Fire Family Collective Podcast
Real talk for fire wives, firefighter spouses, and first responder families. Fire Family Collective is the podcast for fire wives, firefighter spouses, and first responder families navigating the realities of life in the fire service. Formerly the Firehouse Roundtable, each episode features real conversations about firefighter marriage, fire wife mental load, parenting through shift work, and building community when isolation feels like part of the job.
You'll hear from real fire spouses — new and seasoned — sharing honest stories about mental health, trauma, resilience, and the unique pressures of loving someone in the fire service. No topic is off-limits: shift schedules, deployments, marriage strain, identity outside the "fire wife" role, grief, and the small moments that make fire family life worth it.
This podcast is an extension of the Fire Family Collective, a nationwide community built to support fire wives and firefighter families and break down the isolation so many face. Whether you're brand new to this life or a decade in, you're not alone — come as you are, and find your people.
Fire Family Collective Podcast
Changing Firefighter Culture with Chief David Rhodes
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A deep conversation with Chief David Rhodes, a 38-year veteran of the fire service and editor-in-chief of Fire Engineering magazine. They explore the differences between the public and private sectors, the challenges of bureaucracy and generational differences within the fire service. Chief Rhodes shares insights on the importance of training, the cultural shifts in the fire service, and the significance of outside involvement in professional development. The discussion also touches on the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, risk management, and the need for adaptability in firefighting tactics. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of relationships and collaboration in driving change within fire departments. With guest co-host Derrick Bean.
Host: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) of Ventura Fire Foundation Inc.
Guest Host: Engineer Derrick Bean of Ventura City Fire
Guest: Chief David Rhodes of Fire Engineering Magazine
Link: Georgia Smoke Diver
Link: Register for Webinar
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Listen on the go:
Apple podcasts: https://apple.co/4kvLKwb
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45IIRDl
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrNC3faooGcHBr1dHm_FVYBsPQ7XAtBtd
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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of the Fire Family Collective Podcast are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of their affiliated fire departments, agencies, employers, the Fire Family Collective, or the Ventura Fire Foundation.
All content shared on this podcast is for informational and personal perspective purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, mental health, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2026.
