Behind The Shield

Latest Episodes:

Kyle Ebersole (Forging Firefighter Performance, Injury Prevention and the Importance of Recovery) - Episode 1280 Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

Kyle Ebersole, PhD, LAT is currently a Professor and a Licensed Athletic Trainer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences & Technology teaching within the Physical Therapy and Athletic Training programs. Since 2010, Kyle has partnered with the Milwaukee Fire Department on a research and service partnership where he serves as the Health and Fitness Coordinator for the department and continues to conduct research focused on the integrative contributions of movement efficiency, muscle function, and the autonomic nervous system to building work capacity for the health, fitness, and performance of cadets, recruits, and active-duty members.

Kyle has also been a research and sport science consultant with High Performance Department in the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club since 2011 and was a key contributor to the launching of the club’s heart rate variability program in 2012. He continues to be a member of the Athlete Availability team within the High Performance Department with a focus on creating strategies to maximize player development and readiness to perform. In 2021, Kyle was named a Lubar Entrepreneurial Teaching Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Kyle has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations.

Ashley Deringer (Teen Driver Safety, Firefighter Cancer and Turning Grief into Action) - Episode 1279 Aug 16, 2026

Show notes

Ashley Deringer is an educator, entrepreneur, curriculum creator, and nonprofit founder dedicated to changing lives through education and advocacy. Ashley is also the founder of the Clean Gier Foundation, a nonprofit established in honor of her father, firefighter Floyd Gier, who lost his battle with occupational cancer. The foundation is committed to improving the health, safety, and well-being of firefighters through education, cancer prevention initiatives, mental health awareness, and advocacy for safer working conditions.

As the founder of The Teacher’s Treasure Chest, Ashley creates evidence-based reading and math intervention resources used by thousands of educators across the country. Drawing from her experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach, she is passionate about equipping teachers with practical tools that help struggling students build confidence and close learning gaps. (Teachers Pay Teachers)

Beyond her organizations, Ashley is the owner of AB Social Consulting, where she helps businesses, nonprofits, and public figures grow their brands through strategic marketing and storytelling. Whether she’s creating educational resources, advocating for first responders, or helping organizations amplify their message, Ashley believes that one person can make a lasting difference by using their voice to serve others.

Ashley lives in Nassau County, Florida, where she continues to lead with faith, compassion, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in her community and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Clean-Gier-Foundation-61591282194722/

The Unmasked Warrior (The Suicide Pandemic, First Responder Mental Health and Post Traumatic Growth) - Episode 1278 Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, I welcome the founders of The Unmasked Warrior: Sam Juan is a U.S. Army combat veteran, former CST with SEAL Team 6, artist, writer, and advocate for authentic leadership. Noah Galloway is a combat veteran and speaker focused on post-traumatic growth. Anton Nootenboom is a Dutch army veteran, multiple world record holder and men’s mental health advocate. Dr. Mike Sapiro is a clinical psychologist for first responders and special operations veterans.

"Unmasked Warrior is a live, veteran-led theatrical experience about what it takes to remove one’s armor and return to the self through vulnerability and authenticity. Our show: Three veterans share their personal stories of hurting and healing, a real and raw clinician-guided conversation on mental health struggles and growth, followed by audience Q&A.

Storytelling has been a fundamental component of human life since the dawn of language. Historically, it’s been used ritually, and around fires, to strengthen community connection, process personal struggles and share triumphs, and to help make meaning out of the chaos of life. Through modern science, we know that storytelling has been shown to reduce cortisol, increase oxytocin, evoke empathy and reduce trauma responses, thus overall reducing stress and increasing a sense of connection to self and others. Vulnerable storytelling is one of the most powerful, transformative tools of healing for both the speaker and the audience. Afterall, we are all in this together.

We invite you to join us for a veteran-led healing experience that will leave you feeling connected and inspired."

Mayra Uribe (First Responder Housing, Servant Leadership and Reversing Homelessness) - Episode 1277 Aug 09, 2026

Show notes

Mayra Uribe was elected to the Board of Orange County Commission District 3 in 2018 and has since been re-elected in 2020 and 2024. Mayra is currently running for the position of the Mayor of Orange County. She is an Orlando native, born and raised in the district she represents. Mayra is of Colombian and Argentinean descent and celebrates the diversity in herself and in our community.

Mayra is a business owner who understands the concerns of those calling Central Florida home. While the economy has strengthened for some, not everyone feels that the County has done enough to address their needs.

She serves on several boards, including MetroPlan Orlando, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Community Action Board and The Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. She motivates her office to focus on consistency and accuracy through believing no issue is too small if it affects her constituents. She is a fierce and tireless servant of the people in her district.

Bernard Taylor (From Football to Firefighting, American Healthcare and Running for Congress) - Episode 1276 Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

A fourth-generation Floridian, Bernard Taylor is a dedicated EMT/Paramedic, husband, father of five, and community advocate who has spent years serving and protecting the people of Florida.

