CRACKYL Magazine

19/12/2025

After a devastating stroke left firefighter Anthony Pelliccio unable to use his arm or hold his grandson, a groundbreaking medical implant helped him reclaim his life. Today, he’s driving again and living with renewed independence.

Dr. Christopher Conner, a brain surgeon at the University of Connecticut’s Brain and Spine Institute and the Director of Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgery, implanted the Vivistim device into the Anthony’s upper chest.

This first installment of a five-part series explores how cutting-edge neuromodulation is opening new doors for firefighters and first responders facing service-related strokes and neurological injuries, and how veteran advocacy helped make it possible. Read it here:
https://www.crackyl.com/medical-breakthroughs-offer-solutions-to-firefighters-with-service-related-illnesses-and-injuries/

Could these breakthroughs help someone you serve with, or someone you love?

Thrive Functional neuromodulation treatments are now available to firefighters beyond just stroke treatments.

17/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

We talk a lot about recruiting the next generation of firefighters.
But are we doing enough for the young firefighters who are already here?

At just 18 years old, firefighter Adam Vapnar shares what it’s like to come into today’s fire service: wanting to train, wanting to earn respect, and wanting to be part of a mission-driven culture. Read his article here:
https://www.crackyl.com/a-gen-z-firefighter-what-i-see-what-i-feel-and-what-i-believe/

Officers and senior members: what’s one thing young firefighters need more of today?

16/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

Leadership in the fire service often means carrying the heaviest weight solo. Isolation, unchecked stress, and a culture that resists self-care can take a serious toll on those at the top.

In this article, Division Chief and CEO of Ironclad Wellness Jason Corthell explores the mental wellness challenges facing fire service leaders, and why prioritizing leadership wellness strengthens the entire organization. Read it here:
https://www.crackyl.com/alone-at-the-top-how-isolation-affects-leadership-mental-wellness/

How do you think we can change a culture that rewards sacrifice but ignores the cost? Let us know in the comments.

Grind The climb to the top of the fire service often comes with unchecked stress and a culture that resists self‑care.

15/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

Firefighting pulls our attention outward all shift long, with calls, noise, pressure, and responsibility. That's why staying grounded is important to our well-being and performance.

One way to help you tap into that center is through mindful meditation. This 10-minute session by Josh Grandinetti of Foundation Fortified can help you reset. Try it out here:
https://www.crackyl.com/mindfulness-monday-finding-your-center/

What helps you reset after a hard call?

Thrive A meditation that offers a brief return inward, toward the steady point within you that remains grounded no matter the circumstances.

12/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

“Not all therapy is created equal.”

Captain Layne B. Hilton of Unified Fire Authority shares his journey through PTSD, failed sessions, and finally finding the therapist who "got it." He reveals cultural competency can be the difference between despair and healing. Read his story here:
https://www.crackyl.com/when-the-therapist-cries-how-i-learned-what-cultural-competency-really-means/

Have you ever walked out of a session thinking, "They just don’t understand me?"

Strive One firefighter’s raw journey through bad therapy sessions, breakdowns, and finally finding the kind of help that actually worked.

10/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighter Joseph Dunnigan thought he was just going for a hike. Instead, he found a way to process stress, strengthen his body, and reconnect with himself — lessons every firefighter (and really, all of us) can take to heart.

From snowy trails to quiet summits, his story shows how nature and movement can heal both mind and body. Read it here:
https://www.crackyl.com/a-hikers-guide-to-the-fire-service/

Would you trade a gym session for a hike in the woods?

Unwind Hiking enables firefighters to care for their minds and bodies all at once – and research backs this up.

08/12/2025

Firefighters are trained to walk with purpose through chaos. But what about sitting with purpose?

This new weekly series by Josh Grandinetti, founder of Foundation Fortified, explores how mindful meditation can help first responders sharpen their focus, regulate emotions, and build resilience, without waiting years for experience to teach those lessons. Read the first article – which includes a reflection you can listen to! – here:
https://www.crackyl.com/mindfulness-monday-sitting-with-a-purpose/

What’s one small practice you use to reset your mind after a tough day? Share it below – we’d love to hear your strategies.

05/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

Overtraining can lead to fatigue, injury, and missed gains. Mike Schofield shares how firefighters can build conditioning that lasts — combining strength, power, and endurance across all three energy systems. Read his article here:
https://www.crackyl.com/level-up-your-conditioning/

What’s your go‑to conditioning workout when you want to push yourself?

Thrive A better approach to firehouse workout sessions is to train all three energy systems for tactical fitness.

04/12/2025

🔥 NEW READ:

Your phone feels light when you scroll social media (like maybe it does right now!), but when it’s time to call for help, it can feel like it weighs 5,000 lb.

Chris Moore opens up about the invisible weight firefighters carry, the fear of asking for help, and the courage it takes to dial that number. Read it here:
https://www.crackyl.com/your-phone-doesnt-weigh-5000-lb/

How do you encourage openness at your firehouse? Let us know in the comments.

Thrive Strength isn’t silence; it’s the courage to ask for help when the weight feels unbearable.

04/12/2025

It’s here! CRACKYL Issue 19 has dropped — with Tony Horton leading the charge.

This issue dives into what it really takes to perform at your best, stay balanced, and build longevity in a demanding profession. Tony’s cover story delivers actionable insight, powerful motivation, and a fresh perspective on firefighter wellness.

From lifestyle to leadership to on-the-job readiness, Issue 19 is filled with stories and strategies designed to support you, your crew, and your family. Download your digital copy now and be the first to experience it.

https://www.crackyl.com/magazines/
CLICK THIS LINK TO GET YOUR FREE DIGITAL COPY!

03/12/2025

“We should do what that department’s doing.” Sound familiar?

Firehouse culture isn’t something you can copy and paste. It’s built during late-night calls, kitchen-table talks, and the way crews show up for each other. There's no "gold standard" out there. Learn more in this article by Josh Velten:
https://www.crackyl.com/stop-copy-pasting-culture-build-what-works-where-you-are/

What’s the ONE thing that makes your crew different?

02/12/2025