FIT TO FIGHT FIRE

Shane Bentley shares the story of a man whose entire identity was a firefighter, who put the job before his family and before God. 

That path eventually led him into a season marked by shame, guilt, and uncertainty, but by the grace of God, his story doesn’t end there.

Through adversity, humility, and the hard work of forgiving both himself and others, Shane found redemption in his relationship with Jesus. That transformation didn’t just change who he was personally; it reshaped how he leads, serves, and lives with purpose.

Chapters

00:00

Divine Timing and Purpose

07:05

Identity Crisis in the Fire Service

13:08

The Long Road to Recovery

19:38

Finding Balance and Priorities

27:08

Surrendering to God and Forgiveness

35:03

Facing Accusations and Trials

41:12

Challenging Comfort Zones in the Fire Service

46:16

The Journey of Surrender and Redemption

51:30

The Importance of Community and Support

57:46

Faith-Based Transformation and Purpose

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

In this episode of the Fit to Fight Fire podcast, Jonathan Bundy, shares his journey through the fire service, the challenges of starting over in his career, and the profound impact of participating in the Crucible. Bundy discusses the importance of faith, resilience, and personal growth, emphasizing how the Crucible experience helped him reflect on his life and develop a stronger sense of self. He encourages others to embrace challenges and take the leap into personal development opportunities like the Crucible.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Bundy's Journey
02:48 The Courage to Start Over
06:00 Faith and Decision-Making in Career Moves
08:56 Overcoming Adversity and Personal Growth
12:03 The Impact of the Crucible Experience
15:00 Attraction to the Crucible
17:47 Resolve and Intent in Personal Development
21:52 Expectations vs. Reality at the Crucible
24:07 Experiencing the Workouts and Team Dynamics
29:52 Mental Challenges and Self-Reflection
35:49 Emotional Moments and Personal Insights
39:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Others

Apply to The Crucible 3 by 01/15/26 11PM Mountain Time

Apply here: https://www.fittofightfireusa.com/crucible

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

We talked with some of our brothers who participated in and finished the first Crucible.

They share their lessons learned and what they did mentally to successfully endure the 24 hours of work. 

The Crucible 2 will be on October 25th here in Denver, Colorado, and the application to apply is open until July 31st at 11:59 PM

Apply for The Crucible 2 here:

https://www.fittofightfireusa.com/crucible

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

In this episode of the Fit to Fight Fire podcast, Brent Cooper shares his journey from a young boy dreaming of becoming a firefighter to a seasoned firefighter who has faced numerous personal and professional challenges. He discusses the impact of his family life, the importance of faith in shaping his identity, and the struggles he faced with his brother's drug addiction. Brent emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, accountability, and community support in overcoming adversity. He also shares the story of his son Knox, who faced serious health challenges, and how that experience deepened his faith. Brent's journey highlights the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the power of sharing one's faith in the fire service.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:47 Family Life and Early Influences

12:07 Identity in the Fire Service

18:04 The Journey of Smoke Diver Training

24:00 Finding Faith and Marriage

29:47 Transformation and Daily Disciplines

35:46 Encouragement for the Broken

37:10 Meeting People Where They Are

40:08 Sharing Faith in the Firehouse

44:58 Navigating Family Challenges

48:55 Trusting God Through Adversity

52:52 The Journey of Health and Fitness

59:59 Pursuing Purpose and Passion

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

In this episode of the Fit the Fight Fire podcast, Blake Stinnett shares the profound impact of faith, adversity, and personal growth. Blake shares his journey from the fire service to ministry, the challenges he faced when feeling called to leave a job he loved, and the life-altering accident that tested his faith. Through pain and recovery, Blake emphasizes the importance of community support, the power of prayer, and finding purpose in difficult times. The conversation highlights how adversity can lead to personal growth and the importance of leaning on faith during challenging seasons.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Faith and Testing
01:04 The Journey of Faith and Ministry
05:15 Crossroads: Leaving the Fire Service
10:05 The Struggle of Obedience
14:40 Identity and Mental Health
21:23 Finding Joy in Obedience
23:09 The Accident and Its Impact
31:20 The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
34:40 Emergency Response and Support
35:57 Hospitalization and Recovery Journey
39:34 Reflections on Faith and Gratitude
43:36 Facing Ongoing Challenges and Surgeries
49:42 Mental and Physical Resilience
56:31 Purpose in Pain and Encouragement for Others

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

I share my journey of faith, service, and leadership within the fire department. I talk about the importance of finding purpose in pain, the heart of service, and the role of family and faith in overcoming adversity. I cover the significance of humility in leadership and the power of community in transforming lives. I encourage listeners to live with purpose and to allow their hearts to be shaped by Jesus and their faith.

