Shows
Make The Difference Podcast43: Paul ManganaroPaul Manganaro is a entrepreneur and Brown Belt in Jiu-jitsu under Gustavo Dantas. Maganaro also hosts the podcast The Road to Black.2022-05-112h 26
Make The Difference Podcast43: Paul ManganaroPaul Manganaro is a entrepreneur and Brown Belt in Jiu-jitsu under Gustavo Dantas. Maganaro also hosts the podcast The Road to Black.2022-04-292h 27
Make The Difference PodcastCarlson Gracie Jr. & Sergio "Canudo" ZimmermanCarlson Gracie Jr. is a 5th-degree black belt and is the leader of the Carlson Gracie Association, as well as the head coach of the Carlson Gracie Academy in Chicago. Sergio "Canudo" Zimmerman is a black belt, and 2x world Gi, 1x No Gi , 11x European, and 2x Brazilian Champion.2022-03-182h 15
Make The Difference PodcastMatt Gillette & Mike SmithMatt Gillette is a BJJ blackbelt and owner of Gillette Jiu-jitsu. Mike Smith is a returning guest and BJJ Blue Belt and former Div 1 wrestler. This one is all about the deadly art of pajama fighting.2022-03-022h 02
Make The Difference PodcastChris SleigherChris Sleigher is a Dad, Fire Captain, fire instructor, and someone who is committed to helping people get better. We discuss with Chris his journey and how we see the movement of the American Fire Service to get better at taking care of our communities.2022-02-161h 47
Make The Difference PodcastAlex SandovalAlex Sandoval is an Army Veteran, former Secret Service Agent during the Clinton years, Police Officer, Pajama Wrestling Black Belt, and my Coach. He's one of my favorite human beings.2022-02-022h 16
Make The Difference PodcastNobel DanielNobel Daniel is a US Army Airborne Veteran, Pajama Wrestling purple belt, and Pakistani-born American. He's faced adversity along the way and has always come out on top.2022-01-192h 41
Make The Difference PodcastDave SanchezDave Sanchez spent 40 plus years with the phoenix fire department and most of it as a captain at one of the busiest stations in the PFD. To call him a legend would not do him justice.2021-12-291h 58
Make The Difference PodcastDonny BolenDonny Bolen is a successful entrepreneur and co-owner of @septondevelopment, a multi-state commercial construction company with corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ. Septon Development has over 70 employees and performs tens of millions in projects every year. None of this was handed to him. He is the result of hard work, perseverance, and treating people the right way. I'm proud to call him my friend and brother.2021-12-151h 58
Make The Difference PodcastSandlot MedicalIn today's episode, we sit with the Alpha-Stim group from Sandlot Medical who are Making the Difference with our First Responders and veterans with their newest medical technology treating PTSD, Anxiety, and more...2021-11-242h 11
Make The Difference PodcastCaptain Jeff GriffinCaptain Jeff Griffin’s life and career have been filled with service, bravery, and challenges. These challenges and personal choices created a tragic incident leaving him to face his family, community, and the criminal court system. Today, we are proud to say Jeff is making a difference.2021-11-112h 23
Make The Difference PodcastAndrea Daniels & Brandan MillanGrief, it sucks! My Sister and I talk about the recent loss of our mother. Our hope was it would help others. My mom was one of my heroes, a Filipina immigrant, who gave it all to put me in a better place. My sister is a true warrior. What she has battled through in her life to what she provides every day to the world is something I admire.2021-10-271h 59
Make The Difference PodcastRoy Lewis and Tim Gammage Jr. Part 2Roy Lewis and Tim Gammage Jr. are returning guests from Episode 19 where we discussed the racial issues post the George Floyd tragedy. In this episode, we discuss the state of our current racial environment one year later. We have an honest conversation about the changes if any. Strap yourself in for another real, but necessary conversation.2021-10-061h 48
