Behind The Shield

Lee Phillips is a London firefighter, tactical athlete and model. We discuss his childhood in Wales, his journey into the fire service, protecting the Thames, the impact the Grenfell fire had on his department, firefighter fitness, mental health and much more.

Dan Bornstein is a former volunteer firefighter, Health and Performance professor at the Citadel and Chair of the US National Physical Activity Plan. We discuss the childhood injury that led him into the fire service, obesity and national security, the financial impact of the nation's ill health, physical education, physical readiness in the tactical professions and so much more.

Ted Dreaver is a former construction manager and the co-founder of Iron Legion Athletics. We discuss his journey into construction, mental health, finding Crossfit, the genesis of his gym, creating a healthier population, the Down Syndrome community jiu jitsu and so much more.

Shaun Taylor is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, Pathfinder and one of the founding members of their Tier One unit JTF-2. We discuss his journey into the military, military medicine, the warrior's heart, physical conditioning, mental resilience, coffee, mountain biking and so much more.

Mike Tanzer is a former firefighter/paramedic and a 20 year veteran in emergency medicine. We discuss his journey into EMS, violence in Boston, his burnout in the fire service, addiction, compassion fatigue, suicide, post traumatic growth, refinding purpose and so much more.

Brian Bushway has been described as "probably the world's best completely bind mountain biker". In this incredible conversation we discuss losing his vision at 14 years old, the mental health impact, redefining his identity, how hearing is underutilized by so many, echo location, the power of active listening, how his company Acoustic Athletics can help the tactical communities and so much more.

Billy Cushing is a veteran law enforcement officer, K9 handler and Medal of Valor recipient. We discuss his journey into policing, working with his K9 Kitt, the shooting that left him wounded and Kitt dead, the physical and mental healing journey, Operation Enduring Warrior and so much more.

Ernest Emerson is a lifelong martial artist, teacher, author and the founder of Emerson Knives. In this second conversation we discuss his new book, "Bad Guy with a Gun", school safety, the psychology of violence, mental health and much more.

Col. Carolyn Carroll is a 30 year veteran Army helicopter pilot and instructor. We discuss her journey into the military, overcoming prejudice, flying in Desert Storm, her contract work in Africa, the importance of fitness, mental health and so much more.

Steve Farina is a veteran Canadian firefighter, mental health advocate and one of the men behind The BC Firefighter's Resiliency Program. We discuss his journey into the fire service, the importance of fitness, his own powerful mental health story, the power of community and much more.