
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
Keep the Promise
Keep the Promise host TJ shares strategies and tactics to survive - and thrive - on and off the job.
Discover how to fuel your body, mind, and spirit so you can have the energy to perform on scene and to live your best life on your days off.
For almost two decades, TJ worked in all facets of the fire service, and he candidly shares his wins, his losses, and all the lessons learned in the process.
You'll learn:
• how to injure-proof your body
• nutrition and recovery
• physical fitness and mental stamina
• firefighter strategy and tactics
• how to deal with the stresses of the job
• how to be a better firefighter at home
• and how to lead a long and fruitful career where you can make a difference in the lives of others
It's a mix of interviews, special guests, and solo shows you're not going to want to miss. Hit subscribe, and get ready to Keep the Promise you made your community.
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Top 10 Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
![Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters - 062. Addressing Duty Bound Grief: Building Mental Resilience for First Responders [Part 2]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/vv4bp4z2ji5yyee44s9rvp4mha38?.avif)
062. Addressing Duty Bound Grief: Building Mental Resilience for First Responders [Part 2]
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
02/26/25 • 40 min
In this episode of the Keep the Promise podcast, part two of our series with Rachael Belcher, we cover the critical topic of mental health among first responders. With nearly three decades of experience in the fire service and 21 years as a paramedic, Rachael shares her personal journey of overcoming the emotional and physical toll of the profession. The discussion centers around her article, 'Grief on the Front Line: Managing Our Hidden Wounds,' which introduces the concept of 'duty bound grief,' a unique type of grief experienced by first responders. Rachael discusses the importance of building resilience, seeking help, and breaking the stigma around mental health. Key points include recognizing early warning signs of mental health issues, the inefficacy of forced interventions like CISM, and the need for supportive leadership.
You will learn:
- strategies for self-care
- the significance of peer support
- and the steps both individuals and leadership can take to create a healthier work environment for first responders.
00:37 Rachael's Journey to Mental Health Advocacy
00:57 Understanding Duty Bound Grief
01:50 Therapy and Healing Process
05:29 Recognizing and Addressing Warning Signs
12:05 Duty Bound Grief Article Discussion
23:37 Leadership and Mental Health Support
32:27 Advice for Young Firefighters
36:51 Conclusion and Article Information
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
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![Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters - 068. Fires Are The Easiest Part of the Job: Bobby Eckert [Part 1]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/stnv2qfdlzrdxnr603qgox1msp3d?.avif)
068. Fires Are The Easiest Part of the Job: Bobby Eckert [Part 1]
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
05/21/25 • 33 min
In this raw and real conversation, Bobby Eckert opens up about his roots, leadership, and the gut-punch layoff that nearly derailed it all. From childhood drills to navigating Camden’s chaos, this is a story about resilience, fatherhood, and the drive that keeps him going even when they try to take away the uniform.
What You’ll Learn:
- What growing up with a fire chief dad taught Bobby about leading with integrity
- How layoffs nearly ended his career - and why he came back stronger
- The firehouse smells, sights, and lessons you never forget
- A leadership style built on trust, distance, and letting your crew figure it out
- Why empathy and public trust are core to serving - even on “BS” calls
If you’re a firefighter who wants to lead with grit, bounce back from setbacks, and serve with heart — this one’s for you.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

017. High Hopes: Exploring Medical Marijuana in the Fire Service
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
06/07/23 • 43 min
In a thought-provoking and enlightening episode of Keep the Promise, I sit down once again with Stephanie White, host of the Five After Midnight podcast. This time, our focus is on a topic that sparks both curiosity and controversy within the fire service: medical marijuana.
Stephanie and I dive deep into the discussion, shedding light on the potential benefits of medical marijuana as a safer alternative to alcohol and opioids. We uncover intriguing facts, that highlight its promising potential for pain management and stress relief among firefighters.
But our conversation doesn't stop there. We explore how cannabis can play a crucial role in helping firefighters transition from the intense fight-or-flight mode that accompanies multiple shifts at the firehouse. Stephanie shares her valuable insights on the importance of departments establishing clear policies regarding medical marijuana use, ensuring accountability among firefighters and safeguarding the privileges granted.
Join us for an episode that challenges preconceptions, encourages open dialogue, and provides a nuanced perspective on an evolving topic within the fire service. Discover how medical marijuana can be an avenue for improved well-being and enhanced mental health for firefighters, while also recognizing the responsibility we have to protect this privilege for ourselves and future generations.
Read Stephanie's writing on Fire Engineering
Follow along on Instagram
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
![Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters - 065. The Trauma Doesn’t Retire: FDNY’s Rob Cefoli on Healing After the Job [Part 1]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/g8w0eh305x36bxa5289zy83hvo60?.avif)
065. The Trauma Doesn’t Retire: FDNY’s Rob Cefoli on Healing After the Job [Part 1]
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
04/09/25 • 40 min
Retired FDNY Captain Rob Cefoli spent 20 years on the job—and now he’s reshaping how firefighters recover, rebuild, and stay resilient. In this episode, Rob dives into:
- His journey with PTSD and finding TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)
- Running the FDNY Health & Fitness Unit
- Why TRE is now part of academy training
- Creating Fyr Tribe for firefighter mental health
- Helping retirees heal from years of service
This one’s raw, real, and packed with actionable tools for every firefighter, from rookies to retirees.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

