Behind The Shield

Dr Neale Kinnear is an internationally recognised behavioural scientist with over 20 years’ experience understanding human behaviour in transport, technology, and risk. As a Chartered Psychologist, he specialises in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial application, translating evidence into effective products and policies that save lives. He is a Trustee of the Road Safety Trust and a member of UKROEd's (UK Road Offender Education) Research and Development Unit. He is also a Board Member for the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Behavioural Safety in the USA, and a member of Road Safety Education Australasia’s Expert Panel.Through his independent consultancy, Affective Mobility, he advises the transport and insurance technology sectors from start-ups to global companies. Previously, as Head of Transport Safety at TRL, he directed major research programmes that influenced national and international road safety policy. In the insurance sector, he led the development of an AI-based driver risk platform at Humn AI and Aon.https://www.linkedin.com/in/neale-kinnear-09805539/

Dewey Yopp is a retired Army warrant officer 24 years service and a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. Dewey was deployed in 2002, spending a total of eight and a half years in Afghanistan. He was the Chief training officer “embedded” for the Afghan Army and Police Force, training 19 NATO weapons systems. He lived with the ANA and trusted civilian contacts.In this conversation, we discuss his journey into the military, 9/11 through his eyes, the Horse Soldiers, the heroism of our Afghan allies, the withdrawal, immigration, broken promises and much more.

Michael Lopez turned a life of addiction and gang life into a degree in forensic psychology and the genesis of Mission Echo, helping feed the homeless on Skid Row. We discuss childhood trauma, the tribal element of gangs, addiction, finding the power to change, altruism and much more.As a young man, Michael Lopez found himself on a path of gang life and addiction. One day, he made the decision to turn his life around. He now is a Forensic Psychology graduate and the man behind Mission Echo, feeding Skid Row’s homeless.Mission Echo: https://www.instagram.com/mission_echo/

Ryan Lucas is a second-generation journeyman power lineman and the creator and host of Powerline Podcast, one of the most trusted platforms in the electrical utility and line trade. With over two decades in the field, his experience spans urban distribution, major transmission construction including 500kV barehand work, helicopter operations, and large-scale infrastructure projects work rooted in discipline, teamwork, and operating under pressure. In 2019, Ryan launched Powerline Podcast, now backed by Quanta Services, to spotlight the people, culture, and leadership behind the power grid while inspiring the next generation to consider a future in the trades.

Marc Wysocki is a dedicated clinician and public safety leader with over 30 years of experience in emergency response and sports medicine. Currently serving as the Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Director of Campus Safety at Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA, Marc has spent over two decades to help developing crisis response protocols and leading athletic training services student-athletes as an athletic trainer for 35 years.In 2025, Marc reached a significant professional milestone by earning his Doctor of Athletic Training from Moravian University. His academic journey is marked by prestigious accolades, including being named the National Winner of the 2025 Thought Leadership Essay contest, sponsored by WS Darley and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, for his impactful work titled "Behind the Mask". He is also a recipient of the Frank George Doctoral Scholarship and the NATA Memorial Scholarship.Beyond the clinic, Marc serves his community as a Captain with the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a member since 2014. As a Certified EMT and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) specialist, Marc operates at the intersection of tactical performance and mental health advocacy. He is passionate about changing the "tough guy" culture in the fire service and helping first responders navigate the complexities of identity fusion and mental resilience.Marc’s clinical expertise is further supported by certifications as a Graston Technique Specialist and a Corrective Exercise Specialist, along with proficiency in Blood Flow Restriction Training and Dry Needling.https://www.darley.com/essay-competition/

