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This episode features Chris Stewart, Steve Lester and John Vance

We unpack how clear size-ups, shared language, and realistic tactics turn a scene into a coordinated fireground. Standard conditions guide standard actions, which create standard outcomes—and the trust to avoid freelancing and prevent avoidable failures.

• defining standard conditions for typical occupancies in your district
• using precise radio language that sets tempo and expectations
• matching offensive or defensive strategy to true conditions
• aligning tactics with staffing, arrival order, and capabilities
• training chiefs in role to build trust and succession
• measuring outcomes by all-clear, fire control, loss control
• running hot washes that separate activity from results
• avoiding benchmark overload that hides core objectives
• embracing closed-loop communication and silence while work happens

Buy “Timeless Tactical Truths from Alan Brunacini” at bshifter.com in our store for only $10!

This episode was recorded at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center in Phoenix on February 10, 2026.

For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

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This episode features Nick Brunacini, Terry Garrison and John Vance

We dig into why reactions make or break leadership, how to de-escalate without dodging accountability, and why the best chiefs manage problems early and at the lowest level. Stories from the fireground and the station show how kindness, clarity, and standards live together.

• Owning attitude and response under stress
• Differentiating training gaps from discipline issues
• Managing at the lowest level with real support
• Using personal power over positional power
• Pausing before acting to create options
• Fixing problems early before they gain seniority
• Stopping freelancing and backing standards
• Modeling humor, consistency and calm
• Handling HR and law enforcement escalation wisely
• Treating one-offs differently from habitual behavior

Read Terry Garrison's article here: https://bshifter.com/think-youre-a-strong-leader-your-reactions-might-prove-otherwise/

Buy “Timeless Tactical Truths from Alan Brunacini” at bshifter.com in our store for only $10!

This episode was recorded at the Alan V. Brunacini Command Training Center in Phoenix on February 3, 2026.

For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Thanks for listening - please subscribe and give us your support!

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Sign up for the Blue Card Instructor's Webinar here: https://streamyard.com/watch/fYtKhpy8ugz6

The episode feature Josh Blum and John Vance

We share what’s new and what’s next for Blue Card in 2026, from revamped instructor training and standards alignment to expanding after-action reviews and regional grant models. The focus stays on competence, clean communication, and decisions that match deployment and risk.

• regional training benefits and shared language
• radio tickets and communications discipline
• benton harbor AFG regional project and SDM workshops
• revamped train the trainer with stronger why
• alignment with NFPA 1550 and 1700 terminology
• competence for ICs and instructors as certification standard
• instructor webinar details and live Q&A
• simulation previews tailored to staffing and deployment
• after action reporting access beyond instructors
• objective AARs guiding improvement and reinforcing wins
• events calendar, Phoenix CTC seats, and road workshops
• safety CEs, SOG updates, and tutorial videos
• grants and funding paths for command training
• conference meetups and direct support
• weekly Buck Slip drills and free resources
• EMS-to-hazmat decision making with CO case work

Please like and subscribe, share it with your friends

For Waldorf University Blue Card credit and discounts: https://www.waldorf.edu/blue-card/

For free command and leadership support, check out bshifter.com

Sign up for the B Shifter Buckslip, our free weekly newsletter here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/fmgs92N/Buckslip

Shop B Shifter here: https://bshifter.myshopify.com

All of our links here: https://linktr.ee/BShifter

Recorded on January 21, 2026