014. Getting Along With Females in the Firehouse: Lessons from Stephanie White
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
04/26/23 • 77 min
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Stephanie White, a seasoned firefighter with almost two decades of experience in the field. We tackle crucial topics that affect the fire service community such as:
- gender-based discrimination
- the challenges of transitioning from the firehouse to everyday life
- the need to deescalate you mind
Stephanie doesn't hold back as she candidly discusses the realities of being a female firefighter in a male-dominated industry. Drawing from her own experiences, she sheds light on the challenges and discrimination that females face in the firehouse, and provides practical advice on how to navigate and overcome these obstacles. Her empowering perspective and unwavering determination to break gender barriers in the fire service will inspire and resonate with firefighters of all genders.
But the conversation doesn't stop there. We delve into other pertinent issues, such as the impact of marijuana on the fire service and how to deal with toxic behavior within a shift. Stephanie's wealth of experience and knowledge make for a thought-provoking discussion that delves deep into these important topics.
In addition to her expertise as a firefighter, Stephanie also hosts her own podcast, The Five After Midnight, where she shares her stories and insights on life as a firefighter. Her passion for the fire service and commitment to making positive changes shine through in this powerful episode.
Join us as we tackle these important conversations with honesty, vulnerability, and a shared goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive fire service community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain invaluable insights on how to foster a more inclusive and harmonious firehouse environment. Hit play, listen in, and be inspired to keep the promise you made to your community and fellow firefighters.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
![Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters - 026. Anxiety is a Paper Tiger: Dave Smith's Journey of Transformation [Part 2]](https://storage.buzzsprout.com/cp9dtrzhxpu513fvj2leczsdv1r9?.avif)
026. Anxiety is a Paper Tiger: Dave Smith's Journey of Transformation [Part 2]
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
10/11/23 • 59 min
Welcome back to the second installment of our gripping two-part series with Dave Smith, a firefighter and mental health advocate. In Part 1, we delved into Dave's journey from volunteer firefighter to Technician in Washington DC, exploring the challenges he faced and the pivotal moment when he decided to seek help through the IAFF's Center for Excellence.
In Part 2, we continue our captivating conversation with Dave as he takes us behind the scenes of his experiences at the Center for Excellence. Join us for an intimate look at the transformative moments that unfolded within those hallowed walls and the profound impact they had on his life.
Dave opens up about the deep connections he formed with fellow participants, sharing stories of resilience, hope, and the power of peer support. We'll learn how the Center for Excellence equipped him with invaluable tools and coping strategies that have not only helped him heal but have also guided him in becoming a beacon of hope for others within the firefighting community.
But the journey doesn't end there. Dave's passion for horseback riding and photography is a testament to his commitment to maintaining a balanced life amidst the challenges of firefighting. Discover how these pursuits have played a crucial role in his ongoing journey towards wellness and self-discovery.
We'll also revisit Dave's advocacy work and explore the progress he's made in his mission to destigmatize mental health within the fire service. As he candidly shares the highs and lows of his advocacy journey, you'll gain insight into the resilience required to confront adversity and push for meaningful change.
This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit, the bonds that unite firefighters, and the unwavering commitment to "Keep the Promise" to their communities and themselves. Join us as we conclude Dave Smith's remarkable story of transformation, healing, and hope.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

029. From Day One to Year One: Our Journey of Growth
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
11/22/23 • 16 min
This episode of the Keep the Promise podcast marks an incredible milestone - our one-year anniversary! Today we're taking a journey down memory lane to celebrate a year of transformation, community impact, and remarkable growth.
In this episode, we reflect on the personal transformations that have shaped our journey over the past year. I'll share the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the ways this podcast has evolved since its inception.
We'll also shine a spotlight on the positive impact we've made on our community. From charitable donations to the lives we've touched, it's a testament to the power of our collective commitment as firefighters.
But it's not just about us; it's about you, our listeners. We'll feature inspiring stories of transformation from within our community, showcasing how Keep the Promise has played a role in your personal and professional growth.
We've witnessed the growth of a tight-knit firefighter community brought together by this podcast, and we'll explore the incredible connections that have formed among our listeners.
Of course, it hasn't been all smooth sailing. We'll also talk about the challenges and triumphs we've faced in the world of podcasting and how they've contributed to our growth.
As we look ahead to the future, we'll discuss our goals and ambitions for Keep the Promise in year two, including the exciting plans we have in store for our listeners.
This episode is a heartfelt thank-you to each and every one of you who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your dedication to the promise you've made to your communities is an inspiration, and we're honored to be on this journey with you.
Join us in celebrating one year strong, and let's continue to keep the promise we made to ourselves, our communities, and each other. Thank you for being a part of our firefighter family.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

