Behind The Shield

Latest Episodes:

Dr Stuart McGill (Overcoming Back Injury, Sleep Deprivation and Movement Assessment) - Episode 95 Dec 06, 2025

Show notes

Dr Stuart McGill is a world renowned authority on back health. We delve into a host of topics from removing the sit up in the Military's PT test to the correlation between sleep deprivation and musculo-skeletal injury.

Dr. Stuart M. McGill is a “distinguished professor emeritus”, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 30 years. His laboratory and experimental research clinic investigated issues related to the causal mechanisms of back pain, how to rehabilitate back-pained people and enhance both injury resilience and performance. His advice is often sought by governments, corporations, legal experts, medical groups and elite athletes and teams from around the world.

His work produced over 245 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, several textbooks, and many international awards including the “Order of Canada” in 2020 for leadership in the back pain area. He mentored over 37 graduate students during this scientific journey.

During this time he taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners in professional development and continuing education courses around the world.

He continues as the Chief Scientific Officer for Backfitpro Inc. Difficult back cases, and elite performers, are regularly referred to him for consultation. Any product associated with this website has been tested in Dr. McGill’s laboratory.

Rob Jones (The Horrors of War, Adaptive Athletes and Refinding Purpose) - Episode 67 Nov 29, 2025

Show notes

Rob Jones lost both legs after an IED explosion whilst serving as an Engineer with the Marines. Refusing to let his injuries define him, Rob became an elite athlete competing as a rower in the Paralympics. Rob's latest adventure saw him completing 31 marathons in 31 days. We talk about adaptive athletics, mental trauma, his charitable ventures and much more.

Rob Jones is a retired US Marine, combat leader, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. He spent five years in the Marine Corps, with deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a Combat Engineer, Rob specialized in finding hidden Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the enemy’s most deadly weapons. On a mission in July of 2010, while executing an IED sweep, Rob stepped on an IED, which resulted in double above knee amputations of his legs. He spent the next year and a half in physical therapy before retiring from the Marine Corps in 2011. Upon his retirement, Rob was forced to adapt to a new way of being a leader. To do this, he turned to the world of sports.

In 2012, he competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, England, bringing home a bronze medal in rowing. In 2013, he became the first double above knee amputee to ride a bicycle across the United States, riding 5,181 miles from Bar Harbor, Maine to Camp Pendleton, California. In 2017, he ran 31 marathons in 31 consecutive days in 31 different cities.

Throughout this journey, Rob has relied upon the principles taught at Echelon Front to turn the darkest moment of his life into a life of impact—more meaningful than he ever could have expected. Rob now brings his experience to Echelon Front to help teams of people take Extreme Ownership and overcome the challenges they face in business and in life.

John Graham (The Falklands War, Catharsis Through Writing and Close Protection) - Episode 792 Nov 22, 2025

Show notes

John Graham is a former British Army Paratrooper and member of 22 SAS. He is also known as his pen name John Geddes, the author of "Spearhead Assault" detailing his experience in the Falkland Islands War and "Highway to Hell" telling his military contracting story in Iraq.

We discuss his early life in England, his journey into the military, serving in Northern Ireland, The Battle of Goose Green, war in the Middle East, contracting, close protection work, mental health, leadership and much more.

John is a former British Army Warrant Officer who served in the Parachute Regiment and 22 SAS. Since Leaving the Army in 1997 he has consulted to many international security companies and has acted as an insolvency agent specialising in asset recovery.

John held two directorships and has spent two years on active service in Iraq prior to taking up the post of MD Ronin Concepts Elite Ltd. He has written two novels under the pen name of John Geddes; ‘Highway to Hell' about PMC security in Iraq and ‘Spearhead Assault' about the battle for Goosegreen in the Falkland Islands.

Olivia Jackson (Hollywood Stunts, Surviving a Near Fatal Accident and Healing through Martial Arts) - Episode 237 Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

Olivia Jackson is a model, muay thai fighter and professional stunt performer. We discuss growing up in South Africa, modelling, fighting, her near death experience, overcoming physical and mental trauma and much more.

"As an adult, my professional journey took a unique turn as I transitioned from an International Model to a Stuntwoman in films. I contributed to a number of blockbuster films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Avengers, Cinderella, and Guardians of the Galaxy. I also stunt doubled for acclaimed actresses including Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Karen Gillan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elizabeth Olsen.

However, in 2015, a life-altering incident on a film set left me in a 3 week coma with a broken, twisted & paralysed body, filled with enduring neurological & physical pain that will last for the rest of my life. With all the loss I faced, as well as the ceaseless physical pain, I endured signifiant emotional and mental suffering too. Needing to find some kind of resource, I embarked on a deep journey of spiritual rehabilitation, uncovering the space to transform psychological suffering & reshaping my life in wonderful ways.

