The Firefighters Podcast

Send us a textMy returning guest today is good friend of the podcast John McDonough who has been a professional firefighter for 38 years with the Fire and Rescue New South Wales in Sydney Australia.  He is currently an operational Duty Commander in charge of 14 stations in the busy inner west zone of Sydney. He was Team Leader of the Fire Operational Training Team (FOTT). This team trains all firefighters and officers in structural fire behaviour and firefighting techniques and tactics.  Over the last 17 years, this has developed into a standardized doctrine for how firefighters act and behave at the task and tactical level. It is taught at all levels from recruit to Station Officer.  He is a co-author of ‘3D Firefighting – Training, Tactics and Techniques’, which is published in the USA. In 2009 he was awarded Australia’s highest honor for Fire Officers, the Australian Fire Service Medal for his work in structural firefighting training. We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Send us a textIn today’s episode, Beyond the Flames: The Lifespan of Firefighter Fabrics, we’re turning up the heat on groundbreaking research from the University of Alberta. Joining us are two incredible experts: Saiful, a PhD candidate who’s spent the past four years uncovering why firefighter gear doesn’t always stand the test of time, and Dr. Patricia Dolez, an Associate Professor and leader in textile science.We’ll take you behind the scenes of their cutting-edge work, uncovering the hidden factors that can weaken your protective clothing. We’re talking moisture, heat, and even the chemicals that linger after a tough call. You’ll hear about:The science of fabric degradation—tensile strength, sulphur content, and water repellency breakdown.The unseen dangers of chemical leaching and how outdated testing standards put safety at risk.And exciting new advancements, like sensors that can monitor gear aging in real time and revolutionary cleaning methods that outshine the old-school wash.This episode is packed with critical insights for firefighters, researchers, and anyone passionate about innovation in safety. Together, Saiful and Dr. Dolez will help us understand how we can better protect those who protect us.So, grab your gear, settle in, and get ready to explore the science behind the equipment that keeps our heroes safe on the frontlines.We only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Send us a textThis week, we’re stepping out of the fire station and into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of policing with a truly extraordinary guest.Ben Pearson has spent the last 19 years fighting crime on the front lines as a member of the elite Roads Policing Unit of West Yorkshire Police. As a key figure in Channel 5’s hit series Police Interceptors, Ben has been at the center of some of the most intense and dangerous moments imaginable—chasing down criminals at high speeds, arresting murderers, rapists, and violent offenders, and bringing justice to some of the toughest cases out there. His career has been defined by courage, precision, and a relentless drive to serve and protect.But Ben’s story is about so much more than what you see on TV. It’s a journey that takes us behind the badge, offering an intimate look at the reality of life as a police officer—the highs, the lows, and the toll it can take. After years of dealing with fatal collisions, witnessing unspeakable tragedies, and losing his parents, Ben found himself fighting a battle he never saw coming. His mental health deteriorated under the weight of trauma and loss, and he discovered just how unprepared the system was to help those who serve in such high-stakes roles.connect with Ben HEREBen's Youtube HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew

Send us a textToday, we have the privilege of speaking with an extraordinary trailblazer. Vicky Shakesby MBE broke barriers as the first full-time female firefighter in her brigade in the early 1990s, carving a path for women in a field historically dominated by men. Her story is one of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to progress.Connect with Vicky HEREWe only feature the latest 200 episodes of the podcast on public platforms so to access our podcast LIBRARY, every Debrief & document CLICK HEREPODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.GORE-TEX Professional ClothingMSA The Safety CompanyPATROL STORE UKIDEXHAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HEREXendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20Lyfe Linez -  Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar  for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated and  for firefighters this costHibern8 - a plant based sleep aid specially designed to promote a restful night's sleep and awaken you feeling refreshed and energisedPlease support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew