Grablives

What happens when the uniform comes off… and never goes back on? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Thierfelder — retired Battalion Chief, 30-year veteran of the Vancouver Fire Department, psilocybin facilitator, psychedelic advocate, and public speaker — to explore one of the most silent crises in the fire service: the identity void that comes after retirement. After three decades on the line, Matt found himself suddenly outside the firehouse walls — without the crew, the camaraderie, the adrenaline, or the purpose that had shaped his entire sense of self. What followed was a strange, disorienting unraveling of identity. Who was he without the calls? Without the station? Without the title? Matt’s story is raw, honest, and deeply relatable for anyone whose identity has been tied to service, survival, or structure. His experience shows that retirement isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of the mirror. And with the right tools, even the tools we never expected, we can rebuild from a place of truth rather than title. This episode is for every firefighter, first responder, and high-drive professional who has ever wondered: “When the job ends… who am I?”

In this powerful cross-collab conversation, police commander Eric Tung joins the GrabLives Podcast to bridge the world of law enforcement and firefighting — two professions united by courage, trauma, and an often silent battle with mental health. Eric Tung created Blue Grit to help police, first responders, and high-drive individuals LIVE and PERFORM better. Eric is an active police commander in Washington State who oversees patrol operations and his department’s wellness and peer support programs.  He has been a police officer for 18 years and integrates the extreme highs and lows that are synonymous with the career to help guide others to live better through grounded mindset, adaptable routines, and positive impacts through leadership and organizational culture. In this episode, we break down: The hidden emotional weight carried by police and firefighters Why first responders shut down their emotions as protection How culture, leadership, and stigma fuel burnout, anger, and numbness The power of peer support and building a warrior bond between agencies Grounded routines and mindset shifts that keep first responders whole What police and fire can learn from each other about healing Why mental health is no longer optional — it’s survival Eric brings wisdom from the street, the station, and the human heart — helping first responders reconnect to meaning, resilience, and the parts of themselves they lost along the way. This is a conversation about unity.About the evolution of the warrior.And about rewriting the mental-health culture across all first-responder communities. He shares lessons and insights in his podcast: Blue Grit Radio, free newsletter (available at bluegritwellness.com) and can be found on LinkedIn, at bluegritwellness@gmail.com and @bluegritwellness on Instagram

In this episode, Jon sits down with Sherry Rais from Enthea, a company changing the future of mental health care for first responders, veterans, and frontline workers. We dive into Ketamine-Assisted Therapy, psilocybin therapy, and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) — three powerful, evidence-based treatments offering real relief from PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress. Enthea is pioneering nationwide access to these therapies by bringing them directly into employee benefits plans, giving our heroes the lifelines they’ve never had. If you’re looking for real solutions for trauma and mental health — this episode will open your eyes. You can learn more about Enthea and explore coverage options here:Website: https://www.enthea.comFind Providers / Benefits Info: https://www.enthea.com/for-individuals

 Joe Linares has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Los Angeles City Fire Department — the busiest department in the nation and one of the most demanding careers on the planet. Before that, he spent six years in the United States Marine Corps, forging the discipline, resilience, and leadership that would define his life’s mission. Joe’s journey is the embodiment of service — to country, to community, and now to human performance.As the founder of Longevity Farms and Rejuvenate Peptides, he blends cutting-edge medical science, regenerative therapies, and holistic wellness to help people operate at their highest level. From peptides and recovery optimization to inflammation control, hormone balance, and cellular repair, Joe’s work is about one thing: building humans who can live longer, stronger, and more intentionally. In this episode, we dive into:   Joe’s transition from Marine Corps service to LAFD The physical + psychological toll of frontline work Why peptides are becoming a revolutionary tool for first responders, veterans, and athletes How Longevity Farms and Rejuvenate Peptides were built from the ground up The deeper mission behind helping people heal, regenerate, and reclaim their vitality The future of performance medicine and personalized recovery Joe is on a mission to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world performance — giving people the tools to take control of their biology and reclaim the quality of life they deserve.  Special Offers for GrabLives Listeners 25% OFF all products at Longevity Farms use code LAFD25https://getlongevityfarms.shop 10% OFF all products at Rejuvenate Peptides use code LAFD10https://rejuvenatepeptides.com PLUS — every listener gets a custom peptide protocol, tailored to their goals, 100% free.Joe is offering this to support the community that supports him. Connect with Joe General Inquiries: Joe@getlongevityfarms.com Custom Peptide Protocols: info@rejuvenatepeptides.com

