Behind The Shield

Latest Episodes:

Jenny Grima (Elevating Firefighter Training Standards, Research and the Healing Power of Surfing) - Episode 1119 Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

Jennifer Grima began as a firefighter/paramedic and special operations technician with the Saint Lucie County (FL) Fire District in 2016. Jenny currently holds technician level certifications for the State of Florida in Trench Collapse Rescue, Rope Rescue, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Structural Collapse Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and is certified as a Rescue Specialist. Jenny has been a HOT instructor for FDIC since 2018.

Jenny also instructs for conferences throughout Florida such as The Treasure Coast HOT and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, she has also instructed for EJ Mascaro's Training Weekend, S.C., as well as Burnin’ in Da Bayou in Louisiana. Jenny also is an active contributor to Fire Engineering training minutes. She has a Masters in Biology and has seven years of classroom experience teaching college level courses, two years assisting at the Indian River State College Fire Academy and started with the EMS program in 2021.

Aaron Suozzo (Officer Involved Shootings, SWAT and the Healing Power of Psychedelics) - Episode 1118 Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

Aaron Suozzo is a multifaceted professional with a background in law enforcement, tactical training, and collegiate athletics. We discuss his journey into policing, his officer involved shootings, his powerful mental health journey, healing through psychedelics, CTE, the 343 Fund and so much more.

Suozzo was born in Valley Stream, New York. He majored in business management at Monmouth University and was active in both football, track and field and wrestling during his high school years at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey. Suozzo also played collegiate football at Monmouth University.

Suozzo has extensive experience in law enforcement, having served as a SWAT Operator and worked with the gang unit in Hayward California. After medically retiring in 2021, Suozzo moved to Florida. He is involved in the firearms/tactical gear-industry, working with companies such as Classicfirearms, a company known for its firearms and accessories. Suozzo has been featured on podcasts like the Executive Protection Lifestyle Podcast, Protector Nation Podcast, Classicfirearms Podcast as well as several others, where he shares insights on officer-involved shootings, the importance of both hard and soft skills in tactical situations, his experiences in the field and his path to healing.

In September of 2024 Suozzo participated in his first Ibogaine and 5 MEO journey.

Russell Jones (Flying Helicopters in Vietnam, Undercover Policing and the Failed War on Drugs) - Episode 1117 Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

Russell Jones is a Vietnam veteran, retired law enforcement officer and the author of Honorable intentions. We discuss flying helicopters in Vietnam, policing in California, undercover work, riding with the Hell's Angels, Operation Tipped Kettle, the failed 'War on Drugs', proactive solutions and so much more.

Russell's bio:

CW2 Army Helicopter Pilot 1967-1969

a. Flew Scouts/little birds, and the Huey. Shot down several times

b. Awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/ 15 Oak Leaf Clusters

2. Police Officer, City of San Jose 1970-1980

a. Patrol, canine, field training officer

b. Worked undercover narcotics. Infiltrated and exposed the Nuestra Familia.

Rode with the Hells Angels (as a prospect), a case resulting in the ‘79

RICO trial.

3. Department of State contract employee 1980-1990

a. Worked undercover intelligence in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador,

during Iran/Contra

b. Uncovered Operation Tipped Kettle

c. Discovered that other contract employees, pilots, etc., were running drugs

from Central America back to the US

d. Worked narco intelligence in Soviet Union

e. Worked general intel in China, including Tibet

4. Federal and State Court forensic expert in the Psychological and

Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol 1980-1990

a. Testified in cases such as murder and rape, as well as traffic fatality cases

where drugs and/or alcohol play a role

5. Books available on Amazon including Honorable Intentions by Russell Jones.

Ryan Provencher (First Responder Fitness Standards, Forging Longevity and Training the Tactical Athlete) - Episode 1116 Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Ryan Provencher is currently serving as an Operations Battalion Chief in his Fire Department, he is the founder of Firefighter Peak Performance and Executive Fitness Advisor for CRACKYL Magazine. He worked as a Health/Fitness Specialist before beginning his professional fire service career in 1996. He has experience as a Volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, Company Officer, and Training Division Chief/Health Safety Officer before promoting to his current position.

He has served as a Peer Fitness Trainer and Health Fitness Coordinator in his department for more than 25 years.

https://www.firefighterpeakperformance.com/

Brian Kleindienst (Virtual Reality, Psychedelics and Integration Coaching) - Episode 1115 Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

Brian Kleindienst is a certified psychedelic integration coach and his life's mission is to help others through personalized experiences in opening new doors of self for personal healing, self-optimization, and transformation.

He is a devoted student to mindfulness who guides his clients in incorporating, breathe work, movement, surf therapy, meditation, leadership/facilitator development, holistic health, immersion into psychotherapy, and plant medicines.

He currently works in various capacities in the health and wellness space and is also the Director of Business Development for Firefly Immersive a behavioral health and wellness technology company optimizing virtual reality for healing.

Firefly Immersive has created a platform called The Sanctuary, which immerses patient/clients in beautiful settings that is highly conducive to positive therapeutic experiences. Our evidenced-based digital therapeutics allows for more focused, distraction-free experiences to firmly establish a beneficial mindset that can drastically improve therapeutic outcomes. The Sanctuary is adaptable to specific patient populations (first responders and VETS) with unique care journeys from SUD, PTSD, Anxiety, Suicide Intervention, Sleep, and of course Whole Health. When in the headset, the user is transported into worlds where one can participate in experiential practices such as deep breathing exercises, cognitive activities and mindfulness practices.

