Behind The Shield

Nick Norris - Episode 476

26 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Norris is a Navy SEAL veteran, elite endurance athlete and the executive director of the C4 Foundation. We discuss his journey into special opera...

Fire Wife Life - Episode 475

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kathy, Madison, Sarah and Tracy share a common bond of being firefighter spouses. They started the organization "Fire Wife Life" to forge a community ...

Steve Brown - Episode 474

21 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Brown is a veteran of the British Army's revered "Pathfinders", survival instructor and author. We discuss his challenging childhood, the import...

Benjamin Martin - Episode 473

19 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Benjamin Martin is a veteran firefighter and the man behind "Embrace the Resistance". We discuss his journey into the fire service, shift work, sleep ...

Matt Domyancic - Episode 472

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Domyancic is a former powerlifter, strength and conditioning coach and a law enforcement veteran. We discuss military service, sports vs tactical...

Nick Koumalatsos - Episode 471

14 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Koumalatsos is a Marine Recon veteran, entrepreneur, author and founder of The Raider Project. We discuss his journey into the military, training...

Craig Davidson - Episode 470

12 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Craig Davidson is a Hawaiian lifeguard, waterman and stuntman. We discuss his journey into lifeguarding, rescues and losses, the importance of humilit...

Richard Rice - Episode 469

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Richard Rice spent three decades in the US armed forces and was one of the founding members of what would become the revered Delta Force. We discuss h...

Frank Babinec And Chris Bator - Episode 468

07 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Frank Babinec is the former City of Coral Springs Fire Chief and current City Manager . Chris Bator is a Battalion Chief and Health and Safety Officer...

Tori And Anthony Gonzalez - Episode 467

05 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tori Gonzalez was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas when a former student murdered 17 schoolchildren and staff in 2018, including her boyfriend Jo...

Jeff McGreevy - Episode 466

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff McGreevy is a Marine veteran and retired law enforcement officer, serving in both gang and SWAT units. We discuss his journey into the military, ...

Harry Moffitt - Episode 465

31 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffitt spent almost three decades in the Australian Defense Force most of which in the Special Air Service (SAS). We discuss his ...

Dustin Hawkins II - Episode 464

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dustin Hawkins is a veteran firefighter, the creator of Red Line Rescue and co-founder of Safer Straps. Dustin told his powerful story on Episode 39 a...

Sebastian Junger III - Episode 463

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sebastian Junger is the filmmaker behind Restrepo and the New York Times best selling author of Tribe, War and his new book Freedom. We discuss becomi...

Aubrey Lehman - Episode 462

24 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aubrey Lehman is a firefighter/EMT in Pennsylvania. She is currently the only interior qualified deaf female firefighter/EMT in the Mid-Atlantic regio...

Nick Merrick - Episode 461

22 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Merrick is a member of 10th Special Forces Group and the Executive Director of Green Beret Racing. We discuss his journey into the military, the ...

Jason Wolfe - Episode 460

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Wolfe was a civilian contractor for the DOD and is now a counter terrorism and security contracting expert. We discuss tracking down bomb makers...

Emily McCarthy - Episode 459

17 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Emily McCarthy is a former CIA case officer and co-founder of GORUCK. We discuss collegiate athletics, her journey into the agency, mediating African ...

Greg Kelley - Episode 458

15 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Kelley was a promising high school football player when he was falsely accused of sexual abuse of a child and wrongfully imprisoned. He spent the...

Mike Taylor and Alex Roodhouse - Episode 457

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Taylor and Alex Roodhouse are Navy Riverine Veterans and co-founders of BeaverFit USA. We discuss their journeys into the military, standing up a...

Luc Roberts - Episode 456

10 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Luc Roberts is an Australian Rural Fire Service firefighter and mental health advocate. We discuss moving to Australia from the UK, his journey into f...

Rich Graham - Episode 455

08 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rich Graham is a Navy SEAL veteran and the creator of the Full Spectrum Warrior (FSW) System. We discuss his challenging childhood, martial arts, hunt...

John Delony - Episode 454

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. John Delony is a bestselling author, mental health expert and host of The Dr. John Delony Show. We discuss mental health in our schools and colleg...

Casey - Episode 453

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Casey is a law enforcement veteran, canine handler and SWAT operator. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, canine training, training the tacti...

Roger Sparks - Episode 452

01 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Roger Sparks has spent over 25 years in both Marine Recon and Pararescue. We discuss his military journey, the importance of training under stress, ha...

