As the founder of The Teacher’s Treasure Chest, Ashley creates evidence-based reading and math intervention resources used by thousands of educators across the country. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach, she is passionate about equipping teachers with practical tools that help struggling students build confidence and close learning gaps. (Teachers Pay Teachers)

Beyond her organizations, Ashley is the owner of AB Social Consulting, where she helps businesses, nonprofits, and public figures grow their brands through strategic marketing and storytelling. Whether she’s creating educational resources, advocating for first responders, or helping organizations amplify their message, Ashley believes that one person can make a lasting difference by using their voice to serve others.

Ashley lives in Nassau County, Florida, where she continues to lead with faith, compassion, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Clean-Gier-Foundation-61591282194722/

"Unmasked Warrior is a live, veteran-led theatrical experience about what it takes to remove one’s armor and return to the self through vulnerability and authenticity. Our show: Three veterans share their personal stories of hurting and healing, a real and raw clinician-guided conversation on mental health struggles and growth, followed by audience Q&A.

Storytelling has been a fundamental component of human life since the dawn of language. Historically, it’s been used ritually, and around fires, to strengthen community connection, process personal struggles and share triumphs, and to help make meaning out of the chaos of life. Through modern science, we know that storytelling has been shown to reduce cortisol, increase oxytocin, evoke empathy and reduce trauma responses, thus overall reducing stress and increasing a sense of connection to self and others. Vulnerable storytelling is one of the most powerful, transformative tools of healing for both the speaker and the audience. Afterall, we are all in this together.

We invite you to join us for a veteran-led healing experience that will leave you feeling connected and inspired."

Mayra is a business owner who understands the concerns of those calling Central Florida home. While the economy has strengthened for some, not everyone feels that the County has done enough to address their needs.

She serves on several boards, including MetroPlan Orlando, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Community Action Board and The Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. She motivates her office to focus on consistency and accuracy through believing no issue is too small if it affects her constituents. She is a fierce and tireless servant of the people in her district.

Now, he's running for Congress to fight for the people our elected congressional representatives are ignoring. Bernard was inspired to run to represent his community after seeing how the disparities in access to affordable healthcare that resulted in the death of a diabetic patient who had to ration insulin due to the high cost. This loss was a stark reminder of the real human cost of systemic inequities. Witnessing firsthand how individuals and families are forced to make impossible choices between life-sustaining medication and basic necessities fueled his determination to change things.

https://bernardtaylorforcongress.com/

Through the eyes of first responders, survivors, and ordinary citizens who became extraordinary heroes, the movie will be released in 2026 for the 25th observance of 9/11, and honors the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation.

Featuring real-life accounts, archival footage, and dramatized reenactments, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 is not just a tribute to those we lost, but a celebration of the indomitable spirit that rose from the ashes. It is a story of hope, proving that even in tragedy, light can be found in the courage and compassion of everyday people.

https://heroismandresiliency.com/

In 1985, he founded Blauer Tactical Systems Inc.® (BTS), an industry leader in scenario-based training, de-escalation, and fear management. Today, his influence spans elite government agencies, tactical teams, and personal defense instructors across the globe.

Blauer’s fear management research has transformed how warriors, protectors, and civilians approach danger, intimidation, and sudden violence. His philosophy is simple: Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s the energy.™

https://blauerspear.com/

Through his own recovery work and transformative experiences in therapy, Kelly felt called to become a counselor who could walk alongside others on their path to wellness. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Concordia University, Irvine.

Kelly has specialized expertise working with clients experiencing PTSD, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis). He is Level 1 certified in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and has completed training in Couples and Addiction Recovery. Additionally, he has supported veterans and first responders in psychedelic-assisted therapy integration. His therapeutic approach is client-centered, compassionate, and empathetic—honoring each individual’s unique journey, personal goals, and spiritual beliefs.

Outside of his clinical work, Kelly values time with his wife, two sons, and daughter. One of his sons is internationally adopted and lives with Reactive Attachment Disorder, giving Kelly a personal understanding of complex family dynamics. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family through traveling, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, and skiing.

https://www.daydreammd.com/team/kelly-lucas-apcc

He is also a sworn police officer and serves as a lieutenant at the Travis County Sheriff's Office, where he applies his medical expertise to support law enforcement operations. His goal is to improve the health and well-being of his patients and community through evidence-based practices and innovative solutions.

Through intimate interviews and unprecedented access inside Massachusetts firehouses, the film reveals the sacrifices firefighters make long after the flames go out.

In this conversation, we discuss his own experience as the son of a firefighter, the Cold Storage Fire, the occupational illness that plagued his family, mold, mental health and so much more.

A lawyer by training and a Managing Director at Cornerstone Advisors, Brad has spent his career helping financial institutions build stronger relationships and better outcomes. His work in the community is driven by the same principles that guide his leadership: strength, empathy, courage, and love. Most recently, Brad helped lead The Give Team’s 54-mile journey from Selma to Montgomery—an experience captured in the documentary 54 | Something to Give.

Angel Santiago is a professional wrestler, documentary filmmaker and the man behind the production of 54 - Something to Give.

https://www.thegiveteam.org/

His education, training, and personal experiences have provided him with a variety of unique instructional strategies and methods that apply to Firefighters of any rank or tenure. Rob is also an international fire service speaker, FDIC instructor, and a published Fire Service author. Throughout his fire service career, he has held the ranks of Firefighter, Paramedic, Lieutenant, and Captain. Rob is the very proud father of two amazing boys and currently serves as the Division Chief of Training & Safety for the new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department in South Florida.

https://www.instagram.com/robramirez1075_official/?hl=en

He has written ‘Das Selbst als Ort der Gotteserfahrung’ (The Self as the Dimension of Spiritual Experience) and several articles about Kundalini, and Near-Death Experiences in the ‘Journal of Near-Death Studies’, the ‘Inner Door’, and ‘Religion Heute’ (Germany).

Inspired by shamanic journeying he studied Asian Indian Classical Music on the Bansuri (bamboo flute) in India. He has released several award wining shamanic-ambient collaborations to induce and support shamanic states of consciousness with notable artists in the space including Byron Metcalf and Steve Roach. His recording are being used extensively in psychedelic session work. These cd’s include: ‘Wachuma’s Wave’, ‘Mantram’, ‘Nada Terma’, and ‘Nightbloom’, ‘Intention’, ‘Tree of Life’ and ‘Disciple’.

Mark has 20 years of experience as a clinical psychotherapist, working with groups, couples, and individuals. He has had extensive clinical experience using the MDMA analogue Methylone in clinical settings.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-seelig-mdiv-phd-57b76720/

Following retirement from military service, Flip founded Firehouse Freedom, an accountability and organizational development company focused on helping fire service leaders strengthen culture, communication, accountability, and crew performance through practical, immediately applicable leadership frameworks. His work centers on modern firehouse leadership challenges and emphasizes actionable next-shift implementation strategies designed to create measurable cultural improvement at both the crew and organizational level.

Flip currently works with career, volunteer, combination, rural, and urban fire departments nationwide and is also a columnist for Firehouse Magazine, where he writes on leadership, accountability, communication, and firehouse culture. His presentation style combines operational credibility, relatable storytelling, and practical leadership tools designed to create immediate impact both inside and outside the firehouse.

Flip Griffin is a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with over 23 years of leadership experience serving in high-performance operational environments, including Search and Rescue, special operations, aviation operations, disaster response, and senior enlisted leadership roles. Throughout his military career, he led teams in complex, highrisk environments where accountability, communication, leadership, and operational execution directly impacted mission success and the lives of those on the line.

https://firehousefreedom.com/

Since beginning his behavioral health career in 1999, Andrew has worked at the intersection of behavioral health, public safety, and organizational leadership. From 2011 through 2022, he simultaneously served as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) while advancing through leadership roles within Washington State's behavioral health system. This unique combination of public safety and behavioral health experience shaped his philosophy that exceptional performance under pressure depends on the integration of operational readiness, human behavior, leadership, and communication.

During his nearly fourteen years with Washington State's behavioral health system, Andrew founded Washington State's Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT) program. The program integrated behavioral health principles with first response principles, creating a practical model for safely engaging individuals experiencing psychiatric and behavioral crises while supporting responders in making effective decisions under pressure. The program evolved into a statewide service supporting both of Washington's state psychiatric hospitals, as well as numerous institutional and residential treatment settings, demonstrating that compassionate care and operational safety are complementary disciplines.

Andrew later served as Clinical Training Manager for Washington State's forensic behavioral health system, where he expanded his work beyond traditional behavioral health settings by partnering with public safety agencies, healthcare organizations, correctional systems, juvenile justice programs, and other publicserving organizations to strengthen leadership, crisis response, communication, and workforce performance. These experiences laid the foundation for Jumpstart Mastery, which Andrew founded in 2021 and launched in 2022. Through Jumpstart, he partners with behavioral health organizations, juvenile justice systems, corrections agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and public safety organizations throughout North America to strengthen leadership, improve communication, reduce workplace violence, and build resilient organizational cultures.

Andrew is the developer of the Advanced Crisis Intervention Training (ACIT) methodology, an evidenceinformed framework that integrates behavioral science, trauma-informed practice, communication strategy, operational decision-making, and leadership principles into practical skills that professionals can immediately apply. Today, ACIT is delivered to organizations throughout North America, equipping leaders and frontline professionals to safely navigate conflict, crisis, and high-risk human interactions.

As an elected Fire Commissioner, Andrew continues his commitment to public service by providing strategic governance and oversight for his community's fire district while advocating for responder wellness, organizational excellence, and community safety.

https://www.jumpstartmastery.com/

Brian has had his professional makeup work featured in films and television projects like Jennifer Lawrence / Mystique in the last three X-Men films, Syriana, Ali, Friends, several Terminator films, Big Momma's House 1 and 2, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Black White to name a few.

He has also been the prosthetics makeup department head (as well as makeup artist) on several large-scale films like Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 2, Avengers - Infinity War, Avengers – Endgame, X-Men - Dark Phoenix, Captain Marvel, and the Star Wars project The Mandalorian.

Brian's groundbreaking makeup design for the FX Network's reality television show Black, White personally garnered him an Emmy Award in 2006. In 2013 he was also nominated for his work on How I Met Your Mother. Brian's work on David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, helped nab the BAFTA and Oscar for Best Makeup.

Brian is very proud of the work that he, representing Legacy Effects, and the entire team did for the Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 2. A tremendous amount of work went into the film as his team took over from the first in the series, and it had the honor of making final 7 for the Oscar Bake Offs.

While in prison he befriended men he used to think he hated, men of different races. After being released from prison, Mr. Meeink tried to rejoin his old skinhead pals, but couldn’t bring himself to hate those whom he now knew to be his friends. He now regularly lectures to students about racial diversity and acceptance, author and founder of Harmony Through Hockey, Mr. Meeink’s life stands for tolerance, diversity, and mutual understanding in racial, political, and all aspects of society.

Kellie serves as Research Associate Professor and Deputy Executive Director of UCF RESTORES. She is also the Founder of the 2nd Alarm Project. With a Ph.D. in Social Work and background in public health and policy, her work centers on translating research into practical, sustainable solutions.

She has secured more than $8 million in external funding to advance applied research, prevention initiatives, and statewide capacity-building efforts for public safety. She is especially passionate about supporting first responder families, recognizing their critical role in resilience and long-term wellbeing. In addition to her professional expertise, Dr. O’Dare brings meaningful personal connections to the fire service.

She is the niece of Shawn T. O’Dare, a firefighter/paramedic killed in the line of duty in Miami-Dade County, and the spouse of a current Florida professional firefighter/paramedic. Her work is grounded in both the science of and her lived experience in the first responder community.

https://2ndalarmproject.org/

The power behind FLAME’s products is their proprietary blend of activated charcoal, which removes the smoke smell and carcinogens so they’re no longer detectable on the skin. Tara’s passionate about working with firefighters to reduce their risk, so they can have long, healthy careers and be around for their families.

https://flamedecon.com/

The recovery involved years of surgeries, chronic pain, and an addiction to the medication prescribed to manage it. Tyler has spoken about that period with the kind of honesty that is rare in any industry, and especially rare in his. He didn’t frame it as weakness. He framed it as data. Information about what happens when the environment that built you disappears and leaves a gap nothing else is designed to fill.

That insight became the foundation of LTSD, Lack of Traumatic Stress Disorder, a theory Tyler developed to explain something that traditional PTSD frameworks consistently miss: that for many warriors, the struggle isn’t caused by a specific event. It’s caused by the absence of the environment they were neurologically shaped to operate inside. Calm feels wrong. Chaos feels like home.

Today, Tyler is the founder and president of Saberdyne Systems, a Purple Heart recipient, a speaker on veterans’ mental health, and the author of Forged in Chaos: A Warrior’s Origin Story, co-written with Lauren Ungeldi and published by Knox Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

He has also spent years in Hollywood as a military technical advisor, producer, actor, and director, with seven seasons on the CBS and Paramount+ series SEAL Team and work on productions including The Gray Man and Suicide Squad.

Tyler chose to be what he calls Patient Zero: someone who battles his own trauma publicly, so that fellow warriors can see it is possible to come through it. That same philosophy drives Saberdyne Systems. No pretense, no unnecessary steps. Build the thing that actually works.

https://saberdynesystems.com/

Spending over half of a 20 year career doubling for on screen super hero’s like Daredevil, Punisher & Captain America has given a unique experience and perspective. Justin hopes to continue to make films and tv shows that inspire.

As Superintendent-Principal of Oxford Central School District in Warren County, New Jersey, he led a small PreK–8 district to two distinctions unmatched anywhere in American public education — the nation’s first STSI (Systems Thinking Standards Institute)–certified public school, and the world’s first school-based MetFix affiliate. Under his leadership, systems thinking became not a program but the cognitive architecture of the school, and metabolic health became the precondition for learning rather than an afterthought.

Working in close partnership with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera and the Cabrera Research Lab on the systems-thinking side, and with Emily Kaplan and the MetFix / Broken Science Initiative team on the metabolic-health side, he built an innovation ecosystem years before the frameworks existed to name it — and his former school district became the only traditional public school featured in the award-winning RE:Thinking documentary. His influence now reaches well beyond his district: formal comment shaping New Jersey’s State Learning Standards, an election as Vice President of Education of the International Society for the Systems Sciences, and his forthcoming book, STOLEN FIRE: A Manifesto on Thinking, Thumos, Education, and the Future of the American Mind.

A Professional Systems Thinker, CrossFit Level 1 coach, and Architect of MetFix School Programs, with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, John works from a single conviction: that the purpose of education is to create the best version of every child. As he steps beyond the superintendency, he carries that conviction outward — to every school, every family, and every community willing to build it.

https://www.instagram.com/themetfixsuperintendent/

A certified lethal weapons instructor (including baton, handcuffing, defensive tactics, and firearms) for the Pennsylvania State Police and an instructor for the Delaware State Police (baton, handcuffing, pepper spray, firearms). Professor Schwartz is a recognized firearms instructor for the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and Maryland State Police (MSP) and the Department of State. Dr. Schwartz has taught martial arts for over thirty-five years. He has authored three books and has spoken at numerous conferences. Dr. Schwartz has been the director of training for a close protection detail for a billionaire, is a recognized court expert and has taught hundreds of instructors, trained countless basic users in baton, pepper spray, handcuffing, self-defense, low light tactics, firearms, executive protection, and take down techniques.

Professor Schwartz is a subject matter expert in terrorism, use of force, supervision, and tactical training. Professor Schwartz is an instructor trainer in pepper spray, handcuffing, baton, defensive tactics, and firearms. He is a private detective, Delaware security instructor, and a Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons instructor in academic, skills and firearms. He has instructed at various police academies, security training academies, consulted with public and private schools, as well as, consulted with numerous private businesses on safety and security. Further, Dr. Schwartz is an instructor trainer in many facets of trauma, first aid, CPR, AED, and emergency response. Dr. Schwartz also is a concealed carry instructor for Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and many other states.

Dr. Schwartz has been awarded by the college and university, being recognized by the law and justice department and the honor society. He is the only professor to have received the college Excellence in Teaching and Excellence in Service awards, the distinguished alumni award, the Gamma Phi Excellence in Law Enforcement award, the university Joseph Barnes Excellence in Service award, and is this years inductee in the Law and Justice Hall of Fame.

Angela Graham. is the Co-Founder of The S.I.R.E.N. Project. IShe was a Firefighter/Engineer/HAZMAT Spec. for almost 20 years with Santa Clara County Fire Dept. in Silicon Valley. Prior to that she was a D1 & professional softball pitcher. She has a loving husband, who is a Fire Capt., and a 7-year-old son. For the first five years of her son's life she was a single mother. For years she struggled with mental health trying every modality available. A friend of hers, who happened to be a special forces operator, connected her to providers of Entheogenic Medicines. It completely changed her life. The change was so profound that Angela and her husband decided to start The S.I.R.E.N. Project to make these medicines available to all First Responders and their Spouses.

Tim Houweling works as a Fire Captain, Paramedic, and Hazmat Technician on a Type 1 Heavy Rescue for a San Francisco Bay Area Fire Department. Tim has also been a professional dog trainer since 2004. Tim is also co-founder of the S.I.R.E.N Project which helps first responders access sacred medicine served by indigenous people.

Tim began his career with search and rescue dogs in 2005 and has certified six dogs: Deuce, Tater, Georgie, Charley, Carl and Rory in various disciplines from wilderness area search to US&R live-find and human remains detection. He is the Canine Coordinator and a Canine Search Specialist with one of the 28 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue teams in the United States. In that role, he has deployed eighteen times to various US&R environments including post-fire searches, debris flows, floods, explosions, and hurricanes. He is also a member of the canine component of the Yosemite Search and Rescue team (“YODOGS”).

In addition to being a Canine Search Specialist, Tim is qualified as a Search Team Manager, Technical Search Specialist, Rescue Specialist, and Finance Specialist. He is a FEMA Evaluator and FEMA instructor. He has served on the Board of Directors of the California Rescue Dog Association, which has the most search wilderness dogs in the United States. He founded a non-profit, HD Search Dog Fund, Inc., that provides training and gear to our nation’s search and rescue dogs. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Extension Studies/History from Harvard University with his thesis on “The Origin and Evolution of Search and Rescue Dogs in California.” He also serves on the Board of Directors of First Responder Therapy Dogs, Inc., and is on the Executive Board of his local IAFF Union.

In addition, he is passionate about improving first responder mental health. With his wife Angela, he co-founded The S.I.R.E.N. Project to help first responders access sacred medicine served by indigenous people (www.thesirenproject.org). These medicines have proven more effective than western medicines in treating post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI.)

https://www.thesirenproject.org/news-events/announcement-the-415-gala-september-2026

James spent nearly three decades in emergency response and public safety, including more than two decades with the Long Beach Fire Department. His career included service as a firefighter, paramedic, fire captain, incident commander, peer support member, and responder to all-risk incidents across one of Southern California’s busiest urban environments. His background spans paramedicine, fireground command, wildland response, hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, maritime operations, and leadership inside high-pressure public safety systems.

But James’s work today is not built on rank alone. It is built on cost. For years, he ran toward other people’s emergencies while quietly carrying his own. Childhood instability, cumulative trauma, death, divorce, addiction, organizational betrayal, physical injury, and the slow erosion of identity all became part of the story he would eventually have to face. Like many first responders, James learned how to function under pressure long before he learned how to process what pressure was doing to him. The job rewarded control, performance, humor, and silence. Eventually, silence became too expensive.

That reckoning became The Last Patient

https://captainjamesowen.com/

Johnson’s career began in Hollywood as a Writers Guild of America member, working with studios including Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. He collaborated with industry leaders such as Frank Renzulli and contributed to projects across major networks including ABC, CBS, Starz, and The CW. This foundation in storytelling and production later informed his approach to brand building, marketing, and strategic communication.

Transitioning from creative to operational leadership, Johnson expanded into film distribution and digital media, managing cross-functional teams spanning editing, marketing, public relations, and development. He went on to play a key role in raising $10 million in Series A funding for a streaming video platform, where he served as COO and helped shape business strategy, content acquisition, and monetization models in an evolving digital landscape.

As a technology entrepreneur, Johnson is also a patent holder, having developed an advertising technology solution designed to generate incremental revenue for streaming platforms. As President of Pause Commercials, he built partnerships across OTT ecosystems, integrating solutions across mobile, web, and connected TV platforms. In parallel, Johnson has worked internationally as a business strategist and consultant, advising companies in Brazil, Sweden, and Canada on market entry, growth strategy, and operational turnaround.

His work in economic development includes leading large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the California Jobs First Program with the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, where he helped coordinate over 150 stakeholders and contributed to securing $19 million in funding to support regional job creation and investment strategies.

Johnson holds an MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. He is also committed to mentorship and community impact, volunteering with organizations like Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship to support underserved youth in building entrepreneurial skills.

Across every role, Johnson brings a systems-driven approach to execution—combining creative insight, technical understanding, and operational discipline to build, scale, and refine complex ventures. Whether developing a consumer brand, structuring a media platform, or leadingcross-sector initiatives, his work is defined by a focus on precision, adaptability, and long-term value creation.

https://thebumpserum.com/

His background includes training thousands of athletes at the University of Florida, University of Nebraska, and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, along with professionals from the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and the World Surf League Big Wave Tour. He has also provided specialized performance training for firefighters, SWAT and Special Response Teams, and military personnel.

Respected for his no-excuses, evidence-driven approach to force development, mobility, durability, and performance, Jorge builds explosive, resilient athletes and operators engineered to perform under pressure and endure over time.

Today, he continues to consult with elite teams and individuals, develop cutting-edge performance content, and help high performers unlock new levels of strength, resilience, and competitive edge.

https://x.com/carvperformance

She consults on complex and high-risk investigations and provides training to investigators, undercover units, tactical teams, K9 handlers, peer support teams, and command staff. Her work helps agencies apply psychological science to improve operational decision-making, performance, stress management, and long-term readiness.

Dr. Cecchet considers it a professional responsibility and an honor to support those who serve in these demanding roles.

https://drstacycecchet.com/

He is the owner of Stewardship Dynamics, where he teaches leadership, communication, and culture development to teams seeking to build healthier, more effective organizations. Nate also serves as an instructor with Jumpstart Mastery, a high-performing crisis de-escalation training company known for equipping professionals to navigate conflict, pressure, and high-stakes human interaction with skill and composure.

In addition to his training and consulting work, Nate serves in public service with Thurston County as Program Manager of the Thurston County Resource Hub, a drop-in center supporting justice-impacted individuals with behavioral health, housing, employment, healthcare, legal, and basic-needs resources.

A former firefighter and crisis negotiator, Nate brings a grounded, real-world perspective to leadership, culture, and crisis communication. He is currently pursuing a Master of Public Management through Johns Hopkins University, where his studies continue to shape his approach to leadership, systems change, and public service.

Nate’s work is shaped by the belief that strong leadership is ultimately an act of stewardship: caring well for people, building trust, and creating environments where both individuals and teams can thrive.

Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Walter, a native of South Florida, dedicated his career to the Fire Rescue Service. He served for over 37 years as a Firefighter/EMT with Broward County Fire Rescue, achieving the rank of Fire Captain in 1986.

Under his leadership in the early 1990s, Broward County consolidated its Fire and EMS services into a single department. Captain Dix has held various positions within the department, including Captain Special Operations Technical Rescue, Captain Hazardous Materials team, and head of the Fire Training Division.

As a charter member of the Local Union in 1979, he served in several Union Officer positions until his election as President of the Broward County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association IAFF Local 4321 from 1990 to 2017. In 2017, he was honored as President Emeritus of IAFF Local 4321.

In 2004, the Broward County Council of Professional Firefighters honored him with the prestigious title of Firefighter of the Year. Subsequently, in 2009, he was recognized as the Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year by the Governor, State Fire Marshal/CFO, and Florida Cabinet. In 2010, he received the IAFF Local Leadership award at the IAFF 50th Convention held in San Diego.

President Dix concurrently served as a Trustee and Vice President of the Florida Professional Firefighters for a total of 13 years. The State Association honored him with Vice President Emeritus status for his distinguished service.

From 2001 to 2017, President Dix served as the International Association of Firefighters 12th District Field Service Representative. In 2008, he was appointed to the IAFF/IAFC Labor Management Initiative as an LMI Facilitator, collaborating with numerous fire departments to provide Labor Management training.

DVP Dix holds various affiliations, including the Broward County Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, the IAFF Elected Human Relations Committee, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Occupational Health and Safety committee.

In 1998, the BCPPFF Benefit Fund was established to provide healthcare, supplemental benefits, and retiree subsidies. DVP Dix has served continuously as the Chairman/Trustee of the BCPPFF Benefit since its inception. Additionally, he serves as a Trustee for the International Association of Firefighters Staff and Employees’ Pension Plans.

In 2017, DVP Dix was elected to the International Association of Firefighters 12th District Vice President position, a role he continues to serve today. As the IAFF 12th District Vice President, he is responsible for overseeing the membership of over 44,000 Firefighters in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean Islands.

Jeff is the author of The Daily Debrief™ and a Harvard-trained performance strategist whose work centers on one core belief: experience alone doesn’t make us better — reflection followed by adjustment does. Through his speaking and writing, he helps leaders across public safety, healthcare, athletics, aviation, and business build habits and cultures of continuous improvement.

His mission is simple: help people navigate pressure with greater clarity, resilience, humility, and purpose.

https://debriefadvantage.com/

Former Central Intelligence Agency case officer, Emily McCarthy, served her country on the frontlines of the Global War on Terrorism. In the years following 9/11, she operated in war-torn Africa where she was responsible for recruiting human sources and collecting intelligence in the interest of national security.

Richard Rice retired from the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in 1994 after 30 years of service. The last 25 years of which were spent in various Special Operations Forces (SOF) assignments. He was a Program Coordinator, Director and Vice President at Fayetteville Technical Community College from 1994 to 2015.

https://www.goruck.com/

Tim Mickelson brings over 20 years of experience in both the sports industry and small business. After officially retiring in 2024, he returned in 2025 driven by his belief in Cedar Valve’s potential to transform fire industry standards. His objective: to put this innovative device on every fire engine in the United States and help protect countless firefighters, communities and structures.

https://www.cedarvalve.com/

Nate has devoted his life to serving others, both in uniform with the U.S. Army National Guard and on the frontlines of the Tulsa Fire Department. He enlisted young, commissioned in 1998, and soon transitioned to the National Guard while beginning his career at the Tulsa Fire Department, following in his father’s footsteps. In 2003, Nate deployed to Afghanistan for a year, leaving just days after the birth of his first child. When he returned, he pushed ahead without processing the emotional toll of deployment and new fatherhood. Looking back, he can see this was when he started leaning on alcohol to cope.

A devoted father of three, Nate tried to manage the demands of firefighting, military service, and family life. By 2019, after deployments to Ukraine, mounting pressures at work, and the collapse of his marriage, his drinking spiraled. A DWI and a near-blackout incident resulted in a two-rank demotion and derailed the future he’d been building. In the years that followed, he tried everything – AA, leadership programs, two rounds of inpatient rehab, and repeated detox attempts through the VA. Doctors prescribed Ativan to manage his withdrawals until a psychiatrist told him they could no longer continue. Terrified of detoxing alone, Nate began flying to Mexico to buy the medication without a prescription, doing whatever he could to survive a cycle he desperately wanted to break. Everything changed when he learned about ibogaine therapy from a close friend and fellow firefighter. He applied to the 343 Fund for a first responder grant and was approved the next day.

Ibogaine was the intervention that finally broke the cycle he’d been trapped in for years. During his ibogaine treatment, he saw flashes of memory that helped him understand how he’d gotten so stuck. In the days that followed, years of guilt and shame began to lift, and the compulsion to drink finally disappeared. He describes ibogaine as “smoothing out the ruts” in his brain – and credits the 343 Fund’s integration program with helping him build new pathways and stay grounded in recovery. When he returned to work, coworkers told him he looked ten years younger. Nate went straight to the fire union and said, “This is going to save lives.” He has since helped connect multiple firefighters to treatment and now serves as a Board Advisor to the 343 Fund, working to expand healing pathways for first responders and their families. Today, Nate is grounded, present, and hopeful. His three children are proud of him, and his mission is renewed. Nate took his last drink on November 21, 2024 – and is now celebrating one year of sobriety. He also serves as an Ambassador for Americans for Ibogaine and is proudly helping lead the charge to help legalize Ibogaine for therapeutic use in his home state of Oklahoma.

https://343fund.org/

Prior to joining VBG, Ryan was a Rating Veteran Service Representative, or Rater at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where he became an expert on the VA’s Disability Compensation System. Ryan also served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years, where he was an engineer and rescue swimmer while attached to a law enforcement and rescue unit.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix. Outside of VBG, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife, playing beach volleyball and assisting Veterans/first responders in finding their path of healing and purpose.

Active911 is a respected leader in emergency communications and software, providing alerting, mapping, and scene resources for over 500,000 first responders worldwide. Based out of Western Oregon, we are proud to offer our services to the people that depend on us. Our focus is to take care of our brother and sister responders while our drive is to make sure you get the tools you need to get the job done and save lives easily and without distraction.

https://active911.com/

His latest book, Grizzly Confidential: An Astounding Journey Into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator is available for pre-order now, to be published in September 2024.

Grange’s third book, Wild Rescues: A Paramedic’s Extreme Adventures in Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton was published by Chicago Review Press in March 2021, also winning the High Plains Book Award in the Medicine & Science category.

In June 2015, Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Random House, published Kevin’s memoir Lights and Sirens: The Education of a Paramedic. Lights and Sirens is a true account of going through UCLA’s famed Daniel Freeman Paramedic Program—and practicing emergency medicine on the streets of Los Angeles.

In 2011, The University of Nebraska Press published Grange’s travel memoir, his first book, Beneath Blossom Rain, about his 24-day trek through the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The memoir has received wide press in the United States; is available on the Kindle and Nook, as an audiobook from Audible.com and has been translated and published in China, India and Latvia.

They host monthly Journal Club gatherings for community members to learn what a study purports to conclude and then what the methods, findings and statistical tools are actually finding. With regular live streams with metabolic experts, the BSI and MetFix communities have exclusive opportunities to learn and problem solve. MetFix has more than 130 independently owned locations, transforming lives daily. The education is offered online and in-person and designed to be an added layer of nutrition and behavior change for gyms and medical practices worldwide.

Fit For Duty, is the newest MetFix online class designed for first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, federal air marshals and emergency medical professionals. Built to teach metabolic mechanisms in practical ways with tools first responders can implement immediately to start improving their health outcomes. More at MetFix.org

He regularly advises the U.S. Department of Transportation and state agencies on driver education and licensing policy, chairs a National Academies Transportation Research Board committee, and has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles while speaking widely on how safer transportation systems can improve lives.

In 2013, Louie T-boned a car at 60 mph on his Harley. Forced to learn how to walk again, he used that near-fatal crash as the hard cutoff to get sober. Now celebrating 13 years of sobriety, Louie is living proof that it is okay to not be okay. He channels his lived experience into his role as President of the board of Next Rung, a nationwide non-profit dedicated to providing 24/7 peer support and critical mental health resources to first responders and their families.

​The physical toll of his accident brought its own intense battles. Struggling with a subsequent painkiller addiction during his recovery, Louie's weight peaked at 260 pounds. He fought relentlessly to reclaim his health to be an asset, not a liability, in his career. Making physical fitness his ultimate anchor, he has traveled the country for the past nine years to compete in the grueling Firefighter Challenge.

This year, he pushed his body to elite levels, dropping down to a shredded 179 pounds to earn his natural Pro bodybuilding card with the OCB organization. Today, he shares his hard-won knowledge of biohacking, habit-building, and specialized nutrition through his personal coaching business, The Fit Shop, helping others stay physically and mentally armed for the line of duty. When he is off duty, Louie finds his mental rehab living a grounded lifestyle on a mountain homestead with his wife, Kaylin, and their two Dalmatians. Together, they tend to their chickens, run a small home bakery, and spend their days off finding peace working side-by-side at a local mini cow ranch.

https://www.instagram.com/louie_warwithn/

Dr. Dudley previously held roles as General Partner at Innovation Endeavors and Chief Scientific Officer at Tempus, where he helped expand AI-based healthcare platforms. He was an Associate Professor of Genetics & Genomic Sciences and the Founding Director of the Institute for Next Generation Healthcare at Mount Sinai, and served as the Executive Vice President for Precision Health at Mount Sinai Health System.

He co-founded Onegevity Health (later acquired by Thorne) and NuMedii. Dudley has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and earned a PhD in Biomedical Informatics from Stanford.

