Behind The Shield

Evan Halquist is a veteran LA County firefighter, strength coach and Foundation Training instructor. We discuss the power of second chances, his journey into the fire service, training the tactical athlete, overcoming injury, back health, kettlebell training, contrast therapy and much more.

Meg Tucker is a US Army Major, athlete and the founder of the Valkyrie Project. We discuss her journey into the military, finding Crossfit, Nordic mythology, the physiological differences in the female tactical athlete, mentstrual cyles and training, pregnancy and so much more.

DJ Vanas is an Air Force Veteran, Native American voice and a member of the Ottawa Tribe. We discuss the Native American Warrior legacy within the US military, DJ's journey into the Air Force, homecoming ceremony, mental health, leadership, tribalism, honouring tradition, the power of storytelling and so much more.

The Antarctic Fire Angels are comprised of four British Firefighters who will undergo an expedition to the South Pole in November to raise money for The Firefighters Charity. The team consists of Georgina Gilbert, Becky Hinchley, Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe and Nikki Upton. We discuss their respective journeys into the fire service, the imortance of mentorship, firefighter fitness, mental toughness, their cold weather training in Norway, mental health and so much more.

Dr Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and the founder of "The Way Back". In this second conversation, we take a deep dive into the world of breath, deregulating the nervous system, flow state, upregulating when needed, posture, efficiency and so much more.

Mike Goosby is a 31 Veteran LAPD Police Officer, Chief K9 Trainer and a Board Member of K9s United. We discuss his early life in Los Angeles, gang culture, the power of mentorship. his journey into law enforcement, entering the world of K9s, myths surrounding Police Dogs, the proactive, lifesaving application of a K9 program and so much more.

Emily Kaplan is an investigative journalist covering topics including violent crime, technology and health. She has also launched, run and sold four start ups. In this second conversation we discuss big sugar, diabetes and the obesity epidemic, menstruation and exercise, The Broken Science Initiative, The Crossfit book and so much more.

Emily Kaplan has spent over 17 years as an investigative journalist covering topics including violent crime, technology and health. We discuss her journey into journalism, women and research, the cancel culture, her 9/11 experience, Crossfit, Greg Glassman, the American health crisis and so much more.

Leigh Hosy-Pickett is a British Firefighter and the author of "Up in Smoke". We discuss his journey into the fire service, history vs tradition, the power of innovation, leadership, sleep deprivation, the Human Performance Project, mental health and much more.

Dr Ken Druck is a Clinical Psychologist, speaker and the author of numerous books. We discuss his journey into psychology, responding as a grief counselor to the Columbine massacre, 9/11 and Sandy Hook, losing his 21 year old daughter, his grief journey, aging, caring for an elderly relative, mental health, addiction and so much more.

Jamie Lissow is a comedian, writer and actor. We discuss childhood experiences that contributed to using humor, his journey into stand up comedy, the facade of "overnight success", mental health in entertainment, the dark side of Kratom, living in Alaska, his work with Rob Schneider and so much more.

Jadie Miller is a veteran Canadian firefighter and the founder of Pyroc. Dr Christopher Frueh is a Clinical Psychologist, co-founder of Pyroc and the man who created the diagnosis "Operator Syndrome". We discuss Jadie's traumatic childhood, being homeless at 8 years old, her journey into the fire service, Chris' journey into psychology, the holistic approach to mental ill health, "Firefighter Syndrome", sleep deprivation and much more.

Brendan Quisenberry is an Army Special Forces veteran and former 101st Airborne Division Parachute Demonstration Team member. He met his wife Nikki during war time and like many military and first repsonder marriages, they were exposed to the physiological and psychological traumas of service. We discuss Brendan's journey into the military, how they met, traumatic brain injury, mental health, infidelity, rebuilding trust, exogenous testosterone and health, the Human Performance Project, bodybuilding and so much more.

Amelia Lara spent over two decades in the Marines serving as a Military Police Officer, Criminal Investigator and was part of their boxing team. During her early career, she was stationed at Camp LeJeune and became one of over 500,000 servicemembers with catastrophic health issues from contaminated water. We discuss her journey into the Military, war and mental health, Marines Law enforcement, some of her career cases, her terminal cancer diagnosis, her fight for proactive change and so much more.

Heidi Chance is a veteran undercover Detective and the founder of "A Chance for Awareness". We discuss her journey into the Police Cadet program, her transtion into policing, the school resource officer, working undercover in the world of prostitution, sex trafficking, warning signs for parents, tools for first responders and so much more.

Josh Chase is an Army Veteran, fire service leader and author. We discuss his journey into Army aviation, transitioning from military leader to probationary firefighter, marriage, mental health, grief, leadership, his books, the rescue that earned him the Medal of Honor and much more.

