The Fire You Carry
Hosted by Nole and Kevin, two active-duty Los Angeles County Firemen with over a decade of service each, this podcast explores the fire we all carry within. Join them as they interview respected men and share lessons on how to be better husbands, fathers, and leaders. Drawing from the front lines, they tackle issues like trauma, fitness, and family life, providing universal principles for any man looking to stoke his inner fire and live with purpose.
Episodes
252 episodes
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245: Safety Second with Jim Stitzinger
In this thought-provoking episode, Nole and Kevin welcome their good friend, Pastor Jim Stitzinger, back to the show. They dive deep into a powerful concept from an article Jim wrote: Safety Second. This idea presents a revolutionary par...
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1:10:45
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244: The 4 Phases of Fatherhood
In this solo episode, Kevin takes the helm while Nole is away and dives deep into a powerful framework for fatherhood from Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena. Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned grandfather, this episode provides a gut-check on w...
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14:22
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243: Rick Cook: On Faith, Family, and Fatherhood
In this powerful and personal episode, Kevin sits down with 20-year LA County Fire veteran, Captain Rick Cook. Kevin and Rick dive deep into what it truly means to be a "good dude"—a man whose character is defined not by his job title, but by h...
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1:22:43
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242: The Five-Year Interview with Kevin
After a three-week hiatus, Kevin is back in the co-host chair! In honor of his return and the podcast's five-year anniversary, Nole turns the tables and interviews Kevin as if he were a guest on the show.The guys kick things off with per...
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52:54
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241: Why Did It Hurt So Much? Reaction to the Charlie Kirk Assassination, Featuring Jeff Lilley.
In this powerful and reflective episode, Nole sits down with his father, Jeff Lilley, to process their deep, visceral reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They explore why this event stirred up such strong emotions for so many. The c...
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1:17:38
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240: Distracted in Alaska
In this short solo episode, Nole shares a powerful reflection from a recent, life-changing trip to Alaska with his wife. Hosted by Samaritan's Purse and Firefighters for Christ, the retreat was meant to honor families impacted by major fires. B...
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15:29
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239: The Day I Couldn't Be There
In this deeply personal solo episode, Nole shares the recent, difficult experience of saying goodbye to his beloved family cat, Finn. An unexpected work call-up prevents Nole from being there, forcing him to rely on his wife, Heather, and his s...
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20:45
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238: Let Them Carry the Fries.
In this lighthearted and wide-ranging episode, Kevin and Nole share lessons from fatherhood, fitness, and finance. The guys reflect on the fast-approaching reality of retirement and the importance of taking small, consistent actions to prepare ...
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57:32
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237: It's Not Enough, It Never Was.
"It's Not Enough" - Dustin Kensrue (In the episode, Nole mistakenly stated that this song was performed by The Modern Post)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeRSlQlPkpo&ab_channel=DustinKensrueVEVOIn this solo episode, Nole gets...
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26:04
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236: When the Lifesaver Needs Saving, with Jason Sautel.
In this deeply moving episode, Nole and Kevin sit down with Jason Sautel, a retired Oakland firefighter and the author of the powerful memoir, "The Rescuer." Jason shares his harrowing journey from a traumatic childhood to the front lines of on...
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1:34:47
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235: My Parents' Home Burned Down: Surviving the Eaton Fire with Ronnie Evans
Nole and Kevin are joined by their friend and fellow firefighter, Ronnie Evans, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. The episode centers on Ronnie's harrowing experience during the recent Eaton Fire, where he, while on...
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1:31:38
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234: Mouth Taping, Traumatic Calls, and Feeding the Good Dog
In this episode, Nole and Kevin jump straight in with an urgent call to action for everyone to sign up for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
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50:58
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233: A Life Changing Question, for David Hartmann the Answer is Lightning McQueen
What can a talking race car teach us about our own lives? In this episode, Nole and David Hartman dive deep into the unexpected and profound life lessons from the Cars trilogy, using Lightning McQueen's journey as a powerful metaphor f...
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2:15:01
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232: Growing Up in Mongolia & What the Church Got Wrong During Covid, with Ryan Shook
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, hosts Nole and Ryan Shook delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on faith communities. They explore how the pandemic challenged traditional church engagement and ultimately where it failed, and...
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1:38:45
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231: Ben Steele's Journey: Missionary, Marine Officer & Creative Media Entrepreneur
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, discuss...
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1:23:47
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230: Why Your Jeans Matter
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole dives into the world of selvedge denim, exploring its history, craftsmanship, and the personal significance of quality clothing. He contrasts selvedge denim with modern mass-produced jeans, em...
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24:11
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229: Kevin Defeats a Woman on the Stairmaster & God Tells Nole to Man Up.
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, hosts Nole and Kevin explore a variety of topics ranging from the impact of marketing on consumer behavior to personal fitness challenges and the importance of community. They share personal anecdo...
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50:45
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228: Resilient Another Day with Greg Rudiger (R.A.D.)
In this episode, Greg Rudiger shares his journey through the fire service, the impact of family legacy, and his transition to a new calling focused on resilience and authenticity. He discusses the challenges of PTSD, the importance of emotional...
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1:20:07
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227: When Strength Fails
In this heartfelt episode, Nole shares his personal struggles with mental health, vulnerability, and the journey of healing. He discusses the challenges of quitting nicotine, the impact of past traumas, and the importance of faith and community...
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16:34
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226: What is Your Calling?
In this episode, Kevin explores the concept of calling, distinguishing it from career, family, and causes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true calling and reflects on personal identity and purpose. The conversation encou...
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9:10
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225: Addiction, What Nole is Quitting & Why. (No, it's not Caffeine)
In this conversation, Kevin and Nole delve into their personal struggles with caffeine and nicotine addiction, exploring the impact of these substances on their lives and relationships. They discuss the challenges of self-control, the importanc...
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53:42
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224: Hormonal Health, Low Testosterone and the Fireproof Wellness Approach with Ian Meyers
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Ian Meyers shares his personal journey through mental health struggles, including depression and PTSD, and how he found recovery through hormonal health and lifestyle changes. He discusses the impo...
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1:29:24
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223: Chasing Equilibrium: An Ongoing Search for Balance
In this conversation, Kevin and Nole discuss their recent experiences during spring break, focusing on family adventures, culinary delights, and the emotional connections they feel in their faith journeys. They explore the importance of communi...
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1:00:26
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222: It's Difficult to Do, So I Don't Do It.
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole reflects on the challenges of addressing personal struggles and the importance of sharing burdens within a community. He emphasizes the need for vulnerability and support, particularly among m...
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23:30
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221: Brotherhood and Loss: A Marine's Story, With Danny Flores.
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Kevin speaks with veteran Danny Flores about his experiences in the Marine Corps, particularly during his deployment to Afghanistan. They discuss the importance of resilience, the impact of loss in...
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1:16:50