"Growing up a sports-crazed kid (a champion pole vaulter & wrestler)on a farm in Iowa, I set my sights on first serving my country after high school - then going to college. So after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Security Policeman, stationed in Europe, I came back to the U.S. and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha on the G.I. Bill with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Always aspiring to be in show business, my guidance counseloradvised me to move to Orlando, Florida. So I did! I always wanted to work at Walt Disney World Entertainment. I worked as a production assistant and did a lot of background work. I went to many auditions and finally started working as a stunt performer in one live stunt show after another across Central Florida. (Yes, I was Indiana Jones for a while.) I also got a lot of stunt experience working in Industrials, Corporate Conventions, and TV specials at Disney. I also worked at a number of stunt shows over at Universal Studios Florida.

I later became a member of a highly respected local stunt team in Florida called Stunt Dynamics. We worked and learned everything we could about setting up stunts safely, videotaping & editing action sequences, rigging, action design, and execution with the latest stunt equipment. Most of these performers moved to Hollywood, but I stuck around and was hired to assist in training new stunt performers, choreographing new fight sequences, stunt rigging & safety, as well as creating and developing new stunt shows at Universal. In 1996, I became the stunt coordinator for Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure Florida, and Universal Studios Japan.

Inspiration from my colleagues and my experiences and contacts at Universal Studios and The Walt Disney Company allowed me to move on to stunt coordination and assistant stunt coordinator on many local film, TV, and commercial productions. I have coordinated everything from low-budget features to co-coordinating multi-million dollar commercial productions and music videos.

In 2003, I moved with my family to Thousand Oaks, CA, to be closer to the action. Since then, I have been fortunate to work with many different crews in and around Hollywood on several TV shows, feature films, and well over 100 commercials. I’ve worked on feature films including GHOSTBUSTERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA 2, DUMB AND DUMBER TO and PURGE 2 to name a few, as well as, TV shows like SUPERGIRL, CHUCK, HAWAII 5-0, GRIMM, CSI & SONS OF ANARCHY and MAGNUM P.I. I have coordinated episodes on such TV shows as “You’re The Worst”, “Bones”, “Terriers”, “Drunk History”, “Biker Outlaws” and “The Office”. Some national commercials I’ve coordinated were for Audi, Dodge, Blockbuster Video, K-Mart, Old Spice, Lexus, and Fuze Tea … with Mr. T. I was honored to join an elite Hollywood stunt organization – the International Stunt Association (ISA)."

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0336707/

Since hanging up the uniform, William has become a sought-after speaker, author, and business leader, teaching organizations, from universities to Fortune 500 companies, how to build resilient teams, lead under pressure, and thrive in adversity.

He is also the founder of Naked Warrior Recovery, a mission-driven company dedicated to supporting veterans and mental health initiatives through partnerships with organizations like the Navy SEAL Foundation, Centurion Military Alliance, and 22Zero.

William’s mission today is simple: to help others develop the discipline, resilience, and mindset it takes to lead, succeed, and never back down—no matter the battlefield.

https://williambranum.com/

Driven by her newfound appreciation for K9 units, Debbie founded K9s United, a nonprofit organization committed to advocating for, honoring and supporting America’s law enforcement K9s. Under her passionate leadership, K9s United and its devoted team work tirelessly to ensure the needs of working K9s are met. Since its inception, K9s United has donated over $2.0 million in equipment and training to more than 1,500 K9 officers and paramedics for these noble dogs in more than 46 states across the nation.

K9s United provides advanced training, including canine first aid, and Debbie has been instrumental in passing Alabama and Florida legislation aimed at protecting and serving law enforcement K9s. Her belief that every working dog in the nation should be protected and advocated for fuels her efforts to champion similar bills at the federal level, including the LEO K9 Protection Act, which was introduced in July.

Beyond her full-time career and her mission with K9s United, Debbie is also a devoted mother to her daughter Emma and a loving wife to her husband BJ. She shares her home with three dogs: Gunnar, Shelby and Homer.

Through her unwavering dedication, Debbie Johnson continues to champion the cause of law enforcement K9 units, ensuring they receive the training and recognition they deserve.

https://www.k9sunited.org/

Mike's background is in education, working at Northwest Florida State College for almost a decade while teaching emergency medicine course for Medical Outfitter Training Consultants who contracted to the DEA Medic Program among other federal agencies. Mike has been married to his wife Bronwyn since 2013 and they have a beautiful 4-year-old daughter. In their off time, Mike and his family spend time on the water with friends and family.

Geoff Duplessis is a Christian, Husband, Father, Destin Fire Department Captain and member of Destin's FL-TF7 team. He has been in the fire service for 11 years and previously with Ocala Fire for 8.5 years. Geoff was also on FL-TF8 for 5 and was an instructor at the Florida State Fire College.

His background includes crowd control, K9 environments, and international training collaborations, with ongoing development of a university-level course on human behavior in first responder operations.

Outside of the firehouse, Jake is actively involved in advancing the hazmat community through his work with The Haz Mat Guys, where he supports training initiatives and digital education. As the host of the Hazard Class Podcast, he brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective to the job, blending field experience, training insight, and honest conversations about the realities of the fire service.

https://thehazmatguys.com/hazard-class/

John was the 2018 Proceedings Author of the Year, Surface Navy Association Literary Award winner in 2013 (with Dr. Nita Shattuck) and again in 2018, and has been recognized for his work in the area of circadian watch rotations and crew endurance with the Navy League John Paul Jones Award, the BUMED Epictetus Award for Innovative and Inspirational Leadership, and the ASNE Solberg Award for Research.

Kemmi is the founder of Legalize the Divine, an initiative focused on thoughtful dialogue around conscience, spiritual freedom, and access to nature-based healing traditions, approached with care, responsibility, and respect for the law. She is also stewarding land in the Ozarks with the long-term intention of developing a small, land-based retreat focused on rest and recovery for those living with the invisible wounds of trauma.

In April 2026, Kemmi will walk the Camino de Santiago with her dog, Nona, in a pilgrimage called Nona’s Way, continuing her commitment to service beyond the badge while raising awareness surrounding the need for mental health and trauma recovery in the first responder community.

https://klsadler.com/

Brian's background spans several states from rural volunteer to metro-sized departments. He has a master’s degree in fire and emergency management, is an EFO, and has Chief Training Officer designation.

With campuses in Pensacola and Ocala, IHMC has grown into one of the nation’s premier research organizations with world-class scientists and engineers investigating a broad range of topics related to building technological systems aimed at amplifying and extending human cognition, perception, locomotion and resilience.

Dr. Ford is the author of hundreds of scientific papers and six books. Dr. Ford’s research interests include: artificial intelligence, cognitive science, human-centered computing, and entrepreneurship in government and academia. Dr. Ford received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Tulane University. Ford is a Fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and a charter Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.

Ford has received many awards and honors including the Doctor Honoris Causas from the University of Bordeaux in 2005 and the 2008 Robert Englemore Memorial Award for his work in artificial intelligence. In 2012 Tulane University named Ford its Outstanding Alumnus in the School of Science and Engineering. In 2015, the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence named Dr. Ford the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Service Award. In 2017 Dr. Ford was inducted into the Florida Inventor’s Hall of Fame.

In January 1997, Dr. Ford was asked by NASA to develop and direct its new Center of Excellence in Information Technology at the Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. He served as Associate Center Director and Director of NASA’s Center of Excellence in Information Technology. In July 1999, Dr. Ford was awarded the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal. That same year, Ford returned to private life and to the IHMC.

In October of 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Dr. Ford to serve on the National Science Board (NSB) and the United States Senate confirmed his nomination in March of 2003. The NSB is the governing board of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and plays an important role in advising the President and Congress on science policy issues. In 2005, Dr. Ford was appointed and sworn in as a member of the Air Force Science Advisory Board.

In 2007, he became a member of the NASA Advisory Council and on October 16, 2008, Dr. Ford was named as Chairman – a capacity in which he served until October 2011. In August 2010, Dr. Ford was awarded NASA’s Distinguished Public Service Medal – the highest honor the agency confers.

In February of 2012, Dr. Ford was named to the Defense Science Board (DSB) and in 2013, he became a member of the Advanced Technology Board (ATB) which supports the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). In 2018, Dr. Ford was appointed to the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.

In 2020, Florida Trend Magazine named Ford one of its Living Legends, a list of all-time influential Florida leaders in business, medicine, academia, entertainment, politics, and sport.

A former Chief of Police for the Pittsfield (MA) Police Department, Mike brings nearly 30 years of leadership experience in law enforcement, training, and community engagement. He has served as a use-of-force and defensive tactics instructor, developed department-wide training programs, and was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker as an inaugural commissioner on the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST-C).

Mike is deeply passionate about officer wellness and resilience, and throughout his career has championed progressive training, mental health awareness, and leadership development. He is a member of several national law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and regularly consults on policy, leadership, and use-of-force standards.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts from Williams College and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. He is also the author of Rising Through the Ranks: Leadership Tools and Tactics for Law Enforcement. He lives in Pittsfield with his wife and their two adopted sons.

https://thequellfoundation.org/leadership/mike-wynn/

https://www.thesirenproject.org/

In this second conversation we discuss his perspective on the pandemic, robots in war, sleep as a performance enhancer, suicide in uniform, 62 Romeo, the Ryan Larkin Invitational Adventure Race and so much more.

As the founder of Sleep Genius, Rob has pioneered innovative sleep solutions tailored for military personnel, first responders, and high-performance professionals. His work bridges cutting-edge technology with ancient wisdom, integrating biometric monitoring, AI-driven optimization, and behavioral science to enhance sleep quality in extreme conditions.

Rob’s expertise extends beyond research—he has advised policymakers, military leaders, and corporate executives on the profound impact of sleep on decision-making, resilience, and longevity. His insights have shaped sleep programs for the military, tactical athletes, and professionals operating in high-risk environments.

Rob created the 62romeo sleep program. The initial pilot study was an instant success. Since then Rob and his team have graduated hundreds of students and help thousands of people, primarily Veterans and First-Responders. Rob was named the "Sleep Genius" after helping a cohort of active duty Navy S.E.A.L.s in the 62romeo program. Since then he has taken on private clients for Sleep Coaching and Keynote Speeches.

​​Rob spends most of his time Sleep Coaching and empowering others to teach sleep science in their circles. Recently, he acquired Happy Canyon Ranch near Telluride Colorado, where he is hosting retreats to help people get back into balance.

https://www.sleepgeni.us/

Brian graduated from Quincy Senior High School in Illinois in 2000 and left for Marine Corps boot camp just days later. He served as a Light Armored Vehicle Crewman, an infantry role in the United States Marine Corps. During his enlistment he deployed during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and served four years before receiving an honorable discharge. During his service Brian also competed on the All-Marine boxing team, demonstrating the discipline and determination that continue to guide his life today.

Brian is a husband and father of four, and his family is at the center of his life. Like many parents, he understands the challenges of raising a family while working to provide stability and opportunity for the next generation. His experiences at home have strengthened his belief that government should work for ordinary families, not powerful interests.

In 2008 Brian moved to North Carolina and became a firefighter in Raleigh. Since then he has spent years protecting families, responding to emergencies, and working alongside fellow firefighters dedicated to public safety. Firefighting reflects the values that guide Brian’s life: teamwork, physical service, and protecting the community he calls home.

Brian believes the American political system has become dominated by wealthy donors and powerful interests while ordinary people are left behind. That is why he is running for the United States Senate. His campaign is about bringing integrity, courage, and independent leadership to Washington and building a government that truly serves working people.

https://www.gp.org/brian_mcginnis_4_us_senate

John Moon began his EMS career in 1972 with Freedom House Ambulance, after seeing the impressive crews in action while he was working as an orderly in a local hospital. After completing the necessary training on his own, he was hired by Freedom House and changed the course of his life. Mr. Moon demonstrated his competence and determination at his new-found calling and was selected by Dr. Peter Safar to be the first medic to perform endotracheal intubation on patients in surgery. After succeeding on his first attempt in the operating room, Moon went on to perform what is believed to be the nation’s first intubation in the field by a paramedic.

When the City of Pittsburgh ended its contract with Freedom House in 1975 and instituted its own ambulance service, Moon was one of the few Freedom House paramedics who successfully made (and endured) the transition. Despite their experience and demonstrated success, the Freedom House paramedics were required to undergo periodic written testing and ride as the third person on a crew with less experienced EMS clinicians during their transition to the newly formed city ambulance service.

During his time at Pittsburgh EMS, Moon became a certified master scuba diver, the first and only African American in Pittsburgh Public Safety to acquire this certification. He progressed through the ranks and developed Pittsburgh EMS’s first diversity recruitment program. One of Moon’s hires was Amera Gilchrist who in 2023 became Pittsburgh’s first African American EMS Chief and first woman in that role. John Moon retired as Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh EMS in 2009 after 34 years of service.

John Moon spent his early life in Atlanta, relocating to Pittsburgh during his high school years to live with family members following his parents’ deaths. He continues to reside in Pittsburgh with his wife with whom he shares five adult children. Moon now dedicates much of his time in retirement to ensuring the history of Freedom House Ambulance is not forgotten. He travels the country speaking at Black history events and EMS conferences, as well as book signing tours with author Kevin Hazzard who featured Moon in his 2022 book American Sirens. Most recently, he was an invited guest at President Biden’s State of the Union address in 2024.

Greg Menvielle is CEO of Okaya (SmartTec Inc.), an AI-powered readiness platform whose AI, Sanora, conducts multimodal check-ins — analyzing voice, facial cues, and language — to generate readiness scores across cognitive, physical, and emotional dimensions. Okaya serves first responders, Department of Defense personnel, and clinical populations, and holds a U.S. Air Force SBIR Phase II contract with active Air Force Reserve deployments.

Greg has spoken at Mobile World Congress and multiple Intel Innovators Program conferences, and previously wrote about the European tech scene for RudeBaguette. He holds an MA in ancient languages from the University of Chicago and a BA in economics from UCLA — a path he credits with teaching him to decode complex systems, whether Hieroplyphics or software.

https://www.okaya.me/firefighters-readiness?utm_source=james

John has served in EMS since 2010, with experience spanning Paramedic in rescue units and ER roles, quality assurance, flight medicine, and clinical leadership. Over time, he’s seen firsthand the cumulative effects of shift work, trauma exposure, poor sleep, and chronic stress on those who serve. These experiences reshaped his understanding of leadership and purpose beyond the bedside.

Today, John finds deep fulfillment in leadership and advocacy, firmly believing leadership is not derived from a title, but from daily actions. Through his work with The Incomologists, he is driven by a mission to prevent the financial devastation that too often follows injury, illness, or loss within clinician and first responder families. Every major decision he makes is guided by a single priority: protecting time, presence, and life with his wife and best friend.

https://theincomologists.com/

We discuss Toms' journey into law enforcement, SWAT operations, his rehabilitation after the shooting, Jason's parole hearing, Tom's wife's powerful mental health story, healing through forgiveness and so much more.

Tom began his 50+ year career in public service in 1975 working for a small rural ambulance company in the Eastern Sierras of California. He had just graduated from High School and gotten his EMT certificate that summer. After working as an EMT for a few years in May 1981, he helped found the first paramedic program in eastern Kern County California after attending Daniel Freeman Paramedic School in Los Angeles. The following year Tom moved to Bakersfield California where he worked as a paramedic and paramedic trainer until January 1984, when he was hired by the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

Tom worked as a Deputy and Senior Deputy Sheriff from 1984 to February 2000, when he was medically retired after being shot in the neck while attempting to arrest a 17-year-old gang member. When Tom was shot, he was in his 3rd year of law school, after finishing law school and passing the BAR he left the Sheriff’s Office, and went to work as an attorney for Kern County Counsel where he worked for 17 years before leaving County service in March 2017.

As a Deputy Sheriff Tom worked for 3 years in the jail and 14 years in Bakersfield Metro Patrol. He also worked assignments in bicycle patrol, SWAT. Tom was also a Field Training Officer and provided officer safety instruction for the Basic Academy. As an attorney Tom was staff counsel for various county departments, including the Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney, Probation, Coroner, Public Administrator and as trial counsel for child dependency matters.

Presently Tom works for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Legal Affairs as a Attorney IV for their Employment Advocacy and Prosecution Team.

Rob Jones is a retired US Marine, combat leader, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. He spent five years in the Marine Corps, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a Combat Engineer, Rob specialized in finding hidden Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the enemy’s most deadly weapons. On a mission in July of 2010, while executing an IED sweep, Rob stepped on an IED, which resulted in double above knee amputations of his legs. He spent the next year and a half in physical therapy before retiring from the Marine Corps in 2011. Upon his retirement, Rob was forced to adapt to a new way of being a leader. To do this, he turned to the world of sports.

In 2012, he competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England, bringing home a bronze medal in rowing. In 2013, he became the first double above knee amputee to ride a bicycle across the United States, riding 5,181 miles from Bar Harbor, Maine to Camp Pendleton, California. In 2017, he ran 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days in 31 different cities.

Throughout this journey, Rob has relied upon the principles taught at Echelon Front to turn the darkest moment of his life into a life of impact—more meaningful than he ever could have expected. Rob now brings his experience to Echelon Front to help teams of people take Extreme Ownership and overcome the challenges they face in business and in life.

Dr Kryskow is actively involved in research related to psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, front line health care workers and first responders mental wellness. She is co-investigator on the largest microdosing study Microdose.me which is ongoing with 22,000+ enrolled participants.

Prior to studying medicine she was a City of Coquitlam Firefighter for 8 years and provincial forestry firefighter for 4 seasons.

Phil Danes is a co-founder, the Lead of Operations and playlist curator (soundscapes that guide psychedelic journeys) for the Roots to Thrive Society for Psychedelic Therapy. Phil is a graduate of Vancouver Island University’s Psychedelic assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program and alumni of the Positive Deviants program through the Wolf Willow Institute

Phil is passionate about men’s health and the cultivation of environments that promote emotional awareness and expression. He has a keen interest in the intersection of music and psychedelic-assisted therapies and the creation of different playlists to use during therapeutic sessions.

Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective that enlightens and empowers people to promote their own healing and that of those around them.

After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness.

Dr. Maté has written several bestselling books, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction; When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress; and Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder. He is also the co-author of Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers and The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture.

Since leaving the fire department, Morgan has embarked on a new journey, choosing to focus his attention on healing through music, public speaking and sound meditation. Through this work, he hopes to heal himself and others overcome past trauma and the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. Morgan's willingness to explore unconventional paths to healing is a testament to his ongoing commitment to lifting others and making a positive impact on the world.

Morgan Englund is a 2× TEDx speaker, former firefighter/paramedic, and cultural change leader committed to reducing firefighter suicide and mental health injuries through meaningful cultural reform. His work is grounded in a sobering reality: firefighters are three times more likely to die by suicide than to be killed in the line of duty. After more than two decades in the fire service, Morgan understands the toughness, compartmentalization, and endurance the job demands. He also witnessed the cost of a culture that never teaches how to stand down—losing friends and colleagues to suicide, burnout, and despair.

Morgan didn’t just survive that environment; he did the work to heal from it without losing his edge. Today, Morgan speaks to firefighters, leaders, and organizations about completing the culture they already value—honoring toughness while adding the missing skills of recovery, integrity, and connection. His talks are practical, grounded, and firefighter-credible, focused on outcomes that matter: fewer mental health injuries, reduced sick time, improved quality of life, and lives saved. This work exists for one reason: to protect the people who protect everyone else—by changing the culture that’s quietly costing them their lives.

https://morganenglund.com/about

Tim is retired from a 40 plus year civilian career as a firefighter, paramedic and law enforcement officer. He also served in the US Air Force on active duty in Crash - Fire – Rescue and later retired from the USAF Reserve where he was a SMSgt / First Sergeant with the Security Forces squadron.

Tim is a certified Community Service Chaplain, certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist and volunteers as the Chaplain for Xenia Township Fire Department. He is a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2402, and is the Chaplain for the Ohio VFW 3rd District.

Her debut memoir, Becoming Fire—featuring a foreword by Detective Lt. Joe Kenda of Homicide Hunter and American Detective—invites readers into the hidden world of those who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.​

From her beginnings in a small Virginia farming town to a groundbreaking career in policing, Eskew’s journey has been shaped by a lifelong calling to protect, serve, and seek truth. The spark was lit early—when, as a six-year-old girl, she witnessed the aftermath of a violent crime that nearly took the lives of her family and neighbors. That moment ignited a determination that would carry her through decades of service, countless investigations, and personal sacrifice.​

Through Becoming Fire, Jennifer brings a rare, insider’s perspective to the realities of law enforcement—balancing the adrenaline of the job with the emotional toll of bearing witness to humanity at its worst. Her story reveals the heart behind the badge, exploring not just what it takes to stand on the thin blue line, but why some are called to do so.

Today, Jennifer continues her mission beyond the uniform—sharing her experiences through writing, speaking engagements, and advocacy for those who serve. Her voice honors the fallen, uplifts the living, and reminds us that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s walking through it with purpose.

https://www.jenniferclarkeeskew.com/

Owen McClung-Sitnam is a helicopter captain who holds a commercial and airline transport pilot license in Canada and the USA. Accumulating over 3,000 flying hours, primarily fighting forest fires across Canada and flying air ambulance missions up and down British-Columbia’s coast. His experience instilled in him a passion for the power of community support through aviation. Owen also featured in the Top 40 under 40 for Helicopters magazine in their 2021 edition.

Owen studied sustainability in the past and is finishing his Master of Business Administration degree at Royal Roads University. Before embarking into ASF and HWB, Owen headed Business Development for a charter company in Alberta.

https://helicopterswithoutborders.org/

She grew up in the south of Chile and in the hills of the Andes mountains. From childhood, she learned the value of traditional medicine through observing her grandparents perform traditional healing rituals. Her knowledge is drawn from traditional educational institutions in the US as well as mentors from the Lakota community and Mexican healers.

Andrea specializes in the holistic treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. As an advocate for integrated medicine and a holistic approach to healing, her experiences include trauma sensitive yoga, tai chi, meditation, mind body medicine, shamanic healing, and martial arts. She has been featured in several publications, including the National Journal, U.S. Medicine: The Voice of Federal Medicine, FIGHT magazine, and recently in the New York Times paper for her work on post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

https://www.thesirenproject.org/

Raised in Central Florida since he was young, Rob had an early love for boating, surfing and fishing. He currently holds a USCG 100 ton master license and lives aboard a 50 ft. trawler with his wife, Sara and dog, Lana. Rob has always turned to the ocean as an outlet for grounding and mental refocusing. His faith as a Christian is deeply woven into his life story and is an anchor in his life that has provided him with strength, healing and purpose through the heaviness of the fire service and into retirement.

We discuss his latest book 'No One's Coming', the Ebola crisis, aviation rescues, the men of the Freedom House, medicine on television and so much more.

He is a leadership instructor for Echelon Front and is the founder of Primal Beef. A Virginia based, all-natural, all-American, farm-raised beef company.

He is a husband and father of five. He lives with his family on a regenerative cattle farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

https://www.primalbeef.com/

https://pishockbooks.com/

Jay was born in the War Memorial Hospital in Crickhowell, Wales in 1957 unsurprisingly leading her to a life as a War Widow and Military Family Researcher. Grammar School education in the 1960’s meant many like Jay went undiagnosed with ADHD, in short many of her qualifications were obtained during her forties when she had mastered how to study with a less than forgiving brain.

She has had an unusual career path including counselling the terminally ill for the NHS, dancer, personal trainer, champion bodybuilder, podcaster, author, and public speaker. Described by many as an extraordinary woman, Jay herself feels she has had an extraordinary life journey marked by both triumph and tragedy. Her lifelong commitment to fitness enabled her to beat the odds and survive medical emergencies more than once, in 2015 she astonished doctors by making an unlikely full recovery.

Eventually diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder the prognosis was guarded. At times these life experiences have tested her spiritual beliefs until she began to understand the deeper meaning of the journey. Jay found herself on a true ‘Dark Night of the Soul’. The journey eventually led her to acceptance which after all is the last stage of grief…

Jay published her first book ‘And She Danced’ in 2019, her second book ‘The Falklands Widow’ followed in 2021. In 2023 Jay began a new chapter as a Volunteer Speaker for the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation a role which continues to date. Most recently her volunteering encompasses recording the Chelsea Pensioners on the Oral History Project at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. November 2024 saw the publication of ‘The Falklands Fallen’ with Pen & Sword Military, royalties from which are donated to the Royal Hospital.

https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/

Jason combines his personal "pain to purpose" wellness experiences along with over 19 years of launching and scaling companies across wellness, education, and nonprofit sectors. Known for building both digital and physical businesses—from online universities to international conferences—Jason brings a strategic, systems-driven approach to human optimization.

At the Institute, he bridges the gap between science, service, and scalability—delivering transformative experiences that integrate physical, cognitive, and emotional optimization. His leadership plays a key role in expanding flagship programs like The Bio Optimization Protocol and immersive retreats, while guiding clients and partners through the evolving landscape of holistic performance and longevity.Driven by a lifelong mission to help people build successful businesses and balanced lives, Jason empowers entrepreneurs and wellness leaders to align purpose, profit, and personal well-being.

Trip is a leading figure in biohacking innovation, renowned for his expertise in Nobel Prize-inspired oxygenation technology and advanced biohacking protocols.As a co-founder of The Bio Optimization Institute, Trip has revolutionized the wellness industry by integrating Eastern medicine with state of the art health technology.His work with professional athletes has set new standards in performance enhancement and recovery, showcasing his ability to blend scientific excellence with practical application.Trip's leadership and pioneering approach have established him as an expert in health optimization, driving forward the boundaries of what's possible in athletic performance and cellular recovery.

https://biooptimizationinstitute.com/

Unsure whether his cancer was linked to the job, Patrick knew one thing for certain: no firefighter should have to face what he did. His experience ignited a new flame—a drive to help his brothers and sisters in the fire service reduce their cancer risk and stay healthy for years to come.

The Decon Project is dedicated to ensuring that no firefighter has to choose between serving their community and safeguarding their health. Through evidence-based decontamination practices, early detection programs, and essential supplies, they’re helping reduce cancer risks in the fire service—so every firefighter can go home safe and stay healthy for years to come.

https://thedeconproject.com/

Tim began his career with search and rescue dogs in 2005 and has certified six dogs: Deuce, Tater, Georgie, Charley, Carl and Rory in various disciplines from wilderness area search to US&R live-find and human remains detection. He is the Canine Coordinator and a Canine Search Specialist with one of the 28 FEMA Urban Search & Rescue teams in the United States. In that role, he has deployed eighteen times to various US&R environments including post-fire searches, debris flows, floods, explosions, and hurricanes. He is also a member of the canine component of the Yosemite Search and Rescue team (“YODOGS”).

In addition to being a Canine Search Specialist, Tim is qualified as a Search Team Manager, Technical Search Specialist, Rescue Specialist, and Finance Specialist. He is a FEMA Evaluator and FEMA instructor. He has served on the Board of Directors of the California Rescue Dog Association, which has the most search wilderness dogs in the United States. He founded a non-profit, HD Search Dog Fund, Inc., that provides training and gear to our nation’s search and rescue dogs. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Extension Studies/History from Harvard University with his thesis on “The Origin and Evolution of Search and Rescue Dogs in California.” He also serves on the Board of Directors of First Responder Therapy Dogs, Inc., and is on the Executive Board of his local IAFF Union.

In addition, he is passionate about improving first responder mental health. With his wife Angela, he co-founded The S.I.R.E.N. Project to help first responders access sacred medicine served by indigenous people (www.thesirenproject.org). These medicines have proven more effective than western medicines in treating post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI.)

Prior to his life going to the dogs, he worked as an investment banker on Wall Street and is a certified public accountant. He lives in Carmel Valley, California with his wife and son.

Through his independent consultancy, Affective Mobility, he advises the transport and insurance technology sectors from start-ups to global companies. Previously, as Head of Transport Safety at TRL, he directed major research programmes that influenced national and international road safety policy. In the insurance sector, he led the development of an AI-based driver risk platform at Humn AI and Aon.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neale-kinnear-09805539/

In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the military, 9/11 through his eyes, the Horse Soldiers, the heroism of our Afghan allies, the withdrawal, immigration, broken promises and much more.

Ryan launched Powerline Podcast, now backed by Quanta Services, to spotlight the people, culture, and leadership behind the power grid while inspiring the next generation to consider a future in the trades.

In 2025, Marc reached a significant professional milestone by earning his Doctor of Athletic Training from Moravian University. His academic journey is marked by prestigious accolades, including being named the National Winner of the 2025 Thought Leadership Essay contest, sponsored by WS Darley and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, for his impactful work titled "Behind the Mask". He is also a recipient of the Frank George Doctoral Scholarship and the NATA Memorial Scholarship.

Beyond the clinic, Marc serves his community as a Captain with the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a member since 2014. As a Certified EMT and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) specialist, Marc operates at the intersection of tactical performance and mental health advocacy. He is passionate about changing the "tough guy" culture in the fire service and helping first responders navigate the complexities of identity fusion and mental resilience.

Marc’s clinical expertise is further supported by certifications as a Graston Technique Specialist and a Corrective Exercise Specialist, along with proficiency in Blood Flow Restriction Training and Dry Needling.

https://www.darley.com/essay-competition/

His breakout single “That’s What a Heartbreak Tastes Like” reached #3 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, earning radio play across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and racking up over 26,000 streams. His follow-up singles “Wild Fire” and “Goodbye Back” have continued that momentum, with “Goodbye Back” surpassing 150,000 digital streams, gaining national radio traction, and solidifying Jonathan as one of Canada’s most promising independent country voices.

Produced by Jeff Johnson (The Washboard Union, Chris Buck Band) and recorded at Saxman Studios in Nashville, Jonathan’s recordings capture the energy and authenticity that define his live performances. His songs are built around real emotion — stories of heartbreak, hope, and hard-won lessons — anchored by a powerful voice and a sound that merges modern Nashville polish with the heart of true country storytelling.

Jonathan’s career continues to rise with two new singles on the way — both produced by Jeff Johnson and recorded in Nashville — leading up to the release of his six-song EP planned for 2026. The project will showcase his strongest songwriting to date, highlighting his distinct blend of heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems that speak to life, love, and resilience.

Over the past year, Jonathan has performed more than 50 shows across British Columbia, including major events like Peachfest, Westside Daze, Armstrong IPE, Vancouver Island Exhibition, and Parks Alive, along with brewery residencies and sold-out shows at venues like Crown & Thieves. His “Boots, Bars & Battle Scars Tour” combined live music with storytelling about mental health and PTSD — connecting deeply with audiences and first responders across the province.

Media and industry have taken notice. Jonathan has been featured on Global TV, CTV, Castanet, and the Vernon Morning Star, and was a 2nd Ballot Nominee for both Male Artist of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2025 BC Country Music Association Awards. His music has also received consistent coverage on 91.5 Bounce FM, 105.7 The Ranch, Move 101.5 Kelowna, and numerous U.S. and international country stations.

Looking ahead, Jonathan is preparing for a Canada-wide tour to support his upcoming EP release — with plans to expand into national festivals, international showcases, and sync placements through recent connections at VIFF AMP Summit. His career continues to grow from the grassroots upward, built on talent, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect through every lyric and performance.

Whether on stage or on record, Jonathan Williams embodies the spirit of modern country — real stories, raw emotion, and the reminder that no matter how tough the road gets, there’s always music to carry you through.

Dr. Chodakiewitz completed medical school at Brown University, followed by a radiology residency at Cedars-Sinai and a fellowship at Stanford’s Body MRI Division and Minimally-Invasive MR Interventional Center (MIMRIC). There, he developed expertise in advanced MRI techniques, including performing WB-MRI for cancer screening in high-genetic-risk individuals, as well as tailoring protocols for evaluating known cancers and other complex cases.

Prevuvo Warriors Program:

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Brad also served on the protection detail for former president George H. W. Bush and various foreign heads of state. As a federal polygraph examiner for 17 years, he secured numerous confessions in high-profile investigations and conducted the most criminal polygraph examinations in the agency’s history.

With a master’s degree in criminology, he was honored as the U.S. Secret Service Special Agent of the Year for combating crimes against children. Recognized globally as a communications expert, Brad has delivered sought-after presentations to law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide.

A qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach within the tactical sector, Mark supports firefighters, police officers, and other high-stress professionals to improve functional strength, manage body composition, reduce injury risk, and sustain long-term performance. His approach blends evidence-based practice with practical, real-world application that fits the realities of shift work and operational life.

