Behind The Shield

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...

Pat Kenny II - Episode 676

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Kenny is a retired Illinois Fire Chief, public speaker and the author of "Taking the Cape Off". In this second conversation, we discuss the mental...

Laura Kunces - Episode 675

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Laura Kunces is a Registered Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist and a member of the Thorne team. We discuss her journey into nutrition, hospital food, m...

Danny Pritchard - Episode 674

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Danny Pritchard is a Green Beret and Tier One operator veteran and a member of the Human Performance Project. We discuss the power of mentorship, his ...

Erik Stolhanske - Episode 673

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Erik Stolhanske is an actor, producer and member of the Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe. We discuss his childhood amputation, overcoming adversity, the sp...

Shauna Dukes - Episode 672

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shauna Dukes is an author, nutritional coach and the mother of Trucker Dukes. We discuss her early life, wanderlust, her journey to Hawaii, motherhood...

Gary Sanders - Episode 671

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Gary Sanders is a judge in the Fifth Circuit Court in Florida. He is also known as one of the fairest and most compassionate justices in Marion ...

Lee Phillips - Episode 670

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lee Phillips is a London firefighter, tactical athlete and model. We discuss his childhood in Wales, his journey into the fire service, protecting the...

Dan Bornstein - Episode 669

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Bornstein is a former volunteer firefighter, Health and Performance professor at the Citadel and Chair of the US National Physical Activity Plan. ...

Ted Dreaver - Episode 668

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ted Dreaver is a former construction manager and the co-founder of Iron Legion Athletics. We discuss his journey into construction, mental health, fin...

Shaun Taylor - Episode 667

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shaun Taylor is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Pathfinder and one of the founding members of their Tier One unit JTF-2. We discuss his journey into ...

Mike Tanzer - Episode 666

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Tanzer is a former firefighter/paramedic and a 20 year veteran in emergency medicine. We discuss his journey into EMS, violence in Boston, his bu...

Brian Bushway - Episode 665

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Bushway has been described as "probably the world's best completely bind mountain biker". In this incredible conversation we discuss losing hi...

Billy Cushing - Episode 664

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Billy Cushing is a veteran law enforcement officer, K9 handler and Medal of Valor recipient. We discuss his journey into policing, working with his K9...

Ernest Emerson II - Episode 663

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ernest Emerson is a lifelong martial artist, teacher, author and the founder of Emerson Knives. In this second conversation we discuss his new book, "...

Carolyn Carroll - Episode 662

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Col. Carolyn Carroll is a 30 year veteran Army helicopter pilot and instructor. We discuss her journey into the military, overcoming prejudice, flying...

Steve Farina - Episode 661

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Farina is a veteran Canadian firefighter, mental health advocate and one of the men behind The BC Firefighter's Resiliency Program. We discuss h...

Sara Wilkinson II - Episode 660

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sara Wilkinson is a Crossfit athlete, mental health advocate and the widow of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson. In this second interview we discuss navigating...

Sean Chuma - Episode 659

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Chuma is one of the world's top BASE Jumpers and a member of the Human Performance Project team. We discuss his childhood athletics, his journey ...

Ashley Cummins - Episode 658

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ashley Cummins is a retired veteran law enforcement officer, MMA fighter and one of the founders of OTX Tactical. We discuss her journey into martial ...

Doc Pete Chambers - Episode 657

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Doc Pete Chambers is a Green Beret veteran, physician, cowboy and the man behind Full Spectrum American. We discuss his father's immigration story, Do...

Annette Verpillot - Episode 656

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Annette Verpillot is a Canadian entrepreneur, therapist, public speaker, and internationally recognized Posture Specialist. We discuss the injuries th...

Pete Wakefield - Episode 655

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete Wakefield is a veteran British firefighter, athlete, coach and the host of The Firefighters Podcast. We discuss his journey into the fire brigade...

