In this episode, Jason Yerkovich shares insights on leadership, personal growth, and breaking inherited patterns to build better legacies. We explore the importance of service, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement in the fire service and beyond.Chapters00:00 Carrying the Burden of Inherited Patterns02:24 Introducing Jason Yerkovich: A Leader's Journey05:06 The Importance of Awareness and Change11:14 Legacy Beyond the Fire Service13:10 The Role of Leadership in Family and Community18:12 Navigating Social Media as a Firefighter22:49 The Value of Employee Engagement in Fire Departments23:19 The Weight of Leadership and Responsibility25:57 Personal Reflection and the Journey to Authorship30:35 The Courage to Share Personal Stories33:23 The Process of Writing and Publishing a Book36:04 Generational Changes in Leadership and Support40:43 Learning from Adversity and Bad Leadership43:49 The Importance of Fun in Leadership45:59 Servant Leadership: A New Perspective47:09 The Influence of Great Leaders48:12 Adjusting to Leadership Roles53:09 Building a Podcast: Sharing Stories and Growth58:59 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Service01:06:28 End CreditsCarry the Fire by Jason Yerkovich - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Carry+the+Fire+by+Jason+YerkovichBuilt Not Inherited Podcast - https://podcastlink.com/builtnotinheritedFirst Due Project - https://firstdueproject.orgLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jasonyerkovichInstagram - https://instagram.com/jasonyerkovichTikTok - https://tiktok.com/@jasonyerkovich

The conversation delves into the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental wellness in the first responder community. It highlights the After the Signal Project and its impact on addressing PTSD and mental wellness. The discussion also explores the impact of trauma on first responders and emphasizes the importance of mental wellness in the fire service. The conversation highlights the importance of normalizing discussions around mental health and seeking help. It emphasizes the need to create a supportive environment for first responders to address their struggles and seek assistance. The chapters cover the topics of normalizing the conversation and the importance of seeking help and support.TakeawaysBreak the stigmaImportance of mental wellness Normalize the conversationImportance of seeking helpAfterthesignalproject.comhttps://www.instagram.com/after_the_signal_project/https://www.tiktok.com/@afterthesignalprojectChapters00:00 Breaking the Stigma07:10 The After the Signal Project24:50 The Importance of Mental Wellness33:00 Normalizing the Conversation

The conversation delves into the evolving role of EMS in the fire service, addressing cultural attitudes, recruitment challenges, and the causes of burnout. It emphasizes the need for acceptance of the medical field within the fire service and highlights the importance of addressing burnout and mental health issues.TakeawaysEMS is a critical component of the modern fire serviceBurnout in EMS is a significant concernChapters00:00 The Importance of EMS in the Fire Service06:11 Causes of Burnout in EMS

This episode features Tyler Tesch, a Marine Corps veteran and fire service leader, sharing insights on leadership, mentorship, firehouse culture, and the importance of protecting passion in the fire service. Discover practical advice on building brotherhood, fostering accountability, and maintaining operational excellence.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joe Adams, a fire service veteran with over 50 years of experience. Discover his insights on leadership, sacrifice, training, and the realities of the fire ground, including lessons learned from tragedy and the importance of mentorship. Join us for an in-depth conversation with a seasoned fire service professional as he shares insights from over 53 years of experience. Topics include firefighter training standards, department management, safety protocols, and community engagement strategies.

The conversation delves into the challenges of knowledge transfer in the fire service and the journey of Jorge Urrutia in the fire service. It also explores the mission of Station IQ, the importance of accessible training and deliberate leadership, and the role of technology and social media in strengthening the fire service. Additionally, it addresses the leadership gap and the role of Station IQ in providing a platform for training and knowledge sharing. The conversation delves into the birth of Station IQ, the challenges of leadership, the launch of the Station IQ app, and raw advice for firefighters. It explores the use of technology as a tool for development and the importance of effective leadership in the fire service.TakeawaysTechnology and social media can strengthen the fire serviceAccessible training and deliberate leadership are essential for growth Technology as a ToolLeadership and DevelopmentChapters00:00 The Problem of Knowledge Transfer08:38 The Mission of Station IQ14:34 Training and Knowledge Sharing19:34 Leadership Gap and Technology29:24 The Role of Station IQ41:19 The Challenges of Leadership51:21 The Launch of the Station IQ AppFollow and Contact informationEmail:[email protected]:stationiq across all platforms

The conversation delves into the journey of a firefighter, the impact of childhood experiences on career choice, the importance of certifications and education, personal growth and mental wellness, seeking help and recovery, ambiguous loss and psychological presence, and coaching and personal development. The conversation delves into the concepts of vulnerability and courage, highlighting the power of coaching in personal and professional development. It explores the challenges of coaching, the impact of perspective shift, and the role of coaching in the fire service and leadership journey.TakeawaysLeadership and mental healthThe impact of childhood experiences on career choice Vulnerability and CourageThe Power of CoachingChapters00:00 The Journey into the Fire Service06:04 The Importance of Certifications and Education15:54 Seeking Help and Recovery23:31 Ambiguous Loss and Psychological Presence30:46 Coaching and Personal Development37:21 Coaching in the Fire Service and Leadership JourneyFor more information or to contact CJ:Email:[email protected]@cjdickinson.comLinks:cjdickinson.comjenniferanderson.orgb1cfirstresponders.com

The conversation delves into the journey of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need to adapt to different generations. It also explores the impact of generational gaps on leadership and the development of command presence. The conversation covers topics such as crisis management, self-reflection, challenges in the volunteer fire service, leadership development, decline in volunteer firefighters, effective communication, conflict resolution, accountability, handling difficult conversations, and advice for aspiring fire service leaders. Key takeaways include the importance of listening, setting clear expectations, and self-reflection for personal and professional growth.TakeawaysLeadership is built, refined, and passed on, not something one is born with.The importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and the need to adapt to different generations. Listen more than you talkSetting clear expectations is key to effective leadershipSelf-reflection and accountability are crucial for personal and professional growthChapters00:00 The Journey to Leadership06:21 Lessons in Leadership Development13:14 Generational Gaps and Leadership22:21 Emotional Intelligence and Command Presence01:03:39 Advice for Aspiring Fire Service Leaders

The conversation explores the concept of earning a seat at the table in the fire service and the importance of evaluating the value of the table itself. It delves into the significance of credibility, passion, experience, humility, and competence in leadership. The discussion also addresses the impact of echo chambers, healthy disagreement, and the responsibilities of leaders in the fire service.TakeawaysHealthy disagreement leads to growthLeadership requires humility and a mission-first mindsetChapters00:00 The Table Worth Sitting At05:10 Competence and Humility10:13 Gatekeeping vs. Development16:29 Echo Chambers in the Fire Service22:11 Collaboration and Competition27:22 Setting Expectations34:58 Reflecting on Your Career

Scott Hoke, a decorated fire apparatus operator and medic, shares raw, unfiltered insights from a career shaped by fire, family, and personal struggle. He reveals the pivotal moments that transformed him from a self-described "victim" to a leader who understands that true strength comes from owning your flaws, rebuilding yourself, and leading with authenticity—especially when it costs everything.In this candid conversation, Scott dives into the realities of the fire service that many avoid: the toll it takes on mental health, marriage, and self-awareness. You'll discover how personal accountability, vulnerability, and humility are the foundation of effective leadership. We break down lessons learned from living in the firehouse, battling addictions, and how he’s rewriting the narrative on traditional fire service culture—shifting away from the brutal, militaristic "break 'em down to build 'em up" approach toward one rooted in empathy and human connection.Scott candidly discusses the importance of being present for your crew, empowering others by simply listening, and building a legacy that doesn't rely on keeping up appearances but on genuine care. His insights on leadership, including the significance of making quick decisions, owning mistakes, and fostering a supportive team environment, are essential for anyone looking to evolve as a firefighter, officer, or human being.Why does this episode matter? Because unaddressed mental health issues and outdated leadership practices threaten the very fabric of the fire service—and your life. Scott’s story offers a blueprint for transformation that’s practical, relatable, and inspiring. This is not just for firefighters—it’s for anyone navigating the intense pressures of leadership, resilience, and authenticity in high-stakes environments.If you're committed to leading with passion, owning your growth, and changing the culture from within, this episode is your wake-up call. Perfect for new firefighters stepping into leadership and seasoned veterans craving fresh perspective—because the best leaders are those who’ve rebuilt themselves first.Ready to redefine what it means to serve? Hit play and learn from someone who's been through the fire and come out stronger on the other side.