Behind The Shield

Byron Branch is a veteran law enforcement officer, amputee and fencing paralympian. In this second conversation, we discuss the unlearned lessons from the pandemic, marksmanship in law enforcement, the opioid crisis, homelessness, fitness in policing, wheelchair fencing and so much more.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.Episode Sponsor:https://www.stationwise.com/

Dr Nick Detrick is a Physical Therapist, US Air Force Reservist and the founder of Tactical Athlete Performance & Physical Therapy Specialists. We discuss his journey into medicine, injury screening in the tactical professions, rehab, fitness standards, working with elite units, the power of sleep and so much more. 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.Episode Sponsor:https://www.stationwise.com/

Lieutenant Colonel Chris “Robie” Robishaw is a 33-year veteran of the U.S. Army . He recently retired and started his own consulting firm, Odyssey Special Operations Consulting, where he specializes in support to special operations exercises, military advisory roles in the film industry, and support to benevolent organizations around the world. His career began with an age waiver signed by his parents, at the age of 17 when he joined the United States Army Reserve whilst a Junior in High School. He spent three years in Reserve units in Ohio and Maine as a combat medic. After watching the invasion of Panama in 1989 on television, he decided to postpone his collegiate and ROTC endeavors and he reclassified to the Infantry by joining the Regular Army with an initial assignment to the 82d Airborne Division.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 Walch is an elite off road racer and career firefighter. We discuss his journey into extreme sports, overcoming fear, his near death experiences, the Dakar Rally, traumatic brain injury, therapeutic Ketamine, the Vegas terrror attack, the importance of sleep for performance and so much more.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 wins4-time Best in the Desert Series Motorcycle Champion2-time back-to-back Best in the Desert Series Truck Champion 2009-20101- time Best in The Desert Trick Truck series Champion1 time SCORE class 1 series Champion 3-time Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada Series Champion1-time Nevada/Utah Battle of the Borders Series Motorcycle Champion1-time W.O.R.C.S 250F Pro Series Champion1-time AMA National Hare-N-Hound Open Class National ChampionStage 16 motorcycle winner in the 2005 Dakar RallyWinner of the Red Bull KTM Dakar Rally Team USA Rider SearchFactory Rider for KTM, Kawasaki, and HusqvarnaFactory support Rider for Honda and YamahaTransoriental 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!Episode Sponsor:https://www.stationwise.com/

Marc Mero was a WWE wrestler, who became a motivational speaker, touring schools around the country. We talk about his early life, career, journey through substance abuse, mental health and his transition to teaching children about bullying and suicide.Marc Mero, who found global fame as Johnny B. Badd in WCW and alongside then-wife Rena ‘Sable’ Mero in World Wrestling Entertainment, played an instrumental role during wrestling’s hottest period. Sharing the squared circle with Hall of Fame stars including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Ric Flair, Mero’s fast-paced wrestling style and charismatic presentation made him a big hit with fans, en route to winning three WCW Television Titles and the coveted WWE Intercontinental Championship.Yet Marc Mero’s life after wrestling has been even more prolific than his time performing as a sports entertainer. For almost two decades, Marc has inspired young people globally through his motivation ‘Champion of Choices’ talks, changing many lives for the better.

Jonathan Wilson is a Navy SEAL veteran and the founder and CEO of INVI MindHealth, a mental health tech company whose mission is to save lives by making the invisible, visible. Prior to launching INVI, Jonathan worked at Capital Group and before that he was an equity trader at Goldman Sachs in New York City.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, ColoradoEpisode Sponsor:https://www.levels.com/

Peter Van Dorpe is a retired fire chief of the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District in Illinois. Chief Van Dorpe began his Fire Service career in April of 1980 as a Firefighter on Truck Co. #22 for the City of Chicago Fire Department; where he rose through the ranks including engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, eventually retiring in October of 2013 as a district chief for the Division of Training. 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.

Spencer Thomas is a former football athlete turned stunt performer and John Cena's stunt double. We discuss growing up around athletics, moving to LA, humility on set, his journey into stunts, the mental impact of injury, his connection with the fire service, John's altruism, and so much more.

