Shows
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 225 - My Word for the Year: Endure!Welcome to Forged by FIRE, the podcast where we break down strategies for building resilience and igniting purpose in your life. I’m your host, Ryan Rodriquez, and today, we’re diving into something deeply personal and powerful: my word for the year—ENDURE.
Let me start with a quick story. A few weeks ago, I was finishing a grueling strength training session. You know that moment when your body is screaming at you to stop, but your mind is what keeps you going? That’s endurance. It’s a word that’s been resonating with me a lot lately...
2025-01-2707 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 221 - 4 Ways to Set BoundariesWelcome to Episode 221 of Forged by FIRE, the podcast that focuses on leadership, accountability, and self-mastery. I’m your host, Ryan Rodriquez. Today, we’re diving into a critical topic for anyone looking to improve their relationships, boost their productivity, and protect their well-being: setting boundaries.
As many of you know, my FIRE Framework focuses on achieving 12-week goals in Fitness, Intellect, Relationships, and Energy. Today, we’re zeroing in on Relationships, because boundaries are foundational to building trust, fostering alignment, and creating deeper connections with others—whether it’s your spouse, team, or community.
So let’s g...
2024-12-0226 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 220 - Your Workplace is Not Your Family!Welcome to Forged by FIRE, the podcast where we ignite the flames of accountability, discipline, and progress. I’m Ryan Rodriquez, and today, we’re tearing down one of the biggest lies ever sold to you in the workplace; that“your workplace is your family.”
It’s one of those phrases that sounds warm and fuzzy, doesn’t it? But the truth is, it’s toxic. It sets you up for disappointment, burnout, and misplaced priorities.
By the end of this episode, not only will you understand why this mindset is harmful, but I’m also going to sh...
2024-11-1817 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 213 - On a Scale of 0-10...Welcome back to another episode of Forged by FIRE, where we turn the heat up on self-improvement and accountability. I'm your host, Ryan Rodriquez, a seasoned firefighter and paramedic, here to share my experiences and insights to help you forge a better version of yourself.
Today, we're diving into a concept from the EMS world—the pain scale—and how you can use it to measure and improve different aspects of your life using my FIRE framework. Buckle up; this one's going to be both educational and empowering!
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Join The Forge! (Application)
2024-08-0113 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 211 - Set & Achieve Your Goals!Welcome to the Forged by FIRE Podcast, where we ignite your potential and help you forge the life you desire. I'm your host, Ryan Rodriquez, and today, we're diving into an essential topic: setting and achieving your goals.
In this episode, we'll explore a powerful framework to help you turn your dreams into reality, focusing on four key elements: Motivation, Action, Time, and Results. Whether you're striving for personal growth, career success, or any other ambition, these principles will guide you every step of the way. So, let's get started and forge ahead on the path to...
2024-07-0130 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 208 - Forged by FIRE!The whole process of refinement is all about continual improvement. If you’ve been listening to the podcast for any amount of time, you’ll know that the way I started is a bit different than where I am now. And in my opinion, much better.
My goal is to focus on the FIRE framework that I’ve developed to help people from all over the world gain insight into what lights them up. I’m acting as your guide to get you to where you want to be in the most effective and efficient way possible.
In...
2024-05-2015 min
FIREFIGHTER SUCCESS PODCASTRyan Rodriquez - 070Ryan Rodriquez is a firefighter/paramedic who has been on the job for 16 years. He is the founder of IGNITEd, a company where he provides public strength training and nutrition coaching services as well as private leadership and teamwork consulting services. Ryan also hosts the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast, where he talks about all things fire service related in order to help his audience deal with the mental, physical, and emotional stressors of the job.Ryan’s new book is called “Own It! Build a Fire Service Culture of Trust and Integrity Through Accountability.” You can learn mo...
2022-12-1150 min
Fight the Burnout - A Podcast for PoliceInterview #76 - Ryan Rodriquez – 16 Year Firefighter and ParamedicIn this episode Chris interviews Ryan about how he still loves his career even more than he did on day one..
Ryan talks to us about how he stays uplifted and uplifting others through self-work.
To learn more about Ryan Rodriquez:
@ignitedff
www.ignitedff.com
If you are wanting learn to create a life from your WHY, not be run from but to be powered by the voices in your head, create more joy and happiness to have your dream career, relationship and life email us at team@createfromwhy...
2022-03-1747 min
The Fireground Fitness Podcast, Rayne GrayEp.65 the IGNITEd Firefighter with Ryan RodriquezI had the opportunity to be a guest on the Ignited Firefighter Podcast back in June of this year. It was an awesome conversation with host Ryan Rodriquez. We had so much to discuss that we needed to continue the conversation here in episode 65. Rodriquez and I discussed ego, team building, setting boundaries and so much more, give it a listen and I hope you enjoy!
A little about today’s guest:
Ryan Rodriquez been fighting fire and providing paramedicine for the last 16 years. He’s completed a myriad of certifications to inc...
2021-08-231h 18
FIREFIGHTER SUCCESS PODCASTRyan Rodriquez - 017Ryan Rodriquez is a firefighter/paramedic who has been on the job for 15 years. He is the founder, owner, and operator of IGNITEd, a company where he provides public strength training and nutrition coaching services as well as private leadership and teamwork consulting services. Ryan is also in the podcast arena where he writes, produces, and hosts the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast. On his show he talks about all things fire service related in order to help his audience deal with the mental, physical, and emotional stressors of the job.He lives by the cr...
2021-03-211h 02
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 096 - Don't Let Gossip Destroy You!When I was in the academy I heard the saying “if you want the whole department to know a secret, tell a firefighter”. This is one of those jokes that is sad, but true. I call it the “fire wire”. Gossip exists within the walls of the firehouse and it’s destroying us.
This issue of gossip isn’t exclusive to the fire service, it can be found in a lot of organizations around the world. But why does it exist? Why do we perpetuate it? And what, if anything can we do to put a stop to it?
In t...
2020-10-3020 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 089 - IGNITEd Core Values: BrotherhoodPart 3! The last section of my 3-part miniseries on the IGNITEd Core Values! So far, we’ve covered ACTION, and OWNERSHIP. These core values can be found stamped onto the new IGNITEd challenge coin, which you can find on the IGNITEd shop!
Core values are those things that you naturally operate under. If you have to force a value, it’s not a core value. Core values make you who you are. Now, you CAN adopt core values over time and active implementation. However, you can’t “fake it until you make it”.
As you listen to this mi...
2020-09-1117 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 087 - IGNITEd Core Values: ActionWith the release of the new IGNITEd challenge coin, I thought it would be fitting to do a 3-part miniseries on the IGNITEd core values that are stamped on that coin; ACTION, OWNERSHIP, BROTHERHOOD.
We should all have a set of identifiable core values that we operate by and we should be able to talk about them and why they matter to us at any given moment.
So, take these next three weeks, listen to the motivation behind the core values of IGNITEd, and start identifying what your own core values are so that you...
2020-08-2815 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 086 - Reduce Your Risk of Cancer!This is not going to be a particularly fun and exciting episode. However, I’d encourage you to listen so that what I’m about to tell you can hang in the back of your head while on the fireground and after you get back to the station after a fire.
The more we can be mindful of the things that are trying to kill us, the better off we are at formulating a defense against them.
In today’s episode, I will talk about how we are affected by cancer in the fire service, and I w...
2020-08-2126 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 085 - Why You Need a Hot List!Whether you’re a paper and pencil type of person or an all digital-demigod, I can’t stress to you the importance of writing down a list of things you want to get accomplished on a daily basis.
Without an idea of the things you need to get accomplished daily, you will wind up letting your time slip away to things less important than contributing to the reason you were put on this earth.
In this episode, I will talk about why you need to write down a list of things to do, how it will...
2020-08-1410 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 084 - Set the Tone for a Healthy Culture!In the fire service, we have a designated hierarchy of rank. The influence of this chain of command is supposed to be followed up and down. However, what happens when people in the high ranked positions are a big reason why people are feeling disenfranchised down the chain?
We look to our leaders to set the tone for the organization and help with disbursement of information as well as morale. Can you imagine William Wallace riding on his horse at the battle of Stirling, and instead of rallying his countrymen and talking about freedom, he says, “Eff moral...
2020-08-0722 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 083 - Define What Success Means To You!Going into our panel interviews when trying to land a career in the fire service, you may hear the question, “what does success mean to you?” For all of the questions you will get asked, you should be sure enough in what drives you, who you are, and what you want that you shouldn’t skip a beat.
If you don’t have an idea of what it looks like to be successful, then how will you know what you need to do to achieve it? The ONLY way to measure improvement is to have some kind of metric...
2020-07-3115 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 082 - Exploring Heart Rate VariabilityThere’s a lot of different ways to track your fitness out there with Fitbit, Apple Watch, Garmin, Polar and all the other products popping up every day. But which one is the best for you? What exactly should you be measuring and why?
You’ve heard me say it before, “what gets measured gets improved”. Today I’m going to specifically talk about Heart Rate Variability. I’ve touched on this topic before, but in today’s episode, I’m going to dive deeper into what HRV is, why you should pay attention to it, and at the end, I will p...
2020-07-2425 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 081 - Science-Based Benefits of CBD OilI worked with a guy the other day who was talking about how he holds a medical marijuana card and after he retires, he was thinking about going into the CBD and marijuana business.
Now, I don’t have much experience with this kind of stuff because I have never smoked marijuana or done drugs. However, that doesn’t mean I couldn’t talk to him about his thoughts and ideas on the topic. He told me that there are a lot more people in the fire service using therapeutic marijuana products than you’d think.
So in my...
2020-07-1717 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 080 - Lose Your Gut!When it comes to having six-pack abs, we all want results ASAP. But when it comes to this particular fitness feat, time and dedication are the key. But where do we start? And how long can we expect it to take? A few weeks? A few months? Well, things aren’t that simple. There are many factors that go into this accomplishment and everyone is different. However, we all have to start somewhere. And starting is the KEY!
Wherever you’re at, now is as good of time as any to get started in shedding that belly fat. Obesity...
2020-07-1020 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 079 - When That Day Comes with Chris HoyerWith all the craziness of what’s going on in the world right now; rioting, looting and murders going unchecked, our brothers in blue have a lot on their plate. Those working the front lines when it comes to maintaining order have some particular challenges that they’re currently facing. Those of us in the fire service know what it’s like to work toward mitigating the stressors of the things that we see and the jobs that we are tasked with. However, I wanted to get the perspective of a police officer who has worked in the field for over...
2020-07-0348 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 078 - Get Some Sleep!Getting proper sleep is one of the most challenging parts of being a firefighter and doing shift work.
I’ve witnessed firefighters stay up all night at the firehouse, watching TV, neglecting any opportunity to sleep. I’ve seen supervisors criticise firefighters when they try to take naps to make sure they’re rested and ready for when the tones kick out. I’ve personally been up all night running calls and then up all day the next day running calls into the night. Coming off of a shift like that doesn’t help when it comes to being pres...
2020-06-2619 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 077 - Nutritional Supplements and You!With all the nutrition supplements out there in the market, there can be a lot of confusion and misdirection for the sake of selling a shoddy product.
As a professional strength and fitness coach, and as a certified nutrition coach, I am VERY leery of nutrition supplement companies and I have spent years researching and testing out over the counter products on myself.
I’ve come up with a great formula for supplementation for myself and strive to keep it simple in regards to that, and so should YOU. You don’t need a counter or a...
2020-06-1927 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 076 - 8 Health Benefits of FastingYou may have heard a lot of talk lately about fasting, particularly intermittent fasting (or IF). Despite this recent surge in popularity, fasting is a practice that dates back centuries and plays an important role in many cultures and religions.
In general, most types of fasts are performed over 24-72 hours. Intermittent fasting, on the other hand, involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, ranging from a few hours to a few days at a time.
Fasting has been shown to have many health benefits, from increased weight loss to better brain function.
...
2020-06-1218 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 075 - 3 Crucial Habits to Build NOW!I wanted to start out today and first say “thank you” for listening to the show. I was reviewing the numbers and the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast has surpassed 35k downloads. I’m really humbled by all of this and am honored that you all find value in the things that I’m sharing with you. This all started because I wanted to provide something that I never had when trying to get into the fire service; resources! Even now, whether or not you’re trying to get hired or are currently on the job, I want to provide you all with tools, re...
2020-06-0518 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 074 - Knowing Is Half the BattleIf you’re a child of the 80’s like I am and watched Saturday morning cartoons, then you probably watched GI Joe. One of the most impactful things I remember is how each episode ended.
There was always a lesson to be learned and at the end, and it was always capped off with the saying, “Knowing is half the battle.”
In today’s episode, I’m going to talk about how knowing IS only half the battle and I will provide you with 5 ways that you can move from knowing to doing!
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IGN...
2020-05-2914 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 073 - Ask Me Anything #1Today is a first for the IGNITEd Firefighter Podcast! Today I’m going to be doing an “Ask Me Anything” episode. Over the past several weeks I’ve asked you guys to submit questions that might be on your mind and you didn’t disappoint!
I got all kinds of questions! Some related to the show, some related to the fire service, and some not related to any of that. Regardless of their nature, I thought it would be fun to take some of the questions that you guys submitted and answer them off the cuff today.
When I s...
2020-05-2224 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 072 - Why You Need VisionThe ability to envision possibilities for the future and share that vision with others is something that distinguishes leaders from nonleaders. It also separates the performers from the spectators.
If you don’t have an idea of where you’re going, you’ll end up just going in circles. Ultimately, when we’re on a fireground, the vision is to put the fire out. The strategy is how we get there. By having an ultimate vision for what we want to happen, we lay down a marker for what success looks like.
Today I’m going to talk...
2020-05-1518 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 071 - Vagal Down & Shape Up!When we go through EMT or paramedic school, we learn of the two different responses that our nervous system has; sympathetic and parasympathetic. What’s really incredible, specifically about the parasympathetic system, is that it can be manipulated and used to our advantage so that we can have a better impact on our cardiovascular system by removing stress and shock.
In today’s episode, I will do a quick review of these systems, how we can manipulate the parasympathetic system through vagal stimulation, what heart rate variability (HRV) is and how being conscious of all these things can g...
2020-05-0822 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 070 - Understanding SLICERSIn the fire service, there is an ocean of acronyms out there; CAFS, ALS, AAR, FMP, SOP, ETA, you get the idea. One of the most recent ones to emerge is SLICERS.
In today’s episode, I will be focusing on this latest acronym, what it means, and why we should think about possibly adding it to our ever-growing repertoire.
If you’re unfamiliar with SLICERS, don’t feel guilty about it. Not all organizations incorporate this specific methodology. However, if after listening to this episode, you find yourself wanting to incorporate it into how you do th...
2020-05-0117 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 069 - Optimize Your Immunity!We already know that we can’t fully control whether or not we catch a cold, the flu, or even COVID-19. We also know that we can’t fully control how our body will react once exposed to a pathogen.
There are all kinds of different factors that determine your body’s response. Some you can have an impact on, like nutrient deficiencies. Others, you can’t do anything about, like your age. But even among all the things you CAN influence, no single “hack” can control the complex system that is our body.
However, when it comes to...
2020-04-2423 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 068 - Protect Your Family!During this pandemic, working from home obviously isn’t an option for those of us on the frontline working FIRE and EMS. That’s what we signed up for! This means that we’ll be exposed to all kinds of nasty stuff that’s out there and we will have a direct connection to the thing that’s causing the pandemic. But just because WE may get exposed to all that nasty stuff, doesn’t mean our families should too!
When we return home from a shift, we should be making sure that we are protecting our loved ones from...
2020-04-1714 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 067 - Tactical Science to Keep You AliveThe continual changes and innovation in building materials has us constantly refining our tactical approach when it comes to firefighting. There are so many different factors that contribute to what we see on the fireground; things like building materials, synthetic furniture, not to mention all the unknowns. So, we have to be just as adaptable as the fire is.
Fortunately, there is an army of people at Underwriter’s Laboratories that spend a great deal of time doing the research FOR us! All we have to do is make an effort to read over their findings.
Hav...
2020-04-1020 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 066 - 3 Principles to Manage Stress Through COVID-19With the way our lives have been disrupted due to COVID-19, we can look around and see the panic in the uncertainty of the people who are making mad dashes to the grocery store and having fights in the aisles in order to stock up on toilet paper.
I feel like a lot of this kind of behavior can be directly attributed to the fact that we live in a society that is constantly telling us to avoid stress. But why is that? Isn’t stress the very thing that makes us better at handling any given situ...
2020-04-0318 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 065 - Adapt or Die!There are two things that firefighters hate; change, and the way things are...
The world can seem like a daunting and complicated place at times, especially considering the perpetually increasing complexity of our chosen career. As building materials and textiles change chemical composition, the time of survivability and rate of fire spread rapidly decrease. If we choose not to adapt to these changes, then we are choosing to be victims of our environments.
The whole plight of this IGNITEd movement is to disrupt that stagnation that we may have found ourselves in, specifically in regards to...
2020-03-2723 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 064 - State of FearWe are currently facing a society that is gripped in fear due to the COVID-19 or “Corona Virus” pandemic. We as first-responders don’t have a choice to run and hide because that’s not who we are. We act in the face of fear.
And yet, we are witnessing people act completely irrationally because of what the news media is telling them. And in that fear, it seems that they are buying up all of the world’s toilet paper.
In today’s episode, I will talk about why we’re subject to fear, what it does to u...
2020-03-2016 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 063 - Low Thyroid and Weight LossHaving several conversations over the past several weeks, I became aware of something I didn’t realize was so prominent among the people that I work with; hypothyroidism.
This isn’t something that I personally struggle with, but I wanted to learn more about it. And the more I learned about it, the more I discovered how well-documented it is that there is a direct correlation between shift workers and low thyroid issues; particularly firefighters and nurses.
In today’s episode, I’m going to talk about what hypothyroidism is, how it affects us as firefight...
2020-03-1317 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 062 - Lose Weight with Strength TrainingAs the years go by, complacency sets in. We get comfortable in our positions and sometimes those positions are of the reclined nature. As a result, we gain weight in the form of useless fat and the bigger we get, the more unmotivated we become.
Fitness is a crucial part of our profession. We don’t have a lot of time in our careers when compared to corporate America or most other professions. We are given the benefit of being able to retire early. However, if we aren’t healthy enough to live fully during our retirement, or even M...
2020-03-0614 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 061 - Do Work on the Front EndAs firefighters and EMS professionals, we are constantly doing work on the front end so that when the time comes, we can be at the ready to respond. Oftentimes we don’t even realize that that’s what we are in fact doing.
When it comes to our professional lives, we are hyper-vigilant in making sure that our equipment is in operating order and ready at all times. So why is it so challenging for us to do these things when it comes to our personal lives?
In today’s episode, I’m going to talk about...
2020-02-2813 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 060 - Teach Something!(I'm so sorry for the drop in volume about halfway in! I have absolutely NO IDEA what happened!)
You’ve probably heard it said that “those who can no longer do, teach.” As we get older in our lives and in our careers in the fire service, we lose some ability to do things the way that we used to.
You’ve heard me talk about the “Key 3” back in episode 50 - light the spark, stoke the flame, pass the torch, but do you yourself take action in regards to those things?
Today I’m going to t...
2020-02-2117 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 059 - Track Your Macros!The bulk of the food that we consume consists of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. These are known as macronutrients. Other elements that make up the foods that we eat are called micronutrients; these are the vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that we intake.
Macros influence our body’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and produce hormones. They also impact our immune function, our metabolic function, cell structure and function, and our overall body composition.
In today’s episode, I’m going to talk about what macronutrients are, how they affect us, and how we can manipulat...
2020-02-1419 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 058 - Train Your Brain!We have a lot of different things occupying real estate in our minds at any given moment. One thing that we sometimes forget about is the fact that WE are the owners of that real estate and make the choice as to who or what occupies that space.
While on the fireground or EMS scene it’s important that we remain focused. But how can we work on that while we aren’t ON emergency scenes?
In today’s episode, I will talk about why it’s so important to train our brains, and I will provi...
2020-02-0712 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 057 - Proximity and PurposeIn today’s society we are told that we need to accept others for who they are. But with that acceptance sometimes comes a lack of standards. I said it in a recent podcast episode, “the minimum standard becomes the new standard.”
It can be unhealthy and even dangerous to cling to the level of acceptance that we are provided by the people we choose to be around. Like it or not, we are all products of our environment, good or bad.
We all have a choice as to who we allow into our lives and how w...
2020-01-3114 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 056 - Crucial AccountabilityThe health of any relationship, team, or organization can be measured by the lag time between identifying problems and discussing those problems. And couldn’t the same be said for how we respond to fire and EMS calls? We don’t seem to have hang-ups when it comes to quickly and systematically identifying problems on the fireground and EMS scene. So, why do we have such a problem making the connection when it comes to our relationships within the firehouse walls?
In today’s episode, I’m going to share some insight that I received while at a VitalSmarts training here in Pho...
2020-01-2521 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 055 - Focus on Breathing!The self-contained breathing apparatus (or SCBA) has a direct impact when it comes to our personal safety on the fireground. Our lives literally depend on it’s proper operation and use. So, it’s not news to those of you who are currently serving as firefighters that you should be checking it off and making sure it’s in operating order at the beginning of each shift.
We may be operating with different sizes of SCBAs (30, 45, or 60 minute bottles). Knowing what you’re working with is important, but what’s even MORE important is knowing how long you can make...
2020-01-2420 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 054 - Being a Firefighter ParentFor those of us that are parents, we know that as we balance work and home life, sometimes it can be difficult to keep our negative emotions at bay. We might lash out at our kids or we may withdraw from them completely when something that happened at work has affected us.
