Episodes
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Tuesday Sep 27, 2022
Being a firefighter, a first responder, is a job full of stress. Stress from running alarms. Stress from training. Stress from not sleeping at work (and at home). All this stress can compound the stress associated with everyday life and lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideations. The stress from this job and life in general is real as are the physical and mental toll that compounds over time. We’re not talking about a specific traumatic event that happens once in a lifetime. We are talking about exposure to stress for significantly long periods of time…sometimes for 10, 20, 30, or more years.
The first thing we as firefighters need to recognize is that our stress has a significant impact on us. The second thing is that we need to have enough awareness and courage to do something about it; we need to be ready to either offer help or ask for help whatever the case maybe.
On this episode we sit down with Dr. Judith Long and Driver Engineer John Giacoma to discuss the problem of suicide in the fire service community. The conversation is raw, vulnerable, and a bit dark. Be that as it may, this is the first step to bringing this topic into the light allowing us to accept it as a normal reaction to the compounding stress that builds upon us through our everyday life both inside and outside the fire station. We also discuss the signs and symptoms of the stress related disorders that lead to suicide and most importantly the steps you can take to get help.
Come sit down at the Kitchen Table and have a listen. Be ready to learn, be ready to give help when someone needs it, and be ready to ask for help when you need it.
Resources discussed in the Podcast and another related to first responder suicide:
Ruderman: Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders
NFFF: Everyone Goes Home - 13. Psychological Support
Music For This Episode:
Opening – Daybreak Ritual by Sand Diver
Out the Door – The World Inside by Rodello’s Machine
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and youtube.com.
If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please contact either Josh or I in the Training Division. You can either participate in creating the Podcast or we can put it together on our own. Also, we would be more than happy to come to your station to sit down at your kitchen table and talk about whatever is on your mind.
Thank you all for listening and we hope to hear from you soon.
Thursday Sep 08, 2022
The Kitchen Table – A Conversation With Anthony Kastros (S2 E2)
Thursday Sep 08, 2022
Thursday Sep 08, 2022
Anthony Kastros is a 32-year veteran of the fire service and a retired Battalion Chief with Sacramento
Metro Fire District.
Chief Kastros was personally affected by a fatal fire early in his career which fueled his desire to improve
his command and control skills. Through this event, he discovered not only a desire to improve himself,
but also a passion and desire to teach others with the hope that they would not have to have the same
experience he did.
Chief Kastros has written many books including Mastering the Fire Service Assessment and Mastering
Fireground Command – Calm the Chaos. Though we do not dive too deeply into these books
specifically, we do briefly discuss them within the context of leadership as well as the how and why we
need to continuously improve our skills.
Chief Kastros demonstrates his passion for the fire service through a wide-variety of experiences, great
storytelling, and a genuine interest in making the fire service better one person at a time…in essence, he
truly cares about people.
If you are interested in Chief Kastros’ online or in-person workshops you can visit his website at
trainfirefighters.com. His books are available at fireengineeringbooks.com/anthony-kastros/.
Come sit down at the Kitchen Table have a listen, be ready to learn, and be invigorated by the energy of
Battalion Chief Anthony Kastros!
Music For This Episode:
Intro – El Monte by Luke Melville
Into Interview – We Will Get There – Short Version A by Dan Ayalon
Out of Interview – Circles – Instrumental Version by Adam Turley
Out the Door – Help Me Stand by John Coggins
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and
youtube.com.
If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please contact either Josh or I in the Training
Division. You can either participate in creating the Podcast or we can put it together on our own. Also,
we would be more than happy to come to your station to sit down at your kitchen table and talk about
whatever is on your mind.
Thank you all for listening and we hope to hear from you soon.
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
The Kitchen Table – Leadership Through a Different Lens (S2 E1)
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Tuesday Jul 19, 2022
Many consider ice hockey to be the ultimate team game. A culture developed over 100 years
emphasizes that no one is above the game, the team comes first, and the term “we” instead of “I” is
most used whenever players discuss the game.
The fire service attracts people from all walks of life; it truly is a direct reflection of the community.
Many who join the fire service have been involved and/or enjoy athletics for the “team” aspect it
provides. In the fire department we work and live in teams. Though not as high profile as major sports
the team aspect of our job is just as important.
This episode we look outside of the fire service family to gain some insight and perspective on
leadership. We are joined by Topher Scott and Jeff Lovecchio of the Hockey Think Tank podcast; two
former high level hockey players who have a passion for leadership and team building.
Topher Scott is a consultant who works with clients across the country to up their leadership and team
building skill and ability. Topher played NCAA Division 1 ice hockey at Cornell and has been on all sides
of the game including player, coach, and scout. He shows a great understanding and a deep
appreciation of leadership and how it effects the game that he has been a part of his whole life.
Jeff Lovecchio has a great love for leadership and how it effects our everyday lives. He has played
hockey at the highest level by playing NCAA Division 1 ice hockey at Western Michigan and 10 years
professionally including time with the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins. Jeff has built a sterling
reputation using mental and physical fitness to assist his clients in reaching new heights.
If you would like to speak to Jeff about personal or group leadership and team building, you can reach
him at thehockeythinktank.com. To get a hold of Jeff to talk about all that he offers to help both
athletes and Average Joes with physical fitness, direct message him on Instagram at @jefflovecchio. You
can also access his workouts using the Train Heroic app on your phone.
Come sit down at the Kitchen Table and have a listen, be ready to learn, and discover some of the
differences between high level athletics and fire service leadership…I’m sure you’ll find many things that
are the same as well!!!
Music For This Episode:
Intro – JB by Ido Maimon
Into Interview – Grinding Bones by CustomMelody
Out of Interview – Gotta Keep Goin’ by MILANO
Out the Door – Big Leagues by Vic Sage
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and
youtube.com.
If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please contact either Josh or I in the Training
Division. You can either participate in creating the Podcast or we can put it together on our own. Also,
we would be more than happy to come to your station to sit down at your kitchen table and talk about
whatever is on your mind.
Thank you all for listening and we hope to hear from you soon.
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Lessons from the Kitchen Table with Lt. Jose Garcia S1 E10
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Some of the best lessons we learn in the fire service come from the kitchen table. We have debates, discussions, and even sometimes arguments about where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. Regardless of the topic or how heated the debate, one thing is for sure…many times these lessons are the ones we remember. We gain different perspectives that allow us to get a more well-rounded view of the topic(s) of the day. Some from our newest member and many from our older ones.
Today we sit down with retired Lieutenant Jose Garcia. Jose remains one of the CSFD’s most respected and beloved leaders even after retirement. During our conversation we hear a few stories about who he learned the most from and how he views being a leader in our organization.
As always, come sit down at the Kitchen Table and have a listen, be ready to learn, and enjoy as we talk shop with our friend, Jose Garcia.
Music For This Episode:
Intro – Star Night by Wonderland
Into Interview – La mano del labriego by Tino van der Sman
Out of Interview – Are You Ready for Me Baby by Funky Giraffe
Out the Door – In the Clutch by JZAC
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and youtube.com.
If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please contact either Josh or I in the Training Division. You can either participate in creating the Podcast or we can put it together on our own. Also, we would be more than happy to come to your station to sit down at your kitchen table and talk about whatever is on your mind.
Thank you all for listening and we hope to hear from you soon.
Monday Nov 22, 2021
The Kitchen Table – Tough (Courageous) Conversations (S1 E9)
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Tough conversations are a part of leadership. They are uncomfortable, they are necessary, and by nature they are tough. Many in leadership roles struggle to have these conversations even when they know that they will likely benefit both the organization and all the parties involved. This episode Josh and I sit down to talk to CSFD Human Resource Director, Angela Hines. Ms. Hines discusses how to have tough conversations, the role of the HR Division, and the many resources that are available through her office.
Come sit down at the Kitchen Table and have a listen, be ready to learn, and enjoy!!!
Music For This Episode:
Intro – DaToddler by Puda Beats
Into Interview – Time to Move by VESHA
Out of Interview – Dandelion Wine by Claire Kelly
Out the Door – Lie in the Sun by ORKAS
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and youtube.com.
If you have any topics that you would like us to discuss, please contact either Josh or I in the Training Division. You can either participate in creating the Podcast or we can put it together on our own. Also, we would be more than happy to come to your station to sit down at your kitchen table and talk about whatever is on your mind.