Patrick Pianezza is a paramedic, actor and the writer of the film Code 3. We discuss his journey into EMS, the volunteer fire service, some career calls, the US healthcare crisis, universal healthcare, screenwriting, bringing his story to the screen and so much more.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.Episode Sponsor:https://www.levels.com/

Rob Jamieson is a 30 year law enforcement veteran, police officer, Director of the Ontario Provincial Police Association and the author of "In pursuit of Mental Wellness". We discuss his journey in to policing, organised crime, protecting the indigenous populations, the allegations of corruption that almost destroyed his union, rebuilding trust and relationships, mental health and so much more.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.Episode Sponsors:https://www.stationwise.com/https://transcendcompany.com/

Ryan Conley is a 10 year veteran of the fire service, Exercise Physiology graduate and the founder of Carna Bunker Gear. We discuss his journey into powerlifting, training the tactical athlete, firefighter fitness standards, rem0ving carcinogens from our gear, creating a safe bunker gear to train in, the work week and so much more.https://www.carnabunkergear.com/Episode Sponsor:https://www.levels.com/

Eddie Wineland is the Former WEC World Champion, UFC fighter and a career firefighter. We discuss his journey into the combat sports, the house fire that almost claimed his brother's life, the fighter's mindset, sleep and performance, mental health and so much more.

Dr. Blaine Lints is an applied physiologist, former Navy SEAL, and former professional triathlete whose research focuses on optimizing cognitive and physical performance in high-stakes operational settings. Blaine's dissertation work examined the physiological and cognitive effects of operational stressors such as thermal strain and physical exertion. His overarching goal is to generate research and communicate those findings to preserve and enhance operator performance and health.Episode Sponsor:https://www.stationwise.com/

Jeff Cool is an Air Force Veteran, FDNY Rescue Firefighter and Black Sunday Survivor. We discuss military firefighting, his journey into the FDNY, his haunting 9/11 story, the 178th Street fire, Joey DiBernardo's selfless heroism, Jeff's physical and emotional healing journey, psychedelics, lifesaving bail out systems and so much more.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/Episode Sponsors:https://transcendcompany.com/https://www.levels.com/

Ty Miller started his working career in the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment of the French Foreign Legion where, among other things, he used to jump out of airplanes and helicopters. Now, as a new Commercial IFR Helicopter Pilot working at Helijet International, his passion is to fly them. Previous to his flying career, Ty was an executive in the software industry with large and small analytics companies like SAP and Visier.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.Episode Sponsor:https://www.stationwise.com/

Dr Stuart McGill is a world renowned authority on back health. We delve into a host of topics from removing the sit up in the Military's PT test to the correlation between sleep deprivation and musculo-skeletal injury.Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a “distinguished professor emeritus”, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues related to the causal mechanisms of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pained people and enhance both injury resilience and performance. His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups and elite athletes and teams from around the world.His work produced over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, several textbooks, and many international awards including the “Order of Canada” in 2020 for leadership in the back pain area. He mentored over 37 graduate students during this scientific journey.During this time he taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners in professional development and continuing education courses around the world.He continues as the Chief Scientific Officer for Backfitpro Inc. Difficult back cases, and elite performers, are regularly referred to him for consultation. Any product associated with this website has been tested in Dr. McGill’s laboratory.

Steve Gowin is an Army Veteran, retired SWAT operator and Crossfit coach. We discuss his journey into the military, horsemanship, fitness in law enforcement, leadership, coaching the youth athlete and so much more.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.Episode Sponsor:www.levels.com

Doug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor, and expert researcher with an MLS from Indiana University, Bloomington, and has excellent communication skills (BA English, BYU). He is a global thought leader on Physical Education, Fasting, Sovereign Debt, and responsible CRE Revenue Reserve strategies. In this second conversation, Doug reveals the underhand practices of private equity firms that are threatening public pensions.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.Episode Sponsors:https://www.stationwise.com/https://transcendcompany.com/

Anthony Ortiz is a veteran Fire Captain, Instructor and Entrepreneur. We discuss growing up in a firefighter family, his own journey into the fire service, courage in leadership, the 24/72 workweek, fighting for a healthy marriage, firefighter fitness, the power of mentorship and so much more.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.Episode Sponsor: Levelshttps://www.levels.com/

Rob Jones lost both legs after an IED explosion whilst serving as an Engineer with the Marines. Refusing to let his injuries define him, Rob became an elite athlete competing as a rower in the Paralympics. Rob's latest adventure saw him completing 31 marathons in 31 days. We talk about adaptive athletics, mental trauma, his charitable ventures and much more.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.

