WhatMakesUsFire
WhatMakesUsFire is more than a podcast—it's a powerful exploration into the hearts and minds of Firefighters, Civil Service Members, and Active/Retired Military Personnel, as well as everyone who stands beside them. We go beyond the uniforms and titles to uncover the deep-rooted drive that compels these extraordinary individuals to sacrifice themselves for others, even when every single one of them is uniquely different. In each episode, we’ll dive into their personal stories, values, struggles, and triumphs, revealing what truly fuels their fire. And we’re not just talking about the physical demands of the job—we're tackling the real, raw, and often hidden side of their mental health. We will not shy away from it. In fact, we are committed to shattering the stigma around mental health and speaking openly and unapologetically about it. Join us as we take the first step toward breaking down the walls, opening up the conversation, and making mental health ok to talk about—for those who serve, and for everyone who supports them.
Episodes
On this episode of the podcast I finally sit down and share the ugly, harsh, and hard to hear truth that is my story. However, as difficult as it to tell this story, it is what sparked and help create what is now WhatMakesUsFire.
Here, I am hoping to be what I have asked so many others to be on this show. Open, honest, and "naked" in the truth.
I do this in the hope that my story helps ignite someo...
On this episode of the podcast we have my good friend Joe Short, better/ formally known on social media as VeilPierce.
Joe takes us on a ride with the story of his past and how he managed to grow and learn from it. Diving into his military experience, faith, and personal growth, this mans story is bound to help some who may believe there is no way out. I am very grateful for Joe's candidness and honesty thro...
On this episode of the podcast we have the popular Deputy Dane from social media! He sits down with me and we dive into an array of topics with really no break in-between. If you ever wondered what its like to listen to two guys throwing idea after idea at each other, this is the show for you.
WhatMakesUsFire Family please help me welcome Mr. Deputy Dane, "The Proud Pig"
Follow @deputydane on T...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. Nick, better known as "Poppa Bear" or @Poppa_Bear_1.0 on social media.
Poppa and I, discuss his 36 years in the fire service and how it has changed for him. He also shares his battle with mental health issues, and how he has found a way to overcome them.
Poppa shares his story without hesitation, all in hopes of helping someone who may be moved by his story....
On this episode of the podcast we have my friend, my brother, Chris U. He is better known to his friends as Umbe.
Chris has been a life long friend and brother, with stories to tell. He is a NAVY Veteran, father, a new entrepreneur, and board member of The WhatMakesUsFire Foundation.
I invited him on to share his history with us and the battle with his demons.
WhatMakesUsFire Family, Please help me welcome...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. Brandon DeFoure. A career Firefighter and part-time Cop.
Brandon and I talk about what it is like for a young individual, such as himself, to enter into the Civil Service world at a young age, and how it effected him. Since Brandon started in the civil service at such a young age he seems to have a pretty good idea of what to expect, when it wasn't expected.
Wha...
On this episode of the podcast we have Air Force Veteran, successful business owner, and author, Mr. Bob Taylor.
Bob's writing of From Service to Success is a cornerstone of The Patriot Promise™ Foundation, which he founded to help drive down the rate of suicides among veterans and to provide a clear path forward as our warfighters transition into a new mission and new purpose following their service. The Pat...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. Al Wright, better known as @The_Hurtun_Alburton on social media.
Al takes us on a crazy ride/ story about his life, and how loving unconditionally can sometimes lead to disaster. He is a suicide survivor, making a change to hopefully make a change in the world. He shares his story in hopes he can help save someone from making the terrible choice he made only 3 years ago.<...
On this episode of the podcast, we have a returning guest, Mr. Jason Patton of Fire Department Chronicles and Fire Dept. Coffee. Most know Jason from his YouTube videos highlighting the funny situations we as Firefighters deal with on a daily basis. However, what some may not know, he is a very large voice in the advocacy for mental health within the Civil Service. This episode we talk on how we can start making a cha...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. James M. better known on social media as @ChiefNitro.
A retired NAVY Veteran, Chief takes us on a ride with his story of past experiences in the military, with his family, and how he has found a way to work through everything with the most positive outlook on life anyone would be envious of.
WMUF Family please help me welcome Mr. Chief Nitro
Social Media @chi...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. Brian. Him and I talk about his past life of crime, and incarceration and how he has grown from it. Brian also talks about how mental health played into his choices in life and how he has fought to overcome the damage it created.
Please help me welcome my friend Brian.
Support the show www.whatmakesusfire.org
On this episode of the podcast I have Mr. Shawn L., known for his published book "Veteran Mindset 2.0". A successful podcast "From Struggles To Success" and on his social media platforms as @Sir_Veteranguy.
Check out his non profit vetlife4life.com and give him a follow on social media.
Support the show by visiting WhatMakesUsFire.org
On this episode of the podcast we have avid chef, and life coach Mr. Josh B. Better known on his social media as @TimeoutWithJosh.
His story takes us to a perspective of a home schooled child, chef, and contracted military specialist. All of which seem to have contributed in some way, to his mental health issues he faced later on in his life. Josh then takes us through what it was, and how he found his way back to...
On this episode of the podcast we have my friend Mr. David Allen Stone, also known on social media as @DavidAllenStoneMusic.
A currently enlisted ARMY National Guardsman, David sits with me and shares his life experiences that he found had lead him to struggling with his mental health. Having a "shit show" of an experience on his first deployment, to having experienced something that would have broken t...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mr. Dylan Gray, better known on social media as @dylangraymusic37.
Dylan joins us on the show to share his story of his past, and how he continues to work through his mental health struggles from it. He has found a passion in music to share his story in hope he can help millions. However, he knows that if it's not going to be a million, then let it be just one.
WMU...
On this episode of the podcast we have Mrs. Lauren D. Lane, better known as Lo to her friends. Her and I sit and talk about hitting rock bottom and how that is what was needed to start making a change in our lives. Dark humor, finding yourself within the job, and really finding yourself are all things Lo had to figure out for herself, and the journey wasn't all that pleasant. Please help me welcome Lo, to the WMU...
On this episode of the podcast I have the strong, tenacious, and courageous Mrs. Melissa. Melissa is a Gold Star Wife, losing her husband to cancer believed and proven to have been an effect from the chemicals he was around while he was serving in the US ARMY. She shares the trials and obstacles since losing her husband just over a year ago. She is an advocate for our Military and First Responder members, and believes...
On this episode of the podcast we have returning guests, Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Kendra Ward. Creators, and founders of the 4Ward Project, a project created in the name of their son, Mr. Eric Ward, a veteran who lost his battle with depression and became part of the 22 A Day. Their mission, to bring awareness and support to those within the veteran community and their families, that they are not alone. Creating the &qu...
On this episode we have my friend Tex, better known on his social media as TexasInfidel88. I invited Tex onto the show to share his journey through the crazy thing we call life. Growing up an adopted child, going into the NAVY, then realizing he was suffering from a mental health issue. Tex shares how he manages his mental health, and honestly allows me to challenge his perspective on how he may continue to treat, and...
On this episode of the podcast we have someone that goes without a name. For our purposes and for the show however we will call him Leo, better known on social media as TheGreatLondini.Com. A Marine veteran, and IT guru, Leo takes us through his past and the challenges he faced growing into the man he is today. We dive into a bit of his Military past, and what he has done to overcome the demons he faces from the exper...
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