The 5%

Living in the Gap

In this episode of The 5% Podcast, Fire Captain Mike Norris explores the critical mental space that exists between stimulus and response on the fireground—what he calls the gap between action and emotion.
That fraction of a second is where decisions are made—or missed. It’s also where Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA) begins.
We kick off with a heartfelt tribute to two brothers lost in the line of duty:
Captain David Meyer of the Chicago Fire Department, who died during a roof collapse while operating at a garage fire, and
Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman of the Kansas City Fire Department, who was tragically killed while transporting a patient.
Their service, sacrifice, and leadership set the tone for an episode focused on mental clarity, tactical patience, and real leadership under pressure.
Drawing lessons from The Men, The Mission, and Me by Pete Blaber, Mike walks through the mental framework behind CTA—giving firefighters tools to operate with intensity and discipline in moments where emotional reaction can cost lives.
🔥 Show Notes:
In this episode, we cover:
A tribute to fallen firefighters Captain David Meyer (Chicago FD) and FF/PM Graham Hoffman (KCFD)
What the “mental gap” is—and why it matters more than ever
How Controlled Tactical Aggression helps firefighters operate with clarity under chaos
Training methods for improving decision control under stress
Fireground psychology, mental mapping, and the importance of tactical pauses
Quotes and mindset principles from The Men, The Mission, and Me by Pete Blaber
If you lead, if you train, if you ride the front seat—this episode is for you.Train hard. Think clear. Lead with purpose. Only 5% will.

"Unlocking Survival Secrets: The Mental Edge in High-Stress Scenarios"

Join us for an insightful hour as we delve into the intriguing world of tactical psychology and its application in high-stress, high-stakes environments. In this episode, we examine the article "Good Intentions Don't Win Battles" and explore the powerful insights from the book "Deep Survival" by Lawrence Gonzalez. Discover how mental resilience, cognitive control, and mission clarity can make the difference when every second counts. Whether you're a seasoned firefighter or new to the field, understanding the psychological mindset required in emergency situations is crucial. We discuss the importance of preparing mentally just as rigorously as physically and how these strategies apply to real-life rescue and firefighting scenarios. Grab your coffee, settle in, and prepare to enhance your mental toolkit for survival and success in the most unpredictable situations.

Keep it Simple with CTA

"Keep It Simple"
In this episode, we dive into the powerful concept of Controlled Tactical Aggression (CTA), developed by veteran firefighter and instructor Mike Norris. CTA is more than a buzzword—it’s a mindset that blends decisive action with deliberate control on the fireground. We explore what it means to be aggressive with purpose, how to train for it, and why CTA is crucial for today’s fast-changing fire environment. Whether you're a seasoned officer or a new firefighter, this episode will challenge the way you think about tactical decision-making under pressure.
We also discuss the importance of mindset and leadership through the lens of Norris’ follow-up article, “Good Intentions Don’t Win Battles”—a powerful reminder that success on the fireground requires preparation, clarity, and execution.
Todays episode is sponsored by Muddy River Training LLC
https://www.facebook.com/Muddyriverdivers
https://mrdivers.com/
 
Read the articles for todays episodes Here :
https://www.fireengineering.com/leadership/controlled-tactical-aggression/
https://www.fireengineering.com/leadership/good-intentions-dont-win-battles/
 Tune in and learn how to push with control, lead with clarity, and operate with purpose.