Firefighters Global Consulting - Behind The Smoke

In this episode, we break down the most common past lives of firefighters, from tradesmen and military veterans to corporate office workers and retail grinders. We’re diving into the exact pros and cons each background brings to the academy floor and the fire station.Find out how your previous career can actually be your greatest asset (or your biggest blind spot) when transitioning into the fire service.

In this episode we sit down with Stephen majestic to discuss and learn about how firefighters can invest, save, and plan for retirement! Stephen Majetic is a financial advisor and entrepreneur, and the founder of Everwealth. After starting his career in banking, he spent the past 12 years building an independent practice focused on honest, client-first advice. Stephen is known for breaking down complex financial strategies into clear, practical terms, so clients feel confident and fully understand their decisions—something that truly sets him apart from the typical advisory experience.

Mike is a Company Officer in a California fire department and the founder of Front Seat Academy, an online leadership and promotional preparation platform designed to expand access and opportunity for firefighters pursuing advancement.With over 14 years in the fire service, Mike has served in multiple operational roles including engine operator, tiller operator, truck driver, and fire boat pilot. His experience includes suppression operations, multi-company incidents, maritime response, and high-performance team environments.Beyond operations, Mike has been actively involved in labor leadership for nearly a decade and currently serve in an executive association role. His writing has been featured in national fire service publications, with additional work accepted for future release.Through Front Seat Academy, He has designed and built a comprehensive self-paced online program focused on preparing firefighters for the promotional process. The curriculum includes leadership development, interview preparation, role-play scenarios, in-basket exercises, essay writing, and tactical simulations. The mission is to help capable firefighters translate real-world experience into assessable performance and step confidently into the officer role.

Matt Johnston is a full-time fire officer and the CEO of First Responder Health Services (FRH). A trained mental health clinician, Matt co-founded the Occupational Awareness Training (OAT) Program in 2017 following a cluster of suicides within the fire service.The OAT Program focuses on upstream mental health training for frontline workers and currently supports more than 10,000 participants across British Columbia.Combining 25 years of training in the mental health field with firsthand experience responding to nearly 5,000 emergency calls, Matt develops evidence-informed programs aimed at strengthening mental wellness and reducing suicide risk among first responders. Since founding FRH, the organization’s education platforms have delivered mental health training to over 100,000 users across Canada.

Paul Tylla is the creator of HEAL and co-founder of drinkheal.ca, co-owner of Frontline Functional Training and Martial Arts, and a lifelong public servant committed to building healthier people and communities. His career spans 28 years as a professional firefighter, supported by earlier service as a U.S. Navy rescue swimmer, where teamwork, discipline, and a calm under pressure mindset were essential in high-risk environments.Beyond his operational career, Paul is the charitable founder and current president of the DNV Firefighters Charitable Society, where he supports initiatives where firefighters work to raise funds awareness for community-based causes. His entrepreneurial and charitable work is grounded in service, accountability, and purposeful action.Paul’s mission is deeply personal. He was a primary caregiver for his wife, Linda Tylla, during her battle with ALS, an experience that reshaped his understanding of strength, vulnerability, and the importance of compassionate systems of care. In her honour, HEAL focuses its charitable giving on the ALS community, translating lived experience into meaningful advocacy, support, and impact for others facing similar challenges

We sit down again with Sach, after his amazing run across Canada to raise awareness for mental health. We talk about his experience and the people he met along his way. It was great to have him back on the show!Check out: https://sachinmotion.ca/

In today's episode, we went over what we were both feeling in the moment - burnout. We explore some of the causes, signs, and discuss practical strategies for prevention & resilience in one of the most demanding yet rewarding professions. If you are just getting on or you're an old salty dog, don't skip this one out.

Fan requested episode... we love these! Adamo and I go over what it's like to be applying to the fire service much later in life. We go over what are some of the positives, negatives, and potential upcoming challenges to you if you're an old salty dog. Turn up the volume for this one.

Advanced Care Paramedic, educator, founder of Red Point Performance & Safety Inc. and a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt! With over 20 years of service to the people of BC, Sheena brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FGC Behind the Smoke table. We also discuss her current work in helping first responders develop on-the-job skills in high risk environments. One of our longest podcasts yet, so check it out!

Last week was the first time we've missed publishing an episode. THIS WEEK, we dive into why that was the case - our little newborns. Adamo and I chat about our time as new fathers and balancing family life with firefighting.

Backdraft, Flashover, and Rollover. In this episode, we break down what they mean, how to spot the warning signs, a war-story or two, and what every probie needs to know to survive these hostile fire events. Even if you are a seasoned vet brushing up on fundamentals, this is must-know knowledge for your fireground survival.

Today's episode focus: apparatus operations, pump panel basics, mindset behind the wheel, and critical mistakes to avoid when you are in the driver seat. Any new recruits, aspiring drivers, and even officers who want to better support their engineers/operators should have a listen!

In this episode, we go over our own beliefs into what constitutes good mentorship of a probationary firefighter. What our expectations are, limitations, and how we approach those new firefighters that want to do better, and those that go against the flow.