Behind The Shield

Stephanie Waugh is a mother, firefighter, strength athlete, firefighter spouse and co-founder of the non profit Waughstrong. We discuss her journey into powerlifting and strongman, her journey into the fire service, navigating the schedule when both partners are firefighters, the impact of mandatory overtime on families, pregnancy, breastfeeding and so much more. WaughStrong: https://waughstrong.org/

Dr Nathan Jenkins has nearly two decades of experience in exercise physiology and sports nutrition, working with top athletes and high performers. We discuss his journey into the world of exercise physiology, the biology of cascular disease, the healing power of food, supplementation, comprehensive blood panels, Rapid Health Optimization and so much more. "I am passionate about advancing the scientific knowledge and practice of human performance and health. My academic expertise is in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of adaptation to exercise and nutrition. As a former associate professor at the University of Georgia, I taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, conducted and published nearly 100 original research studies, and secured multiple grants and awards. I have also worked extensively as a sports nutrition coach, with over 1500 unique 1:1 clients since 2018. I have strong skills in scientific writing, speaking, teaching, mentoring, and communication with clients and colleagues. In my current role as the labs analyst with RAPID Health Optimization, I leverage my extensive background in physiology, biomedical research, teaching, and coaching to deliver clients with individualized supplementation protocols and dietary recommendations based on key performance anchors identified in their blood, stool, urine and saliva lab results. I also provide subject matter expertise to our coaching team on client questions/issues that arise related to lab results, interpretations, and protocol implementation."

Marcus Edwards is the Cofounder and CEO of Stationwise, a company transforming how fire departments manage staffing, scheduling, and labor rules. Raised in a family of firefighters, his father, uncle, and grandfather all served. Marcus grew up immersed in the fire service culture, and he saw firsthand how outdated tools made a hard job even harder.Marcus began his career as a consultant at Bain & Company where he built advanced analytics platforms for Fortune 500 companies. While getting his MBA from Stanford, he founded Stationwise: a scheduling software that finally meets the needs of fire departments. Getting acting Battalion Chiefs like his dad to spend more in the field (and less behind a desk) was a big motivation.Stationwise does more than replace legacy scheduling vendors. Beyond the “butts in seats” staffing, the platform integrates with payroll to calculate fully loaded costs. Instead of waiting 2-3 weeks to pull reports, Stationwise calculates the data in seconds. Users can set alerts when a certain % of their overtime budget is spent, or when a certain number of workers’ comp hours were used.When he is not leading Stationwise, Marcus enjoys walks with his dog Harper, playing video games, and reading (especially sci-fi).https://www.stationwise.com/Episode Sponsor - Levels:Use Discount Code SHIELD at https://www.levels.com/

Olivia Jackson is a model, muay thai fighter and professional stunt performer. We discuss growing up in South Africa, modelling, fighting, her near death experience, overcoming physical and mental trauma and much more."As an adult, my professional journey took a unique turn as I transitioned from an International Model to a Stuntwoman in films. I contributed to a number of blockbuster films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Avengers, Cinderella, and Guardians of the Galaxy. I also stunt doubled for acclaimed actresses including Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Karen Gillan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Elizabeth Olsen.However, in 2015, a life-altering incident on a film set left me in a 3 week coma with a broken, twisted & paralysed body, filled with enduring neurological & physical pain that will last for the rest of my life. With all the loss I faced, as well as the ceaseless physical pain, I endured signifiant emotional and mental suffering too. Needing to find some kind of resource, I embarked on a deep journey of spiritual rehabilitation, uncovering the space to transform psychological suffering & reshaping my life in wonderful ways.Despite the ongoing challenges, I have discovered a renewed source of strength, joy & inspiration through my meditation practice & the inner transformation it offers and it has empowered me to live my life fully, despite the pain & loss."https://www.oliviajackson.net/

Mike was born and raised in North Bellmore, New York where he graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in accounting in 1991. After starting his accounting career, he realized that his real passion lay in Law enforcement. Mike wanted to become an FBI agent, but they were on a federal hiring freeze at the time, and coupled with the fact that he wanted to experience a different way of life,He applied to, and was accepted into the Atlanta Police Department where he began his career in August 1993. He worked in Atlanta Until he was hired by the Suffolk County Police Department, New York in October 2003 where he worked until he was medically retired in October 2022.After retiring, Mike began experiencing some depression issues, some anger issues and eventually realized that he had PTSD. Mike found healing Through plant based medicine, specifically Ayahuasca, and after journeying with that medicine, he both healed his PTSD and dedicated his life to helping other men and women military veterans/1st responders heal their own PTSD and trauma issues.https://www.instagram.com/theresilientwarrior5778/