Jonathan Williams is a modern country artist from Vernon, British Columbia, whose music blends heart, grit, and the honesty of lived experience. A retired RCMP officer turned singer-songwriter, Jonathan’s journey from the front lines of law enforcement to the spotlight of the Canadian country scene is a story of resilience, redemption, and rediscovery through music.His breakout single “That’s What a Heartbreak Tastes Like” reached #3 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, earning radio play across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and racking up over 26,000 streams. His follow-up singles “Wild Fire” and “Goodbye Back” have continued that momentum, with “Goodbye Back” surpassing 150,000 digital streams, gaining national radio traction, and solidifying Jonathan as one of Canada’s most promising independent country voices.Produced by Jeff Johnson (The Washboard Union, Chris Buck Band) and recorded at Saxman Studios in Nashville, Jonathan’s recordings capture the energy and authenticity that define his live performances. His songs are built around real emotion — stories of heartbreak, hope, and hard-won lessons — anchored by a powerful voice and a sound that merges modern Nashville polish with the heart of true country storytelling.Jonathan’s career continues to rise with two new singles on the way — both produced by Jeff Johnson and recorded in Nashville — leading up to the release of his six-song EP planned for 2026. The project will showcase his strongest songwriting to date, highlighting his distinct blend of heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems that speak to life, love, and resilience.Over the past year, Jonathan has performed more than 50 shows across British Columbia, including major events like Peachfest, Westside Daze, Armstrong IPE, Vancouver Island Exhibition, and Parks Alive, along with brewery residencies and sold-out shows at venues like Crown & Thieves. His “Boots, Bars & Battle Scars Tour” combined live music with storytelling about mental health and PTSD — connecting deeply with audiences and first responders across the province.Media and industry have taken notice. Jonathan has been featured on Global TV, CTV, Castanet, and the Vernon Morning Star, and was a 2nd Ballot Nominee for both Male Artist of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2025 BC Country Music Association Awards. His music has also received consistent coverage on 91.5 Bounce FM, 105.7 The Ranch, Move 101.5 Kelowna, and numerous U.S. and international country stations.Looking ahead, Jonathan is preparing for a Canada-wide tour to support his upcoming EP release — with plans to expand into national festivals, international showcases, and sync placements through recent connections at VIFF AMP Summit. His career continues to grow from the grassroots upward, built on talent, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect through every lyric and performance.Whether on stage or on record, Jonathan Williams embodies the spirit of modern country — real stories, raw emotion, and the reminder that no matter how tough the road gets, there’s always music to carry you through.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell is the founder of the Skid Row Running Club which is featured in the documentary Skid Row Marathon. Founded in 2012, The Skid Row Running Club provides a running program for the Skid Row Community of Los Angeles and involves the larger community in supporting its members in overcoming alcohol/drug abuse and achieving positive life goals.It all began when a young man he had previously sentenced to prison, Roderick Brown, contacted him through the Midnight Mission. “For some reason he decided he liked the way I treated him, even though I sent him to prison,” Mitchell says. “He looked me up and introduced me to The Mission.”As soon as Mitchell got there, he decided the best way to reach the people was through running. “There are so many little things that emanate from this very basic idea of just running,” he says.Mitchell had been running for about 15 years when he started the club. He ran his first race because he was asked by his boss at the District Attorney’s Office to run a relay. It was too early in his career to say no, so he joined the team. It was a blessing—he’s a runner to the core now, even when he’s in the courtroom.Under the black robe he wears on the bench, Mitchell is in a shirt and tie as you’d expect. But below the belt he’s in just his running shorts and shoes—he likes to change out of his robe quickly to maximize the time of his lunchtime run. -- Runner's World, Liam Boylan-Pett

Dr. Yosef “Sefi” Chodakiewitz, MD, serves as the Medical Director of Primary Care Radiology and the Founding Medical Director of Clinical Research at Prenuvo. Dr. Chodakiewitz directs the Hercules Project—a 10-year clinical study with the goal of enrolling 100,000 participants for proactive WB-MRI screening, coupled with longitudinal follow-up to evaluate diagnostic accuracy and long-term health outcomes. This ambitious initiative exemplifies Prenuvo’s commitment to using advanced imaging as a transformative tool for primary prevention and early intervention. Additionally, Dr. Chodakiewitz directs the radiology-consultation service at Prenuvo, an innovative approach to practicing patient-centered radiology.Dr. Chodakiewitz completed medical school at Brown University, followed by a radiology residency at Cedars-Sinai and a fellowship at Stanford’s Body MRI Division and Minimally-Invasive MR Interventional Center (MIMRIC). There, he developed expertise in advanced MRI techniques, including performing WB-MRI for cancer screening in high-genetic-risk individuals, as well as tailoring protocols for evaluating known cancers and other complex cases.Prevuvo Warriors Program:https://prenuvo.com/warriors-program

Recently retired after 25 years with the United States Secret Service, brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career. In his final position as an instructor and liaison at the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA), he trained thousands of federal law enforcement and intelligence agents in credibility assessment and elicitation techniques. Brad also served on the protection detail for former president George H. W. Bush and various foreign heads of state. As a federal polygraph examiner for 17 years, he secured numerous confessions in high-profile investigations and conducted the most criminal polygraph examinations in the agency’s history. With a master’s degree in criminology, he was honored as the U.S. Secret Service Special Agent of the Year for combating crimes against children. Recognized globally as a communications expert, Brad has delivered sought-after presentations to law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide.

