Claim OwnershipKeep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
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© 2025 Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
Description
Keep the Promise host TJ shares strategies and tactics to survive - and thrive - on and off the job. Discover how to fuel your body, mind, and spirit so you can have the energy to perform on scene and to live your best life on your days off.
For over a decade, TJ has worked in all facets of the fire service, and he candidly shares his wins, his losses, and all the lessons learned in the process. You'll learn how to injure-proof your body, nutrition, recovery, physical fitness, mental stamina, firefighter strategy and tactics, how to deal with the stresses of the job, how to be a better firefighter at home, and how to lead a long and fruitful career where you can make a difference in the lives of others.
It's a mix of interviews, special guests, and solo shows you're not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe, and get ready to Keep the Promise you made your community.
58 Episodes
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In Part 2 of our series with Hailey Green, we dig deeper into the multi-faceted aspect of being a successful firefighter.Expect to learn:the positive aspects of imposter syndrome as a sign of growth and challenge the importance of health, wellness, and mental healththe need for continuous training and much moreHailey highlights the value of mentorship and outlines strategies for goal setting and time management to maintain a balanced life. Additionally, you'll hear insights on the s...
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, we cover critical actions to be your best in 2025.Expect to learn:The importance of setting meaningful goals that align with personal temporal landmarksEssential strategies for maintaining physical fitnessMindfulness practices to enhance mental resilience and much more! Tune in to learn how to become a true asset to your crew and your community. Start 2025 strong!00:38 The Importance of Resilience and Self-Improvement01:15 Setting Mea...
Join us on this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast as we welcome Hailey Green, a dedicated firefighter and athlete. After a year of scheduling back-and-forth, Hailey shares her journey into the fire service, her commitment to rigorous training, and her passion for endurance sports. Expect to learn:Insights into Hailey’s comprehensive approach to fitness and firefightingHer unique path into the fire serviceHow to maintain composure and wellbeing amidst the pressures of the jobAnd so ...
In this episode, we explore the crucial steps that firefighters should take once they complete their probation period. Listeners will learn about:embracing continuous learningmaintaining physical fitnessfostering mental readinessand much more Host TJ reflects on his own journey, sharing lessons and insights aimed at helping new firefighters navigate their careers effectively. Tune in for practical advice, personal anecdotes, and strategies to become a well-rounded, resilient firefighter....
On Part 2 of this series with Barrett Pittman, we explore various aspects of being a firefighter. Join us as we discuss the importance of finding one’s why in the fire service to avoid burnout and stay passionate. Reflecting on the significance of brotherhood and community, our conversation touches on the modern-day challenges and misconceptions about the fire service camaraderie. This episode also addresses the dark side of the job, including mental health struggles and the importa...
This episode explores the complexities of decision-making in firefighting, particularly focusing on leadership in uncertain and ambiguous situations. Expect to learn:The importance of making the right decisions in the face of gray areas How these choices can define leadersEssential skills for effective leadershipStrategies to make informed decisions ...and so much more.00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Decision Making00:29 Leadership in the Gray Areas01:10 Understanding Com...
In this episode of the Keep the Promise Podcast, we explore maintaining passion and engagement within the fire service. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of being a firefighter, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and creating a positive firehouse culture. You will learn:Strategies to reignite the passion for the jobHow to deal with burnoutThe significance of informal leadershipThe necessity of finding one's 'why' in the fire serviceAnd so much moreThis conversati...
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time for raising awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, especially within the firefighter community. In this episode, we discuss why this month matters, explore the unique challenges faced by firefighters, and highlight impactful measures like safe firearm storage and mental health check-ins. Learn how creating buffers during crises, encouraging open conversations, and fostering strong relationships can save live...
This episode of the Keep the Promise podcast focuses on the importance of proactive mental health practices within the fire service. Guest Sammy Freyta discusses breaking harmful cycles and the evolution of peer teams into a more integrated, supportive system within fire departments. By embedding mental fitness training and practicing Stoicism actively, Sammy and her team are promoting a culture where every firefighter is equipped to support their peers. She underscores the importance of doin...
