Beyond the Stretch
Beyond the Stretch is a fire service podcast delivering real-life advice for listeners. Prepare to be entertained by co-hosts Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie as they discuss all aspects of the job while sharing unscripted lessons from their career's experiences.
Episodes
42 episodes
BTS - Episode 42 - "The Meaning"
Number 42 finds us talking about a wide array of topics, from reputations to high performers. We also plug our whiskey, Uncle Nearest 1856.
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Season 4
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Episode 42
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35:38
BTS - Episode 41 - "Ghosts Continued"
Continuing on with our ghosts content, Mike and Vinnie discuss a fire in Houston, Texas that resulted in the loss of two firefighters from Houston FD. Some good information can be learned, especially in structures that are commonly found throug...
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Season 4
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Episode 41
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46:41
BTS - Episode 40 - "Rumble Strips"
Echoing a leadership analogy used by our friend; The Company Officer, Mike and Vinnie compare company officer interactions to the rumble strips on roadways.
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Season 4
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Episode 40
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44:00
BTS - Episode 39 - "Grow Up Again"
We finish a shorter episode talking about ourselves a little bit. Leading off is the question, “What would you be doing if you weren’t a firefighter?”
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Season 4
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Episode 39
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17:08
BTS - Episode 38 - "Ghosts"
Kicking off Season 4 with a new concept. "Ghosts". We are going to discuss some challenges and unfortunate events firefighters experienced resulting in a LODD back in 1999. What did we learn from their sacrifice?
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Season 4
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Episode 38
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55:22
BTS - Episode 37 - "Motussin"
The final episode of 2023 finds the two of us talking about the crazy new hiring processes departments are implementing in order to quickly fill their organization's ranks. Wrapping up 2023 talking about the hot topics of transfers, laterals, a...
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Season 3
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Episode 37
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31:42
BTS - Episode 36 - "Old School"
We take on a suggestion from one of our listeners and tackle the process of "bridging the gap" between the old school and new school firefighters.
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Season 3
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Episode 36
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34:27
BTS - Episode 35 - "Pumpkin Spice"
Nothing sets the the tone for a shift war like some stolen pumpkin spice coffee creamer. But how do we end the absurd behaviors? Well, maybe buffaloes have the answer.
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Season 3
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Episode 35
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23:52
BTS - Episode 34 - "Servant"
The boys are back talking about the servant leadership mentality, and whether or not the breakdown for success is really occurring at the follower-ship level.
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Season 3
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Episode 34
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40:25
BTS - Episode 33 - "Volunteering"
Chief Richard Ray joins Uncle Mike for the second consecutive year at the SC Fire-Rescue Conference. Chief Ray talks about his experience and perspective as a volunteer firefighter, which we often forget comprises the majority of firefighters i...
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Season 3
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Episode 33
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38:23
BTS - Episode 32 - "Saltwater FOOLS"
Uncle Mike is joined live at the SC Fire-Rescue conference with Kevin Manhardt. He speaks about his multi-family dwelling class, life as a Squad boss, and what it takes to start a FOOLs Chapter.
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Season 3
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Episode 32
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22:10
BTS - Episode 31 - "Truck Brothers"
Live from the 2023 SC Fire-Rescue Conference, Uncle Mike is joined by two truck company hard-chargers. Both Ethan Tucker and Ryan Murphy, who happen to be adjust instructors for Truck Co. Ops, share their passion for truck work as they d...
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Season 3
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Episode 31
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36:46
BTS - Episode 30 - "Phoenix"
Number 30 of Beyond the Stretch focuses on new beginnings and changes. How do you handle these new opportunities? Where does the motivation come from to produce positive outcomes, especially when you weren't necessarily prepared or happy ...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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33:14
BTS - Episode 29 - “Pointers”
In 29, we talk about the things we wish we knew earlier in our fire service careers, and provide some tips and tricks we’ve picked up to our listeners.
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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41:51
BTS - Episode 28 - "Mr. X"
We dabble in some intro music and learn about Uncle Mike’s run in with a rap star. We then transition into talking about uphill battles and what it takes to love the process.
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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35:45
BTS - Episode 27 - "Nicholas Cage"
No special guest? Nope, just Mike and Vinnie somehow relating Nicholas Cage to the fire service…
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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48:19
BTS - Episode 26 - "Fire Wives"
Season 3 starts off with two of the founding members of Fire Wife Life LLC joining us to talk about the reasons for their mission and how they have grown into the supportive global network they are today.
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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1:05:14
BTS - Episode 25 - Capt. Mike Dozier Continued - "Love"
TBD - Last episode of season 2.
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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1:04:49
BTS - Episode 24 - Capt. Mike Dozier - "Influence"
Squad boss and councilman, Capt. Mike Dozier joins us on the podcast. Author of The Company Officer page, he talks about the vital role a company officer plays inside the day-to-day firehouse life.
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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1:16:02
BTS - Episode 23 - "Uncomfortable"
There is a difference between being uncomfortable and being unsafe. Or is there?We talk about this and more in number 23.
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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52:39
BTS - Episode 22 - "Planet Fitness"
With New Year's resolutions in full swing, Mike and Vinnie discuss the discipline it takes to be successful. Uncle Mike also elaborates on the 21-day process of developing a successful habit.
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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31:15
BTS - Episode 20 - "Cold Stone”
Closing out the year 2022, Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie try their best to define competency throughout the fire service ranks. It isn't as easy as you think...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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45:00
BTS - Episode 19 - "Balance"
Episode 19 is a discussion about the work-life balance. How well does the fire service really support the families of their members, and why is there such a turnover rate? Where can we do better as organizations and is there a way to deve...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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42:12