Make The Difference PodcastChad DunnChad Dunn is a former BMX Racer, Skateboarder, Extreme Athlete, and Co-Owner of Move Performance. Dunn’s story has evolved from athlete to inmate, to high-level performance trainer and coach. Dunn’s unique ability to help burn survivors and athletes who were once told they would never walk again is uncanny.2021-09-152h 23
Make The Difference PodcastFire Chief Terry GarrisonWe welcome back Fire Chief Terry Garrison to discuss organizational leadership and the serious challenges Fire Chiefs face today. Terry has a unique perspective having led large and small departments through critical operational and administrative challenges.2021-09-012h 07
Make The Difference PodcastJeff Barnett and Jake BennettJeff Barnett is a medically retired public safety and recently promoted brown belt. Jake Bennett is a firefighter/paramedic and was recently promoted to purple belt. We talk about some tough stuff and the deadly art of pajama wrestling, let's go!2021-08-182h 12
Make The Difference PodcastAdam CaiazzoAdam Caiazzo is a 50-year-old family man. His challenges and success have been a journey worth sharing. From an East Coast childhood as an athlete to a member of the Army’s 82 nd Airborne, and now as a Captain with the Phoenix Fire Department, Adam has a story that may be helpful or inspiring to others. He has certainly strived to Make the Difference.2021-08-042h 12
Make The Difference PodcastArizona Interscholastic Cycling League FoundersThe co-founders of the Arizona Interscholastic Cycling League are here to discuss the beginnings of a youth development program utilizing cross-country mountain bike racing. This program is centered around building strong minds, strong bodies, and strong characters in student-athletes in the life-long sport of cycling.2020-11-182h 08
Make The Difference PodcastDr. Whitney WrightDr. Whitney Wright is a past client and now a close friend. He is co-owner of Risas Dental and Braces, a 26 location dental practice, and creator of the Wright Talk Podcast. His journey to success was not easy, it stretched him to his emotional limit, but in the end, he figured out what was most important in life.2020-10-212h 07Make The Difference PodcastGerardGerard is a Polish-born American who defied the odds, becoming a successful entrepreneur and purple in the deadly art of pajama wrestling. This is one is a wild ride and one of our favorite podcasts to date!2020-10-071h 48
Make The Difference PodcastTraining IntroMerriam-Webster defines the word ‘train’ (verb) as: to teach so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient. This episode on the Make the Difference Podcast we discuss fire service training and what it should look like. Listen as we speak about making Firefighters fit, qualified, or proficient.2020-09-231h 26Make The Difference Podcast23: The Promotional Process with Ohlin and SmithThe training talk with Ryan Ohlin and Mike Smith, two recently promoted fire captains. Ohlin is a retired Army medic serving from 2004-2010, a father and husband, and part of FireVet.org. Smith is a repeat guest and is a FEMA Dog Handler, Technical Rescue Technician, accomplished collegiate wrestler, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, father, and husband.2020-09-092h 38
Make The Difference Podcast22: Kristen SharpKristen Sharp is a mom, wife, and business owner. She is a Phoenix native who grew up playing soccer, which led to a college scholarship. After the untimely murder of Fire Captain and Marine Kyle Brayer, a best friend to her husband & who Kristen worked for at Epic Fitness, Sharp’s next challenge was to own and operate Epic Fitness in Kyle’s honor.2020-08-261h 39
The Fireground Fitness Podcast, Rayne GrayEp.41 -xpost- Make the Difference Podcast w/ Brandan Millan, Bryan Parks and Rayne GrayMy mama told me to study my lessons while in school and I argued endlessly. It was not until I had "grown up", a term I am using very liberally, that I began to understand the value of her admonitions. She knew something I had yet to comprehend, that education stretched one’s mind and increased an individual’s capacity for growth. I am eternally grateful to the many folks who encouraged me to go to school. The nudges and encouraging words have added a tremendous value to my life.
