The Cool Fireman Podcast Podcast By Matt Brian Adam Doug and Freddy cover art

The Cool Fireman Podcast

The Cool Fireman Podcast

By: Matt Brian Adam Doug and Freddy
Listen for free

The Cool Fireman Podcast brings you into the world of firefighting with hosts Matt, Doug, Unkie, Brian, and Freddy. We tackle topics that matter most to firefighters—career growth, safety, mental health, and the everyday challenges on and off the job. Featuring real talk, expert guests, and a bit of humor, this is where the fire service connects, learns, and shares stories. Whether you're a firefighter or simply interested in the life of one, join us for conversations that are as informative as they are engaging.Matt, Brian, Adam, Doug, and Freddy Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Unwritten Firehouse Rules Every Rookie Needs to Know | Firefighter Podcast

    Unwritten Firehouse Rules Every Rookie Needs to Know | Firefighter Podcast
    Apr 6 2026
    This episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast dives into the unwritten rules that make firehouse culture what it is. Matt, Doug, and Adam break down the firehouse laws nobody writes down but everybody learns fast—from food in the fridge, seats at the kitchen table, and bunk room etiquette to rookie expectations, shift change courtesy, and the sacred rule of not farting at the dinner table.In This EpisodeThe guys mix humor with real firehouse truth as they talk about why these traditions matter, how they shape culture, and what every rookie needs to know if they want to survive probation. Plus, there’s Patreon talk, a Wheel of Names winner, sponsor updates, Burn Box gear, FDIC hype, and a little snail mail.The guys open with stickers, Burn Box talk, and Doug’s legendary footlong chili dogPatreon updates, new members, and the monthly Wheel of Names drawingTurnout Drill winner DJ Watson’s answers on snacks, aliens, and sunsetsSponsor shoutouts for Unkie’s Seasoning and Burn BoxA moment of silence for fallen first respondersThe main topic: the unwritten rules of the firehouseFirehouse food etiquette, fridge politics, and shift-change snack theftThe sacred rules of the kitchen table and “unassigned assigned seating”Bunk room courtesy, bathroom etiquette, and showing up early for shift changeRookie life: why none of the normal rules apply when you’re the new guySnail Mail reactions from last week’s episode about becoming a firefighter and the volunteer fire service debateKey Talking PointsPatreon and Wheel of NamesThe crew welcomes new Patreon members and spins the Wheel of Names for the monthly giveaway. Ricky Bird takes the win for April, continuing his streak as a big name in the podcast community.Turnout Drill AnswersDJ Watson’s responses spark conversation about guilty pleasure snacks, aliens, and whether sunrise or sunset is better. Naturally, that turns into a bigger firehouse-style debate.Burn Box and FDICDoug shows off the latest Burn Box, which includes:Burn Box Skeleton Key t-shirtmetal wedgedoor jamupdated Williams key for respectful entryUnwritten Rules of the FirehouseThis is the heart of the episode. Topics include:Don’t sit down just anywhere at the kitchen tableSeats may not be assigned, but they are definitely claimedIf you cook, do you clean, or does the crew handle dishes?If food has no name on it, it might be fair gameTreats brought for another shift may not survive until shift changeDon’t leave old food in Tupperware foreverDon’t use the last toilet paper without replacing the rollDon’t destroy the bathroom right before shift changeShow up early so the off-going crew doesn’t get stuck on a late callDon’t leave your gear laying around unless you want it messed withAnd above all: when you’re the rookie, you do everythingThe crew talks about humility, owning mistakes, earning trust, and embracing the rite of passage that comes with being the new guy.Snail MailThe episode wraps with comments from listeners responding to last week’s discussion on becoming a firefighter and the ongoing debate around volunteer fire service, cost, staffing, and recruitment.Best MomentsDoug describing a footlong chili dog disappearing in record timeThe debate over whether cookies meant for another shift are actually safeMatt admitting he’s been banned from the kitchen table for farting“We don’t have assigned seats… but you definitely can’t sit there.”“Them cookies ain’t gonna make it to shift change.”Matt’s closing thoughts on being the rookie and doing everythingSponsorsUnkie’s SeasoningBurn BoxCall to ActionWhat unwritten rule did the guys miss?Drop your firehouse’s favorite unwritten law in the comments.SEO KeywordsThe Cool Fireman Podcast, unwritten firehouse rules, firehouse culture, rookie firefighter advice, kitchen table rules, firefighter podcast, probationary firefighter, firehouse traditions, firefighter humor, FDIC
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • How to Become a Firefighter | What It Really Takes to Get Hired

    How to Become a Firefighter | What It Really Takes to Get Hired
    Mar 30 2026

    In this episode, the guys circle back to one of their most popular topics: how to become a firefighter. Matt, Brian, and Unkie talk through what it really takes to get hired, survive the process, and build a successful career in the fire service.