The book I quoted as Sacrificial Marriage is actually Scared Marriage 

Takeaways

- Give your pain purpose by helping others.
- Don't be afraid to share your faith; it's needed.
- People are always watching how you handle adversity.
- God equips and qualifies those He calls.
- The heart is central to who we are and our service.
- Family should come first, even in a demanding career.
- Humility is essential in leadership roles.
- Overcoming adversity can lead to personal growth.
- Community support is vital in challenging times.
- Transformation of the heart is a daily practice.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
00:40 Service Above Self: A Heartfelt Discussion
07:39 The Role of Humility in Service
14:23 Real-Life Stories of Service and Heart Transformation
16:48 The Call to Serve: A Personal Story
19:29 Family First: The Importance of Prioritizing Loved Ones
22:36 Lessons in Humility: A Journey of Self-Reflection
25:11 Creating a Positive Environment: The Power of Encouragement
27:45 Guarding Your Heart: The Impact of Inputs
30:27 Ego vs. Service: Finding True Purpose
33:13 The Importance of Community: Building Supportive Relationships
35:53 Transforming Pain into Purpose: Learning from Adversity
44:17 Finding Purpose in Pain
46:41 The Power of Faith and Sharing
47:26 Transformation Through Trials

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Nate Sturm talks about a LODD that his fire department experienced that brought about the dark season of life that almost tore his family apart. 

Nate shares how alcohol was the downfall and how his faith in Jesus Christ lifted him and his family from the darkness and into the light, giving purpose to the pain he endured. 

I am inspired by Nate’s transparency and vulnerability, which are shown in our conversation

Takeaways

- Nate Sturm has 24 years of experience in the fire service.
- He founded Buddy Breathers, a Christian-based outreach program for mental        health support.
- A tragic incident in June 2022 led to severe anxiety and guilt for Nate.
- Nate's family was deeply affected by his struggles with mental health and alcohol.
- The turning point for Nate was when his daughter expressed her feelings about his absence.
- Seeking professional help was crucial for Nate's recovery.
- Nate emphasizes the importance of community and peer support in overcoming struggles.
- Faith played a significant role in Nate's healing process.
- Nate encourages open communication about mental health in the fire service.
It's okay to not be okay, and reaching out for help is vital.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nate Sturm's Journey
02:53 Nate's Career and Family Background
05:45 The Tragic Incident: A Call for Help
08:09 The Aftermath: Guilt and Anxiety
10:21 Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Use
15:24 The Mask of Positivity: A Deceptive Facade
21:07 Impact on Family and Relationships
28:40 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
32:39 The Breaking Point: A Daughter's Heartfelt Words
35:38 Seeking Help: The Turning Point
40:00 Faith and Professional Help: A Dual Approach
46:11 Finding Purpose in Pain: The Journey of Healing
51:35 Encouragement for Those Struggling: A Call to Action

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

In this episode, I sat down with Marcos and Logan to discuss our vision for The Crucible and how it all came together. We discussed what The Crucible is and what it's not. 

This conversation will give you a clear view of The Crucible's purpose and why it is so important to us.

The application closes today at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. If you are wondering if you have what it takes to complete The Crucible, the only way to find out is to apply and try. 

What is The Crucible? 

We will do 12 in-gear workouts over 24 hours on May 31st, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. 

We believe in building mental and physical resilience through fitness, hard work, and shared suffering. 

Crucible: a severe test in which something is tested through an external and internal conflict, producing something new. 

Apply here:

https://www.fittofightfireusa.com/the-crucible

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

Brad shares how a grab made, made him challenge where he was putting his identity and how firefighters who follow Christ can lead their firehouse lives. 

We talk about how identifying as a firefighter first can leave us feeling lost when our careers are over.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show

In episode 30, I talk with Joshua Dukes about several seasons of adversity that he weathered with his faith in the Lord. Joshua shares the challenges faced when his 19-month-old son Trucker Dukes was diagnosed with cancer and how Trucker inspired so many during his battle with cancer and continues to today after his passing. 

We talk about how standing up for his beliefs led to his termination from the job he loved as a firefighter and how he continues to give all the pain he endured throughout his life purpose.

This is a story of courage, faith, and living with joy amid trials. Joshua's time with me inspired me, moved me to tears, and made me want to be a better man. Joshua's powerful story will inspire you.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! 

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Support the show