The Fire You Carry

Becoming a "program guy" or a trusted member of a crew isn't just about your skill with a nozzle; it’s about how you handle the "game" of probation. This week, Nole and Kevin sit down with Taylor Morgan (Program Director for The Fire Up Program) to discuss the nuances of station culture that aren't taught in the academy. From the "laundry room dilemma" to handling the dreaded call to the Captain’s office, we explore how small actions build, or break, your reputation. In this episode, we cover...

This week, Nole sits down with Barry Nisbet, a retired Canadian Army Sniper with 15 years of service and multiple deployments to the Balkans and Afghanistan, and Mir Bahmanyar, an author, historian, and former member of the US Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion. Together with Gordon Cullen, Barry and Mir co-authored the book Send It: Canada's Snipers at War in Afghanistan. In this episode, we strip away the romanticized Hollywood myth of the lone-wolf sniper to discuss the brutal reality of sniper s...

In this episode, Nole and Kevin dive into the importance of environmental conditioning—both physical and mental. They discuss why training in the heat and "getting off the X" during life's toughest seasons is vital for first responders. From the restorative power of fly fishing with Hold the Line to the contagious nature of a leader’s attitude when things get tough. This conversation explores how we can better prepare ourselves for the inevitable ambushes of life. Key Takeaways Training in th...

In this candid and impromptu conversation, Nole and Kevin dive deep into the "Imposter Syndrome" that often plagues men as they step into leadership roles, whether it’s officiating a wedding for the first time or giving advice to the next generation of firefighters. They explore the tension between staying humble (the "new guy" mindset) and acknowledging the real-world experience and wisdom they have to offer. The duo also discusses the "Parable of the Talents," the importance of "faking it u...

In this high-energy catch-up, Nole and Kevin dive into the patriotic fever of the Winter Olympics, specifically the historic gold medal wins for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s hockey teams against Canada. Between discussing the "grit and tenacity" of players like Jack Hughes and the bizarrely fascinating world of Scottish curling stones, the duo gets personal about their recent struggles with illness and the mental toll of the "firefighter trap"—working long overtime stretches at the station...

In this episode, Nole and Kevin sit down with Captain Scotty McKnight, currently serving at the "Fire Factory" (FS 16) in the heart of Los Angeles County. Scotty brings a unique perspective to the fire service, having transitioned from a professional baseball career to the front seat of a fire engine. The guys dive into the parallels between the elite environments of professional sports and the fire service, the mental game of visualization, and the weight of "failing" on the big stage. Scott...

Fresh off the mountain from Class 15 of the Fire Up Program, Nole and Kevin sit down to discuss the high of the retreat and the immediate "gut punch" of returning to reality. From 13-degree wind chills and frozen towels to skin cancer surgery and emergency room visits, this episode is an honest look at what it means to stay present when the "storms" of life hit all at once. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast! https://www.youtube...

Captain Evan Halquist is back for another round, and he's here to announce a new resource that we have been anxiously awaiting here at The Fire You Carry. Fire Built is a purpose-driven set of training protocols designed for the first responder that will benefit anyone who puts them into practice. Follow the links below to learn more. When the tones don’t stop going off, how do you show up for your family the next morning? When you're exhausted from all that life throws at you, how do y...

In this solo episode, Nole dives deep into the tension between the cultural push for men to be extraordinary and the profound value of simply embracing the ordinary—or the mundane—in daily life. Inspired by a simple observation about a frantic lemur at an animal park ("He leads a simple life"), Nole explores the idea that while high-achieving goals (like a podcast, an adventure race, or a career milestone) are important, they occupy only a tiny fraction of our time. The bulk of our lives is s...

In this intensely personal and inspiring episode, Kevin dives deep into his recent experience completing David Goggins' legendary 4x4x48 challenge—running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. What started as a daunting personal pursuit, fueled by years of hesitation, transformed into a profound spiritual and mental breakthrough on the historic Naval Base Coronado in San Diego. Joined by his "savage" crew, Kevin pushed past his physical limits (running 10 miles farther than he ever had before!)...

Nole is missing in action (at the firehouse!), so Kevin steps up to the mic for a powerful solo episode. Fresh off the high of the Fire Up Program's Class 14, Kevin shares an immediate and personal debrief of the weekend. He discusses why it's so difficult—and so necessary—for first responders to take a "tactical pause" away from both work and family to reset and build resilience. This episode is a raw look at the power of brotherhood, the importance of servant leadership, and how to take the...

What's your motivation? In the firehouse, there are a million "unwritten rules." From leaving "veto in the toilet" to making sure there's "water on the ground" after washing the rig, many tasks are done simply to prove they were done. In this episode, Nole and Kevin dive deep into this unique aspect of firehouse culture, exploring the line between maintaining perception and acting with true integrity. They discuss whether our actions are driven by a need for recognition or by a commitment to ...