In episode 41 I have shared a podcast that w...2020-08-171h 46Make The Difference PodcastRayne Gray and Brian ParksIn today’s episode, we discuss higher education and the benefits of it as it pertains to the fire service with recently promoted Division/Battalion Chief Rayne Gray and retired Deputy Chief Brian Parks. Gray and Parks both graduated with their master’s degrees from Arizona State University.2020-08-121h 46
Make The Difference PodcastDon Abbott #2Don Abbott is the founder of Project Mayday. This project’s goal is “saving lives, through research and learning”. Project Mayday involves a study of fire service Mayday responses, incidents, and prevention. Since April, the American Fire Service has seen a significant increase in Mayday incidents, and we discuss this in-depth.2020-07-221h 44
Make The Difference PodcastThe Other ConversationToday’s guest must keep his identity private because he is actively working sex trafficking cases at the local & federal level. In this episode, we discuss the LE point of view, as it pertains to our countries current state, along with what he has gone through from line of duty deaths to PTSD.2020-06-242h 20
Make The Difference PodcastThe Uncommon ConversationCaptain Tim Gammage Jr. and Firefighter Roy Lewis Jr. are two gentlemen who are willing to have the tough conversation as it relates to the racial issues we are experiencing in this country and within the public safety sector today. Open your heart and your minds as you listen to their perspectives, as it will lead to the change we all want.2020-06-112h 57
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #8, Rick BucherRick Bucher is a man of many talents from firefighter/paramedic to technical rescue technician to Super Bike Racer and more. Rick’s story is truly a journey of going back, to be able to go forward. One that spanned the mastery of multiple disciplines both mentally and physically, as well as exploring the depths of PTS, Anxiety, Depression, and more.2020-05-132h 53
Make The Difference Podcast16: Tactical Hour #7, Mike WorrellMike Worrell is a retired Division Chief from the Phoenix Fire Department. He has a unique skill set of being a trained electrical and communication technician and a Firefighter experienced in all levels of the fireground. He now supports the Fire Service as a liaison and technical adviser to the FirstNet Authority providing dedicated broadband tools. Mike definitely knows his way around Making the Difference.2020-04-102h 20
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour, Leadership During CrisisWith the world in harrowing times, Stewart and Millan thought an episode on leading during a crisis would be appropriate to help our command officers, company officers, and small business owners navigate this unprecedented environment. This episode is for anyone that is wondering, “How do I lead during this…”. Don’t let fear rule the day and be good.2020-03-211h 05
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #5 with Assistant Don AbbottDon Abbott is the founder of Project Mayday. This project’s goal is “saving lives, through research and learning”. Project Mayday involves a study of fire service Mayday responses, incidents, and prevention. This is a voluntary study of independent submission to research Mayday causes and triggers to improve the predictability and prevention of firefighter injury and death while working in the hazard zone.2020-03-042h 20
Make The Difference PodcastKirk StowersKirk Stowers is a Harvard graduate and Principal Geologist at Broadbent and Associates. Stowers and the rest of the leadership team run and manage a multimillion-dollar environmental consulting firm with over 100 employees in several states. Stowers is also a 14x Ragnar finisher and holds the title of being my “battle buddy” in basic training.2020-02-192h 04
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #4 with Assistant Chief Scott KrushakScott Krushak began his career in 1981. He served at all levels of the Phoenix Fire Department, finishing as an Assistant Chief. Scott spent the first 25 years working on an Engine Company. Ultimately, a large number of Firefighters that came through his purview are now serving in the most influential positions in the Phoenix Fire Department.2020-02-052h 19
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #3 with Captain Dan GroverDan Grover is a 20-plus year veteran with Phoenix Fire, working at some of the busiest stations in the city. Grover is hardnosed, a man’s man, but as caring as they come. This episode dives deep into what Grover has done, specifically as a captain managing a crew member with cancer. Grover is the captain we all want in this situation.2020-01-222h 16
