Behind The Shield

Matt Hesse - Episode 776

28 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Hesse is an Army Veteran, Bullrider, Entrepreneur and the founder of The University of Health and Performance. We discuss childhood trauma, cha...

Andy Millar - Episode 775

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Millar is a Social Worker, Athlete and cancer survivor. We discuss his Leukemia diagnosis at 2 years old, the physical and mental toll of chemo o...

John Norman - Episode 774

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chief John Norman is a 50 year veteran of the fire service including 27 years with the FDNY. He is the author of multiple books including "Working wit...

Ken Corigliano - Episode 773

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ken Corigliano is a world record holder athlete, 20 year service member and the man known as "Air Force Ken". We discuss trauma and homelessness as ...

Kelsi Sheren - Episode 772

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kelsi Sheren is a Canadian Army Veteran and the founder of Brass and Unity. We discuss her childhood martial arts story, the dark side of parental t...

Jessie Gould - Episode 771

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jessie Gould is a former Army Ranger and the founder of Heroic Hearts Project. We discuss his journey into finance, 9/11, joining the military, his pe...

Katheryn Basso - Episode 770

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Katheryn Basso is a Marine and the founder of KADRI Clothing. We discuss her journey into sports medicine, joining the Marines, the female tactical at...

Chris Irwin - Episode 769

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Irwin is a former Navy SEAL, musician and the creator of "Rare Sense". We discuss his journey into the Navy, his Crossfit evolution, his power...

Vlada Parrott - Episode 768

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A native of Riga, Latvia, Vlada Parrott grew up in a household influenced by Russian Ballet and Gymnastics. Her mother was a gymnastics coach to elite...

Greg Walsh - Episode 767

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Walsh is an athlete, martial artist and the founder of Wolf Brigade. We discuss his journey into extreme sports, the straight edge Hardcore scene...

Jack Carr II - Episode 766

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL, best selling author, outdoorsman and podcaster. In this second conversation, we discuss the creation of The Terminal ...

Paige Figi - Epiode 765

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Paige Figi's daughter Charlotte was only 3 months old when she started having regular seizures, ultimately being diagnosed with Dravet's Syndrome. By ...

Chris Macklin - Episode 764

29 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Macklin is a 20 year veteran South Metro firefighter and the head of one of the country's most progressive wellness departments. We discuss hi...

Paul Harris - Episode 763

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Harris is a former Royal Marine who just completed a walk around the entire mainland Britain. We discuss the imact his childhood had in later y...

Pat Byrne - Episode 762

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Byrne is a leader in sleep and fatigue management and the author of Inconvenient Sleep. We discuss his early work in Occupational Health and Safe...

Kevin Basik - Episode 761

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Basik is a US Air Force Veteran, former Director of Character and Leadership Development and the current Chief of Leadership Programs at the Med...

Joe De Sena II - Episode 760

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Joe De Sena is an athlete, author and the founder of Spartan. In this second conversation we discuss moving his headquarters to Orlando, the impact th...

Evan Halquist - Episode 759

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Evan Halquist is a veteran LA County firefighter, strength coach and Foundation Training instructor. We discuss the power of second chances, his journ...

Meg Tucker - Episode 758

15 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 myt...

DJ Vanas - Episode 757

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Antarctic Fire Angels - Episosde 756

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 T...

Kate Pate II - Episode 755

08 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, der...

Mike Goosby - Episode 754

05 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 cul...

Emily Kaplan II - Episode 753

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Kaplan is an investigative journalist covering topics including violent crime, technology and health. She has also launched, run and sold four s...

Emily Kaplan I - Episode 752

01 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Kaplan has spent over 17 years as an investigative journalist covering topics including violent crime, technology and health. We discuss her jou...

Leigh Hosy - Pickett - Episode 751

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Ken Druck - Episode 750

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Ken Druck is a Clinical Psychologist, speaker and the author of numerous books. We discuss his journey into psychology, responding as a grief cou...

Jamie Lissow - Episode 749

25 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jamie Lissow is a comedian, writer and actor. We discuss childhood experiences that contributed to using humor, his journey into stand up comedy, the ...

Jadie Miller And Chris Frueh - Episode 748

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Brendan And Nikki Quisenberry - Episode 747

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan Quisenberry is an Army Special Forces veteran and former 101st Airborne Division Parachute Demonstration Team member. He met his wife Nikki du...

Amelia Lara - Episode 746

18 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Amelia Lara spent over two decades in the Marines serving as a Military Police Officer, Criminal Investigator and was part of their boxing team. Durin...

Heidi Chance - Episode 745

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Josh Chase - Episode 744

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Chase is an Army Veteran, fire service leader and author. We discuss his journey into Army aviation, transitioning from military leader to probat...

Jason Van Camp - Episode 743

12 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Kevin Hazzard - Episode 742

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Hazzard is a Paramedic and the author of 1000 Naked Strangers and American Sirens. We discuss his journey into EMS, journalism, 911 abuse, burno...