006. Navigating Life After a Line of Duty Death: A Conversation with Andy Hoffman
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
01/04/23 • 151 min
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Andy Hoffman to discuss his experience, and ours, with life after a line of duty death. We talk about:
- the challenges we faced in the immediate aftermath
- the impact on our relationships
- the fire department's response to the incident
We also delve into the ways we have learned to cope with grief and move forward. This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced loss or is looking for insights on how to support fellow firefighters through difficult times. Tune in now to gain valuable perspective and strategies for healing and resilience.
This episode covers a difficult topic. If you are feeling particularly sensitive or vulnerable at the moment, you may want to consider skipping this episode or listening with caution.
It's important to take care of ourselves and each other, and if you or someone you know is struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the IAFF center for excellence is available at 855-900-8437
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

023. The Path Less Taken: Reshaping Your Fire Service Journey with Nick Lindsay
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
08/30/23 • 60 min
Keep the Promise dives into a riveting episode that uncovers the journey of Nick Lindsay, a firefighter who dared to make an unconventional move from a prestigious department to a smaller, lesser-known one. Join host TJ as he unravels Nick's inspiring story of embracing change and finding a new sense of purpose within the fire service.
🔥 Tune in to explore the highs and lows of Nick's path as he navigated the uncharted territory of transitioning from a well-regarded firefighting powerhouse to a smaller, tight-knit department. Discover the challenges he encountered, the doubts he overcame, and the determination that fueled his journey.
🚒 Unearth the hidden gems within Nick's experience—how skills from his previous role proved invaluable, and how lessons learned from prestigious beginnings shaped his approach to the unique challenges of a smaller department. His story paints a vivid picture of adaptability and resilience.
💪 Through this episode, you'll gain profound insights into the nuances of overcoming skepticism, earning respect, and forging camaraderie within a new firefighting community. Nick's unwavering commitment to his values shines through as he explains the truths behind career-defining choices.
🛤️ Join us as we take a transformative journey alongside Nick Lindsay, a firefighter who dared to veer from the well-trodden path, carving his own trail towards purpose and fulfillment. Keep the Promise invites you to step into the world of change, growth, and embracing the power of authenticity within the fire service.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

022. Turning the Tables - The Catalyst Behind Keep the Promise
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters
08/16/23 • 61 min
Are you ready to experience a switch in the spotlight? In this special episode of Keep the Promise, your host TJ steps out from behind the microphone and takes a seat on the other side as Mike Nasti of Tip of the Spear assumes the role of interviewer. Get ready for an engaging and insightful conversation that delves deep into the origins, aspirations, and heart of the podcast that's been fueling the fire service community!
Join us as Mike interviews TJ about the driving force behind Keep the Promise. We journey back to the podcast's humble beginnings, exploring the catalyst that sparked its creation. Dive into the heartwarming story of how a firefighter with over a decade of experience decided to share his wins, losses, and most importantly, his invaluable lessons learned to uplift and empower fellow firefighters.
🔥 Community: The Lifeblood of Keep the Promise 🔥
Discover the essence of the Keep the Promise community, where listeners are more than just passive participants – they're a passionate tribe united by a shared oath of service. Explore how this podcast goes beyond the headphones, creating a space for current and aspiring firefighters to connect, learn, and grow together. As Mike and TJ engage in a lighthearted banter, you'll understand why this community is a cornerstone of the show's success.
🌟 Legacy, Mentorship, and Leadership: A Fireside Chat 🌟
Legacy, mentorship, and leadership take center stage as Mike and TJ share their perspectives on what it truly means to make a lasting impact. Listen in as they exchange stories that inspire and underscore the importance of leaving a positive mark on the fire service world. With their combined wealth of experience, they reveal the secrets to fostering relationships that propel growth and excellence within the ranks.
🚒 Beyond the Uniform: Unveiling the Multi-Dimensional Firefighter 🚒
TJ, usually the interviewer, opens up about the multidimensional nature of being a firefighter. As we explore the depths of identity beyond the uniform, Mike's insightful questions unearth the layers that make a firefighter whole. From personal growth to mental resilience, this episode breaks down the barriers between duty and self-discovery.
🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!
>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters have?
Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters currently has 68 episodes available.
What topics does Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters cover?
The podcast is about Nutrition, Management, Resilience, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Recovery, Business, Firefighter and Strategy.
What is the most popular episode on Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters?
The episode title '003. Caffeine, Chili Dogs, and Vegans - Amy Goldsmith, RDN, LDN' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters?
The average episode length on Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters is 47 minutes.
How often are episodes of Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters released?
Episodes of Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters?
The first episode of Keep the Promise Podcast - Building Resilient and Well-rounded Firefighters was released on Nov 7, 2022.
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