Peter Conroy - Episode 451

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Conroy is an Irish firefighter, surfer, lifeguard and waterman. We discuss Dublin's pioneering Fire/EMS system, water rescue, physical fitness, ...

Major James Capers - Episode 450

26 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Major James Capers is one of the most decorated Marine Recon veterans who operated on over 50 classified missions in Vietnam. We discuss his challengi...

Ryan Stanton - Episode 449

25 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Ryan Stanton is an Emergency Medicine Physician and the travelling physician for NASCAR. We discuss childhood obesity, fitness in racing, 911 abuse...

Troy Warshel - Episode 448

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Troy Warshel is a Marine Veteran serving in a host of positions including F/A - 18 fighter pilot and forward air controller. Troy is also the presiden...

Robb Wolfe - Episode 447

19 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Robb Wolf is a former EMT, biochemist and the award winning author of multiple nutrition books. We discuss his journey into emergency medicine, the ob...

Ben Strahan - Episode 446

17 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Strahan is a veteran wildland Hotshot, human performance coach and athlete. We discuss his journey into the fire service, the physical demands of ...

Mark Ormrod II - Episode 445

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Ormrod is a Royal Marine veteran, triple amputee, Invictus Games athlete and author. We discuss jiujitsu, the lockdowns, overcoming recent injuri...

Steven Burgess - Episode 444

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lt Col Steve Burgess is a BJJ Black Belt and Combatives Instructor in the Canadian Armed Forces. We discuss his journey into the martial arts, sport v...

Danny McLaughlin - Episode 443

10 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Danny McLaughlin is a retired firefighter and member of the MD Ally team. In this important episode, we discuss the multiple elements that strain emer...

Shelton Stevens - Episode 442

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Shelton Stevens is a veteran collegiate, Olympic and tactical athlete strength and conditioning coach. We discuss his athletic journey, the injury tha...

Chris Colvin II - Episode 441

05 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Chris Colvin is an emergency physician, Medical Director and author. In this second conversation, we discuss encouraging progress with COVID-19 tre...

Mandy Horvath - Episode 440

03 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mandy Horvath is a chef, climber, artist and double amputee. We discuss her journey into the culinary arts, losing her legs, her physical and mental h...

Jason Bitzer - Episode 439

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Bitzer is a professional bodyboarder, author and Oahu lifeguard. We discuss the New Jersey surf, his journey to becoming a Hawaiian lifeguard, f...

Laurence Gonzales - Episode 438

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Laurence Gonzales is a pilot, teacher and award winning author of multiple books including Deep Survival. We discuss his father's incredible survival ...

Jason McCarthy - Episode 437

27 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason McCarthy is a Green Beret veteran, author and co-founder of GORUCK. We discuss his journey into the military, the trials of a military marriage,...

Kevin Berthia - Episode 436

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Berthia is a a suicide survivor, mental health advocate and founder of the Kevin Berthia Foundation. We discuss the strain of the adopted child,...

Jim Moss II - Episode 435

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Moss is a veteran firefighter, speaker and author. We discuss the impact of the pandemic on his department, mental health, firefighter fitness, le...

Dr Gregory Smith II - Episode 434

20 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Gregory Smith is a pain management physician, filmmaker and the CEO of Red Pill Medical. We discuss the opioid epidemic, the ripple effect of isola...

Nick Whitcombe - Episode 433

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nick Whitcombe is a parkour athlete, coach and gym owner. We discuss his early life, the genesis of parkour, bodybuilding, drug smuggling, prisons, re...

Liz Carmouche - Episode 432

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Liz Carmouche is a Marine Veteran and one of the first professional female fighters in the UFC. We discuss her journey into the military, homophobia, ...

Michael Sugrue - Episode 431

13 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Sugrue is a veteran law enforcement officer in both the military and civilian sectors. He is also a suicide survivor. We discuss his journey i...

Aaron Heller - Episode 430

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Heller is a veteran firefighter, chief officer and founder of On Scene Training. We discuss the volunteer fire service, firefighter fitness, rea...

Elle Schwab - Episode 429

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Elle Schwab is a retired Police Chief turned trauma counselor. We discuss her journey into law enforcement, hostage negotiation, CSI, sleep depriva...

Brent Gleeson - Episode 428

06 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brent Gleeson is a Navy SEAL, entrepreneur and author. We discuss his journey into the business world, entering the special operations community, for...

Jason Sautel - Episode 427

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Sautel is a retied firefighter and the author of "The Rescuer". We discuss childhood trauma, acute trauma, finding Christianity, the healing pow...

