Spiked Out

The Journeyman
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to the Spiked Out Podcast - your go-to for real stories, real people, and real insight from the wildland fire world. Brought to you by The Journeyman, we interview seasoned pros, share education, tips on getting certified, landing jobs, and making the most of the season. Whether you're already on the line or just getting started, we've got you covered. Tune in and get Spiked Out with us. 

  1. No Code, Muay Thai & Real Skills

    JAN 27

    No Code, Muay Thai & Real Skills

    College costs $200K+ and 4 years. Here's what you can build instead for less money and more capability. Part 2 with Maxim Smith diving into practical cycles from The Preparation: no-code fluency that lets you ship real products, Muay Thai training in Thailand that builds discipline and fight composure, and real-world readiness skills that make you harder to break. What we cover: The "Hacker" Cycle: No Code = Real Leverage Not cyberpunk - it's AI-assisted tools that ship working products fast Building custom CRMs and websites with natural language Automating content workflows without writing code How small teams compete with big companies using AI infrastructure Resilience Without Paranoia Simple, realistic prepping: food, water, heat, off-grid communication Why fragile systems require capable individuals Becoming more useful when things break Shooting as Capability Building respect, calm, and competence Useful for hunting, defense, and confidence under pressure Safe, structured learning that removes fear Troubleshooting & First Principles Thinking Mindset borrowed from aviation maintenance How to isolate root causes and solve complex problems Becoming invaluable in work and life Muay Thai Block in Thailand 4 hours/day, 6 days/week focused training Rebuilding endurance, discipline, composure in a fight Why hard physical training compounds everything else Technical Ropes & Rescue Training Stacking capability layers for emergencies Skills that hold in real situations Book Sales, Marketing & What's Next Real numbers from launching The Preparation Women's preparation track tailored for real needs EMT skills, REMS, and staying sharp off-season How AI will shape the next decade Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Find Maxim Smith here: https://www.maximsmith.com/ [00:00:00] The "Hacker" Cycle Explained [00:04:10] Survival Basics And Prepping Mindset [00:08:20] CQB, Shooting Skills, And Confidence [00:14:00] Becoming More Capable In A Risky World [00:18:30] A Women's Prep Book And Self-Defense [00:24:00] Building TJM Tools With AI [00:26:20] EMT Skills, Ropes, And REMS Training

    27 min
  2. Autonomy Without Debt

    JAN 20

    Autonomy Without Debt

    What if the most valuable four years of your life weren't spent in a classroom, but stacking skills, shipping value, and building real businesses? We break down The Preparation - a structured framework that replaces drift with momentum through 16 focused cycles. Each cycle delivers a hard skill, body of knowledge, and layer of confidence you can bank on. No debt required. What we cover: The Framework: 16 Cycles Over 4 Years How anchor courses (Muay Thai, heavy equipment, private pilot, sailing) pair with reading and online coursework Compounding effect: each cycle builds on the last Goal isn't novelty - it's earning leverage The Entrepreneur Cycle Simple benchmark: create legal entity, craft clear offer, land one sale in 3 months Real example: agricultural drone seeding business that seeded 10 acres in under 45 minutes Marketing abroad, legal setup, turning personal needs into paid services Hard Skills That Pay Muay Thai training in Thailand Heavy equipment operation Private pilot license Sailing certification Drone operation and agricultural services Each one opens doors and income streams For Veterans & Career Switchers GI Bill-eligible programs: EMT training, pilot schools, heavy equipment courses How military soft skills (leadership, integrity, composure) translate to entrepreneurship Building autonomy without debt Travel as Education Thailand, South Africa, Chile - expanding perspective and sharpening judgment Learning by doing in different contexts Cultural immersion that builds adaptability Why This Works Cycle stacking = spot opportunities faster Act with clarity, never feel pigeonholed Build skills that compound over time Create multiple income streams Graduate debt-free with real businesses The Bottom Line: This isn't anti-education - it's a structured alternative for those who want autonomy, skills, and entrepreneurial capability without the debt. College works for some paths (medicine, law, engineering). This is for those who want to build differently. Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Find Maxim Smith here: https://www.maximsmith.com/ [00:00:00] The Mindset Of Lifelong Preparation [00:05:31] Skill Cycles And Global Learning [00:11:45] Building A Drone Seeding Business [00:18:02] Stacking Skills For Opportunity [00:21:12] Veterans, GI Bill, And Transition Paths