Jason Van Camp is a Green Beret Veteran, author and the founder of Warrior Rising. We discuss his Westpoint experience, his journey into the military, serving in the Special Forces, Epilepsy, his transition out, entering the world of business, the genesis of his non-profit and so much more.

Kevin Hazzard is a Paramedic and the author of 1000 Naked Strangers and American Sirens. We discuss his journey into EMS, journalism, 911 abuse, burnout, career calls, mental health, the unknown story of America's first paramedics in Pittsburgh, racism and so much more.

Lee Sammartino is a BASE Jumper, musician and Marketing guru. We discuss his journey into extreme sports, his path into business, branding the fire service, his perspective on the drug industry, how to start a non-profit, leveraging marketing tools, social media, the power of relationships, the Human Performance Project and so much more.

Scott Chappell is a Florida Fire Captain, US&R/HazMat/MARC Program Coordinator and instructor. We discuss his journey into the fire service, responding to international incidents, special operations, firefighter fitness, shift work, sleep deprivation and much more.

John Doolittle is a former Navy SEAL Captain, Chief Revenue Officer for KAATSU and a public speaker. We discuss his journey into the Navy, the power of mentorship, his perspective on war, human performance, blood flow restriction, the Frogman Swim, transition, sleep and so much more. https://kaatsu.com/ https://johndoolittle.com/

Ben Bergeron is an author, podcaster and one of the world's most successful Crossfit coaches. We discuss his early life, coaching the youth athlete, his philosophy on mental toughness, seeking discomfort, Icelandic athletes, sleep and so much more.

Kegan Gill is and F-18 fighter pilot and the only man to survive an ejection at the speed of sound. We discuss his journey into aviation, entering the military, his near death experience, the physical rehabilitation road, his powerful mental health story, traumatic brain injury, psychedelics and so much more.

Whitney Lindsay is a former Army helicopter pilot and wildland firefighter. We discuss her journey into the military, training standards and safety, organizational betrayal, her powerful mental health story, Crossfit, the healing power of the wildland community and much more.

Chris Hauth is a world renowned endurance athlete, coach and podcaster. We discuss his shared childhood between Germany and America, physical education, mental toughness, Health Care, the importance of suffering, recovery, sleep, swimming, breath, the Human Performance Project and much more.

Brandt McCartney is a Gold Star sibling, brain health advocate and the man behind The 38 Challenge. We discuss the impact his older brother Cpt. Matthew Brewer had on his childhood, their shared love of football, Matthew's journey into the Marines, Matthew's suicide, grief, traumatic brain injury and mental health and so much more

Kent Stanway is the only member of the Canadian Armed Forces to transition from Search and Rescue Technician to Pilot. We discuss childhood bullying, his journey into the military, the role of the SAR Tech, stress inoculation, physical fitness, training standards, sleep and so much more.

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell is a former firefighter/paramedic, Chief Executive of Research and Data Analytics for the IAFF and the current US Fire Administrator. We discuss her journey into the fire service, emergency medicine, firefighter mental health, sleep deprivation, shift work, the wildland firefighter community, wildland/urban interface and so much more.

Christian Meyers is an Air Force veteran and the co-host of the MEDEVAC Podacast. We discuss his journey into the military, the role of a Special Missions Aviator, fitness, mental health, his transition story, psychedelics, extreme sports, the Human Performance Project and so much more.

Jessie Salas is a retired Orlando firefighter and the Director of Coaching for Foundation Training. In this second conversation, we discuss holistic cancer treatment alternatives, strength training, his work with jiujitsu legends and world champion up and comers, breath work, meditation and so much more.

Justin Menchaca was a Green Beret when he was shot in the head by an Afghani sniper in 2011. The traumatic brain injury left him paralyzed on one side and unable to speak. Justin was joined in this interview by his mother Julie and wife Carissa. We discuss his journey into the military, the events leading up to his near fatal wounds, what that phone call was like for a parent, Justin's incredible physical and mental rehabilitation journey, online dating, the healing power of stem cells, his incredible mindset, how Carissa began "Cells for Chac" and so much more.

Matthew Crane is a Navy veteran, musician, artist and a member of the Human Performance Project team. We discuss his journey into the military, his near death experience, sleep deprivation, trauma, volunteerism, the healing power of art, 7x and so much more.

Darin Olien is an expert in the Holistic wellness space, author and the co-host of the Docuseries "Down to Earth". In this second conversation we discuss his journey through Australia, ancient Aboriginal wisdom, the devastating effect of wild fires, grief, forever chemicals, the impact of environmental toxins on our health, his latest book "Fatal Conveniences" and so much more.

Matthew Thomas is the Chief Deputy of Pinal County and the author of Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels. We discuss his childhood perspective of gangs, his journey into law enforcement, the genesis of Cartel violence, human trafficking, the illicit drug trade, the war on drugs, school safety, mental health and so much more.