Branch Warren - Episode 426

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Branch Warren is a world champion bodybuilder, coach and the co-founder of Wicked Cutz Jerky. We discuss his journey into strength and conditioning, b...

Antonika Chanel - Episode 425

28 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Antonika Chanel is a Coast Guard veteran and Chinese medicine practitioner. We discuss her journey into the military, organizational stress, travel, h...

Tony Long - Episode 424

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Long spend his career with the elite armed units of the Metropolitan Police in London. We discuss his journey into policing, the history of firea...

Jeff Martone - Episode 423

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Martone is a defensive tactics instructor, kettlebell master and Crossfit pioneer. We discuss his journey into the martial arts, learning kettleb...

Jessie Simpson And Dan Jarvis - Episode 422

20 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse Simpson and Dan Jarvis are both military veterans, retired first responders and members of the 22Zero team. We discuss their journeys into the t...

Nathan Espinosa - Episode 421

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan Espinosa was a probationary firefighter when he fell through the roof of a commercial structure fire in LA. We discuss how his training saved h...

Justin Kingsley - Episode 420

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Kingsley is a storyteller, creative strategist, author and filmmaker. We discuss his journey into pubic relations, politics, the power of brand...

Emma Benoit - Episode 419

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Benoit is a former emergency dispatcher, suicide survivor and the woman behind the incredible documentary "My Ascension". We discuss the pressure...

Nikki Selby - Episode 418

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nikki Selby is a Navy veteran serving as a corpsman, search and rescue member, rescue swimmer and nurse. We discuss her journey into the military, eme...

Paul De Gelder - Episode 417

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Paul De Gelder is and Australian Army veteran, former Navy bomb disposal diver, shark attack survivor and television personality. We discuss bullying,...

Mike Tucker - Episode 416

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Tucker spent a full career in the fire service, retiring as a Fire Chief. He now holds the position of Bureau Chief of the Florida State Fire Col...

Travis Ortmayer - Episode 415

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Travis Ortmayer is a professional strongman, coach and competitor. We discuss his journey into strength training, his near career ending injury, addic...

Dave Castro - Episode 414

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Castro is a Navy SEAL veteran and the former CEO of Crossfit. We discuss his journey into the military, finding Crossfit, transitioning out of th...

Jeff Byers II - Episode 413

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Byers is a retired NFL player and the CEO of Amp Human. In this second conversation, we discuss the impact of the pandemic, the importance of sun...

Pete Saunders - Episode 412

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pete Saunders is a British Army veteran and Guernsey firefighter. We discuss Guernsey's incredible success in stopping COVID on the island, the import...

Chuck Liddell - Episode 411

25 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chuck Liddell is an MMA legend, author and actor. We discuss his early life, overcoming physical challenges, his grandfather's mentorship, altruism, h...

Jason Lacayo - Episode 410

24 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Lacayo is a veteran police officer, Emergency Service Unit member and half of Reps for Responders. We discuss his journey into law enforcement, ...

Kate Casey - Episode 409

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kate Casey is an author, film maker and the host of the Reality Life Podcast. We discuss parenting, unscripted television, her powerful 9/11 story, th...

Matty And Jared - Episode 408

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Fiorenza and Jared Cheselske are veteran firefighters and suicide survivors. We discuss their traumatic childhoods, their journeys into the fire ...

Al Benjamin - Episode 407

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Al Benjamin spent 35 years as an FDNY firefighter, mostly on the revered Rescue 1. We discuss his early life in Brooklyn, the impact of mentorship on ...

Todd Robinson - Episode 406

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Robinson is an actor, writer, director and Save a Warrior alum. We discuss his journey into acting, the power of storytelling, his mental health ...

Steven Sashen - Episode 405

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steven Sashen is a former elite gymnast, comedian and current tech guru and founder of Xero Shoes. We discuss the coach who changed his life, enjoying...

Jules and Gédéon Naudet - Episode 404

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jules and Gédéon Naudet are the French brothers behind the documentaries 9/11, November 13 and Notre Dame to name a few. We discuss their childhood ...

Jonathan Montgomery - Episode 403

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Montgomery is a musician, retired firefighter and co-founder of First In Nutrition. We discuss the rock and roll lifestyle, overcoming his ow...

Yousef Badou - Episode 402

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yousef Badou is a former Marine Infantryman with multiple combat tours, and an industry leading expert in the areas of Situational Awareness and Behav...

