The Fire You Carry

Everyone carries fire. It is inside of you right now. It may be a spark; it may be embers; or it may be full-blown, raging flames. It may have been given to you by someone; maybe passed on from fathers, mothers, grandparents, coaches, or friends. The fire may be acquired from tragedy and difficulties in your own life. Or it may be passed on to you from someone distant; someone you don't even know; but still they have left a mark. These are the things we talk about on this podcast. We, ourselves, have felt this fire. We continue to strive to become better men, husbands, fathers, friends, and citizens. This podcast is the result of our own journey, of our own discoveries; and it is our hope that you will come along with us and discover your own fire. We are constantly interviewing men we respect; men who have kindled their own fires. They may be successful in the workplace, exemplary as a husband or father, or simply set an example in how they stay fit at any stage of life. We are firemen, and we often focus on issues that we face daily: Trauma and PTSD; from how to stay fit when your life might depend on it; to learning how to be present as a husband and father even when we're gone from home a lot of the time. What we are learning applies to the military, law enforcement, EMS, and even UPS drivers. The principles that make anyone a successful man are universal truths that do not change based on a job description or a phase of life. Come, stoke the fires that you carry, and dare to kindle some new ones.

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The Fire You Carry

231: Ben Steele's Journey: Missionary, Marine Officer & Creative Media Entrepreneur

July 14, 2025 • Nole Lilley and Kevin Welsh

In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole and Kevin are joined by Ben Steele, a former Marine officer turned entrepreneur. The conversation explores Ben's journey from military service to the world of filmmaking and marketing, discussing the challenges of leadership, the transition to civilian life, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Ben shares insights on identity shifts, the value of diverse experiences, and the necessity of finding purpose after leaving structured environments like the military and religious institutions. Ben Steele breaks down the importance of planning and time management, and how these practices contribute to his success as a self-employed individual. He reflects on navigating personal beliefs and relationships, particularly in the context of leaving the LDS church. Ben shares insights into his creative projects with Stag Media, including collaborations with various brands and his passion for storytelling. The discussion also delves into the prevalent culture of nicotine use in the fire service, contrasting personal experiences with broader societal trends. Finally, Ben recounts his travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands and emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships in business.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-climb-tickets-1302529443629?aff=oddtdtcreator

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

Stag Media on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/stagmediacreative/

Stag Media

https://stagmedia.us/

Send us an email: thefireupprogram@gmail.com

Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001

Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

The Fire Up Progam video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.
https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

Nole's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/nolelilley/?hl=en

People on this episode

Kevin Welsh

Host

Nole Hunter Lilley

Host