Behind The Shield

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

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

Kona Oliveira is a federal firefighter, professional MMA fighter and big wave surfer who recently went viral for shredding a monster swell at Peahi off Maui. We discuss his childhood in Hawaii, growing up in a martial arts family, his MMA journey, the paradox of surfing and competition, becoming a firefighter and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Matson Browning is an internationally recognized authority on the inner workings of white supremacy groups. As an undercover detective for more than two decades in Arizona, he thought he knew what hate looked like, that is, until he got a front row seat. For more than 25 years, Browning has been infiltrating, documenting, and disrupting White supremacy movements from the inside, gaining and intimate vantage point to the KKK, skinheads, border militias, Proud Boys, and other White power groups, as they organized and grew, their ranks including police force and military veterans. Together with his intrepid wife, Tawni, he adopted fake ids and ideologies, seeking the arrest of its hate groups participants -- none more so than JT Ready, a neo-Nazi who took "hunting trips" for border migrants while gaining mainstream acceptance as a political candidate -- and terrorizing Browning's family. What others dismissed as fringe groups, Browning quickly recognized as large and interconnected organizations permeating every facet of American society, effectively spreading their dangerous and repugnant rhetoric at unprecedented speeds. Now, with the violent polarization in our communities and an increase in hate crimes, the threat posed by these toxic organizations feels as acute as ever.Tawni Browning considers herself first and foremost a mother of five. Beyond that, she was the Supervising and Casting Producer for A&E’s “Escaping Polygamy,” a series documenting the trials and struggles of individuals attempting to leave the cult life of polygamy. For years, Tawni has been assisting her husband in the investigations of numerous skinhead organizations. With her covert investigative tactics, Tawni was instrumental in the “shutting down” of one of the world's largest and most violent skinhead organizations. Tawni continues to gather intelligence on various individuals and religious extremists throughout the world.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

LtCol Gregson is the Director for the Marine Corps Center for Learning and Faculty Development at TECOM and Kelsie is the High-Intensity Tactical Training Coordinator for Marine Corps Base Quantico. Chris Hinshaw is the founder of Aerobic Capacity and is widely considered one of the top endurance coaches in the world. In this conversation, we discuss fitness in the military, the recruitment crisis, wellness in the general population, forging elite performance in the Marines, The Fittest Instructor Competition and so much more.LtCol Nic Gregson graduated from Officer Candidate School in 2004. He was designated a Field Artillery Officer in 2006. 1stLt Gregson reported to First Battalion, Tenth Marines in 2006, serving as a Forward Observer and Platoon Commander for his first deployment to Iraq in 2007. Upon return, he was assigned as Officer In Charge of Police Transition Team 6-District Habbaniyah for the deployment in 2009. Captain Gregson was assigned as the Targeting Officer for 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2009 and served as the Fire Support Coordinator for BLT 3/8 in Operations Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.In 2011 Captain Gregson reported to Expeditionary Warfare School as a student. Upon completion, Captain Gregson reported to back to 1st Battalion, 10th Marines for duty as Battery B Commanding Officer, RCT-2 Fire Support Officer in support of OEF, HQ Btry Commanding Officer and Bn Logistics Officer. Following his tour at Tenth Marines, Major Gregson reported to Marine Detachment Fort Sill to serve as an instructor of Field Artillery Captains Career Course, and Operations Officer. Following that tour, Major Gregson reported to Command and General Staff College as a Student.Major Gregson reported into First Battalion, Eleventh Marines following school to serve as the Bn Logistics officer and Bn Executive Officer. Major Gregson served one year as the Deputy Director of Operations and Training at Expeditionary Training Group-Pacific prior to reporting into Training Command operations section. LtCol Gregson served two years at the Future Operations Officer prior to assuming the duties as the Marine Corps Center For Learning and Faculty Development Director.Lieutenant Colonel Gregson’s personal awards include two Meritorious Service Medals, and four Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals.Kelsie began her career in strength and conditioning in 2010 at an internship with Mike Boyle. She got her masters while working as a graduate assistant at Boston University, before moving on to work for the University of New Hampshire as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. She's worked with a multitude of teams to include men's crew, men and women's soccer, men's ice hockey, football, men and womens tennis, alpine skiing, and track and field. In 2015 she made her move to the tactical world and has been the strength and conditioning coach for MCB Quantico since 2020.Chris Hinshaw is the founder of aerobiccapacity.com, and is widely considered one of the top endurance coaches in the world. Chris is known internationally for his extensive knowledge and practical experience developing aerobic capacity in athletes of all experience levels using his comprehensive, cutting edge approach to training.Coached 35 Crossfit Games ChampionsCoached 50+ Crossfit Games Podium Athletes10x Ironman Competitor