Brian works in southern California and collaborates with a team of psychotherapists, nurse practitioners, and neurotherapists to help those who are suffering from behavioral or emotional distress in his local community. He is also extremely passionate about his work as an integration coach for Heroic Hearts Project a non profit that connects veterans to psychedelic therapy options including ayahuasca, psilocybin and ketamine to heal mind and body.

https:www.fireflyvr.com

doorstodelicminds.com

Justin Sheehan (Forging Performance at DEVGRU, Training Law Enforcement and the Importance of Community) - Episode 1114 Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Justin Sheehan is a Michigan Native of the Whittemore-Prescott Area, and graduated High School in 2003. Following the horrific events of 9/11, he enlisted in the US Navy with ambitions of becoming a Navy SEAL. After an arduous two-year pipeline, he graduated with BUDS Class 261 and earned the right to carry that title, and wear “The Trident”.

Justin received orders upon graduation to report to SEAL Team Two, Little Creek, Virginia. While assigned there he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Bronze Star with “Valor” for combat actions. Later, Justin screened for the elite hostage rescue team, SEAL Team SIX, where he would remain until 2017. There, he deployed several more times, conducting discrete missions around the globe as a SEAL Team SIX Operator.

During his service time he held the following qualifications: Demolition Expert Open Water Diver Static Parachutist Freefall Parachutist Combat Medic SEAL Sniper Pashtun Language Specialist Heavy Breacher CrossFit Level 1 Trainer

After working for the last several years towards becoming a physician, After returning home, he completed a Bachelors of Science from Grand Valley State University. He is now the founder of Carcajou Resilience Group LLC., a company centered around strengthening the body and mind through tactical training, firearms competency and jiujitsu.

Ian Thurber (Gut Health, Water Rescues and Firefighter Wellness) - Episode 1113 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Ian Thurber is a 17 year veteran of the fire service and health coach. We discuss his journey into the fire service, water rescue, his health decline, healing the gut biome and so much more.

"Health and fitness has always been important to me but I've alwaya felt that something was missing, especially in the first responder community. Over the past year and a half, I've dived deep in the world of gut health and now share it however I can as the missing link in first responder (and general) health and wellness as well as preventative measures. I've also obtained my Life and Performance Coaching certificate to better help and serve."

Paul Hutchinson (Combating Human Trafficking, Protecting our Children and Conscious Capitalism) - Episode 1112 Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, Paul Hutchinson, is a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur. He has committed his life to protecting vulnerable children. With experience in over 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries, Paul has played a vital role in combating human trafficking. Additionally, as an Executive Producer of the impactful film “Sound of Freedom”, he raises awareness and inspires action against child trafficking.

Paul’s journey took a transformative turn when he began leading undercover operations. These efforts aimed to rescue children from the horrors of child sex trafficking. Over 70 missions across 15 countries highlight his extraordinary bravery and dedication. His role as a guardian and advocate showcases his tireless commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable.

https://liberating-humanity.com/

Adam Boyd (Ultra Running, Breathwork and First Responder Fitness) - Episode 1111 Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

Adam Boyd is a law enforcement veteran, Leadership & Wellness Expert and the Founder & CEO, Soleful Training A distinguished leader in resilience training and wellness, with a career spanning over a decade as a police officer, SWAT operator, and Detective. As the founder and CEO of Soleful Training, Adam leverages his extensive experience to equip first responders, military personnel, and professionals with the tools to build physical, mental, and emotional resilience.

Throughout his law enforcement tenure, Adam spearheaded wellness initiatives, designed and implemented department-wide resilience programs, and served as PT team lead—revamping the SWAT PT applicant process to enhance operational readiness. His expertise is backed by elite certifications, including:

A dedicated ultra-runner, Adam has completed more than a dozen ultra-distance races, including two 100-mile runs, further exemplifying his commitment to endurance and resilience. His deep understanding of the physical and psychological demands faced by first responders led him to develop the Soleful Warrior, a holistic wellness program, built on four core pillars: physical resilience, mental resilience, social resilience, and purpose. Unlike traditional wellness programs, Soleful Training focuses on behavioral change, ensuring that individuals develop lasting strategies to manage the stressors of high-performance careers.

One of Adam’s most impactful teaching tools is the Wim Hof Method, a scientifically-backed approach combining breathwork, cold exposure, and mindset training. He has delivered this transformative method to medical professionals, SWAT teams, first responders, business leaders, and Special Forces operators, helping them unlock peak performance, stress resilience, and mental clarity.

Beyond his work in wellness and resilience training, Adam serves on the leadership councils of two international organizations dedicated to protecting children. His commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations reflects his deep-rooted dedication to leadership, service, and making a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Through Soleful Training and his global advocacy efforts, Adam Boyd continues to lead the charge in redefining wellness, empowering to strengthen their bodies, sharpen their minds, and build an unshakable foundation of resilience.

Patrick Mullen (Rural Firefighting, Mental Health and Working the 24/72 Schedule) - Episode 1110 Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Patrick currently serves as a Fire Fighter/Paramedic with The City of Tipp City, Ohio, Patrick has 4 children Haley, Ethan, Ava and Callie. Patrick has a Bachelor’s of Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern University and an Associates of Applied Science in Ems from the University of Toledo. Patrick is an IAFF certified Peer Supporter.

We discuss his journey into the fire service, the weight of serving your own community, rural firefighting, mental health, working the 24/72 schedule, Save a Warrior and so much more.

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