True North F.O.O.L.S Presents - Traditions on Tap Podcast

TNF Traditions on Tap Podcast- Episode #5 Matthew Ball ( Ontario MNR Wildland Firefighter)

On this episode of TNF- Traditions on Tap Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Ball , whose journey into the fire service began long before he ever stepped onto a fireline. What started as a passion for photographing his local fire department quickly grew into a career goal of becoming a Wildland firefighter with the MNRF (Ontario). In 2023, Matthew attended Southwest Fire Academy, earning his OFM certifications and developing the skills needed for structural firefighting. Looking for opportunities to gain experience and strengthen his resume in a highly competitive profession, he turned his attention to wildland firefighting. After obtaining his Forest Firefighter certification, Matthew applied to bases across Ontario and was hired by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in the Northwest Region for the 2024 fire season. Now entering his third year as a wildland firefighter, Matthew has worked on fires across Canada and earned certifications as a Chainsaw Operator, Engine Operator, and Crewboss. This season, he has stepped into the role of Crewboss, serving as the second-in-command of his crew. When the fire season ends, Matthew returns to Southern Ontario, where he remains deeply involved in the fire service community. Whether he's photographing emergency scenes, filming fire apparatus across the province, or contributing content as a partner with Fireguys235, his passion for firefighting never takes an offseason. Join us as we discuss life on the fireline, building a career in the fire service, leadership in wildland firefighting, and the experiences that have shaped Matthew's journey from fire buff to Crewboss. Big shoutout to the crews and brands that continue to support and push the fire service culture forward: @northernhydrate [https://www.instagram.com/northernhydrate/?hl=en#] Use our discount code TRUENORTHFOOLS10 for 10% off" @firehumorcompany [https://www.instagram.com/firehumorcompany/?hl=en#] @truenorthfools [https://www.instagram.com/truenorthfools/?hl=en#] Contact Matt @matthewball_8 [https://www.instagram.com/matthewball_8/?hl=en#] LONG LIVE THE FOOL

TNF Traditions on Tap Podcast - Episode #4 Craig Hendry ( Hooks & Halligans)

In this episode, we sit down with Craig, the driving force behind the fire service media brand Hooks & Halligans. With nearly two decades of experience on the fireground, Craig’s journey started back in 2006 with nothing more than a scanner—and soon after, a camera. What began as a solo passion has grown into a dedicated team capturing the raw reality and deep-rooted traditions of the fire service across Ontario, the United States, and Scotland. From massive working fires and firefighter close calls to line-of-duty funerals and community events, Craig has documented it all. His work offers a unique, unfiltered look into the job—preserving moments that might otherwise be lost to time. Guided by his motto, “I document the present, because in the future it will be the past,” Craig shares the stories behind the lens, the evolution of fire service media, and what it truly means to capture the fire service in action. Big shoutout to the crews and brands that continue to support and push the fire service culture forward: @northernhydrate [https://www.instagram.com/northernhydrate/?hl=en#] Use our discount code TRUENORTHFOOLS10 for 10% off" @firehumorcompany [https://www.instagram.com/firehumorcompany/?hl=en#] @truenorthfools [https://www.instagram.com/truenorthfools/?hl=en#] Contact Hooks & Halligans @hookshalligans [https://www.instagram.com/hookshalligans/?hl=en#] LONG LIVE THE FOOLS

TNF Traditions on Tap Podcast - Episode #3

TNF-Traditions on Tap Podcast: Episode 3 Eric proudly serves with Canada’s southernmost fire department, bringing five years of hands-on experience, dedication, and deep-rooted pride in the fire service. Known for his commitment to the job and the people around him, he represents the kind of firefighter who shows up ready—every single day. Beyond the truck, Eric is an active member of True North F.O.O.L.S, becoming an Associate in 2022. From helping spread the mission to organizing raffles and supporting events, he continues to give back while growing under the guidance of strong mentors within the brotherhood. Driven by passion and craftsmanship, Eric also launched his own leatherwork business, specializing in handcrafted firefighting gear—including helmet shields and radio straps—built with the same pride and attention to detail he brings to the fireground. Whether he’s attending conferences across North America, learning from others in the job, or putting in the work at his department, Eric is fueled by mentorship, tradition, and the unbreakable bond of the fire service. He doesn’t just do the job—he lives it. Big shoutout to the crews and brands that continue to support and push the fire service culture forward: @northernhydration @firehumorcompany @truenorthfools @leftywright_32 [https://www.instagram.com/leftywright_32/?hl=en#] Long Live the F.O.O.L.S

TNF Traditions on Tap Podcast - Episode #2

TNF- Traditions on Tap Episode #2 with the New England F.O.O.L.S In this episode of Traditions on Tap, the True North F.O.O.L.S sit down with the New England F.O.O.L.S to talk shop, share stories, and dive deep into the journey of building their chapter. From the early days to where they are now, this conversation highlights the grit, tradition, and brotherhood that define the F.O.O.L.S culture. We get into the lessons learned along the way, the importance of keeping traditions alive, and how the fire service continues to evolve while staying rooted in its core values. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at what it takes to build something meaningful in the fire service—and why it matters. Whether you're a seasoned member or new to the job, this episode is packed with insight, pride, and passion for the craft. Big shoutout to the crews and brands that continue to support and push the fire service culture forward: @northernhydration @newenglandfools @firehumorcompany @truenorthfools Stay low. Stay aggressive. Stay FOOLS.

TNF Traditions on Tap Podcast - Episode #1

TNF- Traditions on Tap Episode #1 with Blake & Craig Price, between the two of them, you’re looking at decades of experience spanning volunteer halls, career departments, technical rescue, and fire service training across New Brunswick. From Truck 4 in Moncton to Rescue Company 4 in Saint John, and through their work with Fire Training Associates, these guys aren’t just showing up they’re shaping the next generation of firefighters. We recently had the chance to sit down with them on the True North Fools – Traditions on Tap Podcast , where the conversation went exactly where you’d expect—fire, family, and the traditions that keep the job grounded. Stories from the floor, lessons from the training ground, and a few laughs that only firefighters can truly appreciate. Big shoutout as well to the crews and brands supporting the fire service culture: @northernhydration @firetrainingassociates @firehumorcompany @truenorthfools It’s conversations like that that remind us this job is bigger than calls and gear—it’s about the people beside you and the culture we carry forward.