The Fire You Carry

Latest Episodes:

252: You Are Groaning, and You Should Stop. Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Nole and Kevin tackle a seemingly small but significant habit: subconscious groaning and complaining. Inspired by a clip from Jocko Willink's camp, the hosts realize that those small sounds—like groaning when you stand up or sighing when the tones drop—are forms of negative self-talk and a passive concession to "letting the old man in."

The conversation digs into how this mindset affects your performance as a first responder and your daily life, the stoic philosophy of Sisu, and the eternal balance between adapting to age and outright surrender. Plus, they introduce their new, raw video live streams!

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

Join the Telegram group: https://t.me/+pSg4QvG4e681MzYx

Sign up for a class at The Fire Up Program!
https://www.fireupprogram.com/programs
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
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
Nole's Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/nolelilley/?hl=en

251: Kevin & the 4x4x48 Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this intensely personal and inspiring episode, Kevin dives deep into his recent experience completing David Goggins' legendary 4x4x48 challenge—running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours. What started as a daunting personal pursuit, fueled by years of hesitation, transformed into a profound spiritual and mental breakthrough on the historic Naval Base Coronado in San Diego.

Joined by his "savage" crew, Kevin pushed past his physical limits (running 10 miles farther than he ever had before!) and battled severe sleep deprivation and digestive issues.

Hear Kevin's raw, honest moment of nearly quitting at the 20-mile mark, the Bible verse that flipped his mental switch, and how the presence of family and military inspiration changed the entire meaning of the challenge. This episode explores the critical roles of brotherhood, the danger of comfort, the power of the Misogi concept (one epic yearly challenge), and the life-changing lessons learned about faith, perseverance, and sacrifice.

Finally, Nole shares his personal challenge for the month of December—a daily commitment to cold exposure—and invites the listener to join him.

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

Join the Telegram group: https://t.me/+pSg4QvG4e681MzYx

250: Pen to Paper Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

The Analog Advantage: Why We Should All Carry a Notebook

Nole flies solo this week to discuss a personal habit he started for simplicity that turned out to have powerful scientific backing: carrying a paper notebook and pen. Frustrated with missed notifications and the constant need to pull out his phone for reminders, Nole made the switch to analog note-taking for daily tasks.

This episode dives deep into the science that proves this "old-fashioned" way is actually superior for learning, memory, and cognitive health.

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

Join the Telegram group: https://t.me/+pSg4QvG4e681MzYx

249: It's Not for Those Who Need It, It's for Those Who Want It Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Nole is missing in action (at the firehouse!), so Kevin steps up to the mic for a powerful solo episode. Fresh off the high of the Fire Up Program's Class 14, Kevin shares an immediate and personal debrief of the weekend.

He discusses why it's so difficult—and so necessary—for first responders to take a "tactical pause" away from both work and family to reset and build resilience. This episode is a raw look at the power of brotherhood, the importance of servant leadership, and how to take the lessons from the mountain and apply them directly to your family and your 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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

248: Silence is Painful. Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

We live in a world of constant consumption, where every spare second is filled with music, podcasts, social media, or videos. In this solo episode, Nole explores the vital and uncomfortable practice of being alone with our thoughts. He shares insights from a Harvard professor's video on the power of "boredom" to unlock creativity, introspection, and our ability to wrestle with life's big questions.

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

Video referenced in the episode.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQKfIXMiA8

247: Perception, Integrity, & Hiding the Mop. Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

What's your motivation? In the firehouse, there are a million "unwritten rules." From leaving "veto in the toilet" to making sure there's "water on the ground" after washing the rig, many tasks are done simply to prove they were done. In this episode, Nole and Kevin dive deep into this unique aspect of firehouse culture, exploring the line between maintaining perception and acting with true integrity. They discuss whether our actions are driven by a need for recognition or by a commitment to doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It's a fun, insightful look at the traditions of the fire service and a challenging personal inventory for men everywhere.

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

246: Pressing Forward with Randy Rozzell. Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Randy Rozzell—22-year Navy SEAL veteran, former firefighter, and tactical combatives instructor—is back on the show!

Since his last appearance on episode 219, Randy has written a powerful book called "Pressing Forward," a story of resilience that goes far beyond the battlefield. In this conversation, we dive deep into the lessons from his book and his life. Randy shares the heart behind his writing, explaining how a difficult upbringing and a demanding career forged the mindset he lives by today.

We discuss practical ways to build mental toughness, the challenge of raising resilient kids in a comfortable world, and the origin story of the elite combatives program he developed for the SEAL teams. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to face adversity, tackle the hard things in life, and, as Randy puts it, "Don't let the weakness win."

Pressing Forward Audiobook.

Pressing Forward Book.

ImageStick

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

245: Safety Second with Jim Stitzinger Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

In this thought-provoking episode, Nole and Kevin welcome their good friend, Pastor Jim Stitzinger, back to the show. They dive deep into a powerful concept from an article Jim wrote: Safety Second. This idea presents a revolutionary paradigm shift, challenging the common prayer to "keep us safe." Jim argues that when we make personal safety our ultimate priority, it can lead down a path of compromise and fear. Instead, the scriptures call us to pray for things like boldness, holiness, courage, and discernment.

The conversation explores how this mindset applies directly to the lives of first responders, parents, and anyone striving to live a faith-driven life. They discuss the importance of being prepared for challenges, trusting in God's plan, and focusing on what truly matters: our character over our comfort and our holiness over our health. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their prayer life and live with greater purpose and courage.

Safety Second post by Pastor Jim

https://jimstitzinger.com/uncategorized/safety-second-how-should-christians-pray/

Crossroads Community Church

https://crossroadscommunitychurch.net/about/

Debrief on demand

https://crossroadscommunitychurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1048142

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

244: The 4 Phases of Fatherhood Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Kevin takes the helm while Nole is away and dives deep into a powerful framework for fatherhood from Jim Ramos of Men in the Arena. Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned grandfather, this episode provides a gut-check on where you are and where you're headed. Kevin breaks down the four distinct phases—Father Fidelis, Father Figure, Father Friend, and Father Forever—and connects them to the unique challenges faced by first responders. This is a must-listen for any man looking to be more intentional in his role as a father and build a lasting legacy.

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

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

243: Rick Cook: On Faith, Family, and Fatherhood Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful and personal episode, Kevin sits down with 20-year LA County Fire veteran, Captain Rick Cook. Kevin and Rick dive deep into what it truly means to be a "good dude"—a man whose character is defined not by his job title, but by his role as a husband and father. Rick shares profound wisdom from his 27-year marriage, the challenges and triumphs of raising children, and the incredible story of how his wife's loving intervention prompted him to slow down and leave one of the busiest fire stations in the county. From punk rock and the Navy to father-son fistfights and the "crock pot" theory of marriage, this conversation is packed with raw honesty, humor, and inspiration for every man trying to balance a demanding career with a thriving home 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

"Memories" by Dreamwake (Saxaphone Metalcore)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq8p0pDKTKA

Send Nole an email: nolerltw@gmail.com

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