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On the Fireground Fitness podcast we host firefighters and allied professionals and discuss the life lessons learned on and off the fireground. How we become more effective and successful in high stress and difficult situations, life in a nut shell? Sitting down at ”the kitchen table” and talking it out!
Episodes
Sunday Mar 07, 2021
Sunday Mar 07, 2021
Everyday I find myself learning new and interesting things about the world around us. For example, I just discovered that, globally, there are 4.3 babies born every second. As I pick up the pieces of my blown mind, I stumble over this hard-to-believe number of children. While this enormous number of people coming into existence is shocking; I find myself considering the challenges that each of them will face in their individual lives.
Coincidentally, I’ve been reading, discussing, and learning more about what makes us each tick as individuals between the ears. In truth, discovering more about myself along the way. Seems that we are complex creatures, full of history, trauma and idiosyncrasies. We are wired to survive and also to adapt, grow and change. This is no easy task; it takes sincere work and the ability to be vulnerable and honest with ourselves. In episode 56 David Rahman and I discuss these very questions and concerns as we delve into 80’s rock, Football and his book “Let it Go, how to stop your past ruining your future.” This book is designed to help you work through this self-evaluation and work toward a healthier, stronger, more capable you. Enjoy the episode and Check out David’s Book.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @david_rahman
LinkedIn: David Rahman
WWW.david-rahman.com
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
Sunday Feb 21, 2021
When I was young on the job there were many days that I would come home from my shift completely exhausted. Despite my battered and bedraggled state, I would attend to my young family. One such occasion I was “watching” the kids when Momma went out for a run. I had fallen asleep and the Disney movie that was holding their attention came to an end. My 3 year old, tightly gripping a sippy cup in one hand, peeled back my eyelid with the other and demanded a refill of his “juice”. Despite appearances, I am a good Dad, after all, no one was seriously hurt while under my supervision. But ask any kids whose parent is a firefighter how much fun it is when they come home smoked?
Being grumpy and exhausted are merely superficial issues that can be repaired in the short term. The deeper physiological and psychological concerns are the real trouble. Bodies and brains develop chronic issues after years of little to no sleep or being jolted from bed by a million-decibel alarm (I am exaggerating but that’s how it feels). So, what’s a firefighter to do?
Fortunately, there are young entrepreneurs who are considering the issues that plague our firefighters and are tinkering with ways to mitigate some of these concerns. In episode 55 we chat with Blake Richardson and Elezar Tonev about their company, EaseAlert, their collaboration with 2nd Alarm Project and their motives for working on firefighter health and wellness. Tune in to hear the whole story and enjoy!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG, FB & LinkedIn: @EaseAlert
Email: savinglives@easealert.com
Telephone: (352)792-0509
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Feb 14, 2021
Sunday Feb 14, 2021
When I was a kid my dad told me that I “could be or do anything I wanted in life”. “Matter of fact”, he continued, “You can do many different things if you want, redefine yourself and head down a different path, build a second career or start a hobby”. This had been on my mind all these years when I met Mark Robens. Mark is the living embodiment of what my Dad had described, having established a successful law practice, becoming a Fire fighter, a professional Pilot and coming back around to now serve as an Executive Fire Officer.
On episode 54 Mark shares some of what he has learned along the way about fire service leadership, aviation, and the law! And he answers the age-old question… Why you can’t eat fish 10 shifts in a row!
Enjoy!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @pilotatty
LinkedIn: Mark Robens esq.
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Monday Feb 01, 2021
Interviewing is one of the most stressful events that we face in our lives. Seriously, who enjoys sitting across from a person, or group of people, who’s decisions will impact the next phase of your life? This is not something that you trifle with! You must practice, prepare and show up with some juice! So, “what am I to do”, you wonder?
Let me introduce you to Brendon Trayner, an accomplished Fire Captain, who has made a reputation helping firefighter candidates navigate the hiring process. Specifically helping folks deal with the crucial and daunting interview portion. In episode 53 we discuss the fire service, growing up with a Dad on the job and Trayner’s new book, Fire interview, the storyteller method. If you are in the hiring or promotional process you need to get your interviewing skills dialed in! I recommend that you read Traynor’s book and listen to this episode of the FGF podcast. I promise you will gain invaluable insight. Enjoy the episode and then GetSome!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @Fire_interview
FB: Fire Interview
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Sunday Jan 24, 2021
Billy Burnett and I met a long while ago, becoming fast friends as we discussed our love of ultra-running, mt. biking and, well, all things back country! Yet, not until he and I sat down to record episode 52 of the FGF podcast did I find out that he grew up in Saudi Arabia. Then, as a stranger in a strange land, arrived in Wickenburg Arizona - Two worlds that could not be farther apart.
