Welcome to the Behind the Shield podcast. As always, my name's James Gearing, and this week it is my

absolute honor to welcome on the show, firefighter and paramedic, Jason Friedman. So in this

extremely powerful conversation, we discuss a host of topics. From Jason's journey into the

volunteer fire service, his path into paramedicine, losing his parents, his own very powerful

mental health story, anger management, the shatterproof program, ketamine therapy, and so much

more. Now before we get to this incredible conversation, as I say every week, please just take a moment,

go to whichever app you listen to this on, subscribe to the show, leave feedback, I do love

reading your feedback, and leave a rating. Every single five-star rating truly does

elevate this podcast, therefore making it easier for other people to find.

And this is a free library of almost 800 episodes now.

So all I ask in return is that you help share these incredible men and women's stories

so I can get them to every single person on planet Earth who needs to hear them.

So with that being said, I introduce to you Jason Friedman.

Enjoy.

Music. Well, Jason, I want to start by saying, firstly, thank you so much for reaching out,

and secondly, thank you for taking some time and coming on the Behind the Show podcast today. No, thank you. It's actually quite an honor and a privilege to be here speaking with you.

Well, like I tell a lot of people, this is just two firefighters having a chat, so, you know, the honor and privilege is mine as well.

So, very first question, where on planet Earth we're finding you this evening?

Right now I'm in my apartment in Boynton Beach. And actually, you said a somewhat of a significant

day taking my 16-year-old out driving lessons, which I'm glad to report that I'm back safe and sound.

I got a 15-year-old that turns 16 and he, on his birthday, he got his permit and was like, all right, we're driving.

So he is hell-bent on getting his on his 16th birthday.

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