Mark Pearce is a British health and fitness coach specialising in tactical populations, with over 20 years’ experience in the fire service. He spent 17 years as an operational firefighter and three years as a fire service fitness advisor, giving him first-hand insight into the physical, psychological, and organisational demands placed on frontline professionals. A qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach within the tactical sector, Mark supports firefighters, police officers, and other high-stress professionals to improve functional strength, manage body composition, reduce injury risk, and sustain long-term performance. His approach blends evidence-based practice with practical, real-world application that fits the realities of shift work and operational life. Alongside his coaching work, Mark regularly delivers guest lectures at universities on Strength & Conditioning, health, and wellbeing programmes. These sessions provide students with insight into the role of S&C beyond traditional sport settings, highlighting the complexities, constraints, and organisational challenges of applying performance support within emergency services and other non-sport environments. Mark is the founder of Fitness for the Frontline and is actively involved in research projects aimed at driving meaningful, system-level change in frontline health and performance. He is open to conversations around delivering presentations, workshops, and collaborative projects. Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

Ishmael Beah grew up in the African Country of Sierra Leonne. At the age of 10, civil war broke out and his world change forever. By thirteen, his family had all been murdered and he was forced into war as a boy soldier. Three years later, he was rescued by members of UNICEF and ultimately brought to the US. We talk about his journey through this nightmare, how he rehabilitated, gratitude, forgiveness and much more. Do not miss this episode!!Ishmael Beah, best-selling author and human rights spokesperson, was appointed UNICEF’s first Advocate for Children Affected by War on 20 November 2007. In accepting the position Mr. Beah said, “… for me it’s just a way to give me more strength to continue doing what I’ve already embarked on, what I’ve dedicated my life to doing – which is to make sure that what happened to me doesn’t continue to happen to other children around the world.” He pledged to give a voice and hope to children whose lives have been scarred by violence.In 1991, the outbreak of a brutal civil war in Sierra Leone upended the lives of millions. Ishmael Beah’s parents and two brothers were killed and he was forcibly recruited into the war at age 13. After two years, with UNICEF help, he was removed from the army and placed in a rehabilitation home in Freetown.At the 1996 United Nations presentation of the Machel Report on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, Mr. Beah spoke about the devastating effects of war on children in his country. In May 2000, at the UN Special Session on Children he served on a panel entitled ‘Reclaiming Our Children: The UN Responds to the Plight of the Child Soldier’. The panel included then Secretary General Kofi Annan and UN agency heads.Mr. Beah continues his advocacy to help change the course for the thousands of children still trapped in wars. He is a member of the Human Rights Watch Children’s Rights Division Advisory Committee and has testified before the United States Congress. In 2008, he co-founded the Network of Young People Affected by War (NYPAW) with a mission to raise awareness of the plight of children in conflict zones, advocate for an end to hostilities and provide role models for children who are currently struggling to recover from war.Activity highlightsIshmael Beah’s book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier was published in the United States in 2007. It has since been published in Canada, Europe, Latin America and Asia and appears in over 35 languages. The book was also available in Starbucks shops, and for each book sold, US$ 2.00 went to the US Fund for UNICEF. A Long Way Gone has been assigned to freshman classes of several universities in the US.Mr. Beah has received numerous humanitarian and writing awards. He has spoken at many literary festivals including the Hay on Wye Literary Festival in Wales, United Kingdom. He appears in Bling: A Planet Rock, a 2007 documentary that draws attention to the diamond conflict.

Sheila Thelen, President of Vestibular Training Services and Master Rated Figure Skating Coach, applied these world class vestibular training tools (US PATENTED) INNOVATION on how spinning affects the vestibular system and can improve the brain’s ability to balance the cognitive processes. How these sports innovation can help the entire general public.Vestibular Training Services, LLC specializes in vestibular training tools addressing: Vestibular: Balance, Cognitive, Spatial & Sleep. Vestibular training enhances more than just balance—it sharpens memory, abstract thinking, and decision-making. Stimulating the vestibular system improves neural integration, helping the brain process spatial awareness and executive functions more efficiently.The Romberg Test, a trusted measure of postural stability, highlights the connection between sensory integration and cognitive performance. Strengthening vestibular input leads to better neural responsiveness, improving cognitive flexibility. Movement refines the mind.

