The Fire You Carry

Latest Episodes:

294: Bridging the Chasm: Culture, Tradition, and the New Firehouse Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole and Kevin dive deep into the cultural and generational divide reshaping fire station life. Why does traditional mentorship, the cold shoulder, silent treatment, or blunt "go do it" directives fall flat with the newest generation of firefighters? Pulling insights from industry articles and their own front-line missteps, the guys break down the friction between traditional paramilitary hierarchy and a generation raised in digital feedback loops. They discuss why newer members require the "why" behind the task, how senior firefighters can avoid the trap of cynicism and "retiring on duty," and why genuine leadership by example beats sitting in the blue recliner every single time. Whether you're a 20-year veteran struggling to communicate or a boot trying to navigate station dynamics, this conversation explores how both sides can meet in the middle without dropping the standard.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

An article read in preparation for this episode.

https://www.nvfc.org/serving-the-whole-community-supporting-every-generation-in-the-fire-service/#:~:text=What%20should%20older%20firefighters%20know%20about%20communicating,their%20desire%20for%20purpose%20in%20their%20work.

Another article.

https://dailydispatch.com/articles/fire-career-resources/leadership/fire-service-culture/#:~:text=Positive%20culture%20is%20rarely%20created%20through%20a,early%20rather%20than%20allowing%20them%20to%20grow.

Another article.

https://firefitnation.com/a-new-generation/

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

The Fire Up Progam video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

293: The #1 Rule Firemen Break Every Single Day Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole and Kevin dive into the disciplines and realities of everyday preparedness—from what really belongs in your turnout pockets to why showing up right on time is actually late. They recap their experience broadcasting ringside at the Rose Bowl for Next Rung’s Battle for Mental Health, hanging out with former heavyweight champion Joe Hanks, and the mindset of first responders in the arena. Plus, fall seasonal debates, essential firehouse EDC, and kitchen standards.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

The Fire Up Progam video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

292: It’s Not Going to Get Any Easier Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In this solo episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole reflects on the personal mantra that gets him through tough training sessions: "It’s not going to get any easier." While pushing through physical pain comes naturally on the fire station driveway, Nole gets vulnerable about how procrastination creeps into the areas of life that actually matter most, like delivering unexpected work schedule changes to his wife, Heather. Tune in as Nole breaks down the gap between physical grit and emotional discipline, the danger of keeping hard conversations waiting, and why every man needs a "cornerman" to help process life's toughest moments.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

The Fire Up Progam video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

291: When Life Gets Heavy: Real Talk on Pride, Prayer, and Priorities Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Kevin and Nole reunite on The Fire You Carry. They kick things off with paramedic shifts under a full moon and memories from the station, before diving deep into the raw realities of leadership, pride, and marriage.

Kevin reflects on the power and community of the 6th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the LA County Firefighter Museum, while Nole shares a transparent look into a recent marital argument where pride nearly won out over prayer. Together, they break down the concept of "surrendering to win," realigning inverted priorities (Faith, Family, Fitness, Career, Service), and learning when to delegate and slow down at work and home.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

Get tickets to The Battle For Mental Health Boxing Event!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-battle-for-mental-health

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

The Fire Up Progam video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

290: From Writing for Thrasher to Running a Fire Station | Nate Denver Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Fire You Carry Podcast, Nole sits down with LA County Fire Captain Nate Denver. From bizarre childhood encounters with runaway chimpanzees wearing silver chains to touring in hardcore/death metal bands, writing for iconic publications like Thrasher and Slap, and navigating life as an LA County firefighter, Captain Denver shares a uniquely creative, disciplined, and eclectic life story.

They dive into the transition from hands-on engineer work to command-level leadership, the emotional and cathartic power of aggressive music, maintaining lifelong fitness routines (including cartwheels and seven-minute abs), and how an unexpected phone call from Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland brought Nate to Southern California.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

Get tickets to The Battle For Mental Health Boxing Event!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-battle-for-mental-health

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs

The Fire Up Progam video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram

The Fire You Carry Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/

Donate to The Fire Up Program.

https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate

The Fire Up Program Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/

Kevin's Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

289: Moving from Success to Significance: Raising Sons Intentionally with Cliff Carey Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole sits down with his former youth pastor and longtime friend, Cliff Carey (Executive Pastor at Sunrise Community Church and host of The Backshed Bible Study).

Cliff and Nole take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about growing up rugged at Hume Lake, hitting dirt berms in a Suburban, and the lessons learned along the way. But the heart of this conversation dives deep into the intentional calling of fatherhood: how to guide boys through their teenage years and launch them into Godly, capable men.

They break down the dangers of "snowplow parenting," the importance of letting kids face hard tasks and failure, practical frameworks for teaching life skills, and why our children need to see the real, uncompartmentalized version of who we are.

Key Takeaways & Episode Highlights

The Hume Lake Days: Nole’s youth, the freedom of growing up in the mountains, and memories of crazy road trips with Cliff.
Success vs. Significance: Shifting focus in your 50s toward leaving a lasting legacy in your children.
Feedback from an Older Son: What Cliff learned when his college-age son told him what he wished he had learned at home.
Intentional Breakfasts & Practical Roadmaps: Cliff’s strategy with his 15-year-old, focusing on knowing Jesus, knowing yourself, and becoming self-sufficient.
Resisting "Snowplow Parenting": Why stepping back and letting boys struggle through physical chores and problem-solving builds true character.
Modeling Over Lecturing: Why showing emotional honesty, healthy conflict resolution in marriage, and spiritual consistency matters far more than just talking about it.
Dropping the Compartments: Why fathers, especially first responders and leaders, need to bring their genuine selves home rather than shutting down.

