FIT TO FIGHT FIRE

Nate Sturm talks about a LODD that his fire department experienced that brought about the dark season of life that almost tore his family apart. Nate shares how alcohol was the downfall and how his faith in Jesus Christ lifted him and his family from the darkness and into the light, giving purpose to the pain he endured. I am inspired by Nate’s transparency and vulnerability, which are shown in our conversationTakeaways- Nate Sturm has 24 years of experience in the fire service.- He founded Buddy Breathers, a Christian-based outreach program for mental        health support.- A tragic incident in June 2022 led to severe anxiety and guilt for Nate.- Nate's family was deeply affected by his struggles with mental health and alcohol.- The turning point for Nate was when his daughter expressed her feelings about his absence.- Seeking professional help was crucial for Nate's recovery.- Nate emphasizes the importance of community and peer support in overcoming struggles.- Faith played a significant role in Nate's healing process.- Nate encourages open communication about mental health in the fire service.It's okay to not be okay, and reaching out for help is vital.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nate Sturm's Journey02:53 Nate's Career and Family Background05:45 The Tragic Incident: A Call for Help08:09 The Aftermath: Guilt and Anxiety10:21 Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Use15:24 The Mask of Positivity: A Deceptive Facade21:07 Impact on Family and Relationships28:40 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics32:39 The Breaking Point: A Daughter's Heartfelt Words35:38 Seeking Help: The Turning Point40:00 Faith and Professional Help: A Dual Approach46:11 Finding Purpose in Pain: The Journey of Healing51:35 Encouragement for Those Struggling: A Call to Action For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

In this episode, I sat down with Marcos and Logan to discuss our vision for The Crucible and how it all came together. We discussed what The Crucible is and what it's not. This conversation will give you a clear view of The Crucible's purpose and why it is so important to us.The application closes today at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. If you are wondering if you have what it takes to complete The Crucible, the only way to find out is to apply and try. What is The Crucible? We will do 12 in-gear workouts over 24 hours on May 31st, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. We believe in building mental and physical resilience through fitness, hard work, and shared suffering. Crucible: a severe test in which something is tested through an external and internal conflict, producing something new. Apply here:https://www.fittofightfireusa.com/the-crucible For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Brad Conrado, a firefighter from Longview, Texas, shares his compelling journey of faith and identity within the fire service. He discusses the challenges of prioritizing his firefighter role over spiritual identity, highlighting how faith can guide personal and professional growth. Brad emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, authentic relationships, and mental health in a high-pressure environment. He reflects on finding purpose through faith, and how connecting with a community can help firefighters navigate their identities beyond their careers.

In episode 30, I talk with Joshua Dukes about several seasons of adversity that he weathered with his faith in the Lord. Joshua shares the challenges faced when his 19-month-old son Trucker Dukes was diagnosed with cancer and how Trucker inspired so many during his battle with cancer and continues to today after his passing. We talk about how standing up for his beliefs led to his termination from the job he loved as a firefighter and how he continues to give all the pain he endured throughout his life purpose.This is a story of courage, faith, and living with joy amid trials. Joshua's time with me inspired me, moved me to tears, and made me want to be a better man. Joshua's powerful story will inspire you. For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

This is an incredibly powerful episode where Josh talks about his crew's performance during an RIT/RIC activation for the late Nathan Flynn. Josh shares how years of mental and physical training came together for his crew so they could do everything possible to rescue one of their own.Josh's perspective, backed by data, sheds light on the staggering physical demands that firefighters face in their line of duty. His work underscores the undeniable strain on their minds and bodies, making it a must-listen for all. Josh also has a Patreon page with incredible resources to help us prepare mentally and physically for our jobs. I joined yesterday and love the content.Forged And Unbroken Fire Patreon: https://patreon.com/user?u=89578184&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Episode 28 Tragedy Tests FaithOn December 14, Stratton had to say his final goodbyes to his daughter Kingsley. Stratton and his three children were involved in a head-on car accident on his way to a fire department Christmas party, resulting in Stratton and his three children being sent to multiple hospitals. Stratton’s daughters were both in critical condition with Kingsley passing away. Stratton shares how his faith has helped him endure the loss of a child and his ability to wake up every morning and be the husband and father God calls him to be.As Stratton and his two children continue to recover and he works through his injuries to get back to his fire department, the expenses are stacking up. I’m sharing the link here so that our community can help our brother and his family.https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wests-medical-expense-fundraiser For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Chris Snow shares his journey from prison and addiction to finding purpose in serving as a firefighter. The importance of faith, transparency, and support in overcoming challenges is highlighted. The discussion focuses on personal growth, honoring the profession of firefighting, and the power of community support.

In this podcast, Scott Vadakin shares his heartbreaking story of losing a child and how his faith gave him hope. The speaker also discusses finding purpose in MMA and firefighting, their intense experience of their wife undergoing an emergency C-section, and the importance of rest, recovery, and gratitude. They also talk about sharing faith while respecting others and reflect on the fire service and finding hope.

In Episode 25 Ric Jorge and I talk to Jeremy Sanders about a difficult season of life he endured and how he found strength in his weakness. Jeremy shares how his faith helped him continue to move forward and how the adversity he faced refined him into the man God needed him to be. For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more! Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Marcos Orozco discusses starting over at a new fire department, the role of fitness beyond the fireground, overcoming alcoholism, and the success of being a career backseat firefighter. They also talk about the value of mentoring, support and sobriety in the fire service, and the launch of the Hard Knocks Haters Program aimed at enhancing fireground performance.