. Jeremy’s no-nonsense style and knack for spotlighting unsung heroes make him a fire service legend. Expect a masterclass in leadership, culture, and the heart of firefighting as he takes the Scrap mic, diving into unfiltered discussions. Jeremy’s journey is a testament to relentless drive. Tune in for a high-energy, no-holds-barred session packed with insights, humor, and the kind of firehouse wisdom that only Jeremy Donch can deliver. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the voice that’s redefining fire service storytelling. 

On this episode of the Scrap is Chief Jason Hoevelmann. This was a fantastic conversation about leadership and culture.  I think every firefighter who wants to lead in any way shape or form should listen to this episode at least annually.  there are so many nuggets inside this episode.

Joined by my brother from Canada James Johnson.  Tried to have him on the Mega Scrap for Building Construction, but of course life got in the way the day of the broadcast. Well he's back and we dive into all sorts of topics, including, leadership and culture.  Questions and discussions about new trends in building construction, what it means for the fire service battlespace. Then  we talk about another passion of James' which is his love of Jiu-Jitsu and the benefits of it for firefighters.  All of this plus everything the audience threw our way. Was a heck of a Scrap, enjoy!

Went live with Cody Trestrail to talk about the return of Firemanship, July 14-19, 2024. Unbelievable what Brothers In Battle are going to pull off once again. Registration goes live November 27th (Cyber Monday) at 10am.  Cannot wait!!!!

This is a must listen if you have any part in developing or influencing the SOG's, Procedures, or Tactics for your departments Active Shooter Response. Eric Saylors brings the key takeaways from  the seven-year active shooter response study at EMSAAC in San Diego. And the knowledge from over 200 drills he ran and measured. He fields questions and opened my eyes to so many things that I did not know we were getting wrong! Excellent podcast with a lot of relevant data! And of course as always the Audience did not disappoint!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Jeremy Sanders. We discussed building and maintaining that "Crew first culture", as well as how you overcome adversity and stay fired up? His keys to leadership, including the most important quality a leader can possess. What it takes to keep grinding, as well as everything that the audience decided to throw our way!  It was an awesome scrap, enjoy!

Joined by Charlie Dall on this episode of the Scrap! This one was an awesome one! We talked about the power of culture, safety vs. risk, victim minded decision making, Incident priorities, using water, and so much more! Of course as always the best questions came from the audience! 

On this Scrap,  the other brother! The one and only DJ Stone.  We discuss the Suburban fire problem, our attempts to be the Jack of all trades master of none. How sub-urban methods are a hodgepodge of tactics strategies and methods. Finding what works and adapting. Building systems for success of the weakest link. What is the easiest way to reach victory of performance and so much more as the audience did therer job and completely took over the show!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Mike Lombardo. We discuss his perspective as he rose through the ranks. The 21 LODD's that Buffalo fire had in his time on the job. Training items from the individual tasks and skills to the focus from the fire service. Basement fires, and of course this is just what is planned, and does not include all the audience through our way!

Short explanation of #201.

The big 200!!!! Bringing back my hero, my mentor, my friend the one and only Curt Isakson. Be warned that this one could goes on for a while. To be honest I do not remember half of what we talked about as I load up this video. I know that it was an immensely great time. Set aside a few hours because we are the lucky ones, and it's worth the risk, and of course people before water... all this and so much more. Enjoy!

Joined this week by the one and only Curt Isakson and was as epic as always! It has been a wild 2025 and I was excited for the conversation and all of the possible topics that we could be discussing.  He has finally hung up the fire helmet with Escambia and that was a part of the discussion as well as what the future holds for CFT and the fire service.  Of course the audience as always determines the questions and the direction of the conversation and they absolutely delivered in spades.

Joined on this episode by the one and only Clark Lamping! Was an awesome episode as we discussed so much from his wheelhouse, starting with high-rise ops, and mega-area building response, to handling and preparing for huge planned events, as well as hostile MCI's. There is so much we covered  that of course does not take into account all the audience brought to the table!

Joined by the one and only Ryan McCormick for this episode of the scrap. The last time we tried to have this discussion some tornadoes through his town caused us to reschedule. On this episode we got to dig into the why of this profession, the power of the micro-conferences, passion and sharing... and of course all the audiences questions and discussion! What an amazing Scrap!!!!

Very special guest Anthony Avillo on this episode of the Scrap! Topics include the new edition of his Fireground Strategies book, with new topics to cover such as Active Shooter command considerations, civil disturbance, lithium ion incidents... not to mention the wealth of knowledge that is his experience- plus all the audience threw our way!

Joined by the one and only Mike Salzano for this 196th episode of the Weekly Scrap. We discuss his keys to success for officers, earning respect, developing others, communication, size-up... and as always, the audience decided to throw so many questions into the mix! It was an amzong scrap!

Joined on this episode by JJ Cassetta to discuss all things fire! We plan to discuss his journey and the all of the people that have impacted him in his fire service career. We talked buffing, and photos, and training.  Of course everything that the audience threw our way! Was an awesome Scrap.

Joined on this episode by Jeff Eckert out of Philly! We discuss 
changing Culture, fighting back against those who want to take the aggression out of the fire service, Younger people making rank very fast, the lack of senior firefighters... and that of course does not include all of the questions from the audience! It was an amazing scrap!

Joined by the one and only Todd Edwards. Excited to talk to him about developing a size-up mindset, fire tactics, training philosophy, incorporating family into the fire life and as always everything that the audience threw at us! Was very excited for this one, and it did not dissapoint!

Joined by none other than Bob Pressler himself to focus on talking about the basics, a little about nozzles, VES, and the current mindset, how long do we have to make firefighters... and of course everything that the amazing live audience threw our way. If you were there live, you already know how great it was!  Enjoy!!!!!!

Joined by the incomparable Chis Naum to discuss so much about the fireground. We talked about the impact of the built environment on todays fireground decision making, the FACTS "First-Arriving, Construction, Tactics, Safety" Tactical windows of Operations, and so much more. Then of course everything the audience threw our way! It was a very good episode, with tons of information to b gleaned!

Because of last minute real life stuff, Mike Terpak had to reschedule... so we get a last minute fill in by none other than the man the myth the mustache... Kyle Romagus!!!!  He absolutely crushed it with engine nerd talk and so much more!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Dave Hageman, and I am excited for the conversation. Our planned topics include his journey through life which has been very unique.  From his recruitment for football to his time at West Point... to his combat tours and time spent on the battlefield and how all of that played into his fireground and firehouse philosophy.  He also holds a PHD, which puts him in elite company as a Scrap guest, and should make for some interesting conversation!  Of course as always the best part of the Scrap is the audience and their amazing questions... and this one was no exception.  Enjoy the episode!

Joined by Matty Johnson to discuss his story and his journey, and all the lessons learned and learning along the way. It was an awesome scrap to be a part of, and mental health is a topic that is near and dear to my heart.

Joined on this episode by Derek Roberts, and it lived up to the promise! We  discussed how to teach new people, the challenges of changing culture from the bottom up, Fire Behavior and engine operations... and of course that is just what was planned and does not include the audience taking over with their questions and discussion!

Joined on this episode by the one and only Kevin McCart. We had a blast as we discussed the proper mindset that leads to success on the fireground, the rule of 3's, Accidental Success, Elimination of Variables- comfort and it's effect on growth- and if you know the Scrap, you know the audience took over and asked a lot of leadership and culture questions!  What a great Scrap!