Jimmy Sands is an FDNY veteran and survivor of the infamous Deutsche Bank Fire. We discuss his journey into the volunteer fire service, joining the FDNY, the tragedy on 9/11, the unity of 9/12, losing his brothers in 2007, the mental health impact and so much more. https://www.youtube.com/@nycfireguy/shorts

Dr Marc Bubbs ND, MSc, CISSN, CSCS is a naturopathic doctor, performance nutrition lead for Canada Basketball, and performance nutrition consultant for a portfolio of professional and Olympic athletes. Marc is the author of the best-selling book Peak: The New Science of Athletic Performance That Is Revolutionizing Sports. Marc also hosts The Performance Nutrition Podcast, connecting listeners with world-leading experts in human performance and health, and regularly speaks at health, fitness, and medical conferences across North America, the UK, and Europe. Marc practices in both Toronto, Canada, and London, England. Marc is also the co-founder of ProBio Nutrition.Da Rulk (Joseph Sakoda) is a performance coach with over 30 years of experience in functional movement and elite performance training. His clients include first responders, military units, professional athletes, and Hollywood stunt teams. His Raw Functional Training (RFT®) method is used globally to develop movement efficiency, resilience, and strength under pressure. Known for his work with elite military units, tactical personnel, and pro athletes, Da Rulk’s mission is simple but powerful: train for real life. His RFT system focuses on primal movement, mobility, and total-body control for foundations that align seamlessly with the versatility and efficiency of load based training.https://www.probionutrition.com/en

Marcus Capone is a former Tier 1 Navy SEAL and the founder of "Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions". We discuss his journey into the Navy, TBIs and microtraumas, his powerful mental health story, the healing power of Ibogaine and so much more.When he was medically retired after 13 years. and multiple combat deployments as a U.S. Navy SEAL, Marcus Capone and his wife, Amber, thought that life would return to normal. Instead, their struggle had just begun. Marcus was experiencing an escalating myriad of challenges, including depression, isolation, cognitive impairment, excessive alcohol use, headaches, insomnia, and impulsivity. Marcus was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but, instinctively, Amber felt there was more to be discovered. After learning about the effects of blast waves, concussive, and subconcussive brain injuries, everything started to become clear. Marcus’ military career as an explosives expert, combined with his prior years of contact sports, had left him with the invisible wounds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a condition that has significant overlap with PTSD, and is often not properly diagnosed.“After so many failed treatments, I felt that I had nothing to lose at that point. But when my treatment was a complete success, I knew we had to pay this forward to other combat veterans.”When all hope seemed lost, Amber learned about ibogaine, a plant-based psychedelic used traditionally in West African ceremonial settings that has been studied as a potential treatment for opioid addiction and other mental health conditions. Marcus traveled to a reputable independent clinic outside of the U.S. to receive treatment with Ibogaine, as well as 5-MeO-DMT, another naturally occurring psychedelic compound. Immediately after the sessions, Marcus felt a massive weight had been lifted, his cognitive functioning returned, he had no desire for alcohol, and he stopped taking all prescription medications.Marcus and Amber dedicated themselves to finding out if psychedelic therapy could also help his fellow teammates, many of whom were also experiencing the combined challenges of PTSD and TBI.Since 2019, the non-profit Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) has provided grants for hundreds of U.S. Special Forces veterans to receive psychedelic-assisted therapy treatment outside the U.S., as well as preparation and integration coaching. VETS believes that psychedelic therapy can lay the foundation for further healing. This “foundational healing” enables continued progress across a range of therapeutic modalities, and is supported by a robust coaching program, providing a holistic treatment solution for veterans.https://vetsolutions.org/

Josh Clemente was a lead Life Support Systems Engineer at SpaceX, but his discovery that he was metabolically unhealthy led him down a path of research into the intersection of blood glucose and health. From there, his mission became figuring out how to get that important data into the hands of more people. Josh is now the founder of Levels Health, a metabolic fitness startup that uses continuous glucose monitoring to provide users with real time data and insights into how their daily choices are impacting their health.https://www.levels.com/

