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 one of America's busiest fire departments.

Jason pulls back the curtain on the "stone-cold lifesaver" persona, revealing the internal darkness and despair that hid behind his acclaimed career. He recounts the moment he hit rock bottom, planning to take his own life, and the painful experience of being turned away by a church in his darkest hour. Yet, in that same moment of desperation, a simple, unexpected visit from a San Francisco firefighter pulled him back from the brink.

This conversation is a masterclass in vulnerability, as Jason details his path to finding faith, the profound influence of his wife Kristie, and the life-altering fire that solidified his belief in God. He also offers invaluable, hard-won wisdom for first responders on navigating marriage, communicating trauma with a spouse, and raising children in a world of chaos.

This isn't just a story about firefighting; it's a story about the universal human struggle, the power of authentic connection, and the hope that can be found even after the deepest wounds.

Get the book, The Rescuer.

https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/the-rescuer/

Jason Sautel on Facebook. 

https://www.facebook.com/GracefullyRescued/

Sign up for this year's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb! 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/911-memorial-climb-tickets-1302529443629?aff=oddtdtcreator

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=FacedownRecords

Send Nole an email: [email protected]

Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001

Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

The Fire Up Progam video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.
https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

Nole's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/nolelilley/?hl=en