Andrew Douglas is a former firefighter/paramedic and creator of the mental health app Siento. Blake Richardson is the son of a firefighter and co-founder of the alert system EaseAlert. We discuss impriving firefighter rest and recovery, how to avoid waking crews unecessarily, using AI to help improve peer support conversations and so much more.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/Episode Sponsors:https://www.bubsnaturals.com/Use Code BTS for 20% offStationwise:https://www.stationwise.com/

Darin Kinder is a former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, where he spent decades protecting world leaders and navigating high-stakes environments. On September 11, 2001, he was on the ground in New York City when the World Trade Center was attacked—an experience that earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor and forever shaped his perspective on life and leadership.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 is a former United States Attorney and the leader of the team who prosecuted Purdue Pharma, following their deadly predatory actions with Oxycontin. We discuss his journey into law, prosecuting mobsters, the genesis of the opioid crisis, FDA corruption, the dark side of nursing homes, "Dopesick", his new documentary "No Country for Old People" and so much more.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/Episode Sponsor: Stationwisehttps://www.stationwise.com/

John Graham is a former British Army Paratrooper and member of 22 SAS. He is also known as his pen name John Geddes, the author of "Spearhead Assault" detailing his experience in the Falkland Islands War and "Highway to Hell" telling his military contracting story in Iraq.We discuss his early life in England, his journey into the military, serving in Northern Ireland, The Battle of Goose Green, war in the Middle East, contracting, close protection work, mental health, leadership and much more.John is a former British Army Warrant Officer who served in the Parachute Regiment and 22 SAS. Since Leaving the Army in 1997 he has consulted to many international security companies and has acted as an insolvency agent specialising in asset recovery.John held two directorships and has spent two years on active service in Iraq prior to taking up the post of MD Ronin Concepts Elite Ltd. He has written two novels under the pen name of John Geddes; ‘Highway to Hell' about PMC security in Iraq and ‘Spearhead Assault' about the battle for Goosegreen in the Falkland Islands.

Stephanie Waugh is a mother, firefighter, strength athlete, firefighter spouse and co-founder of the non profit Waughstrong. We discuss her journey into powerlifting and strongman, her journey into the fire service, navigating the schedule when both partners are firefighters, the impact of mandatory overtime on families, pregnancy, breastfeeding and so much more. WaughStrong: https://waughstrong.org/

Dr Nathan Jenkins has nearly two decades of experience in exercise physiology and sports nutrition, working with top athletes and high performers. We discuss his journey into the world of exercise physiology, the biology of cascular disease, the healing power of food, supplementation, comprehensive blood panels, Rapid Health Optimization and so much more. "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 Edwards is the Cofounder and CEO of Stationwise, a company transforming how fire departments manage staffing, scheduling, and labor rules. Raised in a family of firefighters, his father, uncle, and grandfather all served. Marcus grew up immersed in the fire service culture, and he saw firsthand how outdated tools made a hard job even harder.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/Episode Sponsor - Levels:Use Discount Code SHIELD at https://www.levels.com/

Olivia Jackson is a model, muay thai fighter and professional stunt performer. We discuss growing up in South Africa, modelling, fighting, her near death experience, overcoming physical and mental trauma and much more."As an adult, my professional journey took a unique turn as I transitioned from an International Model to a Stuntwoman in films. I contributed to a number of blockbuster films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Avengers, Cinderella, and Guardians of the Galaxy. I also stunt doubled for acclaimed actresses including Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Karen Gillan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elizabeth Olsen.However, in 2015, a life-altering incident on a film set left me in a 3 week coma with a broken, twisted & paralysed body, filled with enduring neurological & physical pain that will last for the rest of my life. With all the loss I faced, as well as the ceaseless physical pain, I endured signifiant emotional and mental suffering too. Needing to find some kind of resource, I embarked on a deep journey of spiritual rehabilitation, uncovering the space to transform psychological suffering & reshaping my life in wonderful ways.Despite the ongoing challenges, I have discovered a renewed source of strength, joy & inspiration through my meditation practice & the inner transformation it offers and it has empowered me to live my life fully, despite the pain & loss."https://www.oliviajackson.net/

Mike was born and raised in North Bellmore, New York where he graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in accounting in 1991. After starting his accounting career, he realized that his real passion lay in Law enforcement. Mike wanted to become an FBI agent, but they were on a federal hiring freeze at the time, and coupled with the fact that he wanted to experience a different way of life,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/

Jimmy Sands is an FDNY veteran and survivor of the infamous Deutsche Bank Fire. We discuss his journey into the volunteer fire service, joining the FDNY, the tragedy on 9/11, the unity of 9/12, losing his brothers in 2007, the mental health impact and so much more. https://www.youtube.com/@nycfireguy/shorts