The Back Shed Bible Study

https://open.spotify.com/show/4u8xYpEipoeZl60bgRa6Q1?si=1592350a8f914140

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords
Get tickets to The Battle For Mental Health Boxing Event!
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-battle-for-mental-health
The Fire You Carry on YouTube.
Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs
The Fire Up Progam video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram
The Fire You Carry Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/
Donate to The Fire Up Program.
https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate
The Fire Up Program Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/
Kevin's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

288: You Can’t Reload in the Line of Fire (The Anti-Misogi) Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

We push hard, chase challenges, and pride ourselves on doing the hard things. But what happens when the challenge we actually need isn’t another heavy lift, but stepping away entirely?

In this solo episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole breaks down the concept of the “Anti-Misogi”: the deliberate, disciplined act of scheduling extended, distraction-free rest. It’s easy to believe that if you step away, the wheels will fall off. But whether you look at the physical realities of training, the biblical pattern of withdrawing into the wilderness, or the tactical necessity of taking cover to reload, one truth remains clear: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Key Takeaways

The Anti-Misogi: Why facing the quiet without screens, tasks, or noise can be more confronting than an extreme physical test.
The Humility of Rest: Realizing that the email can wait, the mission continues, and stepping away won’t cause everything to crumble.
Scriptural & Historical Precedent: The Sabbath requirement and why Jesus routinely walked away from pressing crowds into the wilderness.
The Tactical Reload: Why you must move out of the line of fire to refill your magazine before you can re-engage.
The Calendar Challenge: How to build non-negotiable wilderness time into your schedule, from daily quiet moments to extended multi-day retreats.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/6th-annual-911-memorial-climb-25th-anniversary-sponsored-by-stairmaster-tickets-1992947168630?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Get tickets to The Battle For Mental Health Boxing Event!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-battle-for-mental-health

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs
The Fire Up Progam video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__ErPW46Ec&t=12s&ab_channel=FireUpProgram
The Fire You Carry Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/thefireyoucarry/
Donate to The Fire Up Program.
https://www.fireupprogram.com/donate
The Fire Up Program Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/fireup_program/
Kevin's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/kevinpwelsh/?hl=en

287: The Man in the Arena | Scott Henderson Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

What drives a 46-year-old career firefighter, husband, and father to voluntarily step into the boxing ring against an opponent ten years his junior?

In this episode, Pasadena firefighter and longtime friend of the show Scott Henderson returns to break down the physical grit, mental overhaul, and deeply personal reasons behind his latest "Misogi", an intentional, high-stakes trial of endurance and courage.

Scott details his intense solo training camp abroad in Dundalk, taking the train into the legendary Holy Trinity gym in West Belfast, and what it felt like to have his daughter walk him to the ring before taking home the Battle of the Badges title at Soboba.

We also preview the upcoming Battle for Mental Health boxing event taking over the Rose Bowl Court of Champions on Friday, October 9th. With 15 sanctioned bouts—including a clash between the FDNY and LAFD boxing teams, 100% of proceeds go directly to Next Rung to fund 24/7 peer support and mental health intervention for first responders across the nation.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/6th-annual-911-memorial-climb-25th-anniversary-sponsored-by-stairmaster-tickets-1992947168630?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Get tickets to The Battle For Mental Health Boxing Event!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-battle-for-mental-health

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

286: For the Storm (Until It Actually Hits) Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

It is easy to blast heavy music in an air-conditioned cab and declare that you were "born for the storm"; it is an entirely different battle when the storm actually shows up.

In this episode, Nole shares a humbling realization after giving a passionate family devotional about embracing trials, only to completely fall apart in frustration when faced with an uncomfortable task just hours later. Kevin and Nole dive into why we often excel at physical crucibles while struggling with emotional and spiritual adversity, the dangerous pull toward comfort and frictionless living, and what it truly means to be forged into a weapon in righteous hands.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/6th-annual-911-memorial-climb-25th-anniversary-sponsored-by-stairmaster-tickets-1992947168630?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

"Memorial Hoard" - Norma Jean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2eqWw2mx70&list=RDf2eqWw2mx70&start_radio=1

"Revelation" - Many Eyes (contains profanity)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pWJmS36gt4&list=RD5pWJmS36gt4&start_radio=1

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

285: Squashing Beef, Running Miles, & Facing Mortality Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

What keeps someone grinding when facing a terminal diagnosis? In this episode, Kevin shares a powerful morning jog with his 79-year-old biological father, who is currently battling Stage 4 cancer with a colostomy bag yet still hitting the pavement every day at 8:15 AM.

Nole and Kevin dive deep into the uncomfortable but necessary reality of mortality, examining why people choose to lean in rather than check out, how lifelong habits shape our final seasons, and the profound peace found in faith, presence, and letting go of old grudges. To wrap things up, Nole recaps a family trip to Arizona featuring "trashy" tacos, javelinas, and coatimundi sightings, followed by details on the upcoming 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz2RZThURTU&ab_channel=FacedownRecords

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/6th-annual-911-memorial-climb-25th-anniversary-sponsored-by-stairmaster-tickets-1992947168630?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

The Fire You Carry on YouTube.

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