Behind The Shield

Dr. Ballard is a board-certified orthopedic and sport clinical physical therapist specializing in assisting first responders, military personnel and athletes. We discuss the benefits of multi sport athletes, screening candidates, injury prevention, rehabilitation, rotational training, tactical footwear, sleep and so much more.

Jason Gardner is a former Navy SEAL, combat leader and member of Echelon Front. Iris is a former EMT, horse wrangler and author. In this second conversation, we discuss living off the grid, foraging, the healing power of horses, children and hunting, the health of the nation and so much more.

Davis Odell is a retired firefighter and special operations Lieutenant. He was also the officer at Orlando Station 5 when the Pulse Nightclub attacks occurred only a block from his station. We discuss his journey into the fire service, overcoming addiction, forging diversity, responding to Pulse, mental health and much more.

Raul Rivas is a veteran law enforcement officer and member of the SWAT team that responded to the Pulse Nightclub attack. We discuss his journey into law enforcement, the importance of training standards, tactical medicine, hostage rescue, killing the Pulse shooter and much more.

Ryan and Maria are veterans of a Central Florida fire department. They were also one of the initial crews that transported multiple critically injured patients during the Pulse Nightclub attack. We discuss growing up in Romania, fire service family, the murder of a deputy, pulse through a responder's eyes, the aftermath and much more.

Captain John Cordle is a Navy veteran and Human Factors Engineer. We discuss his journey into the military, the USS Cole, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the human cost of shift work, notorious disasters and sleep deprivation and much more.

Josh Stuart Shor is a Green Beret Veteran, O2X lead instructor and Boston firefighter. We discuss his journey into the military, overcoming injury, TBI, the THOR3 program, O2X's impact on first responder wellness, becoming a firefighter and much more.

Dan Cerrillo is a Navy SEAL veteran and Chief of Staff of the American Addiction Centers. We discuss his journey into special operations, witnessing atrocities, polarizing leadership styles, trauma, addiction, Ibogaine treatment, addressing mental health in the SEAL community and much more.

Frankie Edgar is the former UFC Lightweight Champion and current Bantamweight contender. We discuss his journey into wrestling, team loyalty, forging longevity, grit, overcoming injury, parenting and much more.

Josh Brolin is a former wildland firefighter, actor and writer. In this second interview, we discuss social media, fame, family, kindness, trolls, adventure, writing and much more.