Alongside his coaching work, Mark regularly delivers guest lectures at universities on Strength & Conditioning, health, and wellbeing programmes. These sessions provide students with insight into the role of S&C beyond traditional sport settings, highlighting the complexities, constraints, and organisational challenges of applying performance support within emergency services and other non-sport environments.

Mark is the founder of Fitness for the Frontline and is actively involved in research projects aimed at driving meaningful, system-level change in frontline health and performance. He is open to conversations around delivering presentations, workshops, and collaborative projects.

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Vestibular Training Services, LLC specializes in vestibular training tools addressing: Vestibular: Balance, Cognitive, Spatial & Sleep. Vestibular training enhances more than just balance—it sharpens memory, abstract thinking, and decision-making. Stimulating the vestibular system improves neural integration, helping the brain process spatial awareness and executive functions more efficiently.

The Romberg Test, a trusted measure of postural stability, highlights the connection between sensory integration and cognitive performance. Strengthening vestibular input leads to better neural responsiveness, improving cognitive flexibility. Movement refines the mind.

In 2018 he launched the Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a 501(c)(3) bringing live comedy to military and first responders. His mission for 2026 is expanding the tour’s reach- more bases, more shows, more morale.

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As a firefighter, Justin understands the importance of taking risks the right way. He also understands that risks look different for everyone. To tackle any challenge successfully, you have to be smart about it. You have to have community to back you up. WildFitLife805 is the community you need. It’s a place full of people who are not strangers to facing challenges — people who have won/lost and learned enough to understand that both are worthwhile experiences.

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In addition to focusing on integration therapy, plant and natural medicines, couples therapy, and medicine-assisted psychotherapy, and technology-based therapeutics, Dr. Rabin specializes in treatment-resistant mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosomatic disorders, personality disorders, chronic pain disorders, insomnia, and substance use disorders using minimal and non-invasive treatment strategies.

Unlike other wearables, this is not a biometric tracking device. Apollo is a therapeutic wearable, designed to be worn discreetly on the wrist, ankle, or anywhere by clipping it to your clothing, that works by sending gentle vibrations to the body that signal safety to the brain. It's a safe, non-invasive way to relax, get the sleep you need, focus your attention, and find your flow. Using the Apollo wearable consistently over time helps to retrain your nervous system, helping you recover from stress and feel better overall.

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Marcy is a leadership development professional with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, groups, teams, and organizations. Marcy’s commitment to her work comes from a passion for helping individuals and organizations leverage their strengths and increase their impact. Working on initiatives that drive individual, team, or organizational change is a top priority. Marcy does this through designing and delivering powerful learning experiences for her clients through consulting, coaching, training, and facilitation services.

Most recently, Marcy served as the inaugural Chief Organizational Learning Officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. In that role, Marcy had primary responsibility for designing and leading an organization-wide learning strategy for a diverse workforce of over 6500 individuals. Marcy facilitated organizational development strategies, coached senior and executive leaders, and created/co-created 3 distinct District-wide professional learning series. Prior to this position, Marcy served as the executive leadership coach and organizational development strategist for the District for 5 years (2016-2021).

From 2012-2016, Marcy was the Vice President of Strategy and Director of Leadership Cleveland for the Cleveland Leadership Center. This is when Marcy deeply connected with the community of Cleveland and discovered that collaborative leadership is a practice that many organizational leaders from diverse sectors had not spent intentional time learning much about.

MLS Consulting, LLC was Marcy’s full-time focus from its launch in 2001. Prior to that time, she served in professional roles at Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, The Hillel Foundation, and the University of Iowa.

Marcy is also an instructor in higher education and an author. She co-authored Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for Students and its corresponding suite of companion resources, published in 2015 (2nd ed.) and 2008 (1st ed.). She continues to write articles and book chapters on the topic, including two chapters in leadership textbooks due out in late 2024/early 2025. In 2022 she co-edited a monograph on the effective and ethical use of leadership assessments for the New Directions in Student Leadership series.

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Ash became one of the most operationally experienced officers of his generation, spending almost seven years deployed, leading some of the world’s most skilled forces in predominant challenging, complex and hostile environments, such as the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Following retirement from active duty, Ash turned his attention to business, focussing on addressing issues of leadership, resilience, team-building, leader development, talent management and more, after recognising how many companies today experience very similar difficulties to what he and his colleagues faced in combat.

Ash draws on lessons learned from more than 25 years of experience in managing and leading diverse multinational military, civilian, government, sports, and other elite teams, using those insights and experience gained from working in some of the world’s most challenging, hostile and complex environments.

With powerful examples of resilience, leadership, teamwork and trust, Ash assists businesses and leaders develop the skills, mindset, and behaviours necessary in order to adapt and win. Leveraging empowering and motivational stories from his personal and professional life, Ash now supports companies, organisations and teams of all sizes to fulfil their potential.

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Jason is open about his experiences with mental health and PTSD, shaped by years on the frontline, and now focuses on maintaining wellbeing through honesty, structure, and support. Jason is married and a proud father of two daughters.

Byron first began fencing in high school. As an indoor sport, fencing worked well for the frigid winters in Ohio where Byron grew up. As an extra bonus, Byron could still play baseball in the spring after the fencing season ended.

Byron excelled at fencing. Prior to becoming a Parafencer, he competed in the able-bodied divisions of the sport. In 2011 he was top in the sport for able-bodied fencing in the Great Lakes Region, and in 2014 he was 17th in the USA for DIV1A Men’s Foil. He also volunteer coached at the local fencing club, helping numerous fencers gain scholarships and earn titles in the sport.

Outside of fencing, Byron dedicates himself to his family and his community. As a police officer, Byron is committed to strengthening his community. In addition to serving on a panel to improve community and police relations, Byron has visited local schools to engage students and help build a better understanding between police and the citizenry.

In 2016, Byron was injured during a traffic accident while on duty. After his injury, he continued training students at the local fencing academy, and in 2018 Byron decided to try wheelchair fencing. Shortly thereafter, he won Gold at the 2018 PanAm Games in Saskatoon, Canada. Within one year Byron quickly moved up to ranking 17th in the world.

He has since won 3 Pan Am games and was a 2024 Paralympian.

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Nick has a history working in collegiate athletics as a student athletic trainer with the University of Southern California. Having a passion for “Serving Those Who Serve” Nick joined the US Air Force after PT school, serving as an active duty physical therapist before transitioning to the reserves, now working with the Special Warfare Human Performance Squadron in San Antonio, TX.

In his civilian life, he works as the Health & Wellness Coordinator for the City of Sacramento Fire Department and also runs his private practice, Tactical Athlete Performance, providing physical therapy, injury prevention, and performance services for athletes across the lifespan.

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He spent the next 6 years as a paratrooper where he served in every single position in a Rifle Platoon. While in the 82nd he rose from Private to Staff Seargent and eventually served as a Platoon Sergeant. His time in the 82nd was also marked as the top Battalion Squad Leader for two consecutive years. The 82nd took Robie to his first combat assignment for the entirety of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Jungle Expert training in Panama, and Hurricane Andrew Relief in southern Florida. Immediately following the Gulf War, he earned the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, attended the Ranger Course, became a Jumpmaster, was inducted into the prestigious Audie Murphy Club, and was selected for Special Forces. He then attended the Army’s Officer Candidate School, finishing at the top of his class.

He took his 2nd Lieutenant commission to the 101st Airborne Division where he saw additional service in the Infantry as a Rifle and a Reconnaissance Platoon Leader. He performed peace keeping operations in Haiti and was partnered in the winning 2-person team of the annual Best Ranger Competition in 1997. After graduating college with a B.S. in Parks and Recreation and subsequently being promoted to Captain, he returned to Special Forces in 2003 and has served the Regiment until his retirement in 2020. Robie was regionally assigned to the 1st Battalion of the famed 10th Special Forces group in Stuttgart, Germany. His Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha was dispatched to several partnership training missions in Europe and numerous operations in the Balkans and North Africa.

He then spent a very kinetic and arduous year in East Baghdad where he led a small advisory team partnered to a failing Iraqi mechanized battalion in 2006-2007. This was followed by his first of two assignments to the SOCOM HQ as an exercise planner. Years later, he returned to Stuttgart, Germany and had the honor of leading his Special Forces Company to Afghanistan where he served as a Joint NATO Special Operations Task Force and Task Group Commander on two occasions in Eastern Afghanistan from 2010-2012. The following four years were spent traveling the globe as a SOCOM exercise planner. His last assignment involved serving as the Army’s Special Operations Command as the liaison officer and instructor at the Army Aviation Center of Excellence where he focused on Special Operations and Conventional Force integration and interoperability.

Special Forces provided Robie opportunities to gain varying levels of expertise in special reconnaissance, rapport establishment, direct action, controlling close air support, counter-insurgency, Unconventional Warfare, surveillance and tracking, doctrine writing, sniper employment, advance trauma life support, mountaineering, arctic/high altitude warfare, negotiating, demolition, exercise planning, indigenous military operations, and several European languages.

Since retirement, he has committed himself to volunteer humanitarian missions including the Kabul Airport rescues and activities in Ukraine.

Kellon's Accolades:

13 Time Dakar Rally participant first one being Dakar 2005 for Red Bull KTM to present 2025 with the the Red Bull M-Sport Ford Performance factory team.

Over 15 Dakar rally stage wins

4-time Best in the Desert Series Motorcycle Champion

2-time back-to-back Best in the Desert Series Truck Champion 2009-2010

1- time Best in The Desert Trick Truck series Champion

1 time SCORE class 1 series Champion

3-time Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada Series Champion

1-time Nevada/Utah Battle of the Borders Series Motorcycle Champion

1-time W.O.R.C.S 250F Pro Series Champion

1-time AMA National Hare-N-Hound Open Class National Champion

Stage 16 motorcycle winner in the 2005 Dakar Rally

Winner of the Red Bull KTM Dakar Rally Team USA Rider Search

Factory Rider for KTM, Kawasaki, and Husqvarna

Factory support Rider for Honda and Yamaha

Transoriental rally finisher. Started in St Petersburg Russia. Raced across Russia, Kazakhstan, through the Gobi desert in China and finished at the Great Wall in Beijing.

Races multiple times through the harshest deserts in the world including the Sahara desert, Atacama desert and the Gobi desert!

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Jonathan also co-founded and led the SEAL Future Foundation (SFF), a 501.c.3, in 2012, which has helped thousands of Navy SEALs and given millions of dollars back. The SFF’s mission is to provide Navy SEALs a foundation that supports their well-being, education and career to continue a life of service within their communities.

Jonathan started his professional career in the military having served over a decade in the United States Navy SEALs, deploying to multiple combat theaters while serving on multiple SEAL Teams. He holds an MBA from the University of Oxford and graduated from the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School. Jonathan is based in Denver, Colorado

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Among Chief Van Dorpe's Line experience, he was also the Lead Instructor for the Chicago Fire Departments Fire Officer School from 2005 to 2010 as well as a Field Instructor for the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute where he is still actively involved in Firefighter Training. Chief Van Dorpe obtained an associate's degree in fire science from the Chicago city-wide Colleges; moving on to obtaining his bachelor's degree in fire science management from the Southern Illinois University.

Chief Van Dorpe has also taught "Building Construction for the Fire Service" at Harold Washington College's Fire Science Program. Chief Van Dorpe has been actively involved in research by being a subject matter expert on multiple UL and NIST studies dating back to 2007. Chief Van Dorpe has strived to give back to the fire service through ways of education and training which has led to him delivering the 2012 FDIC Keynote Speech as well as being awarded the 2016 Fire Engineering/ISFSI George D. Post Instructor of the Year award.

Patrick was born in central Illinois. He has an associates degree in Biology from Lincoln Land Community College and a certificate of completion for his Paramedic license. He served as a volunteer fireman and EMT at the Sherman Volunteer Fire Department. Next, Patrick transferred to the University of South Carolina garnering a Bachelors of Arts (B.A.) in Public Relations and a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) while concurrently working as a Paramedic Crew Chief for Lexington County Emergency Medical Services.

His graduate work took him to Baltimore to complete his externship at Johns Hopkins Hospital's Human Resources Department as well as serving on The Johns Hopkins' Critical Care Transport Team known as Lifeline. He has worked in hospital operations and Patient Experience for large complex health care systems across the country since 2010. He is a published author, reference source and podcaster. He co-wrote "Code 3" with his friend Chris Leone. He is a dual citizen with the USA and Canada, Speaks Italian, bad Spanish and terrible French. Patrick is married to an amazing woman, his brother is Paul "Pizza" Pianezza a producer on the film, and has the world's greatest nephew. He lives in Long Beach, CA.

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After joining the OPP in 1995, he began his career stationed in Southwestern Ontario in uniform patrol, eventually being seconded to the Biker Enforcement Unit. Rob then transferred to Central Ontario, taking on the role of Detective in the Nottawasaga/Dufferin Crime Unit. It was in this position that Rob began to experience the first-hand effects of sanctuary trauma. He was promoted to Platoon Sergeant team leader in 2008 and was then asked to join Professional Standards (internal affairs) in 2010.

Rob saw first-hand the stressors that investigations had on police officers and, by extension, their families. In 2014, Rob joined the OPP Academy as a recruit instructor and on March 6, 2015, learned that the RCMP had executed a search warrant on the office of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, more commonly referred to as the Police Union, representing 6,200 non-commissioned officers and approximately 3,600 civilians in the OPP.

Rob ran for the vacated position of President and CEO of the largest Canadian Police Association in Canada and, on November 30, 2015, was elected as the 20th President in the history of the OPPA. No one could imagine the depths of the challenges that lay ahead, but through leadership, teamwork, and determination, Rob led the OPPA team into a better future. While doing so, the organization was also dealing with a mental health crisis in the OPP, including several officer suicides. The Association’s response was the founding of a unique and comprehensive mental health program called Encompas.

Since its launch on March 30, 2020, thousands of Association members and their families have received unprecedented quality of care. Encompas has saved lives, kept families together, kept officers and civilians of law enforcement in the workplace, and supported Association members with their return to work.

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In January 2005, Joey DiBernardo responded to a tenement fire in the Bronx with Rescue 3. This day would come to be known as “Black Sunday” in FDNY history as three firefighters died that day in the line of duty. Due to illegal partitions and blocked fire escapes, Ladder Co. 27 and Rescue 3 became trapped on the top floor of this Bronx tenement. Surrounded by fire with no way out and running out of air, they were forced to jump out the rear windows to the yard five stories below. Tragically, two members of Ladder 27 died on impact and two others were critically injured. Jeff Cool of Rescue 3 was trapped at one window and Joey was trapped in the adjoining room.

With fire blowing out over their heads, Jeff, who had his personal rope, heroically told Joey he had no place to tie off his rope but he would lower Joey. In response Joey yelled back to Jeff, “…I’m single, you have a wife and kids…throw me the rope, and I’ll lower you…” With only seconds left, Jeff threw Joey the rope, and Joey tied it around his arm, and Jeff leaped out the window. As Jeff swung out he lost control of the rope and landed in the alley below, critically injured. Joey then tied off on a child safety guard and went out the window as the room exploded in fire. Joey’s rope broke and he fell four stories to the recessed rear courtyard. He broke practically all the bones from his waist down and shattered both feet. In the hospital he suffered respiratory arrest and developed pneumonia, nearly dying twice while hospitalized.

Joey’s long hospitalization was followed by a stay at a rehabilitation facility where he had to learn to walk again. During Joey’s extended recovery he was promoted to Lieutenant.Joey DiBernardo and the other survivors initiated a campaign for the issuance of personal life safety ropes for all members of FDNY and, as result of this fire, FDNY did reissue ropes to all its members. Joey and the other survivors regularly spoke out around the county for firefighters’ safety. Despite his injuries, Joey was a popular fire instructor.

Joey DiBernardo continued to live in great pain every day of his life from all his injuries and passed away November 22, 2011 as a result of the injuries suffered on Black Sunday. He was recognized by the International Association of Firefighters for making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The DiBernardo family was presented with their Medal of Honor, and his name was inscribed on the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

https://joeydfoundation.org/

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Over his 23 year software career Ty led product management teams and advised on and implemented analytics solutions for both customers and partners. Ty holds a BS in Economics from Bentley University and dual MBA in International Business and MA in International Affairs degrees from The George Washington University. Ty lives with his wife Laura in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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Steve Gowin founded his goal-oriented counseling service, Targeted Motivational Engagement (TME), in 2015. Through TME, Steve has been able to address hundreds of children and adults on the topics of goal setting and personal improvement. Steve also works with sports teams and individual athletes to help develop the mental mindset needed to be successful in their sport.

Steve spent six years in the U.S. Army in a light infantry unit as a combat engineer (Sapper). He served as a team leader and earned the rank of sergeant after two years. It was in that leadership role that Steve recognized his passion for helping individuals and groups reach their potential through action.

Steve spent 24 yrs years in law enforcement, 19 of which were spent as a member of the King County Sheriff’s office SWAT team. He served as a team leader and was involved in planning and conducting numerous high-priority complex missions, as well as developing and writing current standard operating procedures for his team.

Steve was an instructor for both the Washington State Sniper School, and for the Washington State’s Basic and Advanced SWAT school. Steve has taught, trained and competed with other teams both nationally and internationally. Currently, Steve is a consultant and instructor for the U.S. Department of State providing anti-terrorism training throughout the world.

Steve lives on a cattle ranch in North Texas with his wife and two daughters.

Steve is a firm believer in living what he teaches. You can follow Steve on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn under Targeted Motivational Engagement. There you can learn more about Steve and see that he truly believes what he talks about…he doesn’t just say it, he lives it.

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The Motivation Factor had its worldwide premiere in Hollywood, CA on May 5th at the Life Fest Film Festival, where it won ‘Best Documentary Feature’ and also won the prestigious ‘Audience Choice Award.’ It also won ‘Audience Choice Award’ and ‘Heart Award’ at the Intendence Film Festiveal in Denver 2017.

This breakthrough documentary film, “The Motivation Factor” covers the ‘why’ we must exercise and links many of our major society’s problems to the absence of real physical education. The crowdfunding trailer received over 50 Million Facebook views and has received national attention. More news on this film can be found on this article and also at the film’s Facebook Page.

Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong. Doug Orchard directed the breakthrough CRE documentary film, Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong (2014). This is the first CRE documentary that takes a comprehensive approach to the investor’s problem. It was filmed in 29 cities with 19 interview subjects. Mr. Orchard tracked hundreds of investors from 2009 through 2013. Multiple billionaire and multi-millionaire investors have labeled it the best film on investing ever made, and a must see for any investor.

The film contains interviews with the most successful private CRE investors in the US, the Presidents of the National Association of Realtors, IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), NMHC (National Multi-family Housing Council) and CCIM, four asset protection attorneys who handle more asset protection cases than anyone else in the world, and a state insurance commissioner referred by the NAIC.

Truth about Pandemic Flu (2009). Doug Orchard directed this 30 minute film, which was made in cooperation with the CDC, FDA, and former US Health Secretary and 4-term Wisconsin Governor Thommy Thompson.

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Anthony Ortiz is a second-generation firefighter whose family has protected the Ocala community for more than 50 years. His father served over three decades with Ocala Fire Department, and growing up in a firefighter’s home gave Anthony an early understanding of both the pride and the price of the job long shifts, missed holidays, and the constant grind of second jobs during an era of historically low wages. That upbringing shaped his commitment to service and grounded his belief that the fire service is more than a career; it’s a calling.

Anthony began his own journey in 1998 with Marion County Fire Rescue after being introduced to the fire service through a high school mentorship program designed to recruit and guide young people into public safety careers. He credits that moment of opportunity as the spark that launched a life of service, and it remains the reason he is passionate about mentoring the next generation. Today, he plays a key role in his department’s mentorship program, helping future firefighters become the emotionally intelligent, resilient leaders the profession needs.

Throughout his 25+ year career, Anthony has served in a wide range of roles across operations, training, fire prevention, and administration. That diverse experience has given him a unique, full-spectrum perspective on how the modern fire service functions and how it must evolve. He is deeply engaged in community involvement and has served on multiple local boards to provide a firefighter’s voice in decision-making. He believes the future of the fire service depends on departments building trust, investing in their people, adapting to the changing needs of their communities, and nurturing leaders who understand both the operational and human sides of the job.

Outside the station, Anthony decompresses through running. On December 1, 2016, he began a daily run streak that continues to this day, with a minimum of 5K every day no excuses, no missed days. To keep both body and mind challenged, he layers in additional personal pursuits, including running every street in his first-due area and traveling to explore unique trails and destinations. His journey has taken him from the Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys to remote segments of the Florida Trail, discovering new places and perspectives through both urban and trail running.

With most of his career behind him, Anthony is focused on giving back to the profession that shaped him. He is proud of the legacy his family has built in Ocala and grateful for a life of service that has allowed him to provide for his family while serving a community he loves. He credits his wife of 25 years for keeping him grounded and is the proud father of two incredible kids who carry forward the same values of grit, gratitude, and service.

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Blake Richardson grew up around the firehouse. His dad, Brad Richardson, is a captain and paramedic for a fire department in northern Florida. Brad became the inspiration behind EaseAlert when Blake noticed the toll that firefighting was taking on his dad each day that he returned from duty. Blake wanted to come up with a way to make his dad’s job less stressful. EaseAlert is that solution. Blake and co-founder/COO, Elezar Tonev began working on EaseAlert in 2019. With its suite of tactile alerting devices, EaseAlert is redefining alerting systems and setting the bar for heart smart alerting in the fire service. Today, they have a fully functional system and their brand new Firefighter Alerting System is beginning to catch the attention of fire departments around the United States.

Siento was born from the personal experiences of its CEO, Andrew Douglas, who spent years on the front lines as a firefighter/paramedic and union leader. After confronting his own battles with PTSD and a suicide attempt, Andrew felt compelled to create the solution he wished he had during his darkest times.

Understanding the intense pressures and unique challenges faced by those in high-stress professions, he was driven to create a tailored solution that effectively addresses the mental health needs often overlooked in such fields.

Siento manifested as a stigma-free mental wellness and peer support management platform, dedicated to providing first responders and high-stress professionals with accessible, confidential, and culturally competent mental health support.

Teams that use Siento ensure their members have the resources to thrive, not just survive.

Ease Alert - https://www.easealert.com/

Siento - https://siento.io/

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Stationwise:

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Beyond his federal service, Darin is a devoted husband, father to four sons, and the founder of Fierce Faith, an organization dedicated to helping people live with courage and purpose. He is passionate about inspiring and equipping the next generation to face challenges head-on and live with bold resolve. A sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Darin shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and what it means to live with clear purpose in an unpredictable world.

When he’s not challenging audiences to live boldly, you’ll find him at home investing in his wife—his partner since 1998—and their four sons.​Darin is a graduate of James Madison University and spent 25 years as a US Secret Service Special Agent. He loves the mountains, baseball, and any adventure that calls for courage and grit.

Rick Mountcastle joined Guttman Buschner LLP as Of Counsel in April 2025, after retiring from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.

An award-winning Federal criminal and civil litigator with more than 30 years of experience litigating the most complex and intricate cases, Rick was portrayed by Emmy-nominated actor Peter Sarsgaard in the 2021 award-winning Hulu miniseries “Dopesick,” which chronicles his leadership of the 2007 prosecution of notorious OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma and its three top executives. He has spoken about the case and the events surrounding the opioid crisis on CBS’s 60 Minutes (aired March 9, 2025), at Law School events, and on numerous podcasts.

Rick’s Federal experience included almost nine years as an award-winning Senior Trial Attorney in DOJ’s Tax Division where he prosecuted complex criminal tax cases across the country. He received several awards, most notably DOJ’s highest honor, the Attorney General’s John Marshall Award for the Trial of Litigation, for leading the prosecution of a Russian mafia leader in the Eastern District of New York for gasoline excise tax fraud conspiracy. In 2007, after more than twenty years and more than 50 jury trials as a criminal prosecutor, Rick moved to the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Division in Roanoke, Virginia, where he built the office’s False Claims Act and Affirmative Civil Enforcement program while supervising the Financial Litigation Unit and defending the United States in medical malpractice, personal injury, civil rights, and other civil matters. Most notably, he led the False Claims Act and criminal prosecution of Abbott Laboratories for fraudulently marketing Depakote (an anti-epileptic) for off-label treatment of agitation related to dementia in nursing home residents. Working closely with relator’s counsel, Reuben Guttman and Traci Buschner, he secured $1.5 Billion in civil and criminal penalties, at the time the largest single-drug settlement of an off-label pharmaceutical fraud case in the history of the Department of Justice.

Rick also served as the Civil Chief (2010-2016), First Assistant U.S. Attorney (2016-2017, 2018), and Principal Deputy U.S. Attorney (2018). He was appointed the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia January 2017 through March 2018. During his tenure he led the Federal response to the August 12, 2017 violence in Charlottesville, initiated the office’s opioid overdose prevention outreach program, directed and oversaw the reorganization of the office’s domestic terrorism and crisis response plan, initiated an anti-gang task force pairing Federal law enforcement with the Danville, Virginia, police department, and initiated a partnership with the Federal Court and the Federal Public Defender to identify and rectify potential discovery issues in a series of dozens of prior criminal prosecutions. Following his retirement from federal service, Rick served three years as an Assistant Attorney General for Virginia’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducting False Claims Act investigations.

https://www.gbblegal.com/rick-mountcastle/

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WaughStrong: https://waughstrong.org/

"I am passionate about advancing the scientific knowledge and practice of human performance and health. My academic expertise is in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation to exercise and nutrition. As a former associate professor at the University of Georgia, I taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, conducted and published nearly 100 original research studies, and secured multiple grants and awards. I have also worked extensively as a sports nutrition coach, with over 1500 unique 1:1 clients since 2018.

I have strong skills in scientific writing, speaking, teaching, mentoring, and communication with clients and colleagues. In my current role as the labs analyst with RAPID Health Optimization, I leverage my extensive background in physiology, biomedical research, teaching, and coaching to deliver clients with individualized supplementation protocols and dietary recommendations based on key performance anchors identified in their blood, stool, urine and saliva lab results. I also provide subject matter expertise to our coaching team on client questions/issues that arise related to lab results, interpretations, and protocol implementation."

Marcus began his career as a consultant at Bain & Company where he built advanced analytics platforms for Fortune 500 companies. While getting his MBA from Stanford, he founded Stationwise: a scheduling software that finally meets the needs of fire departments. Getting acting Battalion Chiefs like his dad to spend more in the field (and less behind a desk) was a big motivation.

Stationwise does more than replace legacy scheduling vendors. Beyond the “butts in seats” staffing, the platform integrates with payroll to calculate fully loaded costs. Instead of waiting 2-3 weeks to pull reports, Stationwise calculates the data in seconds. Users can set alerts when a certain % of their overtime budget is spent, or when a certain number of workers’ comp hours were used.

When he is not leading Stationwise, Marcus enjoys walks with his dog Harper, playing video games, and reading (especially sci-fi).

https://www.stationwise.com/

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He applied to, and was accepted into the Atlanta Police Department where he began his career in August 1993. He worked in Atlanta Until he was hired by the Suffolk County Police Department, New York in October 2003 where he worked until he was medically retired in October 2022.

After retiring, Mike began experiencing some depression issues, some anger issues and eventually realized that he had PTSD. Mike found healing Through plant based medicine, specifically Ayahuasca, and after journeying with that medicine, he both healed his PTSD and dedicated his life to helping other men and women military veterans/1st responders heal their own PTSD and trauma issues.

https://www.instagram.com/theresilientwarrior5778/

https://www.youtube.com/@nycfireguy/shorts

Da Rulk (Joseph Sakoda) is a performance coach with over 30 years of experience in functional movement and elite performance training. His clients include first responders, military units, professional athletes, and Hollywood stunt teams. His Raw Functional Training (RFT®) method is used globally to develop movement efficiency, resilience, and strength under pressure. Known for his work with elite military units, tactical personnel, and pro athletes, Da Rulk’s mission is simple but powerful: train for real life. His RFT system focuses on primal movement, mobility, and total-body control for foundations that align seamlessly with the versatility and efficiency of load based training.

https://www.probionutrition.com/en

https://www.levels.com/

Marc is also a Combatives Instructor, Swat, Swat Maritime Unit, Bike Officer, TSAC qualified, 13 years Uniform patrol, 1 year permanent violent crime bike patrol, 10 year gang detective, 2011 officer of the year, and all around good guy.

https://www.instagram.com/tacticoull/

With over 17 years in the fire service, Dan has built his career and his business around one guiding principle — “relationships before business.” After years of serving his community on the front lines, Dan turned his passion for service toward real estate. He’s a proud member of eXp Realty’s Gwilt Group, a military-led team dedicated to serving those who serve — including first responders, veterans, and their families. Dan helps buyers, sellers, and investors across Central Florida navigate the market with trust, transparency, and integrity.

He’s also the co-founder of F.I.R.E. Flips, a business he runs with retired firefighter Anthony Kibler, specializing in purchasing and restoring fire-damaged homes for people looking to sell — transforming loss into renewal. Beyond that, Dan leads Trapelo Road Investments, inspired by his family roots in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he focuses on long-term development and wealth-building opportunities across East Orlando.

Whether he’s running calls with Orange County Fire Rescue or helping a client close on their dream home, Dan brings the same sense of duty, discipline, and heart to everything he does. His mission is clear — to serve those who serve, and to help others build lasting freedom through real estate.

https://www.instagram.com/dan_lennon_realtor/?hl=en

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 fourth conversation, we discuss the National Guard deployment in Chicago, immigration, the obesity crisis, advances in medicine, the ceasefire in Gaza, what needs to happen to secure peace and so much more.

Todd also co-authored "Ripple of Change" with Joshua J. Judy (a former patient). Their book shares Todd's unfiltered journey through burnout and Joshua's travails through the existing dysfunction in healthcare, and offers a bare bones approach to evaluate, reimagine, and inspire positive disruption in the industry and beyond. He is passionate about empowering patients and healthcare providers to become agents of change, and to turn their ripples into waves of lasting impact.

https://rippleofchange.us/

https://suckitupbuttercupfilm.com/

Prior to coaching the fire service, Vanessa was a strength & conditioning coach for Southern Illinois University. Vanessa received her Masters of Science in Education in Kinesiology in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2013, both from Southern Illinois University. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as a registered strength and conditioning coach (CSCS*D RSCC). Vanessa also holds credentials from The Ready State, USA Weightlifting, Brianna Battles Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism, Master Resilience Training from USAF, and Crossfit.

In this second conversation, we discuss the impact of the pandemic, forging human performance, modern stoicism, toxic leadership, his new book and much more.

https://harrymoffitt.com.au/

With over 20 years of service, he has worked primarily at metropolitan fire stations and as a rescue instructor. Mat is a member of the WA USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Taskforce and has deployed across the state in response to major fires, cyclones, and floods, serving in both team member and team leader roles.

Deeply committed to firefighter mental health and wellbeing, Mat is a peer support officer, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and is currently in the final part of his psychology studies with plans to transition into his department’s wellness section. After years of struggling with PTSD and exhausting traditional treatments, Mat underwent MDMA-assisted therapy, an experience he credits not only with saving his career, but possibly his life.

Mat's Cauliflower Ear Product: https://caulicooler.com/

Jared retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service. 17 of those years were on their Full-Time SWAT team. Jared was also assigned as a Detective in the Department of Homeland Security/Gang Investigations Unit, and he was the assistant team leader and lead firearms instructor for the SWAT team. Jared has been involved in the successful resolution of over one thousand S.W.A.T. missions, including several lethal force incidents.

For his actions in a January 2008 shooting, he was awarded The President of the United States “Medal of Valor”, American Police and Hall of Fame’s "National Police Officer of the Year", Fraternal Order of Police’s "Florida Police Officer of the Year", and the State of Florida’s "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year."

Jared has had the opportunity to train with, and be trained by, some of the finest firearms and tactics instructors in the country. His goal is to use his training and experience to give Armed Professionals the tools to successfully resolve their own critical incidents.

After retirement, Jared went to work at Safariland as the N. Florida/ S. Georgia account manager. Jared truly enjoys his continuing service to law enforcement by bringing them the very best equipment through his position at Safariland.

Daragh’s debut in non-fiction – Lonely Boy – a collection of essays on mental health arrived on November 24th 2022 and has been well-received. Daragh hit the ground running with two collections of short stories published by Riversong Books back to back in 2019 and 2020. He has also been published in a number of literary journals, such as Southword, Stand, Crannóg, Paris Lit Up, Atrium, Eat The Storms, Beir Bua, The Ogham Stone, Gutter Magazine, An Áituil, Cork Words 3, and many more.

