Behind The Shield

Patrick currently serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Wapakoneta Fire-Ems in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He has eleven years in the fire service. He is married to his wife Ashley and has three children Haley, Ethan and Ava. Patrick has a Bachelor’s of Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern University and an Associates of Applied Science in Ems from the University of Toledo. He also serves as the Coordinator for the PALS program and AHA outreach for Lima Memorial Health Systems. Patrick Is also a graduate of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association Maxwell leadership Program.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

HUNTER K. JONES, Lt Col (Retired), U.S. Air Force Lt Col (Retired) Hunter Jones currently serves as Owner & CEO at Jones & Associates – Consulting & Concierge Services, LLC. He previously worked as Director of Business Development & Sales at Liberty Source, PBC; Account Executive & Business Development Manager at Babel Street; VP – Federal for Red Vector. Prior to Red Vector, he served as a Strategic Security Consultant at Chameleon Consulting Group, Fortem Technologies, System High, Babel Street, & Clearspeed, in addition to serving as an Advisory Board Member for Red Vector before coming on full time. He previously served as a Security Consultant with Insight Global working at Penn Medicine within their Information Security Division. Prior to Penn Medicine, he was the Government Security Leader at the Boeing Company, Ridley Park, PA and PAX River, MD. Prior to Boeing, he served as an Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton for several years. During his time with Booz Allen, he worked on-site for three distinct clients: U.S. Coast Guard Counterintelligence (CI) Service, Headquarters Department of Homeland Security Counterintelligence Mission Center, and U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT).As an active-duty Air Force officer, Hunter served as a career federal agent for the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). During his career with OSI, he had extensive exposure to a wide array of missions within the scope of OSI duties to include: narcotics investigations, felony crime investigations, executive protection operations, counterintelligence collections & investigations/operations, counterespionage operations, and counterterrorism operations. Lt Col (Retired) Jones served twice as a deployed Special Agent in Charge/Commander during both Operations Iraqi Freedom & Enduring Freedom and was the Global Security Director/Personal Security Advisor to the Air Force Chief of Staff, General John Jumper. He was also assigned as the Special Agent in Charge at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where he was the Commander of a 24-man unit, interfacing frequently with the Base Commander and the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office in furtherance of his unit’s investigative mission. In his last assignment as an active-duty officer, Lt Col (Retired) Jones served as a staff officer at U.S. Central Command in the Security Cooperation Division leading the Plans, Programs, & Policy Directorate.Hunter cross-commissioned into the U.S. Air Force in 1997 upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) with Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. He played Varsity Football while at the Naval Academy, in addition to playing at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI before attending the Naval Academy. In 2007, he earned a Master of Science in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College at the Defense Intelligence Agency. He later attended the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, where he earned his Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science with emphasis in International Security Studies in 2010.Hunter was born in Bryn Mawr, PA and is married to his spouse (Tara) of twenty-two years and has two boys: Hunter Jr. (20 yrs. old) and Heath (18 yrs. old). They currently reside in Berwyn, PA in same exact neighborhood where he grew up as a young boy. He is a current member of the OSI Association of Special Agents, ASIS International (Board Member), Women in Defense Organization, and Veterans Villages (Board Member). He stays active in coaching various sports teams consisting of football and lacrosse and does so to teach life lessons and mold future leaders within our youth community.https://jonesconsultantservices.com/

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2025

Joel Salatin is a world renowned holistic farmer, author and speaker. We discuss COVID and a fragile population, factory farming, abattoir monopolies, the obesity epidemic, resilience through nutrition, school food, lowering the carbon footprint and much more.Joel calls himself a Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer. Others who like him call him the most famous farmer in the world, the high priest of the pasture, and the most eclectic thinker from Virginia since Thomas Jefferson. Those who don’t like him call him a bio-terrorist, Typhoid Mary, charlatan, and starvation advocate.With a room full of debate trophies from high school and college days, 12 published books, and a thriving multi-generational family farm, he draws on a lifetime of food, farming and fantasy to entertain and inspire audiences around the world. He’s as comfortable moving cows in a pasture as addressing CEOs in a Wall Street business conference.His wide-ranging topics include nitty-gritty how-to for profitable regenerative farming as well as cultural philosophy like orthodoxy vs. heresy. A wordsmith and master communicator, he moves audiences from laughs one minute to tears the next, from frustration to hopefulness. Often receiving standing ovations, he prefers the word performance rather than presentation to describe his lectures. His favorite activity?–Q&A. “I love the interaction,” he says.He co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. Featured in the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and award-winning documentary Food Inc., the farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems.Salatin is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the grass farming movement. He writes the Pitchfork Pulpit column for Mother Earth News, as well as numerous guest articles for ACRES USA and other publications. A frequent guest on radio programs and podcasts targeting preppers, homesteaders, and foodies, Salatin’s practical, can-do solutions tied to passionate soliloquies for sustainability offer everyone food for thought and plans for action.Mixing mischievous humor with hard-hitting information, Salatin both entertains and moves people. Seldom using a power-point and often speaking from an outline scribbled in a yellow legal pad, he depends on theatrics, style, and compelling content to hold attention and defend innovative positions. The rare combination of prophet and practitioner makes him both a must-read and must-hear in a time desperate for integrity leadership and example.https://polyfacefarms.com/homepage

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

Dr. Nicole Bowles, OHSU’s 2021 Women in Academic Health & Medicine Emerging Leader, and Assistant Professor in the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health and Science University, received a BS in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics at New York University and obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology from The Rockefeller University. She then went on to obtain her MS in Clinical Epidemiology from Weill Cornell Medical College. Her research is supported by the Ford Foundation, an American Academy of Sleep Medicine Young Investigator Award, and the National Institutes of Health.In this conversation, we discuss firefighter shift schedules, THC and sleep, the health and cognitive impacts of sleep deprivation and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

After battling Lyme Disease and debilitating co-infections that left her bedridden for over a year, Angela turned to alternative healing modalities and psychedelic-assisted therapies when Western medicine failed to provide relief. By 2022, her health was fully restored, and she has remained prescription-free and active ever since.On June 17, 2022 at 3:43pm, while on a family vacation celebrating her husband Casey’s upcoming 46th birthday and Father’s Day, a tree fell on their vehicle. Casey, guided by his training and quick instincts, managed to steer the car to minimize the impact on his family, sacrificing his own life to save them. The loss of Casey has been profoundly devastating for his family, friends, and all who knew him.https://343fund.org/

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Fire Chief Richard A. Kelley has led the Oklahoma City Fire Department since September of 2017. A member of the department since 1991, Chief Kelley promoted through the ranks in the Fire Operations division having held positions as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Special Operations Coordinator, Technical Rescue Station Officer, and Battalion Chief of two distinct fire districts. Chief Kelley then promoted to Deputy Chief of Support services before becoming Deputy Chief of Operations in 2015.Chief Kelley holds numerous licenses and certifications; Fire Instructor Level II, Emergency Medical Technician, Rescue Technician, Dive Team member, and Oklahoma Task Force I Task Force Leader.Additionally, Chief Kelley spent a decade as an adjunct instructor for the Eastern Oklahoma County Vo-Tech Fire Training Academy where he had the opportunity to train and mentor future fire service personnel. Chief Kelley has been the recipient of numerous awards, and he holds a degree in Municipal Fire Protection from Oklahoma State University. He also completed the Oklahoma Executive Fire Officer Leadership Program in 2015.