Now, he's running for Congress to fight for the people our elected congressional representatives are ignoring. Bernard was inspired to run to represent his community after seeing how the disparities in access to affordable healthcare that resulted in the death of a diabetic patient who had to ration insulin due to the high cost. This loss was a stark reminder of the real human cost of systemic inequities. Witnessing firsthand how individuals and families are forced to make impossible choices between life-sustaining medication and basic necessities fueled his determination to change things.

https://bernardtaylorforcongress.com/

Michael Gier (The Kindness, Courage and Humanity of 9/11, Filmmaking and Fat Boy Slim) - Episode 1275 Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 is a deeply moving documentary narrated by actor Gary Sinise. Produced by Gier Productions in collaboration with SoldierStrong and directed by Michael Gier, an award-winning director/producer, the film goes beyond the tragedy of September 11 to showcase the incredible acts of bravery, humanity, and resilience that followed.

Through the eyes of first responders, survivors, and ordinary citizens who became extraordinary heroes, the movie will be released in 2026 for the 25th observance of 9/11, and honors the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation.

Featuring real-life accounts, archival footage, and dramatized reenactments, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 is not just a tribute to those we lost, but a celebration of the indomitable spirit that rose from the ashes. It is a story of hope, proving that even in tragedy, light can be found in the courage and compassion of everyday people.

https://heroismandresiliency.com/

Tony Blauer II (How Fear Affects Trauma, Imposter Syndrome in Combat and Adrenal Fatigue) - Episode 1274 Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

For over 45 years, Tony Blauer has been at the forefront of personal defense, fear management, and performance psychology, revolutionizing the way individuals and teams prepare for real-world violence. Since 1977, Blauer has dedicated his life to helping people become safer, sooner, bridging the gap between science, psychology, and combatives. He is the creator of the SPEAR System®, the world’s first behaviorally based self-defense method, which has redefined close-quarter tactics for military, law enforcement, and self-defense instructors worldwide.

In 1985, he founded Blauer Tactical Systems Inc.® (BTS), an industry leader in scenario-based training, de-escalation, and fear management. Today, his influence spans elite government agencies, tactical teams, and personal defense instructors across the globe.

Blauer’s fear management research has transformed how warriors, protectors, and civilians approach danger, intimidation, and sudden violence. His philosophy is simple: Fear isn’t the enemy. It’s the energy.™

https://blauerspear.com/

Kelly Lucas (California Firefighting, Living with Parkinson's Disease and Finding Sobriety) - Episode 1273 Aug 02, 2026

Show notes

Kelly is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Daydream MD, bringing a unique blend of clinical training and lived experience to his work as a therapist. Before beginning his career in counseling, Kelly served as a firefighter/paramedic for 22 years, where he was a peer support team leader and assisted with critical incident stress debriefings. This extensive frontline service gave him a deep understanding of trauma—both primary and vicarious—and inspired his journey into the mental health field.

Through his own recovery work and transformative experiences in therapy, Kelly felt called to become a counselor who could walk alongside others on their path to wellness. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Concordia University, Irvine.

Kelly has specialized expertise working with clients experiencing PTSD, addiction, and co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis). He is Level 1 certified in the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy and has completed training in Couples and Addiction Recovery. Additionally, he has supported veterans and first responders in psychedelic-assisted therapy integration. His therapeutic approach is client-centered, compassionate, and empathetic—honoring each individual’s unique journey, personal goals, and spiritual beliefs.

Outside of his clinical work, Kelly values time with his wife, two sons, and daughter. One of his sons is internationally adopted and lives with Reactive Attachment Disorder, giving Kelly a personal understanding of complex family dynamics. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family through traveling, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, and skiing.

https://www.daydreammd.com/team/kelly-lucas-apcc

Jonathan Sheinberg (Cardiology, First Responder Health and Preventing Heart Attacks) - Episode 1272 Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

Jonathan Sheinberg is a cardiologist, chief medical officer, police officer and Air Force veteran. He has over 30 years of experience in providing advanced cardiovascular care. He is passionate about preventing coronary disease and managing acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Jonathan has a strong background in non-invasive imaging and cardiac catheterization, and is nationally known in the field of preventative cardiology.

He is also a sworn police officer and serves as a lieutenant at the Travis County Sheriff's Office, where he applies his medical expertise to support law enforcement operations. His goal is to improve the health and well-being of his patients and community through evidence-based practices and innovative solutions.

Tommy Dwyer (Dilapidated Fire Stations, Mental Health and Occupational Cancer) - Episode 1271 Jul 26, 2026

Show notes

"Burnin' Down the House" is a powerful new documentary from award-winning filmmaker Tommy Jay Dwyer that shines a light on the hidden crisis facing firefighters. Aging stations, chronic underinvestment and the growing health risks associated with the jobs they do every day.

Through intimate interviews and unprecedented access inside Massachusetts firehouses, the film reveals the sacrifices firefighters make long after the flames go out.

In this conversation, we discuss his own experience as the son of a firefighter, the Cold Storage Fire, the occupational illness that plagued his family, mold, mental health and so much more.

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