Shows
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastUntitled EpisodeUnderstanding DAS and In-Building Communication Systems with Peter, Travis, and the Experts | DAS TalkIn this episode of DA Talk, hosted by Peter from Gamma Electronics and Philip Nicholas, we dive deep into the importance of distributed antenna systems (DAS) and emergency responder communication systems (ERCS) for first responders in North America. Joining the discussion is Travis McGaha, Deputy Fire Marshal from Concord, North Carolina, who shares valuable insights on the challenges and advancements in these systems. They also introduce an upcoming educational summit designed to help code officials, integrators, and other stakeholders enhance their knowledge and...2025-07-1041 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastDigital Fires: The Role of Social Media & FirefightingDigital Fires: The Role Of Social Media & FirefightingIn this episode of 'All Clear,' host Travis delves into the intricate relationship between social media and the fire service. Discover the rewards and inherent risks, from boosting recruitment and community trust to operational security and ethical pitfalls. Travis offers practical advice on using social media responsibly to educate the public, celebrate crew achievements, and maintain the dignity of the firefighting profession. Tune in for essential tips on navigating this powerful yet perilous tool to uphold your oath and protect your team.2025-07-0414 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastLifting The Veil: Yoga’s Role in a First Responder’s Transformation With Tim GrutziusHealing Through Yoga: A First Responder's JourneyJoin Travis as he welcomes Tim Grutzius, a retired first responder and yoga instructor from North Carolina. Tim shares his compelling journey from becoming a firefighter, and how the traumatic experiences he faced led him to discover yoga as a powerful tool for healing. He delves into the benefits of yoga for mental health, particularly for first responders and veterans, and offers practical insights into how yoga and mindfulness can improve overall well-being. Tim's story emphasizes the importance of mental fitness and sheds light on the diverse...2025-06-2036 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFirefighter Insights: Roster Management and Cancer Program Updates- With Ed BrinsonNavigating Firefighter Cancer Programs and Roster RequirementsIn this episode, we welcome Ed Brinson from the North Carolina State Firefighters Association and returning guest Matt Nolan from VFIS of North Carolina. The discussion centers on roster management, crucial dates, and the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Program. Key features include the program's history, legislative updates, benefits for retirees, and the importance of accurate roster management. Insights are provided on the changes taking effect on July 1, 2025, various benefit structures, and frequently asked questions from fire departments. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of cancer prevention, screening...2025-06-0234 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastThe Heartbeat of Heroism: Firefighter Wellness With Dr. Robert SuperkoIn this episode of All Clear Firefighter Health and Wellness, host Travis welcomes Dr. Robert Superko of Select Well, a renowned molecular cardiologist with a keen interest in firefighter health. Dr. Superko shares his journey, beginning with a transformative experience on 9/11, which led to his profound connection with the firefighting community. He delves into the unique cardiac health challenges faced by firefighters, highlighting factors such as insulin resistance and genetic predispositions. The conversation underscores the critical importance of preventative care, regular physical activity, and understanding genetic components. Dr. Superko also discusses the impact of stress, heat, and physical exertion...2025-05-2327 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastBehind The Sirens With VFIS & Matt NolinIn this episode of All Clear we learn about the new series Behind the Sirens, hosted by the VFIS of North Carolina, we dive deep into key issues in fire and emergency services, focusing on leadership, risk management, and the evolving dynamics within the industry. Join Travis and guest Matt Nolan as they discuss the mission and initiatives of VFIS, including the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Program and upcoming podcast episodes. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, gain valuable insights and learn about the resources available to help you lead, protect, and serve with confidence.2025-05-0919 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastExploring Cardiac Health in Firefighting: The Brenda Superko InterviewIn this episode of the All Clear Podcast, host Travis is joined by Brenda Superko of Select Well, who shares her journey from cardiac nursing to advocating for firefighter health. Brenda discusses the genesis of her dedication to heart disease prevention in firefighters, sparked by a 9/11 encounter, and the critical importance of identifying and mitigating heart disease risks among firefighters. They dive into the specifics of Select Well’s advanced metabolic panels, the significance of genetic predispositions, and practical steps firefighters can take to improve their overall wellness. This episode also offers personal insights from Travis and highlights the ro...2025-04-2533 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastBrain Boosters: The Nootropics EpisodeExploring Nootropics for Firefighter Health and PerformanceIn this episode of All Clear for Our Fighter Health and Wellness, host Travis introduces the concept of nootropics and their potential benefits