Sounds

What does it take to become an Indiana Smoke Diver? In Episode 68, Chris Bauchle and Austin Perry sit down with Corey Gotay to talk about choosing discomfort, pursuing excellence, and refusing to settle for average in the fire service. Corey began his career with the 128th Wisconsin Air National […]

In this episode, Matt sits down with Kim Jolly, CEO of AOS Services Inc., to discuss the critical role equipment testing, maintenance, and compliance play in keeping fire departments operational and mission ready. With more than 30 years of experience, Kim shares how AOS supports fire departments and military installations […]

In Episode 66 , Matt sits down with Flip Griffin. Flip’s journey spans from Navy corpsman to Search and Rescue professional, ultimately serving as a Command Master Chief—one of the highest enlisted leadership roles in the Navy—before transitioning into fire service leadership consulting. This conversation dives into the realities of […]

In 1977, the Honda Canyon Fire swept across Vandenberg Air Force Base—now Vandenberg Space Force Base—becoming one of the most significant wildfires in the installation’s history and reshaping how the department approached wildland firefighting. Nearly four decades later, the 2016 Canyon Fire once again challenged the installation, reminding firefighters how […]

What does it really mean to be ready? In this episode of The FireDawg Podcast, we explore the moments that test more than skill — they test judgment. The moments when your training is pushed, policy isn’t perfectly clear, and culture either empowers you… or makes you hesitate. Our guest, Terrell […]

Tax season isn’t something we talk about much in the firehouse — but maybe we should. In this episode, we sit down with former Air Force firefighter turned financial and tax expert, Matt Stelmaszek, to break down what federal firefighters need to know before the April 15 filing deadline. We […]

In this episode of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt is joined by returning guest Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Peter Webb. Chief Webb previously appeared on Episode 35, where he shared his journey from Army firefighter to Air Force Reserve Command Chief, his service as a Battalion Chief in Dothan, Alabama, and […]

In Episode 61 of the FireDawg Podcast, Matt Wilson is joined by former Air Force firefighter Chris Lopardi for a conversation about service, loss, fatherhood, and transitioning out of the military. Chris shares how losing his son, Mason, shaped his outlook on life and influenced his decision-making during and after […]

In Episode 60 of the FireDawg Podcast, host Matt Wilson sits down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Shanton Russell for a reflective conversation on career progression, leadership philosophy, and long-term success in the Air Force Fire Protection community. Chief Russell shares his full-circle journey—entering the Air Force as a young […]