Daragh’s second poetry chapbook arrived in July of 2022 with Dark Thirty Poetry. Entitled: Poems That Were Written On Trains But Weren’t Written About Trains. His debut collection, Enigmatic, was published Octover of 2023 with Sunday Morning at the River.

In 2021, Daragh won the Cork Arts ‘From The Well’ Short Story Competition with this story, Evening Walk, due to be published as part of an anthology in the autumn. He has been Highly Commended for both the Patrick Kavanagh Award and the Fool For Poetry Prize. He was also shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship Poetry Prize. He won the Duncairn Flash Competition in 2024.

Daragh works as the Communications Lead for A Lust For Life, an Irish mental health charity. He is an ambassador for See Change Ireland, a charity that works to break down mental health stigma. He is also an ambassador from Movember Ireland.

Daragh also does a lot of public speaking across Ireland at festivals, schools, universities and workplaces. He has given a TEDx Talk on how we can use creativity to nourish our mental health. He has spoken at UCC, Amazon, Healthy Ireland, the West Cork Literary Festival, Kaleidoscope Festival and many more. His Tedx Talk was nominated and shortlisted for two Mental Health Media Awards in 2024.

Thoughts Too Big has been nominated for several awards, including two nominations in the Mental Health Blog Awards. Thoughts Too Big won the award for Blogger of the Year in the Mental Health Blog Awards 2022. Daragh’s latest book, a collection of essays called A BRIEF INHALATION was released this year through Broken Sleep Books.

Daragh has a passion for normalising the chat around mental health, and it the owner and founder of Thoughts Too Big, a blog and enterprise that focuses on overcoming daily mental health issues.

Trevor is responsible for various aspects of Ambio’s operations and communications. He previously served as a board member and co-founder of the Canadian Psychedelic Association and from 2018 to 2021 was on the board of directors for the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) Canada, where he acted as Chair of the Board for over two years.

Trevor was featured in the award-winning documentary about using magic mushrooms and Iboga to treat addiction, anxiety and depression called DOSED, which was released in 2019.

Fueled by an unwavering determination to turn his life around, Joe found purpose and discipline in the Marine Corps. Thirteen years of service, much of it under the elite Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC Raiders), became a proving ground for his resilience. He emerged from these experiences not only as a decorated veteran but as a testament to the power of transformation.

Today, Joe uses his life’s journey—both the struggles and the triumphs—to inspire others. At the helm of JM Training, he channels his hard-earned wisdom into equipping individuals and communities with the tools they need to stay safe and thrive. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, with courage and commitment, you can achieve greatness.

Jennifer launched the Gazette in 2020 to provide trustworthy, in-depth local journalism at a time when misinformation was on the rise and credible community news was in short supply. Murty came to journalism as a second career, guided by the belief—echoing Justice Hugo Black—that “the press was to serve the governed, not the governors.” That principle shapes her work daily.

Like many small newspaper owners, she juggles multiple roles—but reporting remains her greatest passion. In just five years, she has built a reputation for dogged persistence in overcoming public records exemptions and reporting roadblocks to uncover stories that hold the powerful to account.

The Gazette's Reports on the Deaths in Marion County's Jail:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=802963525588067&rdid=V5YEfyFQ3hNr7zdH

https://www.facebook.com/ocalagazette/videos/1417700989526937/?rdid=XN01wNdSvqiK4hBv#

Born and raised in Canby, Oregon, Charly Crawford grew up with his dad who was a bareback rider and the self-proclaimed biggest team roping fan on earth. Charly’s father, Chuck always had good horses and was one of the reasons the crossfire rule was implemented. Growing up in the Northwest, the summers were always fun because guys like Mike Beers, Allan Back, Jake Barnes, Clay Cooper, and Leo Camarillo would come rope at their house.

Due to the average rainfall being so significant, they could only rope about 4 months of the year outdoors. Chuck had a roping club where there were weekly practices and monthly jackpots. Charly always got to rope with guys that gave him no choice but to rope the best he could. He made the amateur finals before he made the high school finals. He and his dad would jackpot together, and Charly even did his first roping school at the age of 12.

It took winning for Charly to take roping seriously and once he was accustomed to winning, he never looked back. “I paid my fees for the Dummy Ropings by picking up beer cans around the arena” Before moving to Arizona to attend college at Central Arizona in Casa Grande, Charly took home a state championship and made the National High School Rodeo finals three times.

Charly qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 10 times in the heading and accrued over $1.4M in ProRodeo earnings. He now resides in Stephenville, TX with his wife Jackie and their three children. His passion for team roping and the western world is unwavering as he continues to train horses, instruct over 40 roping clinics yearly across the United States and abroad, hosts his own podcast, and pours his heart and soul into the Loyalty and Liberty Foundation.

https://libertyandloyaltyfoundation.com/

In this second coversation, we discuss the importance of real world leadership, some innovations coming to FDIC, the impact of orgaizational betrayal, the firefighter workweek, PFAS, special operations training and much more.

He is a Chief Elder for the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, a served on the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) Executive Advisory Board, was the Hands-on-Training Coordinator for the FDIC conference, and author for Fire Engineering Magazine, and Fire Apparatus and Equipment Magazine, authored the Hump Day SOS column for Fire Rescue, served as an adjunct instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy, and is an Advisory Board Member Emeritus for Underwriters Laboratory Firefighter Safety Research Institute and current Board Member of the Firefighter Air Coalition.

He served as an Incident Commander for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team was a Task Force Leader for the Georgia Search and Rescue Team.

Russell’s research spans the neurosciences but his research is focused upon two questions: (i) How is environmental light detected and processed by vertebrate photoreceptors for the regulation of circadian rhythms? One of his key findings was the discovery of another class of photoreceptor within the vertebrate eye based upon a small number of photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (pRGCs). These pRGCs not only regulate circadian rhythms, but also sleep & arousal states, heart-rate and pupil constriction; (ii) How are circadian rhythms generated and what happens when these systems break-down in disease and under abnormal environmental conditions?

Russell Chairs the Royal Society Public Engagement Committee, The Cheltenham Science Festival and is a Trustee of the Science Museum Group. He contributes to radio, television and writes newspaper articles. He has co-written three popular science books, and is working on his fourth.

Alexey Molchanov has loved freediving since he was five, exploring the sea and discovering the magic of holding his breath underwater. Since 2004, he has set 40 World Records—10 of them in 2023 alone—and won more than 20 gold medals, mastering not just depth but the art of breath control. His current records include 136m in monofin, 126m in bifins, and 156m in variable weight, all on a single breath. For Alexey, breathwork has always been at the heart of his training—expanding lung capacity, mastering stress, and finding calm in every dive.

Beyond the ocean, Alexey is the CEO & Founder of Molchanovs, a global freediving and breathwork community spanning 40+ countries, with over 2,000 instructors and 100,000 members. As a Global Breathwork Coach, he leads more than 100,000 active participants through programs designed to enhance performance, resilience, and wellness. His expertise has also made him a sought-after Keynote Speaker, delivering sessions for leading corporations in business and media—such as Everest and Picturestart—on resilience, stress mastery, leadership, and peak performance.

Alexey’s story and philosophy have reached global audiences through appearances in Paramount’s Freediver (2024), Netflix’s Religion of Sports (2018), and features in the New York Times, GQ, and other international lifestyle and performance media. Redefining what it means to be human at the edge of performance, Alexey brings his philosophy of mastery, resilience, and calm not only to freediving but to everyday wellness, sport, and style.

Sonya McVay-Straub, MP, is a certified ART (Active Release Techniques), NKT (NeuroKinetic Therapy), AiM (Anatomy in Motion), PMT (Performance Movement Taping by RockTape), KABUKI integrated Power Lifting, and ICT (Integrated Cranial Therapy) provider. She is also a certified master Pilates Instructor and a PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) and NKT credentialing author and continuing education provider. ART is a clinical soft tissue therapy system used to treat pathologies and/or movement restriction with muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.

Alongside manual therapy, she specializes in Neuro-Gate, functional/movement assessment, sports injuries, spinal pathologies, "special-populations" and post-treatment exercise. Her practice combines multiple methods and provides incredible results.

Her clients include internationally competitive athletes (Ferrari's Racing team), professional baseball players, both pro golfers and tennis players, triathletes, cyclists, PTSD patients, competitive marathoners, UFC fighters, IronMan/ToughMudder and Spartan athletes, avid and competitive CrossFitters, Olympic lifters, business executives, chronic pain patients, senior citizens, and youth. Sonya has personally treated hundreds of First Responders and Military Personnel over the last ten years. It is her life’s mission to demand NFL quality health care to these populations.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, the increasing call volume, firefighter health, why they opposed the 48/96, how humility and communication forged a successful push for a 24/72 (42 hour) shift schedule, the potential financial savings, their four year implementation plan and so much more.

Sam has served on numerous boards and committees at the state and national levels. He is currently the Chairman of the International CAD Consortium, Chairman of the Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is a past chairman of the Medical City Plano Board of Trustees. In addition, he served eight years on the Tarrant County 911 Board of Managers. Sam is a graduate of Leadership Plano's Class 35 and is a member of the Plano Rotary Club. He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Tom is perhaps most well known for his successful advocacy campaign to end the forced removals of street children in Durban, South Africa. These round-ups used to take place to “clean” the streets ahead of international conferences and events. He called for compassionate responses to street children based on psychosocial care.

Tom is also well known for his model of fusing surfing with mentorship to empower street children in Durban. He assisted the national Department of Social Development in South Africa with its development of new policies around working with street children there. Tom has visited and often assisted street children projects in many different parts fo the world.

https://www.surfnotstreets.org/

As a medical doctor, Dr Sessa provides psychiatric consultation through Bristol-based Mandala Therapy Limited, while his research focuses on psychopharmacology research with psychedelic medicines and MDMA therapy for mental disorders.

Dr Sessa is also a co-founder and chair of the influential Breaking Convention conference, held annually in London. He has published widely in medical and academic journals, presents regularly on multimedia platforms, facilitates workshops and is a published author of fiction. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Bristol and Imperial College London.

His books include The Psychedelic Renaissance, Advances in Psychedelic Medicine, Psychedelic Drug Treatments and his latest book, The Psychedelic Renaissance.

He is a past chairman of the Plumsted Township Board of Fire Commissioners. Heller is a senior instructor with the Mercer County Fire Academy. He instructs and has been a presenter at several national, regional, and local training events throughout the United States and abroad. He has been published in Fire Engineering Magazine, Fire & Rescue Magazine, The Fire Department Training Network, and several local publications.

He is a former co-host of Fire Engineering’s Humpday Hangout on Training. Aaron is a founding member of the Jersey F.O.O.L.S chapter of the Fraternal Order Of Leatherhead Society. Heller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. He is the owner of On Scene Training Associates, LLC.

https://onscenetraining.com/index.php

His expertise has also been sought by a range of elite organizations, including the English Premier League, The Football Association, Premier Rugby League, Australian Football League, and numerous Olympic National Teams. Across his career, he has supported athletes and professionals across 43 different sports—spanning individual, team, combat, and motorsport disciplines. In addition to his work in sport, Dr. Sullivan has served as a subject matter expert for highperformance environments in the military and aerospace sectors.

He has advised U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on critical topics including neurological resilience, decision-making, concussion, and human performance under pressure. A committed contributor to the scientific community, Dr. Sullivan has authored peer-reviewed articles and has been featured in leading media outlets such as The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated.

He is the co-author of The Brain Always Wins, with a second edition The Brain Always Wins 2 released in 2025. He is also currently working on two forthcoming books — one exploring human factors in sport, and the other examining the fundamentals of science and their critical relevance in today’s post-truth era.

Dr. Sullivan maintains academic appointments as a Visiting Scholar at Queensland University of Technology and has previously served on faculty at Brown University Medical School and the University of Rhode Island Psychology and Neuroscience departments. Originally from the United States, Dr. Sullivan previously practiced and taught in Washington, D.C., and Newport, Rhode Island, before relocating to New Zealand to continue his work in supporting athletes, coaches, and systems through a brain-first approach to performance and wellbeing.

https://thebrainalwayswins.carrd.co/

Carl is a member of Directors UK and BAFTA. In 2016, Carl made his directorial debut with short film 'The Interrogation of Olivia Donovan'. The film screened at a special showcase at BAFTA 195 and was also awarded the Jury Special Mention for Outstanding UK Film at Manchester Film Festival 2017. This was quickly followed by his second short film 'Just a Day'.

​Carl is currently in pre-production for his debut feature film 'Unseen Scars'. He is also developing feature film 'A Walk in the Darkness' and preparing to release his debut novel.

https://www.carlmackenzie.com/

​

He had the opportunity to also heal two orphaned ocelots, and it awakened something indescribable in him. Now, with his non-profit organization, Emerald Arch, he hopes to help more veterans with PTSD while also protecting land in the Ecuadorian Amazon. His story showcases trauma, resilience, and determination while navigating the darkest parts of his mental health. When not working with wild animals or the land in which they live, Harry writes in the beautiful Pacific Northwest while enjoying all nature has to offer with his wife and their two dogs.

Emerald Arch was formed in 2022 for the purpose of aiding environmental conservation on a global scale. Individually, all of our members have come face to face with the devastating reality of rainforest deforestation and have felt the consequences firsthand.

Between raging wildfires throughout the Amazon rainforest to animals being ripped from their natural habitats for the wildlife trade, we have seen enough. Experiences like these are what drove us to form Emerald Arch. Each of us have been doing what we can to contribute to the cause, but together, our scope is wider and our success is greater.

With Emerald Arch and your support, we will work tirelessly and passionately to fight these unending conservational battles.

https://www.emeraldarch.org/

Mike’s most critical work includes volunteering in his daughter’s kindergarten classroom and making pancakes for the swim team. Known lovingly as “Dumpster Dad,” Mike is known across his home for eating all manner of snack foods (mostly mini-corn dogs and dino-bites) before they can be thrown in the trash.

Mr. Poole is an accomplished business executive with extensive experience in the healthcare, biotechnology, dental, market research, and IT industries. He manages the strategic direction and ongoing operations of Solace Lifesciences, Inc., a neuroscience company focused on personalized wellness and performance. In 2015, Solace Lifesciences, the maker of NuCalm, was granted the world’s sole patent for “Systems and Methods for Balancing and Maintaining the Health of the Human Autonomic Nervous System.”

NuCalm is not just another wellness product; it's a pioneer and leader in the field of neuroscience and brain health with over three decades of dedicated research and innovation. Unlike any other product on the market, NuCalm is recognized for its unique combination of patented technology and clinically proven results that truly set it apart.

https://nucalm.com/

Mitch joined the Navy in 2008 and went straight to BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL) training and graduated with BUDS class 273. After he had completed SEAL training he was stationed at SEAL Team 10 in Virginia Beach, where he did multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan as well as Europe.

In 2012 Mitch aka the Smashin’ Frog had started competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as Mixed Martial Arts as a hobby and quickly found success in both. In 2017 Mitch launched his first business, MASF(Mitch Aguiar Smashin’ Frog) Apparel with the intention of selling his fight shirts to his supporters. By the time Mitch had left the Navy in 2018 he was a 10x champion in mixed martial arts and was ranked number 1 on the east coast in both the 170lb and 185lb divisions.

In January of 2018 Mitch launched his supplement company MASF Supplements. While competing in Mixed Martial Arts Mitch explored different avenues of nutrition and weight cutting. This led him to develop a unique blend of powdered superfoods called the Smashin’ Greens. Utilizing his supplements, Mitch created a unique series of fasting challenges and encouraged his supporters to conquer them in order to instill his message that “Mindset Is Everything”.

By 2020 MASF Supplements had become a successful company which allowed Mitch to fund and launch his own charity Adopt A Cop BJJ, a 501(C)3 that allows for Police officers anywhere in the United States to attend any Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy of their choosing and learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu free of charge until the rank of Blue belt. The charity quickly grew and is currently affiliated with and being utilized by well over 1000 gyms across all 50 states. The program has almost 400 officers graduate and receive their Blue belts.

In 2022 Mitch launched a second brand called Violent Hippie which sells apparel, Jiu Jitsu Gi's and Organic CBD. That same year Mitch opened up the Violent Hippie Jiu Jitsu Academy which offers Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai and mixed martial arts training to its members. The brand/academy’s philosophy and motto is “Be kind, or else…”

https://adoptacopbjj.org/

https://masfsupplements.com/

Doug Monda

Doug is a retired narcotics agent, is a leader in the field of mental health advocacy for first responders and their families. After his own personal struggles with depression and a failed suicide attempt in 2013, Monda has dedicated his life to helping first responders acknowledge and address career related mental health issues afflicting the responder community. As the founder of Survive First, Doug’s visionary leadership has paved the way for greater access to crucial mental health resources, ensuring the well-being of those who serve our communities. A respected national speaker, Doug passionately addresses the importance of mental health and resiliency among first responders. His powerful insights and commitment to the cause have inspired change and fostered stronger support networks within the first responder community. In addition to his role at Survive First, Doug is the co-founder of Trauma Behind the Badge and serves as a trustee of the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s Education and Research Foundation. His dedication to bettering the lives of first responders also extends to academia, where he contributes as an Advisory member on Lynn University’s Crisis Resiliency and First Responder Trauma Training Council. Doug Monda’s tireless advocacy and leadership have left a mark on the mental health landscape for first responders, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

Raul Rivas

The recipient of numerous awards and accolades to include the Award of Valor, Field Training Officer of the Year, SWAT Operator of the Year, and Florida Governor’s Award, Raul Rivas currently sits on the SWAT Roundup International committee. With a career spanning more than 18 years with the Orlando Police Department, Rivas has served across a multitude of departments, including SWAT as an assistant Team Leader.This extensive field experience drove his quick-thinking actions as a member of the SWAT team who responded to the Pulse night club shooting, earning the Award of Valor for his actions.

Chris Fields

A former member of the OK City Fire Department, Chris Fields served Oklahoma City for 31 years, retiring as a Major in 2017. Captured in a photo that would become an iconic symbol of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Fields is committed to helping the first responder community through his own brutal realities of a life spent responding to citizens in their darkest hours.With firsthand knowledge, Fields recounts how 31 years of public service, coupled with the events of that day, combined to take a toll on his life and his family. Now he shares his journey out of the suffering in hopes of helping others avoid the failure and pitfalls, and encourages them to reach out.

https://survivefirst.us/

https://www.traumabehindthebadge.us/

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

"Throughout my career, I have undertaken several initiatives to enhance firefighter safety and health. My team was able to enhance our behavioral health program, implemented fully compliant NFPA 1582 physicals for our members, implemented Near-Miss Reporting System, a Violence Against Responder Reporting System, and developed an array of safety programs internally and externally. These projects demonstrate our commitment to creating a safer and more efficient work environment for firefighters.

As a graduate of Columbia Southern University, I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration, and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration. My educational background and a diverse range of fire service accreditations have equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in any leadership position.

Beyond my local involvement, I served four years as the Chair of the MW Council of Governments Health and Safety Sub-Committee, where I ensured information sharing on firefighter health, safety, and interoperability among 24 agencies. Furthermore, I led a nationwide working group dedicated to addressing the fire service problem associated with the End of Service Time Indicator (ESOTI) on high-pressure breathing apparatus systems, as well as a host of other safety concerns the fire service faces.

I value collaborative relationships and have a proven ability to work closely with labor organizations, city administrators, and executive leadership teams.

I am a nationwide speaker on topics related to firefighter safety and health. I have spoken or will speak at - NFPA Conference, IAFC TSI Summit, CFSI, Women in Fire, MD Fire Conference and many more.

I firmly believe that exceptional customer service is fundamental in every interaction our members have with the public. Furthermore, my adaptability and energy undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for relationship building. My experience in Washington DC ensures I understand the importance of diversity in any organization."

After moving to California in 2006, Katie rekindled her interest in skydiving, learning wingsuit flying and achieving her first wingsuit BASE jump in 2010 on her third expedition to Baffin Island. She has shared her expertise by training and mentoring new jumpers. Through pushing the boundaries of skydiving and BASE jumping, Katie’s dedication and achievements make her a respected figure in the field. She is also owner of the local Moab business “Moab Oasis IV Hydration” perfect for post Tandem Base Moab hydration.

https://www.tandembasemoab.com/

https://www.instagram.com/flywithkatie/?hl=en

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 and Jiu-Jitsu 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. StrongFit was born and has evolved from a single gym to a full education program. Julien’s brain is wired to see faulty patterns and visualize, in space, how people move.

With his knack for diagnosing muscular and strength imbalances, he has developed his own system to identify what issues are and fight the root of the problem. He now travels the world delivering seminars to coaches who have the common goal of fixing people and ridding them of pain.

In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the military, law enforcement, his deployment in Afghanistan, the healing power of medical marijuana, Kentucky law and so much more.

We discuss the explosion in recruitment, slashing of overtime, the influx of paramedics, fitness standards, annual physicals, reciprocity, mental health tools and so much more.

"As President of IAFF Local 4420, Pasco County Professional Firefighters, I proudly represent over 800 members who serve our community with dedication and professionalism. In this role, I lead collective bargaining efforts, negotiate contracts, handle member grievances and disciplinary matters, and advocate for legislative change and appropriations that directly impact the fire service.

With nearly a decade of experience as a firefighter paramedic, I understand the challenges our members face on the job and fight every day to ensure they have the support, protections, and resources they need. Whether it's pushing for better benefits, addressing workplace issues, or securing funding at the local and state level, I am committed to advancing the rights and well-being of our membership."

John was raised in Walnut Creek, California. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy in 1992 and a Master of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005. After more than 25 years in the Navy, he retired from the SEAL Teams and began applying his Navy experience in the private sector before landing at the Florida Chamber of Commerce.

After an inter-service transfer and cross-commissioning from the Air Force to the Navy in 1992, John joined the Navy and worked as a hard-hat salvage diver for three years. He then completed Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training, serving as the Class Leader of Class 213. From 1996 to 2017, John advanced through the officer ranks, was assigned to various SEAL Teams, and conducted multiple deployments across the European, African, Pacific, and Middle Eastern theaters of operations.

Additionally, while pursuing his Master’s degree, he completed a solo swim across the English Channel in memory of a fallen teammate and friend (Neil Roberts) to raise funds for the UDTSEAL Association and the Navy SEAL Foundation. Much of his Navy career focused on the military’s response to 9/11, a hectic period for John and his family. His last duty station in the Navy was at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he led the Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF) program. The program supports the 73,000 personnel of USSOCOM, offering physical and behavioral health resources throughout the force. These critical personnel are now integrated into all USSOCOM command elements, aiming to sustain our nation’s most vital weapon system: the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine.

In 2017, John joined the team at KAATSU Global to improve the lives of wounded warriors in America. At KAATSU, John also began sharing his unique perspective with students, athletes, and corporations. John continues to speak to schools, organizations, and teams about the importance of resilience, leadership, and trust.

In 2025, John transitioned from KAATSU to join the Florida Chamber of Commerce team as the Executive Director of the Florida Chamber Health Council. His new mission is to improve behavioral health and mental wellness across Florida, much like he did for USSOCOM: “There is no health without mental health.” John is a member of the Florida State Guard Special Mission Unit (FSG-SMU) and an ambassador for both the UDT/SEAL Association and the Navy SEAL Foundation.

John and his wife, Katie, live in St. Petersburg, Florida, while their children—Meg (18), Ryan (21), and Sean (22)—attend college. The Navy has taken the Doolittle family around the world, and now John enjoys sharing his proven leadership lessons as he strives to enhance the lives of Floridians through his new role at the Florida Chamber of Commerce

In 2000, Aaron was screened and selected for the Marine Corps World Famous Body Bearers where he spent nearly 4 years conducting funerals out of Arlington National Cemetery, and again, he traveled the world assisting in joint service events. In 2003, Aaron was screened and selected to become personal security for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), General Peter Pace; here he spent the remainder of his Marine Corps career before he ended his active service in 2005. As Aaron was departing from the Marine Corps, he was offered a contractor position in Iraq assisting in the biometric operations mission; Aaron returned to Iraq as a contractor contributing to the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) for 4 years. In 2009, Aaron’s contract came to an end which is when he finally made the decision to return to the United States in New Orleans.

Aaron’s influence goes far beyond physical training. Known for reshaping the physiques—and mindsets—of actors, athletes, and executives, he brings a unique authenticity to every role he plays, whether in the gym or on screen.Beyond Hollywood, Aaron is deeply committed to giving back. He supports animal welfare through the SPCA, mentors troubled youth, and actively contributes to veteran-focused non-profits. His purpose is clear: to lead with strength, live with intention, and inspire others to rise to their potential—on every stage of life.

"I am a dedicated health and wellness professional committed to supporting the physical and mental resilience of our city's frontline heroes. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in designing and managing comprehensive wellness programs that enhance the quality of life and performance of first responders.

My career began in the healthcare field, focusing on strength and conditioning within a physical therapy clinic in Virginia. There, I also led exercise sessions for medically supervised weight-loss patients. During this time, I was awarded an internship with Old Dominion University’s Olympic Sports Program under the mentorship of Yaw Baidoo—an experience that greatly shaped my approach to high-performance training.

After my internship, I transitioned into the private sector as a sports performance coach with the same healthcare system. This role allowed me to work with a diverse range of clients, including youth, professional athletes, tactical populations, and the general public. I was later promoted to Sports Performance Coordinator, and then Regional Performance Coordinator, where I oversaw multiple facilities, staff, budgets, contracts, and performance analytics.

It was during this time that I began working with first responders—an experience that led me to my current role with the City of Virginia Beach.

Currently, I lead initiatives aimed at building resilience and reducing operational injuries within the city’s police, fire, and sheriff academies. I utilize data-driven strategies and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced training software, to monitor and evolve the Virginia Beach Fire Department’s daily fitness protocols. My work also includes developing and instructing customized training programs for SWAT and Fire Academy recruits. These programs integrate physical preparation with classroom instruction on tactical readiness, ensuring high performance in demanding real-world environments."

He went on to complete a medical internship at the University of Massachusetts, followed by a Radiology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then pursued subspecialty training in Interventional Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.

We discuss his journey into medicine, AI in Radiology, his recent humanitarian trip to Gaza, the immense workload on the medical personnel, equipment shortages, murder at the aid sites, the orchestrated starvation and much more.

https://www.instagram.com/irdrrahman/

Upon returning from deployment, Mike contributed to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at Fort Hood as a lecturer and clinical preceptor. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in the education, mentorship, and supervision of physician assistant students, fostering the next generation of military medical professionals.

Mike further advanced his medical education by earning the U.S. Army Flight Surgeon qualification, becoming an aeromedical physician assistant. He served as the primary care manager for a panel of over 300 pilots and aviation support personnel, overseeing their health, preventive medicine, and deployment readiness. In addition to these responsibilities, he served as a special staff officer, advising commanders and staff on all medical issues. Concurrently, Mike also worked as a neurosurgery physician assistant, providing care for trauma and critically ill patients.

Continuing his journey in the military, Mike became the Chief of Clinical Operations for the 2nd Infantry Division, where he was responsible for the medical readiness of over 11,000 military personnel and served as the primary care manager for 250 special staff members. After retiring from the Army, he worked as an independent medical consultant with Medical Equation Inc., focusing on litigation and workers’ compensation cases, and completed the Designated Doctor training by the Division of Workers’ Compensation in 2018.

Throughout his military career, Mike earned several qualifications and badges, including the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Flight Surgeon Badge. He has co-authored multiple publications on firefighter health and fitness and has been a guest on several podcasts advocating for firefighter health and wellness.

Driven by a passion for fostering meaningful change within the first responder community through education and research, Mike is a committed member of several professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the National Fire Protection Association.

https://frontlinemobilehealth.com/

Jenny also instructs for conferences throughout Florida such as The Treasure Coast HOT and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, she has also instructed for EJ Mascaro's Training Weekend, S.C., as well as Burnin’ in Da Bayou in Louisiana. Jenny also is an active contributor to Fire Engineering training minutes. She has a Masters in Biology and has seven years of classroom experience teaching college level courses, two years assisting at the Indian River State College Fire Academy and started with the EMS program in 2021.

Suozzo was born in Valley Stream, New York. He majored in business management at Monmouth University and was active in both football, track and field and wrestling during his high school years at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey. Suozzo also played collegiate football at Monmouth University.

Suozzo has extensive experience in law enforcement, having served as a SWAT Operator and worked with the gang unit in Hayward California. After medically retiring in 2021, Suozzo moved to Florida. He is involved in the firearms/tactical gear-industry, working with companies such as Classicfirearms, a company known for its firearms and accessories. Suozzo has been featured on podcasts like the Executive Protection Lifestyle Podcast, Protector Nation Podcast, Classicfirearms Podcast as well as several others, where he shares insights on officer-involved shootings, the importance of both hard and soft skills in tactical situations, his experiences in the field and his path to healing.

In September of 2024 Suozzo participated in his first Ibogaine and 5 MEO journey.

Russell's bio:

CW2 Army Helicopter Pilot 1967-1969

a. Flew Scouts/little birds, and the Huey. Shot down several times

b. Awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/ 15 Oak Leaf Clusters

2. Police Officer, City of San Jose 1970-1980

a. Patrol, canine, field training officer

b. Worked undercover narcotics. Infiltrated and exposed the Nuestra Familia.

Rode with the Hells Angels (as a prospect), a case resulting in the ‘79

RICO trial.

3. Department of State contract employee 1980-1990

a. Worked undercover intelligence in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador,

during Iran/Contra

b. Uncovered Operation Tipped Kettle

c. Discovered that other contract employees, pilots, etc., were running drugs

from Central America back to the US

d. Worked narco intelligence in Soviet Union

e. Worked general intel in China, including Tibet

4. Federal and State Court forensic expert in the Psychological and

Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol 1980-1990

a. Testified in cases such as murder and rape, as well as traffic fatality cases

where drugs and/or alcohol play a role

5. Books available on Amazon including Honorable Intentions by Russell Jones.

He has served as a Peer Fitness Trainer and Health Fitness Coordinator in his department for more than 25 years.

https://www.firefighterpeakperformance.com/

He is a devoted student to mindfulness who guides his clients in incorporating, breathe work, movement, surf therapy, meditation, leadership/facilitator development, holistic health, immersion into psychotherapy, and plant medicines.

He currently works in various capacities in the health and wellness space and is also the Director of Business Development for Firefly Immersive a behavioral health and wellness technology company optimizing virtual reality for healing.

Firefly Immersive has created a platform called The Sanctuary, which immerses patient/clients in beautiful settings that is highly conducive to positive therapeutic experiences. Our evidenced-based digital therapeutics allows for more focused, distraction-free experiences to firmly establish a beneficial mindset that can drastically improve therapeutic outcomes. The Sanctuary is adaptable to specific patient populations (first responders and VETS) with unique care journeys from SUD, PTSD, Anxiety, Suicide Intervention, Sleep, and of course Whole Health. When in the headset, the user is transported into worlds where one can participate in experiential practices such as deep breathing exercises, cognitive activities and mindfulness practices.

Brian works in southern California and collaborates with a team of psychotherapists, nurse practitioners, and neurotherapists to help those who are suffering from behavioral or emotional distress in his local community. He is also extremely passionate about his work as an integration coach for Heroic Hearts Project a non profit that connects veterans to psychedelic therapy options including ayahuasca, psilocybin and ketamine to heal mind and body.

https:www.fireflyvr.com

doorstodelicminds.com

Justin received orders upon graduation to report to SEAL Team Two, Little Creek, Virginia. While assigned there he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Bronze Star with “Valor” for combat actions. Later, Justin screened for the elite hostage rescue team, SEAL Team SIX, where he would remain until 2017. There, he deployed several more times, conducting discrete missions around the globe as a SEAL Team SIX Operator.

During his service time he held the following qualifications: Demolition Expert Open Water Diver Static Parachutist Freefall Parachutist Combat Medic SEAL Sniper Pashtun Language Specialist Heavy Breacher CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

After working for the last several years towards becoming a physician, After returning home, he completed a Bachelors of Science from Grand Valley State University. He is now the founder of Carcajou Resilience Group LLC., a company centered around strengthening the body and mind through tactical training, firearms competency and jiujitsu.

"Health and fitness has always been important to me but I've alwaya felt that something was missing, especially in the first responder community. Over the past year and a half, I've dived deep in the world of gut health and now share it however I can as the missing link in first responder (and general) health and wellness as well as preventative measures. I've also obtained my Life and Performance Coaching certificate to better help and serve."

