Priority Traffic Podcast

10/28/2025

You can’t fake strength under load.

Every drag, lift, and carry you do on the fireground has a cost—and the stronger you are, the cheaper it gets.

Maximal strength is the foundation.

Squats, deadlifts, presses—done heavy, with intent—make every step with 75 lbs of gear feel lighter, every rescue faster, and every shift safer.

Stronger firefighters burn less energy, fatigue slower, and stay in the fight longer.

Train heavy.

Recover hard.

Show up ready.



Follow for more tactical strength & conditioning built for the fireground.

Citations:

• Mawhinney, C., Jones, T. W., Low, D. A., Green, D. J., & Howatson, G. (2019). The effects of strength training on load carriage performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 49(10), 1629–1648. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01149-6

• Michaelides, M. A., Parpa, K. M., Thompson, J., & Brown, B. (2011). Predicting performance on a firefighter’s ability test from fitness parameters. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 82(4), 592–600. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2011.10599791

10/22/2025

Staffing levels are essential to the success of your local fire departments and the lives of those serving.

Chief Jent is fighting for more service members, more bodies, and he is being muzzled.

Support your Local Fire Department.

C. Warden Firefighter/Paramedic
IAFF L693

The move apparently came after Jamie Jent raised staffing level concerns.

09/30/2025

This is so true! While my customers and I can’t avoid the first two, refraining from doom scrolling at bedtime has been a game changer for me and many of my patients.

09/30/2025

Well, Are you?

Check out episode 44 of Priority Traffic Podcast where I sit down with Ryan Provencher of Firefighter Peak Performance and chat about the vital role of fitness and wellness in the fire service. Ryan shares insights from his extensive career and emphasizes the importance of functional fitness tailored to the demands of firefighters' duties.

🎧: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/priority-traffic-podcast/id1657502333?i=1000694428000

09/16/2025

🚨🔥 New Episode Alert!🔥🚨

🎙️ Ep. 049 | Stress to Strength: How First Responders Can Thrive Under Pressure

Ever wonder why your heart races at a fire scene, even when you're not moving? Or why it’s so hard to wind down after a tough call? In this must-listen episode of the Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris is joined by Dr. Pete Kadushin, a performance psychologist who’s worked with professional athletes like the Chicago Blackhawks, to explore the science of performing under pressure.

🧠 What you'll learn:

✅ Why even seasoned first responders may freeze in high-stress situations (it’s biology, not a flaw!)

✅ How to manage stress using a practical framework for preparation and recovery.

✅ Four powerful post-incident recovery techniques—breathing, moving, connecting, and laughing—to help your nervous system reset.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies designed to help you perform at your best during high-pressure moments while safeguarding your long-term mental well-being. Dr. Pete also reveals why stress “inoculation” doesn’t mean becoming impervious to stress—it’s about learning to thrive despite it! 💪

🆓 Bonus: Download Dr. Pete's free metronome app recommendation to start practicing balanced breathing today!

🎧 Tune in now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/priority-traffic-podcast/id1657502333?i=1000727065845

👉 Share this with a first responder in your life who would benefit from these science-backed strategies. Let’s continue to grow stronger together! 🙌

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988or visit https://988lifeline.org



🎶 Music by:audionautix.com

Podcast Episode · Priority Traffic Podcast · 09/16/2025 · 1h 30m

09/16/2025

Ever wonder why your heart pounds at a fire scene even when you're standing still? Or why you can't seem to "turn off" hours after a tough call? Dr. Pete Kadushin, performance psychologist who spent years with professional athletes including the Chicago Blackhawks, joins host Chris to unpack the science behind performing under pressure.

Podcast Episode · Priority Traffic Podcast · 09/16/2025 · 1h 30m

09/16/2025

In the latest Priority Traffic Podcast episode, Chris and Dr. Pete Kadushin explore mental performance and wellbeing for high-pressure roles like firefighting. Key topics include stress management, mindfulness, resilience, recovery techniques, and actionable performance tips, aiming to equip listeners with tools to thrive under pressure and avoid burnout....

Explore mental performance and wellbeing for first responders in our latest episode with Dr. Pete Kadushin. Learn practical strategies to thrive under stress.

09/16/2025

When your heart's pounding at a fire scene, your instinct is to mentally check out. Dr. Pete Kadushin reveals why staying present under pressure might be your greatest tactical advantage as a first responder. Listen to learn how elite performers train this skill.

Ever wonder why your heart pounds at a fire scene even when you're standing still? Or why you can't seem to "turn off" hours after a tough call? Dr. Pete Kadushin, performance psychologist who spent years with professional athletes including the C...

08/28/2025

08/16/2025

🎯 Your Wellness is the Lid on Your Leadership Potential

John Maxwell’s Law of the Lid teaches us that a leader’s effectiveness is limited by their own capacity. But have you ever considered that wellness is the key lid holding you back?

As leaders, we often pour ourselves into others, neglecting the very foundation that sustains us—our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The truth is:

⚖️ Low Wellness = Low Performance = Capped Leadership�💡 High Wellness = Greater Capacity to Inspire and Lead

Your energy, focus, decision-making, and the culture you create for your team are directly tied to your well-being. When you take care of yourself, you not only raise your own lid but lift the lid for everyone around you.

💪 Here’s how to raise your wellness lid:
�1️⃣ Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise.�2️⃣ Build mental resiliency with reflection and mindfulness.�3️⃣ Nurture relationships and set boundaries to protect your energy.�4️⃣ Remember: You cannot pour into others from an empty cup.

🗝️ Wellness isn’t self-indulgent—it’s the foundation of sustainable leadership. What’s one step you’ll take today to raise your wellness lid and unlock your potential as a leader?


Priority Traffic Podcast

07/08/2025

🚨New Episode Alert! 🚨

🎧 Discover the transformative power of Flow Rope in the latest episode of the Priority Traffic Podcast! Host Chris dives deep into the benefits of flow rope practice for mindfulness, movement, and stress management. 🧘‍♂️💪

🧠Learn how this accessible, fun technique can boost your mental health, improve body awareness, and even enhance focus! Plus, Chris shares tips and resources to help you get started with flow rope. 💥

👉 Tune in now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/priority-traffic-podcast/id1657502333

👉🏻Read the Blog: https://hpwellnesssolutions.com/2025/07/08/flow-rope-your-guide-to-mindful-movement-and-strength/

👀 Checkout HIgh Performance Wellness Solutions for support, guidance and coaching for all your wellness and performance needs!

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insights on wellness and personal growth!

🌱 andn

Podcast Episode · Priority Traffic Podcast · 07/08/2025 · 16m