The 10 best podcasts for firefighters

By FireRescue1 Staff

International Podcast Day – which occurs every Sept. 30 – is an international celebration of the power of podcasts.

In the fire service, staying up to date on the latest news, education, training and frontline tactics – all while juggling your professional and personal life – can be difficult.

Here are 10 of the best podcasts, both active and archived, for every firefighter, from rookie to veteran, in no particular order.

1. NFPA Journal Podcast
   The National Fire Protection Association’s podcast features interviews with experts on fire, electrical and life safety information. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher Radio and online.
2. Firefighter Training Podcast
   The podcast, by Peter Lamb, is designed for firefighters who are interested in training, firefighter safety, current events and advancing their career. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.
3. Code 3 – The Firefighters’ Podcast
   Code 3, a weekly podcast by Scott Orr, is aimed at all levels of firefighters – from fire chiefs to rookies. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.
4. Fit to Fight Fire Podcast
   The podcast, by John Spera and Tom Johnson, is geared toward firefighter growth in fitness and leadership. It’s available for download on iTunes and online.
5. SAMatters Radio
   The Situational Awareness Matters podcast by Dr. Richard B. Gasaway is dedicated to improving first responder safety. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.
6. EM Weekly
   The weekly podcast by Todd De Voe features news, interviews, recent trends and issues that impact first responders. It’s available for download on iTunes and online.
7. On the Line
   The podcast is geared toward today’s wildland firefighters. It’s available for download on iTunes.
8. Disaster Dads
   Need a good laugh? The Disaster Dads bring their years of training as emergency responders to tell entertaining stories in order to help you prepare for whatever your next disaster may be. It’s available for download on iTunes, Stitcher and online.
9. The Command Post
   The Command Post, a podcast series that features Lt. Rom Duckworth and Chief Rob Wylie, brings expert perspective to hot topics, frontline tactics and leadership lessons that firefighters and officers need to be safe and successful. The Command Post is available for download on iTunes and SoundCloud.
10. Side Alpha
    And of course, our very own Side Alpha podcast makes the list. Side Alpha puts fire service leaders and emerging leaders in front of the hot topics facing firefighters today. Side Alpha is hosted by FireRescue1.com and FireChief.com Executive Editor Chief Marc Bashoor, who writes the Chief’s Forum column for FireRescue1.com. Side Alpha is available for download on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.

Editor’s Note: Which firefighter-specific podcasts do you listen to? Add your go-to in the comment section below.