Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast
Society & Culture
About
Listen in on the true stories of the first responders from the Chicagoland area and across the country as they tell the story in their own words. Get a peek behind the curtain of the men and women who show up on your worst day sometimes risking their own lives in process. Unscripted and heartfelt a podcast of Chicagos bravest stories.
Episodes
- Episode 82 Pt 2: Medal of Valor recipient Gino Casciola and crew from the Addison Fire Dept. Lt. Ralph Holdridge, Lt. Eric Medernach and FF/PM Louie DiGioia
Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast features Medal of Valor recipient Gino Casciola and crew from Addison Fire Dept. In Episode 82 Pt 2, they recount a commercial structure fire on May 21, 2025, where FF Casciola made multiple entries to res…
- Episode 82 Pt 1: Medal of Valor recipient Gino Casciola and crew from the Addison Fire Dept. Lt. Ralph Holdridge, Lt. Eric Medernach and FF/PM Louie DiGioia
In Episode 82 Pt 1, members of the Addison Fire Dept., including FF Gino Casciola, Lt. Ralph Holdridge, Lt. Eric Medernach, and FF/PM Louie DiGioia, discuss a structure fire on May 21, 2025. Firefighters from E71 and E72 were disoriented b…
- Episode 81 part 2 : Lt. Bob Opiola member of The Chicago fire department and special guest host Lt. Josh Hill with the Frontline Mortgage Team
In part two of episode 81, Lt. Bob Opiola discusses lessons learned from close calls during his 17 years with the Chicago Fire Department. Lt. Josh Hill of the Frontline Mortgage Team serves as a guest host.
- Episode 81: with Lt. Bob Opiola member of The Chicago fire department and special guest host Lt. Josh Hill with the Frontline Mortgage Team
In this episode of Chicago's Bravest Stories, Lt. Bob Opiola discusses his 17 years with the Chicago Fire Department and recounts lessons learned from close calls. Lt. Josh Hill from the Frontline Mortgage Team joins as a guest host.
- Episode 80: retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief Bill Shatz and daughter Firefighter/EMT Becca Schatz pt 2
This episode features retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief Bill Schatz, who began his career in 1965, and his daughter Becca Schatz, a firefighter and EMT. They share their family's history with the CFD, noting Becca is a third-g…
- Episode 80: retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief Bill Shatz and daughter Firefighter/EMT Becca Schatz pt 1
Retired Chicago Fire Department District Chief Bill Shatz, who started in 1965, talks about history with his daughter, Firefighter/EMT Becca Schatz, a third-generation firefighter.
- Episode 79: Bob Dodovich retired Lt. from Chicago Fire departments Squad 2 and Clay Whiteley from episode 64
Retired Lieutenant Bob Dodovich from the Chicago Fire Department's Squad 2 recounts his experience surviving a fall through the roof of a currency exchange. Clay Whiteley from episode 64 is also mentioned.
- Chicagoland 1800 board up episode 78: former State Fire Marshall Matt Perez , Nate Rice Peoria FD and John Koch Joliet FD
Chicago
- Roll call episode from chicagoland 1-800-boardup: from the Gurnee Mills Fire Expo retired Capt Kevin Calhoun FDNY with Tunnels to Towers Foundation
The Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast interviews Trudy Maatta, organizer of the Gurnee Mills first responder expo, and retired FDNY Captain Kevin Calhoun. Calhoun, a 9/11 survivor, shares information about the Tunnels to Towers Foundation'…
- Episode 77: Richard Stack, Matt Berk and Joe Keenan of the Southside fools pt 2
In this episode of Chicago's Bravest Stories, Richard Stack, Matt Berk, and Joe Keenan discuss the Southside FOOLS organization and the upcoming Mac a Palooza training event scheduled for October 4th.
- Episode 77: Richard Stack, Matt Berk and Joe Keenan of the Southside fools pt 1
Richard Stack, Matt Berk, and Joe Keenan from the Southside FOOLS discuss their organization and the upcoming Mac a Palooza training event scheduled for October 4th at the Calumet City Public Training Center.
- Episode 76: Pt 2 The financial episode with real estate investor Alex Moore and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Chris Bauchle
In Pt 2 of this episode, Vince and Josh Hill speak with firefighter/real estate investor Alex Moore and firefighter/CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Chris Bauchle about strategies for growing income into wealth for the future.
- Episode 77: Mike Rossi from Des Plaines FD and Carson Zastrow from Arlington Heights FD promote FIRE & ICE hockey Charity Tournament Aug 2 2025
Mike Rossi of Des Plaines FD and Carson Zastrow of Arlington Heights FD promote the FIRE & ICE charity hockey tournament scheduled for August 2, 2025. The event aims to raise money for charities including the 100 Club of Illinois and Shiel…
- Episode 76: Pt 1 The financial episode with real estate investor Alex Moore and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Chris Bauchle
Real estate investor Alex Moore and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Chris Bauchle, who are also urban firefighters, discuss strategies for growing money into wealth over time.
