Nole is missing in action (at the firehouse!), so Kevin steps up to the mic for a powerful solo episode. Fresh off the high of the Fire Up Program's Class 14, Kevin shares an immediate and personal debrief of the weekend.

He discusses why it's so difficult—and so necessary—for first responders to take a "tactical pause" away from both work and family to reset and build resilience. This episode is a raw look at the power of brotherhood, the importance of servant leadership, and how to take the lessons from the mountain and apply them directly to your family and your life.

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

We live in a world of constant consumption, where every spare second is filled with music, podcasts, social media, or videos. In this solo episode, Nole explores the vital and uncomfortable practice of being alone with our thoughts. He shares insights from a Harvard professor's video on the power of "boredom" to unlock creativity, introspection, and our ability to wrestle with life's big questions. 

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]

Video referenced in the episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8

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

What's your motivation? In the firehouse, there are a million "unwritten rules." From leaving "veto in the toilet" to making sure there's "water on the ground" after washing the rig, many tasks are done simply to prove they were done. In this episode, Nole and Kevin dive deep into this unique aspect of firehouse culture, exploring the line between maintaining perception and acting with true integrity. They discuss whether our actions are driven by a need for recognition or by a commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It's a fun, insightful look at the traditions of the fire service and a challenging personal inventory for men everywhere.

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

Randy Rozzell—22-year Navy SEAL veteran, former firefighter, and tactical combatives instructor—is back on the show!

Since his last appearance on episode 219, Randy has written a powerful book called "Pressing Forward," a story of resilience that goes far beyond the battlefield. In this conversation, we dive deep into the lessons from his book and his life. Randy shares the heart behind his writing, explaining how a difficult upbringing and a demanding career forged the mindset he lives by today.

We discuss practical ways to build mental toughness, the challenge of raising resilient kids in a comfortable world, and the origin story of the elite combatives program he developed for the SEAL teams. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to face adversity, tackle the hard things in life, and, as Randy puts it, "Don't let the weakness win."

Pressing Forward Audiobook.

Pressing Forward Book.

ImageStick

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

In this thought-provoking episode, Nole and Kevin welcome their good friend, Pastor Jim Stitzinger, back to the show. They dive deep into a powerful concept from an article Jim wrote: Safety Second. This idea presents a revolutionary paradigm shift, challenging the common prayer to "keep us safe." Jim argues that when we make personal safety our ultimate priority, it can lead down a path of compromise and fear. Instead, the scriptures call us to pray for things like boldness, holiness, courage, and discernment.

The conversation explores how this mindset applies directly to the lives of first responders, parents, and anyone striving to live a faith-driven life. They discuss the importance of being prepared for challenges, trusting in God's plan, and focusing on what truly matters: our character over our comfort and our holiness over our health. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their prayer life and live with greater purpose and courage.

Safety Second post by Pastor Jim

https://jimstitzinger.com/uncategorized/safety-second-how-should-christians-pray/

Crossroads Community Church

https://crossroadscommunitychurch.net/about/

Debrief on demand

https://crossroadscommunitychurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1048142

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

In this solo episode, Kevin takes the helm while Nole is away and dives deep into a powerful framework for fatherhood from Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena. Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned grandfather, this episode provides a gut-check on where you are and where you're headed. Kevin breaks down the four distinct phases—Father Fidelis, Father Figure, Father Friend, and Father Forever—and connects them to the unique challenges faced by first responders. This is a must-listen for any man looking to be more intentional in his role as a father and build a lasting legacy.

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

In this powerful and personal episode, Kevin sits down with 20-year LA County Fire veteran, Captain Rick Cook. Kevin and Rick dive deep into what it truly means to be a "good dude"—a man whose character is defined not by his job title, but by his role as a husband and father. Rick shares profound wisdom from his 27-year marriage, the challenges and triumphs of raising children, and the incredible story of how his wife's loving intervention prompted him to slow down and leave one of the busiest fire stations in the county. From punk rock and the Navy to father-son fistfights and the "crock pot" theory of marriage, this conversation is packed with raw honesty, humor, and inspiration for every man trying to balance a demanding career with a thriving home life. 

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

"Memories" by Dreamwake (Saxaphone Metalcore)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq8p0pDKTKA

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

After a three-week hiatus, Kevin is back in the co-host chair! In honor of his return and the podcast's five-year anniversary, Nole turns the tables and interviews Kevin as if he were a guest on the show.

The guys kick things off with personal updates, including Nole's restorative trip to Hume Lake and his journey of finding a new church for his family after being challenged by the podcast community. From there, they dive into a deep discussion about the last five years of "The Fire You Carry," their vision for its future, and their dream guests.

Kevin opens up about the "fire he's carrying" right now—the drive to be a "Band One Dad" and connect with his kids as they navigate their middle school years. The conversation then shifts to the trials they're facing, with Kevin sharing his struggle of grappling with new physical limitations after his neck surgery and learning to find his identity outside of the intense physicality he's relied on for his entire life. It's a powerful conversation about growth, vulnerability, faith, and the future.

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

"Memories" by Dreamwake (Saxaphone Metalcore)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq8p0pDKTKA

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

In this powerful and reflective episode, Nole sits down with his father, Jeff Lilley, to process their deep, visceral reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They explore why this event stirred up such strong emotions for so many. The conversation delves into the complex emotions of anger, grief, and the desire for justice, while also examining the political polarization that has led to a moment where tragedy is celebrated by some and mourned by others. Ultimately, they ask the crucial question: How does an event like this become a catalyst for change, and what do we do now?

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

In this short solo episode, Nole shares a powerful reflection from a recent, life-changing trip to Alaska with his wife. Hosted by Samaritan's Purse and Firefighters for Christ, the retreat was meant to honor families impacted by major fires. But amidst the stunning landscapes of Mystic Lake Lodge, Nole found himself overwhelmed by a profound sense of distraction—not the negative, anxiety-inducing kind from our phones and screens, but a beautiful, soul-filling distraction by the sheer immensity of God's creation.

He explores the difference between man-made distractions that pull us away from what matters and the "good" distractions found in nature that endlessly point us back to our Creator. This is a call to action for all of us, no matter where we live, to pause, look up, and find the whispers of God's glory in the world around us.

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