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
#401 ESS LIVE: Phil Garrigan & Fin Monahan on Leadership& Culture from the RAF to the Fireground
Over the next week we’ll be rolling out a special mini-series recorded live at the Emergency Services Show a collaboration with Catherine and the ESS team.
The show is one of Europe’s leading gathering for the blue light community: over 16,000+ professionals from fire, police, ambulance, search & rescue and support sectors. ESS showcases 500+ leading exhibitors, thousands of response innovations, live demonstrations, immersive training zones, and CPD-accredited content.
Emergency Services Show 2025 If you want to dive deeper into all things ESS — who’s exhibiting, the content programme, or how to get involved — head over to emergencyuk.com.
Today’s episode features two remarkable leaders. First is Phil Garrigan OBE, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council. After 35 years at Merseyside Fire & Rescue, Phil transitions into a national role where he’ll advise government, steer strategic direction, and work with bodies like HMICFRS. Joining Phil is Air Vice-Marshal Dr. Fin Monahan OBE, DFC, PhD — Chief Fire Officer of South Wales. Fin brings a decorated RAF career (Harrier pilot, command roles, aerospace strategy) plus deep thinking on leadership, culture, and resilience. Over our conversation we explore leadership in turbulent times, evolving public expectation, how we support our people — and what a modern, future-fit fire service looks like.
This is the first of our ESS special episodes.
Let’s dive in
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