Effective leadership goes beyond titles and appearances. In this episode, we explore the essence of true leadership and how to foster a supportive culture within the fire service. We discuss key elements like building trust, setting clear expectations, and the importance of mentorship and work-life balance. Learn strategies to maintain team harmony, encourage open communication, and develop professional skills to ensure better service to the community. Join us as we explore how to e...
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, host TJ is joined by guest Sammy Freyta, a therapist specializing in counseling first responders and military personnel. Sammy shares her journey from broadcast journalism to therapy, emphasizing the importance of mental fitness over traditional therapy. The episode delves into creative processes like art therapy and tailored coping strategies to help first responders manage trauma and improve communication with loved ones. Sammy and her firefi...
In the second installment of our conversation with Sean Conant of FILO Apparel, we discuss the alarming statistics of firefighter suicides, with nearly 100 reported cases each year due to job-related stress. We introduce Next Rung, a nonprofit supporting mental health within the fire service, and highlight FILO Apparel's initiative, including their coffee brand FILO Fuel, aimed at supporting this cause. Sean also covers the importance of both physical safety through PFAS-free gear and mental ...
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, TJ interviews Sean from FILO Apparel, a firefighter-owned company dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and PFAS-free station wear. The discussion covers Sean’s journey into the fire service, the inception of FILO Apparel, and the challenges and successes in establishing a company that stays true to its mission of supporting line firefighters. They also explore the impact of uniform allowances, the importance of quick turnaround times, and h...
In the second installment of our series with Jon Vought from Rescue 1 CBD, we discuss the evolving relationship between marijuana use and the fire service. The conversation covers legal nuances, state-specific precedents, and the slow shift towards acceptance of marijuana, especially for first responders. We can't explore the challenges of marijuana within the fire service without highlighting the benefits of CBD, particularly for sleep and inflammation, given that CBD is legal and THC-f...
In May of 2024, the DEA rescheduled cannabis from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance. This ruling sent waves of excitement throughout the fire service, but many unknowns still remain. In this episode, Jon from Rescue 1 CBD joins TJ to discuss the impact of rescheduling cannabis. They explore the complexities and ongoing challenges this change brings. including the need for extensive research and policy adjustments.Jon shares his insights on the future of marijuana use among fi...
In Part 2 of our imposter syndrome series, Brian Yonkin discusses his personal experiences with imposter syndrome, specifically in the context of firefighting. He covers how receiving positive feedback can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy and how empowering team members can create a more supportive environment. Brian reveals how EMDR therapy and reflection helped him overcome his doubts. He also emphasizes the importance of relatability, peer support, and the need for high performers in c...
In this episode of the Keep the Promise Podcast, host TJ welcomes back Lieutenant Brian Yonkin from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, a previous guest known for his discussions on cooking, leadership, and firefighting. This episode explores Brian's personal experiences with imposter syndrome, especially within the context of the fire service. Brian shares his journey from being a cook to becoming a fire lieutenant, the challenges he faced, including dealing with panic attacks, PTSD, and the...
In Part 2 of our series with Joff Fierro from Fire Athlete, we explore firefighter training, culture, and the commitment to excellence within the fire service.🔥 Joff and TJ describe the trials and triumphs of the firefighter testing process and the arduous path to earning a coveted spot on the fire department roster. Joff sheds light on the grueling and often lengthy testing process that aspiring firefighters must endure to be hired onto the fire department. From physical agility tests to wri...
In Part 1 of our series with Joff Fierro from Fire Athlete, we spark a conversation on firefighter fitness, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of prioritizing health and well-being within the fire service.🔥 Join your host, TJ, as he and Joff explore the unique hurdles firefighters face when striving to maintain peak physical condition amidst the demands of the job.🏋️♂️ Joff sheds light on just how quickly fire service life can overwhelm a firefighter's life, especia...
In Part 2 of our series with Joey Scrivani, we dive deeper into the realms of self-care, resilience, and personal growth within the firefighting community.🔥 Join TJ as he embarks on a journey with Joey, exploring innovative approaches to self-care and resilience. From float therapy and breathing exercises to journaling and identity separation, this episode offers a treasure trove of tools and insights to empower firefighters on their path to well-being.🌊 Joey unveils the transformative benefi...
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