Episode
#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
2:49:44
Published: Sat Sep 11 2021
Description
Niels Jorgensen is a former New York firefighter for over 21 years, who was there at Ground Zero on September 11th, 2001. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - ROKA: https://roka.com/ and use code LEX to get 20% off your first order - MUD\WTR: https://mudwtr.com/lex and use code LEX to get 5% off - Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex and use code LEX to get $5 off - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium EPISODE LINKS: Niels's 20 for 20 Podcast: https://ironlightlabs.org/20-for-20/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:52) - September 11, 2001 (36:48) - Falling man (40:58) - Ground Zero (47:17) - 20 for 20 (50:27) - What it means to be a great firefighter (53:11) - Why did you become a firefighter? (55:00) - Tally Ho (57:46) - New view of the world (1:05:16) - Empathy (1:09:49) - Leukemia (1:25:18) - New York City (1:31:28) - John Feal (1:44:57) - Conspiracy theories (1:53:45) - Faith (1:55:44) - Modern communication (2:00:11) - Hand written letters (2:14:02) - Love (2:25:45) - War in Afghanistan (2:37:24) - Brave stories from 9/11
Chapters
Nils Jorgensen, a New York firefighter who was at Ground Zero on September 11, shares his experiences and how it led to his new limited podcast series, 20 for 20, which has 20 episodes for the 20 years since the devastating attack.
00:00 - 08:09 (08:09)
Summary
Nils Jorgensen, a New York firefighter who was at Ground Zero on September 11, shares his experiences and how it led to his new limited podcast series, 20 for 20, which has 20 episodes for the 20 years since the devastating attack.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A truck driver talks about the different types of trucks he drove and the experiences he had as a driver, including the reactions of his young daughter to his job.
08:10 - 14:13 (06:02)
Summary
A truck driver talks about the different types of trucks he drove and the experiences he had as a driver, including the reactions of his young daughter to his job.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A conversation about memories of fathers, including a story about following a recall to the firehouse and a memory of a great dad.
14:13 - 21:26 (07:13)
Summary
A conversation about memories of fathers, including a story about following a recall to the firehouse and a memory of a great dad.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
On the morning of 9/11, a group of people were instructed to take a city bus and head to the Battery Tunnel to provide emergency response.
21:26 - 27:05 (05:39)
Summary
On the morning of 9/11, a group of people were instructed to take a city bus and head to the Battery Tunnel to provide emergency response. Despite initial resistance from the bus driver, they eventually convinced him and made their way to the site.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes the chaos and destruction he witnessed during a huge 10-alarm fire emergency with multiple alarms on top of it, and how multiple teams with gear were involved in the rescue operation.
27:05 - 36:13 (09:08)
Summary
The speaker describes the chaos and destruction he witnessed during a huge 10-alarm fire emergency with multiple alarms on top of it, and how multiple teams with gear were involved in the rescue operation.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A friend of a firefighter who was killed on 9/11 shares the story of how he was ordered to bring the body to a firehouse for respect and dignity, while some people tried to slow down their acceleration rate to the ground to avoid death.
36:13 - 41:02 (04:49)
Summary
A friend of a firefighter who was killed on 9/11 shares the story of how he was ordered to bring the body to a firehouse for respect and dignity, while some people tried to slow down their acceleration rate to the ground to avoid death.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker describes the difficult logistics involved in bringing equipment to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the overwhelming size of the pile of rubble and the heavy machinery required to clear it.
41:02 - 45:32 (04:30)
Summary
The speaker describes the difficult logistics involved in bringing equipment to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the overwhelming size of the pile of rubble and the heavy machinery required to clear it.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker remembers his childhood where he admired the selflessness of his father and other heroes who put their lives at risk every day with a tough exterior but a soft heart, in equipment like firefighting gear, military helmets, and flak jackets.
45:33 - 54:56 (09:23)
Summary
The speaker remembers his childhood where he admired the selflessness of his father and other heroes who put their lives at risk every day with a tough exterior but a soft heart, in equipment like firefighting gear, military helmets, and flak jackets. These people inspire him to this day.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the Irish heritage of some early immigrants in his neighborhood and laments the senseless violence committed in the name of religion or ideology.
54:56 - 1:04:34 (09:38)
Summary
The host discusses the Irish heritage of some early immigrants in his neighborhood and laments the senseless violence committed in the name of religion or ideology.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The act of demonstrating compassion and empathy, even in brief moments, can make the difference between suffering and overcoming a tragic event.
1:04:34 - 1:11:16 (06:41)
Summary
The act of demonstrating compassion and empathy, even in brief moments, can make the difference between suffering and overcoming a tragic event. This is exemplified through the experience of a responder during a disaster.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A man shares his experience with a dangerously swollen spleen, which he attributes to heavy drinking, and the medical treatment he received to prevent it from rupturing.
1:11:16 - 1:15:32 (04:16)
Summary
A man shares his experience with a dangerously swollen spleen, which he attributes to heavy drinking, and the medical treatment he received to prevent it from rupturing.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares about the intense burning sensation from chemotherapy and praises a nurse for his support during treatment.
1:15:32 - 1:21:05 (05:32)
Summary
The speaker shares about the intense burning sensation from chemotherapy and praises a nurse for his support during treatment. She also mentions how the treatment impacts the ability for patients to enjoy time off during the summer.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A retired serviceman discusses his struggle with PTSD and how his therapist helped him cope through it.
1:21:05 - 1:24:12 (03:06)
Summary
A retired serviceman discusses his struggle with PTSD and how his therapist helped him cope through it.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A retired professional reflects on changing workplace expectations over the years, including the dwindling length of time allowed for employees to advance and the effects of public indecency on tourism.