Paul’s journey took a transformative turn when he began leading undercover operations. These efforts aimed to rescue children from the horrors of child sex trafficking. Over 70 missions across 15 countries highlight his extraordinary bravery and dedication. His role as a guardian and advocate showcases his tireless commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable.

https://liberating-humanity.com/

Throughout his law enforcement tenure, Adam spearheaded wellness initiatives, designed and implemented department-wide resilience programs, and served as PT team lead—revamping the SWAT PT applicant process to enhance operational readiness. His expertise is backed by elite certifications, including:

A dedicated ultra-runner, Adam has completed more than a dozen ultra-distance races, including two 100-mile runs, further exemplifying his commitment to endurance and resilience. His deep understanding of the physical and psychological demands faced by first responders led him to develop the Soleful Warrior, a holistic wellness program, built on four core pillars: physical resilience, mental resilience, social resilience, and purpose. Unlike traditional wellness programs, Soleful Training focuses on behavioral change, ensuring that individuals develop lasting strategies to manage the stressors of high-performance careers.

One of Adam’s most impactful teaching tools is the Wim Hof Method, a scientifically-backed approach combining breathwork, cold exposure, and mindset training. He has delivered this transformative method to medical professionals, SWAT teams, first responders, business leaders, and Special Forces operators, helping them unlock peak performance, stress resilience, and mental clarity.

Beyond his work in wellness and resilience training, Adam serves on the leadership councils of two international organizations dedicated to protecting children. His commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations reflects his deep-rooted dedication to leadership, service, and making a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Through Soleful Training and his global advocacy efforts, Adam Boyd continues to lead the charge in redefining wellness, empowering to strengthen their bodies, sharpen their minds, and build an unshakable foundation of resilience.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, the weight of serving your own community, rural firefighting, mental health, working the 24/72 schedule, Save a Warrior and so much more.

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/

In this conversation, we discuss firefighter shift schedules, THC and sleep, the health and cognitive impacts of sleep deprivation and so much more.

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/

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.

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/

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.

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.

"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.""

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/

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/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/chriscameron.cc/

He entered management as Battalion Chief in 2002 and retired in 2007 at this rank. With this unique perspective, Mike 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, and personal injury/accident matters.

Mike attended Seminole Community College and received an Associate’s 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 Law Degree in 2006 from Florida A&M University College of Law.

Mike joined forces with Morgan & Morgan, P.A. in 2014. And because the firm has offices in every state, he can help firefighters with any injury/accident claim, regardless of the location. Trust Mike to connect you with a highly qualified injury attorney to help you with your injury claim.

https://www.forthepeople.com/attorneys/mike-clelland/

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/

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 walk

Now 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/HelpBull

You can also hear my previous interview with Bull here:

https://www.jamesgeering.com/behind-the-shield-podcast/tag/mybrothersburden

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/

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-plunge

https://www.lucascrusade.org/

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.

https://www.handtevy.com/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/johnwarrioroflight72/

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.

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.

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.

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/

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 100

He 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.

https://www.conwayshield.com/

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.

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 Award
• Honoree 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/

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/

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/

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.

"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/

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.

Inaugural recipient of the George W. Bush Institute Military Service Citation for exemplary leadership both during and beyond service

Former 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 veterans

As a Green Beret (Special Forces Commander), commanded multi-national and inter-agency combat operations

Distinguished Honor Graduate from the US Army Ranger School

Led over 200 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan

MBA, University of Florida

https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/

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.

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 Champions

Coached 50+ Crossfit Games Podium Athletes

10x Ironman Competitor

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.

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/

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) .

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.

FDNY VETERAN FIREFIGHTER

• Graduate Award Winning Chef
• Fitness Trainer/Nutritionist
• Author of “The Healthy Firehouse Cookbook”
• The Firehouse Grilling Cookbook
• The 20 year Commemorative “American Firehouse Cuisine”

https://americanfirehousecuisine.com/

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/

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.

​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.

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.

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 Leadership

3rd in the 2006 Best Ranger Competition

Assessed, 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 Seminary

https://www.appliedleadershippartners.com/

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/

Mark is a published author, Investigating America’s Most Notorious Strip Club: The FBI, The Gold Club, and the Mafia (Rowman & Littlefield).

https://i68books.com

Before 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."

Recognizing the need for community access, Kathryn founded the national mental health 501c3 nonprofit, Community Change Foundation (CommunityChangeFoundation.org). This nonprofit foundation focuses on providing financial assistance to veterans, frontline workers, and the financially disadvantaged seeking help with psychedelic therapies. Kathryn incorporated Community Change Foundation in 2019.

Recognizing the need for education and training advancements, Kathryn founded the American Association of Psychedelics (AAPsychedelics.org). This education non-profit 501c3 aims to continually bring high quality education and training to all disciplines of providers. Kathryn incorporated the American Association of Psychedelics in 2021.

Nick Nowak: "I’ve spent years navigating the complexities of pharmacy from inpatient settings to compounding to leading teams. But recently, my experience with AI, particularly Perplexity, has fundamentally changed how I see the future of white-collar work, including pharmacy.For decades, pharmacists have been the gatekeepers of medication safety, drug interactions, and patient counseling. But as AI becomes more sophisticated, our role is shifting.The future of pharmacy won’t be about memorizing guidelines. It will be about leveraging AI to enhance clinical expertise and patient care."

David Norris a retired senior officer from the British Military.

Oak's operational deployments include:

• Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a General's Aide-de-Camp;
• Support operations in Bosnia as a Congressional Liaison Officer; and
• A peace keeping deployment to Kosovo as an Operations Officer.

​​He has also held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama and Stetson University. His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour.

LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director. He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club. LTC McCulloch left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida.

In his 9 years at Stetson, the program grew from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets. In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years. Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, in 2019.

LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Oakland McCulloch was born in Loudon, TN and raised in Kirkland, IL. After graduating from high school, he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years. He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in 1986.

Oak McCulloch married Kelly Smyth at Fort Sheridan, IL in 1987. They now live in Daytona Beach, FL and have two children, Oakland Vincent McCulloch and Caileigh Nicholson. They also have a granddaughter, Ryleigh Jade Nicholson, and two grandsons, Christopher Bryce Nicholson and Oakland Maverick McCulloch.

https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/

Corley Moore has served in the Moore Fire Department since 1997, and currently holds the rank of Battalion Chief. He is in charge of the Green Shift, which is a motley collection of badasses that make him look good every day.

https://www.firehousevigilance.com/blog/the-book-of-search

AFDW’s safety office support extends to AF personnel and resources assigned to Headquarters Air Force, Secretary of the Air Force, Field Operating Agencies, and AFELM worldwide that are not subordinate to a Major Command; which includes 33,000 military and civilian personnel assigned to 1,758 units stationed at 500 locations in 108 countries. AFDW Safety develops, organizes, administers, evaluates, and coordinates comprehensive Federal, DOD, and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health safety programs.

Col Coleman enlisted in the Air Force in 1990 and entered the Space Systems Operations career field gaining experience with the Defense Meteorological Support Program, COBRA DANE, Space Control mission, and the National Reconnaissance Office. He was selected for a 2-year Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and separated as a Staff Sergeant in 1996. In 1998 Colonel Coleman received his commission and attended Joint Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training the following year. His flight experience is with the KC-135R/T, KC-10A, E-11A, C-17A, E-3G as well as the UH-1N and has accumulated over 1,200 combat flight hours during seven deployments supporting Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and FREEDOM’S SENTINAL.

Col Coleman also led a provisional Group while forward deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, in support of Operation ALLIES REFUGE where he was responsible for the reception, care, and follow-on movement of nearly 57,000 Afghans during the Afghanistan Noncombatant Evacuation Operations. His command experiences were with the 15th Comptroller Squadron (Acting), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI, the 92d Operations Support Squadron, Fairchild AFB, WA, and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, where he served as the Deputy Commander. Col Coleman has worked at the squadron, wing, and headquarters-level to include the Joint Staff and is a fully qualified Joint Officer.

Phyllis also contracts with several agencies as a consultant working onsite with their peer support teams, Chaplains, wellness programs, officer involved shootings, critical incident stress defusings and debriefings.

Due to her unique combination of training and personal experience with trauma, in 2008 Phyllis was asked to become a volunteer Police and Fire Chaplain for the City of Redmond, WA, where she served on the days she was not seeing clients. As a Chaplain, she supported police and fire personnel and their families, as they managed on-going stress, critical incidents, and traumatic experiences in their roles as first responders. Phyllis was also dispatched on scene to critical emergency situations in order to provide emotional support to individuals dealing with major trauma, life-threatening situations, or the loss of a loved one.

Eventually, the Police Chief hired Phyllis to work on site at the agency. She is now the Police Resilience Coordinator for three police agencies and provides support to other agencies when requested. As a consultant, she is available to support officers through one on ones, facilitate critical incident stress debriefings, supervise the Peer Support Team and Chaplains, all with the goal of building resiliency throughout the agency.

Phyllis has been a trainer and speaker for the Chaplain Academy, the International Conference of Police Chaplains, and been a featured speaker for trainings at many law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, and other first responder events.

Phyllis’ passion to help people through trauma was developed through her own personal tragedy. At the age of 34, her late husband was in a near-fatal car accident, leaving him in a vegetative state for 10 years. Phyllis became his caregiver while raising their three children alone, ages 3, 6 & 8 years. To provide for her family she returned to school, during the last few years of Scott’s life, to complete her undergraduate studies and obtain her Master’s Degree in Family Systems Counseling. Today, she finds meaning and purpose in her own painful journey by helping others deal with trauma.

Sean Lake grew up in Winchester, Massachusetts, before moving to Utah to become a professional snowboarder and general ski bum. Once he got that out of his system, he graduated from the University of Utah, using that degree to join Burton Snowboards, work as Shaun White’s Team Manager, and land a spot as the Director of Sports Marketing at DC Shoes.

After decades in action sports marketing, Sean co-founded BUBS Naturals, a line of collagen peptides and other all-natural supplements that help athletes at all levels perform and feel their best. Sean named BUBS Naturals after his childhood best friend Glen “BUB” Doherty, a Navy SEAL who was killed in Benghazi, Libya on 9/11 in 2012. In addition to remembering Glen for the patriot he is, the BUBS ethos centers around the passionate and adventure-seeking life that Glen lived. Sean and the BUBS Naturals family further honor “Bub” by donating 10% of all profits to charities that support veterans.

A devoted husband, father, and fitness fanatic, Sean now lives in Encinitas, California, where he can ride his bike to work and still do a quick surf check from the office.

https://www.glendohertyfoundation.org/

https://www.bubsnaturals.com/

Through his films and podcast, Conrad aims to inspire others to live a life of purpose and meaning.PODCAST: First Responder Wellness Podcast available wherever Podcasts are downloaded.

FILMOGRAPHY(2022) PTSD911 - Documentary Feature - Producer, Director, EditorFirst Responders sign up to serve; they risk their lives and their mental health to respond to someone’s worst day. Who will rescue them?

(2019) Bluebirds of Antietam - Documentary Short - Director, Editor. A short documentary film that tells the story about one couple’s efforts to save the Eastern Bluebird at the Antietam National Battlefield.

(2018) Heroin’s Grip - Documentary Feature - Producer, Director.Stories from the front lines of the opioid crisis.

(2016) Thirsty Land - Documentary Feature - Producer, Director.Thirsty Land is a documentary film that tells the story about extreme drought, agriculture, & the water crisis in the western United States and how these challenges impact farmers, urban communities, and the environment.

(2014) Great American Wheat Harvest - Documentary Feature - Producer, Director. Winner of the 2015 Mid-America Regional EMMY® Award: Best DocumentaryThe story of hard-working harvesters who travel from the heart of Texas to the Canadian border harvesting the wheat that feeds our great country and the world.

Dan spent 25 years in law enforcement at the local and federal level. He uses his expertise to train individuals and companies to be ready and prepared, should the need arise, to deal with an active shooter event. In 2019, Dan authored and published his first book, entitled, "If You're Looking for a Victim... Keep Looking!" The book details a civilian response to the active shooter and offers insight into how individuals and companies can prepare successfully.

In 2015, Dan and a panel of experts developed Hawkeye Security Active Shooter Response. Hawkeye provides consultation and training for companies and individuals to mitigate workplace violence. Hawkeye Security's flagship training classes address Active Shooter Response preparedness. Dan is certified as a Workplace Violence Prevention Specialist through the National Association of Safety Professionals.

Dan worked all facets of the law enforcement spectrum to include patrol, tactical narcotics/gang officer, Federal Task Force Officer, Detective, Patrol Sergeant and Patrol Lieutenant. Dan was one of the founding principals of CLS Background Investigations in 2001 and currently holds the position of Business Manager. Dan has extensive experience with pre-employment and tenancy screening and has provided educational presentations to numerous groups on related topics.

Dan is also one of the principal founders of Makton Investigations, a licensed private investigations agency in the State of Illinois (115-00-1996 & 117-00-1426). Dan has experience ranging from criminal narcotics cases to homicide, smuggling and money laundering.

Frontline Strong Together (FST5) was created in support of Police Officers, Fire Fighters, EMS, Correctional Officers, 911 Dispatchers, and their immediate families. FST5 is the result of collaboration between mental health professionals and first responders. This project aims to help first responders and their families overcome invisible injuries and stress caused by the difficulties of their professions, and to improve the quality of their life and prosperity.

The state of Michigan provided a grant and selected Wayne State University – Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, to partner with first responder professional unions and other interest groups to address the mental health of our first responders across all 83 Michigan counties.

Geoff and Mike are also the co-hosts of the Minds on the Frontline Podcast.

https://helotacair.com/

Eric R Salas was a stunt performer in Ant-Man, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain Marvel and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode New World Order, a utility stunts performer in Black Widow and a stunt rigger in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier episodes The Star-Spangled Man, The Whole World Is Watching, Truth and One World, One People.

Justin is a dedicated humanitarian with a passion for improving physical, mental, and spiritual health. His mission is to help individuals achieve a better quality of life through holistic wellness.

He earned a Master’s in Exercise Science from Long Beach State, focusing his thesis and work as a Wellness Instructor for Santa Ana College on firefighter health and wellness. At Sports Academy, he served as a strength and conditioning coach, training competitive athletes and tactical personnel.

Currently, Justin is a Golden Eagles Hotshot, fighting wildfires across the U.S. as a 3rd puller and lead EMT on his crew. Seeking firsthand experience as a first responder, he has gained valuable insights into the challenges of the field.

Website: https://www.hotshotwellness.org/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hotshotwellness?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYB42IXCNaFt6k7CgqdMdlUy-

Summit: Dv36Zmp4I8ypPCpk9ZQHmpbUqybNru_GQ_aem_Iv2Hwtb3UjQhrgqcm9Hy2g

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildland-fire-virtual-wellness-summit-tickets-1105954522749?aff=oddtdtcreator

“Josh Brolin’s out to catch his breath between the slant-eyed suggestions and irrefutable evidence of his past. He hears voices, and he listens, reminding us with brutal honesty that our surroundings were never there to be carried, rather woven into the fabric of the freedom to be who we are.”—Matthew McConaughey

From Josh Brolin, a unique and decidedly un-celebrity memoir, by turns affecting, funny, uncanny, and unforgettable.

Weaving a latticework of different strands, moving back and forth through time, Josh Brolin captures a life marked by curiosity, pain, devotion, kindness, humor. He recounts an unconventional childhood far from Hollywood. Raised on a ranch in Paso Robles, California, he was surrounded as a child by the wolves, cougars, and other wild animals gathered by his fearless and explosive mother, Jane Agee Brolin. Her tragic, early death haunts this book, and the force of her unforgettable personality is felt throughout. Brolin also brings to life his career in the film industry—from his breakout role in The Goonies to the set of No Country for Old Men—and the professional and personal ups and downs in between and since. With unflinching honesty but also great humor, he shares insights into relationships, addiction, love, and fatherhood, while letting the white space in between words speak for itself. Grappling with the mysteries of life and death in a way that will catch readers by surprise, From Under the Truck is an audacious and riveting memoir from a born writer.

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/from-under-the-truck-josh-brolin?variant=41584155426850

Runner’s-high courses through Evan Birch’s veins. Through a series of life events after a two decade career in emergency services, he confronted his struggles with PTSD, anxiety and depression. Through intensive therapy and countless miles on the trail he began isolating his driving force for the ultra journey while running towards the storms instead of away.

Whether he is out on the trails to connect with his friends and athletes, clear his mind, or push his edges. Evan harnesses the power of unwavering tenacity, mental strength and a promise to always say, “Yes” to the people, places and runs that light him up.”

He is now running forward, while summoning joy in the pursuit. Showing others that there’s always a path forward through the darkness.

The process of healing mentally while training for the physically challenging world of ultra running has created the perfect storm of mental resilience and physical grit that he exudes through his running, coaching and speaking.

https://ultrabirch.com/

Jason currently serves as a first responder with Washington State Search & Rescue. He is the lead drone pilot for Okanogan County, the largest county in Washington. Jason brings decades of experience to the UAS Center at SBD with his extensive background in fire, aviation, and search and rescue. Jason flies drones weekly and regularly consults with drone manufacturers and software providers. His breadth of knowledge spans the broad array of drone technology, including various RC/drone platforms, fixed wing micro to large scale, STOL, powered gliders, 3D, FPV and various types of multirotor drones.

Prior to retiring from the US Forest Service, Jason served as a wildland firefighter for over three decades. He began his career at age seventeen in California with the Riverside County Fire Department. He then went on to become an aerial-delivered firefighter in 1993 with a helitack crew, and in 1999 became a smokejumper. As an aerial-delivered firefighter, Jason has fought fires in Alaska, Florida and nearly everywhere in between. Jason proudly serves as a volunteer member of the FAA Safety Team (FAAST). He is author of the book Smokejumper and is a featured speaker on TedTalks. Jason proudly serves as a volunteer member of the FAA Safety Team (FAAST).

https://smokejumperbook.com/

DENA ALI is a Battalion Chief with the Raleigh (NC) Fire Department where she has worked her way up the ranks. She previously served as a police officer for five years. Ali has a degree from North Carolina State University and an MPA from the University of North Carolina—Pembroke, where her research focused on firefighter suicide. As a graduate student, she was awarded the 2018 MPA student of the year. She has also received several awards throughout her career. One that she is most proud of is the NC Office of State Fire Marshal Honor, Courage, and Valor award that she earned for her steadfast effort to bring awareness to firefighter mental health through her vulnerability. Dena has also served as a subject matter expert at the National Fire Academy where she assisted in curriculum review for their health and wellness curriculum. Dena is the founder and director of North Carolina Peer Support where she helped to develop their statewide curriculum. She is also the author of the soon to be released book "Hope out of Darkness a Guide to First Responder Mental Wellness" which will be published by Fire Engineering.

https://firstrespondercenter.org/

John has been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. During the battle of Shok Valley, John lost his right leg to sniper fire. He continued to fight alongside his brothers while wounded for four more hours. (The incredible story of that six-hour fight is detailed in the book “No Way Out: A Story of Valor in the Mountains of Afghanistan” by Mitch Weiss and Kevin Maurer.)

For his bravery in battle, John received the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and a Purple Heart. He was also awarded a Combat Infantry Badge, an Airborne Tab, Air Assault Tab, and Special Forces Tab.

John has never let his injuries slow him down. He attended Special Forces Sniper School and was the first amputee to become a Green Beret sniper. John also competed in the 2009 Boston Marathon; where he finished fourth in the hand crank division, and the 2010 New York Marathon, where he finished in the top 10. He also ran the 2010 Army 10 Miler, the 2016 Dallas Half Marathon, and one of the hardest marathon routes in the world, the Bataan Death March (which also required him to carry a 45-pound rucksack).

Along the way, Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) provided mentoring, networking, and financial assistance to help John reach his goals. SOF also helped John create a business plan for the first company he started, 5 Toes Custom, a Dallas-based company that makes custom firearms. John recently launched a new company, Gallantry Global Logistics.

Today, John and his wife, Amy, live in Texas with their four children. John also travels the country to speak about leadership, excellence, and overcoming adversity. All along the way John sticks to the motto he lives by: “Lean Forward, Fight Hard.”

Sentinels of Freedom continues to mentor and work with John.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwaynewalding-ba1a48b4/

Gina received a Masters Degree in Mindfulness from Lesley University, the nation's only university that offers graduate programs in mindfulness. While in university, Gina conducted studies on the benefits of mindfulness for first responders. Her research found that mindfulness can measurably reduce stress and increase wellness for this population.

Gina has worked with leadership from police departments (CA: Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, VA; Alexandria PD, Alexandria Sheriff’s Alexandria), fire departments (CA: El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, San Gabriel, Torrance), and special task force detectives (VA), delivering curriculum specifically tailored to those working in high trauma environments. The Criminal Justice Mindfulness Training Curriculum authored by Gina Rollo White was DCJS approved and has been used as the backbone for all the mindfulness workshops for first responders.

Gina is also an experienced Pilates instructor. Gina has been training with techniques passed down from Joseph Pilates for over 10 years. She believes in the mind body connection, and she felt a strong pull to incorporate training the mind as part of her physical training efforts. Gina believes that for optimum health, it is important to train your body and mind together.

https://www.mindfuljunkie.com/

Danny attended the University of Florida as a second generation Gator and received his Bachelor’s of science in Journalism. While there, he was the Captain of the UF Club Lacrosse Team and the Cadet R.O.T.C. Battalion Commander. During his tenure in Gainesville, Danny served in the Florida National Guard with the 124th Infantry Regiment in Leesburg, Florida.Upon graduation, Danny was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. During his time in the military, Danny was deployed to South Korea as a line platoon leader and later assigned to various leadership positions within the US Army Airborne School. While there, he was a jumping member of the historic Fort Benning Command Exhibition Parachute Team, “The Silver Wings.”

Before he separated from the service, he earned a Masters of Science degree in Education from Troy State University in Alabama.Danny attended Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. After passing the Florida Bar exam, he attended University of Miami School of Law LL.M program in Estate Planning.Wanting to practice and help clients on a day-to-day basis, Danny later joined the Sanchez Law Offices in South Tampa. Danny lead the Firm’s Litigation and Estate Planning Group.

In May of 2011, Danny formed The Alvarez Legal Group to help individuals whose voices are often drowned out in the legal system. While the Firm specializes in Personal Injury and General Civil/Commercial Litigation a strong focus remains on Estate Planning and Entertainment Law.Danny is a Business Law Professor at the University of Tampa. He is a member of the Florida Bar and is a member of the Hillsborough Bar Association Leadership Institute. In 2010, Danny was appointed by the Hillsborough County Commission to a four-year term on the Hillsborough Children’s Services Advisory Board. He is admitted to practice in all Florida State Courts and the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielalvarezsr/

In the mining, oil, and gas sectors, he has worked internationally as an advisor to major companies including Rio Tinto, Woodside, BHP, Anglo Gold Ashanti, South 32, Karara Mining, Peabody and Goldcorp. Other sectors include agriculture with CBH group and rail with Metro Trains Melbourne. He has been responsible for the development of global practices, integration, and project management across multiple product groups. This has entailed the quantification, analysis, and interpretation of multiple data streams to support health, safety, financial strength, and productivity. Within elite athletic groups, he has worked with the Australian Institute of Sport, West Australian Institute of Sport, Super Rugby, Australian Rules Football and Formula 1 to optimise human performance in preparation for international competition and the Olympics.

Ian is a regular speaker/chair at universities and international conferences in mining, transport, sports performance and physiology. He regularly contributes articles to media outlets such as the Australian Financial Review, The Australian, Men’s Fitness, Blitz Martial Arts, BJJ Scout and Huffington Post. He has spoken on the Health Report on ABC radio in Australia, ABC radio national and numerous podcasts. In addition, he has appeared on ABC television, Channel 7, 9 and 10 in Australia, and was a TEDx Perth speaker in 2017. He is author and co-author of numerous technical reports, scientific articles, and industry guidelines, and a regular reviewer for scientific peer-reviewed journals.

An active athlete, I have completed over 20 ultramarathons to date, including the Ultra-Trail Australia 100km (7 times), Leadville 100 miler, numerous marathons and trail running events. My current focus is on improving my swimming to undertake long-distance open water swimming events (10-20km).

In this second conversation, we discuss the tolls he's amassed to continue healing after a pyschedelic retreat, writing his autobiography "Phoenix Revival", hormone therapy, sleep and so much more.

Keith was diagnosed with Complex PTSD in 2015. The job, the service, his dedication caused this injury, and consequently his retirement. What PTS didn’t change was the love and devotion to his community and to his fellow first responders. Keith has since dedicated his life to advocating for mental illness, substance and alcohol abuse recovery, and suicide awareness. Since starting this mission Keith built an international support group through Facebook for First Responders and Veterans for PTSI and other job-related mental health issues.

Keith was asked to be a part of the Deconstructing Stigma Project and has a Billboard that hangs in the International Terminal at Logan Airport in Boston MA, along with the Manchester Regional Airport. In March 2022 he completed the filming of his 1st feature length documentary focusing on PTSD in the first responder community titled First Responders in Crisis and has since been featured in two other related documentaries. Keith is an international speaker/podcast personality, and published author. He is a contributing author at Fire Engineering, Firefighter Nation, The Volunteer Firefighter, Crackyl, and Smoke Showin’ magazines/forums. He also wrote a featured chapter in the ongoing Amazon best-selling series Scars to Stars Volume 3.

He is known for saying that his life goal is to reduce suicide in the first responder community through education, support resources and to make it OK to reach out for help. In 2023, he launched his own LLC, Traumatic Strength, with its mission to bring proactive education, training, and action to combat the stigma on mental health. In June 2024, Keith released his first book, Allen, which tells the tragedies and triumphs throughout his life and how resilience was what led him to ultimate victory. He resides in New Hampshire with his wife and is the proud father to three incredible children.

Doug's journey of service began in 1993 when he enlisted as a Security Forces specialist in the U.S. Air Force. His dedication led him to the 919th Special Operations Wing and later to the U.S. Special Operations Command. On 9/11, Doug volunteered for active duty, becoming a founding member of the command’s Protective Services Detachment, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Following his military service, Doug dedicated 25 years to a major law enforcement agency in west-central Florida. He served as a patrolman, field training officer, instructor, and certified bomb technician, ultimately rising to the rank of lieutenant. Along the way, he developed a deep understanding of leadership under pressure and the complexities of serving in high-stress environments.

Doug’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Years of selfless service took a toll, leading to a moment of crisis in 2019 when he faced the invisible costs of trauma and overidentification with his professional roles. That moment became a turning point, not an ending. Through resilience, grace, and grit, Doug transformed his experience into a mission of growth and empowerment.

Today, Doug uses his story to inspire and guide veterans, first responders, and their families. Through authentic storytelling and actionable insights, he shares lessons on resilience, mental fitness, and finding purpose after transitions. Doug’s journey isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about thriving beyond them and helping others do the same.

Kiran studied Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Mumbai, India). He moved to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) to work with Prof. Jens Nielsen and obtained his PhD in Systems Biology. Kiran was then appointed as Assistant Professor at DTU where he worked on transcriptional regulation and metabolic engineering.

In 2010, Kiran joined the Structural and Computational Biology Unit at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL-Heidelberg, Germany). He was appointed Director of Research at the MRC Toxicology Unit in 2019 and appointed as Professor of Molecular Systems Biology in October 2022.

Peter Holme Jensen is the Founder & CEO of Cambiotics. He is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years' experience from the biosolutions industry, having raised EUR ~80 mill in equity financing & lead Initial Public Offering at Nasdaq Copenhagen in 2021.

He is active in various board positions, including Innovation Fund Denmark & Aquaporin, driven by purpose of creating a more sustainable world by using nature & biotechnology as a starting point for creation of future technologies. Peter is a passionate freeride skier and ready to break a leg if the situation requires. He holds a PhD in Structural Biochemistry from University of Copenhagen.

And so it began, a journey towards the only dream Kendra had ever known, the dream of pulling that red and white Team Canada jersey over her head, stepping onto the Olympic stage, and becoming part of the golden tradition of Canadian Hockey.

In 1999, while at try-outs for Team Canada, Kendra realized she could no longer hide that something was wrong. After a discussion with her coaches, she made the seemingly impossible decision to walk away from her dream in order to seek help, but not before being told that she had already been selected to join Team Canada.

With Team Canada’s help, Kendra was guided down a road that nobody had yet considered, and after several appointments with a sports Psychologist, a psychiatrist, and Doctors, Kendra was diagnosed with a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, severe Panic Disorder, Clinical Depression, Agoraphobia and OCD. So began a whole new journey, a fight for her life.

The first 5 years of this journey were filled with hopelessness, isolation, and darkness. Although surrounded by support and access to resources, Kendra was faced with a sense of pointlessness that she struggled to overcome. And then she made a decision, she wanted more. She wanted to live. And more than that, she wanted a life worth living.

It took the next 5 years for Kendra to achieve a life of recovery. It took 5 years to learn about what resources were available, and in that time, she also learned about all of the ways she could be helping herself. Kendra often speaks of her greatest achievement in getting to this place in her life, and that was her ability to keep it a secret. Kendra, like so many, was embarrassed by her Mental Illness.

Until one day when Kendra had a realization, she was part of the problem. Her silence was exactly the reason that people couldn’t realize that there is help, that there is hope. She had learned to live happily and successfully with what felt like a death sentence, and she was embarrassed to let others know. In that moment, she vowed to never be a part of the problem again, and so began her new journey.

Shortly after coming out with her story, Kendra was introduced to the many struggles facing others like herself and she was determined to be a part of the change. Having come to realize the importance of lived experience and shared hope, the Kendra has dedicated herself to helping others find tomorrow.

When Kendra started sharing her journey with others, she was amazed by the response she received. And then the simple truth became so clear, we are not meant to get through life alone. Sometimes it only takes one person, a subtle gesture, a kind word, and somebody else may find a reason to keep fighting.

Jeffrey Engel began his career in military law enforcement career in 2001 and later separated active duty, where he transitioned into civilian law enforcement. Over the years, he has served as a patrol officer, field training officer, training officer and is currently assigned to the Investigative Bureau. In addition to his law enforcement career, Jeff has continued to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves. He has been honored with several accolades, both military and law enforcement, including Officer of the Year, multiple PBA awards, multiple military awards and recognition from the Prosecutor’s Office with PROCOPs awards. Jeff has two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and completed his Masters Degree in Cybersecurity.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science from Radford University and a Master of Science from Liberty University. Her career began with three collegiate internships at Radford University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Clemson University. She then transitioned into the tactical field as a Fitness Specialist at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where she played a key role in the Force Fitness Instructor Course, developing curriculum and instructing future FFIs and FFITs.During her time at Quantico, Melissa met her husband Matt, a United States Marine.

Their journey led them to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where Melissa started out working at Wounded Warrior Battalion-East. She then most recently, served as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the School of Infantry-East, for the Marine Combat Instructor Course and Headquarters and Support Battalion. Now residing in Tampa, Florida, where Matt is stationed at MacDill Air Force Base,

Melissa is excited to bring her experience and fresh perspective to TeamBuildr. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys sunrise runs, discovering new coffee shops, lifting heavy things, walking her dog Wyatt, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Clemson Tigers. GO TIGERS and STEELERS!

https://www.teambuildr.com/

https://onemorewave.com/

Currently, Otto serves as the Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), where he leads national and international collaborations to address the fire service's most urgent challenges. His leadership encompasses transformative initiatives ranging from wildfire and emerging energy technology responses to advocating for firefighter health, safety, and resilience.

Otto's impact is perhaps most evident in his instrumental role in the fast-tracked development of NFPA 3000™, Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program. Following the Pulse nightclub tragedy in Orlando in 2016, Otto spearheaded the request for NFPA to create the world’s first standard addressing mass casualty incident planning, resource management, incident command, and responder competencies. Drawing on his decades of public safety expertise, he united more than 50 representatives from law enforcement, fire service, EMS, hospitals, emergency management, private industry, universities, schools, and federal agencies, including DHS, FBI, and DOJ, to create a comprehensive, life-saving framework. Thanks to his vision and leadership, NFPA 3000 was released in May 2018—just 20 months after its inception—marking it as one of only two provisional standards in NFPA’s 125-year history. The 2021 edition further solidified its standing as an essential guide for global public safety.

Throughout his career, Otto has been recognized as a thought leader in the fire service. He is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, sharing insights on emerging risks, strategic innovations, and policy developments shaping the future of fire and emergency services. His presentations reflect his commitment to improving operational efficiency, enhancing community resilience, and addressing the challenges of increasingly severe weather and evolving technologies.

Otto's career includes executive leadership in municipal, county, and international fire service organizations. As Fire Chief in jurisdictions across Florida and Texas, he managed large-scale operations, oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets, and implemented strategic planning initiatives that improved emergency preparedness and operational excellence. Under his leadership, departments earned prestigious milestones, including ISO Class One ratings and accreditations for fire, EMS, and emergency management services.