Make The Difference PodcastBrandan MillanThe guest for this episode of the Make the Difference Podcast is the force of energy behind this production. Brandan Millan is diverse and complex in many ways. The man that works diligently to improve others, has had an interesting path to the present. He has chosen to use every experience in his life to shape who he is today. Through life challenges, athletics, education, military service, corporate work, private business, and public safety service, Brandan has a seemingly perpetual drive for progress. 2020-01-082h 08
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #2 with Chief Terry GarrisonChief Terry Garrison became a Phoenix Firefighter in 1977 after serving in the U.S. Army. He served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Captain, Fire Investigator, Battalion Chief, and Shift Commander. He retired in 2008 as the Operations Assistant Chief. Terry has worked as the Fire Chief in Oceanside CA, Houston TX, and now in Glendale AZ.2019-12-252h 00
Make The Difference PodcastKen BrookingsAt the age of 27 Ken Brookings became a V.P. of a Fortune 500 company, went on to sell two successful businesses, consulted with Apple, BP, and other large corporations on high level strategic and operational practices, and for the last 20 years has been the founder and chairman of The Aspire Institute. He is a real entrepreneur, check it out.2019-12-182h 08
Make The Difference PodcastTactical Hour #1 with Chris Stewart & John HintonJohn joined the Phoenix Fire Department in 1978. He worked as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Shift Commander over his career. He was an integral part of the team that developed and lead the productive operational changes after Firefighter Brett Tarver’s line of duty death in 2001. John retired in 2009 and has become best friends with his young dog Bosco.2019-12-042h 17
Make The Difference PodcastJesse Forbes & Mike SmithMike Smith is a Firefighter, FEMA Dog Handler, Technical Rescue Technician, accomplished collegiate wrestler, Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, father, and husband. Jesse Forbes is a Firefighter Medic, collegiate wrestler, jiu-jitsu world champion, former professional UFC fighter, father, and husband. Both Mike and Jesse are soon to be promoted captains.2019-11-202h 10
Make The Difference PodcastMark Barbee & Ronnie WetchMark Barbee is a Captain, SWAT medic, Terrorism Liaison Officer, and truck builder. One of his builds won Best Custom Truck at SEMA in 2007. Ronnie Wetch is also a Captain Paramedic, former Recruit Training Officer, and also the creator of C10 Talk and C10 Nation, with over 150k followers. His latest builds are Yellowstone and Orange Slice.2019-11-062h 18
Make The Difference PodcastClint GowerClint Gower is a Firefighter Paramedic and has led a very interesting life in a short amount of time. Clint comes from humble beginnings and proved that hard work pays off from Professional BMX racer, MMA Fighter, to sponsored CrossFit athlete. His latest endeavor is CrossFit gym owner and fatherhood.2019-10-232h 10
Make The Difference PodcastChris Stewart & Kirk HoverChris Stewart is a Deputy Chief and has led numerous sections within the fire service, implementing innovative techniques in training and violent incident/mass casualty operations in conjunction with local police, Homeland Security, and the FBI. Kirk Hover is a Retired Fire Captain and Recruit Training Officer with over 32 years of fire service.2019-10-092h 02
Make The Difference PodcastErik Hill and Heidi LigouriErik Hill is a friend and former professional firefighter. Erik became addicted to opioids after cracking 5 vertebrae in his back while on the job. Erik’s story is one of sadness, happiness, triumph, determination, self-discovery and so much more. Erik has been clean for over three years and wants his story to be heard, so others may understand the trials and tribulations of addiction, as well as for people to know that there is life after addiction. Words can’t describe how brave Erik is. Heidi Ligouri has over 16 years of clinical experience, Heidi Francine Ligouri is a L...2019-09-251h 53
Make The Difference PodcastMark Tucker Sr. & Roy Lewis Jr.Mark Tucker had a successful football career starting at Banning High School in Wilmington, California, where he was awarded multiple all-state honors and South Bay Lineman of the year as a senior. Tucker went on to play at USC where he was a four-year starter at offensive guard, playing in 48 games, 3 Rose Bowls, and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor's degree in political science. He was All Pac-10 as a sophomore and senior, second team as a junior, and first-team All-American as a senior. He was a finalist for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, given t...2019-08-041h 54