The way we behave toward our children will set them up for how they handle the relationships they have throughout their own lives. Do we want them to be successful in their relationships, or do we want them to struggle through them and learn the lessons after it’s to...
2020-01-1021 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 053 - Asset or LiabilityAs we progress in our careers, sometimes we fall into complacency. And like I mentioned in the previous episode, complacency kills! As we become more complacent in our abilities, we place ourselves further to the “liability” category.
When we sat in our interviews to get hired for the career of a lifetime, we told the panel that we’d bring a lot to the table. We were motivated and eager to contribute to our respective organizations. But, why does that change? And what can we DO about it?
You’ve heard me say it before; on the firegrou...
2020-01-0415 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 052 - Make A PlanWe would NEVER think to fight a fire without evaluating the situation, formulating a strategy, and taking action toward the objective. So, why do we not think to take a similar approach when it comes to our personal lives?
Benjamin Franklin once said that “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” and if you are living your life right now so that you aren’t actively working toward some kind of personal development, then you are a part of the deterioration of the fire service. You’ve grown comfortable with the status quo of complacency. And as we all know...
2019-12-2716 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 051 - Core ValuesWe hear a lot about mission, vision, and values when we go to our department trainings or when a new chief shows up, but do we think of them any other time? Or do we even hear them when we aren’t sitting in these meetings? Maybe you don’t even hear them in those meetings! And if that’s the case, then there is more work that needs to be done. But I’m getting ahead of myself...before you can be a champion of your values, you first have to identify and then define what they are.
If yo...
2019-12-2017 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 050 - The Key ThreeThis week’s episode marks the 50th episode that I’ve recorded. In just two weeks, I will cross the one year mark for how long I’ve been producing and recording this show. I’ve learned a LOT along the way and going back and listening to my earlier episodes, although embarrassing, shows me just how much I’ve learned.
I want to say “Thank you” to all of you who subscribe, download and listen to the show. I get a lot out of doing this show in that I am constantly learning new things, but I mainly do it for you. I do...
2019-12-1317 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 049 - Addicted to AwakeThose of us who are firefighters and work in EMS are known as “shift workers” because we work outside of the typical hours of 9am to 5pm. Depending on how busy our department, our station, and our truck is, the amount of sleep we get is usually in the hands of the Fire & EMS gods, but that doesn’t mean that we are totally helpless and can’t do something about it.
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead!” Now, how many times have you rolled your eyes at the person who sai...
2019-12-0627 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 048 - Health Benefits of GratitudeI hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and that you were able to wear your special Thanksgiving pants and pack your bellies full of whatever it is you eat on Thanksgiving.
I’m not here to lecture you and tell you how to be and that you should be thankful for all you have, you’ve already heard a lot of that already, I’m sure. But in today’s episode, I AM going to talk about how focusing on the positive over the negative can help your health, how gratitude is linked to improved heart-health, sleep, an...
2019-11-2914 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 047 - Respond Don't ReactWe as firefighters are labeled as “first responders”. Think about that for a moment...we are called first responders, not “first reactors”. We are expected to respond to incidents rather than react to them. But what exactly does that mean? What’s the difference? And IS there a difference?
I’m here to tell you that there ABSOLUTELY IS a difference when it comes to responding versus reacting.
In today’s episode, I will talk about the differences, go over some examples that I’ve witnessed, and provide you with some strategies to help change your mindset from react...
2019-11-2217 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 046 - Fighting Your EgoWhile we’d all like to blame our problems on everyone and everything else, one thing we need to keep at the forefront of our mind is that it is OURSELVES who are often our own worst enemies. Ego hinders us at every turn. We feel that we are entitled to things or positions due to either our time invested or our “amazing abilities”. We spend a lot of time spending money we don’t have on things that we can’t afford to impress people we don’t even like. All for what? Some false sense of accomplishment.
In order to...
2019-11-1621 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 045 - Being an Alpha Maiden with Jordan RayeIn this episode I get to have a conversation with Jordan Raye, founder and leader of Alpha Maiden. She has a clear mission of helping women become strong mentally and physically in order to become the warrior that they’re meant to be. Jordan is the epitome of how fostering strength from within can translate to all areas of your life. In her social media posts and on her website she shows incredible vulnerability which is a testament to just how strong she is. In a male-dominated career, women in the fire service account for about 3%. The job of a fir...
2019-11-0837 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 044 - Firefighter Functional Fitness with Dan Kerrigan and Jim MossToday we’re talking about something near and dear to my heart, firefighter functional fitness. In this episode, I have a great conversation with Dan Kerrigan and Jim Moss, the authors of Firefighter Functional Fitness, basically the fitness “bible” for firefighters. If these guys aren’t on your radar yet, they will be after this!
Their practical approach to functional fitness as it specifically relates to the fire service is what they are well known for. There are some bold, but much-needed claims that they make in their book and oftentimes on their social media. Things like, “The extent to...
2019-11-011h 01
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 043 - Carb CyclingWhen we hear that one of our fellow firefighters is going on a “diet” we sometimes tease them or try to make things worse for them by bringing sweets into the station. None of this is productive and just makes you look like an asshole. While we shouldn’t be constantly “on a diet” we should be MINDFUL of our diet. Going on a special diet from time to time is perfectly fine. However, most trend “diets” aren’t sustainable, and they aren’t meant to be, hence the term “trend”. What’s sustainable is a healthy lifestyle.
One of the elements you ha...
