LET'S GO!

Tim Fisher & Jordan Jemiola

We talk with ordinary people living extraordinary lives. Be inspired, LET'S GO!

  1. Refueling First Responder Life Force: Dr Maribel Contreras

    5d ago

    Refueling First Responder Life Force: Dr Maribel Contreras

    Send us Fan Mail You can be the person everyone runs to on their worst day and still feel like you’re falling apart in silence. I sit down with Dr. Maribel, a trauma-informed clinician who works side-by-side with first responders, to talk about what really happens when the job becomes your identity and the calls start piling up in the background of your life. We get into the realities that don’t make the highlight reel: sleep deprivation, shift work, chronic hypervigilance, relationship strain, drinking and other coping habits, and the fear that being honest will cost you your spot, your gun, or your career. Dr. Maribel explains why her team built Life Force Recovery as a treatment center for first responders with strong peer support, so people can get help before the backpack gets too heavy and retirement turns into a crash. We also explore practical recovery tools beyond talk therapy, including neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD and PTSI, plus trauma processing approaches like brainspotting and EMDR-style work. The conversation goes straight at the hard topic too: why suicide has become the number one occupational killer for firefighters, what warning signs get missed, and how real connection, culturally competent care, and hope can interrupt that spiral. If you’re in the fire service, law enforcement, EMS, dispatch, or you love someone who is, listen through and share it with a friend who’s been carrying too much. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what helps you come back to yourself. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 35m
  2. Fill Your Own Cup So You Can Serve Better: Next Level Dad Fitness

    May 29

    Fill Your Own Cup So You Can Serve Better: Next Level Dad Fitness

    Send us Fan Mail You can be great on calls and still be falling apart at home. That tension is what drove this conversation with Fernando Benitez, a Engineer Paramedic and the founder of Next Level Dad Fitness, a coaching program built for firefighter dads who want their strength, body, and mind back without turning life into another complicated project. We talk about the real goal most of us quietly want: waking up with energy, feeling proud again, and having something left to give when we walk through the front door.  We get into the unglamorous stuff that actually moves the needle for first responder health: sleep deprivation, recovery as you hit your late 30s and 40s, inflammation from bad food choices, and the way chronic stress drives cortisol through the roof. Fernando explains how he starts with an assessment of habits, not just workouts, because shift work and life load punish overly detailed plans. The focus stays on simple systems you can follow daily so your fitness supports your job and your family, instead of stealing from both.  Then we go deeper into identity and mental health. We talk about coming home as “cranky dad,” the pressure to be tough, and why raising your hand for therapy or counseling is strength, not weakness. Faith also plays a big role in this story, with scripture as an anchor against anxiety and shame and a reminder that you don’t have to carry everything alone. We wrap with some lighter rapid-fire questions, but the takeaway sticks: fill your own cup so you can serve better.  If this hits home, subscribe, share it with a firefighter dad who needs it, and leave a review so more first responders can find the show. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 29m
  3. From NFL To New Life: Justin Cheadle

    Apr 15

    From NFL To New Life: Justin Cheadle

    Send us Fan Mail Success can look perfect and still feel empty, and both of us know what it’s like to hit a milestone and realize it didn’t fix what was going on inside. Former NFL offensive lineman Justin Cheadle joins us to talk about the real path behind the highlight reels, from picking up football late to scholarships, Cal, and the cutthroat reality of practice squads, short contracts, and sudden roster decisions. We also go deeper than sports. Justin shares the “Miracle Child” story that shaped his mental toughness, including severe childhood asthma, leg braces, a speech impediment, and a life-threatening hospital moment that changed everything. From there, we talk about faith as a real rebuild, what it means to come back after selfish seasons, and why mentorship and community matter when you’re trying to live differently. Then we get practical with discipline and purpose: Justin’s coaching philosophy, his men’s community event “100 Men vs Gorilla,” and how fitness can build confidence that spills into marriage, parenting, and work. We also break down his bodybuilding prep, the daily grind of cardio, lifting, nutrition, and posing, plus why doing something uncomfortable can unlock growth you didn’t think you had. If you’re into NFL stories, life after sports, faith-based personal development, men’s fitness coaching, and building discipline that lasts, you’ll get a lot from this one. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re applying this week. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 23m
  4. Leather-crafter, Musician, & Firefighter - Tim Garren

    Mar 29

    Leather-crafter, Musician, & Firefighter - Tim Garren

    Send us Fan Mail You can love the fire service and still admit it takes pieces of you. We’re joined by engineer paramedic Tim Garren, the founder of Old Town Leatherworks, for a wide-open conversation about burnout, compassion fatigue, and what happens when the calls start to numb you out. We talk about the stuff most crews joke through, sleep deprivation, ugly scenes, and the quiet moment when you realize you’re not processing anything anymore. Tim shares the personal path that got him here: chasing music as a kid, losing direction into substance abuse, a near-fatal overdose, and a faith reset that changed how he sees purpose, peace, and daily discipline. We also get into grief and family life, what it’s like to become a dad in the middle of a demanding career, and why routines like prayer and honest check-ins can be protective for first responder mental health. On the practical side, Tim breaks down how he built Old Town Leatherworks into a real firefighter side hustle, mostly through Instagram, with custom leather radio straps, suspenders, wallets, and guitar straps. We dig into why handcrafted gear costs what it costs, how creativity becomes therapy, and how to set boundaries when a hobby turns into a business. We also hit a serious topic departments still struggle with: forced overtime, driving a 40,000-pound rig exhausted, and the liability that lands on the operator. If you got something from this one, subscribe, share it with someone on your crew, and leave a review. What part of the job do you wish people talked about more? Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 12m
  5. From Tent To TikTok: A Sober Rise With Bryan Blackmon