We discussed his wildland adventures and his eventual landing in the urban fire service. As well as his, challenges with motivation and weight gain, ultrarunning, of course, and his ultra-distance journey to becoming a company officer.
*Special Note* this episode was recorded a couple of months ago and Billy is now a full-fledged, badge wearing, card carrying, Fire Captain – Congrats Brother, well deserved.
Folks, enjoy this great episode!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @billyburnett
FB: Billy Burnett
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Saturday Jan 09, 2021
Saturday Jan 09, 2021
A U.S. Marine, former Police Officer, Firefighter, Comedian and Speaker, Travis Howze has accumulated a lifetime’s worth of interesting experiences which he shares in his book, Create Your Own Light.
When Howze laid 9 of his brothers to rest after the devastating Sofa Super Store fire his career in the fire service came crashing down around him. PTSD crept in, eroding relationships, his sense of self and ultimately his will to stay in the fire service.
He travelled the long road to healing, becoming a comic, starting a family and writing his story in hopes that you may learn a little, laugh a lot and find a way to “Create Your Own Light”.
In episode 51 we discuss all the above and much more, enjoy!
For more information on the Sofa Super Store fire please go check out the Niosh report linked below. We owe it to our fallen brothers to know and understand their story.
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/reports/face200718.html
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
WWW.travishowze.com
IG: @TravisHowze
FB: Travis Howze
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Sunday Dec 13, 2020
If you need a good cup of coffee, a good laugh, or rescue from a hurricane Jason Patton is your guy. Working in south Florida, Jason is a firefighter who uses his spare time to lighten things up. Making hilarious videos is just one of the many things Jason does. In episode 50 we discuss the videos and so much more! I hoep you enjoy!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @firedepartmentchronicles
IG: @firedepartcoffee
FB: FiredepartmentChronicles
FB: Fire Dept. Coffee
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Ben lead Chris Pearce and I through a Wim Hof session. Listen in or follow along and see what happens. It is invigorating and I promise you will enjoy. Follow the instructions below
Breathing instructions
“Every training begins with proper breathing. Sit or lie down comfortably in a relaxing environment and calm your mind. Begin to breathe consciously. Start slowly and inhale ever deeper until you are filling your lungs completely. Maintain a steady rhythm breathing in fully from your belly. On the exhales simply let the air go. Keep count and continue until you get to 30-40 breaths. After the final exhale try holding your breath for 1-3 minutes. This is the retention time. When the urge to breathe arises take one more deep breath and hold it for 10-15 seconds. This constitutes one cycle”
“this should be somewhat strenuous but never uncomfortable. If it becomes too hard or unpleasant, stop and try again later. You will get better with practice. Just stay relaxed but focused”
“Never perform the breathwork in or around any body of water, while driving or in any environment where loss of consciousness can have serious consequences”
Always consult a physician prior to engaging in any exercise or fitness routine to make sure you are healthy to do so.
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
Sunday Nov 29, 2020
“When the breath wanders the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still.” – Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 500-year-old yogic text.
The ancients understood the power of breath and today we reach back to this ancient knowledge. In episode 49 we sit with Ben Dubin a Firefighter and Wim Hof instructor to discuss the power of breath, it’s healing and rejuvenating strength. I hope you enjoy this episode and follow it up with part 2 where you can follow us as we do a full Wim Hof session. Check it out!
You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @ connect2it
FB: connect2it
WWW.connect2it.co
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
Sunday Nov 15, 2020
I have been swinging a Kettlebell since 07 and thought I had it all figured out. Then along comes Rebecca Rouse, a fantastic strength and conditioning coach, who easily spotted and corrected my years of poor form. Her coaching has been honed through academics, personal experience, and years of exposure to the USMC.
Her desire to serve continues to grow and is branching out to support the mission of all warriors – Mil, LEO and Fire.
In episode 48 we discuss a little about her journey into the world of coaching, her training philosophy and how she trains Mil & Public safety to optimize capacity and health.
I hope you enjoy this episode and find some nuggets to strengthen your body, mind, and spirit. GetSome!
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!
If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: @Rebecca Rouse
IG: @semperstronger
FB: Semper Stronger
WWW.semperstronger.com
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com