Download the App!
show episodes
 
Artwork

1
The Fire You Carry

Nole Lilley and Kevin Welsh

icon
Unsubscribe
icon
Unsubscribe
Weekly
 
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, oursel ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
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 importance of seeking help, the role of his wife in encouraging him to get his hormone levels checked, and the…
  continue reading
 
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 community, the balance between routine and spirituality, and the need for mindfulness in their daily lives. The d…
  continue reading
 
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 men, and discusses biblical teachings encouraging open communication about struggles. Nole also highlights …
  continue reading
 
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 combat, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Danny shares his personal journey of coping…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole explore various fitness topics, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, strength training with Atlas stones, and the significance of memorial workouts. They share personal stories and reflections on their fitness journeys, discuss the impact of supplementation on health, and recommend a uni…
  continue reading
 
In this conversation, Randy Rozzell shares his journey from being a Navy SEAL to becoming a firefighter and self-defense instructor. He discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning careers, the importance of developing effective combatives programs for first responders, and the lessons learned from real-life combat experiences. Randy emphasiz…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Kevin and Nole work through the second half of the list of questions they started in episode 217. Through answering these, they explore various themes related to the fire service, including the importance of mentorship, adaptability in challenging situations, and the unique culture within firefighting. They share personal anecdotes…
  continue reading
 
In this conversation, Nole and Kevin explore various aspects of firefighting and emergency services, including the unexpected emotional labor involved, communication challenges, cultural sensitivity, and the myths surrounding the profession. They also discuss the balance between work and family life, as well as the challenges of career growth and l…
  continue reading
 
In this conversation, Nole and Kevin discuss the significance of Lent, the importance of spiritual disciplines, and how to navigate the busyness of life while maintaining focus on personal growth. They share their commitments for the 40-day period leading up to Easter, including fitness challenges, fasting, and prayer practices. The discussion emph…
  continue reading
 
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Battalion Chief (retired) Ron Cabrera discusses his extensive career in the fire service and the critical importance of leadership within the organization. He shares insights on the challenges of implementing effective leadership training, the influence of military leadership styles, and the necessity …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are joined by Battalion Chief Pete Finnerty to talk about his experience being one of the first BCs on the scene of the Eaton Fire. This conversation includes some insight into the mysterious world of what a BC actually does and what they are thinking about and preparing for en route to an incident, all alone in their "fi…
  continue reading
 
In this Fire You Carry podcast episode, Kevin and Nole welcome back Landon Patterson, CEO of Hundred Acre Wine Group. The conversation explores Landon's journey in the wine business, the importance of grit and determination in achieving success, and the challenges of parenting in today's world. Landon shares insights on resilience, the balance betw…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin is joined by Rich Zuniga. Rich is a fireman with us here at Los Angeles County Fire, and while he's excellent in that role, it is just his day job. By night, he is an artist in many arenas, from tattoos to digital art to comedy; Rich is a force of nature. Come along for the ride as Rich and Kevin talk about finding you…
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Nole goes solo to talk about some of the mental and emotional effects of fighting the Eaton Fire. Podcast email: [email protected] Nole's email: [email protected] https://youtu.be/FXz0ZTwl_iI?si=y332JFE3q9ShiHIp The video is referenced in the episode. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song …
  continue reading
 
We are back! In this episode, Kevin and Nole talk about the Eaton Fire. The Eaton Fire started in station 66's area, where Nole is currently stationed, and yes, Nole was on duty the day it started. We are barely able to scratch the surface of everything that went on during the course of this fire, but for those of you who have been wondering what w…
  continue reading
 
In this conversation, Nole and Kevin discuss Nole's journey toward the Captain's Academy, exploring the challenges and personal growth that come with it. The discussion shifts to the importance of family time and intentional planning for adventures, as well as the physical challenges they are considering for the year. They reflect on the value of e…
  continue reading
 