Transcribed - Published: 6 July 2025

Dr Michael Lange is an optometrist, nutritionist and radio personality. We talk about vision, eye health, physicals, nutrition and much more.Dr. Michael Lange, optometrist has worked extremely hard at developing one of the top eye care centers in the country. Lange Eye Care and Associates was started on March 15, 1993 by Dr. Michael Lange. Ocala Florida was his very first location and the beginning of his dream to build a state of the art eye care center utilizing the latest in technology.Lange Eye Care has optometric physicians and ophthalmologists on staff to provide full coverage in some locations seven days a week. Michael Lange OD, CNS , the Ocala eye doctor, worked seven days a week, 18 hrs a day for the first ten years to build such an impressive organization of eye care specialists. Dr. Lange states, “If you work hard enough, long enough and truly have a passion for what you do, you will succeed.” He adds, “To be extremely successful it takes a lot of sacrifice as well”.Dr. Lange has been hosting his own live talk radio show called “Ask the Doctor” since April of 1993. This is a live call-in show that can be heard on multiple networks throughout the South and live video streaming throughout the world via the internet and on I heart radio and In tune Radio. The talk show is all about educating the public about the latest in eye care and nutrition.One of Dr. Lange’s first degrees is in psychology and he is also one of a select group of optometrists in the country that is a certified nutrition specialist. The combination of psychology, optometry and nutrition enables Dr. Lange to tactfully handle just about any question that comes over the air. His unique gift of discussing even the toughest questions with patients from all over the country in easy to understand terminology has made him one of the most popular talk show hosts in Florida and around the world. Dr. Lange also has a degree in physiological optics that only enhances and further qualifies him to answer a variety of questions.He always states, “This is for educational purposes only and never replaces a comprehensive eye exam”. He lectures to doctors and the public on the importance of proper nutrition, dietary modifications and lifestyle changes for overall health and good eye health.Dr Lange's website: http://www.langeeyecare.com/about-us/

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

Mark Bouchard has over 15 years of experience in law enforcement, including 10 years of ERT / SWAT work. He also has a master’s degree in leadership studying police culture and police officer mental health. His goal is to provide educational content for law enforcement.Mark is the author of Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From An Injured Mind, which he wrote to help police officers prepare for the psychological challenges of a career in policing.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bouchard-8b63a0227/

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Marc Creswell is a 33 year veteran of EMS and Air Medicine. We discuss his journey into prehospital care, responding to Hurricane Katrina, the Deep Water Horizon tragedy, drones for EMS and much more.Marc began working with Acadian in 1990 in Abbeville, Louisiana. He worked in human resources, education, communications, and was the first training officer for Air Med Services. He now manages the day-to-day operations of the Air Med’s rotor-wing division, Operational Control Center and other operational issues under the directions of Air Med Services.Marc trained at Acadian through the in-house paramedic class and was named Paramedic of the Year in 2007. Marc’s air medical experiences have offered content in several documentaries on the Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Alan Shebaro has trained a broad spectrum of operators during his deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These operators included U.S. Army Special Forces from all Groups (Active Duty and National Guard), U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Air Force Special Operations, Tactical Air Control Party (TACPs), Combat Controllers (CCTs), and U.S. Marine Force Recon.Professor Shebaro earned his Black Belt from Carlos Machado in 2004 and is currently ranked as a 4th degree Black Belt under Professor Chris Haueter. He was 1 of only 4 Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S. Army and is the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in Special Forces Regiment.In this second conversation, we discuss settlers in the West Bank, ICE raids, the Iranian conflict and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Julien Pineau is a world renowned movement specialist and innovator. Julien specializes in getting athletes out of pain my identifying muscle imbalances and correcting them with functional movements.Sports have been a part of Julien’s life since he was young and he’s been a state and national champion in a number of sports including soccer, swimming and wrestling. As an adult, he really found something he liked with MMA (he’s a brown belt) and Ju Jitsu (black belt equivalent in the no-gi category) and spent time traveling the world to learn from the best in the industry. That time spent with the best made him want to learn more about sport and movement so that he could coach others.In 1993, he began his coaching career as a conditioning and grappling coach for the MMA gym where he trained and in 2008, he opened his own gym that focuses on strongman training (another sport at which he excelled) which allow him to train people with the movements and exercises he’s looking for. Julien’s brain is wired to see faulty patterns and visualize, in space, how people move. With his knack for diagnosing muscular & strength imbalances he has developed his own system to identify what issues are and fight root of the problem.https://www.instagram.com/strongfit1/?hl=en

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Christian Lane is a former Canadian Border Services Chief officer and the man behind the 10-8 Podcast. We discuss his journey into law enforcement, immigration, drug prohibition, human trafficking, transition and so much more. @As a former law enforcement and intelligence professional, I built my career on a foundation of integrity, trust, and unwavering commitment to service. Throughout my years of conducting hundreds of interviews, I developed a deep ability to listen, analyze, and truly understand people’s needs—skills I now bring to my role as a mortgage professional. My goal is to ensure every client feels heard, valued, and confident in the decisions we make together.In addition to my work, I am the founder and host of the Team Ten Eight Podcast, a platform dedicated to honoring those who serve our communities. From emergency nurses and paramedics to police officers, firefighters, military members, and veterans, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible individuals who embody dedication and sacrifice.Community service has always been close to my heart. I’ve served on a mayoral task force, mentored youth through Big Brothers, and even ran for city council to advocate for positive change. I also hold several leadership roles, including as a board member for the Canadian Peace Officer Memorial Association, and advisory board member and Ambassador for the True Patriot Love Foundation. I’m honored to have received the Peace Officer Exemplary Service Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognitions that underscore my lifelong dedication to serving others.Now, as a mortgage professional with the Invis - Pinto Mortgage Group, I bring the same dedication and integrity to helping my clients navigate the mortgage process. Whether you’re buying your first home, renewing, or refinancing, I’m here to guide you with expertise and care every step of the way. "We rise by lifting others.""

