Carry On Fire Family

Audra Carrion
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Kids & Family

Being part of a fire family is not just a lifestyle, it’s a story most people will never understand. This podcast creates honest conversations about culture, resilience, and what real strength looks like in the fire service so departments, and the families behind them, can move forward together. Each week, you’ll hear raw personal stories, expert advice, and unfiltered conversations that remind us that change can be uncomfortable, but necessary. This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for fire families and change makers who are rewriting what it means to be a modern fire family.

  1. Sep 15

    When Mental Health Hits Home- with Ellen Sullivan

    In this episode, we explore the profound impact of suicide within the fire service community, sharing personal stories, departmental responses, and ways to foster mental health awareness and support among first responders and their families. key topics Impact of suicide on firefighter families Department response to firefighter suicides Mental health stigma in the fire service Importance of community and peer support Role of department leadership in mental health Personal stories of loss and resilience Need for systemic change in mental health protocols Support networks for fire families Advocacy for mental health awareness Strategies for reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking takeaways Suicide in the fire service is often underreported and stigmatized. Department responses to suicide can be inadequate and sometimes dismissive. Open conversations and mental health support are crucial for prevention. Leadership in fire departments must prioritize mental health and create safe spaces. Community support and mentorship can significantly aid fire families. Personal stories highlight the need for systemic change and compassion. Normalizing mental health discussions reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking. Proactive mental health protocols and regular check-ins are essential. Families and peers play a vital role in supporting mental well-being. Advocacy and education are key to transforming the culture around mental health in the fire service. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the topic of firefighter suicide and mental health 02:31 Personal story: The impact of a firefighter's suicide on families and departments 04:20 Guest introduction: Ellen Sullivan and her background 05:01 Life in the fire service: Balancing family and demanding schedules 07:08 The challenges of mental health in the fire community 15:00 The recent firefighter suicide and departmental response 19:59 Department protocols and the need for systemic change 29:57 The importance of community, mentorship, and peer support 39:57 Advocacy, awareness, and the future of mental health in the fire service keywords fire service, mental health, suicide prevention, first responder support, firefighter families, department response, mental health stigma, community support, firefighter mental health, suicide awareness

  2. Sep 1

    S3. E1. Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience: Ali Rothrock's Path From Firehouse to Healing

    Firefighter turned trauma expert Ali Rothrock joins the show to unpack what it really takes to survive and heal from trauma in the fire service. Ali entered the fire service in 2005 and spent years navigating the challenges women in firefighting still face: harassment, safety failures, and isolation from the crews meant to protect them. That accumulated trauma led to a PTSD diagnosis, which Ali describes not as a breaking point but as the first step in her healing process. In this episode, we go inside the realities of women in fire service, the mental health toll first responders carry, and the resilience strategies that helped Ali rebuild therapy, validation, and the decision to stay in the fire service and push for change from within. We also talk about the organizations supporting women in fire, what trauma-informed leadership actually looks like in a firehouse, and why vulnerability, not toughness, is what creates real safety for first responders. Ali also shares her media projects, including the long road to publishing her book and the barriers she's hit trying to bring her story to Hollywood and why she keeps pushing to tell it anyway. As she puts it: sharing her story can save lives. This conversation is for anyone who wants to understand trauma, resilience, and healing from the inside whether you're a first responder, love one, or are simply trying to build your own path back from hard things. To learn more about Ali: https://www.aliwrothrock.com/ To buy her books: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506480633/After-Trauma Find Ali on Hubspot: https://relentlessresilience.substack.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliwrothrock/?hl=en Follow Audra on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carryonfirefamily Find Audra on substack: https://carryonfirefam.substack.com/publish/posts/published Follow Audra at https://carryoncarrion.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:07 Ali Rothrock's Firefighting Journey Begins 03:36 First Encounters with Discrimination in Fire Service 06:17 Harassment and Safety Concerns in Firehouse 08:38 Evolution of Women in Firefighting 11:00 The Role of Organizations Supporting Women in Fire 13:56 The Impact of Sharing Trauma Stories 17:38 Addressing Social Media and Firefighter Culture 18:10 PTSD Diagnosis and Healing Process 21:38 The Power of Therapy and Validation 24:47 Creating Trauma-Informed Support Systems 27:50 Ali Rothrock's Media Projects and Book Journey 32:24 Challenges in Hollywood and Media Representation 34:14 Persistence and Long-Term Goals 39:48 Legacy and Impact on the Fire Service 40:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

