B Shifter
Fire command and leadership conversations for B Shifters and beyond (all shifts welcome)!
Episodes
178 episodes
Fire Command, 3rd Edition
This episode features Nick Brunacini and is hosted by John Vance.We trace the origin of the Fire Command textbook from Alan Brunacini and why standardizing incident command changes everything from water-on-the-fire decisions to firefight...
Strategic Decision-Making For Commercial Fire Operations
Commercial fires will expose weak decision-making—fast.In this episode, we break down why commercial fire operations demand a completely different mindset than house fires—and how the Blue Card strategic decision-making model keep...
Blue Card Rundown for April, 2026
We share the April 2026 Blue Card rundown, from FDIC plans to major updates in training, online content, and continuing education. We dig into what’s changing in Fire Command, why objective after action reviews matter, and how we keep the whole...
Worcester Fire Chief Martin Dyer
We sit down with Worcester Fire Chief Martin Dyer to talk about what real officer accountability looks like and why the front seat cannot be a part-time leadership role. We break down how a disciplined incident command system, integrated traini...
Recruits and Command
This episode, Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance connect recruit training to stronger incident command by showing ho...
Identifying Critical Fireground Factors at the Beginning of an Incident
Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance look at how disciplined size-up and tight language reveal true critical factors and shape an incident action plan that works. We share tools for integrating risk management into strategy, avoiding busy wo...
Standard Conditions, Standard Actions, Standard Outcomes
This episode features Chris Stewart, Steve Lester and John VanceWe unpack how clear size-ups, shared language, and realistic tactics turn a scene into a coordinated fireground. Standard conditions guide standard actions, which create sta...
How Leaders React & Interact
This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John VanceWe dig into why reactions make or break leadership, how to de-escalate without dodging accountability, and why the best chiefs manage problems early and at the lowest lev...
Blue Card Rundown January, 2026
Sign up for the Blue Card Instructor's Webinar here: https://streamyard.com/watch/fYtKhpy8ugz6The episode feature Josh Blum and John VanceWe share what’s new and what’s next ...
Strategic Shifts
This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart, and John Vance.We break down two fireground audios from Springdale, OH and Cobb County, GA where command changes strategy before the buildings force the issue. Clear size-ups, clean h...
NFPA 1700, Connecting The Work
This episode features NFPA 1700 Committee Members George Healy, Murrey Loflin, Dan Madrzykowski, and Chris Stewart.Episode hosted and produced by John VanceWe dive into the 2026 update of NFPA 1700 with a focus on search, lithium-...
Command Lessons from Three 1.3M Sq Ft Distribution Center Fires
This week on the B Shifter Podcast, Josh Blum and Johsn Vance are joined by Steven S. Sarver, Assistant Chief of Operations with the Monroe Fire Department (OH). Chief Sarver breaks down his department’s response to thre...
Effective Outcomes & Customer Service
This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, and John Vance.We push past acronyms and politics to center customer service as the fire service’s true north, linking training, staffing, and culture to outcomes for Mrs. Smith. We c...
The IC and Roadway Safety
This episode features Josh Blum, Scott Williams and John Vance.Sample Roadway incident SOG: https://bshifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Sample-Ro...
Who Is Training The Senior Advisor?
The Silverbacks are in the studio this week, talking about "who is training the Senior Advisor?"This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, and John Vance.We dig into the senior advisor’s real job on the fireground, why ...
Jarrett Tarver
A Conversation with Captain Jarrett TarverThis powerful episode features Captain Jarrett Tarver of the Sedona Fire District, brother of the late Bret Tarver, Phoenix Firefighter, whose ultimate sacrifice shape...
Who Is Training Your Firefighters?
This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/For free command and leadersh...
The Fire Department Mission Statement
The Silverbacks are in the studio this week talking about The Fire Department Mission Statement. This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison, Pat Dale, and John Vance.We trade long, forgettable mission statements for...
Fit For Duty, Ready To Command
This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.Sign up for the Blue Card Webinar (free!): NFPA 1700: Guide to Structural Firefighting — Why Does It Matter to an IC? Here:
You Are First Due - Now Own it!
This week, we’re joined by two outstanding guests: Erik Phillips, Captain with Las Vegas Fire & Rescue (Nev.) and Fire Chief of Diamond Valley Fire Department (Utah), and Gary Fleischer, District Chief wi...
Building Trust
We want your helmet (for the AVB CTC)! Check this out to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg5_ZwoCZo0Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter ...
Assigning a Division Boss
This episode features Josh Blum, Chris Stewart and John Vance.For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts:
Blue Card Rundown for September, 2025
This episode features Josh Blum and John Vance.For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: