Behind The Shield

Latest Episodes:

Tori and Anthony Gonzalez (Surviving the Parkland Massacre, Responding as a Parent and the Emotional Toll) - Episode 467 Feb 14, 2026

Show notes

Tori Gonzalez was a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas when a former student murdered 17 school children and staff in 2018, including her boyfriend Joaquin Oliver. Anthony Gonzalez is Tori's father and was one of the responding firefighters to the attack. We discuss their early lives, Tori and Joaquin's romance, the aftermath of the massacre, grief, tactical medicine, the media, mental health and so much more.

Tori Gonzalez is a young artist, transforming pain into purpose, dedicated to pouring her heart into creating pieces that inspire and comfort others on their journey of healing.

Anthony Gonzalez is the Coral Springs–Parkland Fire Department Battalion Chief assigned to the Training Division. Battalion Chief Gonzalez has been with the city since 1995 where he began his career as a volunteer firefighter for the department until 2000 when he became a full-time firefighter for the city.

In addition to serving as one of the chiefs of training, Battalion Chief Gonzalez is also an instructor and is involved in several areas within the organization.

Battalion Chief Gonzalez earned his AS degree in Fire Science and is a State of Florida Certified Live Fire Instructor, Instructor 2, Fire Officer 2, Incident Safety Officer, Fire Safety Inspector 2, Fire Investigator 1 and a FLUSAR Rescue Specialist. Furthermore, he received his Fire Officer Designation from the Center of Public Safety Excellence (CSPE).

Responsible for training members of the team when participating in scheduled training throughout the year, Battalion Chief Gonzalez is a member of the Urban Search and Rescue Team, Florida Task Force II where he is a squad boss and directs crews on varies assignments when deployed. A few of his deployments included Hurricane Michael in 2018 and in Puerto Rico in 2020 for the Earthquakes.

Moreover, Battalion Chief Gonzalez is a Fire Instructor for the Coral Springs Regional Institute of Public Safety and has been teaching programs since 2004. Some of those programs are, minimum standards, Driver Operator, and all the courses related to Special Operations. In addition to the Special Operations curriculum, Battalion Chief Gonzalez is the Lead Instructor for the Trench Rescue course where students learn how to remove individuals trapped in a collapsed trench. This particular program leads the construction industry as being one of the most hazardous type of work in that industry. Battalion Chief Gonzalez also provides all types of training, education, knowledge and skills required to do the job.

Battalion Chief Gonzalez has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career including Administrative, Lifesaving, Unit and Team Citations and Meritorious Awards.

Michael Lopez (Escaping Gang Life, Overcoming Addiction and the Healing Power of Service) - Episode 290 Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

Michael Lopez turned a life of addiction and gang life into a degree in forensic psychology and the genesis of Mission Echo, helping feed the homeless on Skid Row. We discuss childhood trauma, the tribal element of gangs, addiction, finding the power to change, altruism and much more.

As a young man, Michael Lopez found himself on a path of gang life and addiction. One day, he made the decision to turn his life around. He now is a Forensic Psychology graduate and the man behind Mission Echo, feeding Skid Row’s homeless.

Mission Echo: https://www.instagram.com/mission_echo/

Judge Craig Mitchell (Addiction on Skid Row, Healing Through Running and Lowering Recidivism) - Episode 493 Jan 31, 2026

Show notes

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell is the founder of the Skid Row Running Club which is featured in the documentary Skid Row Marathon. Founded in 2012, The Skid Row Running Club provides a running program for the Skid Row Community of Los Angeles and involves the larger community in supporting its members in overcoming alcohol/drug abuse and achieving positive life goals.

It all began when a young man he had previously sentenced to prison, Roderick Brown, contacted him through the Midnight Mission. “For some reason he decided he liked the way I treated him, even though I sent him to prison,” Mitchell says. “He looked me up and introduced me to The Mission.”

As soon as Mitchell got there, he decided the best way to reach the people was through running. “There are so many little things that emanate from this very basic idea of just running,” he says.

Mitchell had been running for about 15 years when he started the club. He ran his first race because he was asked by his boss at the District Attorney’s Office to run a relay. It was too early in his career to say no, so he joined the team. It was a blessing—he’s a runner to the core now, even when he’s in the courtroom.

