The Firefighters Podcast
The Firefighters Podcast is a global podcast seeking to develop, inspire, connect, motivate, represent & celebrate the world of our emergency services operators through a series of wide-ranging conversations celebrating those within our emergency services family and encouraging the support of this incredible group of people.
Operational UK firefighter Pete Wakefield speaks with individuals from all walks of life who share a connection with, can add value to, or can develop those who choose this life path.
Our driving purpose is to create a legacy resource for the current and future generations of firefighters & first responders
The Firefighters Podcast
#363 Policing, Black History, Stop & Search & Self-transformation with Nigel Best
I had a powerful and inspiring conversation with Nigel Best, whose journey spans over 40 years of service in Nottingham. From his beginnings as a postman to becoming a teacher and eventually working in diversity and inclusion within the Nottinghamshire Police, Nigel’s story is one of transformation, mentorship, and deep community engagement.
He shared how his experiences as part of the Windrush generation shaped his identity and passion for education, and how DJing taught him adaptability—skills he later used to connect with youth and support underrepresented groups. We talked about everything from youth violence and media influence to the importance of empathy, authenticity, and proactive mentorship in both policing and education. Nigel’s path—from guiding young teachers to launching his own successful diversity consultancy—shows how personal growth and cultural identity can be powerful tools for change.
ACCESS THE PODCAST LIBRARY & EVERY EPISODE, DEBRIEF & DOCUMENT CLICK HERE
PODCAST GIFT - Get your FREE subscription to essential Firefighting publications HERE
A big thanks to our partners for supporting this episode.
GORE-TEX Professional Clothing
MSA The Safety Company
IDEX
HAIX Footwear - Get offical podcast discount on HAIX HERE
Xendurance - to hunt performance & endurance 20% off HERE with code ffp20
Lyfe Linez - Get Functional Hydration FUEL for FIREFIGHTERS, Clean no sugar for daily hydration. 80% of people live dehydrated
***The views expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers. Our partners are not responsible for the content of this episode and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness.***
Please support the podcast and its future by clicking HERE and joining our Patreon Crew