Dr Marc Bubbs ND, MSc, CISSN, CSCS is a naturopathic doctor, performance nutrition lead for Canada Basketball, and performance nutrition consultant for a portfolio of professional and Olympic athletes. Marc is the author of the best-selling book Peak: The New Science of Athletic Performance That Is Revolutionizing Sports. Marc also hosts The Performance Nutrition Podcast, connecting listeners with world-leading experts in human performance and health, and regularly speaks at health, fitness, and medical conferences across North America, the UK, and Europe. Marc practices in both Toronto, Canada, and London, England. Marc is also the co-founder of ProBio Nutrition.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

Marcus Capone is a former Tier 1 Navy SEAL and the founder of "Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions". We discuss his journey into the Navy, TBIs and microtraumas, his powerful mental health story, the healing power of Ibogaine and so much more.When he was medically retired after 13 years. and multiple combat deployments as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Marcus Capone and his wife, Amber, thought that life would return to normal. Instead, their struggle had just begun. Marcus was experiencing an escalating myriad of challenges, including depression, isolation, cognitive impairment, excessive alcohol use, headaches, insomnia, and impulsivity. Marcus was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but, instinctively, Amber felt there was more to be discovered. After learning about the effects of blast waves, concussive, and subconcussive brain injuries, everything started to become clear. Marcus’ military career as an explosives expert, combined with his prior years of contact sports, had left him with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a condition that has significant overlap with PTSD, and is often not properly diagnosed.“After so many failed treatments, I felt that I had nothing to lose at that point. But when my treatment was a complete success, I knew we had to pay this forward to other combat veterans.”When all hope seemed lost, Amber learned about ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic used traditionally in West African ceremonial settings that has been studied as a potential treatment for opioid addiction and other mental health conditions. Marcus traveled to a reputable independent clinic outside of the U.S. to receive treatment with Ibogaine, as well as 5-MeO-DMT, another naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Immediately after the sessions, Marcus felt a massive weight had been lifted, his cognitive functioning returned, he had no desire for alcohol, and he stopped taking all prescription medications.Marcus and Amber dedicated themselves to finding out if psychedelic therapy could also help his fellow teammates, many of whom were also experiencing the combined challenges of PTSD and TBI.Since 2019, the non-profit Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) has provided grants for hundreds of U.S. Special Forces veterans to receive psychedelic-assisted therapy treatment outside the U.S., as well as preparation and integration coaching. VETS believes that psychedelic therapy can lay the foundation for further healing. This “foundational healing” enables continued progress across a range of therapeutic modalities, and is supported by a robust coaching program, providing a holistic treatment solution for veterans.https://vetsolutions.org/

Josh Clemente was a lead Life Support Systems Engineer at SpaceX, but his discovery that he was metabolically unhealthy led him down a path of research into the intersection of blood glucose and health. From there, his mission became figuring out how to get that important data into the hands of more people. Josh is now the founder of Levels Health, a metabolic fitness startup that uses continuous glucose monitoring to provide users with real time data and insights into how their daily choices are impacting their health.https://www.levels.com/

Marc Coull is a Master Police Officer, Gang Detective veteran and Community Policing Instructor. In this second conversation we discuss his own jarring transition out of law enforcement, first responder fitness, combatives in law enforcement, leadership cowardice, moral courage, the ICE raids, National Guard deployments, Gaza and much more.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/

Dan Lennon is a U.S. Air Force veteran, Lieutenant with Orange County Fire Rescue, and the founder of The First Responder Realtor® brand. We discuss his journey into the fire service, firefighter fitness, the fiscal and mental health benefits of a second career, the world of real estate and so much more.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

Doug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher. Doug's documentary "The Motivation Factor" shows the incredible positive ripple effect of La Sierra High School's PE program in the 1960s. We discuss his journey into film making, the personal tragedy that drove his quest for health information, the obesity epidemic, nutrition and immunity, the social impact of shared suffering, how healthcare costs are crippling our economy and much more.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.Education & ExperienceDoug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher with an MLS from Indiana University, Bloomington and has excellent communication skills (BA English, BYU).Doug Orchard has strong business functional experience in health and wellness, exercise science, insurance, real estate and law. He is a global thought leader on Physical Education, Fasting, Debt, and responsible Revenue Reserve strategies.https://www.dougorchard.com/

Thaer Ahmad, MD is a board-certified emergency medicine physician working at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ahmad is the assistant program director for the emergency medicine residency program. He serves as both the global health director and medical ethics director for the emergency department at Advocate Christ. Dr. Ahmad is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a board member of PAMA. The Palestinian American medical association.He has served in Gaza at Nasser and Al-Aqsa Hospital, as well as in Lebanon during the ongoing conflict. Prior, Dr. Ahmad has spent time in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, and Greece working on local healthcare capacity building projects.In this 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.

