Firefighters Global Consulting - Behind The Smoke

Welcome to FGC - Behind The Smoke, the podcast that guides aspiring & current firefighters through every step of their career journey. Join us for expert insights, tips, and advice on a myriad of topics such as recruitment & outreach, job market trends, interview prep, physical, skills, ride-alongs, probation and more. All designed to help you succeed in the firefighting industry! The content shared is for informational purposes only and does not represent or reflect the views, policies, or procedures of any specific fire department, including our own.

Special Guest - Sachin Latti

A former law enforcement officer turned ultra-endurance athlete, is on a mission to break the silence around mental health in the service community. He’s raised over $78,000 through the Sach-in-Motion Fund and is set to run 7,500 km across Canada in 75 days — all to support first responders and veterans.You can find more on him here: https://sachinmotion.ca/

04-30
01:01:34

Special Guest - Chief James Docherty

In this episode, we reconnect with an old friend whose journey has taken him from the front lines of the military to the front lines of the fire service. Together, we reflect on our time in the army, share stories from the fireground, and dive into the lessons learned along the way. Now serving as an Assistant Deputy Chief in the country’s large metropolitan fire department, James brings a wealth of experience, insight, and leadership to the conversation.

04-23
01:11:21

Day in a life of a Firefighter

Today we take you through a regular day of a 24hr Firefighter shift. What we do from the moment we walk into the fire hall, to the coffee table during shift change a day later. Join us for a small glimpse into our humble day.

04-16
21:01

Special Guest - Justin Wilkinson

We sit down with our special guest Justin Wilkinson - Acting Training Officer, Hazmat Instructor, former Dispatcher and forever student. We go over listener questions and veer off more than once on many topics!

04-09
54:34

Special Guest - Mike Varga

Today we sit down and chat with Mike Varga, an 18 year veteran of the fire service and Master Chef finalist. Mike takes us through his passion for firefighting as well as cooking. We explore the tie between the two vocations and how they come together at the fire station.

04-02
36:56

Special Guest - Chief Josh Foster

In this special guest episode, we sit down for a chat (over Zoom) with Big White Fire Department's Chief Josh Foster. We dig into how the Work Experience Program functions, duties of a firefighter, and what a Chief may look for in firefighter applicants.

03-27
45:01

Special Guest - Shawn Albrecht

In this very special episode, we catch up with Shawn Albrecht, owner and head coach of Frontline (formerly Ascension) - where he trains numerous first responders. Shawn has been grappling for 24 years and works as a Paramedic full time.

03-19
43:44

Special Guest - Roger Takahashi

In this special episode, we speak with Roger Takahashi, former Vancouver Canucks conditioning coach with decades of experience. Roger also works with new Firefighter recruits in the field of hydration, breathing techniques, training strategies, VO2 testing, and more. You do not want to miss this one!

03-12
01:08:51

Red & Orange Flags in Your Panel Interview

Got big gaps in your resume or multiple short stint jobs? Have you been self-employed for the last 10 years? In this episode, we go over some potential red flags that the Firefighter Interview Panel might prod into, and some (what we call) "orange" flags that you'll have to justify on the spot. Get ready!

03-05
20:42

Special Guest - Will Brodie

In this special episode, we have our very first guest - Will Brodie! Will is the team lead for his Fire Department's Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team. He also sits on the BCPFFA Mental Health Subcommittee. The 3 of us go into mental health, resiliency, and resources available for aspiring and veteran Firefighters alike.

02-25
37:20

5 + 1 Interview Questions you can't hesitate on

In this episode, we go over 6 questions a Firefighter Interview Panel may ask that you should answer without hesitating. Hesitating on Questions such as "Why do you want to be a Firefighter?" or "Tell us about yourself?" may cause red flags and you should prepare accordingly.

02-19
21:55

Firefighter Written Exam - Ace the Test

In this short but sweet episode, we go over the Firefighter Written Exam a.k.a. the Aptitude Test. Simple tricks, dos and don'ts to ensure you move onto the next step. Check out our website store page for a copy of our practice exam!

02-12
17:53

Tools of the Trade

In this episode, we discuss Firefighting tools we like, tools we carry on us, and tools that have given us some trouble in the past on calls. What are your favourite tools or what tool have you found completely useless? We'd love to know!

02-05
22:30

Firefighter Life: What your family needs to know

Firefighters face emergencies and witness events that most people never will - but how do we handle the weight of those experiences? In this episode, we explore the challenges Firefighters carry home, how our families can support us on tough days, and how we can be there for them in return.

01-29
20:33

Proactive VS Reactive Firefighter

In this episode of FGC Behind the Smoke, we dive into the difference between proactive and reactive firefighting. Discover how staying ahead of the game can elevate your skills and career!

01-22
26:10

Firefighter Resume Dos and Don'ts

In this episode, we dive into essential dos and don'ts of crafting the perfect resume & cover letter. Learn how to highlight your experience, tailor your skills to the job, and avoid common mistakes that could cost you an invite to the interview.

01-15
23:19

Top 3 things that will tank your Firefighting career

In this Episode, we go over the top 3 mistakes Firefighter Applicants make that could tank their careers before they even start. Learn from other's bad habits and nail your Firefighter job search on the first try. [In-episode correction: Q&A episode is #4]

01-08
13:24

Panel Interview Questions

In this episode, we go over firefighter questions you may see come up in your Panel Interview. Different categories, what to look out for, and what the recruiters are trying to find out about you.

12-31
25:35

FGC Christmas Special

Celebrate the season with our Firefighters Global Christmas Special! Join us for heartwarming stories, holiday traditions from the firehouse, and tips on staying safe during the busy festive season. Perfect for first responders and their families looking to add a little cheer to their Christmas Playlist. Stay safe!

12-25
19:16

Got an Interview? Listen to this.

Secured an interview for your dream Firefighting job? This episode dives into practical tips to prepare, do well, and stand out. Learn what to expect, how to handle challenging questions, and the key to showcasing your skills. Tune in before the big day comes!

12-18
39:54

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