The Baker Podcast

Making the fire service better than you found it.

16: Jeremy Wade

16: Jeremy Wade

Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Jeremy Wade, a retired Seattle police officer, for a powerful conversation on faith, family, and the calling of public safety service on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM (PST) / 7:30 PM (EST). Jeremy, the founder and Executive Director of Mission First Alliance, shares his heart for a national movement that br...

  102 Hits

8: Fire Captain II Erik Scott

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Erik Scott, Los Angeles Fire Captain II/Paramedic and lead Public Information Officer (PIO), for a powerful discussion on firefighter mentorship. This episode explores the critical role of motivation, trust-building, and professional relationships—both within the organization and across the communities fir...

  680 Hits

14: Fire Chief Dennis Compton

14: Fire Chief Dennis Compton

Join Host Christopher Baker and his guest, Fire Chief (Retired) Dennis Compton, as they explore vital leadership lessons, the importance of firefighter mentorship, and the role of succession planning in the fire service. In this episode, they discuss the significance of paying it forward to the next generation and how to make the fire ser...

  297 Hits

13: Fire Captain Forrest Martin

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Join Host Christopher Baker and Fire Captain Forrest Martin for a powerful and inspiring discussion on the Wim Hof Method and the transformational impact of the Wim Hof Breath Protocol. Forrest shares his journey as a disabled veteran and how military service shaped his discipline, mental toughness, and unwavering commitment to service. After ...

  414 Hits

12: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, former U.S. Fire Administrator, for an in-depth discussion on the future of the fire service. This episode will explore how the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) is modernizing fire data and strengthening decision-making nationwide, and the importance of unified...

  432 Hits

11: CPF President Brian K. Rice

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Brian K. Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), for an important conversation on firefighter behavioral health and wellness. Topics will include the value of firefighter mentorship and resources to support the next generation of firefighters. The discussion will also explore strategi...

  374 Hits

10: Fire Chief Damon Covington

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chief Damon Covington of the Oakland Fire Department for an in-depth discussion on career opportunities in public safety with the Oakland Fire Department. The conversation highlights the value of mentorship, developing future leaders from within through succession planning, and recruiting community members...

  305 Hits

9: Director Ken Pimlott

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest CAL FIRE Director (Retired) Ken Pimlott as they discuss the challenges of leadership during a time when wildland fires became more intense and destructive, and fire seasons evolved into a year-round reality. The conversation explores the pressures of leading through escalating risk, limited resources, and ...

  451 Hits

5: Fire Captain II Tim Werle

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Los Angeles City Fire Department (CA) Fire Captain II/Paramedic Tim Werle, as they discuss mentorship in the fire service, practical leadership lessons, and the growing role of GIS and intelligence tools on the modern fireground. Together, they explore how to understand people more deeply—reading personali...

  607 Hits

6: Assistant Chief Rayne Gray

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Buckeye Fire Medical Rescue Department (AZ) Assistant Chief Rayne Gray as we dig into what truly shapes our profession: mentorship, and the constant ebb and flow of leadership changes that test our adaptability and resilience. We talk about the recruitment and retention challenges we're facing in Arizona, and a...

  549 Hits

4: Deputy Director Nick Schuler

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Deputy Director of Communications & Emergency Incident Awareness, Chief Nick Schuler, as they discuss the importance of communication and public information, firefighter mentorship, leadership lessons, and seeking continuous professional development throughout your fire service career. Biography: Chief Schu...

  617 Hits

2: Chief Daniel Berlant

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest California State Fire Marshal, Chief Daniel Berlant, as they discuss the foundation and history of the Office of the State Fire Marshal, firefighter mentorship, and leadership lessons on the importance of communication, customer service, consistency, and trust. We also discuss recruitment and retentio...

  1325 Hits

3: Fire Chief Jason Caughey

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Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Laramie County Fire Authority (WY), Fire Chief Jason Caughey, as they  discuss firefighter mentorship, his internship with the Phoenix Fire Department (AZ), and leadership lessons from Chief Alan V. Brunacini. We also discuss national recruitment and retention issues, as well as volunteer and career o...

  715 Hits

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If you’re interested in being a guest on the show, contact Host Christopher Baker for details.