  3. May 26

    S2. E11. How Firefighters and Spouses Can Lead Systemic Change

    Carry On Fire Family and Wildfire and Resistance sit down to explore the complex intersection of social issues, politics, and the fire service community. We highlight the importance of open dialogue, understanding, and advocacy for systemic change within fire departments and related communities. key topics The impact of politics on fire service policies The role of fire spouses in advocacy and change Addressing systemic racism and historical issues in firefighting The importance of open dialogue about social issues Challenges faced by wildland firefighters and their families Chapters 00:00 Navigating Controversial Topics in the Fire Service 04:56 Life as a Fire Spouse: Challenges and Adaptations 07:43 The Impact of Politics on Wildland Firefighters 13:26 The Role of Fire Wives in Advocacy and Community 19:04 Addressing Social Issues in the Fire Service 25:56 Historical Context of the Fire Service and Politics 37:43 The Role of Firefighters and Contractors 42:59 The Politics of Firefighter Pay and Benefits 46:35 Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations 50:40 Finding Common Ground in Political Discourse 57:37 Building Trust and Community in Firefighting 01:05:25 Creating a Legacy for Future Generations 01:13:30 Black and White Modern Animated Vlog YouTube Intro (7).mp4 Hall of Flame Fire Museum - https://hallofflame.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_and_resistance/ https://www.instagram.com/carryonfirefamly/ keywords fire service, social issues, politics, advocacy, community, systemic change, fire spouse, wildland firefighting, public lands, social justice

  4. May 19

    S2. E10 Going First, slowing down, and being vulnerable with Christine Brandt

    In this episode, Christine Brandt shares her journey as a fire family wife, emphasizing the power of vulnerability, doing less on purpose, and building authentic connections. She discusses her experience with social media detox, the importance of initiating relationships, and how to navigate the unique challenges of fire family life. keywords key topics The importance of vulnerability in relationships Strategies for doing less on purpose to reduce stress Building authentic community within fire families Chapters 00:00 The Power of Going First 01:55 Doing Less on Purpose 02:55 Introduction to Christine and Her FireFamily Life 05:43 Navigating Life as a Firefighter's Partner 08:16 The Journey of Starting a YouTube Channel 11:25 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 14:14 The Power of Going First in Relationships 22:46 Navigating Depletion in Relationships 28:19 The Importance of Vulnerability 36:46 Strategies for Shift Days 39:35 Addressing Parental Burnout 41:02 Legacy and Commitment Subscribe to Christine's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristineBrandt Or her Substack - https://christinebrandt.substack.com Follow us on socials! Audra - Carry On Fire Family Christine- https://www.instagram.com/christinethebrandt/?hl=en fire family, fire wife, vulnerability, doing less on purpose, social media detox, building community, fire department, mental health, fire spouse, authentic connection

  5. May 12

    S2. E9. Understanding the Wildland Fire Life: with Faith R

    In this episode Faith Reimers, a seasoned wildland fire wife, shares her experiences navigating the unique challenges of supporting her firefighter husband during long fire seasons. From the emotional toll of extended absences to managing step-parenting and financial planning, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical advice for fire families. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wildland Fire Spouses 01:55 Understanding the Unique Challenges of Wildland Fire Families 02:33 Introduction to Wildland Fire Life 05:04 The Unique Challenges of Wildland Fire Families 07:44 Communication and Reintegration During Fire Season 10:43 Navigating Step-Parenting in a Fire Family 13:12 The Impact of Home Stress on Firefighters 15:39 Understanding Wildland vs. Municipal Firefighting 18:11 Creating Community and Support for Fire Wives 19:25 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Fire Families 21:58 Future Aspirations and Legacy in the Fire Service 28:34 Black and White Modern Animated Vlog YouTube Intro (7).mp4 Resources & links: The Firewife's Guide to Staying Whole - real tips for keeping yourself together during fire seasonWildland Fire Family Financial Playbook - how the pay actually works and how to plan around itFollow Faith — The Wildland Fire WifeThe Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act​Follow @carryonfirefamily on instagram  keywords wildland fire wife, firefighter spouse, fire season, step-parenting, fire service, emotional resilience, financial planning, fire community  Thanks for being here, and for standing with the fire families who hold the line for all of us. ​Carry On.