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

Dyana Alexander is a Fire Captain and Paramedic. We discuss her journey into the fire service, death notifications, cardiac arrests, moral injury, pickleball and so much more.Dyana is a dedicated professional with nearly 18 years of experience with Orange County Fire Rescue. Currently serving as a field Captain in Battalion 3/A, she covers a vast area including International Drive, Sea World, Hunters Creek, Lake Nona, and Moss Park. Throughout her career, Dyana has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of emergency medical services. Notably, she played a key role in the development and implementation of the sign-off process for Stand-alone Paramedics in Orange County. Dyana's educational background includes Critical Care Paramedicine from the University of Florida and an Undergrad in EMS. As an EMS educator for nearly 15 years, Dyana has shared her expertise and passion for pre-hospital education with countless students. One area of particular interest for Dyana is pediatric pre-hospital medicine, where she excels in providing compassionate, effective patient care and education. Additionally, her expertise in leadership is focused on a deep commitment to the well-being of others with an emphasis on grieving, bereavement, closure, and mental health.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Jason Vale aka "The Juice Master" is an author, filmmaker and creator of the Juicy Retreats. We discuss childhood trauma, owning your history, how he reclaimed his health, disease reversal, addiction, forging resilience and much more.Jason Vale – also known as “the Juice Master” – is a man on a mission to “juice the world!” He is the best-selling author of over a dozen books on health, addiction and juicing; eleven number 1 iOS and Android apps; and the groundbreaking, feature-length documentary SuperJuiceMe! “If you don’t look after your body you’ll have nowhere to live!” Jason’s aim is to really ‘juice’ the world – in every sense of the world – and to make a juicer and a blender as common on every kitchen work-surface as a toaster and a kettle.Jason wasn’t always slim and healthy. In the past he suffered from psoriasis and eczema so extreme that it would cause his skin would crack; he had asthma so severe that on one occasion he was told that he was minutes away from death; and he experienced extreme allergies and hay fever. He was also obese, consuming large amounts of junk food as a self-confessed “burger boy”, frequently drinking up to 14 pints of lager and smoking as many as 60 cigarettes in a day. “If you can’t eat them... Can you drink them?” Looking for a cure for his skin, Jason tried many things. But after reading about juicing, and giving it a try, he found the results were amazing.To his surprise everything started getting better! His asthma disappeared within weeks; his skin cleared; and the weight dropped rapidly! Realizing that this could help other people too, Jason set out on a mission to Juice The World – to encourage as many people as possible to turn their health around using nature where possible.In 2002 Jason joined forces with Moulinex and their juicers rapidly became the best-selling in the UK. Three years later he was headhunted by Philips to be the face of their range of juicers and blenders in the UK, Europe and a number of countries around the world. Philips soon became, and remained, the best-selling juicer during his endorsement. In 2013 Tristar products approached Jason to be the new Jack LaLanne in the USA. And most recently, in 2015, Jason became a brand ambassador for the cool Retro range of juicers and blenders!https://www.jasonvaleofficial.com/

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Daniel Higuera is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College Department of Fire Technology. Currently, he provides health and wellness services to over 20 fire and police departments in southern California. In this conversation, we take a deep dive into the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance.Previously, Higuera worked with athletes in both collegiate and private sectors. Higuera is a PhD graduate of Health Science with an emphasis in Human and Sport Performance at Rocky Mountain University. His research focuses on investigating the applicability of wearable technology for firefighters health and wellness.He earned his undergraduate and graduate degree in Kinesiology at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Associated (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT).https://www.instagram.com/dr.danielhiguera/

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Brian Sanders is a recently retired homicide lieutenant, gang expert, and presenter. During his career, he served on various proactive units, to include Gang Suppression Unit, homicide unit as a detective and later as a sergeant, intel sergeant, and other units. He is known for developing sources, actionable gang intelligence, motivating others to learn and work gangs, and pushing disruption initiatives to reduce violence. Additionally, he served two years on a special assignment attached to the Career Criminal Unit conducting a joint R.I.C.O. investigation with the F.B.I. which yielded the dismantling of a Blood set and earned an award from the director of the FBI. He has a B.A. degree in Psychology and graduated magna cum laude. While obtaining his degree, he earned his membership in Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. He is also a former sergeant of the United States Army (Infantry) .

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

Eric Stevens is a collegiate and NFL football player turned firefighter. Eric was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) earlier this year. We discuss their athletic careers, how they met, being given a terminal diagnosis, how a potential cure is being withheld, how you the listener can help and much more.“The average life expectancy of ALS diagnosed patients is 2-5 years. Currently, the most promising treatment called NurOwn is going through a phase 3 trial, meaning that people who have been diagnosed and are potentially a good match for this treatment don’t have access to it unless they accepted into a trial. The trial is a double blind study, so even if you get accepted you only have 50/50 chance of actually receiving the treatment. Once your time in the trial ends, all participants are taken off the treatment even if it is greatly improving their lives.We respect the FDA, as well as the drug companies working hard to bring new treatments on the market. However, even with this respect for these agencies, it’s hard to understand why terminally ill patients have no possibility to access treatments already proven to be safe and affective.This system is not working for currently diagnosed patients who have been given a year or two to live and their families who are losing hope. My hope is to shed light on this underfunded disease, start a debate and motivate people in power to make changes that allow terminally ill patients to access treatments still in trials but proven to be safe. We need currently diagnosed patients who don’t have a year or two to wait for treatment to have access to treatment since it can drastically reduce their suffering.”– Eric StevensStevens Nation Website:https://stevensnation.com/

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

Thaer Ahmad, MD is a board-certified emergency medicine physician working at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ahmad is the assistant program director for the emergency medicine residency program. He serves as both the global health director and medical ethics director for the emergency department at Advocate Christ. Dr. Ahmad is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a board member of PAMA. The Palestinian American medical association.He has served in Gaza at Nasser and Al-Aqsa Hospital, as well as in Lebanon during the ongoing conflict. Prior, Dr. Ahmad has spent time in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, and Greece working on local healthcare capacity building projects.In this third conversation, we discuss the US healthcare crisis, how lobbyists are profiting from American illness, the deliberate blocking of aid in Gaza, the murder of 15 Palestinian firefighter/paramedics, Israeli protests, finding a stem cell match for a terminally ill girl and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Joseph Bonanno is a 21 year veteran of the FDNY, fitness trainer and award winning chef. We discuss his journey into the fire service, firefighter fitness, his powerful 9/11 story, the community of 9/12, how nutrition led him to host a cooking show and so much more. FDNY VETERAN FIREFIGHTERGraduate Award Winning ChefFitness Trainer/NutritionistAuthor of “The Healthy Firehouse Cookbook”The Firehouse Grilling CookbookThe 20 year Commemorative “American Firehouse Cuisine”https://americanfirehousecuisine.com/

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in the field of human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime. Col. Grossman is a former West Point psychology professor, Professor of Military Science, and an Army Ranger who has combined his experiences to become the founder of a new field of scientific endeavor, which has been termed “killology.” In this new field Col. Grossman has made revolutionary new contributions to our understanding of killing in war, the psychological costs of war, the root causes of the current "virus" of violent crime that is raging around the world, and the process of healing the victims of violence, in war and peace. Lt. Col. David Grossman is the author or co-author of five non-fiction and four fiction books. He has co-authored a New York Times bestselling book with Glenn Beck. His book On Killing has sold over a half million copies world-wide, has been translated into five languages, is on the US Marine Corps Commandant’s Required Reading List, and is required reading at the FBI academy and numerous other academies and colleges. Col. Grossman co-authored Stop Teaching Our Kids to Kill: A Call to Action Against TV, Movie and Video Game Violence, which has been translated into Norwegian and German, and has received international acclaim. Col. Grossman’s next book was On Combat, which has also placed on the US Marine Corps Commandant’s Required Reading List and is translated into Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. His book Warrior Mindset, applies sport psychology and performance psychology to military and law enforcement, and his most recent book is Assassination Generation.Col. Grossman has written 23 book chapters, and 35 book forwards. He has been called upon to write the entry on “Aggression and Violence” in the Oxford Companion to American Military History, three entries in the Academic Press Encyclopedia of Violence, and he has authored or co-authored 43 articles in journals and Periodicals, to include the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, and Pediatric Annals.He has presented papers before the national conventions of the American Medical Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He has presented to over 100 different colleges and universities world wide, and he has trained educators and law enforcement professionals, at the federal, state and regional level, in all 50 states and over a dozen foreign nations.He helped train mental health professionals after the Jonesboro school massacre, and he was also involved in counseling or court cases in the aftermath of the Paducah, Springfield, Littleton, Virginia Tech, and Nickel Mines, PA Amish school massacre. In February, 2018, after the Parkland, FL school massacre, Col. Grossman was called to the White House to serve on President Trump’s Round Table on Violent Video Games.https://www.grossmanacademy.com/

