The Relentless Rejects Podcast

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons sits down with Captain Jay Bonnifield of the Everett Fire Department for a deep dive into what actually shapes a great firefighter and officer.

Jay shares the personal side first—overcoming academic struggles, repeatedly testing to get hired, and the sacrifices his wife and family made along the way. From there, the conversation transitions into what truly separates competent firefighters from dangerous ones: decision-making under pressure.

They break down:

• The go/no-go process on the residential fireground

• Why understanding fire behavior is non-negotiable

• Exterior vs. interior attack through the lens of survivability

• The responsibilities of the nozzleman during rescue operations

• Why live fire training is critical to developing intuition

• The importance of post-knockdown discipline and procedures

• How mentorship and frameworks build instinct before the fire ever happens

Jay emphasizes that great fireground performance isn’t about heroics—it’s about hierarchy, clarity, and repetition. The officers and firefighters who operate calmly under stress do so because they’ve built a framework that guides their decisions.

This episode is about family, discipline, fire dynamics, and the responsibility to raise the standard in the fire service.

What happens when you chase the American dream… and end up chasing purpose instead?

In this episode, Helton Pereira shares his powerful journey from Brazil to becoming a firefighter in the United States. But this isn’t just a story about career progression — it’s about alignment. Faith. Family. Mentorship. And learning to put first things first.

Helton opens up about navigating burnout, rediscovering passion for the job, and building a marriage and home life that thrives alongside the demands of the fire service. He speaks candidly about the importance of fostering a positive firehouse culture, mentoring the next generation, and leading by example—not just in turnout gear, but in everyday life.

We also dive into Helton’s upcoming First Things First Conference, designed to strengthen community, character, and connection within the fire service.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of the job, struggled to balance career and family, or questioned how to sustain passion long-term, this conversation is for you.

Because the job matters.

But the order matters more.

In this engaging conversation, Preston Lyons and Daniel Massa explore the intersections of personal growth, martial arts, and firefighting. They discuss Daniel's upbringing in the Bronx, his experiences with bullying, and how martial arts helped him build confidence. The conversation transitions into Daniel's journey into the fire service, highlighting the importance of family legacy and the integration of martial arts into firefighting. They also delve into the significance of breath work in managing stress and enhancing performance in high-pressure situations. In this conversation, Daniel Massa shares his journey into breathwork, highlighting its transformative effects on mental health, performance, and overall well-being. He discusses the importance of proper breathing techniques, especially for firefighters and first responders, and how breath control can significantly impact stress management and emergency response. The dialogue also touches on the mechanics of breathing, the role of the diaphragm, and practical exercises to improve breath efficiency. Massa emphasizes the community aspect of breathwork and its potential to aid those dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons interviews Jeremy Barker, a former firefighter turned successful entrepreneur. Jeremy shares his journey from living in his car to building Murphy Door, a leading hidden door brand. He discusses the importance of family support, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the unique dynamics of brotherhood in the fire service. The conversation delves into mindset shifts, resilience, and the lessons learned from failure, emphasizing that true freedom comes from overcoming challenges and pursuing personal growth. In this conversation, Jeremy Barker shares his journey from being a firefighter to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of valuing one's worth, the discipline required in business, and the significance of setting big goals. The discussion also touches on the mental health challenges faced by firefighters, the power of kindness, and the value of learning from all walks of life. Jeremy encourages listeners to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while maintaining a servant's heart and a focus on community.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Dr. Tony Dice shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a firefighter, EMT, and ultimately a Navy SEAL. He discusses the struggles with addiction that followed his military service and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Dr. Dice's story highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of mental health, and the journey to recovery, culminating in a powerful message of hope and transformation. In this conversation, Dr. Dice shares his profound journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the importance of connection, storytelling, and resilience. He discusses the pivotal moments that led him to become a therapist and how he now helps others navigate their own struggles with addiction. The dialogue explores the holistic approach to recovery, the significance of community support, and the transformative power of sharing personal experiences. Dr. Dice encourages listeners to reach out for help and highlights that recovery is a journey that can lead to a fulfilling life beyond addiction.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with newly promoted Lieutenant Jenny Grima, who shares her unique journey from a biology major to a firefighter. Jenny discusses the challenges she faced in the fire service, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, and how she turned failures into opportunities for growth. She emphasizes the significance of mental health and personal time, and reflects on her experiences teaching and mentoring others in the field. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of the fire service and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. In this conversation, Jenny Grima shares her journey in the fire service, discussing the challenges she faced as a female firefighter, including doubts, imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship. She emphasizes the significance of mental toughness, self-care, and finding a supportive community. Jenny also highlights her holistic approach to wellness and the transformative impact of programs like 75 Hard on her life. Ultimately, she encourages others to pursue their passions and find their tribe.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons reflects on the past year, discusses the evolution of the podcast from Relentless Rejects to The Overhaul, and emphasizes the importance of personal growth, mentorship, and legacy in the fire service. He shares his vision for 2026 and the collective effort needed to improve the culture and leadership within the fire service community.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Captain Jake Dickes shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and community. He discusses the challenges of promotion, the need for positive leadership, and the significance of realistic training. Dix highlights the role of passion in firefighting and the necessity of addressing negativity within the firehouse. He concludes with a powerful analogy about the goat head plant, illustrating the multifaceted approach needed to foster a positive culture in the fire service.

This episode of the Overhaul podcast features a deep dive into the life and career of Chief Chris Wessels, exploring his 34-year journey in the fire service, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on leadership, mentorship, and the balance between aggression and safety in firefighting.

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, Preston Lyons speaks with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a psychologist specializing in sleep hygiene for first responders and military veterans. They discuss the importance of sleep, its connection to mental health, and practical strategies to improve sleep quality. Dr. Kaylor shares her journey into sleep psychology, the challenges first responders face with sleep, and the significance of establishing a consistent sleep routine. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness of sleep issues and the impact of lifestyle choices on sleep quality.