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Marc Hill, is a veteran firefighter and paramedic, and the author of "Two Dark Thirty." Marc is a highly sought-after educational consultant, lecturer, instructor, and mentor with over two decades of experience in both public education and emergency services. He started his career as a social studies teacher and football coach in a high school and later became an administrator and college professor. Marc also worked his way up the ranks of the fire department and became a full-time Chief, where he made a significant impact on his departments. Marc has been honored with several awards, including the Core Values Award, Teacher of the Year Award three times, and many more. He has also authored the workbook that complements "Two Dark Thirty."https://twodarkthirty.com/

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Dr. Kellie O’Dare is a dedicated researcher, educator, and advocate with expertise in first responder health and wellness, health policy, and organizational resilience. As the Founder and Director of the 2nd Alarm Project and Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management with the Institute of Public Health at Florida A&M University, Dr. O’Dare has led innovative initiatives to support the mental health and resilience of first responders and their families.With a Ph.D. in Social Work and a passion for community-driven solutions, her work bridges academic research and practical applications, fostering transformative changes in behavioral health access and support systems. She has significant experience conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and evaluating large-scale quantitative, geospatial, and mixed-method research projects in both academic and applied settings. Dr. O’Dare’s impactful efforts have garnered $8 million in external funding and contributed to significant advancements in public health and social work practice.Dr. O’Dare has meaningful personal linkages to the first responder community. She is the niece of Shawn T. O’Dare, firefighter/paramedic killed in the Line of Duty in Miami-Dade County, and the spouse of a current Florida professional firefighter/paramedic.https://2ndalarmproject.org/

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2025

Kyle Maynard is an entrepreneur, speaker, best selling author, award-winning extreme athlete, and the first man to bearcrawl to the top of the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,340 feet), and the summit of Argentina’s Mount Aconcagua (22,838 feet), the highest peak in both the Western and Southern Hemispheres.Born with a rare condition known as congenital amputation, that left him with arms that end at the elbows and legs that end near his knees, he learned early on to live life independently and without prosthetics. Kyle thrives on physical challenges and is a champion wrestler, CrossFit Certified Instructor and gym owner, competitive Mixed Martial Arts fighter, world record-setting weightlifter, and skilled mountaineer.He is on a mission to make the world a better place and to inspire others to do the same by sharing his story and living by example. He travels across continents, speaking to thousands of executives and students, athletes and warriors, to share his "No Excuses" philosophy. He is a humanitarian who passionately supports numerous charities, and commits time and resources to work with wounded and recovering U.S. military veterans.Kyle is the New York Times best selling author of his life story, “No Excuses,” and the focus of the moving ESPN documentary, “A Fighting Chance.” His story has been featured in countless television programs and editorials, which have been viewed by millions around the world.https://www.kyle-maynard.com/

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

Chris Cameron is an airplane and helicopter law enforcement pilot, rescue swimmer, wildlife guide, and adventure enthusiast who specializes in apex predator interactions (sharks, whales, alligators). Chris is a native Floridian and attended Mississippi State University where he played football in the South Eastern Conference before beginning his professional flying career. Chris is a strong supporter of 1st responders mental health, advocating through social media through his determination to showcase the richness of life outside of the profession as a means of needed balance and perspective.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Mike Clelland was born in Washington, D.C. and his family moved to Florida in 1974. He was a firefighter in Central Florida for 26 years. He entered the fire service directly out of high school and became an active member of his International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) local union, taking the lead in contract negotiations and labor disputes. He entered management as a Battalion Chief in 2002 and retired in 2008 at this rank. With this unique perspective, Mr. Clelland is keenly aware of issues confronting firefighters and other first responders today. His primary area of law practice is first responder litigation concerning Florida's Heart/Lung Bill, but he also handles first responders’ line-of-duty pension matters as well as government actions.Mr. Clelland attended Seminole Community College and received an Associates Degree in Fire Science Technology in 1999. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2002 from the University of Central Florida. He received a Juris Doctor in 2006 from Florida A&M University College of Law.He lives in Lake Mary with his wife Christy and their two children Emma, age 9 and Patrick, age 6. In his spare time he enjoys working out, reading and spending time with his family. https://www.forthepeople.com/attorneys/mike-clelland/

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Michelle is a 36-year veteran of the nursing profession, having split her years equally between pediatric and neonatal intensive care. She’s held various roles including bedside nurse, charge nurse, and developmental/lactation nurse. She is certified in neonatal intensive care.After retiring in 2022, Michelle had difficulty letting go of her nurse identity. During her career, she had always been interested in learning about other nursing specialties. This curiosity led her to create The Conversing Nurse podcast, highlighting the voices of nurses who make the profession great.She can now say she is enjoying a retirement filled with the laughter of grandchildren, the adventure of travel, the joy of volunteering, the love of family and friends, and the deep connection to the nursing community. Her podcast continues to be a valuable resource for those interested in the nursing profession.https://theconversingnursepodcast.com/

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2025

BILLY MOORE was born in Liverpool in 1973. He had a difficult upbringing and struggled with addiction. In 2005, wishing to make a fresh start, Billy relocated to Thailand and entered a period of sobriety. However, he eventually relapsed and was arrested and charged by Thai police and sent to Klong Prem prison, the infamous 'Bangkok Hilton'. Billy witnessed acts of extreme violence and sexual assault. Eventually he found purpose through taking part in Muay Thai tournaments in jail. Here, he found 'a wall of human community' amongst the elite boxers and regained his sobriety. Ultimately his success as a member of the boxing team at Klong Prem led to his release. Upon release, Billy wrote about his experiences in his book, A Prayer Before Dawn which was later adapted for the screen and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017. Since then, Billy has not only survived cancer, but also gone on to become a powerful advocate of boxing and anti-knife crime initiatives in the Liverpool area. He trains young boxers and appears regularly in the national media.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

