Critical Conversations Podcast

06/18/2026

🚨 NEW EPISODE DROPS TODAY 🚨

What does a coordinated flammable liquid fire attack really look like?

In this clip from our latest episode of Critical Conversations, NFPA's Bob Duval breaks down the critical roles operating on the fireground during a battery fire incident - from the attack crew making the push, to v***r suppression teams controlling hazardous v***rs, to protection teams standing ready when conditions change in an instant.

Understanding who does what - and why - can make all the difference when managing these high-risk events.

🎥 Watch this teaser, then catch the full episode today as we dive into flammable liquid firefighting tactics, lessons learned, and the science behind keeping responders safe.

06/16/2026

🚨 LIVE WEBCAST ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨

Electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and energy storage systems are becoming increasingly common - but are we keeping pace with the safety challenges they present?

Join us LIVE on Critical Conversations Podcast as we welcome back Robert Duval, Northeast Regional Director and Fire Investigator for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

When Bob last joined us, we explored the emerging risks associated with EV fires and energy storage systems. Since then, the technology, regulations, and lessons learned from real-world incidents have continued to evolve. Whether you're a firefighter, emergency responder, safety professional, facility manager, or simply interested in emerging technology, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Have a question for Bob? Drop it in the comments below and we may ask it during the webcast!

05/21/2026

What does it truly mean to honor our fallen heroes?

In our latest episode of Critical Conversations Podcast, we sit down with Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, for a powerful discussion about honoring fallen firefighters, supporting surviving families, and preserving the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This conversation goes beyond memorials and ceremonies - it’s about connection, healing, and ensuring no firefighter family ever feels forgotten.

If you’re part of the fire service, emergency response community, or simply believe in supporting those who serve, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.
YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/uiantkqpbb0
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3n67emhrGH6eL49y68uWQH?si=L5EzYtAGTXeQEXA_yier3w

What are your thoughts on how we can better support firefighter families after loss? Drop your thoughts below. ⬇️

Critical Conversations Podcast · Episode

05/18/2026

Tune in Wednesday night!

Critical Conversations Podcast is honored to welcome Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

Before leading the NFFF, Victor served 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department and has spent over a decade advancing firefighter safety initiatives nationwide. Since becoming CEO in 2023, he continues to champion the mission of reducing firefighter fatalities and supporting the fire service community.

This is a powerful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned for the episode release on Critical Conversations Podcast.

03/13/2026

What happens when a White Lieutenant from rural Georgia and a Black Firefighter from the "tough streets" of Detroit sit down at the same kitchen table?

In the 90s, Sam Heaton and Bill Tanks didn’t just share a shift - they started a dialogue. They had the "Critical Conversations" most avoid, and it changed their lives - and their department - forever.

Fast forward to today: One became the Fire Chief and Director of Public Safety; the other became a City Manager. Together, they created "Courageous Conversations," a program that has resulted in ZERO substantiated EEOC complaints for their department since 2008.

Join us LIVE on the CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS podcast to hear their story of friendship, leadership, and how to fix station culture from the inside out. March 18, 2026 at 7pm - live webcast

02/19/2026

We’re excited to share our latest episode featuring Chief John Oates, CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute (IPSDI) and former Fire Chief of East Hartford, CT.

In this powerful conversation lead by JLN Associates' own Nick DeLia, Chief Oates dives into the critical role of data-driven decision-making, national safety initiatives, and what today’s fire service leaders must understand to protect their people and communities.

💡 If you care about responder safety, performance, and the future of public safety leadership - this is a must-listen.

🎧 Watch now on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eHPeCcH7
🎧 Watch now on Youtube: https://lnkd.in/eeF7Suxu

Tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments!

02/16/2026

🎙️ LIVE Critical Conversations

Join us for a live recording featuring John Oates, CEO of the International Public Safety Data Institute and former East Hartford Fire Chief. We’ll dive into data-driven decision making, responder health, and the evolving standards shaping today’s emergency services.

👉 Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of the fire service’s leading voices in public safety.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026 at 7PM

01/22/2026

🎙️ New Episode Alert : Our latest episode is live, and it’s an inspiring one.

We’re joined by Eriks Gabliks, Superintendent of the United States National Fire Academy, for a conversation that goes far beyond leadership theory.

This episode highlights the extraordinary opportunities the National Fire Academy provides to the fire service and emergency management community - from leadership development and technical training to professional growth pathways that truly shape careers and strengthen departments nationwide.

If you’re a firefighter, officer, safety professional, emergency manager, or organizational leader, this is a must-listen episode that will change how you view training, development, and what’s possible for your future in the fire service.

🎧 Watch & listen here:
👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Hf2IiFZzTTd4hX65OH0Oj?si=b2NxyMcKRveIm2jMgBz0VQ

👉 YouTube: https://youtu.be/gYmQN-WTyT0?si=-Y8JjXRV85yHUKVP

Nick DeLia

12/18/2025

🎙️ New Episode of Critical Conversations is Live!

This week, we sit down with Andy Shay, Head Coach of Yale Men’s Lacrosse, for a powerful conversation on leadership, accountability, and what it takes to guide today’s young adults toward success.

While this episode steps outside the fire service, the leadership lessons translate across teams, professions, and everyday life.

🎥 Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/

🎧 Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/CRITICALCONVERSATIONS

Let us know what resonates with you after listening — we’d love to hear your take.