for firefighters and first responders. He explains what nootropics are, distinguishing between natural and synthetic types, and discusses their historical use and modern applications. The episode covers specific nootropics like caffeine, L-theanine, ginseng, omega-3 fatty acids, and synthetic options like modafinil, highlighting their effects on mental clarity, stress management, memory, sleep, and physical endurance. Travis emphasizes the importance of using nootropics responsibly, consulting healthcare...2025-04-1122 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFirefighting Gear: Science, Superheroes, and the Great PFAS MysteryIn this episode of All Clear! Firefighter Health and Wellness, host Travis welcomes Brian Ormond, Associate Professor at NC State Wilson College of Textiles, to discuss focus areas including firefighting protective gear, emerging threats, and cancer prevention. Ormond explains the importance of ongoing research in PPE to adapt to changing fire hazards and enhance firefighter safety. He delves into PFAS, its uses, and impacts, shedding light on misconceptions and how they are incorporated in firefighter gear. The conversation also touches upon best practices for gear maintenance and exposure reduction. The episode underscores the importance of continued research and education...2025-03-2840 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastThe Firefighter's Guide to Not Burning Out in 2025: Five Tips with a TwistJoin your host Travis on All Clear Firefighter Health and Wellness as he shares five essential strategies to help firefighters stay on top of their game in 2025. Learn how small, consistent changes in sleep, fitness, nutrition, mental resilience, and lifelong learning can make a big difference both on and off the job. This episode offers practical advice on optimizing your sleep environment, incorporating functional strength training, mastering meal prep and hydration, practicing mindfulness, and the importance of ongoing education in the ever-evolving field of firefighting. Tune in for actionable insights that can help you become a better firefighter, teammate...2025-03-1415 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastEmpowering Sheepdogs: A Journey To Healing & GrowthHealing Heroes: The Impact of Sheepdog Assistance with David NathansonJoin us as host Travis welcomes back David Nathanson, also known as Nate, from Sheepdog Impact Assistance. In this episode, Nate shares the inspiring work of Sheepdog Impact Assistance aimed at empowering veterans and first responders through outdoor adventures, mental wellness programs, and disaster response missions. Learn about their unique Sheepdog University and Heroes Ranch, and how their programs help individuals heal and thrive. Dive into discussions on the importance of asking for help, the role of leadership in mental health, and the long-term impact of these...2025-02-2836 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastBlue Light & Beyond with guest Roger SutherlandBlue Light & Beyond with Roger SutherlandHere we go with our old friend Roger Sutherland with this supersized season 3 opener! Thank you for 2 good seasons so far and this one will get us ready for another successful season in 2025!In this enlightening episode of All Clear Firefighter Wellness, Travis welcomes back fan-favorite Roger Sutherland, an expert in shift work health from Melbourne, Australia. Roger shares his journey from a 40-year police career to pioneering health and wellness for shift workers. They dive deep into the critical issues caused by shift work, including sleep disruption, the i...2025-01-171h 11
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastIt's A Wrap - Season 2 FinaleReady to light the fire of wellness in your life? As we wrap up Season Two of All Clear Firefighter Wellness, take a moment to reflect on the journey we've undertaken together. From welcoming vibrant voices like Dr. Jill Joyce and Ryan McKay to gaining insights from seasoned fire chief Ray Allen, our episodes have been packed with valuable information and inspiration. We've explored the nuances of mental and gut health, shared exercise insights with Aaron Zamzow, and received wisdom from Roger Sutherland down under in Australia. Each conversation has enriched our understanding of holistic wellness, ensuring firefighters not...2024-12-1308 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastNumbers To Action: Cancer In The Fire ServiceCan cancer prevention become a standard part of every firefighter's daily routine? We tackle this urgent question with the help of the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Alliance, shedding light on the alarming cancer risks that come with being a firefighter. From testicular cancer to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, learn how toxic exposures on the job increase vulnerability. This episode offers you five vital steps to protect yourself and your crew, like the crucial use of SCBA masks during overhaul and rigorous decontamination practices post-fire. But it's not just about personal safety—it's a call for a united front. We emp...2024-11-2918 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastHidden Insights - The Power of Ultrasounds with guest Truman ThompsonJoin us for a compelling journey into the world of ultrasound technology with our expert guest, Truman Thompson. As an ultrasound specialist with over 30 years of experience, Truman takes us through his fascinating career from the early days of radiology to becoming a leader in non-invasive diagnostics. Discover how ultrasound has evolved from a fledgling technology to a cornerstone of modern healthcare, thanks to skilled sonographers and technological advancements. Truman's insights reveal the profound impact early screenings can have, especially in high-risk professions like firefighting, highlighting real-life stories of lives saved through timely interventions.We also explore...2024-11-1553 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFirefighters & Forever Chemicals: Navigating PFAS RisksCould your firefighting gear be putting you at risk for cancer? Join us on All Clear Firefighter Wellness as we unravel the mystery of PFAS, the so-called "forever chemicals" that are lurking in more places than you might think. We promise to equip you with knowledge about these persistent pollutants that have infiltrated not only firefighting foams and gear but also everyday items like nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing. Understanding the danger they pose is a critical step toward safeguarding your health and that of your fellow firefighters.Throughout this episode, we confront the alarming health risks...2024-11-0131 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastNavigating Mental-Health During DeploymentUnlock the secrets to maintaining mental health resilience during disaster deployments. As first responders tackle the aftermath of hurricanes like Helene in North Carolina and Milton in Florida, they face not only physical demands but significant mental health challenges. This episode is your guide to recognizing early warning signs of mental distress, such as sudden behavioral changes and emotional outbursts, and understanding their impact on well-being. We're committed to equipping you with practical strategies to support yourself and your colleagues in these high-stress environments.Join us as we emphasize the power of peer support and open dialogue...2024-10-1815 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFrom Chaos To Calm: Journaling Techniques For First RespondersTransform your firefighting career by mastering the art of mindfulness and journaling. Discover how these powerful practices can be game-changers for managing the relentless stress and building resilience in the heat of the moment. Through the lens of Julia Cameron's Morning Pages from "The Artist's Way," you'll learn how writing three pages of stream-of-consciousness each morning can clear your mind, spark creativity, and help process emotions. We're committed to guiding you through integrating mindfulness to stay present during emergencies and using journaling to enhance emotional awareness and well-being.In this episode, we focus on the practicalities of...2024-10-0422 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastNavigating Tides Of Change In Your Career With Sean RobinsonHow do you navigate the pressures of a high-stakes volunteer firefighter role while balancing personal wellness and family life? Join us on this episode of "All Clear Firefighter Wellness" as we welcome Sean Robinson, a veteran with over 21 years in the fire service. Sean shares his deeply personal journey, growing up in a multi-generational firefighting family and managing a career as an electrician in environments defined by traditional masculinity. He opens up about his struggles with alcohol and overeating, and the transformative path that led him to better self-awareness and a healthier lifestyle.From the camaraderie of...2024-09-2032 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastWay of The Warrior with Bruce SchutterWhat happens when a first responder who has seen it all decides to confront the emotional toll of his career? Join us as we sit down with Bruce Shooter, a seasoned EMT who opens up about his journey from a 16-year-old rescue squad member to becoming a beacon of mental health advocacy for first responders. Bruce recounts emotionally intense experiences like performing CPR on a 90-year-old heart attack victim and dealing with fatal car accidents involving his peers. With raw honesty, he discusses the lack of emotional support and training in his early days, leading to suppressed feelings and u...2024-09-0638 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFoam, Gear, & Protection: A Conversation With Dr. Arash KesebiCan firefighter gear save more than just lives? On this episode of All Clear Firefighter Wellness, we uncover the transformative journey of Dr. Arash Kasebi from NC State University, from his days as a volunteer firefighter to becoming a groundbreaking researcher in textile technology. Dr. Kasebi talks about his crucial work in developing fluorine-free gear and enhancing thermal protection, offering a glimpse into the pivotal research happening at NC State's textile lab. We discuss how these advancements aim to address the critical needs of firefighters, especially those in smaller departments grappling with tight budgets.Ever wondered about...2024-08-2335 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastGood To The Last Drop! - The All Clear Coffee SpecialEver wondered how your morning coffee could be more than just a caffeine fix? Join us on this enlightening journey where we reveal the creation of a health-conscious coffee blend, designed specifically for firefighters, in collaboration with the Cancer Alliance. Hear personal stories from our hosts about how coffee has become an essential part of their daily lives, particularly in the high-pressure world of firefighting. We explore the myriad health benefits of coffee, from boosting energy and alertness to its rich antioxidant properties that help reduce the risks of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Additionally, we delve into the...2024-08-0826 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastTransforming Firefighter Fitness: Zam's Way - with guest Aaron ZamzowCan firefighters achieve the same level of fitness as professional athletes? In this episode of All Clear Firefighter Wellness, we sit down