The Fire Break | Innovations in Wildfire

Discover how AI wildfire mitigation software is changing the game, with Australia’s Fi-Sci founders Matt Robards and Kevin Bonner— two innovators using machine learning and risk modeling to tackle wildfires before they even start. Learn how they’re optimizing fuel load reduction, prescribed burns, smoke control, and prevention strategies to protect lives and infrastructure. Plus, hear personal stories from the fireground, why they focus on mitigation instead of suppression, and how visualization helps communities and governments understand the value of “good fire.”

Firefighter training, leadership development, and emergency service education come together in this episode with Marc Hill — fire chief, paramedic, educator, and author of Two Dark Thirty. Marc discusses how to effectively train firefighters for high-stress calls and real-world scenarios. From teaching adult learners to leading with purpose, Marc shares practical tools and hilarious (and heartbreaking) stories from a lifetime in the service. Whether you're a fire instructor, a first responder, or just passionate about public safety, this episode delivers hard-won insights for teaching and leading when lives are on the line. https://twodarkthirty.com/ [https://twodarkthirty.com/]

Firefighter PTSD, adrenaline addiction, and burnout are more common than ever—psychologist Dr. Erica Birkley explains why, and what first responders can do about it. In this candid, eye-opening episode, Dr. Birkley breaks down the hidden emotional toll of life on shift, how trauma sticks in the body, why sleep disruption rewires your brain, and what “emotional decontamination” really looks like after a hard call. She also dives into relationship strain, infidelity, and the neuroscience behind connection—and offers simple, actionable tools to reset your nervous system, reconnect at home, and stay mission-ready for the long haul. Whether you’re a first responder or you care about someone who is, this is essential viewing.

Leadership coaching, team performance, and behavioral change — Greg Zimbulis brings 25+ years of experience helping businesses grow by fixing what matters most: leadership. In this episode, he shares how self-awareness, role modeling, and curiosity are the foundations of true influence. Whether you're running a fire agency or a family business, Greg’s insights will reshape how you lead, build trust, and spark change.

Air Force firefighter leadership, base protection, and a 30-year global careerhief Shanton Russell shares his extraordinary journey. From a childhood of limited means, he rose to command Air Force base fire departments around the world, to leading with humanity and compassion. In our 100th episode, learn how his deployments shaped his leadership, why he never lost sight of his people, and what’s next after the uniform comes off. A must-watch for anyone who serves or leads.