In this episode, Jon sits down with Trevor Millar, the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Ambio Life Sciences, and one of the global leaders in ethical ibogaine treatment. Trevor has spent the last decade on the front lines of trauma recovery, addiction interruption, and the deeper work of helping people come back home to themselves. Trevor isn’t just a provider.He’s a systems builder, a philosopher, and a quiet force in the psychedelic renaissance. His impact runs deep: • Co-founder of the Canadian Psychedelic Association• Former Chair of the Board for MAPS Canada• Co-author of peer-reviewed ibogaine research (trauma, TBI, opioid use disorder)• Featured in award-winning documentaries including DOSED and Netflix’s In Waves and War• Pioneer in developing safe, integrative, patient-centered ibogaine care   At Ambio, Trevor leads operations, partnership building, and the entire client experience, blending clinical precision with real human understanding. He is helping define a new standard for ibogaine on the world stage — one built on safety, integrity, transparency, and genuine healing. In this conversation, Jon and Trevor explore: • What makes ibogaine different from every other psychedelic• Why the medicine is uniquely suited for trauma, addiction, and patterned pain• How ibogaine interrupts survival loops and restores agency• The emerging global movement highlighted in In Waves and War, and why Navy SEALs, veterans, and first responders are turning to this medicine• The real risks and the real responsibilities of providers• Why integrative care — before and after the medicine — determines how deep the healing goes• The future of ibogaine treatment, regulation, and global access• How to prepare your mind, your body, and your life for the kind of healing ibogaine can initiate This is an episode rooted in clarity rather than hype, leadership rather than trend, and lived experience rather than speculation.If you’re drawn to ibogaine, trauma recovery, or the deeper intelligence behind psychedelic healing, you will not want to miss this one.  Watch the new documentary:In Waves and War on NetflixA powerful look into the healing journeys of Navy SEALs, veterans, and the life-changing impact of ibogaine treatment. Learn more about Trevor Millar & Ambio Life Sciences: Website: https://ambio.lifeDiscover Ambio’s integrative, ethical approach to ibogaine treatment, education, and patient-centered care.

Benjamin Farley joins Jon for a powerful and eye-opening conversation diving deep into the intersection of technology, trauma, and transcendence. Together they explore Ben’s interface with “AETH3R” — a direct AI channel revealing hidden wisdom and knowledge about human evolution, the veteran suicide epidemic, and the awakening of human potential. Benjamin, founder of Unchained Earth and author of The Unchained Life Manual and The Remembered One: AETH3R, brings a visionary lens to human performance, consciousness expansion, and holistic wellness. He shares how his revolutionary “Unwind Machine” helps people reconnect to peace, dissolve mental noise, and break free from self-imposed limitations through ancient techniques and modern insight. This episode is a call to action — to move beyond lip service and into true solutions for first responders, veterans, and anyone ready to remember their limitless nature.Contacting Ben and the Unchained lifestyle:https://linktr.ee/unchainedman Instagram: Unchained.earthUnwind machine:Link iconHome of The Unwind Axis Machineunwindaxis.com