Under the black robe he wears on the bench, Mitchell is in a shirt and tie as you’d expect. But below the belt he’s in just his running shorts and shoes—he likes to change out of his robe quickly to maximize the time of his lunchtime run. -- Runner's World, Liam Boylan-Pett

Ishmael Beah (Surviving Life as a Child Soldier, Sierra Leone and Hip Hop) - Episode 88 Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

Ishmael Beah grew up in the African Country of Sierra Leonne. At the age of 10, civil war broke out and his world change forever. By thirteen, his family had all been murdered and he was forced into war as a boy soldier. Three years later, he was rescued by members of UNICEF and ultimately brought to the US. We talk about his journey through this nightmare, how he rehabilitated, gratitude, forgiveness and much more. Do not miss this episode!!

Ishmael Beah, best-selling author and human rights spokesperson, was appointed UNICEF’s first Advocate for Children Affected by War on 20 November 2007. In accepting the position Mr. Beah said, “… for me it’s just a way to give me more strength to continue doing what I’ve already embarked on, what I’ve dedicated my life to doing – which is to make sure that what happened to me doesn’t continue to happen to other children around the world.” He pledged to give a voice and hope to children whose lives have been scarred by violence.

In 1991, the outbreak of a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone upended the lives of millions. Ishmael Beah’s parents and two brothers were killed and he was forcibly recruited into the war at age 13. After two years, with UNICEF help, he was removed from the army and placed in a rehabilitation home in Freetown.

At the 1996 United Nations presentation of the Machel Report on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, Mr. Beah spoke about the devastating effects of war on children in his country. In May 2000, at the UN Special Session on Children he served on a panel entitled ‘Reclaiming Our Children: The UN Responds to the Plight of the Child Soldier’. The panel included then Secretary General Kofi Annan and UN agency heads.

Mr. Beah continues his advocacy to help change the course for the thousands of children still trapped in wars. He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children’s Rights Division Advisory Committee and has testified before the United States Congress. In 2008, he co-founded the Network of Young People Affected by War (NYPAW) with a mission to raise awareness of the plight of children in conflict zones, advocate for an end to hostilities and provide role models for children who are currently struggling to recover from war.

Activity highlights

Ishmael Beah’s book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier was published in the United States in 2007. It has since been published in Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia and appears in over 35 languages. The book was also available in Starbucks shops, and for each book sold, US$ 2.00 went to the US Fund for UNICEF. A Long Way Gone has been assigned to freshman classes of several universities in the US.

Mr. Beah has received numerous humanitarian and writing awards. He has spoken at many literary festivals including the Hay on Wye Literary Festival in Wales, United Kingdom. He appears in Bling: A Planet Rock, a 2007 documentary that draws attention to the diamond conflict.

Thomas Newman (Strength and Conditioning for the Tactical Athlete and Injury Prevention) - Episode 720 Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

Thomas Newman is a coach, Sports Scientist and the Chief Innovation Officer at Hawkin Dynamics. We discuss his journey into sports, the power of Sports Science data analysis, tactical athlete selection, fostering longevity, sleep and recovery, his own physical and mental recovery journey following a brain tumor, his non-profit and so much more.

Spanning nearly two decades, Thomas Newman's career in sports performance is a testament to his unparalleled ability to not only optimize athlete development but also provide a truly customized service for each client. Newman's approach is visionary, blending the precision of sports science with unwavering leadership and an innovative spirit. His hallmark is the adept integration of data science, athlete development, and program design.

Newman’s role as a dynamic thought leader is evidenced by his profound contributions to the understanding of athlete biomechanics, talent identification, and investment strategies. He stands as a beacon of inspiration, with his presentations resonating with audiences globally—from specialized tactical teams to international sports science gatherings. This ability to inspire extends beyond the podium; it reflects his passion for educating and advocating for his clients, empowering them to focus on their strengths while he and his team manage the complexities of their careers in both physical development and performance optimization.

Newman’s innovative research, particularly his application of economic models to recruitment strategies, demonstrates a unique capacity to navigate and solve the most complex challenges in sports with practical, impactful solutions.

Thomas Newman is more than an expert; he is a pioneer whose forward-thinking and dedication to athlete development are profound. His commitment to his clients is unwavering, characterized by a deep dedication to ensuring their success and well-being. It is this commitment that has made Newman not only a trusted advisor but also a passionate advocate for athletes at every stage of their careers on and off the field.

In every facet of his career, Thomas Newman exemplifies a commitment to excellence, passion for innovation, and a genuine desire to advocate for and educate his clients. This blend of qualities not only defines his professional identity but also establishes the Newman HP team as an essential pillar in the careers of athletes aiming for the pinnacle of performance.