In 2018, retired firefighter Tom “Bull” Hill walked from Key West to Tallahassee, more than 700 miles over 50 days, with one goal: to force the State of Florida to recognize the deadly toll occupational cancer takes on firefighters.He didn’t just talk about the problem. He put his feet on the pavement and carried the names and memories of fallen brothers and sisters on his back. His effort helped push Florida to finally pass presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters in 2019.Since then, Bull has continued to advocate for firefighters across the country. He has supported families in mourning, raised awareness for cancer prevention, and never stopped walking the walkNow he is fighting cancer himself, and he needs help. .A fundraiser has been set up to support Bull during this battle. If you have ever benefited from the protections he helped secure, or simply believe in standing by those who have stood up for others, please consider donating or sharing his story.In this conversation, I interview Sam Eaton and Richard Andrews, two veteran firefighters that not only walked with Bull, but have been at the forefront of this fundraising effort as well. Now it's our turn to help Bull. Please consider donating below. Every penny will go towards getting him back on his feet. **Check "0" on the contribute to GiveSendGo tab to ensure your entire donation goes to helping out brother.https://www.givesendgo.com/HelpBullYou can also hear my previous interview with Bull here:https://www.jamesgeering.com/behind-the-shield-podcast/tag/mybrothersburden

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Greg Rudiger, brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a background in fire service training spanning over 25 years. As a firefighter and Captain of Health, Wellness, and Safety, he has firsthand knowledge of high-stress environments and the importance of resiliency. Greg was diagnosed with PTSD in 2018 and has battled suicidal ideations, alcohol use and other addictions along with emotional trauma throughout his life. Through his experiences and successfully overcoming many of these struggles, Greg brings a real and vulnerable approach to resiliency and wellness coaching.​In addition to his extensive experience in the fire service, Greg also a certified performance breathwork coach and a relationship coach. He has led his department's peer support team and wellness programs. This diverse expertise allows RAD to offer a comprehensive approach to wellness and resiliency training. By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, environmental, occupational, intellectual, social and spiritual aspects of well-being, RAD helps individuals build a strong foundation for facing life's challenges with confidence and strength. Through vulnerable, relatable experiences and personalized coaching sessions, RAD provides valuable resources, builds a supportive community, and empowers individuals to cultivate resilience in all areas of their lives.https://www.resilientanotherday.com/

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Kyle Foyle is a former Professional Surfer, Captain of the famed North Shore Lifeguards and competitive jiujitsu pactitioner. We discuss his journey into surfing, mentorship through ocean lifeguarding, mixed martial arts, the importance of fitness standards, the aging athlete, Foundation Training and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2025

Skilled but generally the most un-athletic player on the high school and college basketball court, Ben Patrick didn’t need knee pain and injuries to stack the competitive odds further against him - but that’s what he got.Instead of launching a career in pro basketball, Ben endured knee surgeries, pain medication addiction and serious depression.Rather than succumb, Ben became determined to help not just himself, but others. With intensive research and experimentation, he developed a series of exercises that turned him into a superb, pain-free athlete and provided a path for others to follow for a happier, healthier life. Ben Patrick is founder and president of ATG Online Coaching, a global training program helping tens of thousands of people of all ages and athletic abilities.https://www.atgonlinecoaching.com/

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Skilled but generally the most un-athletic player on the high school and college basketball court, Ben Patrick didn’t need knee pain and injuries to stack the competitive odds further against him - but that’s what he got.Instead of launching a career in pro basketball, Ben endured knee surgeries, pain medication addiction and serious depression.Rather than succumb, Ben became determined to help not just himself, but others. With intensive research and experimentation, he developed a series of exercises that turned him into a superb, pain-free athlete and provided a path for others to follow for a happier, healthier life. Ben Patrick is founder and president of ATG Online Coaching, a global training program helping tens of thousands of people of all ages and athletic abilities.https://www.atgonlinecoaching.com/

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Brian Sizemore lost his Law Enforcement son Lucas to suicide in 2024. In his early career, Lucas had worked with Homeland Security Special Agent Jared. It was Lucas' death that brought these two men together through the creation of The Lucas Foundation and the 'Bring them Home Relay'.We discuss Lucas' early life, his journey into law enforcement, the world of Homeland Security, processing grief, first responder mental health, the relay and so much more. https://www.lawenforcementsunitedcrusadeagainstsuicide.com/2nd-annual-polar-plungehttps://www.lucascrusade.org/

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Dr. Peter Antevy, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Handtevy, stands as a visionary force in healthcare. His innovative development of the Handtevy System has propelled the company to the forefront of emergency medical care.Dr. Antevy’s profound educational journey commenced at the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he attained his medical degree in 1999. He further honed his expertise with pediatric training at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and pursued a subspecialty degree in Pediatric Emergency Medicine from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Marking a significant milestone in his career, Dr. Antevy was among the pioneering cohort to achieve board certification in Emergency Medical Services in 2017.Currently, Dr. Antevy holds the pivotal role of EMS Medical Director for a host of fire-rescue departments, overseeing the crucial work of 2500 paramedics in Broward and Palm Beach County, Florida. In addition to this extensive responsibility, he also leads as the President of the Florida Chapter of the National Association of EMS Professionals (NAEMSP).Dr. Antevy’s transformative contributions to pre-hospital emergency medicine have been widely recognized, earning him the esteemed Raymond H. Alexander EMS Medical Director of the Year Award in 2014 and placement among the 2015 Top Ten Innovators in EMS by JEMS. As he steers Handtevy’s future course, Dr. Antevy’s unyielding commitment to progress remains his guiding principle, positioning him at the vanguard of life-saving advancements in pre-hospital care.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Marc is a 25 year veteran of the fire service and serves at the rank of Captain for a Georgia Fire Department as well as working as a paramedic for the last 28 years. Marc is a certified instructor with Yoga For First Responders and an instructor with the Tactical Resiliency Training cadre. He’s also a tremendous advocate for first responder mental health.In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the fire service, firefighter fitness, the power of yoga in tactical athletes, the Struggle Well program, The SIREN Project, his powerful healing journey and so much more.Marc is a husband, a father and a grandfather. Marc has been in Public Safety for over 28 years and is currently a Fire Captain / Paramedic. From any early age his parents instilled in him a sense of service and empathy for others. He has been blessed to have many opportunities to serve and grow. He was able to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13 and the values and lessons learned in scouting created a strong foundation for the life of service that he was called to.Marc did two years of missionary work in Chile and is fluent in Spanish. After returning from doing mission work, he enrolled in EMT and subsequently paramedic school and has been serving in public safety ever since. After spending a couple of years working on an ambulance, he found his true passion of becoming a firefighter and has been blessed to be a student of the craft for 25+ years. He also served as a tactical medic on the SWAT team for seven years.One of the most important lessons that he has learned throughout his career is the importance of resiliency and a strong support group. First Responders all too often are exposed to unspeakable traumas and hardships that are only understood by those who have walked similar paths.He has learned that there is no “magic pill” to overcoming the daily challenges of life and has embraced a holistic approach to post traumatic growth. His own healing journey is based in faith, mindfulness and meditation, yoga and being anxiously engaged in good causes.Marc is a huge proponent of peer support and has seen how valuable that is when someone may be struggling. He has volunteered with the Florida Firefighter Safety and Health Collaborative as a Co-chair for the Family Caregiver section. He is a certified in Peer Support through the ICISF and the IAFF. He is also active as a squad leader for Yoga For First Responders and travels the country teaching first responders how to use Yoga to enhance performance, build resilience and process stress.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2025

