In this deeply personal solo episode, Nole shares the recent, difficult experience of saying goodbye to his beloved family cat, Finn. An unexpected work call-up prevents Nole from being there, forcing him to rely on his wife, Heather, and his son, North, to handle the heart-wrenching task. This event becomes a powerful catalyst for reflection on a father's desire to shield his family from pain, the profound growth that happens when we let our loved ones carry heavy responsibilities, and the importance of choosing to show up for life's hardest moments.

Join Nole as he explores the bittersweet pride of watching his family's strength, the lessons learned through their grief, and the universal truth that our character is forged when we willingly walk into the hard rooms of 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

In this lighthearted and wide-ranging episode, Kevin and Nole share lessons from fatherhood, fitness, and finance. The guys reflect on the fast-approaching reality of retirement and the importance of taking small, consistent actions to prepare for the future. They discuss the parental tightrope walk of balancing saving money with making memories, and the daily challenge of trusting your kids with more responsibility (even if it means risking a tray of fries). Nole shares a humbling story about becoming "the old guy" at the station doing a workout, and the crucial mindset shift required to keep showing up. The conversation also touches on personal integrity, the surprising power of a "bro hug," and navigating the tricky phase of a middle-schooler discovering makeup.

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

"It's Not Enough" - Dustin Kensrue (In the episode, Nole mistakenly stated that this song was performed by The Modern Post)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeRSlQlPkpo&ab_channel=DustinKensrueVEVO

In this solo episode, Nole gets vulnerable about the universal, timeless struggle for meaning and satisfaction. Drawing inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the powerful song "It's Not Enough" by Dustin Kensrue, he explores why our pursuits of worldly comfort, pleasure, and success always leave us feeling empty.

Reflecting on his recent experience at a Fire Up program, Nole shares how our modern battles with things like alcohol, pornography, and even doom-scrolling are simply new versions of an old story—chasing after the wind. He shares a raw, personal story of facing a powerful moment of temptation in his own journey to quit nicotine and introduces a simple yet profound phrase to use as a weapon in those moments: "It's not enough."

This episode is a challenge to look past the "mediocre things" we use to find temporary peace and instead focus on the one thing that offers true, lasting fulfillment: a relationship with God.

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

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

Nole and Kevin are joined by their friend and fellow firefighter, Ronnie Evans, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. The episode centers on Ronnie's harrowing experience during the recent Eaton Fire, where he, while on duty, had to watch his childhood home burn to the ground as his own home was simultaneously threatened. Ronnie shares a minute-by-minute account of that night—the difficult calls with his father, the chaos of evacuating his family, and the helpless feeling of watching his community burn.

Beyond the fire, Ronnie discusses his journey into the fire service through the grueling LA County Fire Camps, the life-altering perspective shift of becoming a young father, and his brilliant "plate" analogy for balancing the heavy commitments of work, family, and personal growth. This is a story of devastating loss, incredible resilience, and the hard-earned wisdom that comes from weathering the storm.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• (01:56) - Welcome, Ronnie Evans
• (02:54) - The origins of Ronnie's nickname, "Regular Ronnie," and the dangers of revealing your pet peeves in a fire station.
• (05:40) - Ronnie's start in the fire service as a student worker and being reluctantly pushed to apply for the Fire Suppression Aide (FSA) program.
• (08:20) - The brutal reality of his first day of training and the year-long physical transformation it took to prepare for the academy.
• (11:35) - What is an FSA? A look inside LA County's Type 1 Hand Crews.
• (17:28) - Juggling a new baby, a wife in nursing school, and the financial struggles of being an FSA during a hiring freeze.
• (18:45) - The story of getting the call for the fire academy five months before his wedding.
• (21:18) - How becoming a father immediately changes your priorities and provides the "death of selfishness."
• (25:14) - The Eaton Fire: The story begins, starting with the 4 a.m. winds.
• (28:00) - The phone calls with his dad and the moment of regret over his initial "you'll be fine" assessment.
• (30:01) - The chaotic scene evacuating his elderly parents, his grandma, and his young children.
• (31:00) - The "blowtorch" conditions and the grim reality of telling friends their homes were gone.
• (33:00) - The devastating moment he saw his childhood home fully engulfed in 40-foot flames.
• (34:00) - Believing his own house was also lost and the relief of finding it still standing amidst the destruction.
• (37:41) - An important discussion: Why staying behind to "defend your home with a garden hose" was not a viable or safe option.
• (43:20) - The aftermath: The immense stress of displacement and trying to help his parents start over.
• (49:15) - A lesson for all first responders: Balancing the professional "we've got this" attitude with the reality of worst-case scenarios for your own family.
• (01:04:24) - The Plate Analogy: Ronnie’s brilliant concept for managing life’s commitments by categorizing them as "steaks," "sides," and "salads."
• (01:14:39) - A key fatherhood lesson: How to react to your children to create a safe space for them to be honest with you.
• (01:22:12) - An interesting question: What is the difference between having a "goal" and having an "agenda"?
• 
  
• 
  
• Sign up for this year's 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb! 
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
• The Fire You Carry Instagram.