  6. Apr 28

    S2. E8. From Entrepreneur to Paramedic: Felicia Kelly’s Journey

    Felicia Kelly shares her transformative journey from a successful entrepreneur to a paramedic, emphasizing the importance of life architecture over motivation. Discover her Rich Method for Living, designed to help high-capacity professionals build sustainable structures for success and fulfillment. takeaways Motivation is fleeting; architecture is sustainable. Relationships require intentional access and boundaries. Healing from past trauma is essential for growth. High-capacity careers demand structural support, not just effort. Living intentionally involves managing money, time, and energy. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Architecture Over Motivation 05:01 Unlearning Outdated Models 08:16 Transitioning to Paramedicine 12:56 High Capacity Careers and Their Challenges 16:38 Building Supportive Structures in Relationships 21:38 Intentional Living and Access Management 25:28 Building a Life Worth Living 25:40 The Impact of Social Media on Relationships 27:27 Breaking Bad Habits and Patterns 29:05 Understanding Trauma Bonds 30:41 Choosing Happiness Over Unhappiness 32:20 The Rich Method: Intentional Living 35:06 Cultivating Growth in Life 37:43 Finding Harmony and Harvest in Life 40:39 Creating a Lasting Legacy 46:24 Black and White Modern Animated Vlog YouTube Intro (7).mp4 resources Felicia Kelly’s Website - https://feliciakelly.com Rich Method for Living Course - https://feliciakelly.com/rich-method-reset Felicia Kelly’s Instagram - https://instagram.com/feliciakelly Felicia Kelly’s TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@feliciakelly Carry On Fire Family Instagram - https://instagram.com/carryonfirefamily Carry On Fire Family website- carryoncarrion.com

  7. Apr 14

    S2. E7 Mastering Leadership in the Fire Service- Front Seat Academy

    In this episode, we get deep into the essentials of leadership in fire services, the pitfalls of current promotion systems, and how to truly prepare for leadership roles. With Mike from Front Seat Academy, we explore how capable firefighters are often unfairly filtered out and how leadership should be about influence, not rank. Timestamps:00:00 - The danger of lack of leadership versus skills in the firehouse 00:30 - Why many firefighters struggle with leadership roles 01:00 - The pitfalls of current promotional testing focused on memorization 01:50 - How influence, not rank, defines true leadership 03:00 - Early signs of a crew being off and disengaged 04:00 - Impact of poor culture and how it affects performance 05:00 - Why training for promotion often neglects emotional intelligence and leadership 06:00 - The current state of firefighter training and what needs to change 07:00 - The role of mentorship and leadership from probation to advanced ranks 08:00 - How to foster leadership at every level from the firehouse 09:00 - Building confidence and influence through meaningful engagement 10:00 - Practical modifications to firefighter exams and promotion criteria 11:30 - The importance of experience in real leadership settings 12:30 - Encouraging younger firefighters to develop leadership early 13:30 - The false narrative of leadership styles and the importance of authenticity 14:30 - The impact of organizational culture on leadership quality 15:30 - Recognizing and overcoming institutional trauma and complacency 16:30 - Cultivating a culture of adaptability and humility 17:30 - How to navigate the complexities of modern fire service leadership 18:30 - The significance of visibility and presence in leadership roles 19:30 - How to measure true leadership qualities beyond tests and ranks 20:30 - Practical tips for firefighters aspiring to leadership positions 21:30 - The role of spouses and family support in leadership journeys 22:30 - Creating pathways for leadership development beyond traditional training 23:30 - The importance of early engagement and continuous growth 24:30 - How to reframe leadership as service, not authority 25:30 - The future of fire service promotion and leadership: Innovation and integrity 26:30 - Final thoughts from Mike on creating lasting impact Resources & Links:Front Seat AcademyMike Front Seat Academy on InstagramCarry On Fire Family on Instagram James Kars and Simon Sinek - Finite and Infinite Games

  8. Mar 31

    S2. E6. Firewife and LEO wifes join forces. The Thin Line Collective

    This episode features Jennae Leisey and Bre Spencer from the Thinline Collective, sharing their insights on supporting first responder families, building community, and fostering positivity amidst the challenges of first responder life. They discuss the importance of mental health, family support, and creating supportive networks for first responder spouses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Thinline Collective and Guests 00:20 The unique challenges faced by first responder families 01:37 Building a community of support and understanding 03:19 Insights on marriage and family life in first responder careers 05:12 The importance of mental health and self-care 07:18 Supporting spouses through difficult times and calls 09:11 The need for community and peer support for wives 11:11 Creating positivity and shared experiences 13:19 Bridging the gap between first responders and their families 15:15 The role of department culture and family inclusion 17:02 Upcoming in-person event and community gathering 19:10 The legacy and impact of supportive family life 21:05 Final thoughts and encouragement for first responder families Resources Thinline Collective Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thinline_collective/ Eventbrite - First Responder Spouses Event - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-responder-spouses-event-tickets-123456789 guest links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thinline_collective/ https://www.instagram.com/carryonfirefamily/ CarryonCarrion.com First responder families, support, community, mental health, fire and police spouses, resilience, positivity, family dynamic, peer support, in-person event

See All (28)

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Being part of a fire family is not just a lifestyle, it’s a story most people will never understand. This podcast creates honest conversations about culture, resilience, and what real strength looks like in the fire service so departments, and the families behind them, can move forward together. Each week, you’ll hear raw personal stories, expert advice, and unfiltered conversations that remind us that change can be uncomfortable, but necessary. This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for fire families and change makers who are rewriting what it means to be a modern fire family.

Information

  • Creator
    Audra Carrion
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Audra Carrion