    21 min
  3. Quiet Competence Wins: How Contractor Medics Build Trust Without Swagger

    JAN 13

    Quiet Competence Wins: How Contractor Medics Build Trust Without Swagger

    Ever wonder why some contractor medics get looped into the crew's plan while others end up alone on a ridge? It's all about trust. We break down the real mechanics of earning credibility on the fireline—and how quiet competence, not loud swagger, sets you up for the right role when it counts. What we cover: Making the Jump: City Fire to Contractor Admin fears, check-in, and demob mysteries solved What a solid contractor company actually provides (binder, support, purchasing) How to choose a company that has your back Building Credibility Without the Patch Introducing yourself at briefing (what to say, what not to say) Using Avenza maps to align placement with crew leads Positioning your rig for highest-risk work = faster response time Why 5 minutes with each crew lead can flip you from outsider to trusted asset Setting Boundaries With Respect Why medics belong where people work, not miles from action How to push back on "safety" requests that put you off-mission Saying no with respect and clear rationale Field Gear That Actually Improves Long Shifts Instant coffee that helps Pocket wash that removes grime fast Small items that solve two problems, add no weight Living the Dirtbag Adventure Life Low-cost adventures, ice climbs, and navigation skill-building Fastest Known Time attempt on the Mickelson Trail Building grit and judgment without big budgets Simplifying the Paperwork Digital shift tickets = fewer demob headaches How to reduce rewrites and admin stress More time for training, scouting helispots, scanning hazards The Bottom Line: If you're moving from structure to wildland contracting or trying to elevate your presence as a single resource, this is your field guide. Prepare before you arrive, communicate like time matters, pack smart, and protect your role with calm authority. Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Undercover Dirtbag Instagram https://www.instagram.com/undercoverdirtbags?igsh=bWl6cGU1Yms4bXVm [00:00:00] First-Time Contractor Nerves [00:05:20] Earning Trust As A Line Medic [00:10:20] Speaking Up About Safety And Role [00:16:00] Undercover Dirtbags Story [00:18:20] Affordable Adventure Mindset

    20 min
  4. How a Structure Firefighter Found a Way Out Through Wildland

    JAN 6

    How a Structure Firefighter Found a Way Out Through Wildland

    What happens when 80% of fire calls are EMS—and it starts breaking you? We sit down with a structure firefighter Matt Emrich who chased the dream of real fire, got buried in nonstop EMS and critical calls, and eventually hit a breaking point that led to PTSD treatment, a career pivot, and a new path through wildland REMS. What we cover: The Structure Fire Reality Growing up around fire, early training burns, chasing ladders and lines Seattle's Medic One system: thin ALS coverage, fast decisions, high stakes Rapid City station life: tight crews, busy downtown house, real camaraderie The modern truth: ~80% EMS with a black cloud of critical calls When the Job Starts Breaking You Sleepless shifts, divorce, and the morning on the edge Making the call to a firefighter-specific PTSD program Leadership that stepped up: time off, pay coverage, zero judgment Treatment doesn't erase scars, but it rewires the path forward Building a New Path Starting a tree-climbing business for autonomy and balance Discovering REMS and line medic opportunities in wildland fire Seasonal deployments that pay well and let you choose your assignments How Structure Firefighters Can Deploy to Wildland Red card requirements (S-130, S-190, basic fitness) EMT or paramedic license opens REMS and line medic roles How to approach your admin about deployments Aligning with multiple contractors increases opportunities R&R fills: 2-4 day stints when crews need relief Best timing: mid-August to mid-September (peak season) Communication habits that keep opportunities coming The Bottom Line: You can love structure fire and still need a break. Wildland REMS gives you autonomy, better pay, seasonal work, and a chance to use your medical skills in a different environment. Protect your health, keep your credentials, and design a career that actually lasts. Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Undercover Dirtbag Instagram https://www.instagram.com/undercoverdirtbags?igsh=bWl6cGU1Yms4bXVm [00:00:00] Early Fire Service Beginnings [00:06:45] Choosing Paramedic School And EMS Reality [00:10:45] Rapid City: Crews, Call Volume, And Culture [00:15:36] Burnout, PTSD, And Seeking Help [00:20:32] Life After The Department: Trees And REMS [00:26:20] R&R Opportunities And Seasonal Timing

