Better Every Shift

“Pain sucks,” as Zam puts it — and ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Dr. Bita Shahidi, a physical therapist who has worked with firefighters and professional athletes, explains why the aches and pains firefighters push through during their careers often become the injuries that define retirement. She urges firefighters to approach their bodies like tactical athletes, with regular movement screenings, mobility work and recovery built into the job — instead of waiting until something breaks. Shahidi also shares a simple three-minute mobility routine, explains why sleep and breathing matter as much as strength training, and makes the case for treating small pains before they become surgeries. The takeaway is straightforward: A few minutes of maintenance today can help you perform better now and enjoy retirement without paying for decades of ignored wear and tear. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

You may have seen (or at least heard of) the mid-2000s TV show “Pimp My Ride,” where a car is elaborately customized for its owner. But what about “Pimp My Station”? That’s how Battalion Chief Greg Sawyer jokingly describes a program that turned one of his department’s slower stations into a kind of sabbatical where crews can rotate in for a month — they are still on the clock but given some downtime to get out of zombie mode. Plus, the station is tricked out with all sorts of cool health-focused tech and toys to help members feel human again, and they are offered Whoop health trackers and various health-focused subscriptions to help them focus for their 30 days. Sawyer also shares insights about standing up the program, getting funding (and donations) and achieving buy-in from the crews. But truth be told, buy-in isn’t such a challenge anymore because once members spend a month at the rehab station, they are sold. Read more about how the Rehab Station at Sawyer’s department. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for a future episode.

“Document everything.” It’s advice commonly given in legal, medical and workplace settings — and now the fire service. Tracking fireground exposures, traumatic calls, hazmat incidents and even workplace incivility gives firefighters a reliable record to reference if health, insurance or legal questions arise later. Chief John Oates explains how the IPSDI Exposure Tracker allows firefighters to document the full scope of the job, including the calls they may not think matter at the time. Because the tracker is confidential and not connected to department or federal systems, it serves as a personal record you control. After all, you don’t always know which calls will follow you, but having them documented can make all the difference. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for future episodes.

Chief Jason Caughey joins Zam this week to put a cap on 2025 — a reflection on fire service challenges and achievements, plus opportunities for growth in the new year. Tune in to hear their takes on recent hazing controversies, staffing impacts, leadership accountability and other hot topics from the year. Zam and Caughey also share their milestone moments from the year and how they are hoping to get out of their comfort zones in the new year. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. This holiday season, listeners receive 10% off now through Dec. 31 with promo code FRP10. Visit TheFireStore.com for Everything but the Truck. Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share feedback or suggest guests for an upcoming episode.

Bill Carey’s recent article “Everyone goes home — except some recruits and applicants” sparked a lot of conversation about fatalities that occur during agility tests and academy drills, and the need for tougher medical screening, heat-stress limits and on-site EMS. The former lieutenant breaks down what the data tells us about firefighter training deaths, plus the “muddiness” of LODD classifications. Carey, who also serves as associate editor for FireRescue1, shares a peek behind the curtain of news posting and reporting and encourages you to share news tips and article ideas. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. This holiday season, listeners receive 10% off now through Dec. 31 with promo code FRP10. Visit TheFireStore.com for Everything but the Truck. Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.

AI can be an incredible tool, but as Division Chief Chad Crouse explains, we can’t use it to “outsource all the thinking.” There are critical parts of the job that require your personal development and review. Chief Crouse breaks down not only when and where to use tools like ChatGPT but also how to maximize their output so you have more time for more important tasks or key parts of the job — like training and connecting with your members. Zam and Crouse cover all this and more: AI sycophancy (or as Zam calls it, “AI brown-nosing”) Why AI works so well for small departments When AI is “cheating” BONUS: Chief Crouse will speak on AI fundamentals at the IAFC’s Technology Summit International, Dec. 9-11 in Irving, Texas. Learn more and register today. This episode of the Better Every Shift Podcast is sponsored by TheFireStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting TheFireStore. Enjoying the show? Email bettereveryshift@firerescue1.com to share your feedback.