A tireless advocate for advancing the fire service, Otto has spearheaded initiatives such as developing national consensus standards, establishing regional training facilities, and launching officer development programs. His advocacy efforts have influenced federal and state policies and secured critical funding for firefighter cancer prevention, lifesaving technology advancements, and fire safety programs.

Hi, I'm Paul! I'm a retired federal LE and an Associate Professor at Connecticut State Community College. I helped those with addiction and co-occurring disorders who are struggling with their recovery. I've built a successful career at helping high-risk clients with unique problems - either through their involvement in the criminal justice system, federal drug courts or their recovery via high-impact work.

I have a three decade +history of working in the federal judiciary, non-profit and hospital-based environments with a strong addiction, military and protective services background with skills in Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Criminal Justice, Addiction and Public Speaking. Expert consultant and instructor; law enforcement and court personnel on national policy and sensitive investigations as it pertains to child exploitation, human trafficking, child pornography and cyber-crime matters.

Dr. Veyna's prowess in the realm of neurosurgery is evident in his specialization in complex spinal disorders, deep brain stimulation, and minimally invasive techniques. His collaborative endeavors with institutions, notably the Struthers Parkinson's Disease Center, highlight his commitment to interdisciplinary advancements.

Having kickstarted his academic pursuits at Baylor University, Dr. Veyna then reached a pinnacle at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he was honored as valedictorian. He further enriched his expertise through a Peripheral Nerve Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

His roles as a Neurosurgeon at the Michigan Head & Spine Institute and an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine underscore his dedication to clinical excellence and academic contributions. Throughout his career, he has been graced with numerous accolades, memberships in elite medical societies, and a reputation that stands testament to his unwavering commitment to medical excellence and patient care.

https://transcendcompany.com/

We discuss his childhood around horses, his journey into the military, the Balkans, his infamous sniper shot, the danger the publicity put his family in, his powerful mental health story, his school Maverick Survival and much more.

https://www.themavericksurvivalschool.co.uk/

In addition to his role in public safety, Steven is an elected official on the Brunswick County Board of Education, where he serves as the chairman. His leadership on the board is marked by his commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and ensuring the well-being of students and staff.

Steven has been married for 12 years and is the proud father of three daughters. He believes in the importance of family, community, and lifelong learning, and he is dedicated to making a positive impact through his professional and civic endeavors.

"I have been working as a full-time, embedded civilian dietitian for departments of +1,400 firefighters since 2017. I have trained for and passed CPAT, and am always up for a ride-along or a fitness challenge. I can often be found at a station or academy teaching nutrition, fitness, mobility, or just hanging out to learn more about firefighters.

I am here to help firefighters maximize their energy levels, body composition, and retirement WITHOUT fads or yo-yo diets. I take the research on first responder health and translate it into firefighter language. My coaching programs help firefighters reach their goals while enjoying their favorite foods.

​Nutrition is often overlooked in the first responder space, which is why RescueRD LLC was born in October 2020. I have strived to fill that gap one presentation, conference, workshop, or course at a time!"

In 2000, Johnny Torgeson (Dr. JT) started his career with the US Army as an NCO. He's worked for several fire departments in the US and different countries. He became a successful business owner and CEO in his mid-twenties. He obtained a bachelor's degree in business, a master's in leadership, and a doctorate in strategic leadership. Currently, he works as a chief officer, college instructor, author, and speaker.

Dr. JT has achieved multiple life-saving awards and service distinctions throughout his career. He writes for multiple publications and speaks on leadership and team development around the nation. In his spare time, he spends time with his family, volunteers at church, and mentors veterans. Dr. JT has a passion for serving people and developing teams. Throughout his career, he’s developed award-winning teams and transformed lives through his distinct strategies.

Additionally, Zack is a competitive 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu purple belt, as well as an amateur MMA fighter. His goal is to continue to reach and connect with people through his Jiu-Jitsu content to help show that there are other communities out there to join when veterans leave active duty. It is a great lifestyle to re-acquire a purpose and to be a part of a community. Ironically enough, Zack met DSG instructor Angel Cortes through his OG Pumpkin Jiu-Jitsu event.

He is an instructor for the Graceful Warrior Project, a non-profit organization that aims to equip in-duress women in Africa and Congo with self-defense skills. Congo is considered the “rape capitol of the world.” Zack finds tremendous pride and satisfaction knowing that teaching his self-defense instruction will help save women's lives.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston. Lastly, he is the founder of Zackkferg.com where he designs and creates military-style Jiu-Jitsu rash guards.

His latest book, released in November, 2021, is The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.

In The Least of Us, Quinones chronicles the emergence of a drug-trafficking world producing massive supplies of synthetic drugs (fentanyl and meth) cheaper and deadlier than ever, marketing to the population of addicts created by the nation's opioid epidemic, as the backdrop to tales of Americans’ quiet attempts to recover community through simple acts of helping the vulnerable.

With The Least of Us, Quinones broke the story of how the methamphetamine now produced in Mexico has covered the U.S. and is creating widespread and rapid-onset symptoms of schizophrenia, becoming in the process a major driver in the country’s the homeless problem.

In January 2022, The Least of Us was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) award for Best Nonfiction Book of 2021.

The Least of Us follows his landmark Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic (Bloomsbury, 2015), which ignited awareness of the epidemic that has cost the United States hundreds of thousands of lives and become deadliest drug scourge in the nation’s history.

Dreamland won a National Book Critics Circle award for the Best Nonfiction Book of 2015. It was also selected as one of the Best Books of 2015 by Amazon.com, the Daily Beast, Buzzfeed, Seattle Times, Boston Globe, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Entertainment Weekly, Audible, and in the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg Business by Nobel economics laureate, Prof. Angus Deaton, of Princeton University.

In 2021, GQ Magazine selected Dreamland as one of the “50 Best Books of Literary Journalism of the 21st Century”

Dreamland was selected as one the Best 10 True-Crime Books of all time based on lists, surveys, and ratings of more than 90 million Goodread.com readers. In 2019, Slate.com selected Dreamland as one of the 50 best nonfiction books of the last 25 years.

For Dreamland, Quinones has testified before the U.S. Senate’s Health Committee, numerous professional conferences of judges, doctors, librarians, hospital administrators and at more than two-dozen town hall meetings in small towns across the country.

A Young Adult version of Dreamland – for 7th through 12th graders -- was released in July of 2019.

His first two books grew from his 10 years living and working as a freelance writer in Mexico (1994-2004).

True Tales From Another Mexico: The Lynch Mob, the Popsicle Kings, Chalino and the Bronx was released in 2001. It is a cult classic of a book from Mexico’s vital margins – stories of drag queens and Oaxacan Indian basketball players, popsicle makers and telenovela stars, migrants, farm workers, a narcosaint, a slain drug balladeer, a slum boss, and a doomed tough guy.

This realization led Michael to help his peers find their own healing through an ongoing psychedelic medicine group comprised of first responders and veterans. Through this initiative, Michael stands at the vanguard of a mental health therapeutic revolution. Articulate and deeply informed, Michael, with his characteristic blend of passion and subtle humor, offers a novel perspective on the nexus between frontline Emergency Medical Service, profound and personal healing with psychedelic medicines, and the unique experiences as a medic at Burning Man—an annual gathering celebrated for its focus on community, art, and radical self-expression.

Inviting Michael to speak beckons listeners on an evocative journey, exploring the heart of a first responder fiercely dedicated to shining light on the potential of psychedelic medicine to combat the pervasive mental health crisis among our nation’s first responders and veterans.

They told of why they made the change, where the financing came from, the impact on recruitment and retention, the importance of courageous leadership, the results they witnessed first hand and so much more.

Hugh Bruder is a 43 year veteran of the fire service, IASIS provider and current Fire Chief of Boytnon Beach in Florida. His department made the move to 24/72 two years ago.

Dixon Phillips is a former collegiate athlete, Pasco County firefighter and union president. His department is in the process of fully transitioning to a 24/72 in 2026.

Joseph "Shawn" Hillhouse is the Deputy Chief of Gainesville Fire Rescue. His department went to the 24/72 in August of this year.

Joel Billings is a former Volunteer Firefighter, EMT and fire service researcher.

Dr. (MAJ) Allison Brager is an active duty Army neuroscientist. She is the recipient of two NIH National Research Service Awards and a National Academies of Sciences fellowship in order to examine the mechanisms of developing physiological resiliency to extreme stress in extreme environments. Her works spans from clinical trials on novel drug and technology development for military operations to studying physiology & behavior in some of the most austere places in the world to include Antarctica. She is the recipient of three Presidential medals to include a Joint Commendation Medal and two Meritorious Service Medals for her research & development efforts in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the COVID-19 pandemic (Operation Gotham).

In 2020, Dr. Brager underwent astronaut assessment & selection at NASA and made it to the second final round in 2021. As a former professional athlete, herself, Dr. Brager has leveraged her experience to help develop the first mental health handbook for the NCAA. She sits on several fatigue-related working groups for NATO, US Special Operations, and the federal government. In addition to more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in flagship journals, she is author of Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain. She has a Sc.B from Brown University and earned her Ph.D from the Department of Biological Sciences working under Dr. J. David Glass.

Dr. Rachel Markwald is a Sleep Specialist providing education in sleep and circadian rhythms to enhance job performance and health. Her areas of specialization include the impact of inadequate sleep on alertness, cognition, athletic performance, metabolism, and pain. From a brain perspective, she has studied how poor sleep raises the risk for accidents and mishaps through impacts on attention, learning, memory, and decision-making abilities. From a body perspective, she has studied the impact of poor sleep on metabolism, eating behavior, and body weight. Dr. Markwald’s professional experience includes adapting effective sleep optimization strategies to meet the needs and requirements of individuals and teams performing in high tempo, dynamic environments.

She has worked with military medical and line communities, competitive and recreational athletes, business executives, and the general public to accomplish the goal of better sleep. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University in 2004 and stayed to complete a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology in 2007. After several years of working with the CSU Clinical Health Science Laboratory, she decided to pursue a PhD in Sleep Science within the Integrative Physiology department at the University of Colorado at Boulder. During this time, she studied the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in human performance, health, and disease. After a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, she began a position with Navy Medicine as a civilian scientist.

Currently, she is directing a team of medical researchers engaged in addressing sleep and fatigue issues during the training and deployment of active-duty personnel. Her research also spans sleep disorders facing military personnel, such as those experienced within the context of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. She has published multiple articles in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, and technical reports, and has delivered briefs to military operational leaders and Department of Defense policy makers.

After his military service, Eric founded Hand Up LLC and Hand Up Realty, where he combines his business success with a strong commitment to helping communities. His approach to business has always been to be honest and upfront and to provide real value to those needing his services, which is what made him so successful.

Eric is the author of "Canyon of Hope", a raw, unflinching story of survival, resilience, and redemption that’s more than just a recounting of a veteran’s experiences at war; it’s a roadmap for overcoming adversity, discovering inner strength, embracing transformation, and reclaiming control over your destiny.

I am a husband, father, fireman, author, writer, public speaker, and combat military veteran from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I’ve been in the fire service and have served as a firefighter for fifteen years. For the last two years I have served as the Lieutenant on a ladder company. Though I grew up on an engine company, I much prefer the ladder. I’ve spent most of my career at the informal level of leadership. Meaning I wasn’t always a Lieutenant, but chose to step up, fill the gaps, and lead anyway. My mantra at work is pretty simple, “Do your job.” Do the job you took an oath to do, and its all good.

I also obviously write fire service books, and speak on fire service leadership. In 2019 I received the Fire Service Medal of Honor for making a grab during a two alarm apartment fire. I never joined the fire service to get medals, but that was a great moment in my career and something cool for my wife and kids to be apart of. The kid visited the station later that year and made a full recovery. That was better than any medal they could have given me.

Last but not least, I am a combat veteran of the United States Army. I was enlisted from 2003-2009. I served as a UH-60 Black Hawk Crew Chief in the US Army for six years. As a UH-60 helicopter repairer, I was primarily responsible for the maintenance of the UH-60 Helicopters. At my end time of service I was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. I go to do some pretty cool stuff while I was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Jump Seat Leadership: https://jumpseatleadership.org/

In this conversation, we discuss his journey into addiction, the homeless city that dwells in Las Vegas' tunnel system, the rampant crime the homeless are subjected to, surviving a murder attempt, his powerful recovery story, the three sided solution that Shine a Light Foundation provides, success stories and so much more.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Jason is also a person in recovery who is committed to overcoming life’s challenges and becoming the best version of himself. Jason is passionate about spreading awareness on the disease of addiction and wants to help other fire fighters develop adaptive strategies for coping with occupational related stressors, as well as the pressures that come with day-to-day life.

In collaboration with Hannah Elmore, MSW and Clinical Outreach Coordinator at the IAFF Center of Excellence, Jason will provide attendees with a comprehensive discussion on what is takes to recognize the warning signs of addiction, how to connect with helpful resources, and why maintain hope is a crucial key to recovery. Jason will share his transformative journey of recovery, aims to diminish stigma surrounding addiction, and ultimately contribute to the collective well-being of fire service members.

https://inextremisperformance.com/

"Rescue 1 CBD was started by Jon Vought, a Firefighter/Paramedic in South Florida who wanted to challenge the status quo of the health and wellness in the fire service. Our mission is to increase the longevity of firefighters during their careers and after their retirement as well. If we can improve our first responders’ sleep, mental health and cut back on the amount of medications required to do those things, then we’ve accomplished our mission."

https://rescue1cbd.com/

Register for the Brick City Battle Here: https://podium.boxtribe.io/web/?event_id=3986

Then June 25, 2011, as a Crew Chief in Afghanistan, Zeke’s Chinook Helicopter crashed while on a mission. No one died, though Zeke and another soldier were severely injured. Zeke experienced a traumatic brain injury. In a coma for two weeks, he was expected to suffer from severe disabilities for the rest of his life. Doctors were unsure if Zeke would ever walk or talk again. (Kansas City Star Video Interview).

However, a miracle happened. Zeke woke up. Because the left side of his body including his face was paralyzed, he had to learn everything over again. With support from his wife, Lacy, he progressed from a wheelchair to relearning how to walk and talk. Zeke gained a second chance at life. While Zeke was in the hospital, members of his unit died in another crash shot down in August 2011. It is the worst loss of American lives in a single incident in the Afghan War, and it made international headlines.

In 2013, Zeke was awarded the Purple Heart and medically retired from the Army. Struggling to find a new purpose, Zeke found a therapeutic outlet in creating unique pieces of art using bottle caps. This hobby became a thriving business. Art gave Zeke a new lease on life and he wanted other veterans and people of many diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of making things with their hands but more importantly, connecting with the community through art.

Handy-Cappin’ is dedicated to helping individuals who suffer from mental health issues, disabilities, and PTSD. Handy-Cappin’s mission is to make a difference as a fundraising partner with other organizations to benefit people with disabilities, veterans, and their families.

Handy-Cappin's vision is to make possible one-of-a-kind and meaningful experiences to honor those who survive, thrive, and overcome adversity– to honor those that have served in the military and those that have fallen, to support and encourage people with diverse abilities.

In this second conversation, we discuss Hurricane Ian devestating his home of Sanibel Island, the death of journalism, American healthcare and so much more.

Kevin has served in many roles with his fire department including engine, truck & training division assignments, In 2017 Kevin was the lead instructor of the largest fire academy in the state of CO and was a finalist for the Colorado Firefighter Instructor of the year. Kevin obtained his BSBA from the University of Denver in 2000. Kevin is married to Kristi and has three wonderful children Grady, Graham, and Caroline.

Kevin is the Co-Chair of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund-Colorado Chapter and enjoys giving back to the fire service through this organization.

https://firefightercraftsmanship.com/

We discuss his journey into coaching, performance versus longevity in the youth athlete, training the tactical athlete, recovery protocols, sleep, Beaverfit equipment and much more.

"After first working in Pharmacy and in Temporary Accounting positions, I began my 42-year accounting career working for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. My first 23 ½ years were spent working at One World Trade Center 69th Floor in New York. I survived both the 2/26/93 terrorist bombing and the 9/11/01 terrorist plane attacks. Thereafter, I worked at Port Authority offices at Journal Square and Montgomery Street in Jersey City, New Jersey. My accounting specialty was Accounts Payable. I reside in Bayonne, New Jersey. My interests are British Rock’n’roll and ice hockey. If I have cared for and given more to others in my lifetime than to myself, I will have fulfilled my life’s mission."

https://roguefiremanship.com/

Jon’s twenty-three-year career as a Navy Seal has been fundamentally grounded on the highest level of personal and team performance. His uniquely demanding job requirements necessitated continual learning, adaptation, and execution in one of the most elite military organizations in history. He continues this same level of high performance in the private sector.

In 1995, Jon applied to SEAL training and was one of only eight original candidates out of 220 to complete training. He began his career at SEAL Team Four conducting counterdrug missions in South America. After 9/11 he was selected for a Joint Special Operations Command Special Missions Unit.

With over eleven combat deployments, Jon has led multiple teams of over 250 personnel, synchronizing them with critical assets and conducting nightly combat missions throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. Jon commanded cross-functional teams to conduct highly complex no-fail operations, achieving total success by identifying unconventional solutions to address the most sensitive national security requirements. Throughout his time, he recognized the critical requirement of adapting with foreign culture to work together for common goals.

Jon finished his career as Director for the Joint Terminal Attack Controller School at the Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center in Fallon, Nevada. During his tenure, he successfully executed a major organizational change effort requiring congressional approval while also completing his MBA.

Upon retirement Jon was recruited as Director for TierX Group; a private equity firm investing in products and services crucial to the national security establishment. Jon led business development and end market integration activities for a $50M fund, was responsible for establishing TierX’s relationship with the special operations community and advised the co-founders on portfolio growth and strategic decision making.

Jon was Chief Operating Officer for Red Dot Management, a healthcare arbitrage startup. He was assigned to create an efficient, operationally focused, and scalable structure, as well as developing an investor relations strategy to provide funding for the acquisition of over $20M in AUM.

After traveling to Mexico for a deeply healing experience with psychedelic medicine, Jon experienced their incredible potential to heal veterans and first responders. Recognizing these powerful and unconventional medicines should be accessible within the U.S., he embarked on a mission to change the course of the mental health crisis in Nevada through a legislative and cultural change effort. Jon was recruited to co-found and lead the Nevada Coalition for Psychedelic Medicines, a 501c4 with a mission to enact policy reform and advocate for the regulated legalization of psychedelic-assisted therapy in Nevada.

Jon is a founding board member of the SEAL Legacy Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. He is a National Ski Patrol volunteer and can also be found climbing, biking, or hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains with his son, Jack.

His decorations include the Bronze Star with V device (four awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with V device (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal with V device (two awards), Combat Action Ribbons, Presidential Unit Citations (two awards) and other service awards.

"I recently retired as a highly decorated Chicago Police Officer with over 22 years of service that include a Life Saving Award, Department Accommodation, and Unit Meritorious Award. I have 23 Honorable Mentions and over 100 letters of appreciation as a Chicago Police officer. I began my career in the 9th District, was assigned to the prestigious Ambassador program, and was eventually assigned to the Preventive Programs Unit where I have served as a crime prevention speaker for over 15 years.

For most of my career, I have been actively involved as a Peer Support Team Leader for the EAP section of the Chicago Police Department. I have specialized training in Suicide Prevention as a member of the Critical Incident Team. Currently a Fellow at the American Institute of Stress Management. A distinguished memember if IACP and ILETTA

My first book, "Sexual Predators Amongst Us" was released in 2011. I co-authored a second book, "Police and Profiling in the United States, Applying Theory to Criminal Investigation" with Dr. Lauren Barrow in 2013. In 2015, I wrote "Police Suicide: Is Police Culture Killing Our Officers?" and my upcoming book "Breaking the Barriers: Changing The Way We Support The Physical and Mental Health of Police Officers" will be available in 2021.My latest book Breaking the Barriers, Changing the Way We Support The Physical and Mental Health of Police Officers was published by AMR Publishers on June 1st, 2021."

Christina is the founder of Biohacked Firefighter and the developer of Tactical Sleep Rescue. She has certifications in Sleep Coaching, Health & Wellness Coaching, and is a Yoga Nidra facilitator. Her mission is to provide firefighters and first responders practical, simple, and real life tools to mitigate the negative impacts of shift work and sleep debt, and feel amazing for their personal lives.

Jason Villeggiante is a Firefighter Paramedic with the Los Angeles City Fire Department since 2015. He lives with his wonderful girlfriend, Hayley, and their dog, Dallas. In his spare time he enjoys reading books, exercising, and spending time in nature. He’s a member of the LAFD Peer Support Team, and advocates to improve his departments’ firefighter wellness program.

https://www.tacticalsleeprescue.com/

We discuss being part of a firefighter family, the impact of divorce, the importance of sports, lego, academics, the pressures of graduation, the impact of the pandemic, the ripple affect of an abuse of power at his middle school, the healing power of music, the love of a dog and so much more.

We discuss a host of topics from his own mental health journey to responding as a chaplain to the communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

https://www.firstresponderlifeline.com/

Nurse Navigation program provides quick and accurate patient assessments for life- threating conditions and then takes the caller through our proprietary nurse triage protocol to determine the most appropriate locus of care.

Benefits

• Better triage and response to exposures; including coordination with hospitals and occupational health providers
• Reduces unnecessary treatment for exposures when clinically not indicated
• Minimizes the need for extensive waits in emergency departments and facilitates evaluation and treatment

Nurse Navigation's nurses use evidence-based clinical decision software to immediately evaluate a patient’s current condition, providing a needs-matched time-appropriate resource allocation to meet the patient’s unique healthcare needs. Our five-level triage system ensures we are delivering the right resource at the right time, in the right setting to achieve the right outcome at the right cost.

Jonathan is a highly respected psychic medium that is able to connect his clients with loved ones who have crossed over. His mission is to provide comfort to his clientele through compassionate personal readings that are compelling and touching. Jonathan received confirmation of his gift by another psychic medium when he was 20 years old. Since then he has developed his unique abilities of being able to communicate with loved ones who have crossed over. During the sessions clients have reported a sense of closure and healing by being able to connect with their loved ones. Through mediumship it is possible to provide confirmation that our spirit lives on once we have left our physical bodies.

What is a medium?

Mediums are people who are blessed with a special gift; they have developed sensitivity to the world of spirit that allows the spirit guides to give messages from the after life. They have a strong bond with their guides, which help with the communication process. Mediums could not do it without their help; they are just the telephone line relaying the messages.Messages from the spirit world are given with the highest of intention to bring about love, comfort and reassurance to people. When you have a reading the medium should be able to bring a good description of the communicator along with evidence about their and your lives. Memories of the past, evidence that they are around you now and descriptions of how they passed are communicated. The objective of a mediums work is to prove survival of the human soul after death and to help the bereaved come to terms with their loss.

Diane Cotter is a self-taught citizen activist whose upright, focused, and determined efforts in support of her husband, Fire Lieutenant Paul Cotter, during and after their battle against Paul’s occupational cancer served as the inspiration for the documentary “BURNED - Protecting The Protectors” by filmmaker Elijah Yetter Bowman and award-winning actor, Mark Ruffalo, Executive Producer.

Diane is the ultimate standard bearer, a smart, outspoken, and fearless woman who continues to march at the head of her six-year campaign to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from the gear worn by today’s firefighters. No less an authority that Ed Kelly, General President of the IAFF, has properly called Diane Cotter “the firefighters’ hero.”

~ Michael Foley, Boston Fire Department (ret’d)

We discuss his journey into law enforcement, the war on drugs, leadership, entrepreneurship and so much more.

We discuss his childhood in Sweden, the importance of play, social media, ADHD, the brain and evolution, the pros and cons of pharmaceuticals, exercise as medicine, the pursuit of happiness and so much more.

Dr. Dawes has worked as a university athletic performance coordinator, strength/performance coach, personal trainer and educator for over 20 years.

His primary research interests is focused on improving the health, fitness and human performance for the tactical athletes and first responders.

He is the co-founder and co-director of the OSU Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab and a member of the OSU Fire Council.

Kevin Briggs entered the US Army in 1981. In 1987, he became a correctional officer and worked at Soledad and San Quentin State Prisons. In 1990, he graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy and worked predominantly on the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin answered an average of four to six suicidal calls each month. In 1999, Kevin completed training at the CHP Motor School, and in 2008, was promoted to Sergeant. Having graduated from the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Course, one of his duties was to train new CHP officers and Golden Gate Bridge staff on crisis interventions / negotiations.

Kevin retired from the CHP in 2013 to promote Crisis Management, Leadership Skills, and Suicide Intervention / Prevention worldwide. He continues speaking and teaching at conferences and law enforcement events, as well as consulting and advising major corporations. Kevin’s personal story includes being a cancer survivor, overcoming heart issues, divorce, PTSD, and depression. He is also a survivor of suicide loss.

Kevin’s goal is raising awareness about mental health and wellness, crisis management, and suicide prevention. He delivers his message by sharing his personal story and experiences, as well as the tools he developed to assist in a crisis, that can be used by anyone. His talks are inspiring and educational while encouraging help – seeking and reducing stigma related to mental health.

Kevin Berthia's journey epitomizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As a suicide survivor, advocate, and speaker, he has transformed his personal pain into a beacon of hope for countless others. Growing up in silence, Kevin grappled with unbearable pain, masking it behind a facade of joviality throughout high school and into his early twenties. However, a very public suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge became a pivotal moment, altering the course of his life forever.

Since 2013, Kevin has fearlessly shared his story, captivating audiences with his raw candor and unwavering honesty. His journey of healing and self-discovery serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of overcoming even the darkest of times. Kevin is driven by a passionate desire to inspire others to break their silence, to reach out for help, and to believe in the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Kevin's message of hope has resonated far and wide, touching the lives of individuals across the globe. His story has been featured in numerous magazine outlets, local and national news stations, and prestigious platforms such as the Steve Harvey Show, Red Table Talk, and the Dr. Phil Show. A poignant image of Kevin standing on the bridge's chord graced the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, solidifying his place among the 75 most iconic photos of the 21st century.

For Kevin, surviving a suicide attempt carries profound significance in the prevention of further tragedies. He understands the depths of despair and the importance of shedding light on the darkness that surrounds suicide. Through his advocacy and speaking engagements, Kevin strives to empower individuals to find their voice, to seek help, and to embrace the journey towards healing.

In Kevin's words, "No one knows more about the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow." With unwavering courage and compassion, Kevin Berthia continues to be a guiding light for those who seek hope, understanding, and a path forward from the depths of despair.

On a day in June 1998, at a Fidelity Financial Institution in Fullerton, California, Trina Gomez and Max Patlan faced a horrifying incident. As they were closing up, two men, Jason Steward and Harold Bailey, knocked on the door, claiming to be there for a payment. Once inside, the situation turned dark – Harold pulled out a handgun, and Jason had a shotgun. They demanded money, taking $1,410 in cash and $4,138 in personal checks. Bernard Teamer acted as the getaway driver, and they left, leaving Trina and Max shaken.

The police faced challenges as the initial descriptions of the robbers were generic. A gardening glove left behind became a piece of evidence. The driver of the getaway vehicle was later identified as Bernard, providing a crucial lead.

However, during the investigation, a detective compiled photo lineups with errors. Trina identified Guy Miles from the lineup, even though there were issues with the identification process. Max, influenced by the detective’s statement about an arrest, also identified Guy.

At trial, Trina couldn’t positively identify Guy, but after a discussion with the prosecuting attorney, she changed her stance. Max identified Guy, noting a difference in weight. Guy presented alibi witnesses, scientific studies on eyewitness identifications, and DNA evidence that didn’t match him.

Despite these factors, a jury took five days to find Guy guilty. Jason and Harold remained at large, and Guy received a harsh 75-year-to-life sentence.

Eventually, the true perpetrators – Bernard, Jason, and Harold – confessed to the crime. New scientific studies raised doubts about eyewitness identifications, including those of Trina and Max. On January 19, 2017, the California Court of Appeal reversed Guy’s conviction, acknowledging that new, credible confessions would have changed the trial’s outcome.

Faced with the prospect of re-prosecution and longing to be with his aging parents, Guy accepted a plea deal on June 20, 2017. He pleaded guilty under People v. West, allowing him to maintain innocence while avoiding denial of involvement. Guy was freed that very day, his conviction overturned after years of fighting for justice.

The Innocence Center Website: https://theinnocencecenter.org/

Understanding the intense pressures and unique challenges faced by those in high-stress professions, he was driven to create a tailored solution that effectively addresses the mental health needs often overlooked in such fields.

Siento manifested as a stigma-free mental wellness and peer support management platform, dedicated to providing first responders and high-stress professionals with accessible, confidential, and culturally competent mental health support.

Teams that use Siento ensure their members have the resources to thrive, not just survive.

We discuss his journey into the military, entering law enforcement, contracting, weapons training, his multiple officer involved shootings, his powerful mental health journey, creating a wellness solution in his state, the healing power of exercise, Beaverfit equipment and so much more.

"After dedicating my life to my career, I found myself divorced and isolated from my kids and family. I was drinking myself to sleep every night, only to wake up hating myself more and more. I had been through multiple gunfights, a Helicopter crash, and multiple

injuries, which finally led to hitting rock bottom. After years of telling myself I can “fix this”, I finally broke.

I picked up a rifle and walked to the back of my farm with the intention of killing myself. After struggling for hours and putting the rifle in my mouth, I cried out to God asking him for help. I told him I would submit my life to him if he wanted to use me. Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division was born that day…

Just 5 years ago, I would have never admitted my weaknesses to anyone, much less strangers but God told me to do just that."

Guardian Revival Website: https://www.guardianrevival.org/

Joel is an assistant professor at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. He is the Program Chair for the undergraduate degree program in Emergency Services teaches courses in fire and emergency services.

Dr. Billings’ research expertise focuses on firefighters’ sleep and health. Specifically, he studies firefighter sleep process and sleep-wake cycles, fire department shift schedules, and the cardiovascular and sleep impacts of firefighter alerting systems. His research is funded by NIH/NHLBI and DHS/FEMA. His goal is to improve health, safety, and performance of members in the fire and emergency services profession by bringing together research and practice. He has former experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT-Basic in Michigan. Dr. Billings serves as a member of the Science Alliance, council member for the Healthy Work Design & Well-Being cross-sector program at NIOSH, and serves on the Council of Governors at the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

"You'll find that I'm not your typical patches-on-the-sleeves, "tell me about your mother" style therapist. After a career as a first responder, I have come in contact with a great many mental health challenges. My clients will find I am very empathetic while at the same time no-nonsense and to the point. Together, we'll explore what your challenges have been historically and find new ways to approach the life (and ultimately, happiness) for which you're looking.

Therapy is helpful to navigate an increasingly challenging world and you don’t have to do it alone. I am passionate about utilizing my varied and valuable experience, in order to help people of all ages, couples and families. I specialize in issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief, amongst other things.

If you've been to another therapist in the past and perhaps you didn't experience the success for which you were looking, I may be the person you're looking for. You're the expert in your life and experiences, so that means we "sit" differently in the room. And I think you'll find that just may be the difference."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/donn-bradley-brentwood-ca/746276

Gavin is a leading voice in the Irish health and fitnesscommunity and a former European Powerlifting Champion. He has personally helped hundreds of people achieve life changing results.

Originally from Donegal, Gavin now resides in the town of Sligo in Ireland, where he has built his business from being a personal trainer in the local community, to helping people from all around the world via his new and exclusive online coaching platform.

Having impacted over 20,000 people with his unique message, Gavin is now expanding his platform into the men's coaching space. His goal is to help men everywhere build stronger mind, bodies and lives. This has been his main inspiration for writing his first book.

In his personal life, Gavin has overcome struggles such as childhood bullying, trauma, convictions, addictions and redundancy. He's now on a mission to help all men out there overcome their challenges.

You'll find Gavin on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavinmeenan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gavinmeenan1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinmeenan

Website: www.gavinmeenan.com

Through her raw and poignant memoir, Christine unveils the physical and emotional toll of war, not just on those fighting but also on the medical personnel tasked with picking up the pieces. Her vivid accounts transport readers to the heart of the conflict, revealing both the horrors and the glimmers of hope that sustained her. After returning to the U.S., Christine grappled with the invisible wounds of war, finding solace in writing as a means to process her experiences and to shed light on the often overlooked challenges faced by veterans.

As a wife and mother of three daughters, Christine's journey of healing and self-discovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing her story, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members and to inspire others to find strength in the face of adversity.