    43 min
  5. The Pack Test Isn't Enough: What It Really Takes for Steep Terrain, Altitude & Smoke

    JAN 1

    The Pack Test Isn't Enough: What It Really Takes for Steep Terrain, Altitude & Smoke

    Think passing the pack test means you're ready? It's just the floor, not the ceiling. Austin Womack from Rugged Athlete breaks down why three miles in 45 minutes only proves minimum fitness—and what it actually takes to handle steep climbs, heavy tools, altitude, smoke, and back-to-back shifts without getting destroyed. What we cover: Why the Pack Test is Just the Baseline Built on aerobic data from the 90s Modern evidence shows uphill assignments nearly double the demand If the minimum leaves you gassed, the mountain will eat you alive The Type 1 Fitness Test (Austin's Alternative) Mile run → hand-release push-ups → loaded lunges → heavy carries → more lunges → two-mile run Sub-40 minutes = meaningful benchmark for Type 1 crews Exposes weak links: quads/glutes under load, grip endurance, mental grind after leg fatigue Training for Altitude & Smoke Build big aerobic volume at home (Zone 2 sessions) Add loaded uphill work and VO2 intervals Plan acclimatization when possible No gimmick mask replaces true hypoxia—consistent training and smart pacing do Recovery Tactics That Cut Injuries Better sleep and carbohydrate timing for long shifts Protein targets for tissue repair Hydration and electrolytes for heat and elevation Mobility sessions to stay durable through 14-day rolls Rugged Athlete App Seasonal programming and on-ramps after layoffs or injuries Micro plans for push-ups, pull-ups, timed runs High-performance hiking and preventative maintenance education 7-day free trial available Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Find Rugged Athlete  https://www.ruggedathletetraining.com/ [00:00:00] The Grind And Burnout On The Line [00:05:00] Minimums Versus Real-World Demands [00:10:45] Altitude, Smoke, And Hidden Stressors [00:16:36] App, Programs, And Where To Start [00:20:20] Q&A Invite And Ways To Connect

    22 min
  6. How to Actually Train for Wildland Fire

    12/30/2025

    How to Actually Train for Wildland Fire

    The line doesn't care how much you can bench if your back seizes on a ridge. Austin Womack—founder of Rugged Athlete, former pro sports strength coach, and wildland firefighter—shares how to build a body that actually holds up under load, heat, and chaos. What we cover: 3-Step Preventative Maintenance Routine Soft tissue prep → Mobilize → Reinforce Low-back and hip strategies with field-friendly tools Proactive (before big hikes) vs reactive (when something flares) No gym needed—works with a roller, lacrosse ball, or your pack Training Year Breakdown Postseason: Reset sleep, nutrition, movement Offseason: Build aerobic base + heavy bilateral strength (squats, deadlifts, presses) Preseason: Hiking volume, intervals, unilateral lifts In-season: Maintain strength, manage wear, avoid overtraining Key Lesson The pack test is the floor, not the standard. Austin's first season taught him the hard way: crushing air bike intervals doesn't prepare you for carrying a load uphill for hours. Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home Find Rugged Athlete  https://www.ruggedathletetraining.com/ [00:00:00] Treat Your Body Like Gear [00:04:30] First Season Lessons And Misconceptions [00:09:20] Physical Preventative Maintenance Framework [00:12:45] Low Back Example: Prep, Mobilize, Reinforce [00:15:20] Proactive Versus Reactive Care In The Field [00:17:10] Yearly Training Model For Firefighters