Miguel Aguilar came on the podcast with Kevin back in December of 2021. His story is truly inspiring and well worth your time. We are reposting this episode because Miguel has tragically passed away. A few months ago, he was followed home by four men who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Details of what went on are scarce, but we do know that Migue…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we're back with James Reyes. We really enjoyed the previous conversation with James and wanted to take a deeper dive into the topic of resiliency together. We come at this issue from multiple different angles and regardless of where you are at in your journey, you will get something good out of this episode. Nole was challen…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole reflect on keeping our focus on the things that matter most. We recently had another death in our department, which always provides a moment to reflect on how tomorrow is never guaranteed. When it comes to Christmas or any other holiday or special event it is also a good time to reflect on the things that real…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are on with James Reyes. James is here to tell us his story of getting blown up by an IED in Iraq, getting seriously injured as a result, and the journey he went on to overcome those injuries. He went on from there to be a fireman paramedic with us at Los Angeles County, and in the episode, we cover that transition. James…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are talking about a sudden opportunity that has arisen to possibly promote. Most of the episode hinges on the process that went into making the decision on whether or not we were going to pursue the opportunity and how we're thinking about the potential changes in the future. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are joined by Trevor Graves! Trevor came to us with an episode idea, and we quickly roped him into coming on the show to talk about it. The idea from this episode came from a hair-raising experience that Trevor had, along with something he learned in a CCW class he attended that got him looking at the world differently th…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole shares a personal and somewhat embarrassing story from a time in his life when he put too much of his faith and belief in a man, a man who ended up failing him, at least in his perspective. Where else do we tend to do this in life? What is the right thing to do? Where should we be putting our faith? We delve into all of…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole sits down with Captain Michael Knobbe. If you're a long-time listener to the podcast, you know Michael from episode number 2, along with a couple of others where he guest hosted with us. Today, we're getting into why Michael chose to move his family out of Southern California to Idaho and the pros and cons that go along…
  continue reading
 
This is episode 200, a big milestone for us! Join us as we reflect on the last four years of this podcast, you guys have made it worth the time and effort and we can't thank you enough. 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=FacedownRecord…
  continue reading
 
Join us in the following challenge! -200 box step-ups every day for 30 days. -Starting on November 1st (or whatever day you listen to this) -The minimum standard is 200 step-ups; you pick the height you can do. -The prescribed standard is 200 step-ups with 45# of weight on your body and a 20" box height. -Scale this however you need to, less weight…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin gets personal about something he's been struggling with, how it came to his attention, and what he's doing about it. We all need to have corner men in our lives to help us when we're going through the fights of life, and this is an excellent example of what that could look like. The storms or fights in life are not alw…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we're talking through 5 ways to affirm your children without creating a spoiled child that's intolerable to be around and unable to operate in society. These points come to us from a great email Kevin received from Men in the Arena and it contains great points that both of us learned from, so we know you will too. Big thank …
  continue reading
 
It might be time to start saying no. It might be time to take a break. Yes, you are tough; yes, you can do more, help more, show up more, but should you? At what point are you doing too much and sacrificing in the areas that you claim to be the most important? Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our pod…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole delve into the phenomenon of the false summit. Many of us have encountered this during our adventures out in the wilds, and like many things we come in contact with in the physical world, it contains some poignant life lessons. We also dig into using these principles as training tools by working through ways t…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we discuss the movie "Nefarious" and the demonic influence in our world. We also get into what make "home", home. We've got a handful of uplifting stories and a unique call to action for you that we hope you can help us out with. We love you guys; keep carrying the fire. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are talking about the detrimental effects of ineffective or nonexistent communication down the chain of command. In the large organization we work for, there often seems to be a lack of communication as to why things are done, what the mission is, or the reasons behind it; we have found this to be very detrimental for a w…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are joined by Captian Ben Vernon of San Diego City Fire. During a routine medical call, Ben and one of his fellow firefighters found themselves fighting for their lives and wound up getting stabbed multiple times. Ben takes us through that harrowing experience and then details how it dramatically changed his life, almost …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole discuss some of the cons and costs associated with being firemen. They endeavor to answer, "Would you still sign up if you knew what you know now about the job?". While the main topic here is the difficulties our department and so many others are experiencing, we know that guys in the "civilian" world will als…
  continue reading
 