Jason has been a lifeguard on the beach since 1999--working the last 10 years on Oahu's dangerous North Shore where he was awarded the Mayoral award for lifesaving merit in aiding in the rescue of professional surfer, Evan Geiselman, at the world-famous pipeline. He cut his teeth writing as a contributor to Vice Sports as well as writing feature scripts, such as 'In Deep, ' which made finals of various screenplay competitions such as the California Film awards.

Never Off Duty: https://neveroffduty.org/

Transcend: https://transcendcompany.com/schedule-a-consultation/?ls=BehindtheShield

Kinder: https://www.amazon.com/Kinder-James-Geering/dp/1735586838?ref_=ast_author_dp

He has spent over 14 years teaching, coaching, and training military and first responder populations in USMC Reconnaissance, USARNG, Naval Special Warfare – Armada de Chile, Wildland Fire (BLM & USFS), and Municipal/Structure Fire, and Law Enforcement. His operational experience across multiple countries and conflicts, alongside his educational pursuits and training, has afforded him a unique perspective on what it takes to gain and maintain health, wellness, and fitness sufficient to succeed in any clime and place.

Dr Brooke Bartlett: “I am a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY33545) in California with specific expertise in trauma-, anxiety-, and stressor-related disorders and symptoms. I have trained at some of the nation’s most renowned institutions for PTSD and anxiety and am one of few psychologists with extensive experience and training in working with first responders and military veterans. I absolutely love what I do for a living and make the most out of my training and education by being as versatile within the field of psychology as I can be; I am a consultant, professor, and clinician- all at once!

I’m often asked why I chose to pursue a career as a trauma psychologist, and my best answer is this: I truly believe I was born to do this work. Since childhood I’ve been captivated by the stories of resiliency displayed by individuals who have experienced unspeakable trauma. This catapulted me into a lifelong pursuit of better understanding how trauma uniquely impacts each individual. I am continuously humbled and inspired by the strength and resiliency of those I work with, and I use this inspiration as my daily motivation to provide the highest quality of service to all my clients.”

Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist who owns and operates a private practice in Northern Nevada. She holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a certified emergency responder and public safety clinician. She specializes in providing mental health services to first responders and their families and organizational consultation to agencies interested in developing wellness programming for their staff.

Dr. Casas is an accomplished researcher, having published dozens of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics related to the intersection of culture, psychology, and law; her most recent publications are related to the mental health of first responders.

Dr. Casas is also a member of key organizations for providers that practice in police and public safety psychology, including APA’s division 18, the IACP psychological services section, the national sheriffs association, and the society for police and criminal psychology.

Stephen Davis, BS, MS, is a veteran of the US Army, where he served as a medic, and spent 22 years in fire and emergency services, rising to the rank of Division Chief. He is dedicated to making firehouses around the country safer and better places to work. To this end, he speaks at firehouses, bringing value to Fire and EMS Personnel with his unique insights and leadership strategy, The Five Rung Ladder of Leadership.

Stephen is a decorated public servant, now meeting the needs of families around the world as the co-founder of The Raising Alphas Project, a parenting movement dedicated to raising the next generation of mighty leaders.

Based in the Central Florida area, Stephen’s greatest joy is his family, with his beautiful wife, Veronika, and their two alpha sons, Caiden and Kai.

We discuss gymnastics, his journey into the military, Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, serving with the Special Forces, his transition story, school safety, farm security, armed policing in the UK and so much more.

https://www.hawkesandco.uk/

We discuss how outdoorsmanship forged resilience as a child, the unique challengers for first responders in remote communties, the proactive nature of policing, the driver who ended her career, her powerful mental health story, competing in reality television, creating a wilderness retreat and so much more.

Rudy was born in 1971 on Richard’s Gebauer Air Base in Missouri while his father, a US Marine, was fighting in Vietnam. His parents had 2 other sons, all three boys a little over a year apart. After his parents' divorce in 1975, and with his mother unable to look after the boys, Rudy and his brothers were moved around Texas staying with various relatives before eventually settling with his grandmother. Sadly, four years later both grandparents passed away within the same year, leading to Rudy (then aged 7) and his brothers drifting throughout the mid-west, to eventually (at age 11) be saved by the Omaha Home for Boys. Rudy and his brothers would remain at the boys’ home until age 17, when Rudy would then emancipate himself and take formal custody of his brothers by the age of 18.

During his younger years (age 11 throughout his youth), Rudy began competing in wrestling and football, as well as developed a deep affection for comic books and heroes. At the age of 18, he then began to study martial arts, training in Kung-Fu, eventually winning the title of International Jing Woo Martial Art College Champion, multiple times. In sum, his martial art achievements are over 20 medals, 14 of which were gold. He worked various jobs, from construction to table bussing, while simultaneously training as a kickboxer, in an effort to provide stability and discipline for himself and his brothers (who he also got into kickboxing.)

In 1998, Rudy found himself watching a film covering orphans in Kosovo who’s parents were killed by their own countries snipers. Rudy, at the age of 26, was so compelled to do something to help, decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Military Career

Rudy enlisted in the USMC as a infantryman, and graduated as the honour grad and iron man of Boot Camp and School of Infantry. Rudy, due to his merit and initiative, was granted an opportunity to try out for Recon. The Reconnaissance Marine Community is 300 strong, between 5 units, making it the most prestigious and difficult group in a Marine Corps of 300,000. A group that no man may sign up to join but must be invited and prove their worthiness to earn the title of a United States Recon Marine.

After being a special forces operator for three years, during which Rudy became a “schooled-out“ (paratrooper, combat diver, demolitions expert, scout sniper, closed quarter combatant, and SERE trained) Recon Marine, Rudy was called for his first combat reconnaissance mission in 2001 in Pakistan – a preparation mission for USA's Special Ops insertion to Afghanistan. Once the war officially started, his team ran operations that located and destroyed Al Qaeda within Afghanistan.

In 2003, Rudy’s dear friend and senior Recon mentor was killed. Later in combat, his team leader was wounded in a horrendous night-time ambush, which lead to Rudy leading his four man team after cas-evac (casualty evacuation), through Baghdad to the Syrian Border and back. These events are what the HBO series Generation Kill was based on, telling their story of the Invasion of Iraq. His last active combat was in The Battle of Fallujah and Ramadi in Iraq in 2004, where he served as Senior Team Leader of his platoon. It was a brutal fight that took the lives, and limbs, of some of his most beloved comrades.

Podcast Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/nn3PX3Qtq3o?si=oTvbOwQVB6gICGOc

Here are the podcast episodes of the true subject matter experts that I reference in the podcast:

Departments that have made the change:

Chief Hugh Bruder - Episode 854

Dixon Philips - Episode 879

Matthew Harrison/Brian O'Connell - Episode 942

Military Sleep Science Experts:

Dr Allison Brager (Army) - Episode 117

Rachel Markwald (Navy) - Episode - 196

Capt. John Cordle (Navy) - Episode 389

Dr Kirk Parsley (Navy Special Warfare) - Episode 6

Lt Col. Jannell MacCaulay (Air Force) - Episode 175

Dr Sara Jahnke (Firefighter Health Researcher) - Episode 928

Dr Stuart McGill (Injuy and Performance) - Episode 95

Prof. Russell Foster (Circadian Neuroscience) - Episode 647

Rob Bilot (PFAS) - Episode 631

The Firefigher Resilience Blue Sky Project:

https://www.ihmc.us/BlueSky/20231107BlueSkyFirefighter.pdf

Wellness Solutions Mentioned:

Transcend - https://transcendcompany.com/schedule-a-consultation/?ls=BehindtheShield

Foundation Training - https://www.foundationtraining.com/

One More Light: Life, Death and Humanity Through the Eyes of a Firefighter -https://www.amazon.com/One-More-Light-Humanity-Firefighter/dp/1735586803/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

J.P. is a veteran First Responder of 20+ years. A responder to the Pentagon on the morning of September 11, 2001, J.P. was later diagnosed with PTSD and in 2003 almost ended is life. Now the owner of Catalyst of Change Associates LLC, a former wrestler and competitve MMA fighter unitl he broke his neck in 2012, J.P. now shares his journey and lessons learned around the world, virtually and on the pages of his books. J.P. has authored three childrens books and is currently working on two adult books, one on the Americans with Disabilites Act in Corrections and Law Enforcement and the other on his Journey and lessons learned form those whose path he has intersected with along the way. J.P. bring the engergy and excitement you would expect from a performer and fighter to the stage and keeps his audiences on the edge of their seats. J.P. Can be reached through his website at www.CatalystofChangeAssociates.com and will soon be seen weekly on his web show The Wayward Path of the Warrior.

He is also certified under the Department of State’s Worldwide Personal Protective Service-2, and spent nearly two years on the High-Threat Protection team for the U.S. Ambassador to Baghdad in Iraq.

In Special Operations and in subsequent private deployments, Craig held a variety of instructional and diplomatic security roles in locations including Kenya, the Philippines, Central America, South Sudan, and Iraq.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, the impact addiction had on his family, the progressive solutions his department has in place to combat the opiod crisis, the innovative 911 Telehealth integration they've employed to reduce non-emergent calls, leadership, shift work and so much more.

He has had the privilege of serving in multiple departments as a high school fire explorer, volunteer firefighter, career firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief and Division Chief. This journey has afforded him the opportunity to gain multiple experiences and education.

In his home life, he and his wife have blended four bio kids and foster/adopted four additional kids. The trauma from addiction in all of their kids lives has led his passion to battle the opioid crisis in his local community thru innovations of leave behind narcan and medication assisted treatments in the field.

As the EMS Chief of an urban fire department he has worked to find alternatives to lower acuity medical calls thru response changes, BLS ambulance response and nurse navigation / tele health at the 911 dispatch center. Thus allowing ALS resources to be available for life critical calls. Thru these innovations his department has ALS treatment and transport within 9mins 90% of the time.

My name is Travis Gribble and I am a retired 24 year law enforcement veteran. I spent 11 years in Michigan where I worked as a deputy, deputy sergeant, and SWAT team commander. In 2008 I made a lateral move to Mesa Police Department in Arizona. Mesa is a city of 520,000 and 850 sworn police officers. In Mesa I worked as a patrol officer, patrol sergeant, SWAT assistant team

leader, and SWAT sergeant team leader. During the course of my career I was a part of countless critical incidents and I always thought none of the calls were affecting me. In 2016 I experienced what I now know to be a life-changing call. For five years after the call I never sought appropriate help and I was slowly self-destructing within. As the years and calls went by my cup was reaching capacity and in 2021 I was brought to my knees. Thankfully I was put in touch with a therapist who specializes in first responder care and I began the journey of healing.

It was then I learned to live life in a much better way, but due to the extent of the trauma I decided I would seek retirement. In 2022 I was awarded a post-traumatic stress injury retirement and my current journey began. Only one short month after my retirement and through unplanned circumstances, I was given the opportunity to share my story with a leadership group of SWAT operators. The response to my raw story while sharing lessons learned by me and my agency was nothing short of amazing. From that day forward I continued sharing my story on podcasts, at law enforcement conferences, for first responder organizations and through a social media platform.

This path has now turned into creating a community and advocating for first responders mental health well-being. I have created the organization “My Arena” where we are dedicated to provide training for individual first responders, their families, and agencies. This community will stand for one very specific concept: you’re not alone! I am working with like-minded organizations and providers to smash the stigma of getting help while providing a landing spot for those who need to see they are not alone. I now live in the mountains of Montana with my wife Emily where we are establishing roots and chasing our dreams.

Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist who owns and operates a private practice in Northern Nevada. She holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a certified emergency responder and public safety clinician. She specializes in providing mental health services to first responders and their families and organizational consultation to agencies interested in developing wellness programming for their staff.

Dr. Casas is an accomplished researcher, having published dozens of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics related to the intersection of culture, psychology, and law; her most recent publications are related to the mental health of first responders.

Dr. Casas is also a member of key organizations for providers that practice in police and public safety psychology, including APA’s division 18, the IACP psychological services section, the national sheriffs association, and the society for police and criminal psychology.

Hassan Kamel is the Lead Consultant at OKA, Hassan is a thought leader and Certification-level Trainer and coach with extensive experience in leadership development, experiential learning, and teambuilding, who specializes in resilience and grit of both individuals and teams. Hassan personally coaches C-Suite executives, military personnel, and first responders. Additionally, Hassan is a sought-after public speaker and Master Trainer on a variety of industry-leading psychometric tools and assessments.

We discuss a spectrum of topics from their Emotional Resilience program to leadership in the first responder professions and everything in between.

Robert Cefoli

Director of Health and Fitness FDNY

I’m a married father of 4. I have 3 boys (4-9months) and 1 daughter (12).

I am currently a 20-year member with the FDNY and hold the rank of Captain. I am the company commander for Engine 211. Additionally, I have been a member of the FDNY Health and Fitness Unit since 2018. I assumed the role of Director for the Health & Fitness Unit in January 2020.

The Director oversees the Physical Training of Candidates in the Fitness Awareness Program as well as the Probationary Firefighters in the Fire Academy. The training programs, new initiatives and counseling of active members all fall under the Health and Fitness Units task list. I work with the Bureau of Health Services, the Office of Professional Development and the Legal Dept regarding strategy and the use of data in relation to incumbent standards and testing.

In the private sector, my 20+ year experience in the physical fitness training of different populations has helped me introduce and execute new initiatives within the Health and Fitness Unit. To name a few; the trauma release exercise workshops, corrective exercise techniques and cardiovascular protocols.

I am among a select few FDNY Health & Fitness Unit officers who have been personally trained by the founder of TRE, Dr. David Berceli to become global and Agency TRE providers. We, as FDNY representatives, are the first agency to be trained and as such we are working intimately with the TRE foundation to co-create a curriculum for other fire service agencies. Our workshop, which also includes postural reintegration and cardiovascular protocols for current members, is in high demand due to it's positive reviews. We have also created 'TRE Aware', which is a level of certification that includes 3 guided TRE sessions in Probationary Firefighter school and the Fire Cadet academy.

IAFF WFI- Recently added to the task force to update the next Wellness-Fitness Initiative Manual as Subject Matter Expert for the FDNY

CO-Founder of Fyr Tribe

Not for Profit started to address the mental health and physical health challenges faced by first responders. We are currently starting our mission by providing our workshops to our own retirees of Fire/EMS. We see a large gap in support and our bottom up method is something unique and works well within our population.

@fyr_tribe

Fyrtribe.org

Pete is the founder of the ASM Foundation which addresses stress and allostatic load through hollistic practices.

https://asmfoundation.com/

Sonya McVay-Straub, MP, is a certified ART (Active Release Techniques), NKT (NeuroKinetic Therapy), AiM (Anatomy in Motion), PMT (Performance Movement Taping by RockTape), KABUKI integrated Power Lifting, and ICT (Integrated Cranial Therapy) provider. She is also a certified master Pilates Instructor and a PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) and NKT credentialing author and continuing education provider. ART is a clinical soft tissue therapy system used to treat pathologies and/or movement restriction with muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.

Alongside manual therapy, she specializes in Neuro-Gate, functional/movement assessment, sports injuries, spinal pathologies, "special-populations" and post-treatment exercise. Her practice combines multiple methods and provides incredible results.

Her clients include internationally competitive athletes (Ferrari's Racing team), professional baseball players, both pro golfers and tennis players, triathletes, cyclists, PTSD patients, competitive marathoners, UFC fighters, IronMan/ToughMudder and Spartan athletes, avid and competitive CrossFitters, Olympic lifters, business executives, chronic pain patients, senior citizens, and youth. Sonya has personally treated hundreds of First Responders and Military Personnel over the last ten years. It is her life’s mission to demand NFL quality health care to these populations.

Frank Larkin is a national advocate for veteran suicide prevention and traumatic brain injury research relative to military blast exposure and “invisible wounds”. He currently serves as chief operating officer for the Troop’s First Foundation, leading the National Warrior Call Day initiative. He is a board member for Cohen Veterans Bioscience, a non-profit research organization, along with being an active supporter of the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Frank was the 40th United States Senate Sergeant at Arms. As chief law enforcement and executive officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms enforces rules of the Senate; provides a range of technical and administrative services to Senators in their Washington D.C., and state offices; and maintains security in the Capitol and Senate office buildings. He had direct oversight of the US Capitol Police Department, a 2200-member agency, and led numerous national security events.

Frank was a member of the federal Senior Executive Service for almost 15 years, serving as both the Acting Director and the Vice Director of Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) and Director of the Counter IED Operations-Intelligence Integration Center (COIC) within the Department of Defense. He led the integration of technical capabilities, information analysis and human resources against the global IED threat and terror networks.

Frank served for more than two decades as a special agent and senior leader in the United States Secret Service (USSS). He conducted complex criminal investigations and protected four US presidents, until his retirement as the Deputy Assistant Director for Protective Research and the agency’s Chief Technology Officer.

In the private sector, Frank continued to support the defense and intelligence communities. He recently was the vice president for Corporate Development at SAP National Security Services. In the past, he was the Director for Program Management & Leadership for the Raytheon Company and Senior Program Manager at Lockheed Martin’s Defense & Intelligence Solutions.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Frank served as a special warfare operator in the Navy SEALs. After his military service, he was a uniformed patrol officer with the Norristown (PA) Police Department, a homicide detective with the Montgomery County (PA) District Attorney’s Office, and a Maryland State Trooper-Flight Paramedic. He has been a nationally licensed paramedic for 40 years and still serves Maryland as a firefighter-paramedic for the City of Annapolis Fire Department.

Frank holds a BA degree in criminal justice and a MS degree in public administration from Villanova University. He is the recipient of numerous awards, to include the USSS Valor award, the Department of the Army’s Exceptional Civilian Service award and the Superior Civilian Service award.

Greg Yacoubian and his wife, Sue, have three grown daughters. Greg has worked in law enforcement since 1985. Before retiring as a police lieutenant, Greg worked a variety of assignments including Homicide, Hollywood Vice, Police Academy instructor, CRASH (Gangs) supervisor, Anti-Terrorist Division, and Narcotics Division (Majors). Greg also obtained two college degrees and a Juris Doctor degree while working as a police officer. Greg served several years as an adjunct law instructor after passing the California Bar Exam.

Greg is now a practicing litigation attorney and reserve police officer, and he continues to serve as an instructor for California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). Greg’s law practice focuses on defending police officers and other public servants. Greg has been sought out by various prosecutors, defense attorneys, and media entities as a police practices consultant and witness for matters in California and other states. Greg’s passion is, by God’s grace, to that ensure that Truth is protected in every matter he handles.

Dr. Rockett has been with Orthopedics New England since 1999 and is the senior partner. A native of Brookline, Dr. Rockett received his bachelor of arts degree in biology from Harvard University. Following that, he completed his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and his internship in general surgery from Tufts Medical Center. From there, Dr. Rockett finished his residency in orthopaedic surgery from the same institution.

In addition to his clinical and surgical duties at Orthopedics New England, Dr. Rockett serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. He has been a coach for the Wellesley football, baseball, softball, and soccer youth teams. When he’s not seeing patients or teaching students, Dr. Rockett’s outside interests include art history, ancient Greece and Rome, and spy novels.

Since 2012, Dr. Rockett enjoys being the Head Orthopedic Surgeon for the CrossFit® Games. Additionally, he is a triathlete and CrossFit® Level 2 Certified. He is the author of the injury prevention website for athletes called: 321gomd.com.

Surinder is an entrepreneur with work experience in the U.K., the Middle East and the

United States. Born in England at a young age the family decided to move to Scotland. After graduating college she moved to the Middle East, working as a flight attendant on commercial and private flights. It was in 1998 while visiting a friend in Coronado, CA that she met her future husband who was active duty.

‘I had no idea what the life of a military spouse looked like, I wasn’t briefed on what I should expect, or how to overcome the new challenges that are a part of this lifestyle. The saying is true…If only I knew then, what I know now.”

"I am a Lieutenant for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) in Miami, Florida, in the US.I started my career in 1999 as a Firefighter and became a Paramedic within 3 years. I later earned Driver engineer and for the past 20 years I have served as a Lieutenant.I have an Associates in Science degree. I am a state certified Fire Inspector.I am an active member of our Departments Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM).After 18 years in operations,I obtained the bid position of a Lieutenant Fire Inspector for my Fire Department.

I am also the Owner and CEO ofTriple F- Fierce Female Firefighters.Triple F started off as a private group page on Facebook for women in the fire service. This was started in 2013, to create a platform for women to be able to reach out for support, advice, and encouragement and to help navigate the different obstacles women may face in the fire service.We now have over 7,200 female firefighters from 58 different countries.Due to our unique and popular female firefighter logos, I started a company called, Triple F- Fierce Female Firefighters. We have many different items such as t-shirts, decals and challenge coins designed for women in the fire service.

I also created a female firefighter plush doll for kids. We have three different girls and our logos are on these dolls. They come with removable gear just like a real firefighter. I wanted to show little girls they can be anything, even a firefighter."

As a young adult, Christina assumed she had a solid understanding of how the world works. That changed when she and her husband became foster parents in 2014. The neat bow she had tied around her mental box of how the world works began to unravel.

What had previously been a category of people in her mind, people addicted to drugs, now had a name, face, and an infant son sleeping in the extra bedroom down the hall. Her foster care experience gave her an up-close look at the realities of addiction, drug use, and the far-reaching impact of our drug laws.

This became the catalyst for months of reading, questions, and listening as she tried to reconcile her beliefs as a Christian with the pain and suffering she saw first-hand. What she learned changed her mind. The laws she thought were the answer to keep people from using drugs she now saw as causing more harm than help to people made in God’s image.

Christina founded End It For Good out of her desire to invite others to listen to the voices directly impacted by our drug laws. She hopes that more people will explore the root causes of drug-related harm and consider a different approach. She wrote the book Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction to share her story and the research and experiences that changed her mind about the best path forward to help people thrive, even in a world where harmful drugs exist

Christina is married to her college sweetheart Thomas, and they live in Ridgeland, MS, with their three sons. On the weekends, you can find her biking, in a hammock reading a biography, or playing board games with the family.

Daniel ended his active-duty career after two years with NSWBTC and quickly fell into the world of private military contracting. Daniel joined the active reserves in 2014 and maintained his active reserve status until 2019. In 2017, Daniel made international news when he was thrown in jail in Belgrade, Serbia, for eighteen months after traveling there as a private contractor to track a terrorist financier. Daniel still monitors international news and continues to entertain phone calls and meetings with those who need unique solutions to unique problems.

Daniel is also the author of "American Mercenary".

We discuss his journey into law enforcement, the horrendous attack, the manhunt that followed, his mental health journey, the decision to amputate his leg, Operation Enduring Warrior, the healing power of community and so much more.

"Something I often see in working with busy women as a Sex and Relationship Coach is that on the outside it may appear they are thriving, but inside they really struggle with balancing the passion they have for their work, with the passion they have for their partners, much less themselves.

They’re busy all day. Taking care of everyone else’s needs… their family, their business, and then, very last on the list becomes their relationship with their partner.

And their own desires? Often not even on the page.

They struggle because they feel disconnected, and they’re really missing that connection, that deep connection that they had at one time in their intimate relationship.

After burning both ends of the candle all day long, they come home and pretend to be asleep when their partner comes to bed because they don’t want to have sex… or worse, they don’t want to get into an argument about why they’re not having sex.

There’s nothing worse than the feeling being extremely alone and disconnected when there is a warm body lying right next to you in bed.

The good news is that life absolutely doesn’t have to be this way.

And I know this is true because I was that woman.

A woman feeling so disconnected, waking up in the morning, super resentful before my day even began, lashing out at my poor little family because I was just miserable inside and I thought I was doing all the right things for myself. I was working out, I was involved in the community, I was doing all these things, but something deep was missing.

I remember one snowy morning stumbling into the bathroom and looking in the mirror, thinking who IS this woman looking back at me? I had no connection with her at all.

I promised myself I would do whatever it took to find her again. I would follow whatever crumbs came my way.

Thankfully I stumbled upon The Tantric Institute For Integrated Sexuality, that taught me how to connect with myself, how to communicate, how to have amazing intimacy, and it became my life’s work to help others in this way.

It was like I had come back from the dead.

I felt alive again.

Feeling that joy of waking up with energy and excitement for my day. I had forgotten what that was like.

I just remember after doing this work, I thought to myself,

WHY?? Why haven’t women been taught these tools?!

We’re never taught about how to have relationships. We’re not taught about how to have amazing sex and thankfully, these are learned skills (and the education we do have is so fear and shame-based so it’s no wonder we have issues.)

I decided at that moment to make it my life’s mission to help women turn things around, and that is why I created my signature Feminine Fire Method.

I believe deep in my soul is that sexuality is the missing key in personal growth and development.

I believe your sexuality and sexual energy fuels your creativity, confidence, and power. It is a vital part of your holistic health and vitality.

When women own their sexual power their pleasure and creativity flourish. Their confidence and body image soar.

Their relationships deepen.

And when you can connect to that power and yourself as a woman, it’s life-changing.

As one of the UK’s leading Osteopaths, David uses his lived and clinical experience to provide injury prevention and conditioning advice within the performing arts and international sports. In addition to this, David provides strategic advice on therapy and exercise for a UK arthritis charity. He is an authority on older age strength and resilience, providing his expertise to healthy ageing projects for the government, private, and third-party sectors.

David is a vocal advocate for breaking down barriers to strength focused activity in middle age and promoting strength as a reservoir on which our later life health relies. David’s new rescue mission is the democratisation of strength for all, in the fight for optimal immunity, independent aging and resilience for an aging population.

He is a regular contributor to magazines, journals and podcasts that focus on achieving strength and fitness in older age, the prevention of frailty and how to train optimally in middle age.

STRONGER: HOW TO BUILD STRENGTH: THE SECRET TO A LONGER, HEALTHIER LIFE was published by Short Books, an imprint of Hachette, in March 2024.

Bringing together the latest scientific research to explain why strength training in mid-life is the simplest and cheapest thing people is can do to transform their bodies, STRONGER provides a 10-step strength training plan readers can tailor to their own needs, and a clear roadmap to follow.

Forcelli is a respected investigator noted for developing complex criminal investigations targeting armed gangs and criminal organizations. He has made over one thousand arrests and has served over three hundred search warrants. He is well regarded by those who have worked with him for his unwavering commitment to what he calls “investigative excellence.” His work in the investigation into the Neese Bello Organization led to members of the group pleading guilty to over 145 home-invasion-style robberies. Still, Forcelli is best known for his efforts to fight for justice in instances where he has uncovered injustice.

He has been involved in the exoneration of eight people who were wrongfully arrested and convicted in the Bronx, New York, for murders they did not commit.Forcelli is also a cancer survivor—he developed lung cancer from the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. He is a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.

In this second conversation, we discuss the harrowing dispatch tapes from the attempted rescue of Hind Rajab, how divisive American politics have forced polarisation on Gaza, the deliberate blocking of both aid workers and humanitarian relief, the starvation and violence that continues to claim young lives, how a ceasefire can prevent the US being dragged into additional wars and so much more.

Anthony Droz is a Marine Veteran, Spartan Instructor, and wilderness guide. He aided Brandon in his quest to bring this wilderness program to life, as it was also his goal to provide wellness to Marines and Sailors.

We discuss their journeys into uniform, the tragedy that shook Brandon's faith, the motorcycle accident that almost claimed Anthony's life, mental health in our military, chaplaincy, community, the healing power of nature, Immunity to Change and much more.

Brandon Harding is a recently retired military chaplain with nearly three decades of service. He is a wilderness guide and leadership & relationship coach, holding multiple certifications and a degree in psychology. He fuses adaptive coaching with wilderness expeditions to facilitate change in individuals, couples, and leaders. Additionally, he is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Brandon has been married for 27 years, and he and his wife have seven children.

Anthony Droz is a United States Marine Infantry Veteran, wilderness guide, and athlete. He has worked internationally for Spartan Race and in the United States for Outward Bound. He co-created the Navy and Marines' first wilderness-based personal growth program with Chaplain Harding, and he continues that service to this day.

My name is Angela Graham. I’m a Co-Founder of The S.I.R.E.N. Project. I was a Firefighter/Engineer/HAZMAT Spec. for almost 20 years with Santa Clara County Fire Dept. in Silicon Valley. Prior to that I was a D1 & professional softball pitcher. I have a loving husband, who is a Fire Capt., and a 7-year-old son. For the first five years of my son's life I was a single mother. For years I’ve struggled with mental health trying every modality available. A friend of ours, who happened to be a special forces operator, connected me to providers of Entheogenic Medicines. It has completely changed my life. The change was so profound my husband and I decided to start The S.I.R.E.N. Project to make these medicines available to all First Responders and their Spouses.

Shawn was born in England whilst his Father was stationed there during his time in the Army, but moved back to America with his family when the base closed down. They ended up in West Virginia where money was tight, but eventually moved to Akron where they took over a relative’s janitorial business. Much like his parents, Shawn struggled to make ends meet, working long days in a factory, as a screen printer, and a pizza delivery guy.

He would move into the nursing field, seeing it as a more stable way to support his wife and two young daughters, which would become a job he held part time for many years. Shawn was driven, stubborn, loyal, and passionate in equal measure, wanting to prove himself and to make those around him feel proud. A legacy that his kids could look up to. He would go on to working with Cyanide & Happiness as one of their artists, having his work featured in the Stephen King film Cell, appearing at comic-cons, and even designing album covers for Seether (Poison the Parish, and Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum).

But when Inktober 2016 hit, Shawn’s Mental Health awareness pieces gained him massive recognition, a swathe of new Any Means Necessary fans, as well as organizations such as Buzzfeed, and The Huffington Post reaching out to him, securing his name as a dark artist worth paying attention to. His hunger though has never been sated, and has helped drive the brand into as many places as it can possibly go, never missing a financial trick if one’s there to be learnt.

We discuss his childhood mental health struggles, the letter that changed his life, alcohol and business, introversion, the health impact of alcohol, its impact on sleep, the predatory actions of marketing, the power of peer support, healthy downregulation and so much more.

Born on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, from an early age Ruari harboured a deep-seated determination to make an impactful mark on the world. He left school at 15 to start his first business, and eventually landed in London where he carved out a successful career as a senior oil broker. However, he quickly found himself immersed in a binge-drinking culture, leading him to the profound realisation that alcohol was causing him more harm than good.

Taking a transformative break from alcohol, Ruari witnessed significant improvements across all areas of his life: he became healthier, happier, more productive, and a better father and husband. Motivated by these personal improvements, he embarked on a mission to help others experience the same positive changes. In 2015, he launched One Year No Beer (OYNB), to help people reassess their relationship with alcohol. The initiative quickly went viral, attracting over 20,000 sign-ups in its inaugural year. And so OYNB was born, with its core values deeply rooted in the supportive online community established by its initial members.

Today, Ruari takes immense pride in the fact that OYNB is recognised as a leader in preventive behaviour change, with ambitious plans to diversify into numerous other behaviour-change models beyond alcohol. His previous experiences, particularly the harmful alcohol culture he encountered during his tenure in London, continually drive his work.

https://www.oneyearnobeer.com/

We discuss his mother's capture of Griselda Blanco, his own path into law enforcement, being wounded in an officer involved shooting, his rehabilitation journey, his powerful mental health story, the power of ketosis, creating a non-profit and so much more.

As a 54-year-old retired wounded police veteran suffering from PTSD, I have made it my mission to help other first responders who are struggling as I have.

In 2012, I was involved in a shooting and sustained injuries on the job, leading to a multitude of physical and mental health issues. Through my own healing journey, I have gained valuable knowledge and insight on the correlation between first responder work and heart disease, as well as the importance of therapy, nutrition, and exercise. In 2019, my family and I decided to sell our home and travel the country in a 28′ trailer to raise awareness and share our wisdom with others.

I am a licensed sports nutritionist and personal trainer, and have met many individuals who have been positively impacted by my advice. However, my journey has not been without its challenges, as I recently encountered resistance to my Thin Blue Line flag at a campground in Upstate NY. This experience solidified my resolve to create ‘Cops and Campers’, a wellness retreat at campgrounds for first responders to come together, share their stories, and continue their healing process. Onsite therapists, yoga instructors, and healing nutrition options will be provided to help first responders overcome the stigma of PTSD and improve their overall health and well-being. All first responders are welcome to join.

We discuss their journeys into the fire service, the mental and physical imact of shift work, sleep deprivation, the recruitment crisis, the money saved by this transition, how they overcame resistance at each level and so much more.

