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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 Aug 30, 2020
Sunday Aug 30, 2020
When you spend your entire adult life serving your community and fellow man you learn a few things! Number one - “treat people like human beings!”; Two - “it’s about communication and collaboration” and three “no matter your position or function in the organization focus on the mission.” Chief Bartee’s 33 years in the fire service were spent working every position on fire trucks, on the HazMat team, as an Recruit Training officer, Battalion Chief, Human Resource Chief and so much more. In episode 42 he shares some of his hard-earned lessons. I hope 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...
Email: krbartee@cox.net
FB: Kelvin Bartee
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Sunday Aug 16, 2020
Sunday Aug 16, 2020
My mama told me to study my lessons while in school and I argued endlessly. It was not until I had "grown up", a term I am using very liberally, that I began to understand the value of her admonitions. She knew something I had yet to comprehend, that education stretched one’s mind and increased an individual’s capacity for growth. I am eternally grateful to the many folks who encouraged me to go to school. The nudges and encouraging words have added a tremendous value to my life.
In episode 41 I have shared a podcast that was originally released on the “Make the Difference podcast”. Recorded nine or more months ago, Retired Deputy Chief Bryan Parks, Captain Brandan Millan and Myself discuss leadership, learning and the value of higher education. If you have ever thought “I should consider going back to school” I would tell you “yes, that’s what you should do!” No further question. Don’t just take my word for it, listen to our conversation and maybe it will add some additional value to the proposition.
Getting further education is not without challenges and difficulty. There is a time and a season for each of us. My hope is that you are fully engaged in your life and thinking through the decisions and consequences. Give the episode a listen, enjoy, then go on out there and 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: Makethedifferencepodcast
FB: Make the Difference
IG: ReefbuildersAZ
FB: Reef Builders
Web: https://www.reefbuildersaz.com/
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Ep. 40 "I want to be your first call" with Dakota Waldum
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Sunday Aug 02, 2020
Meet Dakota Waldum, at 5'2" you may think of her as an unlikely Firefighter. However, when you listen to the determination and leadership offered by this young mother of three, you quickly come to understand how little her height matters. Like a true Texan she has zero room for silly BS and when there's work to do, whether in the gym or on the fireground, she is getting after it! As a busy Mom, Firefighter and Medic, Dakota is focused on the needs of the job and supporting the Brotherhood. She trains like a beast, is dedicated to the mission, and sets a tremendous example. Listen in on episode 40 - you will love this 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...
Email: dakotawaldum@gmail.com
IG: next_rung
FB: Next Rung
Web: https://www.nextrung.org/
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Monday Jul 20, 2020
Ep.39 Captain America has many talents, With Bobby Banome
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Firefighters come from a wide variety of backgrounds and Bobby Benome is no exception. Benome, a CPA turn Firefighter, has made service a focal point of his life. He serves his clients, FDNY's customers and he is often found in a super suit bringing good vibes to kids. In ep. 39, Benome and I discuss all of these things and more! You will be impressed and inspired, give it a listen 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...
Email:
IG: Humbleheros_ny & Rapidresponseco
FB: Humble Heros of NY &Rapid response co
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJF4Vtxe7bum1PMDrF3_5RA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rapidresco
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Links mentioned in this episode:
https://mailchi.mp/a9809697a67f/360responsefreetoday
https://www.savetimesavelives.com/

Monday Jul 06, 2020
Ep. 38 Live. Serve. Thrive. with Aaron Quinn
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Monday Jul 06, 2020
Aaron Quinn is a solid brother - He takes his career, his family and his fitness seriously. Which is why he is a perfect guest to have on the FGF podcast. He shared his bio and I would like you to hear from Aaron in his own words. I am pleased to introduce Episode 38 with Aaron Quinn, Enjoy!
“I live in Oakland with my wife and three kids. I grew up in Oakland, California, where I now serve the citizens as a Firefighter. I was hired in 2002 and I have worked in the East end my whole career on 7 Truck and 6 Truck companies. I am currently the senior Firefighter on the B shift at Station 18.
As a child I swam and played Water Polo through High School and I started my coaching at the age of 15, when I assisted in coaching a summer swim team. This ignited a fire in my heart for the love of coaching. In 2007/2008 I dove deep into CrossFit, and soon after got lost in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which I still practice, along with my weekly yoga practice.
For as long as I can remember, I was passionate about fitness, overall health and wellness and general optimization and human potential. Over the years, I’ve found myself seeking the unification of mind, body, soul/spirit to achieve peak performance through all aspects of my live and through my coaching experience, I’ve been drawn to coach and train others in much of what I’ve learned. I’ve discovered that sharing this, guiding others and helping them grow brings tremendous joy to my life.
Currently, the Wim Hof Method has reshaped my believe in what is possible for the human existence. Melding my experience on duty and off, from the pools of my youth, to the gyms of my yesterday, to the mats (jiu jitsu AND yoga) of today, and all my futures--from my life as a Father and Husband-- I wish to share the tools, tricks, and tips that help me. I offer you my lessons and failures, my triumphs and losses, so we may learn and grow stronger.
I invite you to get curious with me and I hope your journey is as amazing as mine.”
- Aaron Quinn
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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...
Email: quinnofd@gmail.com
IG: live.serve.thrive
FB: Aaron Quinn
YouTube: live.serve.thrive
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
Books and Links mentioned in this episode:
- Legacy
- Wim Hof

Sunday Jun 21, 2020
Ep. 37 Heavy Lifting with Sammi Jo
Sunday Jun 21, 2020
Sunday Jun 21, 2020
World class powerlifter, Coach Sammi Johnson, picked up a barbell and began setting international records. Then, wanting something more, she set it all aside to become a firefighter. In episode 37 Sammi Jo shares her journey from powerlifting to the fireground and how her training and fitness has evolved to help her be more successful and capable in the hazard zone and in life!
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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...
Email: Sjstrength@gmail.com
IG: @thepunchyblonde
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Monday May 25, 2020
Ep.36 From the Ballpark to the Fireground with Richie Robnett
Monday May 25, 2020
Monday May 25, 2020
We often hear people talk about how valuable it is for youth to play sports. The work ethic, teamwork and self-discipline that is developed on and off the field is integral to success as an athlete. Likewise, these traits translate into adulthood and contribute tremendously to one’s success in the workplace.
In episode 36 we have direct evidence of this statement as Richie Robnett, a Pro Ball player turn Firefighter, helps unpack this idea. Robnett grew up playing a variety of sports but found his passion in the Ballpark. Drafted into the majors he spent several years playing pro ball before a tumor and a career awakening made clear that it was time to move on. Robnett, looking for ways to challenge himself and continue to grow, transitioned from the clubhouse to the firehouse. We are lucky to have him serving in our community and as a guest on the FGF podcast. Please 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...
Email: rrobnett3@gmail.com
FB: @Richie Rob
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Sunday May 10, 2020
Ep. 35, 555 Fitness featuring Pip
Sunday May 10, 2020
Sunday May 10, 2020
When we consider our desire, to serve and protect our communities we often focus on the firefight. The just in time response to the critical, destructive and fast moving emergency. Our response must be aggressive, smart and powerful. The work demands it and if we are going to mount a meaningful fire attack we have to bring it!
Looking at the statistics of firefighter fatalities that are related to cardiovascular illness it has become shockingly clear that the physical demands of the job put a legitimate strain on our bodies. Understanding this reality it is imperative that we do something to better prepare for the rigorous demands on the fireground. We have to eat right, physically train and get good rest. It is a difficult challenge but it is our individual responsibility. The folks at 555 Fitness take this responsibility seriously and are doing great things to support you and the brotherhood.
On episode 35 Pip and I discussed many things, but most importantly he shared with me his passion for the brotherhood. How he and the folks at 555Fitness are doing what they can to help firefighters get Fireground fit! Please 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...
Email:pip@555fitness,com
IG: @555fitness @555pip
FB: @555 Fitness @robert Piparo
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Ep. 34, Functional Firefighter Fitness w/ Dan Kerrigan & Jim Moss
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
I believe that physical, mental and emotional fitness are critical to success on the fireground. Showing up weak, untrained and disinterested is a set up for disaster. Each of us needs to achieve balance in all these areas if we want to navigate our way to a long and healthy career.
Chief Dan Kerrigan and Captain Jim Moss have a similar ideology and in episode 34 we discussed their book, Functional Firefighter Fitness. It discusses this philosophy and contains some of the tools you and I can employ to reach optimal balance in our total wellness. 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...
Email: Dankerrigan911@gmail.com
IG: @firefighterfit
FB: @firefighter functional fitness
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com

Sunday Apr 12, 2020
Ep.33 Project Mayday with Don Abbott
Sunday Apr 12, 2020
Sunday Apr 12, 2020
You work in a space that has the potential to become IDLH, the very epitome of a hostile work environment! So, we take measures to mitigate this hazard. We conduct training, we study, we craft SOPs that illustrate command and control measures to keep us out of harms ways. None-the-less, there are times when things do not go as hoped, or as planned, and we find ourselves in deep trouble. So, we call a mayday. The disturbing thing is that these mayday events happen more frequently than you might imagine and for reasons that you might not believe.
Lucky for us Don Abbott has made it his mission to help us understand what is taking place during mayday events on the fireground. In Ep.33 we sat and discussed his nearly 50 years of work in the fire service and his current endeavor, Project Mayday. This project is a comprehensive and continuous of actual maydays. Abbott and his team have accumulated the fact, figures and audio from well over 6000 mayday events over the last 5 years.
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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever fine podcasts are found. 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...
Email: donaldeabbott@yahoo.com
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com