Episode 49 almost died thanks to bad whiskey, root beer, and a cursed SD card. But we’re back. Unwilling is firehouse chaos, family moments, and real talk you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, we toe the line of one of the edgiest firehouse roles—acting company officer. Uncle Mike throws down the challenge: Are you the thermostat or the thermometer? One sets the tone, the other just reacts. No fluff, no hand-holding. Just real talk, straight from the bunkroom.
🎙️ Hit play, and decide for yourself.

Yes, we went there. Uncle Mike was sober before the first sip of bourbon and got serious with AI. Don't worry we make sense of the technology and bring it back to firefighting - sort of.

Manager? Naw man, we prefer the title of Coordinator to describe Uncle Mike. Take a listen and we will explain.

Uncle Mike and Cousin Vinnie share thoughts about the similarities between parenting and leadership in the fire service. Both of these roles require the individual to function in the trivial "grey" instead of the simple black and white which some feel is the ideal state.

It is everybody's job no matter how small. That's the marching order in 2025 per Uncle Mike.

Our leaders message to the rank and file typically involves the future of the organization. But what about the now?

Number 42 finds us talking about a wide array of topics, from reputations to high performers. We also plug our whiskey, Uncle Nearest 1856.