2019-10-2525 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 042 - Decon ChallengeStudies have shown that inhalation or absorption of carcinogens is how firefighters are most likely exposed to cancer risk. Exposure can come from direct contact with the skin to dirty gear - including gear removal - or indirect contact by off-gassing. While there is a wider awareness of the danger that dirty gear represents to firefighters, it is still the prevailing cultural and work norms that more often determine when firefighters don their gear and how that gear is maintained. Peer pressure and organizational imperatives will override safety culture in many instances. In today’s episode, I will discuss what...
2019-10-1818 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 041 - Dealing with BurnoutAs firefighters, we work in physically, emotionally, and psychologically challenging situations. It’s the nature of the job and for a good part, that’s why we are attracted to the job in the first place, for the challenging element. But with those challenges come the pressure to constantly perform, often times with limited resources.
These difficult work conditions can lead to burnout over the long-term. So what IS “burnout”? In today’s episode I’m going to talk about what burnout is, how it affects us, and I will provide some strategies that we can use to help fight it...
2019-10-1119 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 040 - Cultivating CultureAs firefighters, we are a unique culture. We tend to fall into the Type A personality category where we are very competitive, have an ingrained sense of urgency, and have an affinity toward being hostile and aggressive. However, we also have a handful of Type B personalities as well; people who are relaxed, patient, and easy-going.
Something important to remember is that one isn’t more productive or effective than the other. Both serve their purpose for different situations. We shouldn’t think of ourselves as strictly one or the other. And we damn sure shouldn’t act like on...
2019-10-0428 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 039 - A Call to ArmsSuicide awareness month is wrapping up as September comes to an end, but that doesn’t mean we should stop making plans to improve our mentalities as well as our bodies. I’ve put a focus on mental health and wellness this month with a little bit of physical awareness thrown in. It’s important to remember that the body follows the mind, but it’s EQUALLY as important to remember that the mind follows the body as well. One impacts the other, but HOW they impact each other is completely up to you, your motivations, and mindset.
Today’s ep...
2019-09-2730 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 038 - Working with Mentors with Jonathan SantanaBack in Episode 033, I talked about the importance of mentorship. In this episode, I have a conversation with Jonathan Santana, who is on a mission to teach individuals life balancing skills to cope with stress in their day to day lives. He is a Firefighter/Paramedic, Speaker, Mentor & Coach.
During our conversation, we discuss what it means to be mentored, qualities to look for in a mentor, and what the benefits of this kind of relationship are. We discuss how stress should be managed, how ego needs to be put in check, and what it means to be...
2019-09-1941 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 037 - Mental Health Benefits of ExerciseAs September is suicide awareness month, I’m putting a focus on mental health and wellness. We are already aware that exercise is good for the body. But did you know that it’s also VERY effective in dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress?
In today’s episode I will discuss the mental benefits of exercise and provide some strategies that can help keep you operating in a positive light.
To download the Motivation Worksheet mentioned in this episode, visit my website and click on the link in the top right corner t...
2019-09-1318 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 036 - Finding FulfillmentA lot of firefighters base their level of fulfillment in their career. We sometimes forget that we aren’t JUST firefighters. We are also fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, friends and family. Fulfillment can and should be found in other areas of our lives so once that time in our lives is over, we have a strong basis to continue our sense of meaning and purpose.
Are you constantly disappointed? Do you find yourself being short with people who are within your vicinity? Are you just not interested in the things that would typically interest you? Y...
2019-09-0618 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 035 - Nozzle Recon with Adam Wilson**I apologize for the throat-clearing in advance. I'm fighting a cold and I hit "mute", but my editing software still picked it up***
The different types of materials and hazards out there have changed the way we fight fire. With all the new and different types of materials we are finding in homes and even commercial buildings and how quickly they burn, it's important to select the appropriate weapon to fight it. Materials burn a lot quicker and a lot hotter, which means our window for effective attack along with our margin for error is getting smaller.
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2019-08-3033 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 034 - Be a ProfessionalPeople look at firefighters with a certain level of expectation when it comes to capability as well as professionalism. There is a standard that the public holds us to. We are public servants and in that expectation, they have every right to hold us to a standard. But are we holding ourselves to that standard?
If you are currently working as a firefighter or are taking steps toward it, then you have some kind of understanding of what it means to be a professional. In today’s episode, we’ll leave no room for error as we discuss...
2019-08-2316 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 033 - The Importance of MentorshipWhen starting out on a new venture, whatever it may be, it can be difficult if you don’t have any ideas on where to start or how the process works.
A lot of the times we may feel overwhelmed which causes us to stop in our tracks and never reach the potential that we could, and are meant to.
In the fire service, mentorship is crucial for personal development and professional growth. Without those who have gone before us being willing to help those coming up find the path and achieve their potential, they become lost and are left to...
2019-08-1623 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 032 - Nothing But Love Notes with Natalie ReillyThose of us in the first-responder community are expected to respond to the most harrowing and devastating situations imaginable. We do it because we have the desire to help those in need. Most of the time the last interaction people have with us is negative due to the circumstances of the situation. How can we make a conscious effort to leave our last interactions we have with people on a positive note? Personally, I write hand-written notes to my patients providing them reassurance that I/we are always there for them or I simply offer a kind word that may help...
2019-08-0949 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 031 - Modern Day SamuraiThe word “samurai” means “one who serves”. It was a title given to the renowned warrior class of pre-modern Japan. The elements that attract a lot of people (me included) to the ideals lived and practiced by the samurai are their fierce fighting style and strict sense of discipline. The kind of discipline that made the samurai a very admired as well as feared culture was their dedication of focus to their minds as well as their bodies. I have utilized a samurai proverb in my personal life for years. It helps me to focus on the balance I must strike b...
