The Fire You Carry

Latest Episodes:

262: The Hand You’re Dealt: Finding Purpose in the Chaos Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the "chaos and drama" of life, especially when the initial fire of the New Year begins to fade. In this solo Sunday episode, Kevin dives into an insightful teaching from Jim Ramos (Men in the Arena) to help listeners move past universal truths and discover their unique, God-given identity. Using this idea as a reference point, Kevin explores how our history, abilities, and passions aren't just random traits; they are tools meant to be used for a greater purpose.

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.

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

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

261: What if We Talked about the Living, the Way We Do about the Dead? Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

In this high-energy catch-up, Nole and Kevin dive into the patriotic fever of the Winter Olympics, specifically the historic gold medal wins for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s hockey teams against Canada. Between discussing the "grit and tenacity" of players like Jack Hughes and the bizarrely fascinating world of Scottish curling stones, the duo gets personal about their recent struggles with illness and the mental toll of the "firefighter trap"—working long overtime stretches at the station.

The heart of the episode shifts to a deep discussion on legacy and intentionality. Inspired by a recent celebration of life, Nole and Kevin explore why society reserves its best praise for funerals and how they can start "breathing life" into their families and colleagues while they are still around to hear it.

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

260: What My 10-Year-Old Taught Me About Bravery (and Skateboarding) Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

What is keeping you from starting that new hobby, joining that fitness program, or trying something you might be "bad" at? In this solo episode, Nole reflects on a recent trip to the skate park with his 10-year-old son, Indy. Watching his son skate at the park with the "wrong" gear and a borrowed helmet, Nole realized how often our adult egos act as a barrier to entry for things that bring us joy.

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

259: Burn Your Ears: Why Experience is the Best Mentor with Captain Scotty McKnight Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Nole and Kevin sit down with Captain Scotty McKnight, currently serving at the "Fire Factory" (FS 16) in the heart of Los Angeles County. Scotty brings a unique perspective to the fire service, having transitioned from a professional baseball career to the front seat of a fire engine.

The guys dive into the parallels between the elite environments of professional sports and the fire service, the mental game of visualization, and the weight of "failing" on the big stage. Scotty shares raw insights on his journey through the minor leagues, the grit required for 16-hour bus rides, and why he believes young firefighters must seek out "busy" houses to truly learn the craft.

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

258: Don't Be "That Guy": Survive Your First Day on Probation as a Fireman Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Getting hired is only the beginning. In this episode, Nole and Kevin pull back the curtain on the "paramilitary" traditions and unwritten rules that define a successful probationary year. This isn't about what’s in the manual—it's about the grit, etiquette, and mindset required to earn your place in the firehouse. From the "ninja entry" at 0600 to the humility of being the first to volunteer for a drill, we discuss how to build a reputation that lasts a career.

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

257: The Devil is Doing Pushups in the Parking Lot Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Fresh off the mountain from Class 15 of the Fire Up Program, Nole and Kevin sit down to discuss the high of the retreat and the immediate "gut punch" of returning to reality. From 13-degree wind chills and frozen towels to skin cancer surgery and emergency room visits, this episode is an honest look at what it means to stay present when the "storms" of life hit all at once.

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

256: The Iron Shortstop: 20 Years, One Team, No Shortcuts, with Alan Trammel Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

It was an absolute honor to host a true baseball legend on the show. Alan Trammell isn't just a Hall of Famer; he is a masterclass in consistency, professional loyalty, and the "blue-collar" work ethic that defines the city of Detroit. We dive deep into his 20-year career with the Tigers, his legendary double-play partnership with Lou Whitaker, and how the lessons learned on the diamond translate perfectly to the fire station

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.

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

255: Fire Built: Heat, Cold, and Heavy Swings, with Evan Halquist. Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Captain Evan Halquist is back for another round, and he's here to announce a new resource that we have been anxiously awaiting here at The Fire You Carry. Fire Built is a purpose-driven set of training protocols designed for the first responder that will benefit anyone who puts them into practice. Follow the links below to learn more.

When the tones don’t stop going off, how do you show up for your family the next morning? When you're exhausted from all that life throws at you, how do you keep pushing through when you need to? In this episode, Kevin and Nole sit down with Captain Evan Halquist to dive deep into the physiological "reset button" for first responders.

Evan breaks down the science of recovery, explaining why typical rest isn't enough after a high-cortisol shift. We explore his Bad Night Protocol, the hidden dangers of "forever chemicals" in firefighting gear, and his fascinating experiment in "Anti-Glycolytic" training—proving that strength is the ultimate foundation for endurance. Whether you are a firefighter, a tactical athlete, or a busy parent, Evan’s insights on Fire Built resilience offer a blueprint for thriving in the face of chaos.

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.youtube.com/channel/UCq8gk9sDd1NsBsJrPMY3gtw

Evan on Instagram (see his linktree here for the Fire Built app)

https://www.instagram.com/evan_halquist/

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

254: Chosen for the Crucible: Jon Engle on Loss, Faith, and Fly Fishing Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In this special pre-Christmas episode, Kevin sits down with Captain Jon Engle of the Colton Fire Department. Jon shares a vulnerable and powerful testimony of enduring a "season of shadows"—losing his grandfather, a fellow engineer, a childhood friend, and his brother in a short span, all while navigating a life-threatening medical crisis with his newborn son.

The heart of the episode is the announcement that Jon’s nonprofit, Hold the Line Fishing, has officially merged with The Fire Up Program. Together, they are expanding their reach to offer recreational therapy and "tactical pauses" for first responders and their spouses.

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

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

253: Ignoring the Mundane at Our Own Peril Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Nole dives deep into the tension between the cultural push for men to be extraordinary and the profound value of simply embracing the ordinary—or the mundane—in daily life.

Inspired by a simple observation about a frantic lemur at an animal park ("He leads a simple life"), Nole explores the idea that while high-achieving goals (like a podcast, an adventure race, or a career milestone) are important, they occupy only a tiny fraction of our time. The bulk of our lives is spent on the ordinary, often overlooked tasks.

Using the concept of the Time Wheel (a pie chart of your daily hours), Nole argues that if your stated priorities don't align with where you actually spend your time, you may be missing the most important opportunities for growth and fulfillment. He challenges men to approach the mundane—from laundry and cooking to exercise and even brushing teeth—with excellence and gratitude.

This focus on doing the small things well is presented as a form of discipline that "bleeds" into the rest of life, strengthening relationships and fueling the pursuit of bigger goals. Ultimately, it’s about finding the balance to ensure that the pursuit of excellence doesn't turn us into slaves of busyness, robbing us of time for peace, reflection, and truly appreciating life.

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

Video referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY3UJLmXAUQ

MyZone facility code for The Fire You Carry: CALIFUS001
Get $60 off a MZ-Switch Heart Rate Monitor!
https://buy.myzone.org/?lang=enUS&voucher=CALIFUS001-60

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected