#42
July 17 · 12 min
JF
Join FDNY Podcast
FDNY
The Join FDNY Podcast gives you a closer look at rewarding career paths within the Department including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, fire protection inspectors, cadets, and other civilian opportunities. The Join FDNY Podcast seeks to share and amplify the diverse voices and life experiences of those who serve in America’s largest fire department.
- 20 episodes
- monthly
- Avg 14 min
- English
- JF#41June 18 · 15 min
“The family I’ve made.” Join FDNY Pod for Jun. 2026
ON THE POD FOR JUNE 2026: For Pride Month, members from FireFlag EMS talk about the rewarding nature of the job. Top 3 Takeaways: Having pride in what you do is important. To be empowered within your job makes you that much more successful. It is rewarding to be there for members of your community.
- JF#40May 28 · 15 min
"Its not just your work, it becomes home."
ON THE POD FOR MAY 2026: For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have a conversation with board members of the FDNY Phoenix Society about finding a home in the FDNY. Top 3 Takeaways: The training does not stop after the academy- you continue to learn throughout your career. This is a very rewarding job. Affinity groups are a great resource.
- JF#39April 17 · 18 min
“I realized how important my job was.”
ON THE POD FOR APRIL 2026: As we countdown to EMS Week, we talk about the chance for members to showcase their life-saving skills, and how pursuing a career in EMS can be rewarding. Top 3 Takeaways: EMS Week is a chance for members of the Department to showcase their skills. It is important to celebrate EMS, and what the members of FDNY EMS do. FDNY EMS is a career with many avenues and opportunities.
- JF#38March 26 · 14 min
“You can be the change you want to see.”
For Women's History Month, we talk about finding inspiration in the women who paved the way and having the confidence to make a place for yourself within the Department. Top 3 Takeaways: Always believe in yourself. Be a part of the change, and don’t let it stop at you. The Department can take you to so many places. If you want it, there is a place for you in the FDNY.
- JF#37February 27 · 14 min
"Train for life."
ON THE POD FOR FEBRUARY 2026: For Black History Month, we have a conversation about being prepared — mentally and physically — and to always be learning while you’re on the job. Top 3 Takeaways: To do this job, you have to be in shape — mentally and physically. Training is a mindset. You don’t want to go to a job and realize you’re out of shape. Everything in the FDNY starts with having the correct mindset.
- JF#36January 30 · 14 min
"Disciple and consistency."
It's January, which means we're talking about fitness. Host Captain Andrew Brown is joined by Battalion Chief Ryan Brito, who is the Chief of the FDNY's Probationary Firefighter School, and Senior Drill Instructor Paris Baker to talk about all things fitness. The conversation breaks down the physical demands of the FDNY's Fire Academy, common mistakes recruits make prior to getting into Proby School, and how candidates can train smarter—not harder—leading up to the start of their career. Listeners will also hear firsthand insight into what Proby School instructors look for, how fitness standards translate to real-world firefighting tasks, and why discipline and consistency matter just as much as raw athleticism. You can go beyond this episode and explore all of the candidate resources on JoinFDNY.com.
- JF#35Dec 30, 2025 · 12 min
"ICYMI!"
As the year comes to a close, we’re wrapping things up with a special December recap episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast. Hosts Captain Andrew Brown and Captain Randy Li take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable conversations and powerful moments shared throughout the year. Across the episodes we revisited, one theme stood out above the rest: Mentorship. From probationary EMTs and firefighters finding their footing, to seasoned officers guiding the next generation, mentorship continues to play a pivotal role within the FDNY. It shapes careers, strengthens the Department, and ensures that knowledge, experience, and values are passed forward. Join us as we look back, highlight key takeaways, and celebrate the people and stories that made this year on the podcast so meaningful.
- JF#34Nov 28, 2025 · 13 min
"I can think of no greater feeling than being the one that's called on"
"I can think of no greater feeling than being the one that's called on" says Firefighter Zachary Austin. During a conversation with our host, Captain Randy Li, Firefighter Austin speaks on his military experience, and the similarities shared between the Department and military that inspired him to join and continue his career within the FDNY. ICYMI: Last month, EMS Recruitment Director Brandon Mahon and EMT Jhaleesa McClain sat down to speak on the EMS Filing period and the necessary steps to make that leap into the a job of service with FDNY EMS.