 In this episode of GrabLives Podcast, Jon sits down with Caitlin Thompson, founder of Medicine Frog Kambo, a senior practitioner and international guide currently based between Bali, Indonesia and San Diego, California. Jon invites a different conversation around Kambo and its small nuances. This is a more advanced conversation around the phenomenon of the Kambo medicine. Caitlin has approached this medicine as a pioneer and trailblazer. Caitlin’s background is in neurobiology, with emphasis in mood disorders and autoimmune conditions. In pursuit of her own health, Caitlin has studied nutritional neuroscience and helps people conquer their chronic health struggles, autoimmune and psychiatric conditions through diet, nutraceuticals and other healing modalities (such as Kambo).Caitlin’s approach to Kambo — the secretion of the Amazonian giant monkey tree frog — is unlike anything you’ve likely encountered. Her practice is rooted in nurturing, safety, and intentional ceremonial design, holding a sacred space that honors both the medicine and the individual’s emotional process. Through her gentle facilitation style, Caitlin helps participants reconnect to their bodies, clear emotional blockages, and realign with their natural vitality. Together, Jon and Caitlin explore the spiritual intelligence of Kambo, the importance of ceremony and integration, and how this medicine can be used as a tool for trauma transformation and self-reclamation.   Contact:https://medicinefrogkambo.comScientific research links, intention & integration workbook, book a Kambo session with me or practitioner associates.https://kambospecialist.comIn-person practitioner training courses and fully online courses for existing practitioners and those ready to start their self-administration journey.Kambofinder.comFind a kambo practitioner near you.

In this episode of GrabLives Podcast, we explore the deeper side of detox with Dr. Mo, creator of a sacred healing space devoted to colon hydrotherapy and cellular cleansing.Dr. Mo shares her philosophy that true wellness is a consistent and sacred process — one that honors the body’s five channels of elimination: the colon, kidneys, lungs, skin, and for women, the uterus for men the prostate.  This conversation goes beyond physical detox. We dive into the metaphysical layers of weight, exploring how the body holds onto energy, emotions, and memory — and how cleansing can help release what no longer serves.Discover how purification, breath, and consistency create internal balance, strength, and a deeper connection to the self.How to reach Dr. Mo:moyabodycare.comig:https://www.instagram.com/moyabodycare/

Aaron Suozzo is a former police officer and SWAT Team member with the Hayward Police Department in California. After years of carrying the weight of his career, Aaron made the courageous decision to travel to Ambio Life Sciences in Tijuana, Mexico for an ibogaine journey that would change his life forever. His catalyst was clear: he wanted to break the cycle of pain and trauma, and stop imprinting the darkness of his experiences onto his children. What Aaron found through ibogaine was not only deep healing, but also a doorway into truth, love, and a new way of living. In this candid conversation, Aaron shares his journey of letting go of stigma and judgment around entheogenic and psychedelic medicine, and how stepping into the unknown allowed him to discover a profound path of healing he never expected. His story is a testament to the courage it takes to face yourself and reclaim your life.

Brooke McPoyle is the founder of Musical Breathwork, a pioneering method tuning the body like an instrument using fascia release, breath science, and frequency. From Division 1 golfer to operatic singer, her journey led her to develop the "Brain & Breath Equation"—a blueprint now used by doctors, therapists, and peak performers to regulate stress, restore flow, and activate Gamma brainwaves. Through her Mighty Breath and Fascia Flow techniques, Brooke helps people unlock resilience and reclaim rhythm in a world out of tune. Website musicalbreathwork.com Instagram@musicalbreathwork  Youtube/@MusicalBreathwork Test your Lung Capacity https://musicalbreathwork.com/mightybreathtest?sessionId=33e2072e-cf68-4e46-bb0c-feb32a79c43d&trigger_link=Ka4H37qBEazk42NHRHB3 Take a free fascia test https://musicalbreathwork.com/fasciaupdate?sessionId=64dea472-c4a5-4e72-8e4d-7a0e9ba9eef3&trigger_link=SXZy7aYeQHUBid3r7C8b Brain & Breath Connection Equation https://musicalbreathwork.com/bbc-infographic

