The Job That Built Me

In this episode, we sit down with Lieutenant Mike Nasti to discuss his journey in the fire service, leadership lessons learned the hard way, and the importance of balancing passion for the job with personal growth. From his early days as a volunteer in Maryland to his current role in Prince George’s County, Mike shares insights into the culture of speed and aggressiveness in firefighting, the value of mentorship, and how pivotal failures helped shape his career. We also dive into his projects outside of the firehouse, including his podcast, pipe band involvement, and upcoming ventures.Mike Nasti is a lieutenant with an urban career department in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Throughout his 17-year career, he has been assigned to the emergency operations command and has been involved in suppression, technical rescue, and hazmat operations. Nasti began his fire service career in 2001 with the Huntingtown (MD) Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, he is the host and creator of The Tip of the Spear Leadership podcast. 

In this episode of The Job That Built Me, James and Rich sit down with Captain Zane Riggs, a 13-year veteran of a major Southeast fire department. Zane shares his journey from a kid inspired by the neighborhood firehouse to leading a busy urban engine company. He dives into pivotal moments that shaped his career, lessons learned from his first fire, and the impact of mentorship in the fire service. From harrowing rescues to the camaraderie forged in the firehouse, this conversation is packed with stories, insights, and reflections that every firefighter can relate to. Tune in for an authentic and inspiring discussion on leadership, legacy, and the bonds that make the fire service so unique.

In this episode the hosts chat with Fire Chief Dennis Reilly, a 50-year fire service veteran, retired Fire Chief, and owner of The First Line Fire Service Training Company. Chief Reilly served as the Fire Chief in Pittsburg, KS, Sunrise Beach, MO, an Assistant Chief in North Carolina and California and retired as a Battalion Chief in Cherry Hill, NJ. He was an original member of New Jersey Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 1. Reilly holds a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State University and is a CFO. He speaks at numerous events, including the Command Officer Boot Camp and the Orlando Fire Conference. Reilly is a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq during the Operation Desert Storm.

In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to the fire service, including their experiences, the culture in their respective firehouses, the importance of training and competition, and the need for a shift in the fire service curriculum. They also mention traditions in their firehouses, such as the 'Hot Nuts' tradition and the rotation of cooking duties. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to their experiences as firefighters. They talk about the camaraderie in the firehouse, the meals they enjoy during holidays, and their efforts to involve their families in their work. They also discuss upcoming guests for their podcast and the benefits of networking through social media. The conversation ends with some lighthearted banter about hats and upcoming events.

A podcast where like minded firemen come together to discuss the factors that have contributed to their success and growth throughout their career. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another as they learn from each others experiences and hope to leave the fire service better than they found it.Episode #1: The hosts go through some intros about who they are and where they came from.This episode is sponsored by RCD Group Solutions. Find them at rcdgroupsolutions.com