Bas Rutten is a Dutch MMA legend also known as a coach, actor, commentator and innovator. We discuss bullying, Bruce Lee, his MMA career, overcoming extreme injury, his O2 Trainer and much more.Bas Rutten is a retired Dutch mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He was the UFC Heavyweight Champion, a three time King of Pancrase world champion, and finished his career with not a single loss in his last 22 fights.Bas is now a well-recognized color commentator, accredited actor, television host, coach and entrepreneur. He is also a children’s fitness advocate on the Cartoon Network and a participant in the networks highly publicized “anti-bullying” campaign.https://basrutten.com/

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

John Reynolds is a Hollywood stuntman, bouncer and life strategist. We discuss his early life in New Zealand, moving to Australia, bodybuilding, violence de-escalation, his journey into the stunt industry, Japan, working with Captain Dale Dye, masculinity, etherial beings and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Justin Davis is Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Operational Support Team, Langley AFB, VA. We discuss his journey into coaching, training the tactical athlete, the impact of the obesity crisis on military recruitment, minimal effective dose, fitness standards, TeamBuildr and so much more.Coach Justin Davis was born and raised in York County, VA. Attending Tabb high school, he was a multi-sport athlete playing club & varsity soccer and running indoor track in the winter to maintain fitness for the grueling spring season. Father Keith Davis was an aerospace engineer at NASA and mother Patricia Davis was a chemical and electrical technician also at NASA. Needless to say, education was important in the Davis household! His older brother served time in the US Navy as a "Nuke" aboard a submarine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master's Degree in Exercise Science from The George Washington University where he graduated cum laude, soon after obtaining the prestigious certification of Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach through the NSCA. Having spoken on the national level and state level on work capacity and its importance in tactical strength and conditioning, he continues to push the envelope in the Tactical S&C setting maintaining readiness and lethality using the Tier System and testing work capacity in those under his coaching care. He has coached all over the world and has coached every branch of the armed forces outside of the Marines, spending time as a Fitness Director at Ft. Eustis, time in Romania supporting the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System, Ft. Campbell, KY as a Strength Coach for the H2F system, and he is currently the Operational Support Team Strength Coach supporting Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA leading their Explosive Ordnance Disposal team full time while also supporting various squadrons in a rotational embedment. Always down for a round of golf and a beer, he plans to continue coaching until retirement.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

John Brunacini retired as a Fire Captain from the Phoenix Fire Dept Oct. 2006, where he served 26 years in the positions of Firefighter, Engineer and his last 14 years as a Captain. As a Captain on the department he developed and managed the Phoenix Fire Network, he worked in the field as the Company Officer on Ladder 11 B-shift for 10 years, and his last 3 years on the job he managed the department's Command Training Center. After retiring, John became one the major co-founders of the Blue Card Incident Commander Training and Certification Program (for Type 4 & 5 Incident types) that was released in 2008. The end of 2020, after 14 years of managing Blue Card, John retired from Blue Card, where he has since written and published the textbook "Managing a Fire Company". John is currently in the process of developing a corresponding Company Officer training and certification program that is based on and is supported by his new textbook.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2025

Will Chesney is a Navy SEAL, author and the handler of elite warrior dog, Cairo. We discuss his journey into the military, fighting an unseen enemy, chasing excellence, becoming a dog handler, Cairo's near fatal heroism, the Osama Bin Laden raid, PTSD, TBIs, canine therapy and so much more.Two dozen Navy SEALs descended on Osama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011. After the mission, only one name was made public: Cairo, a Belgian Malinois and military working dog. This is Cairo's story, and that of his handler, Will Chesney, a SEAL Team Operator whose life would be irrevocably tied to Cairo's. Starting in 2008, when Will was introduced to the SEAL canine program, he and Cairo worked side by side, depending on each other for survival on hundreds of critical operations in the war on terrorism. But their bond transcended their service.Then, in 2011, the call came: Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia. Now. What followed were several weeks of training for a secret mission. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary operation. Cairo was among the first members of the U.S. military on the ground in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear, which resulted in the successful elimination of bin Laden.As Cairo settled into a role as a reliable “spare dog,” Will went back to his job as a DEVGRU operator, until a grenade blast in 2013 left him with a brain injury and PTSD. Unable to participate in further missions, he suffered from crippling migraines, chronic pain, memory issues, and depression. Modern medicine provided only modest relief. Instead, it was up to Cairo to save Will's life once more—and then up to Will to be there when Cairo needed him the most.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Erik Usher has nearly 30 years of widespread clinical trauma experience and currently serves as a rotor-wing flight nurse/paramedic for Bayflite in Tampa, FL. Erik began his trauma career in 1988 in Connecticut working for a busy hospital-based EMS agency. While continuing to work EMS, Erik obtained his nursing degree at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, where he trained in the emergency department of one of Connecticut’s largest and busiest Level I trauma centers. In 1998, Erik began working for the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. In concert with working in the trauma center, Erik started flight nursing for Mercy Air in 1998, when he became manager and helped establish the current Las Vegas medevac flight program. Erik also worked in the trauma center and in EMS as a Las Vegas street paramedic.Erik is an active speaker at national conventions and a lead instructor/dissector for advanced procedural cadaver labs throughout the country. Erik is an instructor for the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and the American Heart Association’s pediatric advanced life support (PALS). He has also published many textbooks and medical journals throughout his career.Erik is also the author of multiple children's books, helping first responder families with both service and Line of Duty Deaths.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Betsy Thibaut Stephenson lost her law enforcement son Charlie to suicide in 2022. We discuss her work in communications, ethics in public relations, losing her son, her grief journey, writing Blackbird and so much more.Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide, by Betsy Thibaut Stephenson, is a concise and brutally honest memoir about the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of deep despair. By unflinchingly pulling back the curtain of fear and shame, Betsy’s story inspires important conversations about mental health, grief resilience, and creating a path toward healing.Betsy Stephenson wrote Blackbird after her son Charlie’s death. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and Labrador retrievers. When she isn’t visiting her grown daughters in North Carolina and South Carolina, she is helping public affairs clients tell their story to policymakers and the mediahe emotional, physical, and interpersonal toll of grief; and the steps I’ve taken to retrain my body and brain to heal and re-emerge. I will also share resources, musings, and inspiration about life and growth.https://www.blackbirdbetsy.com/