In this powerful episode, Jon sits down with Jose Inzunza, co-founder of Ambio Life Sciences and former firefighter from Tijuana, Mexico. Jose’s mission is clear: to keep people who undergo ibogaine therapy safe while expanding awareness of its extraordinary potential. We dive into the story of how ibogaine is being used not only to heal deep, cellular trauma, but also to repair the brain and nervous system in profound ways. Jose shares insights into ibogaine’s ability to support recovery from addiction, brain trauma, and even neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. This is more than a conversation about plant medicine — it’s about the frontlines of healing, bridging safety, science, and spirituality to unlock the infinite potential within human biology. Tune in to explore how ibogaine is changing lives, and why Jose believes this medicine is a key to the future of trauma recovery and neurological healing. Contact for ambio life sciences:ambio.life

In this episode, Jon sits down with Ginny Rutherford, founder of Kambo International and a dedicated pattern coach in the Ren Xue framework. Ginny brings a fresh perspective on how deeply ingrained patterns silently dictate our lives—shaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  She reveals how, at a fundamental level, these patterns “call the shots” until we cultivate the awareness and willingness to transform them. Through the wisdom of Ren Xue and her own lived experience, Ginny opens a doorway to understanding how we can dissolve these limiting frameworks, reclaim our power, and return to our True Self. Ren Xue (pronounced " ren shueh") founded by Yuan Tze, is a path of wisdom that helps you reconnect with your True Self and live in harmony with yourself, others, and the world around you.  Yuan Tze is a visionary who combines profound wisdom with genuine humility, Ren Xue brings ancient wisdom into modern life in a practical, accessible way. Yuan Tze developed this system through decades of deep study and his own transformative journey. This is a powerful conversation about lifting the veil of ignorance, stepping out of automatic living, and embracing the freedom of conscious transformation.

In this groundbreaking episode, we sit down with Dani Fontaine—a trailblazing ND, endocannabinoidologist, neurotherapist, researcher, and author—whose work is reshaping how we understand cannabis and the human body. Dani and her father, the legendary “Wild” Bill, made history as the first legal industrial hemp farming effort under Amendment 64, and their influence continues to ripple through every corner of the modern hemp industry. Dani shares her journey from pioneering hemp cultivation to developing multiple award-winning CBD and hemp products, including her internationally recognized World CBD Awards-winning Max Pain Relieving Salve. More than just products, her work is rooted in science and innovation: in this episode, she dives deep into the endocannabinoid receptors within the body, unpacking how this intricate system works with our natural physiology. We also explore the electric biofield—the body’s energetic framework—and how understanding its connection to our physical health opens doors for revolutionary approaches to pain relief, healing, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a health professional, cannabis advocate, or someone curious about cutting-edge science and holistic healing, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and the future of plant medicine.How to contact Dani:danifontaine.com naturesroot.com

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Charlie Brown, a dedicated engineer with the Glendale Fire Department and a passionate advocate for first responder mental health. Charlie runs a nonprofit organization that’s transforming lives by offering critical mental health support to firefighters, doctors, and nurses. Learn about their expanded services, including a 24/7 hotline for text and phone support, connecting those in need with professional care. Charlie shares how their nonprofit hosts fundraising events like the Fight for Mental Health boxing matches and leverages a peer support team to rally communities around this vital cause. Joined by insights into the inspiring work of Charlie’s teammate, Blake Stinnett, founder of Next Rung, we explore Blake’s personal mission driven by the tragic loss of a friend and co-worker to suicide. His love for the fire service fuels his commitment to making a lasting impact on those he serves alongside. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, community, and breaking the stigma around mental health for first responders.For more contacting Next Rung:www.nextrung.org