The world has sold us on the idea that we deserve to be comfortable at every moment. The world is wrong. Embracing that idea is keeping us mediocre; it's keeping us stuck. It's keeping us from growing. We need to step up as men and put in the hard work to do the right thing instead of the expedient thing. We need to embrace suffering and discomfort…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole talks about stolen valor. This is an issue that has emerged on the national political stage and while we don't really do current events this is an issue that falls in line with our mission here at The Fire You Carry. For those in the civilian world, this episode should be helpful for you to better understand what stolen…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are joined by our good friend Scott Henderson. Scott is a firefighter paramedic with Pasadena Fire, a husband, and a father. He joins us today to talk about The Battle for Mental Health, a boxing event fundraiser that he started in 2019 to raise money for our friends over at Next Rung. With this year's event coming up in …
  continue reading
 
This week's episode features our friend and fellow podcaster, Mike Yarbrough. Mike is the host of the Wolf and Iron podcast and founder of Rustic and Main. He has been in the space of masculinity and developing men for a decade; in this episode, we get into why he was thinking about moving on from that mission and what compelled him to stay in the …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole dig into our thoughts on humility. Humility is a good personality trait and something we aspire to, but can it be taken too far? Are we holding ourselves back and limiting our impact for good on those around us out of a misguided idea that being humble means never personally recognizing the things we are good …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Nole goes solo to talk through some of the lessons he has picked up along the way after the deaths of two of his and his wife's sons. This episode was recorded close to the 19-year anniversary of the loss of their first son and is something that Nole has felt called to record for years, only recently finding the courage and motivat…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole delve into perfectionism. It's a trait that so many of us are burdened with, but is it a positive one that helps us achieve our goals at the highest level, or does it hinder us? We would love to hear from you on this one. Are you aware of a desire for perfection in your own life? If so, how does that play out …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, we are joined by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. Rather than tell you who he is, we recommend you go to his website, read his bio, and come back here. Link here. https://www.grossmanacademy.com/about-the-colonel In our time with the Lt. Col., we go into the importance of having a fire in your belly and combine that with preparation,…
  continue reading
 
Ask and you shall recieve. After last week's episode, you had questions. What do Nole and Kevin actually think about psychedelics and hallucinogens? This episode is us endevoring to explore that topic with you, from our perspectives. We think this is something that is important to talk about since it's so prevalent in the mental health, PTSd space …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin is joined by Jon Vargas of Grablives podcast. Jon is an L.A. City fireman and podcaster who started his journey into podcasting due to multiple suicides in his department and the way they were handled. As Kevin gets deeper into Jon's story, they get into some of the past trauma and physical injuries that plagued Jon ea…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole are joined once again by John Estrada. John last came on our show back on episode 40 to talk about fatherhood, and we had an excellent conversation on the subject. Today John is back to talk about his sobriety. He stopped drinking back in October and together we walk through the difficulties, the benefits and …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole shares his recent struggles with Post Traumatic Stress and his failure to deal with it in the ways he knows work. Kevin also shares his perspective on dealing with similar struggles, and we delve into what we know works when dealing with difficult times in our lives. Often, there is a separation between what we know we …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole talks through the Ranger Creed, why it exists and what it means in his life now, so many years removed from his time in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Nole's time in Ranger Battlaion shaped a lot of who he is as a man today and the Ranger Creed was a part of that. Through this episode Nole explains how he has continued to ca…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Kevin and Nole discuss Pops, Kevin's stepdad. As you know, Pops recently passed away. In honor of him and the amazing legacy he leaves behind, we thought it would be fitting to talk about just a few of the attributes that made this man who he was and discuss how we could implement those into our own lives moving forward. We …
  continue reading
 
In this episode, Kevin and Nole get into what it's like to go through "The Tower". The Tower, often called a Fire Academy, is a very unique training experience that can be difficult to navigate successfully, so with this episode, our goal is to give you some tips, tricks, and insight that can help you be successful and enjoy the process of getting …
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Nole is joined by Josh Smith. Josh is a friend from Hume Lake and this episode focuses in on Josh's journey of faith and the lessons learned through it. The primary focus is on trusting God, and taking "leaps of faith" as He calls us into things that don't make sense to us, and resisting the temptation to rely on our own str…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide

Listen to this show while you explore
Play