    30 min
  7. Midnight Medevac, Combat Aviation & Why Good Pilots Say No

    12/18/2025

    Midnight Medevac, Combat Aviation & Why Good Pilots Say No

    A single rifle round through the bubble, an offshore turn-back with voices urging "come on in," a midnight medevac launched from a Marine Corps ball—this is how real judgment is forged. Nick shows how to resist tunnel vision, choose safety over pressure, and turn raw experience into a framework you can actually use. From Afghanistan combat flights to EMS in Pine Ridge, offshore weather calls to aerial firefighting across three continents, these are the stories that teach you when to say no. What we cover: Close Calls & Hard Decisions Bullet through the helicopter window and fast recovery Offshore turn-back when "get-there-itis" crept in Why saying no under pressure keeps you alive Stress, fatigue, and tunnel vision in single-pilot operations Return to Afghanistan COVID lockdown turned into grad-level study on decision-making Operating 24/7 in high-tempo environments What precision longline work on California power lines taught him EMS & Crew Resource Management Flying medevac out of Pine Ridge Why crew trust between pilots and clinicians saves lives Midnight medevac launched from a Marine Corps ball When communication works—and when it breaks down Philippines Operations Two 107s moving Marines, 24/7 Kazevac missions Barrel refuels in the dark Safe LZ, hidden gopher hole—how fast things go wrong Night operations and maintaining discipline Aerial Firefighting Across Continents U.S. structure vs. international deployment chaos Buckets vs. tanks: precision and flexibility vs. speed and capacity Initial attack tactics and ground coordination Hidden danger of falling branches under heavy drops Night firefighting on NVGs: controversial but effective with strict recon The Through-Line Fly safely, teach well, leave the next crew better How to build judgment that holds under pressure Humility and restraint over hero moves The goal: everyone goes home Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home [00:00:00] Purpose: Fly Safe And Teach [00:06:16] Why Bagram Should Have Stayed [00:10:49] Tunnel Vision, Risk, And Single-Pilot Pressure [00:18:12] Brothers, Wings, And Career Crossroads [00:23:34] Philippines: Marines, Kazevac, And A Wild Night [00:30:00] Buckets vs Tanks And Safety Tradeoffs [00:35:06] Night Firefighting On NVGs [00:37:50] Wrap-Up And Future Return

    46 min
  8. From Planning HLZs to Flying Heavy Helicopters

    12/16/2025

    From Planning HLZs to Flying Heavy Helicopters

    A young Ranger falls in love with aviation while planning HLZs and talking to Little Birds—then bets his future on a last-minute pivot to flight school after the VA pulls funding. From shaky first hovers to that unforgettable first solo, Nick unpacks the learning curve that turns fear into focus, why instructing students sharpened his own skills more than any book, and how high-density-altitude flying in the Grand Canyon forces honest math and disciplined performance planning. What we cover: From Ranger Regiment to Flight School Forward observer work and exposure to Army aviation VA funding falls through—last-minute pivot Why flight school felt impossible at first First solo nerves and the moment everything clicked Building Skills & Hours Why teaching flight students made him a better pilot High-density-altitude reality checks flying Grand Canyon tours Prescott operations and performance limits you can't fake Moving offshore to Louisiana for turbine time in 407s The Path to Heavy Helicopters How to build hours strategically for the jobs you want Gulf operations and what turbine experience unlocks Getting hired by Columbia Helicopters What it takes to fly heavy lift (skills, mindset, humility) Lessons That Stick Humility beats bravado every time Soft skills matter as much as stick skills Study the systems—your crew's life depends on it Fear is normal; focus is what matters Find The Journeyman App here: Google Play Store:  play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livetjm.thejourneyman&pli=1 Apple App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/tjm-the-journeyman/id6503902863 Visit Our Website livetjm.com/home [00:00:00] Meet Nick: Ranger To Pilot [00:05:00] Choosing Flight School And VA Maze [00:10:20] Training Grind And First Solo [00:18:50] Offshore Flying And First-Time Fears [00:27:30] Crew Culture And Soft Skills [00:38:30] Afghanistan Ops: Tempo And Lessons [00:44:00] Ego Checks, Mentorship, And Upgrade

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Spiked Out Podcast - your go-to for real stories, real people, and real insight from the wildland fire world. Brought to you by The Journeyman, we interview seasoned pros, share education, tips on getting certified, landing jobs, and making the most of the season. Whether you're already on the line or just getting started, we've got you covered. Tune in and get Spiked Out with us. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Journeyman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Spiked Out
  • Show Website
    Spiked Out

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