Michael D’Angelo was born and raised in Las Vegas. He left high school his junior year to join the Marines, escaping the war back home. The Corps saved his life, and after he got out, his buddies pushed him into standup comedy. He started performing in 2013, spent four years in the Vegas scene, then moved to LA to sharpen his skills.In 2018 he launched the Rapid Fire Comedy Tour, a 501(c)(3) bringing live comedy to military and first responders. His mission for 2026 is expanding the tour’s reach- more bases, more shows, more morale.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

WildFitLife805 is a family-run business owned by Justin and Jenny Mahaffey. They have five kids and are passionate about challenging themselves to grow. As the driving force behind this Southern California company, Justin has been a wildland firefighter for 15 years. WildFitLife805 was born out of his commitment to growing stronger and building a community. Anyone is welcome — firefighters, athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and fitness beginners. There is a place for every journey in this incredible group of people!As a firefighter, Justin understands the importance of taking risks the right way. He also understands that risks look different for everyone. To tackle any challenge successfully, you have to be smart about it. You have to have community to back you up. WildFitLife805 is the community you need. It’s a place full of people who are not strangers to facing challenges — people who have won/lost and learned enough to understand that both are worthwhile experiences.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

Thomas Newman is a coach, Sports Scientist and the Chief Innovation Officer at Hawkin Dynamics. We discuss his journey into sports, the power of Sports Science data analysis, tactical athlete selection, fostering longevity, sleep and recovery, his own physical and mental recovery journey following a brain tumor, his non-profit and so much more.Spanning nearly two decades, Thomas Newman's career in sports performance is a testament to his unparalleled ability to not only optimize athlete development but also provide a truly customized service for each client. Newman's approach is visionary, blending the precision of sports science with unwavering leadership and an innovative spirit. His hallmark is the adept integration of data science, athlete development, and program design.Newman’s role as a dynamic thought leader is evidenced by his profound contributions to the understanding of athlete biomechanics, talent identification, and investment strategies. He stands as a beacon of inspiration, with his presentations resonating with audiences globally—from specialized tactical teams to international sports science gatherings. This ability to inspire extends beyond the podium; it reflects his passion for educating and advocating for his clients, empowering them to focus on their strengths while he and his team manage the complexities of their careers in both physical development and performance optimization.Newman’s innovative research, particularly his application of economic models to recruitment strategies, demonstrates a unique capacity to navigate and solve the most complex challenges in sports with practical, impactful solutions.Thomas Newman is more than an expert; he is a pioneer whose forward-thinking and dedication to athlete development are profound. His commitment to his clients is unwavering, characterized by a deep dedication to ensuring their success and well-being. It is this commitment that has made Newman not only a trusted advisor but also a passionate advocate for athletes at every stage of their careers on and off the field.In every facet of his career, Thomas Newman exemplifies a commitment to excellence, passion for innovation, and a genuine desire to advocate for and educate his clients. This blend of qualities not only defines his professional identity but also establishes the Newman HP team as an essential pillar in the careers of athletes aiming for the pinnacle of performance.

Dr. Dave Rabin MD, PhD is a board-certified psychiatrist, translational neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who has studied resilience and the impact of chronic stress on our lives for over 15 years. Dr. Rabin and his team collaborate with clients at the Apollo Clinic, empowering clients to take control of their mental and physical health by tapping into our abilities to adapt and heal ourselves.In addition to focusing on integration therapy, plant and natural medicines, couples therapy, and medicine-assisted psychotherapy, and technology-based therapeutics, Dr. Rabin specializes in treatment-resistant mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosomatic disorders, personality disorders, chronic pain disorders, insomnia, and substance use disorders using minimal and non-invasive treatment strategies.Unlike other wearables, this is not a biometric tracking device. Apollo is a therapeutic wearable, designed to be worn discreetly on the wrist, ankle, or anywhere by clipping it to your clothing, that works by sending gentle vibrations to the body that signal safety to the brain. It's a safe, non-invasive way to relax, get the sleep you need, focus your attention, and find your flow. Using the Apollo wearable consistently over time helps to retrain your nervous system, helping you recover from stress and feel better overall.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