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Betsy Thibaut Stephenson lost her son Charlie to suicide in 2022. We discuss her work in communications, ethics in public relations, losing her son, her grief journey, writing Blackbird and so much more.Blackbird: A Mother’s Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide, by Betsy Thibaut Stephenson, is a concise and brutally honest memoir about the emotional, physical, and spiritual impact of deep despair. By unflinchingly pulling back the curtain of fear and shame, Betsy’s story inspires important conversations about mental health, grief resilience, and creating a path toward healing.Betsy Stephenson wrote Blackbird after her son Charlie’s death. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband and Labrador retrievers. When she isn’t visiting her grown daughters in North Carolina and South Carolina, she is helping public affairs clients tell their story to policymakers and the mediahe emotional, physical, and interpersonal toll of grief; and the steps I’ve taken to retrain my body and brain to heal and re-emerge. I will also share resources, musings, and inspiration about life and growth.https://www.blackbirdbetsy.com/

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Jeff Morefield is 26 year law enforcement veteran and the man behind The On Call Project. We discuss his journey into policing, tornadoes, military service, dive rescue, transitioning out of the first responder professions and so much more.Jeff grew up as an Air Force brat where he graduated high school in Rammstein, Germany. He then attended the University of Central Oklahoma and Air Force ROTC at Oklahoma University. Due to previous medical issues, he was not able to pursue his Air Force dream, but began his career path as a Law Enforcement Officer at the University of Central Oklahoma. He began this journey as a junior in college, specifically Aug 1st, 1997. He spent approximately one year at UCO, before being hired by Yukon Police Department on Jan 19th, 1999. He spent almost 3 years there, before being hired by Edmond Police Department on November 16th of 2001.SGT Morefield found his home and began getting involved heavily within the PD. He served on EPD’s SWAT team for 12 years, EPD’s Under Water Search and Recovery for 14 years, was a Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Honor Guard member, served on the Oklahoma Gang Investigator Executive Board as the Central Director, Lead Intelligence Officer and several others.He is highly decorated as being the recipient of the-2003 State of Oklahoma Police Officer of the Year– Two Life Saving Medals– Two Medal of Valor Medals– Seven Officer of the Month– The Tony Calvert award winner from the Committee of 100He is very active in the Special Olympics Torch Run, Folds of Honor, Tunnel 2 Towers, Baker 2 Vegas Race and many other outside the agency entities.He is a committed member to his family and community and continues to do so currently!Our perpetual appreciation goes to the individual who, with valor, empathy, and courage, serves as the Director of OCP.He is married to his lovely wife, Emily and they have one daughter, Olivia.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2025

Jeff Morefield is 26 year law enforcement veteran and the man behind The On Call Project. We discuss his journey into policing, tornadoes, military service, dive rescue, transitioning out of the first responder professions and so much more.Jeff grew up as an Air Force brat where he graduated high school in Rammstein, Germany. He then attended the University of Central Oklahoma and Air Force ROTC at Oklahoma University. Due to previous medical issues, he was not able to pursue his Air Force dream, but began his career path as a Law Enforcement Officer at the University of Central Oklahoma. He began this journey as a junior in college, specifically Aug 1st, 1997. He spent approximately one year at UCO, before being hired by Yukon Police Department on Jan 19th, 1999. He spent almost 3 years there, before being hired by Edmond Police Department on November 16th of 2001.SGT Morefield found his home and began getting involved heavily within the PD. He served on EPD’s SWAT team for 12 years, EPD’s Under Water Search and Recovery for 14 years, was a Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Honor Guard member, served on the Oklahoma Gang Investigator Executive Board as the Central Director, Lead Intelligence Officer and several others.He is highly decorated as being the recipient of the-2003 State of Oklahoma Police Officer of the Year– Two Life Saving Medals– Two Medal of Valor Medals– Seven Officer of the Month– The Tony Calvert award winner from the Committee of 100He is very active in the Special Olympics Torch Run, Folds of Honor, Tunnel 2 Towers, Baker 2 Vegas Race and many other outside the agency entities.He is a committed member to his family and community and continues to do so currently!Our perpetual appreciation goes to the individual who, with valor, empathy, and courage, serves as the Director of OCP.He is married to his lovely wife, Emily and they have one daughter, Olivia.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2025

Paul De Gelder is and Australian Army veteran, former Navy bomb disposal diver, shark attack survivor and television personality. We discuss bullying, martial arts, rapping, his journey through the military, making peace with death, the adaptive athlete community, plant based diets and much more.Paul de Gelder chased adventure wherever he could find it, from his wild ride as a hoodlum teen and his whirlwind lifestyle working in the music industry & in strip clubs as a bouncer, to hauling his way up to the elite echelons of the Australian Defence Forces as an Army paratrooper and then a Navy bomb disposal diver.But trouble hunted him down in the form of a 9ft bull shark in February 2009 while diving for the Navy. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as a daredevil diver was flung into jeopardy.Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him, Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery. He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge whilst amazing the medical staff and the Australian public with his will to succeed. His inspiring story as detailed in his autobiography “No Time for Fear” takes the saying “never say die” to a whole new level.In the years since the shark attack, Paul’s life has changed in every aspect.Having left full time Navy Service in August 2012, after continuing to instruct Navy Divers for a further three and a half years, Paul has travelled the world as a top motivational speaker, passionate environmentalist, adventurer and mentor to school kids. He has spoken at venues across the globe, from the United Nations in New York and the US Navy in San Diego to Military celebrations in front of thousands and keynotes for multimillion dollar corporations and charity organisations around Australia and Asia.Paul speaks candidly and humorously about overcoming adversity, embracing change and turning fears into your greatest strengths to create an amazing life personally and professionally.He has also been a guest on every major Australian TV talk show and many in the U.S. He starred as a guest trainer on the Biggest Loser Australia, and has hosted 12 documentaries for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Where he learnt to hand feed Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, Blue Sharks, dive with tiger sharks and even Great Whites without the protection of a cage.Mega star Will Smith Featured Paul in his Facebook series “Bucket List” as his shark diving mentor and UFC hall of famer and now WWE start Ronda Rousey was taught how to hand feed bull sharks by Paul for a Shark Week special.Paul also became part of an anti-poaching team in Africa to hunt poachers and film the amazing work done by the Rangers there for “FEARLESS”, aired on NatGeo.Paul has been touted as one of the top 15 inspirational Australians and top 10 speakers and now based in Los Angeles he is preparing to film yet more documentaries and even completed an acting role for a 6 part mini series on Australia’s largest cable network.An incredible life and an incredible story.https://www.pauldegelder.com/

