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
70 episodes
Josh Q. - It's Time For My Story
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,...
Joe Short - Piercing The Veil
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 mili...
Deputy Dane - The Proud Pig
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 a...
Nick - The Poppa Bear Firefighter
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 hea...
Chris U. - More Than A Brother
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 boar...
Brandon Defoure - Firefighter & Cop
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,...
Bob Taylor - From Service To Success
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 ...
Al Wright - Surviving Suicide
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 sur...
J. Patton - FDC Funny Man Returns
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 b...
James M. - Chief Nitro
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...
Brian - Life Locked Up
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 ove...
Shawn - The Creation Of "Sir_Veteranguy"
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 vetlife4l...
Josh B. - A "Timeout" With Josh
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...
David A. Stone - "Telling My Story"
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...
Dylan Gray - If Not A Million, Let It Be One
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 ...
Lo - "I Really F*#$'d Up."
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 ...
Melissa - No Longer Silent
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...
Brian & Kendra - Still Moving 4Ward
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 a...
Tex - "Welcome To The Ship Show"
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 h...
Leo - TheGreatLondini. A Movement, Not A Man
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 hi...
Billy - "Started From Nothing"
On this episode of the podcast we have my friend Billy, better known on social media as Swat.2422. We discuss his childhood growing up with very little to nothing, and how that became a drive for him to be better than his past.
Pedro - The March Continues
On this episode of the podcast, we have a returning guest. My friend Pedro, better known on social media as Popz_951.An ARMY service member, and social media influencer, Popz sits down with us and we reflect on this past years ('21) trials ...
Nova - "I Am The Feral Chicken!"
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd WE ARE BACK!!!! What better way to start off the New Year with one of the most high energy people I know. Ms. Nova, better know as Nova.Kayne on her social media accounts. A f...
