The Anchor Point Podcast

Overview

Episodes

Details

Discover the premier and original podcast dedicated to wildland firefighting, the vibrant culture surrounding wildland firefighters, firefighter mental health and physical performance, and the wilderness - The Anchor Point Podcast... Join our global community as we delve into the captivating stories of Wildland Firefighters, shed light on career opportunities, promote fire prevention awareness, educate the public, and openly discuss the mental health struggles and triumphs faced by firefighters on and off duty. Immerse yourself in our unscripted and unedited long-form interviews, where we leave no topic unexplored. With The Anchor Point Podcast, you'll gain free and exclusive access to firsthand experiences shared by wildland firefighters, industry experts, mental health clinicians, physical performance professionals, doctors, scientists, and the families of fire line operators. Our episodes encapsulate the entire spectrum of emotions, from the extraordinary and awe-inspiring moments to the challenging and humorous anecdotes that arise within the industry. One of our podcast's core focuses lies in unraveling the physical and mental demands encountered while working in the field. We delve into topics such as proper nutrition and hydration, stress management, relationships, and maintaining focus, offering valuable insights and shared experiences. Prepare to embark on an immersive journey into the heart of the action, as each episode of The Anchor Point Podcast takes you on an in-depth exploration of the challenges and rewards experienced by fireline operators. Engage in enlightening interviews and discussions with subject matter experts that provide a comprehensive understanding of wildland firefighting. Whether you are a passionate wildland firefighting enthusiast or an individual seeking to expand your knowledge, The Anchor Point Podcast is an indispensable and trusted resource. Our episodes cover a broad range of topics, including fire behavior, weather patterns, medical know-how, equipment, gear, and the evolving role of technology in firefighting. The Anchor Point Podcast is your gateway to a unique and invaluable vantage point on the challenges and rewards of fireline work. Whether you're seeking to expand your understanding of wildland firefighting or simply captivated by the extraordinary tales from the frontlines, our podcast is an essential resource. Subscribe today and unlock a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

Recent Episodes

MAR 12, 2024

Reframing Our Relationship With Fire Through Mentorship And Stewardship With Dr. Sasha Berleman

People have lived collaboratively with fire, and fire has brought and supported life since time immemorial. This was something Dr. Sasha Berleman heard when she was a young adult enrolled in an educational program at a nature reserve that her grandmother used to take her to. This sent her on a lifelong journey to explore and educate others on living harmoniously in a fire-prone environment.

Known as the Fire Poppy, Dr. Berleman shares insights on wildland and prescribed fires, stressing their vital role in fire-adapted ecosystems. She talks about the challenges of using fire and changing how people see it. Dr. Berleman also talks about the Fire Forward program, which helps more people use prescribed fires safely. The program focuses on leadership, working together, and helping communities. She also talks about how the government and groups can learn from each other and how everyone can work together better. Dr. Berleman underscores the need for collaboration, resource sharing, and mentorship, concluding with a focus on the recipe for success and the potential for future growth, as well as the importance of mentors and paying it forward.

104 MIN

MAR 1, 2024

On The Line And In The Ring: Fighting For Strong Relationships With Chase And Sammy Worthington

Explore the thrilling intersection of firefighting and professional boxing in this captivating episode. On today's show, Chase and Sammy Worthington stop by to talk about what it takes to make a strong, lasting relationship through their personal experiences with a wildfire career and a professional boxing career. Chase Worthington, a Squad Leader on the Folsom Lake Veterans Crew and a US Navy Veteran, brings the perspective of a wildland firefighter. Meanwhile, Sammy "The Heat" Worthington, a renowned professional boxer and UBO women's Super Lightweight World Champion, adds the exhilarating world of boxing to the conversation. Discover how their unique experiences highlight the parallel between pursuing passions in both careers and relationships. Tune in to gain valuable insights into navigating the challenges of these demanding yet fulfilling paths, fighting wildfires on the line and in the ring while loving on each other.

110 MIN

OCT 5, 2023

The Humanity Behind Wildland Firefighting Through “Hotshot” With Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann

When discussing or covering wildfire situations, most people and media outlets focus more on their destruction rather than the humanity behind it. In this episode, Brandon Dunham sits down with Gabriel Kirkpatrick Mann to discuss the making of his cinematic masterpiece documentary "Hotshot," which tells the story of some of the most elite, the most hardened, and the most skilled men and women on the fireline. He talks about the movie’s six-year filming process, which involved catching firefighters in action and getting in the middle of the most dangerous wildfire areas. He explains how the documentary can help reshape public perception about wildfire, shifting the focus to firefighters’ pay and experiences. Gabriel also discusses why he avoided tackling climate change in “Hotshot” and how to get rid of dirty politics when it comes to wildfire fighting.

Tune in to the original wildland firefighting and wildland firefighter culture podcast, "The Anchor Point Podcast," to learn more about the awesome and ever-evolving world of wildland firefighting. To find out more, visit our website at: anchorpointpodcast.com. Or, check out our LinkTree to find all the episodes you'll want to binge in the back of the buggy!

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

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The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Mystery Ranch
Need badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!
https://www.mysteryranch.com

Hotshot Brewery
Wanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!
https://www.hotshotbrewing.com

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

179 MIN

AUG 25, 2023

All Hands, All Lands: Stanislaus National Forest’s Decade-Long Journey To Confront The Wildfire Crisis With Benjamin Cossel

It’s high time we confront the wildfire crisis head-on while looking at forest health from a holistic point of view. In this episode, we talk with Stanislaus National Forest Public Information Officer, Benjamin Cossel, about the MASSIVE undertaking of a historic fuels reduction and prescribed fire project called the "Initial Landscape Investments to Protect Communities and Improve Resilience in America’s Forests." This massive initiative spans a decade, covering millions of acres, and aims to address hazardous vegetation, enhance forest health, and confront the wildfire crisis. Benjamin takes us through how Stanislaus is accomplishing their goals in the forest, sharing innovative strategies to revitalize these landscapes. With insights into the Forest Service's designated landscapes project and the role of Stanislaus, we explore the significance of forest resiliency and reflect on the dire need for holistic forest management. Join today’s conversation and hear the strides we’re making towards creating healthier, more vibrant forests, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for communities and ecosystems alike. This ambitious, 10-year-long, multi-million-acre project is quite impressive - and absolutely needs to be done!

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

----------------------------

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

108 MIN

AUG 18, 2023

How Technology Can Save Lives In Fighting Wildfires With Andy Bozzo

Wildfires are getting bigger and bigger every single year. Those 100-year fires are now happening at intervals of five or ten years, and they are much deadlier to handle. Andy Bozzo wants to arm wildfire fighters with the right technology to give them a much safer time eliminating this kind of fire, saving many lives in the process. This is where Tablet Command comes in. Andy joins Brandon Dunham to discuss how the tool optimizes resource management and increases situational awareness for those running around on the fire line. He shares how its concept was born out of a game of Words With Friends and continuously being upgraded based on firefighter’s first-hand experiences. Andy also talks about his leadership style of inclusivity and humility, which is far more impactful than simply ordering people what to do.

Y'all know the drill:

Stay safe, stay savage... Peace!

----------------------------

The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following amazing folks:

Not sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation
And, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!
https://wffoundation.org

The A.W.E.
Wanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!
http://wildfire-experience.org

108 MIN