What if the biggest thing holding us back in the fire service isn’t tradition, but resistance to change?
Today we’re taking Science to the Station. And before you roll your eyes, think about this: so many things we now accept as standard operating procedure were once controversial. Air packs. Seatbelts. Cancer awareness. Modern fire dynamics. The talking points change, but progress happens because someone stayed curious long enough to ask, “What if there’s a better way?”
That mindset is called being an apocaloptimist, and if you’ve never heard that term, stick with us. It’s not about doom and gloom. It’s about acknowledging the realities we face while still believing we can adapt, evolve, and come out stronger on the other side.
We’ll also dig into something we don’t talk about nearly enough: your biology. Sleep, hormones, recovery, and personal bio-hacking, not the influencer kind, but practical, evidence-based ways to figure out what your body needs to perform, recover, and stay healthy for the long haul.
Because this isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about consistency, especially sleep, over a long timeline. The quiet discipline of showing up rested, recovered, and ready, year after year, career after career.
This episode is about curiosity over comfort, science over superstition, and building a fire service that’s healthier, smarter, and more resilient than the one we inherited.
Enjoy the episode and let’s take Science to the Station.
A little more about today’s guest…
Sara A. Jahnke, Ph.D.
Dr. Sara Jahnke is a leading expert in firefighter health research, dedicated to turning scientific findings into practical solutions for firefighters and emergency responders. With a background in psychology and epidemiology, she directs the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI USA, Inc. since 2011, overseeing over $30 million in research projects funded by FEMA, NIH, DoD, and health foundations. Dr. Jahnke has received multiple awards, including the President's Award for Excellence in Fire Service Research and the John Granito Award. She serves on numerous advisory boards, leads Science to the Station: A Health and Wellness Alliance, and actively engages with organizations like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, Women in Fire, and the IAFC’s Safety, Health and Survival Section. Her work bridges scientific knowledge and real-world applications, significantly impacting firefighter health and safety.
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If you would like to contact today’s guest...
IG: science2station
FB: Science to the Station
LinkedIn: Sarah Jahnke
LinkedIn: Science to the Station
www.science2station.org
Your host can be reached at:
IG: @firegroundfitness
FB: @fireground fitness
Twitter: @firegroundfit
Email: raynegray@firegroundfitness.com
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