Despite the ongoing challenges, I have discovered a renewed source of strength, joy & inspiration through my meditation practice & the inner transformation it offers and it has empowered me to live my life fully, despite the pain & loss."

https://www.oliviajackson.net/

Marcus Capone (The Suicide Epidemic, The Healing Power of Ibogaine and Traumatic Brain Injury) - Episode 632 Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

Marcus Capone is a former Tier 1 Navy SEAL and the founder of "Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions". We discuss his journey into the Navy, TBIs and microtraumas, his powerful mental health story, the healing power of Ibogaine and so much more.

When he was medically retired after 13 years. and multiple combat deployments as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Marcus Capone and his wife, Amber, thought that life would return to normal. Instead, their struggle had just begun. Marcus was experiencing an escalating myriad of challenges, including depression, isolation, cognitive impairment, excessive alcohol use, headaches, insomnia, and impulsivity. Marcus was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but, instinctively, Amber felt there was more to be discovered. After learning about the effects of blast waves, concussive, and subconcussive brain injuries, everything started to become clear. Marcus’ military career as an explosives expert, combined with his prior years of contact sports, had left him with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a condition that has significant overlap with PTSD, and is often not properly diagnosed.

“After so many failed treatments, I felt that I had nothing to lose at that point. But when my treatment was a complete success, I knew we had to pay this forward to other combat veterans.”

When all hope seemed lost, Amber learned about ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic used traditionally in West African ceremonial settings that has been studied as a potential treatment for opioid addiction and other mental health conditions. Marcus traveled to a reputable independent clinic outside of the U.S. to receive treatment with Ibogaine, as well as 5-MeO-DMT, another naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Immediately after the sessions, Marcus felt a massive weight had been lifted, his cognitive functioning returned, he had no desire for alcohol, and he stopped taking all prescription medications.

Marcus and Amber dedicated themselves to finding out if psychedelic therapy could also help his fellow teammates, many of whom were also experiencing the combined challenges of PTSD and TBI.

Since 2019, the non-profit Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) has provided grants for hundreds of U.S. Special Forces veterans to receive psychedelic-assisted therapy treatment outside the U.S., as well as preparation and integration coaching. VETS believes that psychedelic therapy can lay the foundation for further healing. This “foundational healing” enables continued progress across a range of therapeutic modalities, and is supported by a robust coaching program, providing a holistic treatment solution for veterans.

https://vetsolutions.org/

Doug Orchard (The 1960's PE Program That Forged Fitness, Prevented Bullying and Improved Grades) - Episode 576 Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

Doug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher. Doug's documentary "The Motivation Factor" shows the incredible positive ripple effect of La Sierra High School's PE program in the 1960s. We discuss his journey into film making, the personal tragedy that drove his quest for health information, the obesity epidemic, nutrition and immunity, the social impact of shared suffering, how healthcare costs are crippling our economy and much more.

The Motivation Factor had its worldwide premiere in Hollywood, CA on May 5th at the Life Fest Film Festival, where it won ‘Best Documentary Feature’ and also won the prestigious ‘Audience Choice Award.’ It also won ‘Audience Choice Award’ and ‘Heart Award’ at the Intendence Film Festiveal in Denver 2017.

This breakthrough documentary film, “The Motivation Factor” covers the ‘why’ we must exercise and links many of our major society’s problems to the absence of real physical education. The crowdfunding trailer received over 50 Million Facebook views and has received national attention. More news on this film can be found on this article and also at the film’s Facebook Page.

Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong. Doug Orchard directed the breakthrough CRE documentary film, Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong (2014). This is the first CRE documentary that takes a comprehensive approach to the investor’s problem. It was filmed in 29 cities with 19 interview subjects. Mr. Orchard tracked hundreds of investors from 2009 through 2013. Multiple billionaire and multi-millionaire investors have labeled it the best film on investing ever made, and a must see for any investor.

The film contains interviews with the most successful private CRE investors in the US, the Presidents of the National Association of Realtors, IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), NMHC (National Multi-family Housing Council) and CCIM, four asset protection attorneys who handle more asset protection cases than anyone else in the world, and a state insurance commissioner referred by the NAIC.

Truth about Pandemic Flu (2009). Doug Orchard directed this 30 minute film, which was made in cooperation with the CDC, FDA, and former US Health Secretary and 4-term Wisconsin Governor Thommy Thompson.

Education & Experience

Doug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher with an MLS from Indiana University, Bloomington and has excellent communication skills (BA English, BYU).

