How Do You Build a Training Program for a Small Department?

Free Resources for Redefining Firefighter Wellness

On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Chris Marella sits down with David Frost from the University of Toronto to discuss a major overhaul of the Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI) and the Fit to Thrive program. They discuss how these revamped, entirely free resources ditch the old "box-checking" certifications to focus on sustainable, daily physical activity habits. Frost details how the new WFI provides a modular, five-stage implementation road map, helping departments of all sizes build wellness committees, navigator labor management dynamics, and break the ice with department chiefs.

How to Break and Rebuild Modern Firehouse Culture

Mike Goldstein welcomes guest Rick Lasky to this episode of The C.A.N. Report. Together, they dissect what really breaks and rebuilds modern fire departments. Lasky explains why leadership failure beats budgets as the root cause of so many challenges associated with morale and retention. They discuss ways in which chiefs can stop being the "boss" and start being mentors.

Mission First, People Always: Chief Nick Marsan

On this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger speaks with Nick Marsan, chief of the Westport (CT) Fire Department about responder resilience and visionary leaders. Marsan shares how is his mantra, "mission first, people always," isn't just a slogan, but a guiding principle that can reshape leadership in the fire service. They explore the critical intersection of leadership and mental health, discussing how to make mental wellness a core operational value, how to create a culture that normalized mental health discussions and encourages seeking help. Marsan describes his own difficult transition, highlighting the power of belonging, regional collaboration, and creative outlets for processing trauma.

What You Need to Know About Firefighter Reproductive Health

In this episode of Frontline Findings, hosts Rachel Bozek and Stephanie White explore the latest research from the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study with Dr. Sara Jahnke and Dr. Jeff Burgess.    While early data focused heavily on high rates of miscarriage and lower reproductive reserves in women, the discussion reveals this isn't just a female issue. Male firefighters face severe reproductive risks too, including abnormal sperm and increased rates of birth defects in their children. The conversation moves fast from identifying these statistics to breaking down real, actionable solutions.

Vickie Speed's Fight for Law Enforcement Cancer Support

This episode of APS Radio features Vickie Speed, who lost her husband, Mitch Speed, of the Los Angeles (CA) County Sheriff's Department, to occupational cancer in 2018. Speed established Blue Cancer Connect (bluecancerconnect.org [https://bluecancerconnect.org/]) to honor Mitch's legacy. Host Jim Burneka welcomes Speed to the podcast to talk about raising awareness about this important issue. Speed emphasizes that simple administrative changes—like implementing exposure forms—can prevent families from losing everything after a tragedy. From funding research at the University of Cincinnati to assisting an officer whose child is battling brain cancer, Speed’s mission is grounded in a simple promise: ensuring no first responder family has to navigate the darkness of cancer alone.