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© 2025 The Fire You Carry
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Hosted by Nole and Kevin, two active-duty Los Angeles County Firemen with over a decade of service each, this podcast explores the fire we all carry within. Join them as they interview respected men and share lessons on how to be better husbands, fathers, and leaders. Drawing from the front lines, they tackle issues like trauma, fitness, and family life, providing universal principles for any man looking to stoke his inner fire and live with purpose.
249 Episodes
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After a three-week hiatus, Kevin is back in the co-host chair! In honor of his return and the podcast's five-year anniversary, Nole turns the tables and interviews Kevin as if he were a guest on the show. The guys kick things off with personal updates, including Nole's restorative trip to Hume Lake and his journey of finding a new church for his family after being challenged by the podcast community. From there, they dive into a deep discussion about the last five years of "The Fire You Carry...
In this powerful and reflective episode, Nole sits down with his father, Jeff Lilley, to process their deep, visceral reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. They explore why this event stirred up such strong emotions for so many. The conversation delves into the complex emotions of anger, grief, and the desire for justice, while also examining the political polarization that has led to a moment where tragedy is celebrated by some and mourned by others. Ultimately, they ask the crucia...
In this short solo episode, Nole shares a powerful reflection from a recent, life-changing trip to Alaska with his wife. Hosted by Samaritan's Purse and Firefighters for Christ, the retreat was meant to honor families impacted by major fires. But amidst the stunning landscapes of Mystic Lake Lodge, Nole found himself overwhelmed by a profound sense of distraction—not the negative, anxiety-inducing kind from our phones and screens, but a beautiful, soul-filling distraction by the sheer immensi...
In this deeply personal solo episode, Nole shares the recent, difficult experience of saying goodbye to his beloved family cat, Finn. An unexpected work call-up prevents Nole from being there, forcing him to rely on his wife, Heather, and his son, North, to handle the heart-wrenching task. This event becomes a powerful catalyst for reflection on a father's desire to shield his family from pain, the profound growth that happens when we let our loved ones carry heavy responsibilities, and the i...
In this lighthearted and wide-ranging episode, Kevin and Nole share lessons from fatherhood, fitness, and finance. The guys reflect on the fast-approaching reality of retirement and the importance of taking small, consistent actions to prepare for the future. They discuss the parental tightrope walk of balancing saving money with making memories, and the daily challenge of trusting your kids with more responsibility (even if it means risking a tray of fries). Nole shares a humbling story abou...
"It's Not Enough" - Dustin Kensrue (In the episode, Nole mistakenly stated that this song was performed by The Modern Post) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeRSlQlPkpo&ab_channel=DustinKensrueVEVO In this solo episode, Nole gets vulnerable about the universal, timeless struggle for meaning and satisfaction. Drawing inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes and the powerful song "It's Not Enough" by Dustin Kensrue, he explores why our pursuits of worldly comfort, pleasure, and su...
In this deeply moving episode, Nole and Kevin sit down with Jason Sautel, a retired Oakland firefighter and the author of the powerful memoir, "The Rescuer." Jason shares his harrowing journey from a traumatic childhood to the front lines of one of America's busiest fire departments. Jason pulls back the curtain on the "stone-cold lifesaver" persona, revealing the internal darkness and despair that hid behind his acclaimed career. He recounts the moment he hit rock bottom, planning to take hi...
Nole and Kevin are joined by their friend and fellow firefighter, Ronnie Evans, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. The episode centers on Ronnie's harrowing experience during the recent Eaton Fire, where he, while on duty, had to watch his childhood home burn to the ground as his own home was simultaneously threatened. Ronnie shares a minute-by-minute account of that night—the difficult calls with his father, the chaos of evacuating his family, and the helpless feeling of watchi...
In this episode, Nole and Kevin jump straight in with an urgent call to action for everyone to sign up for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The guys then dive into a compelling discussion about the book "The Rescuer" by Jason Sautel, exploring the idea that first responders leave a piece of themselves on every call. This leads to a broader conversation about professionalism, personal accountability, and the internal battle between doing what you know is right versus taking the easy way out, whe...
What can a talking race car teach us about our own lives? In this episode, Nole and David Hartman dive deep into the unexpected and profound life lessons from the Cars trilogy, using Lightning McQueen's journey as a powerful metaphor for our own. The conversation explores how we find pieces of ourselves in the characters we love and how their stories can guide our personal growth. From the intense pressure of competition to the humbling journey of self-discovery, this episode touches on the c...
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, hosts Nole and Ryan Shook delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on faith communities. They explore how the pandemic challenged traditional church engagement and ultimately where it failed, and discuss the struggles of reconnecting with faith in a post-pandemic world. Ryan shares his unique perspective, drawing from his experiences growing up in Mongolia and his journey through ministry and firefighting. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation a...
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole and Kevin are joined by Ben Steele, a former Marine officer turned entrepreneur. The conversation explores Ben's journey from military service to the world of filmmaking and marketing, discussing the challenges of leadership, the transition to civilian life, and the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. Ben shares insights on identity shifts, the value of diverse experiences, and the necessity of finding purpose after leaving...
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Nole dives into the world of selvedge denim, exploring its history, craftsmanship, and the personal significance of quality clothing. He contrasts selvedge denim with modern mass-produced jeans, emphasizing the unique character and stories that come with each pair. This episode may not seem to fit into what we normally do here on the podcast, but stick with it, it comes around at the end. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for ...
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, hosts Nole and Kevin explore a variety of topics ranging from the impact of marketing on consumer behavior to personal fitness challenges and the importance of community. They share personal anecdotes about their fitness journeys, discuss the emotional and mental challenges associated with nicotine withdrawal, and reflect on the significance of having deep conversations with God. The episode also highlights the importance of pushing personal boun...
In this episode, Greg Rudiger shares his journey through the fire service, the impact of family legacy, and his transition to a new calling focused on resilience and authenticity. He discusses the challenges of PTSD, the importance of emotional connection, and the birth of his training company, R.A.D., which aims to empower others in the fire service and beyond. In this conversation, Greg Rudiger shares his insights on post-traumatic stress, emphasizing that it is not a disorder but an injury...
In this heartfelt episode, Nole shares his personal struggles with mental health, vulnerability, and the journey of healing. He discusses the challenges of quitting nicotine, the impact of past traumas, and the importance of faith and community support in overcoming difficulties. Nole emphasizes the need for honesty and vulnerability in sharing experiences, encouraging listeners to seek help and lean on their faith during tough times. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the us...
In this episode, Kevin explores the concept of calling, distinguishing it from career, family, and causes. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true calling and reflects on personal identity and purpose. The conversation encourages listeners to ponder their own calling and what they want to be known for, while also recognizing the challenges that come with self-discovery. Big thank you to My Epic and Facedown Records for the use of their song "Hail" in our podcast! https://ww...
In this conversation, Kevin and Nole delve into their personal struggles with caffeine and nicotine addiction, exploring the impact of these substances on their lives and relationships. They discuss the challenges of self-control, the importance of honesty in marriage, and the complexities of negotiating addiction with loved ones. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the journey towards quitting addictive substances, highlighting the balance between moderation and abstinenc...
In this episode of the Fire You Carry podcast, Ian Meyers shares his personal journey through mental health struggles, including depression and PTSD, and how he found recovery through hormonal health and lifestyle changes. He discusses the importance of seeking help, the role of his wife in encouraging him to get his hormone levels checked, and the development of Fireproof Wellness, a program designed to support firefighters in achieving better mental and physical health. The conversation emp...
In this conversation, Kevin and Nole discuss their recent experiences during spring break, focusing on family adventures, culinary delights, and the emotional connections they feel in their faith journeys. They explore the importance of community, the balance between routine and spirituality, and the need for mindfulness in their daily lives. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of being present and the challenges of tracking progress in personal growth. In this conversation, Nole and Kev...
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