- JF#33Sep 29, 2025 · 12 min
"It’s a great platform for me in my life."
"It’s a great platform for me in my life," says retired Lieutenant Luis Torres. The Historian of the FDNY Hispanic Society LT Torres reflects on a nearly 3-decade career with the FDNY, and how working in the same community he calls home was always a way for him to give back. ICYMI: On last month’s special on-location episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, Chief of Training Michael Meyers sat down with host Captain Andrew Brown to highlight the importance of training—not only during your time at the Academy, but throughout your entire career. Chief Meyers stressed that continuous learning and preparation are the keys to success in the field and beyond.
- JF#32Aug 29, 2025 · 13 min
“The Places You’ll Go!”
“The Places You’ll Go!” reflected Chief of Training Michael Meyers during a special on-location edition of the JoinFDNY Podcast, recorded in the Mand Library at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. He sat down with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss the role of training—both during your time at the Academy and throughout your entire career in the Department. In their conversation, Chief Meyers emphasized how continuous learning and preparation are essential for success in the field and beyond. ICYMI: Captain Randy Li also looks back at some of the most memorable interviews from the 2025 FDNY Medal Day, and the lasting impact this annual celebration has on members across the city.
- JF#31Jul 31, 2025 · 12 min
"In the FDNY, there’s truly a job for everyone"
“In the FDNY, there’s truly a job for everyone,” said Station 47 EMT Andrew Ochtera, joined by fellow Station 47 EMT Saverio Bosco Jr., as they reflected on their July 2024 rescue, that earned them the prestigious Yadira Arroyo Medal at the 2025 FDNY Medal Day. Our hosts, Captain Andrew Brown and EMS Captain Randy Li, explore the significance of this celebrated tradition, sharing stories of courage, the emotions behind receiving one of the Department’s highest honors, and the lasting impact these moments have on both the medal recipients and the FDNY community.
- JF#30Jun 25, 2025 · 12 min
"Come in with an open mind, come ready to learn."
Come in with an open mind, come ready to learn,” shared Firefighter Christopher McSorley during his conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown. A proud third-generation member of the FDNY, Firefighter McSorley currently serves on the board of FireFlag EMS. He and Captain Brown dive into the experiences and influences that shaped his journey, his commitment to service, and his ongoing work with FireFlag EMS. ICYMI – Last month, Captain Randy Li spoke with Firefighter Tony Ng about his career and how being part of the Phoenix Society helped him reconnect with his culture.
- JF#29May 31, 2025 · 10 min
"It’s really about connecting with culture"
“It’s really about connecting with culture” said Firefighter Tony Ng during a conversation with our host, Captain Randy Li. In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, host Captain Randy Li sat down with Firefighter Tony Ng to discuss his introduction to the job, reconnecting with his cultural roots through the Phoenix Society, and more. ICYMI: As they near the completion of the Fire Cadet Academy, Brianna and Malcom joined Captain Brown to reflect on their most memorable moments in the program, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they plan to carry their experiences forward—serving as an inspiration to future Fire Cadets.
- JF#28Apr 23, 2025 · 14 min
"The legacy we leave behind is hard work"
"The legacy we leave behind is hard work," said Fire Cadet Brianna Denis during a conversation with our host, Captain Andrew Brown, and fellow Fire Cadet Malcom McNeil. As they near the completion of the Fire Cadet Academy, Brianna and Malcom joined Captain Brown to reflect on their most memorable moments in the program, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they plan to carry their experiences forward—serving as an inspiration to future Fire Cadets. ICYMI: In honor of Women’s History Month, guest host Lieutenant Melissa Bennett and EMS Captain Randy Li sat down with Lieutenant Kinga Mielnik and EMS Captain Vashala Madho to share their powerful journeys. They discussed the people and moments that inspired them to join the Department, their paths to leadership, and more.
