In this episode, Matt, Freddy, Doug, and Unkie dive into a topic that every firefighter and first responder can relate to: work-life balance.

• Balancing Shift Work & Family Life – The unique challenges of a firefighter’s schedule and how it impacts time with loved ones.

• The Evolution of Side Jobs – Then vs. now: why firefighters used to have trade jobs versus today’s modern side hustles like consulting, online businesses, and social media marketing.

• The Financial Reality of Firefighting – How increased salaries have changed the need for second jobs, but also why financial struggles still exist.

• Time Off – The Perk of the Job – The benefits of long stretches of days off and how it allows firefighters to pursue passions, side businesses, or just enjoy time at home.

• Mental Health & Workload Management – Recognizing stress, preventing burnout, and finding ways to decompress.

• Family First Mentality – A stark reality: Your family will always be there, but your job will be posted a week after you’re gone.

• Learning From Experience – Lessons from firefighters who have balanced (or failed to balance) their careers and personal lives.

🔥 How do you balance your work and home life?🔥 What strategies have worked for you in maintaining a healthy balance?🔥 Any hard-learned lessons you’d share with rookies?

We want to hear from YOU! Drop us a message and let us know how you navigate work-life balance in the fire service.

👨‍🚒 Brought to you by Unkie’s Seasoning – Low Sodium, High Flavor!🔥 Special mention to The Burn Box for their latest firefighter subscription gear!🔥 Huge thanks to Fireman’s Grooming Company for keeping us looking fresh!🔥 Giveaway Alert! Stay tuned for a 100th episode celebration with prizes from Thin Red Line Decon, Crafty American, and more!

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Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

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📺 Watch our podcast on Spotify and YouTube!🎙️ Available on all major podcast platforms!

At the end of each episode, we honor fallen firefighters and first responders. This week, we remember two Virginia Beach police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and connect with us on social media. Stay safe out there! 🚒🔥

Key Topics Discussed:Listener Takeaways:Shoutouts & Partnerships:Subscribe & WatchMoment of Silence

In this episode of The Cool Fireman Podcast, Matt, Brian, Doug, and Unkie dive into the unwritten rules (and written ones) that shape life in the firehouse. From popcorn machines (allowed or outlawed?) to station pride logos and uniformity debates, we tackle the battle between tradition, compromise, and common sense.

👀 Do you have a policy in the book with your name on it? We talk about habitual line-steppers, the stories behind some of the most ridiculous firehouse policies, and when the small things start to matter way too much.

Plus:
🔥 Should firefighters be allowed to wear station pride shirts?
🔥 The debate over untucked shirts—professional or not?
🔥 Compromise in the firehouse: Where is the line?
🔥 Why a good company officer is the key to firehouse culture.

As always, we keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it spicy—just like Unkie’s Seasoning and The Burn Box! 🚒🔥

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Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

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🎧 Listen in, laugh with us, and let us know: What’s the dumbest firehouse policy you’ve seen? #TheCoolFiremanPodcast

When Battalion Chief Rick Grassel first saw six Teslas charging at a station, one thought hit him—what would I do if those were on fire? And the answer? He didn't know. That realization launched a deep dive into electric vehicle (EV) fire response, battery dangers, and the evolving challenges firefighters face on the frontline.

In this episode, Matt, Doug, Brian, and Unkie sit down with Chief Grassel to break down:
⚡ The real problem – It’s not just EVs, it’s batteries everywhere!
🔥 The dangers of thermal runaway and why EV fires don’t just go out
🚗 Extrication challenges – Cutting into high-voltage vehicles safely
🌊 The insane amount of water needed to put out an EV fire (or should we just let them burn?)
🔬 How off-market, non-UL tested batteries might be the next fire service nightmare

This is the fire service reality check you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re in the trenches or just EV-curious, this one is a must-listen!

Visit

Email: thecoolfireman@gmail.com

TheCoolFireman.com for merchandise and more

Instagram: @thecoolfireman

Tiktok: @thecoolfireman

YouTube: @thecoolfireman

Special Sponsors:

Unkies Seasonings https://unkiesseasoning.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopye_NRki8Ev9I4qy6ACkI3dw59rhjleSp0Bw-ilcB-lmT3M_G-

Burn Box https://www.theburnbox.com/

👂 Listen now and let us know – Is your department ready for EV fires? 🚨

#EVFires #BatteryDangers #FirefighterTraining #TheCoolFiremanPodcast