Conflict is inevitable in the fire service and in life—but how we handle it defines our culture, our relationships, and our leadership. In this episode of From the Cab, we break down the sources of conflict inside the firehouse, why it escalates, and how strong leaders turn tension into growth instead of resentment.

From communication breakdowns and personality clashes to organizational stress and leadership challenges, we explore practical strategies for addressing conflict with clarity, humility, and courage

This episode hits hard, tells the truth, and gives our people the tools to walk back into the firehouse and workplace better equipped to handle the conversations we all avoid—but desperately need.

Whether you’re a rookie, CEO, or a leader responsible for shaping culture, this episode gives you actionable ways to navigate conflict before it becomes an insurmountable problem.

Today, we’re honored to welcome a very special guest—our brother, Nick Macken.

Nick has spent nearly 20 years in the fire service and truly embodies what it means to serve. If you know Nick, you know he’s a consummate professional—someone who brings pride, humility, and purpose to everything he does.

He’s married to the incredible superwoman, Sarah, who also happens to be the number-one From the Cab super fan. Together, Nick and Sarah spread an infectious positivity everywhere they go. And when they’re not out changing the world, they’re running Southern Suds Laundromat, where they treat every customer like family.

This episode is the definition of what family—inside and outside the firehouse—is all about.

Be sure to check out Southern Suds, The Riley Project, and our Instagram for some sweet merch!

Today, we discuss how to honor the culture we came from while still modernizing for the department we need today.

Check out our Instagram page for our new merchandise out today!

Listen, like, follow, and leave us a comment!

It’s been a minute. Between calls, projects, and all the chaos that comes with the job, we’ve been extremely busy. But we’ve got good news....

From the Cab is officially back and better than ever!

In this episode, we get back into the swing of things and even have a few special guests drop in to say hi.

We’ve got new conversations, new guests, and the same raw honesty that started it all. This season, we’re diving deeper into the stories, struggles, and successes that define life in the fire service and beyond.

So buckle up, slide that headset on, and join us back in the Cab where the real conversations happen.

Some people chase careers. Others feel a calling. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to answer the call to service — the internal pull that drives individuals to step up, show up, and put others before themselves.

We talk about how to recognize that calling, what it looks like in everyday life, and why it's more than just wearing a uniform. The call to service isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s a quiet conviction that grows over time. But once you feel it, it changes everything.

Whether you’re already in the fight or still searching for your purpose, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your "why" — and remind you that real service starts with knowing who you are and what you’re willing to stand for.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked but critical aspects of long-term success and personal well-being: maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're leading from the front or grinding through the day-to-day, the demands of the job can quickly consume every corner of your life if you're not intentional about setting boundaries.

We explore why work-life balance isn't a luxury — it's a necessity. From burnout prevention and mental health to improved relationships and job performance, this conversation is packed with real talk, personal insights, and actionable strategies to help you take care of yourself without sacrificing your drive or your duty.

Because at the end of the day, if you're running on empty, you can't lead anyone, including yourself.

Join us as we sit down in the Low Country with a legend in the fire community, Chief Will Vaigneur.

Fresh off a 26-year career in Lady’s Island, South Carolina, Chief Vaigneur—better known as Chief V—joins us to share hard-earned wisdom on what it means to have the best job in the world. He dives into leadership styles, the pursuit of excellence, and why we should always strive to chase elite standards.

One of his most impactful messages: “If you're doing right by the guys, you sit in the bay.” Chief V understands that trust is built through intentional leadership, not just titles or talk.

If you’re an aspiring leader—or someone looking to lead with purpose—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Chief Vaigneur reminds us that mentoring the next generation isn’t just important, it’s essential to an organization’s long-term success.

On today's episode, we sit down with Firefighter Jason Joannides and talk safety and why more safety can sometimes mean more danger.

We discuss how hyperfocusing on safety has caused our culture to shift and how when departments obsess over checklists, policies, and optics, it can give the illusion that risks are controlled—when in reality, fireground operations are inherently dangerous.

Real safety comes from competence, not compliance theater.

Safety has a place in our profession, but if we handcuff our firefighters, the outcome can be dangerous for those we are sworn to protect.

Check out JJ's company Soda City Training for quality, realistic training. https://www.sodacitytraining.com

Let us know what you think.