Doug Orchard has strong business functional experience in health and wellness, exercise science, insurance, real estate and law. He is a global thought leader on Physical Education, Fasting, Debt, and responsible Revenue Reserve strategies.

https://www.dougorchard.com/

Danny O'Connor (Creating House of Pain, The Outsiders and Sobriety) - Episode Oct 25, 2025

Show notes

Danny Boy O'Connor is the co-founder of House of Pain and the founder of The Outsiders House. We discuss his early life, his journey into Hip Hop, fame, his powerful addiction story, the impact "The Outsiders" had on his life, the healing power of community and so much more.

The Outsiders House Museum unveils a behind the scenes layer that everyone loves: the trivia, the untold yarns, the story behind the story. Stepping into the museum gives fans young and old a chance to stand in the living room where Ponyboy and Darry quarrel, visit the kitchen and recall all the talk about chocolate cake for breakfast, see Dallas Winston’s leather jacket, hear about the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Chair, see rare and never before seen photos, movie artifacts and more. Even if you’re a longtime fan of The Outsiders, you’re bound to see and learn something new.

As decades passed, the house fell into disrepair and narrowly escaped demolition. In 2016, Hip Hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor purchased the “Curtis Brothers House.” A longtime fan of the novel and the movie, O’Connor had visited the site during earlier Tulsa tour stops, and just couldn’t shake the belief that the house needed to be preserved for future generations. His goal: restore The Outsiders House as it appeared in the movie, while also creating a museum to share his extensive collection of Outsiders movie memorabilia. Still, the task wouldn’t be easy. When purchased, the house was in dismal shape and needed to be gutted down to the studs. If The Outsiders House was going to be restored, it was sure to be a significant project, requiring time, volunteers, and donations.

As progress continues toward opening The Outsiders Museum, each day has brought some fun surprises and spreading goodwill – celebrity drop-ins, author S.E. Hinton herself, people sharing cool stories and factoids, adults who were extras in the movie, community service projects, and even a dog named Spot. You never know who will stop by The Outsiders House Museum.

https://www.theoutsidershouse.com/

Rob Bilott (Uncovering the PFAS Contamination, Dark Waters and Firefighting PPE) - Episode 631 Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

Rob Bilott is a veteran Environmental Litigator and the lawyer portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in the movie Dark Waters. We discuss his journey into law, navigating environmental law, how a farmer's dying cattle burst open the unethical practices of Du Pont, the diseases and deaths attributed to "Forever Chemicals" and so much more.

A seasoned and internationally-recognized litigator, advocate, and author, Rob represents a diverse range of clients on a wide variety of matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws. For more than 30 years, he has handled environmental issues of regulatory compliance, permitting, and corporate/real estate transactions, as well as all aspects of litigation arising from such issues, from administrative hearings to multi-party, complex multi-district litigation, mass torts, and class actions.

Rob has gained international prominence in connection with uncovering and disclosing the world-wide impact of environmental contamination by the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances), particularly PFOA and PFOS. To date Rob has secured benefits in excess of $1 billion for a wide array of firm clients adversely impacted by PFAS contamination, including through key leadership positions in the nation’s first class action, personal injury, medical monitoring, and multi-district litigations, and jury trials involving PFAS.

Because of this experience and knowledge on PFAS issues, Rob is frequently invited to provide keynote lectures and talks at law schools, universities, colleges, communities, and other organizations all over the world, including testimony before federal and state Congressional subcommittees, parliaments of the European Union, individual member states, and the United Kingdom, and committees of the United Nations.

In 2017, Rob received the International Right Livelihood Award (also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) for his decades of work on PFAS “forever chemicals,” and was the 2020 recipient of Taft’s “Legacy Award,” which is bestowed upon a Taft attorney who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm, resulting in an overall positive impact on the legacy of Taft. Rob’s story is chronicled in his book, “Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont,” and is the inspiration for the feature film, “Dark Waters” and documentary, “The Devil We Know.”

https://www.taftlaw.com/people/robert-a-bilott/

Dr Michael Gervais (Sports Psychology, Identity Crisis and Forging Performance) - Episode 106 Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

Dr Michael Gervais is a Sport Psychologist, author and Podcaster who has worked with some of the world's top athletes. We talk about mastery, the psychology of fear, self talk, tribalism and much more.

Gervais is a high performance psychologist working in the trenches of high-stakes environments with some of the best in the world, training the mindset skills and practices essential to pursuing and revealing one’s potential. His clients include world record holders, Olympians, internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, MVPs from every major sport and Fortune 100 CEOs.