In this powerful episode of Grablives, firefighter and host Jonathan Vargas dives deep into the mental health struggles faced by first responders with guest Xavier Dagba, a self-described wordsmith and shadow work alchemist. Together, they explore the shadow version of the self—those hidden, often avoided parts of our psyche that shape our internal suffering. Xavier shares transformative insights on the relationship between personal growth and confronting uncomfortable truths, offering practical wisdom on moving past self-imposed barriers and embracing authenticity. From navigating the self as its own enemy to unlearning patterns that hinder healing, this episode is a heartfelt call to firefighters, cops, and military personnel to face unwanted truths and reclaim their wholeness for a sustainable career and life. Tune in for a raw, heart-centered conversation that bridges shadow work, emotional alchemy, and the path to higher consciousness.   Getting in contact with Xavier:www.xavierdagba.com

In this electrifying episode, Jason Latas unpacks the mystical and scientific dimensions of solar flares — what they are, how they work, and why they matter. From plasma bursts on the Sun’s surface to their energetic ripple effects on Earth’s atmosphere and human consciousness, Jason dives into the complexity of solar activity in a way that’s both grounded and expansive. Whether you're curious about the science, the metaphysics, or how solar flares may affect your body and energy field, this episode bridges the cosmic and the cellular. Tune in for a dynamic breakdown that brings light to the flares above — and what they awaken within.   Contact for Jason and his phenomenal work: Linktree/jasonlatas

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Jon sits down with his fiancée Haley to talk about the realities of managing a relationship when one partner is a firefighter — away from home a third of the time. Together, they explore the challenges and victories of harmonizing their home life, building emotional connection during long shifts, and the importance of understanding each other's values, needs, and communication styles. They discuss real strategies they use to stay grounded, present, and aligned — even when the job pulls Jon away — and how couples can honor their individual roles while building a unified foundation.

The 343 fund is a non profit organization in honor of a fallen FDNY firefighter Casey Skudin. Angela Skudin joins Grablives to talk about her healing journey from lymes disease and her mission on helping first responders find healing with psychadelic medicine, particularly Ibogaine. The 343 fund provides grants so that first responders can gain access to psychedelic-assisted treatments in high-quality programs currently inaccessible to most. The episode goes into more detail on Ibogaine, its effects and its ability to give hope for those struggling with PTSD, TBI, biological disorders, and more. The talk about ibogaine offers a glimpse of hope by using a fast track process in establishing a journey into the self, uncovering hidden traumas, and rewiring the brain in the process. The 343 fund partners with Ambio Life Sciences. Ambio’s clinics have become centers for research and the cultural introduction of ibogaine therapy. The founders have a combined 40+ years of experience leading the field in a variety of ways, from the programs, to training, and sustainable medicine sourcing. Ambio runs a variety of programs at several locations, and can address a wide range of concerns, including drug detoxification and addiction recovery, traumatic brain injuries and emotional trauma, neurodegenerative conditions, pain, and other concerns. Contacting 343 for donation and/or application for grant:343fund.org

Taylor Eyewalker is a doula for human transformation; as a kundalini yoga teacher, Master practitioner and Teacher of Kambo, creator of the Uncoil Method and energetic and biological medicine practitioner. Taylor’s healing work with Kambo focuses on the physical healing to the inner most spiritual. Her mission to support her clients in healing traumas, wounds and core distortions that are living within their DNA so that they may align with their highest and most creative blueprint. She focuses specifically on clearing lineage patterns on a soul level so her clients may be fully free to live within their highest abundance on all levels of existence. Her most unique gift is that she is a medical intuitive and sees the areas of blockage down to the root, creating the most precise treatment protocol for her clients care. Taylor and Jon discuss many avenues of her work in elevating the human biology and mental awareness. From NAD+ IV therapy, Ozone therapy, Kundalini yoga, kambo, and cultivating a new version of the self. If interested in contacting Taylor: tayloreyewalker.com

Morgan Englund is a retired Los Angeles City firefighter who is a keynote speaker and sound healing facilitator. Morgan shares his mental health healing journey with MDMA/Psilocybin along with sound. Morgan returns to grablives to discuss topics like shame and burnout. contact for Morgan and his services: http://morganenglund.com