Retired professional MMA fighter, UFC Hall of Famer, former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Ultimate Fighter 2 winner, now living my entrepreneurial dreams. As one of the founders of UMBO, we have developed a full line of potent functional mushroom supplements to help athletes fuel focus, endurance, sleep, and heal their bodies. As the Professional Athlete and Business Ambassador with Naturals2Go, I’m able to help both athletes and business professionals make the transition to the next phase of their lives.

Through launching my own healthy vending business, I have harnessed that intense drive I had as a professional fighter and now run a highly successful business. But my true passion really lies in helping others regain their focus, harness their own drive and dedication, launch a successful business and get back precious time to spend with their loved ones. When I’m not helping others fuel their focus and recover, and transition to successful entrepreneurs, I love spending time with my young, loving family. As a professional athlete, so many years are spent training in the gym, and sometimes missing family milestones.

While I never regret chasing and fulfilling my professional dreams, I knew the next phase of my life needed to regain precious time. Through Naturals2Go, I’m able to fulfill my business dreams, but not sacrifice my time. I’m able to be there for my family because I control my schedule, and I control my life.Through both UMBO and Naturals2Go, I’m able to help others get back to who they are as people, and regain the time and focus for what is truly most important to them. And in doing so, I’m living my next dream.

In this second conversation we discuss fatherhood, vascectomies, post traumatic growth, fitness, sefl sufficiency, mentorship and so much more.

I was born in Long Island, New York. My parents were divorced at the time, father moved to Florida with my older brother. I then moved to Orlando with my infant sister and mother in 2000. We moved in with my aunt and her family.

On a weekend in July at that time, a male entered our residence with a firearm. He was an older white male. It was later revealed that the suspect, Jamie Petron, was fleeing from law enforcement after killing a convenience store clerk in south Florida earlier. Once Petron entered our residence, he then shot my cousin in the face. My cousin survived and was allowed to leave the residence to receive aid. We, my mother, me, sister, and two other cousins, were then held hostage for approximately 50 hours. At one point, Petron instructed me to retrieve donuts from law enforcement outside. I stated that I didn’t want to go and asked my mother to go. It was at this time that Orlando SWAT subsequently shot my mother, thinking she was the suspect. Petron later escorted myself and my sister out of the house and subsequently killed himself.

I later went on to live with my older brother and dad after the incident. Around the time I was 18, I had a falling out with my father after discovering that he was having an affair against my step mother, whom he had been with since before I lived with him. This prompted me to go down the rebellious road and started smoking weed and having friends over any time my dad and step mom were out of town. This ended rather quickly with me getting kicked out of the house. I ended up homeless living out of my car for a few months and couch surfing with friends. Eventually my girlfriend, now my wife, and her parents allowed me to live with them temporally. I then found out from my father that he wasn’t in fact my real father in a heated argument.

Time goes on, I get older, and started working construction. Eventually I get into law enforcement, because I wanted to help people and do the right thing. My past experience gave me perspective on what could go wrong on the job and I wanted to be there in the heat of the moment, believing I could make a split decision when it comes down to it. That saying rings in my head, “If not me who, If not now, when?”

During my career in law enforcement, I’ve met a lot of people along the way. Older SWAT cops knew who I was before I’d even met them. I’ve even met a SWAT Officer that was on my very own call out while he was teaching an advanced training class that I’d sign up for. While working at Cocoa Police Department I was lucky enough to make the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). While at hostage negotiation training, the instructor had a PowerPoint that had a picture of my mother and the incident on the projector. I figured that’d be a great time to tell the class a story as well.

I have been passionate about fitness since the age of 12 when my Dad bought me my first gym membership. Growing up I played football, baseball, and ran track through high school, and ran track for Arizona State University. I graduated from ASU with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology. I have been a career fireman for 16 + years, and have been training in gear for 10 + of those.

My passion for fitness as it translates to performance on the fire ground is my wheelhouse. I have spent the last decade training "tactical athletes" (firemen, police, military) and helping them become the best version of themselves. Some of my "HARD" accomplishments include completing the Dunes 100 mile Ultra Race, completing the Georgia Smoke Diver Program (at 45 years old) and running Pikes Peak Ascent (13.1 miles up to 14,115ft) in bunker coat/pants. Challenging myself and others is what I am passionate about, and I enjoy pushing my clients past their perceived physical and mental limits, and unlocking their true potential.

We discuss thir journeys into their respective careers, David's path into the Ranger Regiment, retrieving the fallen from Operation Red Wings II, losing Pat Tillman, Ramadi, homecoming, David's powerful mental health story, the military industrial complex, healing and so much more.

Ranger is a true tale of war told by Sergeant David Waterhouse recalling his service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seen through the eyes of a Special Operations soldier, this first hand account documents the brutality of combat, and the raw nature of killing and death. It's a journey of innocence lost and the scars of war etched into the minds of service members. An untold account everyone should hear.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, mentorship programs, inmate wildland crews, the horrendous events at station 81, the physical and mental health ripple effects, post traumatic growth, warning signs and so much more.

I am a 53-year-old Fire Captain for Los Angeles County Fire Department. Born in Del Rio Texas, the son of an Air Force pilot, I grew up on Air Force Bases in states such as North Dakota, Washington, California and internationally in Japan. I refer to Huntington Beach Ca as my hometown as I graduated from high school there, and I am a graduate of Cal State University Northridge with a degree in Mathematics - Applied. I was married in 1995 and have 3 children that are currently 22, 18, and 15. I have been a member of LACoFD for 16 years and a fire Captain for the past 4.

I have been directly involved in a very notable, significant critical incident and speak publicly on the topic. In addition to addressing fire service crews directly, I spoke on a panel at the 2022 PSPSA conference in San Diego, at the ICISF 17th world conference held in May 2023 in Maryland and am scheduled to speak at 1st Responder Conferences in Tempe AZ in January 2024. I have been a guest on the Trauma Behind the Badge Webinar, No One Fights Alone podcast, and Forged in the Fires podcast with Fireman Rob. In all cases, I have addressed responding to an unimaginable critical incident, cumulative traumatic stress, my short term and continuing long term experiences with it. I am passionate about continuing to advocate for those who have experienced and are struggling with their own cumulative traumatic stress, critical incidents, and PTSD. No one has to fight alone!

Chock full of her signature “amazing impersonations” (Vulture), Big Guy endears us to the loveable hodgepodge of characters in Rachel’s world including a sea of fellow fire wives named Gina, her aggressively liberal mother, and her father with a never-ending sinus infection. Rachel is happily hop-scotching through all of the mayhem and inviting us along for the ride.

Rachel is a favorite among fans and fellow comedians alike. She appeared on Comedy Central’s hit series Inside Amy Schumer and she won a WGA Award for “Best Comedy/Variety Sketch Series” for her work on the most recent season of the show on Paramount+. She was featured on Comedian Colin Quinn’s HBO pandemic special Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show as well as comedy superstar Chris Rock’s feature film Top Five. Her half hour special premiered on Netflix’s hit series The Standupsand her first hour special Only Whores Wear Purplepremiered on Comedy Central.

Feinstein has appeared alongside Amy Schumer in Hulu’s hit series Life & Beth and she recurred on Amazon’s critically acclaimed Steven Soderbergh series Red Oaks as well as Judd Apatow’s HBO comedy Crashing. She was also featured in the role of “Anne Frank” in Netflix’s Historical Roasts.

On the big screen, Rachel was seen in the feature filmsTrainwreck and I Feel Pretty. She has also lent her voice to Adult Swim’s Venture Brothers and the phenomenally successful GRAND THEFT AUTO video game franchise.

We discuss his journey into the military, the role of a Combat Engineer, the trauma of war, his powerful mental health journey, his Decision of Power project and so much more.

She is a twin mom on a mission to provide more career flexibility and stability no matter where the military life takes you. Monica is a firm believer that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. She hopes that this platform helps provide a place where everyone can come together and support each other! When you shop small you are truly making a big impact.

We discuss his journey into the military, his exposure to rope rescue, firefighter fitness, rope redundency, cancer, mental health, chasing innovation, the importance of humility, knowledge sharing and so much more.

This experience spurred Junger—a confirmed atheist raised by his physicist father to respect the empirical—to undertake a scientific, philosophical, and deeply personal examination of mortality and what happens after we die. How do we begin to process the brutal fact that any of us might perish unexpectedly on what begins as an ordinary day? How do we grapple with phenomena that science may be unable to explain? And what happens to a person, emotionally and spiritually, when forced to reckon with such existential questions?

In My Time of Dying is part medical drama, part searing autobiography, and part rational inquiry into the ultimate unknowable mystery.

We discuss the daredevil influences in his childhood, finding Parkour, his journey into the stunt industry, recognising the stunt community, set safety, MMA, some behind the scenes stories and so much more.

Ben Jenkin was born in Germany, raised in Blackburn, England, Ben spent his early childhood in many different schools due to his dad being in the military. At the age of 4 Ben moved back to his hometown of Blackburn. Throughout primary and secondary school Ben was heavily involved in all sports. In 2003, at age 12, Ben was scouted to play basketball at a national level for his local team, Preston Pride, which went on to win the northwest division for the 4th year running.

Ben discovered Parkour and Freerunning in 2005 when he watched a documentary called "Jump Britain". He was immediately drawn in, went out with his friends the next day and began his journey in the adventure of Parkour. During the first 3 years of training Ben found himself traveling all over England to meet and train with different practitioners, to learn and gain knowledge from people who had been in the game since the beginning. In Ben's last years of high school he was inducted into the Gifted and Talented Program for his incredible skill in Freerunning and Basketball.

In 2008 Ben was given the last minute opportunity to compete in the Barclaycard World Freerun Championships when a competing athlete dropped out. With only one weeks notice Ben prepared and trained the hardest he had ever trained to be ready for the championships. Being the youngest in the competition, Ben wanted to make an impact and prove that he was somebody to look out for in the future. He did that by placing 3rd in the competition and winning the award for Best Trick. This led to Ben starring in the WFPF hit series MTV's "Ultimate Parkour Challenge", and as the youngest competitor at age 18, Ben shocked worldwide audiences by winning the entire series.

His victory in the show led to worldwide recognition. Since then, Ben has been featured in movies such as Fast and Furious 8, Jungle Book, Guardians of the Galaxy and many more as well as doubling some of the leading actors in Hollywood such as Jason Statham, Mathew McConaughey, James Franco, Ewan McGregor and Scott Eastwood.

Photo Credit: Jason Eric Laciste

We discuss the alarming rise in childhood diseases amongst first responder parents, hormonal disruption, sleep deprivation and mental health, weight gain, how shift work is a known carcinigen and how the 24/72 shift would revolutionise firefighter health.

Dr. Sara Jahnke is a prominent figure in firefighter health research. She is known for her dedication to translating scientific findings into practical solutions that improve the well-being of firefighters and emergency responders. With a diverse background in psychology and epidemiology, Dr. Jahnke has made significant contributions to understanding and addressing the unique health challenges individuals face in the fire service.

In 2011, Dr. Jahnke became the Director of the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at NDRI USA, Inc. – a not-for-profit research firm in Leawood, KS. During her tenure, she has spearheaded numerous research projects aimed at understanding the health risks faced by firefighters and developing evidence-based interventions to mitigate those risks. Research as a principal investigator or co-investigator has totaled more than 30 million dollars from organizations such as FEMA, NIH, DoD, and several health-focused foundations.

In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Dr. Jahnke has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the President's Award for Excellence in Fire Service Research from the International Association of Fire Chiefs twice and the John Granito Award for Excellence in Firefighter Research from the International Journal of Fire Service Leadership and Management.

Dr. Jahnke's leadership extends beyond academia, as she actively engages with professional organizations and community initiatives related to firefighter health and safety. She serves on dozens of advisory boards and committees, providing expert guidance to organizations such as the Firefighter Cancer Support Network and the Fire Protection Research Foundation.

One of Dr. Jahnke's notable accomplishments is her role as the President of Science to the Station: A Health and Wellness Alliance, where she leads efforts to translate scientific research into practical strategies that promote the health and well-being of firefighters across the nation.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sara Jahnke has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing firefighter health research and bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world application. Her contributions have profoundly impacted the field, helping to improve the lives of those who dedicate themselves to protecting others.

We discuss his early life, the mentors he found in the military, the courage of the Falklands, taking Mount Longdon, his homecoming story, Northern Ireland, Sudan, his journey int EMS and much more.

They said at best, she would survive but potentially remain unconscious or be severely disabled the rest of her life. We sat bedside watching our little girl fight for her life. Day by day we prayed for another day with her and clung to the hope she wouldn’t leave us. During the next 20 days, she remained stable enough to get tracheotomy surgery, her jaw wired and a stomach PEG.

Finally, the day came that the hospital could do no more for us. We had Layla med flighted to a hospital in Georgia. She was admitted under the disorders of consciousness program. They prepare you that each step may be the most you get, and we had to find peace in that, our baby was still alive after all. Brain injury can be cruel, especially to the caregivers.

Layla was the strongest girl I knew; this didn’t seem possible. To everyone’s surprise, Layla began responding to commands. It started with wiggling toes and fingers and eventually evolved into her learning to walk and talk again. Fast forward to today, she made, what doctors call, a remarkable recovery. We never expected to get so much of our daughter back, and we live in gratitude for that every single day. We took a lot of lessons from the experience, and we have new eyes.

We were able to return to the hospitals who cared for her and say thank you. We were able to meet the first responders who played a huge part in saving her. We have also had the privilege of working with other families navigating TBI, almost like we were meant for it all along.

In this second conversation, we discuss his powerful mental health story, the Save a Warrior program, his time in the IAFF's Center of Excellence, catharsis through writing, his conference 'Brothers helping Brothers' and so much more.

As a first responder, firefighter paramedic Jim Burneka encounters traumatic events the average person will likely never experience, but to him, it’s just another day—it’s Tuesday. In spite of being the wellness coordinator for the local fire department, Jim falls victim to Tuesday, the trauma he encounters daily, and finds himself spiraling down a dark and hopeless path including post-tramatic stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Finally, Jim must make the choice between succumbing to Tuesday or asking for the help he so desperately needs.Hawkins and Burneka recount a story of healing and resilience to empower others to seek help, and to encourage them to replace despair with hope. This book shares a variety of valuable resources that are available to help those struggling with mental or physical struggles.The fight for wellness among first responders shouldn’t be a silent battle fought alone, but together; we can overcome Tuesday.

Johann Hari is the author of three New York Times best-selling books, and the Executive Producer of an Oscar-nominated movie and an eight-part TV series starring Samuel L. Jackson. His books have been translated into 40 languages, and been praised by a broad range of people, from Oprah to Noam Chomsky, from Elton John to Naomi Klein.

His latest book, ‘Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention’, was published in January 2022. It was named as one of the three best books of the year by Amazon.com, and it was named as a Book of the Year by the Financial Times, the New York Post, and the Spectator. It was also chosen as ‘Book of the Month’ by Britain’s biggest bookseller, Waterstones, and Australia’s biggest bookseller Dymocks. It won several awards, including being named as ‘Most Important Book of the Year’ at the Non-Essential Book Awards and ‘Best Book of the Year’ at the Porchlight Book Awards. It has been a best-seller on three continents.

We discuss his journey into the British Army, his deployments with 2 Para, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, contracting in Ukraine, the rescue mission that cost his brothers' lives, the ordinance that took part of his skull, weapons training and so much more.

We discuss his early life, volunteer firefighting, his 9/11 story, entering the career fire service, his leadership mistakes, mental health, firefighter fitness, his podcast and much more.

Lieutenant Mike Nasti is a seasoned firefighter with 17 years of dedicated service in a major metropolitan fire department located in the Washington metropolitan area. Currently serving as the officer in charge for an engine company. he brings a wealth of experience and leadership. Lieutenant Nasti embarked on his firefighting journey in 2001 and has since accumulated a remarkable 23 years of expertise in the field. His commitment to public safety and his role as a leader within the fire service highlight his enduring dedication to protecting the community.

In the decade plus of experience he has been trying to create a different and more innovative approach to working with clients by implementing his classically trained psychology knowledge of CBT/DBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy & Dialectical behavioral therapy) with a more modern approach of coaching. This hybrid form of mental health has been helping Vin create lasting change in the thousands of people he has come across in his profession. In the past three years Vin has dived fully into Mindset & Executive coaching working with multiple executives, and highly motivated entrepreneurs in their own respective fields.

Vin also works with companies/organizations to help with work culture and team building.Recently he was featured in International Business Times in 2021 as a top coach to follow in 2022. He has also appeared on many podcasts and has been slowly getting more engaged in speaking platforms. With a mission to impact 1,000,000 lives Vin will be constantly on the path of service looking to innovate, grow and help where he can.

We discuss their journeys into policing, the power of mentorship, armed unit tactics, organisational betrayal, the media, fitness standards, Britain's knife crime epidemic, the support the PFOA offers and so much more.

We discuss his early life, joining the British Special Forces, the horrors of war, kindness in combat, his powerful and unique addiction story, his full circle back into archaeology and so much more.

High Risk:

This is a dark, raw and uncompromising tale of the human condition in extremis, drawing on the many lives of Ben Timberlake: as an archaeologist, Special Forces soldier, combat medic and drug addict.

Starting with Ben’s first near-death experience—in a Nazi-themed bar in wartime Yugoslavia—High Risk is a whirlwind tour of everything from service in the SAS, combat in Iraq, and encounters with a gambling-obsessed 9/11 hijacker, to veterans blissed out on MDMA, hook-ups in the world of extreme sex, and battling a heroin habit on a remote Scottish island.

Ben pursued the rush, and the chase often took him over the edge. Instead of asking why, he asked, why not? Blending confessional narrative, classic reportage and acerbic humour, this memoir takes a gonzo look at terrorists, junkies, soldiers and strippers, through the tale of one extraordinary life.

https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/high-risk/

We discuss growing up in New York, the importance of mentorship, his experiences as an EMT, his journey into the Fire service, servant leadership, special operations firefighting, entreprenurship, The Burn Box and so much more.

Burn Box was founded in 2020 by Thomas, an active FDNY firefighter with the mission to enable people everywhere to support firefighters. Every Burn Box features a collection of items and firefighter apparel designed to raise awareness about fire safety and also about the fact that local firefighters are working hard and staying vigilant every day to keep their communities safe.

https://www.theburnbox.com/

In this powerful and important conversation we discuss her journey into the martial arts, the pressure put on youth athletes, her success in the cage, her powerful mental health story, the healing power of motherhood, weight cutting, Foundation Training and so much more.

Angela is breaking through barriers, entering a new space of one that is mental health & wellness with fight story Inc. Angela has been a professional mma fighter since 2015 and is a 6x mma world champion in one championship.

While the world has only seen her in this light, she has been dedicated to the creation and development of this organization since losing her younger sister, Victoria to suicide in December 2022. Angela has been endlessly working in both her professional, and interpersonal life to ensure that narratives of mental health and illness are not left in the dark. She wishes to use her platform on social media and the world of mma to leave a positive impact on the world.

For this reason, she has founded the mental health non-profit organization, fight story in honor of her younger sister, Victoria lee.

Angela believes in the power of sharing personal stories and connecting through our lived experiences. She has since opened up and shared her own experiences with overcoming battles with mental health and illness. Angela understands the urgent need to talk more about mental health and is determined to help those battling in silence

Though you may feel lonely in your battle with mental health,

You are not alone.

https://fightstory.org/

We discuss youth athletics, his journey into personal training, gym management, the entrepreneur's leap of faith, the pandemic's impact on gym owners, training the tactical athlete, weapons training and so much more.

Founder of Red Dot Fitness, Scott Howell is a dedicated certified health and fitness professional with over 2 decades of real world, practical, hands-on experience. Following his passion for helping people and living a healthy lifestyle, Scott began his professional career in 1996 as a personal trainer while pursuing a degree in business at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He began working in small intimate fitness and training facilities then later took the plunge into the world of commercial & corporate fitness.

As a National Director of Personal Training, he was a senior director/operator and personal training educator for one of the world’s largest fitness corporations nearly 400 clubs strong. After more than 10 years of commercial & corporate fitness, Scott made the life altering decision to stop traveling the country in 2010 and focus his skills locally to those clients who truly want to improve their health & fitness, performance, body image, and lifestyle. In April 2010 he launched Red Dot Fitness.

Scott's dynamic and innovative approach to training incorporates both an art and science. He's achieved certifications through several industry organizations and authorites including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and USA Weightlifting (USAW). He has created and authored several training programs and manuals, and serves as a mentor to select health and fitness professionals. He has competed in a multitude of sports disciplines including bodybuilding, collegiate football, and multi-sport events from adventure racing to triathlon. Scott takes pride in his diverse training and client experience that spans multiple fitness services and market segments. He guarantees an intense and motivating training experience EVERY time.

We discuss addressing the obesity epidemic, mental health and addiction, proactive healthcare, the prison system, the importance of diplomacy, how we can recruit trusted leaders, the military-industrial complex, the first responder professions, the Hawaii wildfires, kindness, community and so much more.

Tulsi Gabbard is a combat veteran with deployments to the Middle East and Africa. She currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves working as a Civil Affairs officer. She first served in elected office in the Hawaii State House of Representatives when she was 21 years old. Due to the attacks on 9/11, she enlisted in the Army National Guard.

In 2004, Tulsi gave up an easy re-election campaign and volunteered to deploy to Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team where she served in a medical unit. After returning home in 2006, she worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative aide to the late Senator Danny Akaka, who was Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. She then volunteered for a second Middle East deployment as a Platoon Leader. Having experienced first-hand the true cost of war, and in memory of her brothers and sisters in uniform, she ran for Congress at 31 years old, vowing to honor their lives and sacrifice.

Tulsi prevailed in a difficult election and went on to serve for eight years in Congress as a member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees, where she dealt with highly sensitive national security issues. She has always done her best to put country before party and approaches every issue, domestic and foreign, through the lens of what will best ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.

We discuss his early life, his journey into the fire service, his USAR deployments, sex addiction, mental health, the murder of his son, grief, spirituality, family, the freak accident that paralysed him and so much more.

We discuss his early life, attending a scared straight programme in Mexico, his journey into the military, his perspective on war, kindess on the battleground, the injury that revealed his brain tumor, his powerful recovery journey and so much more.

Former Royal Marine Commando Lance Corporal (LCpl) Rian Ilett, from Portsmouth in Hampshire, was diagnosed with a brain tumour after he was caught in an explosion while on operations in the Middle East in February 2019. An MRI scan identified the tumour and a biopsy later revealed it was a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), carrying with it a stark prognosis of just 12 to 15 months. The veteran underwent surgery to debulk the tumour, followed by intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He finished treatment in December 2019 and his scans have remained stable ever since. Now nearly three years post-diagnosis, Rian, a 33-year-old dad-of-two, has written and self-published a book about his experiences. His hope is that ‘Every Day Is A Battle: Fighting demons, Jihadis and terminal cancer’ will inspire and motivate others suffering with physical and mental health problems caused by a life-changing diagnosis.

We discuss the power of mentorship, community, the commonalites of Hip Hop and Punk, Neo Nazi groups in America, overcoming division and so much more.

Recent movies like “Alt Right- Age of Rage” and the Academy Award-winning short film “Skin” as well as the feature by the same name have shown some of the work done by our founder Daryle Lamont Jenkins.

Born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in nearby Somerset, Daryle became influenced by the civil rights movement as a young man. Reading about “enemies” of the civil rights movement made him wonder what happened to the KKK members. Where are they now? Are the leading normal lives and no one knows?

At 19, while serving in the military, Daryle saw an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show on Skinheads. That grew into a lifelong passion for documenting hate politics on the right.

Upon returning from the service, he became a part of the punk rock scene. He produced two public access programs about the music he was promoting, and political activism. His work cased conflict with his position as a reporter and an editor for local newspapers.

One People’s Project

With the founding of One People’s Project, his passion found a home. More importantly, One People’s Project played an instrumental role in causing the collapse of hate groups throughout the country. Daryle’s efforts have exposed those involved in hate politics nationwide. People trying to escape white power circles find support here as well. Bryon Widner is featured in the documentary “Erasing Hate” after working with Daryle to get out of the skinhead movement. “Erasing Hate” has now been turned into a feature-length motion picture! “Skin” starring Jamie Bell, Danielle Macdonald, Vera Farmiga and Mike Colter playing Daryle.

Idavox , the media outlet of One People’s Project, keeps us up to date with the latest reports from around the country on hate groups. One People’s Project aims to form a larger community of activists dedicated to antifascist work. The conditions in this country that can lead to racism must be fought at all levels of society.

Daryle was a consulting producer of the short film “Skin”, which won the 2019 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short and has appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show, The Montel Williams Show, 20/20, and AM Joy.

We discuss their early lives, their partners' journies into the fire service, the impact of mandatory overtime on families, shift work, sleep deprivation, burnout, mental health, healthy transition from work to home and so much more.

"Once upon a time in the middle of a pandemic, two fire wives and complete strangers met on the internet and decided to start a podcast for first responders and their families.

First responders provide safety to our country, and our world, but their safety whether it be mental or physical is severely lacking. Families of these brave and selfless first responders witness the impact of answering the call every day."

Through this podcast, we hope to help families understand, support, and build stronger relationships with their first responders, while also finding community and appreciation for themsevles.

We discuss his journey into hollistic medicine, the story behind "Quackery", dry needling, stem cell therapy, PRP, the healing power of Bone Marrow Concentrate, tactical athletes, sleep, aging and so much more.

We discuss his path into the fire service, some career calls, sleep deprivation, carcinogens, post fire decontamination, PFAS, his own powerful cancer survivor story, building resources for prevention and treatment and so much more.

In this second conversation, we discuss mental health in our children, aging, grief, the psychological impact of war and so much more.

Dr. Druck's pioneering work over the past 40 years, has included Executive Coaching/Consulting, Visionary Leadership, The Psychology of Men, Parent Effectiveness, Healing After Loss, Resilience and, most recently, Courageous Aging.

Recipient of the "Distinguished Contribution to Psychology" and "Visionary Leadership" awards for his community service and lifetime achievements, Dr. Druck is widely recognized as a lifeline to the countless thousands of individuals, families, communities and organizations he's helped. His body of work, including the founding of The Jenna Druck Center to honor the life and spirit of his daughter, Jenna, set a new standard of care and healing following tragedies like 9-11, Columbine, Katrina and Sandy Hook.

Today, Dr. Druck lives and maintains a small coaching and consulting practice on the ocean in Del Mar, California, writing and speaking prolifically on subjects he loves, working on community service and civility projects and enjoying the quiet beauty of life.

We discuss his journey into strength training, kettlebells, mace work, the psychology of coaching, foundation training, his powerful mental health story, growth and much more.

We discuss his healing form the physical and emotional injuries as a child, his journey into law enforcement, traffic deaths, improving road safety, school education, smart phones and accidents, alcohol, his work with MADD and much more.

Prior to joining the fire brigade, Gerard spent many years working on the building sites of Dublin, Boston and San Francisco. He still plies his building skills by volunteering to work in third-world countries such as Africa. An animal and nature lover Gerard recently moved up into the inspiring Wicklow mountains where he lives in harmony with nature with wife Stephanie and their rescue dog Saoirse.

While his favourite poet is the wonderful WB Yeats much of Gerard’s poetry is inspired by Irish ballads and singers like Shane McGowan and Christy Moore.

Gerard was recently invited back to his old school O Connell’s where ex-pupils include Thomas Kinsella, James Joyce, and Luke Kelly.

Gerard’s poetry is now being studied there which is a great honour to the Dublin native.

We discuss the suicide that sent him into medicine, riding motocross, anaesthesiology, his lens on COVID, the healing power of Ketamine, pain, post traumatic growth, first responder and military mental health, percutaneous hydrotomy and much more.

We discuss his early life, his path into the martial arts, his journey ito the military, how 9/11 was the catalyst for his special forces career, his invaluable perpective on Gaza, healing through jiu jitsu and much more.

We discuss his family's immigration story, his journey into policing, the emotional cost of officer involved shootings, the power of humility, social media, mentorship, schood safety and so much more.

Eric Tung has been a police officer in Washington state for 16 years.  He currently serves as a patrol operations commander in Kent, WA.  He also oversees peer support and wellness programs at his department and collaborates regionally with other police wellness leaders.

His experiences and those of his teammates, colleagues and best friends have shaped his focus and desire to guide and mentor in forms that support mental and physical health and resilience.  

As an officer, he worked in Patrol, as a Field Trainer, K9 Officer and in the Civil Disturbance Unit (riot response).  After promoting to sergeant, he supervised various patrol squads and was a team leader and trainer in the Civil Disturbance Unit.

After working briefly as the supervisor in neighborhood response (community education/chronic problem solving), he undertook the challenge of Recruiting and Hiring for his police department.  With a department of 166 sworn having seen recent vacancies hovering around 25%, he knew it was where he could make the most significant impact for his team's culture, morale, and critical value to the community.

Eric has been a long-time member of his department's Peer Support Team, but became the team coordinator following his promotion and loss of his friend and colleague, Diego Moreno. 

As the coordinator of peer support efforts, Eric is also one of the department's certified Critical Incident Stress Debrief facilitators.  He runs such CISDs for his department as well as other area agencies for such incidents as traumatic calls, officer-involved shootings, and line of duty deaths.  

As a fitness trainer for his agency, Eric programs and leads group and individual workouts and coaching.   As a Certified Functional Strength Coach via CFSC, Mike Boyle's system, he delivers practical exercise and fitness content that promotes performance and longevity.

In his current role, in addition to the oversight of day-to-day operations, his focus is on building a culture of mentorship and wellness through innovative thinking, intentional effort, modeling, and unparalleled relationship-building. 

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Eric became a police officer to help others and challenge himself.  He has been able to continue to grow in his various roles and looks to use Blue Grit to connect with, coach, and mentor not only police officers and first responders, but those looking to enter the career field, and agencies looking to expand and develop in the realms of health, wellness, culture-building, recruitment, and retention.

We discuss his early life, his journey into movie make up, zombie auditions, moulage and training, veteran and first responder mental health, using his special effects skillset as therapy for trauma and so much more.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, his powerful 9/11 story, truck company operations, his thoughts on primary search, lithium ion battery fire, firefighter fitness, cancer and much more.

He also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers as their Director of Specialized Performance Programs for 7 years, where he managed the mental performance optimization programs, the pre-draft talent acquisition and scouting character assessments, player mental performance profiles/development, etc. His experience in sport is wide ranging. He was also with Red Bull North America for 6 years as their High Performance Psychologist, where he developed and managed the mental performance and mental skills optimization programs for over 850 Red Bull athletes worldwide.

He has been the performance psychologist on teams that have won the MLB World Series and the FIFA World Cup. For the last 25 years, he has focused his research and practice on teachable and actionable mental performance techniques, stress resilience, character development, selection, neuropsychology, decision-making under stress, mental toughness training, and elite human performance in extreme environments. He is also credited for developing and implementing the Mental Toughness Training Program for the U.S. Navy SEALs and embedding it into their training pipeline, as well as creating the Performance Psychology program for Red Bull High Performance athletes.

He has 30 peer-reviewed, professional journal and/or chapter publications, has been featured on national media (History Channel, MSNBC, national magazines, etc.), and has served as a consultant and speaker on human factors, assessment and selection, performance optimization and mental toughness to many organizations including, NASA, Fortune 500 Companies and Executives, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, many law enforcement and government agencies, and numerous professional (NFL, MLB, NBA, etc.) and collegiate sports teams.

https://learnedexcellence.com/

We discuss his athletic journey, concussion and youth athletes, neck strength and brain health, acting, professional wrestling, firefighter helmets, aviation, traumatic brain injuries and much more.

We discuss his early life, his journey into policing, training the tactical athlete, fitness standards, his own weight loss story, creating a more resilient workforce, building a business and much more.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, California vs Florida training, the recruitment crisis, his path into special operations, some notable water rescues, firefighter fitness, knowledge sharing with international agencies, the nuances of the Orlando Wheel training, The Central Florida Rope Rescue Challenge and much more.

Thaer just returned from a humanitarian medical aid mission in Gaza. We discuss his parents' immigration story, the Israeli doctor that saved his father's life, the community in Jerusalem, violence and addiction in Chicago, the impact of poverty in America, October 7, the immense civilian death toll in Gaza, the lifeline UNRWA is for the Palestinian people, how we can help and much more.

We discuss his early life in Australia, training the youth athlete, body dysmorphia, the anatomy of shoulder pain, the power of corrective exercise, the evolution of the spine, healing back pain, MMA, the tactical athlete and so much more.

We discuss starting volunteer firefighting at a very young age, the evolution of dispatching, his journey through the ranks, how he overcame losing sight in one eye, his powerful mental health story, his cancer battle, leadership in the fire service and so much more.