Dr Todd Otten is a board-certified family physician and co-founder of Our Quadruple Aim, a movement that challenges the status quo in healthcare and promotes patient experience, quality care, lower costs, and provider wellness. Todd has over 20 years of experience in providing quality patient care, leading teams, and managing projects in various settings, including the United States Navy, where he was honored as the naval flight surgeon of the year in 2006 for the Atlantic FleetTodd 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/

Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita currently serves as the Health & Fitness Coordinator for the Pflugerville Fire Department. Since 2016, she has overseen all aspects of health and performance for the department’s active firefighters and multiple academies. She focuses on balancing health and performance for tactical personnel through movement quality, evidence based practices, and realistic approaches. 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.

Danny Boy O'Connor is the co-founder of House of Pain and the founder of The Outsiders House. We discuss his early life, his journey into Hip Hop, fame, his powerful addiction story, the impact "The Outsiders" had on his life, the healing power of community and so much more.The Outsiders House Museum unveils a behind the scenes layer that everyone loves: the trivia, the untold yarns, the story behind the story. Stepping into the museum gives fans young and old a chance to stand in the living room where Ponyboy and Darry quarrel, visit the kitchen and recall all the talk about chocolate cake for breakfast, see Dallas Winston’s leather jacket, hear about the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Chair, see rare and never before seen photos, movie artifacts and more. Even if you’re a longtime fan of The Outsiders, you’re bound to see and learn something new.As decades passed, the house fell into disrepair and narrowly escaped demolition. In 2016, Hip Hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor purchased the “Curtis Brothers House.” A longtime fan of the novel and the movie, O’Connor had visited the site during earlier Tulsa tour stops, and just couldn’t shake the belief that the house needed to be preserved for future generations. His goal: restore The Outsiders House as it appeared in the movie, while also creating a museum to share his extensive collection of Outsiders movie memorabilia. Still, the task wouldn’t be easy. When purchased, the house was in dismal shape and needed to be gutted down to the studs. If The Outsiders House was going to be restored, it was sure to be a significant project, requiring time, volunteers, and donations.As progress continues toward opening The Outsiders Museum, each day has brought some fun surprises and spreading goodwill – celebrity drop-ins, author S.E. Hinton herself, people sharing cool stories and factoids, adults who were extras in the movie, community service projects, and even a dog named Spot. You never know who will stop by The Outsiders House Museum.https://www.theoutsidershouse.com/

Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffitt recently retired from the Australian Defence Force after almost 30 years, most of which was spent with Australia’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment as a Team Commander and Team Specialist. He has completed 11 active service deployments, including being wounded in action in 2008. Harry completed his time with the SAS as its Human Performance Manager. He’s a Registered Psychologist and runs a human performance consultancy working with sports teams, the military and industry.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/

Mat McLaughlin is a firefighter and Army veteran from Perth, Western Australia. Mat underwent MDMA-assisted therapy, an experience he credits not only with saving his career, but possibly his life. We discuss his journey into the fire service, military service, East Timor, natural disasters, losing his father, the healing power of MDMA and so much more. 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 Reston is a law enforcement veteran and the founder of Reston Group Critical Solutions. We discuss his journey into policing, fitness standards, the importance of realism in training, surviving a murder attempt, weapon design, the Charlie Kirk assassination and much more. 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.