Lee Sammartino - Episode 741

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lee Sammartino is a BASE Jumper, musician and Marketing guru. We discuss his journey into extreme sports, his path into business, branding the fire se...

Scott Chappell - Episode 740

04 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Chappell is a Florida Fire Captain, US&R/HazMat/MARC Program Coordinator and instructor. We discuss his journey into the fire service, respondin...

John Doolittle - Episode 739

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

Ben Bergeron - Episode 738

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, h...

Kegan Gill - Episode 737

26 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Whitney Lindsay - Episode 736

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whitney Lindsay is a former Army helicopter pilot and wildland firefighter. We discuss her journey into the military, training standards and safety, o...

Chris Hauth - Episode 735

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Hauth is a world renowned endurance athlete, coach and podcaster. We discuss his shared childhood between Germany and America, physical educatio...

Brandt McCartney - Episode 734

18 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. Matth...

Kent Stanway - Episode 733

15 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kent Stanway is the only member of the Canadian Armed Forces to transition from Search and Rescue Technician to Pilot. We discuss childhood bullying, ...

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell - Episode 732

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Lori Moore-Merrell is a former firefighter/paramedic, Chief Executive of Research and Data Analytics for the IAFF and the current US Fire Administr...

Christian Meyers - Episode 731

11 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Miss...

Jessie Salas II - Episode 730

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jessie Salas is a retired Orlando firefighter and the Director of Coaching for Foundation Training. In this second conversation, we discuss holistic c...

Justin, Carissa And Julie Menchaca - Episode 729

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Matthew Crane - Episode 728

04 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ne...

Darin Olien II - Episode 727

01 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 dis...

Matthew Thomas - Episode 726

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Thomas is the Chief Deputy of Pinal County and the author of Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels. We discuss his childh...

Michael Hicks - Episode 725

29 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Zack Garner - Episode 724

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Zack Garner is a former Green Beret, Protection Specialist and I would argue the walking example of resilience. We discuss his journey into the milita...

Stack - Episode 723

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Stack is a Virginia Firefighter, Rescue Technician and the man behind The Things We All Carry Podcast. We discuss his tumultuous childhood, working wi...

Desiree De Spong - Episode 722

22 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Desiree De Spong is a Holistic Medical Practitioner, Lymphatic Specialist and the Founder of Flowpresso. We discuss her childhood in New Zealand, work...

Helen Barnett - Episode 721

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Helen Barnett is a retired London Metropolitan Police officer and a member of their Armed Response Unit. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, ...

Thomas Newman - Episode 720

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thomas Newman is a coach, Sports Scientist and the Chief Innovation Officer at Hawkin Dynamics. We discuss his journey into sports, the power of Sport...

Ryan Gallik - Episode 719

14 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Gallik is a former Florida Firefighter/Paramedic, author and co-founder of The Mental Hygiene Project. We discuss the school shooting he witnesse...

Lisa Farmer - Episode 718

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 journ...

Chad Robichaux and Azizullah Aziz - Episode 717

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Kevin Conley - Episode 716

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Conley is a Wildland Firefighter, Author and extreme adventurer. We discuss his turbulent youth, working with the special needs community, his j...

Christine Bald - Episode 715

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christine Bald is an athlete, Crossfit coach and the co-author of several books. We discuss her childhood in Ocala, Middle Eastern politics, her journ...

Dr Dan Pronk II - Episode 714

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Dan Pronk is a former Special Operations Medic, physician and author. In this second conversation we discuss creating resilience by proactive self ...

Rebecca Ivory - Episode 713

31 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rebecca Ivory is a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the woman behind "Tactical Psychiatry". We discuss h...

Laurianna Sargent - Episode 712

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Laurianna Sargent is a veteran firefighter, former elite rower and cancer survivor. We discuss her journey into military firefighting, rowing and the ...

Andrew Biggio - Episode 711

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Maximillian Potter And Richard Stayskal - Episode 710

25 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Maximillian Potter is a best-selling author and a Contributing Editor to Vanity Fair. Richard Stayskal is a Marine, Green Beret and Purple Heart recip...

Daniel DeBrocke - Episode 709

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel DeBrocke is a chef, strength coach and the Director of Education for Kabuki Strength. We discuss his international childhood, the culinary worl...

Frank Leeb - Episode 708

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Leeb is a veteran FDNY firefighter, author and the Chief of Training. We discuss his journey into the fire service, his powerful 9/11 story, res...

Katie Hernandez - Episode 707

17 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Captain Katie Hernandez is an Army EOD Company Commander, athlete and holds the world record for the one mile run in a bomb suit. We discuss her journ...

Tim Dietz - Episode 706

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Dietz sent a career as a firefighter/paramedic before becoming a mental health clinician. We discuss his journey into the fire service, losing his...

Mohammad Deen II - Episode 705

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mohammad Deen is a CRNA, humanitarian and model. In this second conversation we discuss life in Chicago over the last couple of years, Norway at the b...

