Behind The Shield

This week's episode is unique as it's actually the Firehouse Leadership Podcast. I was invited as a guest by host Joshua Chase, but it was his testimony of the impact my book "Kinder" had on him that I wanted to share. I wrote it to put hope in the mental health conversation, to show that we can overcome the trauma we encounter and become better versions of ourselves. You will hear Josh's experience, one that I hope you will have too. I am a husband, father, fireman, author, writer, public speaker, and combat military veteran from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I’ve been in the fire service and have served as a firefighter for fifteen years. For the last two years I have served as the Lieutenant on a ladder company. Though I grew up on an engine company, I much prefer the ladder. I’ve spent most of my career at the informal level of leadership. Meaning I wasn’t always a Lieutenant, but chose to step up, fill the gaps, and lead anyway. My mantra at work is pretty simple, “Do your job.” Do the job you took an oath t