Behind The Shield

Jim Burneka is a veteran firefighter, podcaster and the founder of Firefighter Cancer Consultants. In a tragic twist of irony, Jim is also battling cancer himself. We discuss his journey into the fire service, becoming involved in firefighter wellness, mental health, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, the harmful chemicals in our gear and much more.

Jon Hancock is a Marine Veteran and the subject of the documentary "Bastards' Road". We discuss his journey into the military, Cartel violence, his work in human intelligence, transitioning out, PTSD, his cross country ruck, making the film and so much more.

Tom Morgan is a British firefighter, strength and conditioning coach and former bouncer. We discuss working the door, his journey into the fire service, embracing innovation, training the tactical athlete, the pandemic, his powerful mental health journey and so much more.

Dan Skidmore is a veteran Air Force special operations combat controller, GORUCK cadre and a member of team Force Blue. We discuss his journey into the military, conflict in Africa, living in Morocco, tribalism and much more.

Kory Pearn is a veteran firefighter and the man behind Crackyl Magazine. We discuss his journey into the fire service, mentoring future firefighters, overcoming a near fatal cardiac condition, mental and physical health, the origin story of Crackyl and much more.

Tom McLay has spent his career in corrections, working his way up to the Superintendent of Powder River Correctional Facility. We discuss his journey into corrections, recidivism, addiction, drug prohibition, adopting the Norwegian Prison model, the wildland firefighter program and so much more.

Debbie Lee is an author, public speaker, political activist and the mother of fallen Navy SEAL Marc Lee. We discuss her early life, domestic abuse, suicide, grief, forging resilience through loss, the SEAL brotherhood, her non profit America's Mighty Warriors, the importance of gratitude and so much more.

Marc Polymeropoulos is a retired Senior CIA officer and the author of "Clarity in Crisis". We discuss his adventurous childhood, entering the CIA, the importance of professionalism, grooming agents, leadership, humility and much more.

Paul Combs is a retired firefighter and world renowned cartoonist. Frank Viscuso is a retired firefighter and best selling author. We discuss their new children's book, retirement, mental health, internet trolls, leadership and so much more.

Robert Ingram is a lifelong martial artist, instructor and the man behind McDojo Life. We discuss bulling, assault, his journey into the martial arts, the importance of humility, fraudulent schools, sexual predators, and much more.