with Aaron Zamzow, founder of Fire Rescue Fitness and host of the Better Every Shift podcast, to explore this fascinating notion. Aaron takes us on a journey from his days as a full-time trainer to his career in the fire service, where he developed fitness programs tailored to the unique physical and mental demands of firefighting. His expertise sheds light on how balanced fitness is critical for peak performance and safety in this high-stakes profession....2024-07-2646 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastStrength In Service: Alec Wons On Firefighters & HealthWhat happens when a promising soccer career suddenly ends due to an unforeseen injury? Join us as Alec Wands, a podcaster with a remarkable journey, shares how he turned such a setback into a mission to aid others. From developing a mental health program for student-athletes to advancing medical care for first responders through his work at Ready Rebound, Alec's story is one of resilience and innovation. Listen as he discusses the invaluable lessons learned from interviewing fire and police chiefs and emphasizes the importance of cherishing relationships and wisdom gained from seasoned professionals in public safety....2024-07-1227 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness Podcast"Fire Code Mysteries Exposed: How Understanding It Can Save Lives – Mark Brown’s Insights!"Ready to gain invaluable insights from a firefighting legend? Join us on "All Clear Firefighter Wellness" as we welcome Mark Brown, a veteran firefighter with over 40 years under his belt. Mark’s journey from a 14-year-old junior firefighter to a seasoned expert is nothing short of inspiring. He passionately explains how understanding fire codes can dramatically improve both occupant safety and firefighter protection. You’ll learn how this vital knowledge aids in navigating buildings, managing hose lines, and controlling fire conditions effectively.This episode also takes a deep dive into the critical roles of fire alarm and spri...2024-06-2833 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastThe 3 Pillars Of Firefighter Fitness w/ Craig StalowyHave you ever wondered what the 3 most important things are for being a "fit firefighter? Listen as Craig Stalowy of "The Standard" podcast gives us some insights. Check out the full epidsode at allclearpodcast.com Support the showThanks for listening to All Clear!You can contact us with questions, suggestions or just to say hi at our website allclearpodcast.comAlso pick up a bag of our signature All Clear Coffee. A unique cup that will quickly become your new morning hero in a cup!Please like an...2024-06-2002 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastFirefighters Lifeline: The Crucial Tech Keeping You Safe!What happens when first responders enter a building and their radios go silent? Discover the life-saving technology of Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) systems with our expert guest, Peter Wehretter, VP of Gamma Electronics. Peter walks us through the vital role these systems play in maintaining clear communication for first responders amidst the barriers of steel, concrete, and low E glass. Understand how BDAs amplify and distribute signals, ensuring that emergency personnel can coordinate effectively during critical situations.Learn to spot the crucial signs of BDA systems in buildings, from the big red boxes with antennas to the smaller...2024-06-1434 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastParaguay Roadtrip Special!!🔥🔥 You Won't Believe What These Brave Firefighters Are Doing in Paraguay! 🔥🔥Welcome to an explosive episode of All Clear Firefighter Wellness! We're bringing you exclusive interviews with heroic firefighters from the United Firefighter Training Network, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering cutting-edge training and equipment to underserved fire departments worldwide. 🌎🚒This week, meet Gilberto Meza-Corral and his elite team as they gear up for a high-stakes mission to Paraguay, where they'll tackle high-rise fire operations with local heroes from across South America. From cancer prevention to mastering life-saving techniques without U.S.-standard equipment, discover how these firefighters...2024-06-1417 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastVoices of Vigilance: Unveiling the World of 911 Emergency Communicators with Barry FureyHave you ever wondered who's on the other end of the line when you dial 911? Meet Barry Furey, a third-generation public safety official and 911 specialist, who brings us into the vital world of emergency communication. He pulls back the curtain on the intense training and evolution of telecommunicator roles, highlighting their critical function as the first point of contact during crises. Barry's personal journey and the transformation from 'plug and pray' to sophisticated emergency responses provide a riveting narrative on the importance of these unsung heroes.The stakes are high in the realm of emergency services, and...2024-05-3132 min
All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness PodcastChief to Chef: The Heart Of Firehouse CookingFires blaze and pans sizzle in equal measure when Ryan McKay, a battalion chief turned culinary maestro, shares his transition from kitchen rookie to firehouse feast-maker on All Clear Firefighter Health and Wellness. Our lively discussion not only stokes the fire of gastronomy but also highlights how cooking can be a tool for unwinding and reinforcing the bonds that make a firefighting team more like family. Ryan's tales from the kitchen, brimming with heart and humor, underscore the joy and challenges of feeding a diverse crew with varying tastes and dietary restrictions, all while keeping the flames of tradition...2024-05-1737 min