Nick Sacquia - World’s Strongest Firefighter: Cal Fire Life and the Arnold Classic скачать в хорошем качестве

Nick Sacquia - World’s Strongest Firefighter: Cal Fire Life and the Arnold Classic

Cal Fire Captain Nick Sacquia on Strongman, Station Life, and the World’s Strongest Firefighter (Arnold Classic) Hosts Adam and Adam record an episode of the Caffeine Lifts and Public Assist podcast featuring Nick Sacquia, a Cal Fire captain who transferred to the Coarsegold Station two weeks prior and is entering his 19th season. Nick outlines his Cal Fire career path across multiple units and ranks, including seven years at Ahwahnee as a Firefighter I, promotions and moves through Madera City, Monterey, Fresno, and Merced, and a period where he self-demoted due to a change in the engineer hiring/testing process. He also discusses working overhead assignments on a finance track (Cost Unit Leader task book). The conversation centers on Nick’s strongman involvement: four years competing at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio in the World’s Strongest Firefighter event, plus a smaller West Coast event on the Santa Monica Pier. He describes how strongman has shifted from “mass moves mass” toward more athletic, speed/explosiveness-based events, mentions Brian Shaw creating “Strongest Man on Earth,” and references athletes such as Hafthor Bjornsson, Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, and current winners. Nick explains that the firefighter event requires career-firefighter status (verified by ID), typically isn’t drug-tested, and no longer requires qualifying totals—competitors sign waivers and can enter. Nick details training methods (much of it at the station), including building event implements like a fire hydrant carry by bolting plates onto a hydrant and adding sandblasting media to reach event weight. He lists typical prelim events (hydrant carry, frame carry, a press/deadlift medley, and a 300 lb sled drag using hose carried on the hip) and notes finals will include a type 1 firetruck pull. He describes his nutrition approach (high protein, strategic carbs before competition, pancakes/eggs/bacon morning-of, and snacks like Rice Krispies treats and Nerds clusters between events). Nick says he has avoided major injuries and feels strongman helps him stay resilient for wildfire work. The episode also touches on station fitness challenges (Coarsegold’s sloped outdoor gym area and plans for leveling), differences between Schedule A/B routines, and broader fire-service topics like staffing, management positions, and retirement formulas. Nick shares personal background including three daughters (youngest 21), his wife’s county permitting work and prior department role supporting deaf/hard-of-hearing personnel, and hobbies like tree work and bird watching. He provides entry details for the Arnold event (about $150 entry, optional coach pass), explains that events stream live and post to YouTube later, and invites interested firefighters to connect with him via Instagram (last name spelling provided in the episode) to learn more about competing. 00:00 Cold Open: New setup, mics, and station talk 03:32 Meet Nick Shawa: Cal Fire career path & promotions 05:31 Overhead/Finance track and out-of-county assignments 06:08 Strongman origin story: Arnold Classic & firefighter divisions 17:49 Events, training hacks, and DIY strongman implements 19:52 Competition day breakdown: events, qualifying, and finals 26:12 Fueling like a strongman: carbs, sugar snacks, and off-season weight 29:50 Injuries, staying active, and station gym challenges at Coarsegold 36:24 Programming workouts with the crew + station culture & shoutouts 39:06 Retirement Timeline & Staying in the Captain’s Seat 40:34 Too Many Chiefs? Management Creep and “Made-Up Positions” 41:36 Training on Shift: Tree Work, Overtime, and Station Gym Life 42:21 When the “Made-Up Job” Gets Real: Aircraft Ops on Major Fires 43:32 Strongman as a Family Affair: Daughters, Coaching, and Longevity 45:56 Growing the Sport: IG, Recruiting Firefighters, and How It Started 49:02 Funding & Representation: Union Sponsorship and Cal Fire Branding 52:11 Arnold Classic Breakdown: Events, Atmosphere, and Entry Costs 54:18 Competition War Stories: Odd Implements, Rules, and Judge Signals 01:05:21 Fire Schedules & Retirement Math: 48s, 24/96, and 3% @ 55 01:12:50 Wrap-Up Banter: Family, Roads, Food Stops, and Podcast Outro