Episode 113 Sleep In! With Dr. Joe Pennino

Episode 113, Sleep in! w/ Dr. Joe Pennino

 

Dr. Joe Pennino and I had a great conversation, and we landed on one of my favorite topics  - sleep! Specifically, how do we help firefighters get more of it? Serving as the Fire Chief, he led an initiative at the Roswell, Georgia FD to change the time that Firefighters started their shifts. The intent is to give them more time to sleep in when coming on and off duty  - Interesting right? In episode 113, Pennino shares the research findings as well as the real-life effects it had for the members of his agency. This is a wonderful episode, please enjoy! 

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

Dr. Joe Pennino, DPA, EFO, CFO, PMP

Dr. Joe Pennino is a public sector strategist, educator, and former fire chief with over two decades of experience in public safety. He currently serves as the Deputy City Administrator for Planning, Performance, and Innovation in Roswell, Georgia, where he leads enterprise strategy, technology modernization, and workforce development across the city’s core administrative departments.

Before stepping into citywide leadership, Dr. Pennino served as Roswell’s Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, leading a $17 million department with more than 200 personnel. His team implemented nationally recognized programs focused on firefighter health, evidence-based scheduling, and long-term wellness. Under his leadership, the department received the 2025 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for pioneering research that connects shift schedules, sleep quality, and firefighter safety.

Dr. Pennino is a familiar voice in the national fire service conversation. He has presented at the U.S. Fire Administration’s Executive Fire Officer and Leadership Symposium, Fire-Rescue International, and multiple regional leadership conferences. His work has been featured by FOX 5 Atlanta, Science at the Station, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, highlighting his commitment to data-driven decision-making and frontline operational health.

A Certified Project Management Professional, Joe holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Liberty University. He teaches in Liberty’s Doctor of Public Administration program and provides executive coaching for government and higher education leaders, helping them strengthen their clarity, influence, and resilience.

For more information on the firefighter scheduling study, leadership coaching, and Dr. Pennino’s work, visit drpennino.com 

 

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Ep 112 Crackyl with Kory Pearn

 Episode 112, Crackyl, with Kory Pearn

 

In episode 112, we sit down with Fire Captain, Editor-in-Chief, and Musician Kory Pearn, who walks us through his journey into the fire service, onto the stage, through heart failure and into becoming a leader in the fire service health and wellness publication space. This is a wonderful episode, please enjoy! 

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

Kory Pearn is a 23-year firefighter, Captain, and the Founder, Publisher,

and Editor-in-Chief of CRACKYL Magazine — one of the fire service’s

fastest-growing media platforms. He is an author, public speaker, and a

leading voice advocating for firefighter health, identity, wellness, and

career longevity.

 

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If you would like to contact today’s guest...

              

KORYPEARN Publisher / Editor-In-Chief CRACKYL Media Inc.

5199028574 kpearn@crackylbusinessmedia.com https://www.crackyl.com

 

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Ep111, Unconscious Competence with Forest Reeder

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Fire Chief Forest Reeder, who brings 47 years of experience in fire service leadership, training, and authorship. Chief Reeder unpacks the concept of "unconscious competence"—the ability to perform critical tasks instinctively under pressure—and explains how rigorous training builds that readiness. We explore how fire service tactics have evolved with evidence-based practices, and how cultural shifts in the firehouse affect team cohesion and trust. From SCBA and ladders to leadership at every level, this conversation highlights the importance of staying grounded in core values while adapting to a modern fire service. Tune in for practical wisdom, timeless lessons, and a call to enjoy the journey. Please enjoy!

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

Forest Reeder began his fire service career in 1978 and retired as Fire Chief of the Tinley Park (IL) Fire Department in 2021. He currently serves as the Interim Fire Chief for the Sterling, (IL) Fire Department. He has worked extensively in the areas of instruction, firefighter safety and officer development and earned his Master of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration in 2004. He is the author of Fire Department Incident Safety Officer 4th edition (2025) and co-author of Fire Service Instructor Principles and Practices soon the be published in its 4^th edition. Forest presents nationally on fire service leadership, safety and instructor development. He was inducted into the Moraine Valley Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2020 and awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award in 2021. In 2008, he received the ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year, considered to be the highest recognition for fire service instructors in the nation.

 

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in: Forest Reeder

On the net: thetrainingofficer.com (Mad Training and response solutions)

Email:  forestthetrainingofficer@gmail.com

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Episode 110, Lead, Learn & Live with Stuart Esh and Marcus Haynes

 

In this episode, we sit down with two seasoned fire professionals —  Deputy Chief Stuart Esh of Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Dept. and Firefighter/Paramedic Marcus Haynes of Phoenix Fire—to unpack a pivotal fireground event that shaped their careers.

Back in 2009, a structure fire in a Buckeye trailer park led to Marcus suffering significant burns and forced both men to reevaluate how they approached tactics, leadership, communication, and fire dynamics. Stu, a relatively new captain at the time, reflects on how experience gaps and unclear pre-fire communication contributed to the chaotic moments on scene. Marcus candidly opens up about the moment his confidence and ego led him into a hostile environment alone, ultimately resulting in serious injury.

The conversation is raw and honest.

-   Marcus shares the physical and emotional aftermath of his injuries—including painful hospital recovery, strained family relationships, and the long road back to duty.

-   Stu speaks openly about the weight of responsibility he carried as a company officer and how the incident redefined his approach to command presence, crew communication, and tactical patience.

Both men offer hard-earned insights:

-   Risk must be matched with purpose.   If you wouldn’t take your crew into a fire, why are you going in alone?