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2025

Erik Paulson is a former Shooto world champion and renowned catch wrestling coach. We discuss his journey into the martial arts, Jeet Kune Do, weapons, training the tactical professions, his time in the stunt industry, coaching the older martial artist and so much more.Sensei Erik Paulson has trained fighters such as Josh Barnett, Ken Shamrock, Renato Sobral, Cub Swanson, Ben Jones, Craig Wilkerson, James Wilks, Sean Sherk, and Former UFC champion Brock Lesnar. If you are looking to train at the highest levels in MMA, Kickboxing, and Grappling/BJJ, look no further than training with Sensei Erik Paulson. Known as an encyclopedia of moves, Pro Fighters have come all over the country and world to train with Erik to gain an edge for their upcoming fights.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2025

Lionel Crowther is a 27 year veteran of the fire service, LODD survivor and mental health advocate. Steve Farina is a 30 year fire service veteran, a VP for the BC Professional Firefighters Association and is the vice-chair of the BCPFFA’s Mental Health Committee, as well as their Occupational Health & Safety Committee.In this second conversation, we discuss firefighter survival, courage in leadership, the recruitment crisis, firefighter families, sphere of influence and so much more.Lionel has been blessed to be a Fire Fighter for the last 27 years and now promoted to the rank of Captain with the Winnipeg Fire Department.Lionel is a Master Instructor for the IAFF Fire Ground Survival Program, Master Instructor for the Petzl EXO Escape System, IAFF Burn Foundation Coordinator, Trainer & Peer Supporter for Burn Survivor Fire Fighters & families, graduate of the West Point Sciences of Behavior Program through the LAFD Leadership Academy, sleep educator for the 62Romeo program with Seal Team 7 member Robert Sweetman, and recently appointed to the UL Fire Safety Research Institute on the Training Advisory Board.Steve began his firefighting journey in 1992 as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Township of Langley Fire Department. In 1997, he transitioned to a full-time role with Coquitlam Fire Rescue. After steadily advancing through the ranks, he was promoted to Captain in 2015 and currently serves in the Fire Suppression Division on Engine 1.Steve has been deeply involved in union leadership, serving as the OHS rep on the Union Executive of IAFF Local 1782 (Coquitlam Firefighters) from 2005 to 2023. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of the BC Professional Fire Fighter Association (BCPFFA) and, in 2023, became the Executive Vice President. In these roles, he represents 56 IAFF Affiliate Locals and more than 4,500 professional firefighters across British Columbia.His dedication extends to health and safety initiatives. Steve is the vice chair of the BCPFFA's Health and Safety Committee and Mental Health Committee. He is also a member of Coquitlam Fire Rescue’s Critical Incident Stress and Peer Support teams. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Steve has travelled across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick to train healthcare professionals on fire service culture. Additionally, he represents the BCPFFA on BC’s First Responder Mental Health Steering Committee, chaired by WorkSafeBC.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Chloe Brennan is a British Strongwoman currently transitioning from the U64kg weight class to U73kg. As a lightweight athlete Chloe broke two World Records (U64kg car walk and open record for the Rogue Replica Dinnie Stones), gained the title of 2019 England’s Strongest Woman and placed top 5 at every World Championship she competed in, most recently placing 2nd at the Arnold Amateur World Championships in Ohio, earning her Pro Card.)​Chloe owns her own coaching business ‘Holistic Strength Coaching’ where she combines her experience as a registered nurse in the behaviour and mental health field and lifting and competing experience to work with athletes from a variety of sports to improve their physical performance and mindset.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Anthony “Tony” Marquez is a soon to be retired CMSgt in the Air National Guard and a Fire Captain. Tony served 23 years in the Air Force, 13 years active duty and 10 years in the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. He has been in the fire service since 2005 serving as a volunteer fire fighter in New Jersey, Air Force firefighter, and currently as a civilian structural firefighter. Due to his personal mental health battles, childhood traumas, and witnessing his fellow brothers and sisters struggle, Tony pursued his Master’s in Social Work to help inner city youth, first responders, and veterans. He also serves as a guide for post traumatic growth training, Struggle Well, developed by the Boulder Crest Foundation. Tony has a passion to help others that are struggling in hopes they can see life is worth living, even through the hard times.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

