Join FDNY Podcast

"The best job on earth." Join FDNY Pod for July 2026
 
ON THE POD FOR JULY 2026: Highlighting the members — and their stories — who were recognized at 2026 FDNY Medal Day.
Top 3 Takeaways:
Working in the FDNY is very rewarding. 
Hard work pays off. 
The FDNY introduces you to new people and opportunities all over New York City. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.