The Baker Podcast
Making the fire service better than you found it.
The Future Firefighter Podcast
Editor-in-Chief, Fire Engineering Magazine, Conference Director, FDIC Conference Director, Chief (Retired) Bobby Halton at (FDIC) 2019 | (Image Credits: Author).
Fully Involved Instructor, Fire Captain (Retired) Mark VonAppen (L), Chief (Retired) Bobby Halton (C) at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) 2015 | (Image Credits: Author).
In December 2017, I was given an incredible opportunity by my mentor, the late Chief Bobby Halton, to create and host The Future Firefighter Podcast on Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio, focused on firefighter mentorship.
From January 2018 through June 2022, I had the privilege of highlighting mentorship in 41 episodes, featuring many mentors who helped shape my journey. By November 2023, the podcast reached 194,696 listens and downloads.
The final episode was especially meaningful—a memorial honoring my friend and mentor, the late Dr. Harry R. Carter. In that episode, we discussed the value of education in the fire service, reflecting on a conversation we shared at FDIC on April 27, 2018.
Mentorship is essential. Every member of a department—from recruits to senior firefighters—benefits from both having a mentor and serving as one. Strong mentorship builds stronger firefighters, stronger teams, and stronger departments.
As of April 2026, The Future Firefighter Podcast has helped 72 candidates secure full-time positions in the fire service.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the fire service, please share this. Mentorship matters.
Fire Engineering Blog Talk Radio
The Future Firefighter Podcast discusses the importance of implementing a plan and the process of becoming a firefighter through mentorship by engaging the future members of the fire service in a positive way. This podcast discusses the importance of planning for success mentally, emotionally, and physically.
(Image Credits: Author).
(Image Credits: Author).
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