Igniting the Shift Within
Igniting the Shift Within
Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the world of firefighting. We’re your launchpad to revolutionize the way you think, work, and lead. Sometimes traditional ways clash with the need for change. That's where we come in, slicing through the noise with insights that matter. So, whether you’re chilling at the firehouse or cruising down the freeway on your daily commute, plug in and get ready to ignite the shift within.
Choose your favorite podcast player
Igniting the Shift Within

Igniting the Shift Within

Join host Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) on "Igniting the Shift Within," your backstage pass to all things innovative and transformative in the world of firefighting. We’re your launchpad to revolutionize the way you think, work, and lead. Sometimes traditional ways clash with the need for change. That's where we come in, slicing through the noise with insights that matter.

So, whether you’re chilling at the firehouse or cruising down the freeway on your daily commute, plug in and get ready to ignite the shift within.

Recent Episodes

View all
Building Better Support Systems: How Command Counseling Leads the Way with Guest Marie Gumá
18
March 18, 2026

Building Better Support Systems: How Command Counseling Leads the Way with Guest Marie Gumá

In this installment of "Igniting the Shift Within," host David Dachinger sits down with Marie Guma, founder of Command Counseling Center, to rip the lid off how clinicians are supporting firefighter mental health. Guma’s been there—on the front lines, after the sirens fade, when the real battle begins. From the aftermath of the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School to the 24-hour shifts in Florida firehouses, she’s rewriting the playbook on psychological support. Listen in and find out what...
Listen to the Episode
How Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell Is Shaping the Future of Firefighting
17
Feb. 19, 2026

How Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell Is Shaping the Future of Firefighting

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Moore-Merrell for a conversation about her time as the U.S. Fire Administrator, highlighting her groundbreaking work that supports firefighters on the front lines, particularly in wildland firefighting.
Listen to the Episode
Pioneering Wellness in Fire Station Design with Guest Chief John Curd
16
Jan. 15, 2026

Pioneering Wellness in Fire Station Design with Guest Chief John Curd

Chief John M. Curd Jr. of Riviera Beach (FL) Fire Rescue speaks with host David Dachinger about the complexities of fire station design. Prioritizing contamination reduction, contagion control, safety, efficiency, and firefighter well-being, Chief Curd shares how he’s working to create a mindset shift within his department and across the industry.
Listen to the Episode
Brick by Brick Leadership with Guest Captain Nicholle Brock
15
Dec. 18, 2025

Brick by Brick Leadership with Guest Captain Nicholle Brock

David speaks with Captain Nicholle Brock about Leadership, The Silent Suffering in the Fire Service, and her book, Brick by Brick: Building Resilience in Chaos and Kindness—by Being Resilient in Conflict and Kinship: The True Cost of Poor Leadership.
Listen to the Episode
Gear Up for Life with Essential Decon Tactics with Guest Tonya Herbert
14
Nov. 20, 2025

Gear Up for Life with Essential Decon Tactics with Guest Tonya Herbert

In this installment of "Igniting the Shift Within," host and Stage 4 cancer survivor David Dachinger welcomes Tonya Herbert, owner of Thin Red Line Decon and Florida PPE Services. We delve into the wellness and safety topics of firefighter turnout gear, occupational exposure and decontamination. This discussion extends beyond merely wearing and washing gear; it involves understanding its limitations and implementing actionable measures to mitigate associated risks. Discover why that "sa...
Listen to the Episode
Strategies to Battle Stress, Conquer Cortisol, and Maximize Detox with Guest Dr. Angela Mazza
13
Oct. 16, 2025

Strategies to Battle Stress, Conquer Cortisol, and Maximize Detox with Guest Dr. Angela Mazza

David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Angela Mazza from the Metabolic Center for Wellness to discuss the endocrine challenges firefighters face both on and off the job. I
Listen to the Episode
View all Episodes

About the Host

Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.) Profile Photo
Lt. David Dachinger (Ret.)

Producer | Host

David Dachinger is a retired Fire Lieutenant and EMT with over 21 years of leadership in emergency services. As a fire officer, he excelled in roles such as Shift Commander and Incident Commander, while also contributing to department policy, fire/rescue training, and wellness initiatives. Beyond his firefighting career, David is also the producer and host of the Responder Resilience Podcast and serves as a 22Zero peer coach, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of first responders.

A two-time Grammy Award® nominee, David's career in the music industry saw him collaborate with legendary artists like Roberta Flack, Usher, Celine Dion, and The Isley Brothers as a mixing engineer and producer.

David's journey as a stage IV cancer survivor since 2014 has fueled his passion for advocating firefighter wellness. His transformative experience with cancer led him to become a two-time international bestselling author, featured in "Cancer: From Tears to Triumph," and the co-author of the bestselling book "Live Calm With Cancer (...and Beyond)."