Send us a text

In this powerful and emotional episode, Jason Schechterle shares his incredible journey of resilience after surviving a near-fatal car accident as a police officer. With profound insight, Jason reflects on waking up to a new reality, the critical choices that shape our lives, and how he refused to be defined by tragedy. He opens up about overcoming a victim mentality, returning home, embracing self-forgiveness, and facing a changed public perception. Jason also reveals the life lessons that helped him find purpose through pain—including the importance of leaving the world better than you found it. His story is a testament to courage, mindset, and the human spirit's ability to triumph.

Only 14 months into his career as a Phoenix Police Officer, Jason Schechterle’s life changed in seconds on March 26, 2001. He was in his patrol car stopped at a red light when a taxi traveling over 100 mph slammed into him, causing an explosion that trapped him in flames exceeding 700 degrees. Through a series of miraculous circumstances, Jason survived the devastating crash and the severe burns that ravaged over 40 percent of his body, drastically altering his appearance and leading to nearly 60 surgeries just to regain the ability to perform simple daily tasks.

Despite his physical and emotional hardships over the past 24 years, Jason has refused to surrender to despair. The story of his survival chronicles an extraordinary fight for life, a triumph over tragedy, and an inspiring testament to resilience. As a speaker, Jason captivates audiences with his authenticity and courage, delivering a powerful narrative that exemplifies how the human spirit can rise above unimaginable adversity. His message resonates deeply, emphasizing that life is defined not by what happens to us, but by how we choose to respond – a philosophy he embodies every day of his life.

Today, Jason remains devoted to his wife, Suzie, their three children and two grandkids. He lives an active life as an avid golfer and community advocate. Beyond his speaking engagements across the United States and in Europe, Jason serves locally as the Community Relations Director for The 100 Club of AZ, continuing to uplift others through his story of rebirth and transformation. Jason stands as a profound example of courage, love, and the limitless potential of the human spirit, inspiring countless individuals to never give in and never give up.

http://www.burningshield.com

This podcast dives deep into real, raw topics—think vulnerability, triggers, and childhood trauma. But just so we're super clear: I’m not a licensed therapist, mental health professional, or anything close. I’m just a human sharing stories, lessons, and life hacks based on personal experience and a whole lot of curiosity.

So, while you might find some golden nuggets here, this is not therapy and should never replace professional mental health care. If you or someone you love is going through it, please—seriously—reach out to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider. You deserve the real deal.

Need Help Now?
Here are a few amazing resources:

· 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
· NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org/help
· Therapy Directory: psychologytoday.com
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

The opinions expressed on this show are ours and ours alone—no official organizations are responsible for what we say (or how much we overshare).