2019-08-0219 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 030 - Challenging the Status QuoI talk a lot about the ‘status quo’ in this podcast and in the things that I write. But what exactly does that mean?
In this episode I talk about what the ‘status quo’ is, why it proposes a problem, why people are afraid to challenge it, and what WE can do to challenge it as agents of positive change.
2019-07-2616 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 029 - Sugar DetoxIn a profession where our physical fitness can literally mean the difference between life and death, it’s critical for us to do what we can to stay in ideal physical shape. We do that by working out, but one of the aspects of living a healthy lifestyle is to maintain a proper diet.
In this episode, I’m going to review the elements of going on a sugar detox. It’s something that you can do to help cut sugar from your diet and help you drop some lbs so that you can gain some momentum toward a...
2019-07-1923 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 028 - Maintaining a Positive AttitudeWhen bad stuff happens, you’ve probably heard people say things like, “Look on the bright side!” or “No rain, no rainbows!” and you might feel like punching that person in the face. But, what if I told you that they’re onto something?
Sometimes all you wanna do is break something or punch a hole in the wall, but in a career where your mentality plays a big part on your own personal well-being, we can’t afford NOT to maintain a positive attitude.
Keep in mind, this doesn’t mean to be unrealistic. What it means is to...
2019-07-1314 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 027 - Tips to Surviving Your First Year as a FirefighterWe've recently had some "probies" come out of their 16-week fire academy and we’ve been able to put eyes on them and see their personalities come out. While in the academy, everything was regimented for them and planned out. Now, they’re having to adapt to their crew, adapt to the interruption of emergency calls coming in, and adapt to the emergency situation itself. It can be overwhelming at times…
They may have been confident in the academy, but now that they are on the trucks, shift work will provide them with an entirely different environment when it c...
2019-07-0520 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 026 - 8 Traits of Toxic LeadershipFirefighters are typically known for their physical strength, not necessarily their emotional strength. When people stop to think about the job we do, they often realize just how much impact we absorb not only physically but mentally and especially emotionally.
How many times do we hear members of our organizations say things like, “I come to work to relax and get away from the stress of home.” For some, it IS a respite and sort of sanctuary. Which, is sad to me, but it’s the truth for others.
We spend one-third of our lives at the fi...
2019-06-2817 min
No Deodorant In Outer Space (books turned into movies - Science Fiction, Fantasy and related genres)S4E6M - Sin City (Robert Rodriquez)Episode: S4E6M* (Show Notes) “Sin City (2005)” by Robert Rodriquez (Bruce Willis) (movie) “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)” by Robert Rodriguez (Josh Brolin) (movie) Hosted by: Ryan Sean O'Reilly Guests: David Wilkinson a/k/a "Wilk" (podcaster) Rob Lloyd (comic book fan) Website: www.nodeodorant.com Related Episode Links: “Sin City” by Frank Miller (select graphic novels) “The Hard Goodbye (April 1991 – May 1992)” (Volume 1) “A Dame to Kill For (November 1993 – May 1994)” (Volume 2) “The Big...
2019-06-251h 09
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 025 - The Need for ConflictPeople hear the word “conflict” and often think of it as a negative word. I would challenge that way of thinking. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that conflict on a crew or any team is a GOOD thing and very necessary.
The fear of conflict is a dysfunction when it comes to building a productive and effective team.
If something matters and you have a difference of opinion or perspective, it’s crucial to bring it up to the team so that the issue can be addressed.
In this episode I’m going to talk about...
2019-06-2125 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 024 - Crew BuilderAs we’ve become more and more disenfranchised as individuals within our organizations, we tend to retreat into our little caves which does nothing for us as fire crews. Some people think that by sitting and watching TV together is adequate, but it doesn’t build true bonds of brotherhood. Some people retreat into their rooms to avoid any contact due to discomfort. With all the distractions in our lives, it’s more important now more than ever to be purposeful and focused on our relationships with our crew members.
In this episode, I will introduce a brand new program that I wi...
2019-06-1410 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 023 - Becoming a FirefighterHave you ever wondered what the process is to becoming a firefighter? When I was starting out, I had no clue what I was doing or what the steps were that I needed to take. I had to do a lot of footwork to gather information and understanding as to what it took to earn a career living my dream.
In today's episode I take what I learned and share it with you. This episode is dedicated to those who may be seeking a career with the fire service, but don't know where to start. Grab a pen and paper and...
2019-06-0719 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 022 - Servant LeadershipYou may have heard the term “Servant Leadership” before. People talk about the different styles of leadership there are and servant leadership has been brought up many times lately in circles of conferences and presentations.
But what does it look like and how can we become servant leaders?
Today we explore what it means to be a servant-leader and how we can enact the principles of servant-leadership in our own lives.
2019-05-3120 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 021 - Be Unapologetically SelfishIn order to be able to take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. This can be difficult for us as firefighters as it is in our nature to help others in need and oftentimes risk our own well-being for the sake of others. However, if you’ve ever flown in a plane and listened to the pre-flight safety instructions, you’ll remember that if the cabin pressure drops and the oxygen masks drop down, you are instructed to put the oxygen mask on yourself FIRST. This is for good reason. If you are incapacitated, then you beco...
2019-05-2413 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 020 - 5 Keys to Promoting AccountabilityThe entire plight of the IGNITEd movement is to challenge the status quo through self-improvement and accountability. But how exactly does one take active steps toward accountability?
When I say the “A-word”, people do one of two things; get quiet and change the subject OR they ask me what I mean by accountability. Either way, it’s a HUGE red flag that lets me know that there is a severe lacking of accountability among the ranks. Only through an established system of accountability will an organization thrive and fulfill its purpose and vision.