-   Communication matters.   Tactical plans, expectations, and crew roles must be clearly defined before boots hit the ground.

-   Training saves lives.   From understanding modern fire behavior to wearing the right PPE, small details make all the difference.

-   Ego kills.  Staying humble and asking questions—especially about tactics, gear, and risk—is what keeps us learning and alive.

This episode isn’t just about one fire; it’s about how we grow as firefighters and leaders. It’s a reminder that every incident, even the ones we think are routine, deserves our full attention and respect.

 

Stu and Marcus both came out of that experience with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, follow, and survive in the fire service.

You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

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Episode 109, Embracing Change with Chris Sleigher

 In this episode, we’re joined by Battalion Chief Chris Sleigher—who spent 17 years as a captain and isn’t afraid to shake things up. We dive into why change in the fire service can feel like pushing a boulder uphill, and why staying curious (instead of just comfortable) is key to evolving our profession.

Chris shares his take on how change should be rooted in evidence-based practices—not just tradition or opinion—and isn’t shy about discussing some of the more controversial ideas he’s brought to the table. From challenging long-held policies to rethinking operational norms, this conversation gets real.

It’s a healthy, thought-provoking, and honest chat that’ll leave you thinking about how we lead, adapt, and grow. Give it a listen and enjoy. 

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

Chris and his significant other, Joanna, have four kids. He is the father of two girls, Mackenzie and Blake, and his bonus family members, Jenna and Chase.  

Chris is a battalion chief with the Mesa Fire Department in Arizona. With over 26 years on the job, he has held the ranks of firefighter and engineer and served as Captain for over 17 years. Chris is also a lead instructor with Fire By Trade and has taught at numerous fire conferences, including Firemanship, Mile High, HROC, North Florida Expo, New England FOOLS, Mid-west Area Fire Academy, Lake Effect, Command and Courage, Back Step, Arizona State Fire School, and several others. As the former president of Firenuggets, he has facilitated over twenty outside classes ranging from leadership to interior firefighting, along with four major fire conferences, and collaborated with David Rhodes and Fire Engineering to complete the Book of Andy Fredericks. Chris excels in engine company operations, drawing on his diverse experiences handling everything from single-family homes to high-rise buildings.

 

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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

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IG: thefirenuggets

IG: FireByTrade

YouTube: firenuggets

FB: FireNuggets

FB: Fire by Trade

On the web: https://www.firenuggets.com

and https://www.firebytrade.com

Email:  ffcrsleigher@gmail.com

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Episode 108, Burn the Ships with Steve Orsini

In episode 108 our guest, Steve Orsini, shares his passion for firemanship and the work of being a firefighter. His message, summarized in my words are; be better, study your craft and take your job seriously. Orsini has served in the coast guard, as a firefighter on the east coast and now out here in the Valley of the Sun; he is on a mission to share his commitment to firemanship and service. We discuss all of this and so much more, please enjoy.

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

Steve Orsini, 19 years in the American fire service, Hazmat / TRT tech, Recruit Training Officer. Taught west side and valley hazmat classes as well as dangers and mitigations of EV and stored energy fires. VP of the Copper State F.O.O.L.S., host of the Copper State Firemen Podcast. Newly Married to my soulmate, Holly 1-24-25!

 

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IG: Copperstatefools 

IG#2: Copper_state_firemen_podcast

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Email:  Copperstatefools@gmail.com

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Episode 107, No Quit, With Glynn Ross

 Fire apparatus accidents are typically bad, for a myriad of reasons that are outside of what I want to share about this episode. Suffice it to say that the ramifications of emergency vehicle collisions can be horrific to say the least. Glynn Ross, had one such accident while responding to an emergency, travelling a road, and through an intersection, he had navigated “a thousand times before”. The accident wrecked him physically and has altered the trajectory of his career and life. 

 

Accidents like this are tough physically and mentally but as we learn from Glynn, “there is no quit”. The former Recon Marine shares with us how he has navigated injury, disappointment and success throughout his career and how now those lessons are the foundation of his strength and good attitude. We talk about those things and so much more, please enjoy!

 

 

A little more about today’s guest…

 

 

Phoenix Fire Engineer Glynn Ross has 16 years of experience with the fire department with 10 of those years driving as an Engineer. After graduating from the academy, he did his 200 rescues at station 7. Glynn was a backseat firefighter at station 18, busiest fire station in the state for 3 years where he then moved to drive at station 25 in Maryvale.

 

Glynn is a Marine Corps veteran of 5 years and was deployed to Spain, Africa, Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 and 2005. He served as a special operations operator in 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company based out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Once completing the recon indoctrination, he completed several schools including amphibious reconnaissance school, pre scuba, combat dive school, jump school, level C SERE, methods of entry/breachers course, cold weather survival and multiple close quarter combat shooting courses at (SOTG) special operations training group in North Carolina. He has certifications in multiple parachutes including the MC-5 and SF-10 with (HALO) High Altitude Low Opening and (HAHO) High Altitude High Opening jumps. Glynn is a qualified combat diver for the open-circuit twin 80s SCUBA as well as the closed circuit DRAEGER LAR V 03 rebreather. He also has certifications in (VBSS) Visit Board Search and Seizure, repelling, fast roping and SPIE rigging.

 

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You can find the Fireground Fitness podcast wherever great podcasts are located. So, search it out and subscribe. Your feedback is powerful, and greatly appreciated. Go to apple podcasts, subscribe, rate and review the podcast or shoot me an email!

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Email:  gcrossusmc@alo.com

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