In a bold move to keep their ranks healthy, the Oklahoma State Firefighters Association has thrown a flaming red flag on energy drinks during their training sessions. Why? Because it turns out that gulping down enough caffeine to electrify a small town before hurling yourself into a fire simulation isn’t the best idea.

After a few serious incidents where energy drinks were blamed for heart complications among firefighters, the association has decided that the only thing trainees should be chugging is good old-fashioned water or electrolyte-filled options. Deputy Director Sheri Nickel pointed out that some trainees were treating energy drinks like a pre-lunch appetizer, downing four packs before tackling any heavy lifting​.

As part of the new policy, trainees will have their vital signs monitored, and only water or hydration drinks like Gatorade will be permitted on-site. Those found with energy drinks will be prohibited from participating in training sessions​.

Check out the full article here.

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Fuel

Sick of being asked “what’s for dinner?” - look no further. Check out this easy, healthy, protein-packed Beef Stroganoff (recipe below). You can also watch the recipe video here.

Grocery List (Makes 5 servings):

• 2 yellow onions

• 8 oz Baby Bella mushrooms

• 3 tsp thyme

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 1 large cut of lean steak or top sirloin (approx 24 oz)

• 8 oz package egg noodles

• 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 3 tsp Dijon mustard

• 17 oz bone broth (1 container)

• 0.75 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt

Recipe

1) Mise En Place:
- Thinly slice 2 yellow onions
- Rinse and slice 8oz of Baby Bella mushrooms
- Chop 8 sprigs of thyme
- Slice a large cut of steak against the grain in 1/4-inch thick pieces
- Peel 3 cloves of garlic

2) Egg Noodles:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
- Add a pinch of salt
- Cook the egg noodles 2 minutes less than what is recommended on the package
- Scoop 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside
- Drain the pasta and set aside

3) Steak:
- Pre-heat a pan on medium heat
- Sear the steak strips on both sides
- Season both sides with salt and pepper
- Cook the strips in batches to guarantee a better crust (don't overcrowd the pan)
- Once seared, set the steak aside

4) Sauce:
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and saute for 2 minutes
- Grate the garlic cloves over the onions, toss and cook for another 2 minutes
- Add 16oz of bone broth
- Add the sliced mushrooms
- Scrape the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer
- Add 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 cup of pasta water
- Continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced by half
- Remove the pan from heat and add 1 cup of greek yogurt, stir together

5) Put It All Together:
- In a large pot over low heat, add the cooked pasta, steak strips, and sauce
- Cook together on the stovetop until the pasta is finished cooking (about 2 minutes)
- Stir in fresh thyme

Grind

Never miss a Monday!

• Kickstart your week

• Establish a routine

• Build discipline

Walking is proven to be one of the simplest, yet one of the best exercises you can do. Not only does walking pump up your cardiovascular health and keep those love handles in check, but it also gives your joints a break from all that couch-sitting. And let’s not forget the best part: walking with your crew! It’s the perfect opportunity to share your deepest thoughts, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza or if Bigfoot is just a marketing ploy.

Lead

“Nothing significant is ever achieved alone” - Tom Brady on The Art of Leading Teammates (recap video)

Whether you like the guy or not, this is one of the best leadership articles out there right now. In a world where lone wolves howl at the moon, Tom Brady shines a light on the real MVP: teamwork. The man’s won more championships than most people have pairs of socks, and he’s learned that success isn’t just about throwing touchdown passes—it's about wrangling a bunch of insanely skilled athletes into one cohesive unit. Here’s a look into the seven powerful habits of effective team leaders that Brady has unearthed from his time on the gridiron:

1. Team First, Always: Think of it like sharing dessert. Even if you’re a bit bummed because you didn’t get to be the star player, it’s better to support your teammates and chow down together. After all, nobody likes a sulking quarterback in the huddle.

2. Praise the Unsung Heroes: In football, the fullback’s role is about as glamorous as being the designated driver at a bachelor party. But Brady knows that giving credit to those who clear the way is crucial. A well-timed compliment can turn a humble blocker into a gridiron rockstar—even if their main job is just to dig a hole for the running back!

3. Set the Bar High: Brady and his fellow “Edgers” took competition to new heights, literally. They pushed each other to be better, turning workouts into “friendly” challenges. If you ever wondered who could drink the most water during practice, well, let’s just say it wasn’t the coach.

4. Know Your Team’s Quirks: Every player’s got their thing. Some need a little tough love, while others thrive on compliments. Brady mastered the art of motivational espionage, figuring out who needs a pep talk and who just needs to be told they look great in spandex. Knowing what drives your teammates can make all the difference.

5. Complement the Coach’s Style: With a coach like Bill Belichick, who’s as intense as a toddler denied candy, Brady learned to balance discipline with a sprinkle of positivity. While Belichick focused on accountability, Brady brought the good vibes, proving that a little kindness can go a long way.

6. Fight the Selfishness Monster: Just like trying to share a pizza with friends, sometimes external pressures make everyone want a bigger slice for themselves. Leaders need to combat that self-centered craving with a team-first message—because no one likes a greedy teammate at the buffet.

7. Team Bonding Fun: Whether it’s bowling or beach games, Brady believes that hanging out outside the “office” builds trust and camaraderie. Nothing like a little friendly competition to remind everyone that, yes, we’re all in this together—even if someone still bowls a gutter ball.

Brady’s insights remind us that leadership doesn’t have to be serious business. It’s about lifting each other up, having fun, and celebrating every victory—big or small. With teamwork at the forefront and a dash of humor, we can all work together to achieve greatness.

So let’s embrace our inner Brady; share the pizza, share the dessert, and share the good times. Remember, great teams are built on laughter, respect, and the belief that together, we can accomplish anything.

You can purchase the full article from Harvard Business Review here.

Trivia

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