Rob Bilott is a veteran Environmental Litigator and the lawyer portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in the movie Dark Waters. We discuss his journey into law, navigating environmental law, how a farmer's dying cattle burst open the unethical practices of Du Pont, the diseases and deaths attributed to "Forever Chemicals" and so much more.A seasoned and internationally-recognized litigator, advocate, and author, Rob represents a diverse range of clients on a wide variety of matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws. For more than 30 years, he has handled environmental issues of regulatory compliance, permitting, and corporate/real estate transactions, as well as all aspects of litigation arising from such issues, from administrative hearings to multi-party, complex multi-district litigation, mass torts, and class actions.Rob has gained international prominence in connection with uncovering and disclosing the world-wide impact of environmental contamination by the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances), particularly PFOA and PFOS. To date Rob has secured benefits in excess of $1 billion for a wide array of firm clients adversely impacted by PFAS contamination, including through key leadership positions in the nation’s first class action, personal injury, medical monitoring, and multi-district litigations, and jury trials involving PFAS.Because of this experience and knowledge on PFAS issues, Rob is frequently invited to provide keynote lectures and talks at law schools, universities, colleges, communities, and other organizations all over the world, including testimony before federal and state Congressional subcommittees, parliaments of the European Union, individual member states, and the United Kingdom, and committees of the United Nations.In 2017, Rob received the International Right Livelihood Award (also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) for his decades of work on PFAS “forever chemicals,” and was the 2020 recipient of Taft’s “Legacy Award,” which is bestowed upon a Taft attorney who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm, resulting in an overall positive impact on the legacy of Taft. Rob’s story is chronicled in his book, “Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont,” and is the inspiration for the feature film, “Dark Waters” and documentary, “The Devil We Know.”https://www.taftlaw.com/people/robert-a-bilott/

Daragh Fleming is an early career writer from Ireland who uses wit and an introspective lens to delve into the subleties of the human experience. He is an author, writer, poet, performer and award-winning mental health blogger from Cork, Ireland. He holds an MA in Linguistics, a BA in Applied Psychology, and a passion for mental health.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 Millar is a social-entrepreneur with over a decade of experience providing ibogaine therapy and is the co-founder of Ambio. We discuss his own healing journey with psychedelics, the healing power of Ibogaine, addiction, traumatic brain injury, success stories from Navy SEALs, the formation of VETS, how the 343 fund is helping first responders, the feilure of drug prohibition and so much more. 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.

Joe Malone's journey to becoming a renowned leader in safety and resilience is as inspiring as it is transformative. His early years were marked by challenges, including a period of childhood drug use, which tested his resolve and direction. However, rather than allowing those struggles to define him, Joe chose to rewrite his story.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.

Dr Michael Gervais is a Sport Psychologist, author and Podcaster who has worked with some of the world's top athletes. We talk about mastery, the psychology of fear, self talk, tribalism and much more.Gervais is a high performance psychologist working in the trenches of high-stakes environments with some of the best in the world, training the mindset skills and practices essential to pursuing and revealing one’s potential. His clients include world record holders, Olympians, internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, MVPs from every major sport and Fortune 100 CEOs.A published, peer-reviewed author and recognized speaker on optimal human performance, Dr. Gervais has been featured by NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, Red Bull TV, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, ESPN Magazine and others.He is the co-founder of Compete to Create, a digital platform business helping people become their best through mindset training. The firm works with a limited portfolio of Fortune 500 companies and leaders to switch on culture and individuals through high performance mindset training and coaching. Clients include Microsoft, Boeing and Zynga.He is also the host of Finding Mastery, a podcast that takes you inside the rugged and high-stakes environments of those on the path of mastery to explore how they train minds to be at their very best. Gervais unpacks and decodes each guest’s journey, psychological framework and mindset skills and practices. Past guests include Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton, Thrive Global CEO Arianna Huffington, FUBU Founder Daymond John, Mercedes Benz Formula 1 Owner Toto Wolff, Microsoft’s CFO Amy Hood, ultra marathoner David Goggins, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Carli Lloyd, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment Jimmy Smith, Pixar’s CFO Lawrence Levy, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach, Pete Carroll, big wave surfer Ian Walsh, among many others.Dr. Gervais received his undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University. He completed his PhD while studying under the father of American applied sport psychology, Dr. Bruce Ogilvie, at San Diego University, Integrative Studies.https://findingmastery.net

Jennifer Hunt Murty is the founder and publisher of the Ocala Gazette, an independently owned newspaper recognized as the area’s leading source of investigative reporting. We discuss her career in the legal field, what drove her into journalism, exposing failures in local first responder agencies, recidivism, the mental health crisis and so much more.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=V5YEfyFQ3hNr7zdHhttps://www.facebook.com/ocalagazette/videos/1417700989526937/?rdid=XN01wNdSvqiK4hBv#

Charly Crawford is a ten time NFR team roper, trainer and the founder of the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation. We discuss his childhood around horsemen, the world of team roping, catharsis through equine therapy, identity, the importance of purpose, fundraising for veterans and first responders and much more.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/