The Bert Show – Vault Episode: Do Firehouse Groupies Exist?

Date: January 30, 2026
Podcast Host: Pionaire Podcasting / The Bert Show cast (Bert, Kristin, Abby, Cassie, Tommy & others)

Episode Overview

This episode brings back the popular "Atlanta Snopes" segment, where the cast investigates urban legends and local rumors. The topic of the day: the existence of "firehouse groupies"—people (specifically women) who hang around fire stations hoping to date firefighters. The cast reads listener emails, discusses the plausibility of the phenomenon, and takes calls from people with first-hand knowledge. The conversation branches into similar behavior in other professions and shares stories that are funny, validating, and a little surprising.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introducing "Atlanta Snopes" (00:01–00:50)

• Purpose: The hosts use "Snopes.com" to fact-check urban legends and now apply a local spin with Atlanta Snopes.
• Explanation: They debunk or validate rumors circulating in Atlanta, relying on listener input.

2. The Listener Email: Firehouse Groupies (00:51–02:14)

• The Claim: Some fire stations experience trouble with groupies—primarily women—who show up hoping to "nab a firefighter."
• Consequences: Firefighter wives are reportedly upset, leading to counties cracking down on unannounced visitors, especially female ones.
• Hosts’ Reaction: Amused and intrigued, they wonder about the validity and prevalence of this claim.
• Questions Raised:
  • A) Are firehouse groupies real?
  • B) Are stations implementing stricter visitor policies because of this?
  • C) Does this happen in other professions?

3. The Joke About "Groupies" in Other Professions (02:15–02:36)

• Hosts joke about how odd it would be for other professions (like accountants) to have groupies waiting outside the office.

  “It's laughable if you think of any other profession... groupies hanging out outside the door, out of the office.” – [C, 02:15]

• The cast acknowledges that the camaraderie and extended shifts in firehouses may create a unique environment for this behavior.

4. Confirmations from Callers: It's Real (03:19–04:26)

• Lisa, an EMS worker, confirms the existence of firehouse groupies:

  “There is firehouse groupies.” – Lisa [E, 03:22]

• Description of groupies:

  • Usually friends/girlfriends invited by firefighters.
  • Hang out, watch TV, socialize at the firehouse.
  • Visits often occur after work hours (5–6 PM) to avoid getting the firefighters in trouble.

  “They actually wait until everybody else goes home... That’s whenever the girls can come over and the guys not get in trouble.” – Lisa [E, 04:07]

5. Expansion: Other Professions & Stereotypes (04:26–06:22)

• Crystal, fiancée of an officer at a split fire/police station:

  • Confirms women come by targeting firemen (“cookies and crap”), usually undeterred by relationship status.
  • Notes that cops are jealous (“they all hate... firefighters anyway”).

  “...sometimes show up with cookies and crap, and he's here complaining that they don't show up to cops. I'm like, hello, you put a ring on my finger.” – Crystal [F, 04:33]

• Susan dated a fireman in California; admits to actively seeking out fire stations under the pretense of being lost:

  “...I would go to different fire stations and pretend I was lost because I was trying to find a specific one... That happens all the time.” – Susan [G, 05:07]

• Online groups exist for "badge bunnies" who are interested in police officers and firefighters.

  “They’ve got Yahoo groups, message boards, the best stations to stop by.” – [D, 05:45]

6. Terminology: "Badge Chasers" and "Badge Bunnies" (05:58–06:17)

• Badge Chasers/Badge Bunnies: Terms for people who seek romantic relationships specifically with police or firefighters.

  “...they are called badge chasers.” – Crystal [F, 06:04]
  “Badge bunnies that only... will go out with either firemen or policemen.” – [B, 06:12]

7. Official Stance: Policies and Repercussions (06:17–06:52)

• The group concludes the myth is, in fact, true.

• Many counties are implementing policies to restrict unannounced visitors, especially due to complaints from firefighters’ spouses.

  “It’s caused so much problems that a lot of counties are cracking down on any kind of firefighter having unannounced visitors, especially women. So it’s true. It’s absolutely true.” – [B, 06:45]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On groupies showing up at the station:

• “They're prey. Little groupies to go prey on.” – [D, 02:36]

On groupie motivation:

• “And they're fit and they're in uniform and all that stuff. I mean, they save the day. I mean, come on. Of course they have groupies.” – [D, 03:10]

On impersonating a lost traveler to meet firefighters:

• “I would go to different fire stations and pretend I was lost... That happens all the time.” – Susan [G, 05:07]

On jealousies between police and firefighters:

• “...he's here complaining that they don't show up to cops. I'm like, hello, you put a ring on my finger.” – Crystal [F, 04:33]

On badge bunnies having online communities:

• “I bet badge bunnies do have a Yahoo group.” – [D, 06:19]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01–00:50 – Introduction to Atlanta Snopes and urban legends.
• 00:51–02:14 – The origins of the firehouse groupie myth and email.
• 02:15–02:36 – Speculation and jokes about groupies in other professions.
• 03:19–04:26 – Lisa confirms firehouse groupies exist; describes typical groupie behavior.
• 04:26–05:04 – Crystal calls, sharing stories about groupies at split fire/police stations.
• 05:06–05:51 – Susan’s story of actively seeking out a fireman; role of groupies online.
• 05:58–06:22 – Discussion on "badge chasers" and "badge bunnies."
• 06:22–06:52 – Concluding that the myth is validated; discussion of counties implementing rules.

Final Takeaway

Firehouse groupies do exist—the phenomenon is widely acknowledged by both professionals and those who have tried to date firefighters. The combination of culture, long shifts, and public visibility makes firehouses a curiosity magnet for admirers. The episode blends humor, authentic stories, and social commentary while confirming this urban legend through multiple firsthand accounts.

For anyone unfamiliar with the phenomenon or just curious about weird but true modern folklore, this episode entertainingly verifies that firehouse groupies are more than just a rumor—they’re a documented reality that even led to new station policies.