Shane Taylor is an actor, ambassador and the man who portrayed Army Medic Doc Roe in "Band of Brothers". We discuss his journey into drama, Captain Dale Dye's movie boot camp, forging camaraderie, the real men of Easy Company, horse riding, mental health and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Brandon Young - Brandon is a former U.S. Army Ranger and current business leader who leads with passion and integrity. He has spent over 25 years building and leading teams to achieve mission and business objectives in complex environments. In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the military, Ranger selection, the horrors of war, leadership, the power of perseverence, moral injury, his book and so much more.Brandon was also:Co-Author of the Enriched Life Scale (used by The DOD)As Director of Development with Team RWB, 450% overall revenue growth from $2M to $9M/ yr. over 3 years; developed strategic partnerships with Nike, Walmart, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon, The Schultz Family Foundation and The Marcus Foundation.Quest Diagnostics Regional Excellence Awardee for Commercial Leadership3rd in the 2006 Best Ranger CompetitionAssessed, mentored and trained over 1,000 Ranger leaders (75th Ranger Regiment)Jumpmaster for a combat parachute assault into Afghanistan (4 Total Rotations)MDiv. - Leadership, Denver Seminaryhttps://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

My name is Joey Scrivani I’m 34 years old and a happily married father of two young boys. I am offering this course as a way to give back and teach skills I wish I would’ve had when I started my fire service career.After 10 years in the fire service, I was diagnosed with PTSD. My symptoms included panic attacks, disassociation, suicidal ideations, sleep issues, anxiety and depression. As I began my treatment, I found it lacking as the conventional treatment was aimed at giving pharmaceuticals to help my symptoms while failing to address the nervous system and the body. This approach placed me in a victim mindset and has been ineffective for me. After trying the conventional approach, I started to experiment with things outside the mainstream. Ice baths, saunas, breath work, meditation, journaling, TRE, float tanks, EMDR, neurofeedback, plant medicines and many other non-conventional approaches ended up being what gave me relief and allowed me to pull myself out of despair. Fast forward 3 years from my initial treatment and I am now working to give people skills before pills. Through Conscious Movements, participates are introduced to the language of body and taught how to use their breath and movement to regulate themselves. Conscious Movements works on a physical, mental, emotional, and energetic level and encourages the practitioner to tune into the body and allow the mind to settle back. Through conscious attention, breath and movement we are able to connect to deeper parts of ourselves and encourage healing in a way conventional medicine doesn’t offer.https://conscious-movements.com/

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Since 2019, Mark has worked for the FBI as an Instructor while a Time Solutions LLC (Chenega) employee, specializing in Human Intelligence. Before, Mark was an Atlanta FBI Agent from 1997 – 2017, spending his career investigating violent criminal organizations, such as the LCN and both street and motorcycle gangs. Simultaneously, Mark was the Stolen Valor coordinator for the FBI’s Atlanta Office, having successfully investigated and prosecuted multiple cases. Mark is a published author, Investigating America’s Most Notorious Strip Club: The FBI, The Gold Club, and the Mafia (Rowman & Littlefield). https://i68books.comBefore joining the FBI, Mark served 9 years, 7 months, and 8 days as a U.S. Marine, both enlisted and commissioned, leaving the Corps in 1997 as a Captain in the Signals Intelligence community."Retired FBI Special Agent Mark Sewell was a rookie in 1997 when he was assigned to investigate mafia associate Steve Kaplan and his enormously successful Atlanta strip club; the largest single money maker for the Gambino Crime Family. Accompanied by a small team of investigators, the hand-picked unit followed a money trail, that wound up implicating a Gambino Captain, police officers, strippers, and many of the most recognized professional athletes in America. The subsequent 2001 trial was covered nationally by the leading media outlets, from television newscasts to late night talk shows and nationally published magazines pushing new, sensational headlines daily. Sewell was at the center of the storm that dominated media headlines in the summer of 2001 and provides a never-before seen inside view of the FBI’s most successful financial win against an organized crime family in the agency’s history."

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025