- JF#27Mar 21, 2025 · 17 min
"Women educating and inspiring generations."
"Women Educating and Inspiring Generations" is the theme for Women’s History Month this March, and we are excited to feature two women in leadership as guests on the JoinFDNY Podcast. Lieutenant Kinga Mielnik and EMS Captain Vashala Madho sat down with hosts Lieutenant Melissa Bennett and EMS Captain Randy Li to share their journeys—discussing who and what inspired them to join the Department, how they advanced into leadership roles, and how they now strive to inspire others, ensuring opportunities are available for all throughout the FDNY. ICYMI – Vulcan Society member Lieutenant Darren Grant recently joined Captain Andrew Brown and Lieutenant Bennett to discuss his introduction to the Vulcan Society and how the famous quote, “Can you fill these boots?”, continues to resonate today. He reflects on its significance throughout his career as a firefighter, his membership in the Vulcan Society, and now in the next chapter of his career as a lieutenant.
- JF#26Feb 21, 2025 · 12 min
"Can you fill these boots?
“Can you fill these boots?” Those are the words of Retired FDNY Captain David Floyd during a recruitment campaign held by the Vulcan Society throughout the late '60s and '70s. On this month's episode of the JoinFDNY Podcast, host Captain Andrew Brown and guest host Lieutenant Melissa Bennett sit down with Vulcan Society member Lieutenant Darren Grant. They discuss his introduction to the Vulcan Society and how Captain Floyd’s quote still resonates today—throughout his career as a firefighter, his membership in the Vulcan Society, and the next chapter of his career as a lieutenant. #ICYMI – Director of the Health & Fitness Unit, Captain Michael Rogdakis joined us to talk about the benefits of the CPAT Training Sessions offered to candidates by the Office of Recruitment & Retention, the importance of recovery, and the proper habits needed to perform at your highest level throughout your candidate process and the Fire Academy."
- JF#25Jan 22, 2025 · 15 min
"If you’re not in shape, its just going to hurt you in the long run"
"If you’re not in shape, its just going to hurt you in the long run", said Director of the Health & Fitness Unit, Captain Michael Rogdakis to host Captain Andrew Brown. To start off the new year, both Captains sat down to speak on the benefits of the CPAT Training Sessions offered to candidates by the Office of Recruitment & Retention, the importance of recovery and the proper habits needed to to perform at your highest level throughout your candidate process and through the Fire Academy. ICYMI - Last year, Chief Michele Fitzsimmons sat down with Squad 8 charter members Lacy Higgins, and newly promoted Lieutenant Melissa Bennett. We take a look back at the moment Lieutenant Bennett walked across the stage at her promotion and the inspiring conversation these three members held in our studios.
- JF#24Dec 27, 2024 · 24 min
"In case you missed it... 2024"
"To mark another incredible year of the JoinFDNY Podcast, hosts and FDNY Captains Randy Li and Andrew Brown take a moment to reflect on some of their favorite conversations from 2024. From inspiring stories shared by Retired Firefighters from the Vulcan Society, to insights from Associate Commissioner Nafeesah Noonan and Medal Day honorees, this year has been filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, don’t miss out on all the great conversations we’ve had throughout 2024. Tune in to all episodes of the JoinFDNY Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify."
- JF#23Nov 27, 2024 · 14 min
"Service before self."
"Service before Self" is a core value shared by our Veterans across the FDNY. In this month’s episode, Retired Firefighter and VFW Commander Bill Hayes joins our host, Captain Andrew Brown, to discuss his journey from the military to the FDNY, and how the VFW continues to support veterans—both past and present—on their path to rewarding careers in firefighting. We also hear from EMS Division Chief Charles Morgan and Firefighter Vanessa Schoeing, two current veterans on the job, as they reflect on what it means to continue serving the city they call home. ICYMI: Firefighter Pablo Mota-Nunez sat down with EMS Captain Randy Li to share his experience as a member of the FDNY Hispanic Society and to discuss the importance of recruitment in attracting new candidates to our Department.