Dragon's Den
History
About
A firefighter podcast with 2 main purposes: 1.) To have fun, and possibly educational, conversations with retired and veteran members of the fire service from the South Louisiana area. The goal will be to preserve some of the history of the fire service and have them share funny stories and interesting experiences. 2.) To talk to other members of the fire service about more serious topics in the fire service. Leadership, training, fitness, discipline, service and any other topics that the guest would find important to share. We hope you enjoy the conversations as much as we enjoy making them.
Episodes
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 38 (Dennis Reilly) Leaving It Better
Chief Dennis Reilly is featured on Dragon's Den Podcast, sharing stories from his career and insights on establishing a recruit academy. The discussion covers various subjects and experiences.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 37 (Dustin Yates) LIFT and The Louisiana Firefighters Foundation
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, host interviews Dustin Yates, St. George mayor and president of the Louisiana Firefighters Foundation. Yates discusses the LIFT Conference's early days and current projects of the foundation.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 36 (Joe Mera) A Fireman's Fire Chief
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, host interviews recently retired Fire Chief Joe Mera. The discussion expands beyond the initial topic of the One Bad Tour training program to include a speech Mera gave to candidates, highlighti…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 35 (Reilly & Cotter) The Debrief #4
In Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 35, hosts Colin Cotter and Reilly Kilbride discuss a successful venture. The episode aims to share their experience for listeners who may face similar situations.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 34 (Gavin Reynolds) Setting the Bar of "Professional" Fireman
This episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast features Gavin Reynolds, a volunteer firefighter with seven years of experience. Reynolds, a former Marine and decorated program graduate, shares his perspective on what it means to be a professiona…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 33 (Miller and Lloyd) Founding the Oklahoma Smoke Diver Program
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 33 features Bryan Lloyd and Chad Miller discussing the founding, challenges, and impact of the Oklahoma Smoke Diver program on the fire service.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 32 (Kevin Lewis) Culture Building on the Ground Floor
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, Kevin Lewis shares insights on building a culture from the ground up, focusing on the creation and growth of the Cobb County Search Program. He details its mission, initial challenges, achieveme…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 31 (Todd "Shakey" Bourgeois) The Best Job in The World
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 31 features a highly requested and respected local guest, Todd "Shakey" Bourgeois. The episode includes a three-hour discussion on his approach to work, fire stories, and other topics.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 30 (Thai Guidry) From the Corps to the Call
Thai Guidry, a company officer and native of Lafayette Parish, is featured on the Dragon's Den podcast. The episode highlights his character, respect for family, and commitment to challenging himself, referencing his military background.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 29 (Joel Miller) Who IS Chief Miller?!?
In episode 29 of the Dragon's Den Podcast, host interviews Joel Miller, a federal fire Chief and prominent social media figure. They discuss various aspects of the fire service, including social media, recruitment, training, and department…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 28 (Meg and Aaron Kowal) Culture, Training and Firefighter Marriage
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 28 features Aaron and Meg Kowal, a firefighter couple from St. George, Louisiana. They share insights on department culture, training, the LIFT conference, and their marriage.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 27 (One Bad Tour #9 Recap)
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, hosts recap their experience in One Bad Tour, Class 9. They focus on their preparation, nutrition, and mindset throughout the program, offering a recommendation despite intentionally keeping som…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 26 (Small Town Conference Super-Cut on Outside Training)
Dragon's Den Podcast Episode 26 compiles clips from fire service professionals discussing the importance and value of outside training, sharing personal anecdotes to encourage participation in non-departmental training.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 25 (Stolzle, Lopez, Smith) Smoke Diving and the Never-ending Pursuit of Excellence
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 25 features Mississippi Smoke Divers Jacob Stolzle, Donald Smith, and Ian Lopez discussing their experiences with the smoke diving programs and their significance.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 24 (Jacob Johnson) The Pearland Way
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, Chief Jacob Johnson discusses the innovative training and culture within the Pearland Fire Department, highlighting their commitment to operational readiness.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 23 (Nick Ledin) Firefighter Rescue Survey & Data Driven Decision Making
In this episode of the Dragons' Den podcast, host Nick Ledin shares his background and involvement with the Firefighter Rescue Survey. The discussion also touches on data-driven decision-making, social media, and the pursuit of truth.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 22 (Hannah Elmore) IAFF Center of Excellence (Ft. Clint Sanchez)
This episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast features Hannah Elmore from the IAFF Center of Excellence and former participant Chief Clint Sanchez. They discuss the center's treatment for firefighters facing addiction and mental health challeng…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 21 (Matt Berkins) Leadership, Special Forces & Creating Change