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

Paul Conway is a third-generation firefighter having served 31 years in the field, retiring as the Chief of Operations for Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2012. During his time as Chief, he worked in conjunction with federal, state and local agencies in the Southwest Threat Analysis Center. Chief Conway also partnered with other local fire departments in developing joint operations, enhancing radio interoperability and improving training and response capabilities. He also served with the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department-WI for seventeen years. In 1985, Chief Conway used his fire service experience and passion to establish Conway Shield. His business strives to be a leading source of protective gear, safety equipment and educational resources in the country.https://www.conwayshield.com/

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

"I began my journey in the fitness industry over 15 years ago as a personal trainer. From walking the gym floor to earning a degree in Sports Science, I ultimately joined the Royal Marines. There, I specialised as a Royal Marines Physical Training and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor.After nearly a decade in the Marines, it has become my mission to elevate the standards of aspiring Commandos and anyone with ambitious training goals, ensuring they have built the solid foundations needed to achieve & succeed.I’ve seen too many potential Commandos fall short because they hadn’t built the physical and mental resilience necessary to conquer the challenges ahead.Remember: the bigger the foundation, the taller the tower.If you are interested in working with a military preparation team that has over 40 years of Royal Marines experience and has coached over 1,000 military recruits to earn their Green Beret, we’re here to help you walk the personalised path to becoming a Commando or achieving what you once thought was once impossible.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Anthony Longo is a U.S. Marine Corps Combat Veteran who served multiple deployments in Fallujah, Iraq, as an Infantry Communication Specialist. After his military service, he pursued a career in Fire Rescue, earning a degree in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and certification as a Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP). His dedication to protecting others led him to serve as a Tactical Medic for the U.S. Department of State, conducting diplomatic security operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. During his service, he was awarded the Department of State’s Medal of Heroism for his actions during an insurgent attack on a U.S. compound that resulted in a mass-casualty incident.​During his time overseas, Anthony developed a passion for canine training and rehabilitation, working alongside world-renowned trainers. He immersed himself in the field, traveling across the country and internationally to refine his expertise. After completing his contracting career in 2017, he fully committed to working with and breeding service dogs.In 2016, Anthony founded Warriors Choice Foundation (WCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting transitioning military combat veterans and first responders through holistic wellness programs. With a deep understanding of the challenges combat veterans face—including PTSD, mental health struggles, and reintegration difficulties—he built WCF to offer personalized care and alternative treatments in a retreat-like healing environment.Under Anthony’s leadership, WCF has:Provided over 46 fully trained service dogs to combat veterans.Organized 32 wellness retreats for veterans in need of mental and emotional recovery.Raised 100% of program funding through charitable donations, ensuring accessibility for those in need.Developed the Focused Cognitive K9 Rehabilitation (FCKR) Program, setting a new standard for service dog training and expediting access for veterans requiring service animals.Plans to build a national-scale flagship wellness center in South Florida, to serve veterans and first responders with innovative healthcare solutions.Honoree for the 2024 Powerlist of Palm Beach AwardHonoree for the 2023 Operation Warrior Shield Leadership Award.Anthony’s hands-on experience in civilian and military healthcare, leadership, and personnel management has made him a driving force behind WCF’s success. He is committed to empowering combat veterans and first responders through comprehensive wellness programs and ensuring they receive the support, resources, and rehabilitation they deserve.Through Warriors Choice Foundation, Anthony continues to make a life-changing impact on veterans and first responders in Jupiter, Florida, and nationwide, offering a pathway to healing, recovery, and renewed purpose.https://www.warriorschoice.org/

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2025

Dr Michael Greger is a physician, author and internationally recognized nutrition expert. We discuss the causes of chronic disease, plant based diet, carcinogens, disease reversal and much more.Michael Greger, M.D. FACLM is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized professional speaker on a number of important public health issues. Dr. Greger has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, and the International Bird Flu Summit, among countless other symposia and institutions; testified before Congress; has appeared on shows such as The Colbert Report and The Dr. Oz Show; and was invited as an expert witness in defense of Oprah Winfrey at the infamous "meat defamation" trial. In 2017, he was honored with the ACLM Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award.Dr. Greger's most recent scientific publications in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Critical Reviews in Microbiology, Family and Community Health, and the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition, and Public Health explore the public health implications of industrialized animal agriculture.Dr. Greger is also licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition and is a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. He was featured on the Healthy Living Channel promoting his latest nutrition DVDs and honored to teach part of Dr. T. Colin Campbell's esteemed nutrition course at Cornell University. Dr. Greger's nutrition work can be found at NutritionFacts.org, which is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.He is the author of Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching and Carbophobia: The Scary Truth Behind America's Low Carb Craze. Both of his latest books, How Not to Die and the How Not to Die Cookbook, became instant New York Times Best Sellers. View the book trailer here. Dr. Greger is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Agriculture and the Tufts University School of Medicine.Dr. Greger is proud to be a Council of Directors member of the global voice for lifestyle as medicine, the True Health Initiative (THI). This is a growing coalition of more than 360 world experts representing 35 countries. It is an unprecedented assembly that includes physicians, university Deans, former Surgeon Generals, Olympic athletes, chefs, environmental professionals and a diverse group of nutritionists. Together they offer clarity over confusion and support the foundational principles of healthy eating and healthy living.All speaking fees and proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sale of his books and DVDs are donated to charity.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

Jeff Nichols has been a strength coach for over 20 years working with athletes of all ages in amateur and professional athletics. Jeff is certified through the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Facilitator both with distinction.Jeff began his career as a graduate assistant at Troy University under Richard Schaughnessy CSCS*D and later as an assistant managing 14 Varsity sports. After earning a double major in Kinesiology and Chemistry in 2002, Jeff joined the navy and spent eleven years as a Navy SEAL. Aside from serving as a SEAL while on active duty, he also worked at a Navel Special Warfare command as the active duty Department Head within the Human Performance Department. Jeff oversaw product development, product assessment, program assessment, and operator delegate within Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for Human Performance.After honorable discharge from Naval service Jeff became the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Virginia High Performance LLC in Virginia Beach. Jeff oversaw the programming and training within VHP that focused on youth athletic teams, wounded veterans, and numerous national and international tactical organizations.Jeff now owns Performance First, a private business, specializing in optimizing human performance for the special forces branches of the military, fire, police, and federal agencies.Katherine Grimm has been a strength coach for over 18 years working with men and women of all ages in fitness industry. She started and as licensed massage therapist working with professional athletes and quickly shifted into strength training.After graduating with honors her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota in 2006, began her career as training manager at Life Time Fitness.Katherine now manages and co-owns Performance First, specializing in optimizing human performance for the special forces branches of the military, fire, police, and federal agencies. Her main focus for the last 5 years has been centered on mindfulness and meditation training for these populations and Katherine is a certified meditation teacher.https://www.performancefirstus.com/