Marc Coull is a Master Police Officer, Gang Detective veteran and Community Policing Instructor. In this second conversation we discuss his own jarring transition out of law enforcement, first responder fitness, combatives in law enforcement, leadership cowardice, moral courage, the ICE raids, National Guard deployments, Gaza and much more.Marc is also a Combatives Instructor, Swat, Swat Maritime Unit, Bike Officer, TSAC qualified, 13 years Uniform patrol, 1 year permanent violent crime bike patrol, 10 year gang detective, 2011 officer of the year, and all around good guy.https://www.instagram.com/tacticoull/

Dan Lennon is a U.S. Air Force veteran, Lieutenant with Orange County Fire Rescue, and the founder of The First Responder Realtor® brand. We discuss his journey into the fire service, firefighter fitness, the fiscal and mental health benefits of a second career, the world of real estate and so much more.With over 17 years in the fire service, Dan has built his career and his business around one guiding principle — “relationships before business.” After years of serving his community on the front lines, Dan turned his passion for service toward real estate. He’s a proud member of eXp Realty’s Gwilt Group, a military-led team dedicated to serving those who serve — including first responders, veterans, and their families. Dan helps buyers, sellers, and investors across Central Florida navigate the market with trust, transparency, and integrity.He’s also the co-founder of F.I.R.E. Flips, a business he runs with retired firefighter Anthony Kibler, specializing in purchasing and restoring fire-damaged homes for people looking to sell — transforming loss into renewal. Beyond that, Dan leads Trapelo Road Investments, inspired by his family roots in Waltham, Massachusetts, where he focuses on long-term development and wealth-building opportunities across East Orlando.Whether he’s running calls with Orange County Fire Rescue or helping a client close on their dream home, Dan brings the same sense of duty, discipline, and heart to everything he does. His mission is clear — to serve those who serve, and to help others build lasting freedom through real estate.https://www.instagram.com/dan_lennon_realtor/?hl=en

Doug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher. Doug's documentary "The Motivation Factor" shows the incredible positive ripple effect of La Sierra High School's PE program in the 1960s. We discuss his journey into film making, the personal tragedy that drove his quest for health information, the obesity epidemic, nutrition and immunity, the social impact of shared suffering, how healthcare costs are crippling our economy and much more.The Motivation Factor had its worldwide premiere in Hollywood, CA on May 5th at the Life Fest Film Festival, where it won ‘Best Documentary Feature’ and also won the prestigious ‘Audience Choice Award.’ It also won ‘Audience Choice Award’ and ‘Heart Award’ at the Intendence Film Festiveal in Denver 2017.This breakthrough documentary film, “The Motivation Factor” covers the ‘why’ we must exercise and links many of our major society’s problems to the absence of real physical education. The crowdfunding trailer received over 50 Million Facebook views and has received national attention. More news on this film can be found on this article and also at the film’s Facebook Page.Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong. Doug Orchard directed the breakthrough CRE documentary film, Revenue Reserve: because things go wrong (2014). This is the first CRE documentary that takes a comprehensive approach to the investor’s problem. It was filmed in 29 cities with 19 interview subjects. Mr. Orchard tracked hundreds of investors from 2009 through 2013. Multiple billionaire and multi-millionaire investors have labeled it the best film on investing ever made, and a must see for any investor.The film contains interviews with the most successful private CRE investors in the US, the Presidents of the National Association of Realtors, IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), NMHC (National Multi-family Housing Council) and CCIM, four asset protection attorneys who handle more asset protection cases than anyone else in the world, and a state insurance commissioner referred by the NAIC.Truth about Pandemic Flu (2009). Doug Orchard directed this 30 minute film, which was made in cooperation with the CDC, FDA, and former US Health Secretary and 4-term Wisconsin Governor Thommy Thompson.Education & ExperienceDoug Orchard is a professional cinematographer, director, editor and an expert researcher with an MLS from Indiana University, Bloomington and has excellent communication skills (BA English, BYU).Doug Orchard has strong business functional experience in health and wellness, exercise science, insurance, real estate and law. He is a global thought leader on Physical Education, Fasting, Debt, and responsible Revenue Reserve strategies.https://www.dougorchard.com/

Thaer Ahmad, MD is a board-certified emergency medicine physician working at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Ahmad is the assistant program director for the emergency medicine residency program. He serves as both the global health director and medical ethics director for the emergency department at Advocate Christ. Dr. Ahmad is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a board member of PAMA. The Palestinian American medical association.He has served in Gaza at Nasser and Al-Aqsa Hospital, as well as in Lebanon during the ongoing conflict. Prior, Dr. Ahmad has spent time in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, and Greece working on local healthcare capacity building projects.In this fourth conversation, we discuss the National Guard deployment in Chicago, immigration, the obesity crisis, advances in medicine, the ceasefire in Gaza, what needs to happen to secure peace and so much more.

Dr Todd Otten is a board-certified family physician and co-founder of Our Quadruple Aim, a movement that challenges the status quo in healthcare and promotes patient experience, quality care, lower costs, and provider wellness. Todd has over 20 years of experience in providing quality patient care, leading teams, and managing projects in various settings, including the United States Navy, where he was honored as the naval flight surgeon of the year in 2006 for the Atlantic FleetTodd also co-authored "Ripple of Change" with Joshua J. Judy (a former patient). Their book shares Todd's unfiltered journey through burnout and Joshua's travails through the existing dysfunction in healthcare, and offers a bare bones approach to evaluate, reimagine, and inspire positive disruption in the industry and beyond. He is passionate about empowering patients and healthcare providers to become agents of change, and to turn their ripples into waves of lasting impact.https://rippleofchange.us/https://suckitupbuttercupfilm.com/

Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita currently serves as the Health & Fitness Coordinator for the Pflugerville Fire Department. Since 2016, she has overseen all aspects of health and performance for the department’s active firefighters and multiple academies. She focuses on balancing health and performance for tactical personnel through movement quality, evidence based practices, and realistic approaches. Prior to coaching the fire service, Vanessa was a strength & conditioning coach for Southern Illinois University. Vanessa received her Masters of Science in Education in Kinesiology in 2015 and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2013, both from Southern Illinois University. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, as well as a registered strength and conditioning coach (CSCS*D RSCC). Vanessa also holds credentials from The Ready State, USA Weightlifting, Brianna Battles Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism, Master Resilience Training from USAF, and Crossfit.

Danny Boy O'Connor is the co-founder of House of Pain and the founder of The Outsiders House. We discuss his early life, his journey into Hip Hop, fame, his powerful addiction story, the impact "The Outsiders" had on his life, the healing power of community and so much more.The Outsiders House Museum unveils a behind the scenes layer that everyone loves: the trivia, the untold yarns, the story behind the story. Stepping into the museum gives fans young and old a chance to stand in the living room where Ponyboy and Darry quarrel, visit the kitchen and recall all the talk about chocolate cake for breakfast, see Dallas Winston’s leather jacket, hear about the mysterious disappearance and reappearance of Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Chair, see rare and never before seen photos, movie artifacts and more. Even if you’re a longtime fan of The Outsiders, you’re bound to see and learn something new.As decades passed, the house fell into disrepair and narrowly escaped demolition. In 2016, Hip Hop artist Danny Boy O’Connor purchased the “Curtis Brothers House.” A longtime fan of the novel and the movie, O’Connor had visited the site during earlier Tulsa tour stops, and just couldn’t shake the belief that the house needed to be preserved for future generations. His goal: restore The Outsiders House as it appeared in the movie, while also creating a museum to share his extensive collection of Outsiders movie memorabilia. Still, the task wouldn’t be easy. When purchased, the house was in dismal shape and needed to be gutted down to the studs. If The Outsiders House was going to be restored, it was sure to be a significant project, requiring time, volunteers, and donations.As progress continues toward opening The Outsiders Museum, each day has brought some fun surprises and spreading goodwill – celebrity drop-ins, author S.E. Hinton herself, people sharing cool stories and factoids, adults who were extras in the movie, community service projects, and even a dog named Spot. You never know who will stop by The Outsiders House Museum.https://www.theoutsidershouse.com/