    The conversation covers everything from attitude, humility, and work ethic to the value of mentors, accountability, and staying teachable. The crew shares personal stories about the grind of trying to get hired, the sacrifices it took, and the moments they knew this was the career they were meant to pursue.

    They also discuss the importance of being someone others want to invest in — because in this job, your attitude can open doors just as much as your résumé.

    The episode also includes Patreon updates, a new Wheel of Names winner for the Turnout Drill, sponsor shoutouts, a Moment of Silence for recent line-of-duty deaths, and some discussion on volunteer staffing, training, and the future of the fire service.


    In this episode:

    • What it really takes to become a firefighter

    • Why attitude matters as much as skill

    • The importance of mentors and accountability

    • Why humility and work ethic go a long way

    • Personal stories from the hiring grind

    • Recent LODDs honored in the Moment of Silence

    • Turnout Drill winner: Daniel Watson

    • FDIC excitement, merch, and sponsor updates

    Support the podcast:

    👕 Merch: https://the-cool-fireman.myshopify.com/collections
    🎧 Patreon: Join the crew for bonus content, giveaways, and more
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 12 mins
  • FDIC Experience: How Conferences Transform Firefighter Culture & Performance

    FDIC Experience: How Conferences Transform Firefighter Culture & Performance
    Mar 23 2026

    In this episode, Matt and Doug jump on the mic for a two-man show as they talk through the chaos of spring schedules, sick days, family life, and getting an episode recorded when everyone’s calendars refuse to line up. From a rough morning at the dentist with Matt’s daughter to Doug battling sinus misery, the guys ease into a real and relatable conversation before diving into the main topic: FDIC and why conferences matter in the fire service.

    They share their excitement for the upcoming FDIC conference in Indianapolis, where the podcast team will be partnering with The Burn Box and spending the week surrounded by firefighters, training, new technology, and networking opportunities. Doug gives a preview of what FDIC is like for first-timers, from the massive exhibitor floor to Firefighter Row and the sheer scale of the event. Matt and Doug also discuss why sending firefighters to conferences is such a valuable investment for departments of all sizes, especially when it comes to inspiration, training, networking, and bringing fresh ideas back home.

    The episode also includes updates on Patreon, merch, sponsors, and a heartfelt moment of silence requested by a listener for a teacher who recently passed away. They wrap things up with some listener engagement, including reactions to their recent episode on Social Security, unions, and associations, plus a reminder that the podcast is closing in on 1,000 Spotify followers.

    In This Episode:

    • Doug battles a brutal cold/sinus issue while Matt shares a wild dentist visit with his daughter

    • Why it can be so hard to coordinate podcast recordings with a busy crew

    • St. Patrick’s Day talk, corned beef tacos, and keeping things light

    • Patreon updates, giveaway winners, and plans for future prizes

    • Merch update and where to grab Cool Fireman gear

    • Sponsor shoutouts for Unkie’s Seasoning and The Burn Box

    • Preview of FDIC 2026 and what attendees can expect

    • Why conferences are worth the investment for fire departments

    • The importance of networking, hands-on training, and seeing new fire service technology

    • Thoughts on leadership, inspiration, and getting firefighters excited about the job again

    • Listener-requested moment of silence for Leanne Colley

    • Snail Mail and social media feedback from recent episodes

    • Discussion on Social Security, pensions, and the recent listener response to that topic

    • Closing encouragement to support the show through follows, engagement, merch, Patreon, and sponsors

    Key Takeaways

    This episode reinforces a message the guys keep coming back to: if you want better culture, better morale, and better performance in the fire service, you have to invest in your people. Conferences like FDIC are more than just a trip—they’re an opportunity to build passion, sharpen skills, create new connections, and bring real value back to the department.

    Mentioned in This Episode

    • FDIC International

    • The Burn Box

    • Unkie’s Seasoning

    • Patreon giveaways

    • Cool Fireman merch

    • Social Security Fairness discussion

    • Leanne Colley

    • Ricky Bird

    • Megan Louts / The Salty Paramedic

    Support the Podcast:

    Visit our Website: thecoolfireman.com

    Visit Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheCoolFiremanPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

    Follow and subscribe to The Cool Fireman Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Support the show through Patreon, grab some merch at thecoolfireman.com, and keep engaging with the crew on social media.
    Show more Show less
    49 mins
No reviews yet