Station Talk

Tales from the Tiller w/Tony Bonfiglio Author and Retired New York City Firefighter

On this episode, Nick & Tom sit down with retired FDNY Firefighter Tony Bonfiglio, where this is less about tactics and more about the why—the moments that stick with you long after the tones drop. Tony Bonfiglio, a 21-year firefighter with the Fire Department of the City of New York, to talk about the job, the firehouse, and the stories that shape you over a career. Tony isn’t here to give a class or break down a fire—he’s here to talk like we all do at the kitchen table. The good calls, the tough ones, the funny moments, and the experiences that don’t always make it into the reports. We’ll also get into his journey as a self-published author and why he felt these stories needed to be written down and shared. TonyBonfiglio.com [https://tonybonfiglio.com/]

A Hard Conversation w/Chief Gene Landers - Orange Township Fire Department (IN)

On this episode of Station Talk, we talk with Chief Gene Landers about the staffing reality many volunteer departments avoid. From the gap between members on paper and those who respond, to leadership accountability and tough conversations, this episode gets honest about what’s holding departments back.Bottom line: If we avoid the hard conversations, we risk safety, culture, and the future of the fire service.

Engine Company Operations & Mastering the Basics w/Captain Alex Mitchum

On this episode Nick & Tom sat down with Captain Alex Mitchum from Summerville Fire-Rescue. Alex has 13 years on the job and has built his career around engine company operations and, more importantly, mastering the basics that actually win fires. In a fire service that sometimes chases the newest tactic or the flashiest training, Alex believes the fundamentals still matter. Stretching the first line, putting water on the fire, solid communication, and doing the simple things right under pressure. We’re going to talk engine company responsibilities, common mistakes crews make, how officers should be training their people, and why getting back to the basics isn’t taking a step backward — it’s how you build solid, dependable firefighters.

Keeping Traditions While Cultivating Health w/Firefighter Travis Baker

On this episode Nick & Tom sit down with Travis Baker of the Raleigh Fire Department in Raleigh, NC to discuss how the fire service can honor its traditions while prioritizing firefighter health. From firehouse meals to training culture, we explore how to preserve pride and brotherhood while embracing smarter nutrition, fitness, recovery, and longevity practices. This isn’t about changing the culture — it’s about strengthening it. Because protecting tradition starts with protecting the firefighter.

Technology, Education, and the Modern Fire Service w/Joshua Shanley, MS, MBA, MEd, EMT-P (ret.)

On this episode, Nick & Tom are joined by Joshua Shanley, someone who’s lived on both sides of the fence operationally and academically. Firefighter paramedic, emergency manager, media specialist at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, adjunct faculty at Purdue Global, and deeply involved in emergency management and public safety education. Josh brings a perspective that isn’t about chasing the next shiny object. It’s about using technology and education to make the fire service more effective, safer, and more accountable to the communities we serve. Technology, education and how both of those things are changing what it means to be a firefighter and a fire officer.