In this episode, Nole and Kevin jump straight in with an urgent call to action for everyone to sign up for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The guys then dive into a compelling discussion about the book "The Rescuer" by Jason Sautel, exploring the idea that first responders leave a piece of themselves on every call. This leads to a broader conversation about professionalism, personal accountability, and the internal battle between doing what you know is right versus taking the easy way out, whether that's cleaning the station bathrooms or avoiding the endless dopamine chase of "doomscrolling." They touch on proactive mental health, the tools they use to stay grounded, and the simple but powerful act of mentorship. Finally, Nole shares his latest bio-hacking experiment: mouth taping for better sleep.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• (00:13) - Urgent Call to Action: Sign up for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb now!
• (02:01) - Book Discussion: "The Rescuer" by Jason Sautel.
• (02:20) - The concept of leaving a piece of yourself on every call.
• (04:00) - The profound impact of small, professional acts on the people we serve.
• (06:49) - The "Shopping Cart Theory" and the importance of doing what's right when no one is watching.
• (08:45) - The trap of doomscrolling and its effect on being present with family.
• (11:05) - Understanding social media as an addiction to dopamine hits.
• (14:30) - How reading "The Rescuer" brought up uncomfortable emotions and memories of traumatic calls.
• (17:25) - Using the HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) method and the value of proactive mental health check-ins.
• (19:25) - The constant battle of feeding the "good dog" versus the "bad dog."
• (20:10) - The common struggle of knowing what to do for self-improvement but failing to execute.
• (23:10) - Kevin discusses his sobriety and why alcohol isn't a viable coping tool for him.
• (25:36) - Nole provides an update on his journey of quitting nicotine.
• (28:00) - The power of fatherhood, mentorship, and positive male role models in the fire service.
• (36:00) - Nole shares a tool for starting difficult but important conversations.
• (38:32) - Mouth Taping: Nole's deep dive into using "Hostage Tape" for better sleep.
• (45:55) - Final details and push for the 5th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Resources Mentioned

• Event: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Registration
• Book: "The Rescuer" by Jason Sautel
• Bible Verse: James 4:17
• Sleep Aid: Hostage Tape, 3M Micropore Tape
• Health Service: Function Health Blood Tests (for County employees)
• Send us an email: [email protected]
• Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
• The Fire You Carry Instagram.

What can a talking race car teach us about our own lives? In this episode, Nole and David Hartman dive deep into the unexpected and profound life lessons from the Cars trilogy, using Lightning McQueen's journey as a powerful metaphor for our own.

The conversation explores how we find pieces of ourselves in the characters we love and how their stories can guide our personal growth. From the intense pressure of competition to the humbling journey of self-discovery, this episode touches on the core struggles we all face. Nole and David discuss the weight of financial stress, the challenge of navigating multiple crises at once, and the importance of anchoring oneself in faith and community.

Join them as they unpack the power of mentorship, the beauty of sacrificial leadership, and the essential shift from a mindset of mere survival to a life filled with purpose. This is a conversation for anyone who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or is searching for their identity beyond their latest win or loss.

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

Pastor Joby Martin, Act Like Men Conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CfMnG2Nll8&t=1640s&ab_channel=CrosspointCityChurch

Pastor Jack Hibs, Who Are Those Who Can Never Be Saved?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWDTxZ5y0XU&ab_channel=RealLifewithJackHibbs

Send us 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

Buy a shirt.

https://thefireyoucarry.threadless.com/

In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, hosts Nole and Ryan Shook delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on faith communities. They explore how the pandemic challenged traditional church engagement and ultimately where it failed, and discuss the struggles of reconnecting with faith in a post-pandemic world. Ryan shares his unique perspective, drawing from his experiences growing up in Mongolia and his journey through ministry and firefighting. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, resilience, and the search for community in uncertain times.

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

Pastor Joby Martin, Act Like Men Conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CfMnG2Nll8&t=1640s&ab_channel=CrosspointCityChurch

Pastor Jack Hibs, Who Are Those Who Can Never Be Saved?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWDTxZ5y0XU&ab_channel=RealLifewithJackHibbs

Send us 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 episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole and Kevin are joined by Ben Steele, a former Marine officer turned entrepreneur. The conversation explores Ben's journey from military service to the world of filmmaking and marketing, discussing the challenges of leadership, the transition to civilian life, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Ben shares insights on identity shifts, the value of diverse experiences, and the necessity of finding purpose after leaving structured environments like the military and religious institutions. Ben Steele breaks down the importance of planning and time management, and how these practices contribute to his success as a self-employed individual. He reflects on navigating personal beliefs and relationships, particularly in the context of leaving the LDS church. Ben shares insights into his creative projects with Stag Media, including collaborations with various brands and his passion for storytelling. The discussion also delves into the prevalent culture of nicotine use in the fire service, contrasting personal experiences with broader societal trends. Finally, Ben recounts his travel experiences in the Galapagos Islands and emphasizes the significance of strategic partnerships in business.

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

Stag Media on Instagram. 

https://www.instagram.com/stagmediacreative/

Stag Media 

https://stagmedia.us/

Send us 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 episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole dives into the world of selvedge denim, exploring its history, craftsmanship, and the personal significance of quality clothing. He contrasts selvedge denim with modern mass-produced jeans, emphasizing the unique character and stories that come with each pair. This episode may not seem to fit into what we normally do here on the podcast, but stick with it, it comes around at the end. 

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 us 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