Eddie Wineland - Episode 704

10 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

Bryce Hansen - Episode 703

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bryce Hansen is a former Green Beret, artist and part of the Human Performance Project team. We discuss his journey into the military, commonalities w...

Dr Belisa Vranich And Bas Rutten - Episode 702

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Belisa Vranich is a clinical psychologist and renowned breath coach. Bas Rutten is a legendary MMA champion and the founder of the O2 Trainer. We d...

Gary Hayes - Episode 701

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gary Hayes is a former British football player, veteran, police officer and the man behind PTSD 999. We discuss his journey into football, being the v...

Raphael Port - Episode 700

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Raphael Port is a Brazilian native, American firefighter and US Navy Reserve Corpsman. We discuss growing up in São Paolo, his journey into law enfor...

Sachin Latti - Episode 699

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sachin Latti is a member of a long lineage of Indian warriors, serving himself in The Canada Border Services Agency. We discuss his warfighter ancesto...

Ken Carpenter - Episode 698

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Carpenter is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience in screening, diagnosing, and treating substance abusing and dependent...

Manny Vega - Episode 697

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Manny Vega is a Marine, retired police officer and a Gold Star father. We discuss his childhood trauma at the hands of a catholic priest, his journey ...

Tom Synan - Episode 696

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Synan is a Police Chief, Tedx speaker and mental health advocate. We discuss his journey into the military, Ohio's opioid crisis, mental health an...

Steve Chikerotis - Episode 695

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Chikerotis is a retired Chicago Deputy District Chief, author, teacher and the man behind "Chicago Fire". We discuss the childhood mentors that ...

Kate Pate - Episode 694

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Kate Pate is a neurophysiologist and the founder of "The Way Back". We discuss childhood trauma, eating disorders, traumatic brain injury, combat c...

Ash Alexander-Cooper - Episode 693

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ash Cooper is a former youth choirboy, Gurkha officer, pilot and specialist military unit commander. We discuss his journey into music, joining the mi...

Jo Patti Munisteri - Episode 692

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jo Patti Munisteri is a combat analyst, author, dancer and hollistic medicine practitioner. We discuss her unique childhood, the power of travel, work...

Leif Babin - Episode 691

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Leif Babin is a former Navy SEAL, author and co-founder of Echelon Front. We discuss his childhood in Texas, the Native American community, his journe...

Brooke Bartlett - Episode 690

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brooke Bartlett is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of The Center for Trauma, Anxiety and Stress. We discuss her journey into psycholo...

Chad Conley - Episode 689

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Chad Conley is an active Green Beret and the founder of "50 for the Fallen". We discuss his journey into Army Special Forces, the importance of leader...

Paul Maleary - Episode 688

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Maleary is a retired Essex Police Officer, television personality and the founder of Ex Job. We discuss his journey into law enforcement, communi...

Craig Gile And Joe Bielitzki - Episode 687

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Craig Gile is a former fighter pilot, entrepreneur and co-founder of Cool Mitt. Joe Bielitzki is the Chief Veterinary Officer for NASA and former rese...

Jamie Metcalf and Shannon Finn Connell - Episode 686

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jamie Metcalf is the widow of Navy SEAL veteran David Metcalf and co-founder of the David Metcalf Foundation with Shannon Finn Connell. We discuss Fil...

Raul Martinez - Episode 685

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Raul Martinez is both an Army and law enforcement veteran and the founder of Rogue Methods. We discuss his journey into the military, compassion on th...

James Norris - Episode 684

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Norris is an athlete, author and the founder of Handi Capable Fitness. We discuss the medical malpractice that led to his cerebal palsy, navigat...

Sam Dillon - Episode 683

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sam Dillon is a Marine, Purple Heart recipient, firefighter and the President of the Boston Fire Department Union. We discuss his journey into the mil...

Valerie Groth And Aaron Terrill - Episode 682

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Valerie Groth is a social worker, school founder and a member of the Stella team. Aaron Terrill is a veteran law enforcement officer who survived a ne...

Steve Dunlevy - Episode 681

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Dunlevy is an actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator known for his roles in Spartacus, Jumanji, John Wick and many more. We discuss his childhood...

Joel Evan - Episode 680

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joel Evan is a former California police officer and the founder of Joel Evan Coaching. We discuss his journey into policing, Califronia's homelessness...

Dr Tommy Wood - Episode 679

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Tommy Wood is an MD, neuroscientist and Pediatrics professor. We discuss his journey into medicine, neonatal TBI, Alzheimer's, ALS, sleep and menta...

Nick Murray and Kathryn Walker - Episode 678

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Murray is the founder of Wake, a psychedelic treatment facility in Jamaica. He has united with Revitalist founder Kathryn Walker to provide a com...

Larry Doyle - Episode 677

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Larry Doyle is a Vietnam veteran and one of the most respected journalists of his era. We discuss his journey into journalism, interviewing Nelson Man...