1:24:12 - 1:27:45 (03:33)
Summary
A retired professional reflects on changing workplace expectations over the years, including the dwindling length of time allowed for employees to advance and the effects of public indecency on tourism.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The episode discusses how the concept of the American Dream has changed over the years and how immigrants, like the host's mother, have traditionally been a part of it.
1:27:45 - 1:31:21 (03:36)
Summary
The episode discusses how the concept of the American Dream has changed over the years and how immigrants, like the host's mother, have traditionally been a part of it.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
John Feal set out to get funding for first responders of 9/11 who were in a limbo state of not being able to pay their medical bills, mortgages, car payments and childcare payments due to the work they undertook during the tragic event.
1:31:21 - 1:35:09 (03:48)
Summary
John Feal set out to get funding for first responders of 9/11 who were in a limbo state of not being able to pay their medical bills, mortgages, car payments and childcare payments due to the work they undertook during the tragic event.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A cop who developed illness from working during 9/11 confronted politicians for their lack of support, facing $500,000 in medical bills and only a few months to live.
1:35:09 - 1:42:23 (07:13)
Summary
A cop who developed illness from working during 9/11 confronted politicians for their lack of support, facing $500,000 in medical bills and only a few months to live. The first death officially linked to 9/11 was a New York City police detective in 2006, whose death from lung disease was initially misattributed by the city.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The way government is structured leads to losing track of the connection to people, even for cops and people servicing the community, as they are not living among the people they serve.
1:42:23 - 1:51:58 (09:34)
Summary
The way government is structured leads to losing track of the connection to people, even for cops and people servicing the community, as they are not living among the people they serve. The continued burning of the kerosene exceeding the temperature caused the structural damage to the Trade Center to fail.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The advancements in technology have made it easier for news and information to spread instantly, but it has also led to people believing everything they hear without proper fact-checking.
1:51:58 - 1:56:18 (04:19)
Summary
The advancements in technology have made it easier for news and information to spread instantly, but it has also led to people believing everything they hear without proper fact-checking.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the difference in conversation skills between generations, as well as the impact of technology on those adept at using it.
1:56:18 - 1:59:58 (03:39)
Summary
The speaker discusses the difference in conversation skills between generations, as well as the impact of technology on those adept at using it.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A regular guy, who went through night college, shares his encounter with a high-ranking businessman who reached out to him personally.
1:59:58 - 2:04:30 (04:31)
Summary
A regular guy, who went through night college, shares his encounter with a high-ranking businessman who reached out to him personally. Despite being a union guy, the businessman showed interest in conversing with him.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares a personal story of battling cancer and finding comfort in reaching out to and supporting other cancer patients with their unique journeys.
2:04:30 - 2:08:09 (03:38)
Summary
The speaker shares a personal story of battling cancer and finding comfort in reaching out to and supporting other cancer patients with their unique journeys.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the value of relationships that endure through both success and hardship, and the tragic loss of someone who never got to experience that same joy.
2:08:09 - 2:13:16 (05:07)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the value of relationships that endure through both success and hardship, and the tragic loss of someone who never got to experience that same joy.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on how having children changes relationships with significant others and the importance of love in navigating these changes.
2:13:16 - 2:16:10 (02:54)
Summary
The speaker reflects on how having children changes relationships with significant others and the importance of love in navigating these changes.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast speaker reminisces about the emotional connection he formed with the crew while working on set, with some people even coming up to him for a daily hug.
2:16:10 - 2:18:33 (02:22)
Summary
The podcast speaker reminisces about the emotional connection he formed with the crew while working on set, with some people even coming up to him for a daily hug.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A person living in a small town in Tennessee expresses their desire to become a multi-gazillionaire in order to give back to their community and help those who feel neglected.
2:18:33 - 2:22:12 (03:39)
Summary
A person living in a small town in Tennessee expresses their desire to become a multi-gazillionaire in order to give back to their community and help those who feel neglected.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussing ways to support charities that aid veterans and the potential use of old military facilities to create housing for them.
2:22:12 - 2:28:18 (06:05)
Summary
Discussing ways to support charities that aid veterans and the potential use of old military facilities to create housing for them.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The discussion reflects on the tragedy of war and how innocent lives are lost on all sides, including civilians and children.
2:28:18 - 2:35:37 (07:18)
Summary
The discussion reflects on the tragedy of war and how innocent lives are lost on all sides, including civilians and children. They touch on how using civilian deaths for political gain can be seen as a positive for some countries and how some terrorists do not value the lives of their own people.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the heroism of individuals during tragedies, including those who risked their lives during the 9/11 attacks, but also sheds light on the homelessness crisis and failure to care for those who served our country.
2:35:38 - 2:41:23 (05:44)
Summary
This podcast discusses the heroism of individuals during tragedies, including those who risked their lives during the 9/11 attacks, but also sheds light on the homelessness crisis and failure to care for those who served our country.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on the presence of shining examples in society and wonders if there are enough of them.
2:41:23 - 2:46:01 (04:38)
Summary
The speaker reflects on the presence of shining examples in society and wonders if there are enough of them. They mention a positive experience they had with a stranger and the pride they felt in the response of people during 9-12.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses the value and beauty of diversity and encourages listeners to strive for doing good.
2:46:01 - 2:48:56 (02:55)
Summary
The speaker expresses the value and beauty of diversity and encourages listeners to strive for doing good.
Episode#220 – Niels Jorgensen: New York Firefighters and the Heroes of 9/11
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker expresses their love for a state where they had previously worked for storm relief, highlighting the awesome people and great food.
2:48:57 - 2:49:38 (00:40)
Summary
The speaker expresses their love for a state where they had previously worked for storm relief, highlighting the awesome people and great food. They end the conversation with a quote on human kindness from Franklin D. Roosevelt.