- Roll Call with Jose Perez: " Im walking out of here" Jose is a Chicago firefighter/Paramedic who was paralyzed during a triathlon in San Francisco
Jose Perez, a Chicago firefighter and paramedic, is undergoing rehabilitation in Colorado after becoming paralyzed during a triathlon in San Francisco. He spoke with Vince about his boxing and firefighting career, expressing thanks to his…
- Episode 75: Nick Bostic pt 2 pizza delivery guy turned hero
In part two of his story, guest Nick Bostic describes rescuing three girls from a house fire. He recounts entering the burning building and later jumping from a second-story window while carrying a child. Co-hosts Josh Hill and Damien Cupp…
- Episode 75: Pt1 with Nick Bostic, Nick is the pizza delivery guy turned hero after he rescued 4 girls from a house fire
In Episode 75, Part 1, Nick Bostic recounts rescuing three girls from a burning house and then jumping from a second-story window with a child. Co-hosts Josh Hill and Damien Cuppello, along with Vince, speak with Bostic.
- Episode 74: with Ron Rufo retired Chicago Police Officer and author of "Breaking the barriers"
Retired Chicago Police Officer Ron Rufo, author of "Breaking the Barriers," discusses first responder mental health and wellness with Vince.
- Episode 73 Jimmy Scharnhorst Pt 2" never miss an opportunity to shut the f***k up"
This episode features Jimmy Scharnhorst, a Chicagoland institution since 1979. This is the second part of his appearance on the Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast.
- Episode 73 Jimmy Scharnhorst Pt 1 " never miss an opportunity to shut the f***k up"
Jimmy Scharnhorst, an institution in the Chicagoland fire service since 1979, shares his experiences in the first part of his interview on Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast.
- Episode 72: Pt2 with Max Austin retired Cicero lieutenant
The episode features the conclusion of a mayday incident experienced by retired Cicero Fire Department Lieutenant Max Austin shortly before his retirement. It also covers his encounter with the late rapper Coolio.
- Episode 72 : Pt 1 with retired Cicero Firefighter Max Austin
Retired Cicero firefighter Max Austin discusses his two decades of service with the department in this episode of Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast.
- Episode 71: Part 2 w/ actor David Eigenberg from the TV show Chicago Fire
David Eigenberg, who portrays Christopher Herrmann on Chicago Fire and previously played Steve on Sex and the City, is interviewed on the Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast.
- Episode 71: Part 1 w/ actor David Eigenberg from the TV show Chicago Fire
Actor David Eigenberg, known for his roles as Christopher Herrmann in Chicago Fire and Steve in Sex and the City, was interviewed on the Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast.
- Episode 70: Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken from the Finley forever foundation Pt2
In this episode of Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast, Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken discuss the Finley Forever Foundation. The foundation supports children and families affected by cancer, named after Dan's daughter Finley.
- Episode 70: Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken from the Finley forever foundation Pt1
Chief Rich Stack and Capt. Dan Bracken share information about the Finley Forever Foundation. The organization provides financial support and other assistance to children and families impacted by cancer, honoring Dan's daughter Finley.
- Episode 69: Pt. 2 W/ AFFI president Chuck Sullivan and Vice President Luke Howieson
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois president Chuck Sullivan and vice president Luke Howieson discuss the ongoing battle concerning Tier 1 and Tier 2 memberships, impacting public servant pensions and retirement in Illinois.
- Episode 69: AFFI president Chuck Sullivan and Vice President Luke Howieson
Chuck Sullivan and Luke Howieson of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois discuss the current challenges with tier 1 and tier memberships, emphasizing the direct effect on public servant pensions and retirement in Illinois.
- Episode 68 : Pt2 with FF/PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire/ Riverwoods FD
Alex Nunez, a former collegiate athlete and professional arena football player, discusses his transition to the Lincolnshire/Riverwoods Fire Department. He shares insights into the training and preparation that contributed to a successful…
- Episode 68 : Pt1 with FF/PM Alex Nunez of the Lincolnshire/ Riverwoods FD
In this episode, Steve and Vince host Alex Nunez, a firefighter/paramedic with the Lincolnshire/Riverwoods Fire Department. Nunez, a former collegiate athlete and arena football player, recounts a recent successful rescue, emphasizing the…
- Episode 67: Pt 2 Dave Hoppe ,Steve Brandt and Phil Zaleski from children's burn camp "Camp I am Me"
Dave Hoppe, Steven Brandt, and Phil Zaleski joined the Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast to discuss the work of "Camp I am me," a burn camp dedicated to children.
- Episode 67: Dave Hoppe ,Steve Brandt and Phil Zaleski from the children's burn camp "Camp I am Me"
Guests Dave Hoppe, Steven Brandt, and Phil Zaleski from "Camp I am me" joined the Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast to discuss the work being done for children at the burn camp.