Matt Berkins, a former US Army Ranger and CIA contractor who is now a firefighter, shares his experiences with leadership and training on the Dragon's Den Podcast.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 20 (Preston Lyons) Passion and The Relentless Rejects
This episode of the Dragon's Den podcast features Preston Lyons, a Colorado firefighter and host of the Relentless Rejects podcast. Lyons shares insights on culture, leadership, and personal development, drawing from his experience as a Na…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 19 (McVey & Chacon) Mission, Mentors and Mississippi FOOLS
Jacob McVey and Marcos Chacon discuss the formation of Old South and Coastal Magnolia FOOLS chapters, focusing on brotherhood, recent training events, and future plans. The episode also touches upon their professional roles and commitment…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 18 (Spanka and Shetler) Oklahoma Smoke Divers Adversity and Perseverance
Justin Spanka and Caleb Shetler share their journey of completing the Oklahoma Smoke Diver program, including overcoming initial setbacks. They are the first from Virginia to achieve this distinction through the Georgia, Indiana, or Oklaho…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 17 (Shannon and DJ Stone) THE 850 Firemen
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, host interviews Fire Chiefs Shannon and DJ Stone. They discuss the founding of 850 Firemen, the importance of training, and their experiences with PTSD and mentorship in the fire service.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 16 (Dennis Reilly) Expectations and Tactical Excellence
Chief Dennis Reilly, with over 50 years of experience including combat deployment and responding to 9/11, discusses his career and the fire service job on the Dragon's Den Podcast.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 15 (Chris Watson) Culture of Competence
In Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 15, host interviews Chris Watson, an engineer with the Crestview Fire Department and an 8-year Navy veteran. Watson shares his extensive experience in the fire service and discusses the culture of competence.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 14 (Jimmy Gregory) Cobb County Search Culture
Lt. Jimmy Gregory, a veteran with 17 years in fire service and military experience, joins the Dragon's Den Podcast. He shares insights from his role as the Lead Instructor for the Cobb County Recruit Search School.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 13 (David Pruitt: Live Fire Acquired)
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 13 features Chief David Pruitt, who has served 23 years in Emergency Management and Innovations for Hillsboro, Texas. He discusses his passion for the fire service, acquired structures, and training.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 12 (The Debrief #3 with Shane Murray)
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, Shane Murray shares his experience conducting a solo victim search during a low-manpower fire incident. He details the situation and the lessons learned from the rescue.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 11 (Ragan Underwood) LIFT, Training & Maydays
Captain Ragan Underwood, Training Officer for the St. George Fire Department, shares his experiences on the Dragon's Den Podcast. Topics include LIFT, training with Insight Fire Training, and a Mayday incident during a training exercise.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 10 (Mike Dragon) Fitness for the Service & Life
Deputy Chief Mike Dragon, whose name is actually Dragon, joins the Dragon's Den Podcast to discuss his dedication to fitness. The conversation also explores his father's impact on his fire service path and his personal family life.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 9 (The Debrief #2) Tucker Royer Solo Rescue in Sunset, LA
Tucker Royer is featured on the Dragon's Den podcast's second Debrief episode to discuss a solo rescue he performed in Sunset, LA. The episode covers how he responded to a call while visiting his volunteer department.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 8 (Josh Bourque) Faith, Family & Mississippi Smoke Diving
In this episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast, Josh Bourque discusses his 11-year firefighting career, his recent achievement as a Mississippi Smoke Diver, and the importance of his faith and family.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 7 (Ray Landry) LFD in the 1960's
In this episode, former District Chief Ray Landry discusses his 23-year career with the Lafayette Fire Department, starting in 1965. He shares personal stories regarding station life, training, rescues, and the department's growth over the…
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 6 (The Debrief with Eng. 7)
Dragon's Den Podcast features an interview with an engine crew about their recent house fire grab. The episode aims to serve as an educational tool, allowing listeners to learn from the crew's unique and rare experience.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 5 (Boudreaux/Spell/Marty/Dore) St. 6 Shenanigans
Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 5 features four retired firemen discussing their over 125 years of combined service and sharing humorous "you had to be there" moments and fond memories from their time at the same station.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 4 (Sam Sparacello) Small Town Job Town, Training & Networking
In this episode of the Dragon's Den podcast, Chief Sam Sparacello of the Hammond Fire Department discusses training and networking within the fire service, specifically highlighting the Small Town Job Town Conference.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 3 (Jacob Auzenne) Functional Fitness in the Fire Service
Jacob Auzenne, owner of First Due Fitness with nearly 10 years in the fire service, discusses his passion for physical fitness as a foundation for the first responder community. Seth Richard also joined the discussion.
- Dragon's Den Podcast Ep. 2 (Sonnier & Spell) Old Stories and Life Lessons from LFD
Dragon's Den Podcast features retired Chiefs Gerard Sonnier and Lonnie Spell, who bring 70 years of combined firefighting experience. The episode touches on their stories and life lessons, with plans for a future return.
- Dragon's Den Podcast #1 Pilot Episode
The pilot episode of the Dragon's Den Podcast introduces the hosts, their journey, and their vision for the podcast. Viewers are encouraged to like and subscribe.