The Baker Podcast

Making the fire service better than you found it.

12: Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell

The Baker Podcast

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...

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The Value of Firefighter Mentorship

Firefighter Mentorship (Image Credits: Author)

Mentorship is vital to the future succession planning of the fire service. Everyone can positively benefit from having a mentor. Mentorship is how we bring continuous improvement to our profession. There is value in having an established advisor in your life to offer you counsel and guidance throughout your career. I have immensely benefited from t...

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7: Fire Chaplain Jim Cook

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Join host Christopher Baker and guest Fire Chaplain Jim Cook as they discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the fire service. This episode covers the work of the California Fire Chaplain Association, the Federation of Fire Chaplains, and the importance of maintaining work-life balance in such a demanding profession.  As we enter the h...

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Building the Unbreakable Firefighter

Building the Unbreakable Firefighter Building the Unbreakable Firefighter

If you quit you will regret it for the rest of your life. Quitting never makes things easier. - Admiral William H. McRaven Entry Level Hiring Process During this episode, host Chris Baker discusses the application phase of the entry-level future firefighter recruitment process and how to be an unbreakable candidate as you progress through the ...

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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...

  152 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...

  129 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 ...

  291 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...

  470 Hits

Leading Throughout Probation and Beyond in the Fire Service

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From our first day in the fire service, we have the opportunity to be a leader and lead throughout probation and well beyond, until long after our retirement. This article is not a perfect recipe or a golden ticket to passing probation. It takes more than a list of rules to be successful in passing probation. Ultimately, the responsibility of passi...

  978 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...

  451 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...

  388 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...

  482 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...

  1164 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...

  576 Hits

The Value of Education in the Fire Service

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This show is in memory of Fire Chief (Retired) Alan V. Brunacini (April 18, 1937 – October 15, 2017) and Chief (Retired) Dr. Harry R. Carter, FIFireE, CFO (July 29, 1947 – Jun 17, 2022). In this encore presentation from The Future Firefighter Podcast, Host Christopher Baker speaks to Dr. Harry R. Carter about the value of education in the fire...

  580 Hits

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