The Things We All Carry Stack

Welcome to Episode 118 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm excited to introduce Eric from central Florida. With nearly 25 years in the firefighting profession, Eric's journey has been marked by dedication and resilience. A former paramedic, he's been married for 17 years and is a proud father to a teenage daughter. However, amidst the challenges of the job, Eric found solace in humor.
Transforming his experiences into comedic material, Eric pursued a side gig as a standup comedian. From hosting shows to performing at open mics and paid gigs, he's embraced comedy as a way to navigate life's darker moments and connect with others.
In this episode, we explore Eric's journey from firefighter to comedian, delving into the complexities of finding light in the midst of darkness. With his unique perspective and sharp wit, Eric shares insights that are both humorous and thought-provoking.
Stay tuned for Part Two of Eric's story next week, and in the meantime, don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections. Reach out to me at stack@thethingsweallcarry.com or connect on Instagram at @thethingsweallcarry. Let's continue this journey together, and remember to get outside and Do Something For Yourself.


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Welcome to Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry." This week, we have Jake from Houston joining us. Jake's journey began when he reached out to me on TikTok, and after a few attempts to connect, we decided to dive into his story blindly.
As Jake shares his experiences, I'm learning about them in real-time, making this a unique and spontaneous conversation. With 17 years of service under his belt, Jake's firefighting career started as a volunteer in 2007 before transitioning to a career firefighter in 2011. Today, he serves as a fire captain in the Houston area.
Throughout our conversation, Jake offers insights into his journey, from his early days as a volunteer to his current role as a fire captain. As we explore his story together, I'm struck by Jake's resilience and dedication to his profession.
While the interview may have its rough moments, Jake's authenticity shines through as he shares his experiences and perspectives. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and let Jake's story resonate with you.
Join us for Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry" as we embark on a journey of discovery with Jake from Houston. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections, and remember to get outside and do something for yourself.


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Welcome to Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm joined by John Talin from Massachusetts. John, a Lieutenant and paramedic at Hyannis Fire, contacted me through Mike Nasti at the Tip of the Spear Leadership Podcast, and Mike couldn't have been more right in recommending him for the show.
With 24 years in the fire service, John has a wealth of experience. He also served as a former canine handler for the Massachusetts task force, and he shares some heartfelt reflections on that part of his career and the special bond he had with his canine partner.
However, what sets this episode apart is John's courage in addressing a deeply personal and often stigmatized issue: sex addiction. John felt that in his previous podcast appearances, he hadn't been completely open. He reached out to me to correct that. He wanted to talk openly about his experience with sex addiction, a topic that is often misunderstood or dismissed.
Despite the potential for judgment, John bravely shares his story, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on taboo subjects. By sharing his experiences, John hopes to help others who may be facing similar challenges and to break down the barriers to discussing sex addiction openly.
Join us for Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry" as we listen to John's courageous story and learn from his experiences. Don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts. Let's engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. And remember…Get Outside and Do Something For Yourself!
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Welcome to Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we're joined by Cody, who reached out to us through Stephen Sims from Episode 102 and 106.
Cody's journey begins in Houston, where he served as a firefighter for five years at Station 55. Amidst the pressures of the job, including traumatic calls and systemic issues within the department, Cody faced additional challenges such as low pay, unfavorable hours, and the loss of his pension due to political mishandling.
After thoughtful consideration with his wife, Cody made the difficult decision to leave Houston and return to Colorado in 2019. However, his journey didn't end there. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cody found himself navigating new career paths, eventually becoming a police officer.
In our conversation with Cody, we explore the complexities of his experiences in both firefighting and law enforcement, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. From moments of reflection on traumatic incidents to discussions about brain mapping and its potential implications, Cody's story offers insight into the multifaceted nature of first responder life.
As a husband and father of three, Cody's journey underscores the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities. His resilience and determination serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Join us for Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry" as we journey alongside Cody through the highs and lows of his career transitions. Don't forget to get outside and do something for yourself!


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Welcome to Episode 114 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we have a special episode featuring Joey from Conscious Movements and TJ from the Keep the Promise Podcast. Both Joey and TJ have previously shared their stories on the show, with Joey most recently in Episode 107 and TJ featured in several episodes since the beginning.

This episode centers around the topic of leaving the fire service, exploring the reasons behind such decisions, the challenges faced during transition, and how to prepare oneself for life beyond firefighting. Joey, who has been medically retired from the fire service for three years, provides insights into his journey, while TJ shares his current contemplations about his own future in the fire service.

The conversation delves into the personal and emotional aspects of leaving the fire service, offering candid reflections on the decision-making process, the feelings associated with stepping away, and the importance of preparation for post-fire service life.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating transitions, planning for the future, and finding fulfillment beyond the fire service. The episode is filled with laughter, honesty, and meaningful insights into a topic that many firefighters may eventually face.

Join us for Episode 114 of "The Things We All Carry" as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation about leaving the fire service and preparing for what lies ahead. Don't forget to reach out to Joey, TJ, or Stack with your thoughts and questions, and remember to get out there and do something for yourself.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Welcome to Episode 113 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we're joined by Kyler, an advanced EMT from central Utah with a unique and powerful story to share. Kyler's journey unfolds from his experiences within the Latter-Day Saints Church to the devastating loss of his mother to suicide at the age of 18.

As a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Kyler has encountered multiple suicides on the job, confronting the harsh reality of mental health struggles firsthand. Through his conversation with Stack, Kyler delves into the complexities of trauma, anxiety, and the challenges of processing loss and grief.

Despite facing overwhelming anxiety and grappling with the weight of his experiences, Kyler shares how he's embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. From navigating the unexpected turns of his career to confronting his own mental health challenges, Kyler's resilience and determination shine through.

This episode offers a poignant exploration of the realities faced by first responders and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in high-stress environments. Kyler's candid storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys and to reach out for support when needed.

Join us for Episode 113 of "The Things We All Carry" as we accompany Kyler on his journey of self-discovery and healing. Don't forget to leave a rating and share your thoughts on the show, and remember get out there and do something for yourself.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com