    Mar 10

    From Tent To TikTok: A Sober Rise With Bryan Blackmon

    Send us Fan Mail A cardboard‑covered car on PCH. An eight‑man tent on the library lawn. A blue and yellow Lamborghini in a grocery lot. Brian’s journey threads through these unlikely scenes on its way to something hard‑won and beautiful: 780 days sober, a home, and a community built on service, humor, and relentless hope. We open with the early hits—beer at 13, heroin before graduation, the long carousel of rehabs and cells. California was supposed to be the dream; Venice Beach made the spiral faster. Brian refused to “decorate the tent,” knowing comfort could become a trap. Then Huntington Beach cracked the story open: a red‑haired landlord who felt like family, a mirror that finally got the truth—“I’m tired”—and a stranger who called his supercar a “gift of sobriety” and pointed him to a 7 a.m. meeting. What followed was raw and real: a brutal 30‑day detox behind a bedroom door, employers who said “we’ve got you,” and a daily gratitude ritual that rebuilt a life one morning at a time. The twist you won’t see coming is joyful. A porch moment—Elaine, a hose, and two sandy surfers—went viral and introduced millions to their odd‑couple magic. Brian started live streaming from the Huntington Beach pier, telling the truth about recovery, feeding neighbors, and letting people name the crabs that danced across his screen. The Crab Crew was born: resilient, adaptive, sideways‑moving when forward is blocked. We talk about faith as a steady nudge, the danger of living in fear of the next shoe, and why simple acts—a bottle of water, a held door—create ripples you’ll never fully trace. Come for the wild ride from tent to TikTok; stay for the tools that last—community support, accountability, service, and daily gratitude. If you need proof that your worst chapter can seed your best work, this is it. Listen, share with someone who needs it, and if the message lands, tap follow and leave a review so more people hear they’re worth it. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 38m
  6. News Breakdown: U.S. Politics, Immigration, and Media Silence

    09/04/2024

    News Breakdown: U.S. Politics, Immigration, and Media Silence

    Send us Fan Mail Dani Cravatt and Sam Comalafe are back! Get ready to question the peculiar strategies of political campaigns as we explore the drama and distraction that define contemporary politics. We have a discussion on immigration and national security, where we shine a light on the actions of political figures like Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris. From the alarming situation in Aurora, Colorado, to the broader challenges faced by Europe, we tackle the implications of unchecked immigration. We also scrutinize a proposed housing loan program for undocumented individuals in rural Colorado and California, weighing its potential impact on the housing market and state finances. Concerns about censorship and media control, especially the suppression of unfiltered news on social platforms, lead us to question the future of free speech and its constitutional repercussions. With perspectives from minority communities and reflections on individual empowerment, this episode covers a lot of ground. Sam shares his personal experiences and insights on how political priorities can sometimes overshadow crucial issues like voting rights and economic stability. We round off our discussion with some ironies in American politics, humorous personal anecdotes, and a heartfelt reflection on the strong bonds we've built over the years. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that promises to keep you engaged from start to finish! Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 35m
  7. From Tragedy to Triumph: A Firefighter's Journey of Mental Health Advocacy, Grief, and Resilience

    08/21/2024

    From Tragedy to Triumph: A Firefighter's Journey of Mental Health Advocacy, Grief, and Resilience

    Send us Fan Mail Can personal tragedy be a catalyst for profound transformation? Join us as we sit down with Rick Cheatham, a retired Anaheim Fire Captain, who bravely opens up about his journey through the fire service and his unwavering advocacy for firefighter mental health. With over 30 years of experience, Rick shares his significant contributions as union president and his collaboration with Counseling Team International (CTI) to ensure mental health support for his colleagues. His dedication to mental wellness in the fire service is a poignant reminder of the critical need for these provisions. Rick's story takes an emotional turn as he recounts the devastating loss of his son, Michael, just days before Christmas in 2013. He candidly discusses the immense grief, the challenges it posed to his marriage, and the struggle to balance personal tragedy with the demands of his career. Through commitment, mentorship, and the support of a compassionate community, Rick found the strength to navigate this painful journey. His experience highlights the importance of properly addressing grief and the vital role of community support in overcoming life's toughest adversities. From a paralyzing injury to a transformative relationship with faith, Rick's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of a positive mindset. With the unwavering support of his wife and a renewed spiritual foundation, Rick defied expectations by walking out of the hospital. He shares insights on breaking the cycle of victimhood, the healing power of forgiveness, and finding purpose through pain. Tune in to hear Rick's inspirational story of faith, resilience, and the profound impact of living a purpose-driven life. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!

    1h 12m
4.8
out of 5
100 Ratings

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We talk with ordinary people living extraordinary lives. Be inspired, LET'S GO!

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