- Episode 66: Pt2 Captain Al Ortiz former pro boxer and member of the Chicago Fire Department
This episode features Captain Al Ortiz, a former professional boxer and current member of the Chicago Fire Department. He discusses his transition from boxing to becoming a CFD Captain and his new ownership of the Battle Of the Badges.
- Episode 66: Pt 1 Capt Al Ortiz, pro boxer and owner of Chicago Battle Of the Badges
Captain Al Ortiz, a member of the Chicago Fire Department and the new owner of Chicago Battle Of the Badges, shares his life story, detailing his transition from a career as a professional boxer to becoming a CFD Captain.
- Episode 65: Pt 2 Ron Sarno survivor of the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire 1958
Ron Sarno, who survived the 1958 "Our Lady of The Angels" fire at age 10, shares his story of overcoming addiction and mental health issues after losing his brother and sister in the tragedy. He is now sober and a grandfather, exemplifying…
- Episode 65: Pt 1 Ron Sarno survivor of the "Our Lady of The Angels" fire 1958
Ron Sarno, who was 10 when he survived the 1958 Our Lady of the Angels fire losing his brother and sister, recounts his subsequent struggles with addiction and mental health before achieving sobriety and becoming a grandfather.
- Episode 64: Lt. Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd Pt 2
Lt. Clay Whiteley, commander of training for the Chicago Fire Department, and instructor Mike Winograd share insights from their work at Quinn Fire Academy and their assignment to T20, known as "America's truck," in Englewood.
- Episode 64: Lt. Clay Whiteley and Mike Winograd Pt 1
Lt. Clay Whiteley, commander of training for the Chicago Fire Department, and instructor Mike Winograd are interviewed. They discuss their work at the Quinn Fire Academy and their assignment to T20 "America's truck" in Englewood.
- Episode 63: Part 2 with Pat Kehoe and Billy "hitman" Heenan
Billy "Hitman" Heenan welcomes retired Battalion Chief Pat Kehoe back to Chicago's Bravest Stories. Kehoe served 36 years with the Chicago Fire Department.
- Episode 63: Part 1 with Pat Kehoe and Billy "hitman" Heenan
In Part 1 of Episode 63 of Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast, retired Battalion Chief Pat Kehoe discusses his 36-year career with the Chicago Fire Department. He is joined by Billy "Hitman" Heenan.
- Episode 62: Part 2 with Tony Ferraris Firefighter with Squad 2 and actor on the TV show Chicago Fire
Tony Ferraris, a Chicago Firefighter with Squad 2 and actor on "Chicago Fire," shares a story about a dangerous situation on the west side of the city and discusses his experiences related to the TV show.
- Episode 62: Part 1 with Tony Ferraris Firefighter with Squad 2 and actor on the TV show Chicago Fire
Tony Ferraris, a Chicago firefighter and actor on the TV show "Chicago Fire", discusses a dangerous incident on the city's west side and the role luck played in his casting.
- Roll Call with Kory Pearn publisher of CRACKYL Magazine
Kory Pearn, publisher of CRACKYL Magazine and a career firefighter, discusses his initiative to support the first responder community through the magazine, focusing on firefighter lifestyle and health.
- Episode 61: Juan Gonzales recipient of the State Fire Marshal Medal of Honor 2022
In Episode 61, hosts Steve and Vince speak with Juan Gonzales, an eight-year member of the Chicago Fire Department and Army Veteran. Gonzales was awarded the State Fire Marshal Medal of Honor for his bravery during a fire on February 21st,…
- Episode 60: Blue Island Chief and Marine Corp veteran Joey Olson Pt 2
In Part 2, Blue Island Fire Chief Joey Olson shares experiences from his service in the Iraq War as a Marine and his subsequent career in the fire service.
- Episode 60: Blue Island Chief and Marine Corp veteran Joey Olson Pt 1
Chief Joey Olson of Blue Island discusses his experiences serving as a Marine in the Iraq War and his subsequent career in the fire service. This episode is the first part of his conversation.
- Episode 59: YOU FOUND HIM, Brian Quinn FDNY who had a rescue of a woman dangling from the 16th floor
Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast features Brian Quinn of FDNY discussing a roof rope rescue of a woman on September 1, 2020. Quinn, located via listener assistance, saved a woman who was pushed from her apartment onto the 16th floor ledge.
- Episode 58: origin and cause PT 2 with OFI Director of training Billy Granat
In Episode 58, Vince and Corey are joined by Billy Granat, Director of Training for a large city's Office of Fire Investigation, to discuss investigations.
- Episode 58: origin and cause PT 1 with OFI Director of training Billy Granat
In this episode, Billy Granat, Director of Training for a large city's Office of Fire Investigation, joins hosts Vince and Corey to discuss investigations. This is the first part of a series titled 'Origin and Cause'.
- Episode 57: state of Illinois Medal of Honor recipient Kyle Haemker from the Bradley FD
Kyle Haemker and Drew Walters from Bradley FD are interviewed about Kyle's Medal of Honor award. He received the Illinois state fire marshal Medal of Honor for saving an elderly man from a vehicle in a pond on December 14th, 2022.