Marcy Levy Shankman, Ph.D. is a Leadership Development Professional and the founder of MLS Counsulting. We discuss philanthropy in leadership, the cost savings of investing in your people, moral courage, revolutionising American education, learning from the Amish, non- profits, reigniting the fire service and so much more.Marcy is a leadership development professional with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, groups, teams, and organizations. Marcy’s commitment to her work comes from a passion for helping individuals and organizations leverage their strengths and increase their impact. Working on initiatives that drive individual, team, or organizational change is a top priority. Marcy does this through designing and delivering powerful learning experiences for her clients through consulting, coaching, training, and facilitation services.Most recently, Marcy served as the inaugural Chief Organizational Learning Officer for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. In that role, Marcy had primary responsibility for designing and leading an organization-wide learning strategy for a diverse workforce of over 6500 individuals. Marcy facilitated organizational development strategies, coached senior and executive leaders, and created/co-created 3 distinct District-wide professional learning series. Prior to this position, Marcy served as the executive leadership coach and organizational development strategist for the District for 5 years (2016-2021).From 2012-2016, Marcy was the Vice President of Strategy and Director of Leadership Cleveland for the Cleveland Leadership Center. This is when Marcy deeply connected with the community of Cleveland and discovered that collaborative leadership is a practice that many organizational leaders from diverse sectors had not spent intentional time learning much about.MLS Consulting, LLC was Marcy’s full-time focus from its launch in 2001. Prior to that time, she served in professional roles at Indiana University Center on Philanthropy, The Hillel Foundation, and the University of Iowa.Marcy is also an instructor in higher education and an author. She co-authored Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for Students and its corresponding suite of companion resources, published in 2015 (2nd ed.) and 2008 (1st ed.). She continues to write articles and book chapters on the topic, including two chapters in leadership textbooks due out in late 2024/early 2025. In 2022 she co-edited a monograph on the effective and ethical use of leadership assessments for the New Directions in Student Leadership series.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

Datwain "DJ" Shipp is a 13 year fire service veteran and former collegiate athlete. We discuss his journey into football, TBIs in youth athletics, prioritising the firefighter family, CBD and Cannabis, Psychedelics and much more.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/

Pat Byrne is a leader in sleep and fatigue management and the author of Inconvenient Sleep. We discuss his early work in Occupational Health and Safety, the tragedy that led him into sleep research, working with NHL athletes, the pros and cons of wearables, first responder sleep deprivation, AI in medicine and so much more.Pat has changed the way professional sports teams and 24/7 workplaces manage their sleep and fatigue to optimize performance and mitigate risk. Pat's fatigue management systems, using state of the art knowledge and technology, have proven to be successful. Clients have included the US Department of Defense, Harvard Medical School, major mining and transportation companies and leading sports teams in the National Hockey League, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, Australian Football League, national soccer programs, and National Olympic Committees.With a wealth of knowledge and over 30 years of experience in risk management, performance optimization and health and safety, Pat is the expert to connect with whether you are seeking information on improving worker safety or are interested in boosting athletic performance.

Ash Alexander-Cooper is a former specialist military unit commander, combat helicopter pilot, wounded veteran, international athlete, musician, leadership and resilience expert. In this second conversation, we discuss the potential healing and damaging potential of drone technology, his new book Mindful Soldier, forging human performance, growing from childhood trauma, the healing power of altruism and so much more.Ash became one of the most operationally experienced officers of his generation, spending almost seven years deployed, leading some of the world’s most skilled forces in predominant challenging, complex and hostile environments, such as the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia.Following retirement from active duty, Ash turned his attention to business, focussing on addressing issues of leadership, resilience, team-building, leader development, talent management and more, after recognising how many companies today experience very similar difficulties to what he and his colleagues faced in combat.Ash draws on lessons learned from more than 25 years of experience in managing and leading diverse multinational military, civilian, government, sports, and other elite teams, using those insights and experience gained from working in some of the world’s most challenging, hostile and complex environments.With powerful examples of resilience, leadership, teamwork and trust, Ash assists businesses and leaders develop the skills, mindset, and behaviours necessary in order to adapt and win. Leveraging empowering and motivational stories from his personal and professional life, Ash now supports companies, organisations and teams of all sizes to fulfil their potential.Episode Sponsor:https://www.carnabunkergear.com/