Bill Denehan - Episode 654

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Denehan has spent over 35 years in aviation, flying helicopters for the military, fire and EMS. We discuss his journey into the Army, flying for ...

Clayton Lindley - Episode 653

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Clayton Lindley is a professional scooter rider, base jumper, skydiver and member of the Human Performance Project. We discuss his journey into extrem...

Toby Harkins - Episode 652

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Toby Harkins is a College Athletic Trainer, martial artist and the founder of Fifith Hand Jiu jitsu. We discuss his journey into sports medicine, trai...

Dean Lister - Episode 651

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dean Lister is a veteran jiu jitsu competitor, MMA fighter, co-founder of Victory MMA and a member of the Echelon Front family. We discuss his early l...

Leah Barto - Episode 650

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Leah is a gym owner, strength and conditioning coach, birth doula and the online program director for BIRTHFIT. We discuss her journey into Crossfit, ...

Jonny Garrett - Episode 649

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jonny Garrett is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and the founder of William Wood Watches. We discuss his grandfather's service in the British Fire Bri...

Scott Mann - Episode 648

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

LTC Scott Mann is a Green Beret veteran, author and one of the men behind Task Force Pineapple. We discuss his journey into the military, rooftop lead...

Russell Foster - Episode 647

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Russell Foster is a neuroscientist, professor, author and a pioneer in the world of circadian rhythms and sleep. We discuss his journey into chronobio...

Nichole Scaraglino - Episode 646

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nichole Scaraglino is an artist and member of the Black Rifle Coffee family. We discuss her journey into the fashion industry, her powerful 9/11 story...

Kevin Holtry - Episode 645

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Holtry is a veteran Boise Police Officer, SWAT operator, undercover officer and adaptive athlete. We discuss his journey into policing, the war ...

Ethan Suplee II - Episode 644

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ethan Suplee is an actor, athlete and the host of the "American Glutton Podcast". In this second interview we discuss the impact of lockdown on the Na...

Anthony Gillan - Episode 643

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Gillan is a Scottish immigrant, US Recon Marine and veteran Florida firefighter. We discuss his childhood in Scotland, his journey into the mi...

Sheena Sharapata - Episode 642

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sheena Sharapata is a former High School soccer athlete, TBI survivor and advocate. We discuss her athletic journey, the concussions that cut her socc...

Brendan Hynes - Episode 641

16 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brendan Hynes is a Canadian Special Forces veteran, who spent a majority of his career as a breacher and IED expert. We discuss his journey into the m...

Kenneth Panagiotakos - Episode 640

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kenneth Panagiotakos is a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt and the owner of BJJ Swamp Academy in Gainesville, Florida. We discuss his childhood in the P...

Will Jimeno - Episode 639

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Will Jimeno is a retired law enforcement officer, author, speaker and was the last remaining survivor pulled from the World Trade Center collapse alon...

Rudy Reyes - Episode 638

09 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rudy Reyes is a Recon Marine, martial artist, actor and television personality. We discuss his turbulent childhood, the importance of mentorship, his ...

Jeff Denholm - Episode 637

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Denholm is an extreme athlete, entrepreneur and the man behind Strong Water. We discuss his journey into deep sea fishing, the accident that took...

Ray Murphy - Episode 636

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ray Murphy is a Marine, BASE jumper, Canine trainer and the founder of Warriors Healing Network. We discuss his journey into the military, Operation D...

Shane Taylor - Episode 635

02 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shane Taylor is an actor, ambassador and the man who portrayed Army Medic Doc Roe in "Band of Brothers". We discuss his journey into drama, Captain Da...

Jake Hastings - Episode 634

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jake Hastings is a former Air Force mental health counselor, park ranger, ski patroller and firefighter. We discuss growing up with a special needs br...

Marjorie Lloyd - Episode 633

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marjorie Lloyd is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has worked with collegiate athletes, pediatrics and tier one operators. We discuss her journey into...

Marcus Capone - Episode 632

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Rob Bilott - Episode 631

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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, na...