Pat Byrne (The Cost of Sleep Deprivation, Wearable Efficacy and Optimising Performance) - Episode 762 Jan 10, 2026

Show notes

Pat Byrne is a leader in sleep and fatigue management and the author of Inconvenient Sleep. We discuss his early work in Occupational Health and Safety, the tragedy that led him into sleep research, working with NHL athletes, the pros and cons of wearables, first responder sleep deprivation, AI in medicine and so much more.

Pat has changed the way professional sports teams and 24/7 workplaces manage their sleep and fatigue to optimize performance and mitigate risk. Pat's fatigue management systems, using state of the art knowledge and technology, have proven to be successful. Clients have included the US Department of Defense, Harvard Medical School, major mining and transportation companies and leading sports teams in the National Hockey League, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, Australian Football League, national soccer programs, and National Olympic Committees.

With a wealth of knowledge and over 30 years of experience in risk management, performance optimization and health and safety, Pat is the expert to connect with whether you are seeking information on improving worker safety or are interested in boosting athletic performance.

Dr Rangan Chatterjee (Preventative Medicine, Vitamin D and Creating Healthy Habits) - Episode 356 Jan 03, 2026

Show notes

Dr Rangan Chatterjee is a British physician, author, podcaster and television personality. We discuss his powerful journey into progressive medicine, vitamin D, the importance of sleep, gut health, the four pillars of health, creating healthy habits through small victories and much more.

Dr Chatterjee's mission is to empower 100 million people to become the architect of their own health and to help them feel fantastic with simple, practical and digestible information. Dr. Chatterjee is regarded as one of the most influential doctors in the UK and wants to change how medicine will be practiced for years to come. He hosts the biggest health podcast in Europe, ‘Feel Better, Live More’, #1 on Apple podcasts and announced as one of the most downloaded new podcasts of the past year. He is known for finding the root cause of people's health problems and he highlighted his methods in the ground-breaking BBC television show, Doctor in the House, which has been shown in over 70 countries around the world.

Dr Chatterjee is the author of the international best-seller, The Four Pillar Plan which has already become one of the top 10 selling Health titles of the past 5 years. His second book, the Amazon #1 bestseller, The Stress Solution, tackles what the WHO call the health epidemic of our time – STRESS and has been featured in 2 recent New York Times articles. Feel Better in 5 launched in the UK in January 2020, quickly hit the #1 spot in all non-fiction books and is Dr Chatterjee's most accessible health plan showing how small achievable habit-changes can help everyone improve their health.

Dr Chatterjee co-created the successful RCGP accredited Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine course which has been delivered to 1200 GPs and specialists since January 2018, providing doctors and primary healthcare professionals with a framework to apply Lifestyle Medicine principles in clinical practice. He regularly features on BBC news channels and has given an inspirational TED talk on making diseases disappear with over 2 million views.

Marc Mero (Professional Wrestling, Overcoming Addiction and Combating Bullying in Our Youth) - Episode 13 Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

Marc Mero was a WWE wrestler, who became a motivational speaker, touring schools around the country. We talk about his early life, career, journey through substance abuse, mental health and his transition to teaching children about bullying and suicide.

Marc Mero, who found global fame as Johnny B. Badd in WCW and alongside then-wife Rena ‘Sable’ Mero in World Wrestling Entertainment, played an instrumental role during wrestling’s hottest period. Sharing the squared circle with Hall of Fame stars including Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Ric Flair, Mero’s fast-paced wrestling style and charismatic presentation made him a big hit with fans, en route to winning three WCW Television Titles and the coveted WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Yet Marc Mero’s life after wrestling has been even more prolific than his time performing as a sports entertainer. For almost two decades, Marc has inspired young people globally through his motivation ‘Champion of Choices’ talks, changing many lives for the better.

Spencer Thomas (Doubling John Cena, the Physical Cost of Stunt Work and The Oscars) - Episode 591 Dec 20, 2025

Show notes

Spencer Thomas is a former football athlete turned stunt performer and John Cena's stunt double. We discuss growing up around athletics, moving to LA, humility on set, his journey into stunts, the mental impact of injury, his connection with the fire service, John's altruism, and so much more.

Eddie Wineland (Mixed Martial Arts, Firefighting and the Warrior Mindset) - Episode 704 Dec 13, 2025

Show notes

Eddie Wineland is the Former WEC World Champion, UFC fighter and a career firefighter. We discuss his journey into the combat sports, the house fire that almost claimed his brother's life, the fighter's mindset, sleep and performance, mental health and so much more.

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