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
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Guest host Amanda Ellis talks with three other fire spouses, Stephanie Kay, Maggie Hernandez, and Anna Young, about the Ventura Fire Foundation's newest initiative, the Fire Family Collective. To be launched in January 2025, the Fire Family Collective is a supportive digital community for USA fire families offering resources, education, and connection. The Collective will empower fire families to overcome adversity, strengthen their relationships, and foster a sense of belonging within the fire service community. The discussion on this show taps into many topics the Collective will focus on, including parenting, relationships, and mental health.
Host: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) of Ventura Fire Foundation Inc.
Guest Host: Amanda Ellis
Guest: Stephanie Kay
Guest: Maggie Hernandez
Guest: Anna Young
Link: Request Access to the Fire Family Collective
Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.
JOIN US! 👉 https://www.firefamilycollective.org/collective
Support our Mission. 👉 https://bit.ly/Donate2FFC
Connect with us on Instagram. 👉 https://www.instagram.com/firefamilycollective/
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.