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Steve Wolf's passion for science and engineering, and his 35-year career in stunts and pyrotechnics have given major Hollywood directors the ability to create and control all manner of fires. Now he's redirecting his skills to give the same abilities to firefighters.Wolf has hosted Discovery TV shows on science on engineering, and holds a B.A. from Columbia University. He's presented at the World Science Festival, The U.S. Science & Engineering Festival, and received Time Warner’s “Science Presenter of the Year” award. Wolf also worked as an EMT, rescue diver, volunteer firefighter and rescue tech.https://www.teamwildfire.com/

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Dr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). These technologies utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function. These modalities represent a form of precision-guided medicine that has been researched or is currently being used by premier institutions such as US Special Operations Command, Stanford University School of Medicine, Duke University - Human Performance Opti-Lab, University of Southern California (USC) Center for Neurorestoration, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, and the Texas A&M Institute for Bioscience and Technology, among others. Erik joined Wave Neuroscience after serving as the Chief Physician and Chief Technology Officer (Health Services) for the Boeing Company. He also served as a US Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, and received the distinction of serving as the ACE Flight Surgeon for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Dr. Won has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and presented in numerous academic conferences. He completed his residency at the Harvard OEM combined residency program and was appointed Chief Resident. He received a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health and Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Ellizabeth Pol is a current Police Officer of 21 years and the Founder/CEO of Resilient Heroes to present first responders and military personnel with psychoeducation on Trauma and Suicide. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, the first responder mental health crisis, suicide autopsies, forensic psychology, canine therapy and much more."As a mental health professional, my goal is to inform first responders and military personnel of the trauma, triggers, and suicide risk factors that can affect them. By providing the knowledge of stress and adversities to trauma, we can provide them with the tools for self-care and the capacity to advocate mental health resources. This will offer our first responders and military the ability to be more proactive and resilient which reduces the likelihood of being in crisis."https://www.resilient-heroes.com/

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2025

Alastair McGregor is the Co-Founder of STEALTH®: A de-escalation tool using Lego® Serious Play®. A preventative tool which stops people dying. It works and it lasts. And it uses Lego® Al is a Preventative Psychologist specialising in subconscious communication. He has researched and worked with personnel from the SBS & Royal Marines through to ballet dancers & police. Al is currently focused on preventing suicide and lowering self harm in prisons (Operation spitfire) across multiple UK Prisons (Category A - C).Josh Williams is a custodial manager within the UK prison service. He joined in 2018 after working as an on call firefighter. Since joining HMPPS Josh has also began a career with a private ambulance service. Josh believes that the STEALTH® De-escalation tool is going to be an amazing addition to prisons across the world not just the UK. The skills that accompany this tool will save countless lives.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and highly effective business leader across a variety of industries and capacities. For over 25 years, Blayne has built teams and communities through a deep understanding of, and focus on, culture and leadership. Whether serving in corporate, small business, or nonprofit roles, his focus has remained on the people.Inaugural recipient of the George W. Bush Institute Military Service Citation for exemplary leadership both during and beyond serviceFormer President and current board member at GORUCK First Executive Director of Team Red, White and Blue; scaled a hyper inclusive, national community based organization from 3 to 212 cities, delivering 45,000 events per year, enriching the lives of over 150,000 veteransAs a Green Beret (Special Forces Commander), commanded multi-national and inter-agency combat operations Distinguished Honor Graduate from the US Army Ranger SchoolLed over 200 combat missions in Iraq and AfghanistanMBA, University of Floridahttps://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Terry, Joe and Dickie were my crew on Truck 1 in California, a true example of a band of brothers. We've helped each other through epic fires, gruesome extrications, divorce, back surgery, COVID and PTSD.This episode gives an insight into the reality of a cohesive team. in the fire service. We discussed everything from creating great leadership, dealing with trauma, the importance of training and much more.Terry Wilson, Joe Aldecoa, Richard (Dickie) Sprout and James Geering served on a Truck Company in California together. This was by far the most cohesive crew I was assigned to. We bought some beer, turned on the microphones and just started talking. This gives the listener an insight of a band of brothers who saw the best and worst life had to offer.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Russell Foster is a professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where he also heads the Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology and the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute.Foster’s research focuses on both visual and circadian neurobiology, and mainly on the mechanisms whereby light regulates circadian rhythms in humans and other vertebrates and what happens when these systems break down as a result of disease and under abnormal environmental conditions. The Nuffield Laboratory is currently the only research group in Europe, and one of very few in the world, where the dual functions of the eye — as both a receptor organ for vision and for the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms — are being studied side by side.One of Foster’s most groundbreaking findings was the discovery in mice of a specialized class of photoreceptors within the eye called photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs). These pRGCs regulate not only circadian rhythms, but also sleep and arousal states, heart rate, and pupil constriction. The discovery is credited with redefining the mammalian biological response to light.Some of Foster’s more recent work focuses on examining the intersection between sleep and mental illness. His group published a study in the Journal of Neural Transmission revealing a surprising connection between the genes linked to schizophrenia and the genes that impact sleep. “Genes that have been shown to be very important in the generation of normal sleep, when mutated, when changed, also predispose individuals to mental health problems,” said Foster in his 2013 TED Talk, Why Do We Sleep? “In terms of the neuroscience, by understanding these two systems, we're really beginning to understand how both sleep and mental illness are generated and regulated within the brain,” he said.Foster is also investigating the connection between shift work and a higher incidence of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease, and also the influence of light exposure on individual chronotypes, or the timing of activity within a 24-hour period.In recognition of his research achievements, Foster has been awarded the Honma Prize (1997), the Zoological Society Scientific Medal (2000), the David G. Cogan Award (2001), and the Edrige-Green Medal (2005). In 2008, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and in 2015, he received the Order of Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for services to science. Foster has published over 250 scientific papers and has co-authored four popular science books, including Rhythms of Life, which documents the significance of the biological clock on our sleep patterns.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025