Sara Jahnke II - Episode 401

02 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sara Jahnke is the director and a senior scientist with the Center for Fire, Rescue & EMS Health Research at the National Development & Research Insti...

Terry, Joe And Rich II - Episode 400

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Terry, Joe and Rich were my Truck Crew at Anaheim FD. To celebrate this 400th episode, we sat down for the second time. In this episode, we discussed ...

Scott Geiselhart - Episode 399

28 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Geiselhart is a mechanic, veteran firefighter and peer support counselor. Scott survived both Meth addiction and a suicide attempt. We discuss c...

Matthew Pollard - Episode 398

26 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Matthew Pollard is an internationally-recognized business consultant, speaker, blogger and the author of "The Introvert's Edge". We discuss his challe...

Todd Edwards And Danny Dwyer - Episode 397

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Todd Edwards is a 38 year veteran of the fire service. Among other projects, he is the co-founder of Mission Resurrection with fellow Georgia firefigh...

Alex Jabr - Episode 396

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Jabr is a veteran Paramedic, Grief and Death Educator and founder of Emergency Resilience. We discuss her childhood in Lebanon, entering EMS in t...

Travis Wade - Episode 395

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Travis Wade is a Marine, actor, producer and Save A Warrior alum. We discuss his traumatic childhood, military service, the craft of acting, exposing ...

Dr Theo Ballard - Episode 394

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Ballard is a board-certified orthopedic and sport clinical physical therapist specializing in assisting first responders, military personnel and a...

Jason And Iris Gardner II - Episode 393

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Gardner is a former Navy SEAL, combat leader and member of Echelon Front. Iris is a former EMT, horse wrangler and author. In this second conver...

Davis Odell - Episode 392

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Davis Odell is a retired firefighter and special operations Lieutenant. He was also the officer at Orlando Station 5 when the Pulse Nightclub attacks ...

Raul Rivas - Episode 391

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Raul Rivas is a veteran law enforcement officer and member of the SWAT team that responded to the Pulse Nightclub attack. We discuss his journey into ...

Ryan Stanley And Maria Dia - Episode 390

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan and Maria are veterans of a Central Florida fire department. They were also one of the initial crews that transported multiple critically injured...

John Cordle - Episode 389

05 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Captain John Cordle is a Navy veteran and Human Factors Engineer. We discuss his journey into the military, the USS Cole, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the...

Josh Stuart Shor - Episode 388

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Stuart Shor is a Green Beret Veteran, O2X lead instructor and Boston firefighter. We discuss his journey into the military, overcoming injury, TB...

Dan Cerrillo - Episode 387

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Cerrillo is a Navy SEAL veteran and Chief of Staff of the American Addiction Centers. We discuss his journey into special operations, witnessing a...

Frankie Edgar - Episode 386

28 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Frankie Edgar is the former UFC Lightweight Champion and current Bantamweight contender. We discuss his journey into wrestling, team loyalty, forging ...

Josh Brolin II - Episode 385

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Brolin is a former wildland firefighter, actor and writer. In this second interview, we discuss social media, fame, family, kindness, trolls, adv...

Curtis Anderson - Episode 384

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Curtis is a retired Bull Rider, traumatic brain injury survivor and speaker. We discuss his journey into rodeo, concussion protocol, the metamorphosis...

Rob Fisher - Episode 383

21 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chief Rob Fisher is a veteran of both career and volunteer fire departments, fire instructor and previous FOOLS chair. We discuss his journey into the...

Dr Chris Colvin - Episode 382

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Chris Colvin is an ER physician, EMS medical director and author. We discuss his tragic high school years, the event that led him to medicine, tre...

Josh Clemente - Episode 381

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Clemente is a former Space X and Hyperloop engineer and the founder of Levels. We discuss learning the lessons from NASA's tragedies, innovation ...

Ray And Janel Norton - Episode 380

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Janel Norton is a veteran, photojournalist and yoga teacher. Ray is a veteran firefighter and martial artist. We discuss capturing the horrors of war,...

Nimsdai - Episode 379

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nimsdai is a former Ghurka, member of the British SBS, record breaking mountaineer and author. We discuss his powerful journey into the special forces...

James, Jo And Sam - Episode 378

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

James, Jo and Sam are British police officers and the team behind the Surfwell Project. We discuss their journeys into law enforcement, rural policing...

Will McCamy - Episode 377

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Will McCamy has spent his career in the supplementation industry and is now the President of Thorne Research. We discuss the rock star life, his journ...