Craig Shoemaker is a stand up comedian, writer, actor and the man behind "Winning with Humor".

We discuss Craig's early life, his journey into comedy, the impact of censorship on stand up, his own physical and mental health struggles, the tools he used for healing, the power of laughter and so much more.

Craig Shoemaker - Episode 825

Bringing the greatest minds in mental and physical wellness to the men and women who serve our communities.

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Ed Monroe is a veteran firefighter, speaker and soon to be author. He was first on scene after the horrific Murder/Suicide at LA County's Station 81 in 2021.  We discuss his journey into the fire service, mentorship programs, inmate wildland crews, the horrendous events at station 81, the physical and mental health ripple effects, post traumatic growth, warning signs and so much more.  I am a 53-year-old Fire Captain for Los Angeles County Fire Department. Born in Del Rio Texas, the son of an Air Force pilot, I grew up on Air Force Bases in states such as North Dakota, Washington, California and internationally in Japan. I refer to Huntington Beach Ca as my hometown as I graduated from high school there, and I am a graduate of Cal State University Northridge with a degree in Mathematics - Applied. I was married in 1995 and have 3 children that are currently 22, 18, and 15. I have been a member of LACoFD for 16 years and a fire Captain for the past 4.  I have been directly involved in a very notable, significant critical incident and speak publicly on the topic. In addition to addressing fire service crews directly, I spoke on a panel at the 2022 PSPSA conference in San Diego, at the ICISF 17th world conference held in May 2023 in Maryland and am scheduled to speak at 1st Responder Conferences in Tempe AZ in January 2024. I have been a guest on the Trauma Behind the Badge Webinar, No One Fights Alone podcast, and Forged in the Fires podcast with Fireman Rob. In all cases, I have addressed responding to an unimaginable critical incident, cumulative traumatic stress, my short term and continuing long term experiences with it. I am passionate about continuing to advocate for those who have experienced and are struggling with their own cumulative traumatic stress, critical incidents, and PTSD. No one has to fight alone!

Ed Monroe (Murder in the Firehouse, Inmate Crews and Healing) - Episode 935

In her new hour standup special Big Guy, which premieres on Netflix May 21st, Comedian and Actor Rachel Feinstein invites us into her delightfully chaotic life as the wife of a firefighter, a mother, and a comedian. In the words of her 3-year-old daughter, “my daddy’s a hero and my mommy’s sarcastic.” Rachel explores her marriage to a first responder who is also married to his firehouse family and unpacks what it’s like to navigate emotional intimacy with someone whose job it is to save people’s lives.  Chock full of her signature “amazing impersonations” (Vulture), Big Guy endears us to the loveable hodgepodge of characters in Rachel’s world including a sea of fellow fire wives named Gina, her aggressively liberal mother, and her father with a never-ending sinus infection. Rachel is happily hop-scotching through all of the mayhem and inviting us along for the ride. Rachel is a favorite among fans and fellow comedians alike. She appeared on Comedy Central’s hit series Inside Amy Schumer and she won a WGA Award for “Best Comedy/Variety Sketch Series” for her work on the most recent season of the show on Paramount+. She was featured on Comedian Colin Quinn’s HBO pandemic special Colin Quinn & Friends: A Parking Lot Comedy Show as well as comedy superstar Chris Rock’s feature film Top Five. Her half hour special premiered on Netflix’s hit series The Standupsand her first hour special Only Whores Wear Purplepremiered on Comedy Central.  Feinstein has appeared alongside Amy Schumer in Hulu’s hit series Life & Beth and she recurred on Amazon’s critically acclaimed Steven Soderbergh series Red Oaks as well as Judd Apatow’s HBO comedy Crashing. She was also featured in the role of “Anne Frank” in Netflix’s Historical Roasts.   On the big screen, Rachel was seen in the feature filmsTrainwreck and I Feel Pretty. She has also lent her voice to Adult Swim’s Venture Brothers and the phenomenally successful GRAND THEFT AUTO video game franchise.  

Rachel Feinstein (Comedy, Firefighters and Family) - Episode 934

Darren Pallatina is a British Military Veteran seving in both the Army and Navy. He deployed on multiple tours during the GWOT. We discuss his journey into the military, the role of a Combat Engineer, the trauma of war, his powerful mental health journey, his Decision of Power project and so much more.

Darren Pallatina (Combat Engineer, Trauma and Growth) - Episode 933

After marrying her high school sweetheart turned Air Force hubby, Monica Fullerton quickly learned that the military community was ripe with creators, makers and entrepreneurs. Many of her fellow spouses were pursuing their passions in between deployments and even as full-time businesses, but there wasn’t a central location to shop and support these deserving entrepreneurs within the military community – therefore Monica launched Spouse-ly! She is a twin mom on a mission to provide more career flexibility and stability no matter where the military life takes you. Monica is a firm believer that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. She hopes that this platform helps provide a place where everyone can come together and support each other! When you shop small you are truly making a big impact.

Monica Fullerton (Military Families, Entrepreneurship and Community) - Episode 932

Frank Wright was one of the original Marine Raiders who fought on both Guam and Iwo Jima in WWII. We discuss his journey into the Marines, special forces selection, hand to hand combat, facing banzai attacks, his powerful mental health story, writing his book and so much more. I fought like mad as the Japanese stormed down the hill yelling "Malians you die, Malians you die." I emptied my rifle magazine, twice. Out of ammo I slashed and plunged my bayonet into as many as I could until... Battles in the Pacific is Wright's autobiographical account of his four years of enlistment in World War II, including two years in the South Pacific. On January 21, 1942, Wright entered the U.S. Marine Corps by lying about his age. His was Sixteen at the time and living in Little Rock, Arkansas. He reported to boot camp on January 24, 1942 at the 12th Recruit Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Platoon 150, in San Diego, California. Like many war veterans, Wright's traumatic experience in war left him in a battle with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His detailed description of his teenage years shows why he still feels the effects several decades later. Wright's hope is that other veterans will find hope and help through his book and perhaps be inspired to write about their own experiences.  About the Author Frank S. Wright was born on July 5, 1925, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and as a member of the 4th Marine Raiders Special Forces with Colonel James Roosevelt as commander. He fought in four major battles, traveled between islands on eleven different Navy ships, was wounded by a bayonet in the stomach while recapturing Guam, and was shot in the chest and arm by machine gun fire on the island of Iwo Jima. He spent the last six months of his enlistment as a Marine drill instructor training new recruits. Wright's personal awards include a Purple Heart with two stars, the Presidential Unit Citation with two stars, Navy Unit Commendation, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with three service stars, the Fleet Marine Force with four stars, the Marine Corps Expedition Medal, Combat Action with four stars, the Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Frank's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Battles-Pacific-World-Personal-Causing/dp/164426949X

Craig Shoemaker - Episode 825

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