Some of the links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, which means StationChef may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe in and think will add value to our community. Your support through these links helps us continue to provide valuable content and resources. Thank you for your support!

🚨 In a bizarre twist, a former fire official and police officer from Southern Ohio, James Bartles, has gone from fighting flames to fueling them. Now, he’s trading his uniform for a prison jumpsuit, sentenced to 18 months for setting over two dozen fires in Wayne National Forest - and he’s got a hefty $640,000 bill to pay in restitution.

Bartles claims he lit the blazes just to "give the boys something to do." Sounds like the plot of a crime thriller, right? While he cited depression as a factor, torching 1,300 acres of federal land is a bit extreme for curing boredom.

The inferno he unleashed in 2022 demanded over 100 firefighters from multiple states to contain the chaos. Beyond the financial toll, his reckless actions endangered lives, wildlife, and the environment itself.

This case serves as a shocking reminder that even the protectors of our forests can become their greatest threat. Bartles’ legacy isn’t one of heroism, it’s a cautionary tale of an arsonist who betrayed the very land he swore to protect.

Check out the full story here from NBC4 Columbus

The Latest

• 🚗 Crash inside Wyoming tunnel causes 'mass casualty event' - Fox13 News Utah

• 🫡 FDNY makes history with first female deputy chief - FireRescue1

• 🚒 FDNY officials provide update on 3-alarm fire in the Bronx - FDNY

• 🔥 Dramatic rescue of woman from burning home *VIDEO - News Channel 5

• 🏥 Firefighter injured in firetruck and truck crash - News Channel9 WSYR Syracuse

📣 What’s for dinner tonight? Let me help!

🔥 NOW LIVE!

All my recipes in one spot! Healthy, high-protein recipes for the station and your family. Easy search options and adjustable recipe servings for however big/small your crew is.

👨‍🍳 New recipes posted weekly - go check it out!

Eating better without the work? That’s Tovala.

“What’s for dinner?” That’s a question you never (ever) have to answer again. Tovala is the meal delivery service with its own smart oven and a rotating menu of chef-crafted meals to choose from every week, all delivered fresh to your door and ready in minutes.

Tovala lets you eat well without spending all your time in the kitchen. Sign up now and enjoy:

• 35+ meals on our weekly rotating menu: from low-cal to high-protein to comfort food faves—we got you

• Just 1 minute of prep (that’s it!)

• Freshly cooked meals (never microwaved) using precision cook cycles

• No sacrifice to quality, taste, or your time!

Eating better has never been so easy. Get your Tovala Smart Oven today!

Fuel

🔥 Station Series Ep #5! Coming all the way from across the bay from my good buddy Jake at Largo Fire Department. We went to fire school together so I knew this was going to be a good one - Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs.

As someone who’s always hunting for fresh ideas to keep the crew fueled at the station, I’m all about meals that are easy to whip up, affordable, and pack a punch in flavor – and this one checks every box! It’s a total game-changer for busy days at the station. Check out the short recipe video on my Instagram or follow along using the full recipe on my website.

🧑‍🚒 If you missed any of our other Station Series episodes, check them out here. We take fire station favorites and give them a healthy spin. If you’ve got a favorite you’d like to share, send me a message! Check out these Butcher Box deals if you're looking to save on some protein!

🔪 Helpful Kitchen Tools For This Recipe:

Grind

💪 Grab a friend and LET’S GO!

A partner workout is basically Valentine’s Day with extra sweat and fewer chocolates, or bromance at its peak, but with more grunting and high-fives. Instead of whispering sweet nothings, you’re yelling, “One more rep!” Instead of holding hands, you’re holding planks while your partner dies mid-squat. It’s teamwork, suffering, and endorphins all wrapped up in one - because nothing says love (or friendship) like mutually agreed-upon pain and post-workout pancakes.

🔴 Warm-Up: *2 rounds

• 10 air squats

• 8 push-ups

• 6 KB deadlifts

• 4 Dynamic lunges (each side)

• 2 minute assault bike (switch with partner every 30 seconds)

🟢 Main Workout: *Rest 30-45 seconds between rounds

• Strength Block *’You go, I go’ Style - 4 rounds

  • Barbell deadlifts (6 reps)

  • Strict DB overhead press (8 reps)

  • KB Goblet squats (10 reps)

  • Partner plank hold (hold while partner squats)

• Conditioning Block 15 min AMRAP (complete as many rounds as possible in 15 mins *break down reps as needed with your partner)

  • 50 assault bike calories (switch every 10 cals)

  • 40 KB swings

  • 30 burpee-over-bar

  • 20 barbell thrusters

  • 10 partner hi-5 pushups

• Finisher *3 rounds

  • Assault bike sprint (15 sec MAX effort - switch)

  • KB Russian twists (20 reps)

  • Plank hi-5 (10 reps each hand)

🔵 Cool Down: 1 min each

• Standing hamstring stretch

• Quad stretch

• Child’s pose

Where to Find Hoka Shoes Deals 2024

Finding Hoka shoes on sale can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up the top 8 stores to find the best deals for Hoka!

Shop now

Lead

"Productivity isn’t about endless hustle, it’s about intentional effort. Work with purpose, rest without guilt, and success will follow." – HBR.org

💡 True productivity comes from working with purpose, not just filling your time…

In a world obsessed with productivity, it’s easy to fall into the trap of equating busyness with success. But constantly pushing yourself to do more can lead to burnout, stress, and, ironically, less meaningful progress. Instead of toxic productivity, shift your focus to purposeful action - doing what truly matters rather than just staying busy.

First, ditch perfectionism. The need to get everything exactly right often slows you down. Try the 80/20 rule. Once a task is 80% complete, it’s usually good enough to move forward. This shift from seeking perfection to aiming for consistent improvement can enhance efficiency and open doors to more creative solutions. Next, prioritize rest. Breaks aren’t a sign of laziness; they’re a proven way to boost creativity and prevent burnout. A simple 15-minute reset after 90 minutes of work can sharpen focus and energy.

Finally, play to your strengths. Identify what you naturally excel at and lean into those talents to maximize efficiency. The key to success isn’t doing more - it’s doing what’s meaningful, sustainable, and fulfilling. Work smarter, not harder, and reclaim your time for what truly matters.

Read the full article from Jennifer Moss at HBR.org

Was this e-mail forwarded to you? If so, subscribe here so you don’t miss any future newsletters!