Michael Hicks lost his son Macoy to suicide whilst serving in the US Navy and ultimately started the non-profit Hicks Strong. We discuss Michael's own mental health journey, Macoy's journey into the military, the deadly effects of toxic leadership, Gold Star siblings, hug mugs and so much more.

Zack Garner is a former Green Beret, Protection Specialist and I would argue the walking example of resilience. We discuss his journey into the military, his work with the Special Forces, the Epilepsy and TBI that forced him out of active duty, the Ride to Valhalla, the power of plant medicine, his near fatal bicycle accident, the flesh eating bacteria that almost killed him, his powerful mental health story, 7x and so much more.

Stack is a Virginia Firefighter, Rescue Technician and the man behind The Things We All Carry Podcast. We discuss his tumultuous childhood, working with special needs children, his journey into the fire service, his own mental health story, plant medicine, podcasting, sleep and so much more.

Desiree De Spong is a Holistic Medical Practitioner, Lymphatic Specialist and the Founder of Flowpresso. We discuss her childhood in New Zealand, working with the Fire Service, her journey into healing, the ripple effect of the pandemic, lymphatics, deregulation of the nervous system, cancer, sleep, her work with first responders and much more.

Helen Barnett is a retired London Metropolitan Police officer and a member of their Armed Response Unit. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, the power of mentorship, surviving a stabbing, an IRA bomb and being shot, her physical and mental health journey, the healing power of nature, breathwork and so much more.

Thomas Newman is a coach, Sports Scientist and the Chief Innovation Officer at Hawkin Dynamics. We discuss his journey into sports, the power of Sports Science data analysis, tactical athlete selection, fostering longevity, sleep and recovery, his own physical and mental recovery journey following a brain tumor, his non-profit and so much more.

Ryan Gallik is a former Florida Firefighter/Paramedic, author and co-founder of The Mental Hygiene Project. We discuss the school shooting he witnessed in middle school, his journey into the fire service, the Pulse massacre, leadership, his own powerful mental health story, transition and so much more.

Lisa Farmer is the Chief Executive of Royal British Legion Industries, one of the UK's oldest charities with it's genesis in WWI. We discuss her journey into charitable fundraising, working with special needs children, epilepsy, veteran homeless, addiction, RBLI's housing services, transitioning back into the workforce, Harry Kane and so much more.

Chad Robichaux is a former police office, Recon Marine and the Author of "Saving Aziz". Azizullah Aziz is an Afghani interpreter assigned to Chad as part of a unique JSOC Task Force team. We discuss their respective childhoods, fleeing the Taliban as a young man, Chad's career call as a police officer, some of the heroism from our Afghan allies, the travesty that was the Afghan withdrawal, how Chad's team of veterans liberated thousands of our allies, their powerful mental health stories and much more.

Kevin Conley is a Wildland Firefighter, Author and extreme adventurer. We discuss his turbulent youth, working with the special needs community, his journey to becoming a Snake River Hotshot, his career near miss, his powerful mental health journey, using a cross country bicycle ride to overcome his depression, his book "Above the Ashes" and so much more.

Christine Bald is an athlete, Crossfit coach and the co-author of several books. We discuss her childhood in Ocala, Middle Eastern politics, her journey into Crossfit, mentorship under renowned coach Ben Bergeron, becoming the behind the scenes voice for the Crossfit Games, writing, Iceland, the longevity of Annie Thorisdottir and so much more.

Dr Dan Pronk is a former Special Operations Medic, physician and author. In this second conversation we discuss creating resilience by proactive self care, processing the inability to save, flow state, treating gunshot injuries, blast trauma, mental health and so much more.

Rebecca Ivory is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the woman behind "Tactical Psychiatry". We discuss her journey into nursing, being a coxswain in elite rowing teams, her road into psychiatry, Operator Syndrome, traumatic brain injury, sleep, testosterone and so much more.

Laurianna Sargent is a veteran firefighter, former elite rower and cancer survivor. We discuss her journey into military firefighting, rowing and the Crossfit community, joining a municipal fire department, human trafficking, her physical and mental health journey, firefighter fitness and so much more.

Andrew Biggio is a Marine, law enforcement officer and the man behind "The Rifle". We discuss his journey into the military, his own combat story, his journey into policing, interviewing our WWII veterans, the power of story, the Boston bombing, mental health, addiction and so much more.

Maximillian Potter is a best-selling author and a Contributing Editor to Vanity Fair. Richard Stayskal is a Marine, Green Beret and Purple Heart recipient. We discuss the journeys into their respective careers, Richard's near fatal combat wounds, interviewing celebrities, Richard's Cancer diagnosis, how The Feres Doctrine is stopping our military members from pursuing legal action after non-combat related illness and injuries, medical malpractice, wine and so much more.