In this episode w...
2019-05-1727 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 019 - Education vs ExperienceI hear it argued all the time in the fire service; which is better to have, education or experience? Aren't they BOTH a form of education? Aren't they BOTH a form of experience?
In this episode we discuss how both are important and work in tandem and that there isn't one that is "better" than the other. A well-rounded professional should have elements of BOTH!
2019-05-1017 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 018 - The Importance of a TribeWhen we think of the word TRIBE, we tend to think of indigenous people in a far off jungle. But what does that word mean for us in modern society and is that a term or way of thinking that we need anymore?
I would argue YES!
In a world that continually sells independence and isolation, we are becoming less and less able to communicate with each other and more incapable of forming lasting and meaningful relationships.
In this episode we talk about what a TRIBE is, why it is important for us t...
2019-05-0316 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 017 - Listen Up!Everyone wants to feel like they've been heard. Sometimes, that's all it takes to make the situation better. As firefighters and EMS professionals, we sometimes get so focused on solving the problem that we forget to listen. That tunnel vision bleeds into our personal lives and relationships.
In this episode, we talk about how to recognize when we're doing that as well as some of the steps we can take to put a stop to it and and deepen our connections with the people we love and the people we serve by listening more.
2019-04-2620 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 016 - 3 Ways to Fight Biased LeadersEvery human being needs to feel like the person they are working for cares about them. This is the only way to foster and maintain a healthy organization. But what do you do when you are met with biased leaders who focus on things other than their employees, i.e. YOU? Today we identify some of the biases we may be facing within our organizations as well as some methods we can use to challenge them and change the status quo.
2019-04-1921 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 015 - 5 Tools for Exercise ConsistencyConsistency is CRUCIAL when working toward a goal you have set for yourself. Today I give you some tools that you can use to implement some consistency in your fitness goals. Take what we talk about today and apply it!
2019-04-1212 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 014 - Stress Management and the Tale of Two WolvesStress isn't unique to anyone on this planet. However, certain stressors are unique to those of us who are firefighters. Today we talk about those stressors and what we can do to manage them. I also share the tale of two wolves to help keep our stress management in perspective.
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2019-04-0623 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 013 - Having VisionVision without action is merely a dream. In this week's episode, learn what it means to have vision and the elements that will make that vision a reality!
2019-03-2921 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 012 - Fentanyl and Narcan AbuseFentanyl has been a hot topic lately as abuse of it is on the rise. But, how do we combat it? Are we abusing the systems in place to do so? Today we talk about Fentanyl and Narcan abuse.
2019-03-2216 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 011 - Mental Health in the Fire ServiceIssues in addressing mental health are our biggest challenge in the fire service today. As suicide rates continue to climb, we can't afford to ignore it any longer. In today's episode we talk about mental health and what we can to do improve it.
2019-03-1519 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 010 - The Parable of the OrangesWhere do integrity and intent meet? I believe they go hand in hand. One must be intentional in order to have integrity.
In this episode we discuss how by having intent in our actions, we can add value to the lives of those around us.
2019-03-0820 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 009 - The 4 Pillars of WellnessThis episode we dive into what I call the 4 Pillars of Welllness. These are the four areas that I personally use as focal points to make sure that I'm operating at my peak. By focusing on these areas, you can intentionally improve your life as well.
2019-03-0230 min
Forged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 008 - Living in the MomentToday we talk about how living in the moment can help you stay focused on the things that matter in the here and now. We also talk about how living in the past can bring you down and how fears of the future can paralyze you. When everything out there is trying to kill us, it's important we stay focused on the things that are happening in the moment.
2019-02-2221 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 007 - The Ideal Team PlayerIn this episode, we delve into the virtues that make an ideal team player. This helps us to identify our own weaknesses so we can strengthen our character and become the ideal team player that we'd want on our team.
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Download the Ideal Team Player Self Assessment HERE!
2019-02-1528 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 006 - The Four AgreementsIn Episode 006 I discuss author Don Miguel Ruiz's book, "The Four Agreements". The focus on this is to help us be more conscious with our efforts when it comes to our personal mental health as well as the health of our interpersonal relationships.
2019-02-0917 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 005 - Productivity in Your DowntimeWe all lead busy lives. But how productive are we being? And what's the difference between the two? In this episode, we focus on the difference between being “busy” & being productive and I share some ways to help us focus on being productive with our time.
2019-02-0119 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 004 - Building Physical StrengthThe fire service is looked at as a career where physically fit men and women are the standard, or they SHOULD be anyway. In this episode we discuss how to build physical strength and why it’s so important within our community.
2019-01-2534 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 003 - Emotional ResilienceAs first-responders we see a lot of bad things. These things can have some devastating effects on our emotional well-being. In this episode we discuss emotional resiliency, how crucial it is for our profession, and how we can build ourselves up to become more emotionally resilient.
2019-01-1819 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 002 - Organizational HealthWe spend a lot of focus on our physical health within the fire service. But how much time to we spend focusing on our organizational health?
In this episode we talk about organizational health and how workplace toxicity dampens it. We also discuss some things we can do to battle workplace toxicity in efforts to create and ideal workplace.
2019-01-1114 minForged by FIRE with Ryan RodriquezEpisode 001 - Introduction to IGNITEdIGNITEd is a battalion of first-responders who challenge the status quo through a forum of self-improvement and accountability.
This podcast is dedicated to anyone within the fire service community who are looking to level up and leave a legacy of strength and brotherhood.
2019-01-0424 min