Thank you all for listening and we hope to hear from you soon.
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
The Kitchen Table – The EQ Gangster (S1 E8)
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
This episode we welcome our first guest from outside the fire department, Noble Gibbens. Noble is a West Point graduate, former Army Officer, and a self-described recovering people pleaser addict. Mr. Gibbens’ is a private consultant who works with corporate clients to better define, understand, and integrate Emotional Intelligence (EQ) into their organizations. Noble is very passionate about EQ which shows in the energy he pumped into this episode.
We also talk about endurance sports, spirometry, hippies, and how we treat each other in the fire department family.
Come sit down at the Kitchen Table and have a listen…enjoy!
Music For This Episode:
Intro – Urban Rebel by ikoliks
Into Interview – Take Me Down by Jay Denton
Out of Interview – Outlaws of the Old West by Evert Z
Out the Door – Howling at the Moon by D Fine Us
As always, this music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and youtube.com.
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
The Kitchen Table – Fred and Cindy Varnell (S1 E7)
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
Thursday Sep 16, 2021
This episode we celebrate another retirement with Fred Varnell and his wife Cindy. Fred has spent almost 30 years of his life working for the CSFD. Both he and Cindy share stories from their careers (Cindy worked for CSPD) and how those careers shaped their lives and their relationship. Fred also shares his thoughts on leadership and how to best coach and mentor our leaders of the future. Come join us for some laughs and a bit nostalgia as Fred does what he does best…tells stories. Fred is one of our most beloved members and is a good human as well. Come join us and have a listen.
Music For This Episode:
Intro – Cuban Nights by Captain Qubz
Into and Out of the Interview – Confidence by WEARETHEGOOD
Out the Door – Hood Babies by WEARETHEGOOD
This music can be found on artlist.io as well as all major music streaming platforms and youtube.com.
Friday Jun 25, 2021
Public Service Announcement with Lieutenant Chris Weaver
Friday Jun 25, 2021
Friday Jun 25, 2021
This episode we present a Public Service Announcement regarding Cancer Awareness. We visit with Lieutenant Chris Weaver and retired Driver Engineer Aaron Johnson a.k.a. Turtle about Chris’s involvement with cancer awareness and Turtle’s personal battle with cancer. Cancer touches all our lives one way or another, either through a personal diagnosis or through the diagnosis of someone we love. There are things you can do to help your prognosis as well as thing you need to do after you or your loved one have been diagnosed. Come sit down with us at the kitchen table for this very interesting and very informative discussion.
Monday Jun 14, 2021
On Deck
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
The use of On Deck crews is nothing new to the CSFD. What is new, however, is this assignment being called “On Deck”. This episode we discuss the history and proper use of On Deck crews during our incidents with Battalion Chief David Rocco and Captain Ken Anderson. Also discussed is the relationship between air consumption and the activation of crews On Deck. It is our hope that our member get a clearer understanding of how our department will use On Deck crews as well as get a quick review of TacOp 100.08.
This week Music is –
Opening: Uptown Getdown by MILANO
Interview In/Out: Nowadays – Instrumental by Teo Laza
Out the Door: Chains by Deraj
All music can be found at artlist.io.
Don’t forget that any of our Podcasts are self-assignable on Target Solutions. Listen or view the Podcast and document in TS to get training credit.
Thank you all again for listening. If you think these Podcasts are valuable, get the word out both to those who would benefit both inside and outside the department.
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
The Collas Family Kitchen Table
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Thursday Apr 29, 2021
Retirement is the end of the race and the beginning of the celebration. In this episode, we share in the beginning of the celebration with Fire Chief Ted Collas, Stacey Collas, and Paramedic Michael Collas. At the kitchen table, we focus on learning who our Fire Chief is as a person by discussing with the various events that helped shape Chief Collas throughout his life. We also talk to the Chief and his family about his fire service career and how it helped shape their family. Come join us for this expanded version of “Meet CSFD”.
Music:
Intro: “Under the Sun” – Young Lords
Into and Out of the Interview: “Hawaiian Nights” – Paper Planes
Out the Door: “When I Get There” – Maya Isac