Anthony ‘Harry’ Moffitt recently retired from the Australian Defence Force after almost 30 years, most of which was spent with Australia’s elite Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment as a Team Commander and Team Specialist. He has completed 11 active service deployments, including being wounded in action in 2008. Harry completed his time with the SAS as its Human Performance Manager. He’s a Registered Psychologist and runs a human performance consultancy working with sports teams, the military and industry.In this second conversation, we discuss the impact of the pandemic, forging human performance, modern stoicism, toxic leadership, his new book and much more.https://harrymoffitt.com.au/

Mat McLaughlin is a firefighter and Army veteran from Perth, Western Australia. Mat underwent MDMA-assisted therapy, an experience he credits not only with saving his career, but possibly his life. We discuss his journey into the fire service, military service, East Timor, natural disasters, losing his father, the healing power of MDMA and so much more. With over 20 years of service, he has worked primarily at metropolitan fire stations and as a rescue instructor. Mat is a member of the WA USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Taskforce and has deployed across the state in response to major fires, cyclones, and floods, serving in both team member and team leader roles. Deeply committed to firefighter mental health and wellbeing, Mat is a peer support officer, Mental Health First Aid instructor, and is currently in the final part of his psychology studies with plans to transition into his department’s wellness section. After years of struggling with PTSD and exhausting traditional treatments, Mat underwent MDMA-assisted therapy, an experience he credits not only with saving his career, but possibly his life.Mat's Cauliflower Ear Product: https://caulicooler.com/

Jared Reston is a law enforcement veteran and the founder of Reston Group Critical Solutions. We discuss his journey into policing, fitness standards, the importance of realism in training, surviving a murder attempt, weapon design, the Charlie Kirk assassination and much more. Jared retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office after 20 years of service. 17 of those years were on their Full-Time SWAT team. Jared was also assigned as a Detective in the Department of Homeland Security/Gang Investigations Unit, and he was the assistant team leader and lead firearms instructor for the SWAT team. Jared has been involved in the successful resolution of over one thousand S.W.A.T. missions, including several lethal force incidents.For his actions in a January 2008 shooting, he was awarded The President of the United States “Medal of Valor”, American Police and Hall of Fame’s "National Police Officer of the Year", Fraternal Order of Police’s "Florida Police Officer of the Year", and the State of Florida’s "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year."Jared has had the opportunity to train with, and be trained by, some of the finest firearms and tactics instructors in the country. His goal is to use his training and experience to give Armed Professionals the tools to successfully resolve their own critical incidents.After retirement, Jared went to work at Safariland as the N. Florida/ S. Georgia account manager. Jared truly enjoys his continuing service to law enforcement by bringing them the very best equipment through his position at Safariland.

Rob Bilott is a veteran Environmental Litigator and the lawyer portrayed by Mark Ruffalo in the movie Dark Waters. We discuss his journey into law, navigating environmental law, how a farmer's dying cattle burst open the unethical practices of Du Pont, the diseases and deaths attributed to "Forever Chemicals" and so much more.A seasoned and internationally-recognized litigator, advocate, and author, Rob represents a diverse range of clients on a wide variety of matters involving federal, state, and local environmental laws. For more than 30 years, he has handled environmental issues of regulatory compliance, permitting, and corporate/real estate transactions, as well as all aspects of litigation arising from such issues, from administrative hearings to multi-party, complex multi-district litigation, mass torts, and class actions.Rob has gained international prominence in connection with uncovering and disclosing the world-wide impact of environmental contamination by the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances), particularly PFOA and PFOS. To date Rob has secured benefits in excess of $1 billion for a wide array of firm clients adversely impacted by PFAS contamination, including through key leadership positions in the nation’s first class action, personal injury, medical monitoring, and multi-district litigations, and jury trials involving PFAS.Because of this experience and knowledge on PFAS issues, Rob is frequently invited to provide keynote lectures and talks at law schools, universities, colleges, communities, and other organizations all over the world, including testimony before federal and state Congressional subcommittees, parliaments of the European Union, individual member states, and the United Kingdom, and committees of the United Nations.In 2017, Rob received the International Right Livelihood Award (also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”) for his decades of work on PFAS “forever chemicals,” and was the 2020 recipient of Taft’s “Legacy Award,” which is bestowed upon a Taft attorney who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the firm, resulting in an overall positive impact on the legacy of Taft. Rob’s story is chronicled in his book, “Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer’s Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont,” and is the inspiration for the feature film, “Dark Waters” and documentary, “The Devil We Know.”https://www.taftlaw.com/people/robert-a-bilott/