A published, peer-reviewed author and recognized speaker on optimal human performance, Dr. Gervais has been featured by NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, Red Bull TV, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, ESPN Magazine and others.

He is the co-founder of Compete to Create, a digital platform business helping people become their best through mindset training. The firm works with a limited portfolio of Fortune 500 companies and leaders to switch on culture and individuals through high performance mindset training and coaching. Clients include Microsoft, Boeing and Zynga.

He is also the host of Finding Mastery, a podcast that takes you inside the rugged and high-stakes environments of those on the path of mastery to explore how they train minds to be at their very best. Gervais unpacks and decodes each guest’s journey, psychological framework and mindset skills and practices. Past guests include Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton, Thrive Global CEO Arianna Huffington, FUBU Founder Daymond John, Mercedes Benz Formula 1 Owner Toto Wolff, Microsoft’s CFO Amy Hood, ultra marathoner David Goggins, two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Carli Lloyd, CEO of Amusement Park Entertainment Jimmy Smith, Pixar’s CFO Lawrence Levy, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach, Pete Carroll, big wave surfer Ian Walsh, among many others.

Dr. Gervais received his undergraduate degree from Loyola Marymount University. He completed his PhD while studying under the father of American applied sport psychology, Dr. Bruce Ogilvie, at San Diego University, Integrative Studies.

https://findingmastery.net

Erik Stolhanske (Super Troopers, Adaptive Athletes and the Catharsis of Comedy) - Episode 673 Oct 05, 2025

Show notes

Erik Stolhanske is an actor, producer and member of the Broken Lizard Comedy Troupe. We discuss his childhood amputation, overcoming adversity, the speeding ticket that spawned Super Troopers, P90X, fostering and so much more.

Erik Stolhanske (born August 23, 1968) is an American actor, writer, and producer, and one of the members of the Broken Lizard comedy group. He is best known as “Officer Rabbit” from the 2001 cult-classic comedy Super Troopers and the 2018 sequel Super Troopers 2.

As one of the five principal members of the famed sketch comedy troupe, he has starred in all of the Broken Lizard films including Quasi (2021), Beerfest (2006), The Slammin’ Salmon (2009), Club Dread (2004), and Puddle Cruiser, as well as performed in The Sweetest Thing (2002) and The Onion Movie (2008). On television, he can be seen on the HBO critically acclaimed series Curb Your Enthusiasm and Six Feet Under, as well as the Comedy Central special Broken Lizard Stands Up.

Erik has a uniquely motivating and inspiring message having been born without a fibula. Despite his disability, he has overcome the challenges to become a popular actor in Hollywood. He has even been featured on the popular P90X training videos in an inspirationally motivating workout series on Plyometrics, alongside Tony Horton, trainer to rock stars such as Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, and Bruce Springsteen.

He is currently in development on two projects with the Broken Lizard Group, Quasi and Super Troopers 3.

Early Life

Born August 23, 1968 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Erik is Swedish, Norwegian and Native American in descent.

Captain of the baseball team in high school, he has always been athletic by nature and driven to persevere, despite the obstacles.

Stolhanske was born without a fibula and wears a prosthetic below the knee on his right leg. He uses his poignant and often humorous story speaking to audiences across the country of the importance of perseverance, even when the odds are stacked against you.

He married his wife Barbara Slade on December 5, 2008. Erik is a Virgo.

Education

Erik graduated from Breck School, followed by Colgate University with a BA in English. He is a member of Beta Theta Pi at Colgate University.

After graduating, he moved to New York City where he attended the William Esper Studio for two years, receiving formal training in acting and theater arts. He then spent a year training with Wynn Handman, director and acting teacher responsible for shaping the careers of Dustin Hoffman, Faya Dunaway, Richard Gere and other stars at the influential American Place Theater in Manhattan.

While in New York, Stolhanske and fellow college friends Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, and Paul Soter formed the American comedy troupe Broken Lizard.

Career

Erik has written, produced and starred in all the Broken Lizard comedies, including Super Troopers 3 (in the works). Together, they collaborate on the screen-writing, acting and productions of all their films.

He has worked alongside a number of Academy Award-winning actors and nominees from Cloris Leachman to Donald Sutherland and Michael Clarke Duncan. He acted alongside Golden Globe winner Brian Cox in Super Troopers and Super Troopers 2. He also starred opposite Rob Lowe in Super Troopers 2 and Bill Paxton in Club Dread.

He is amongst Hollywood’s top comedic actors, known to have worked with Jim Gaffigan, Will Forte, and Johnny Knoxville. Stolhanske has co-written various screenplays, including one with NFL star Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings.

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