If you’re the “fixer” at home and in your firehouse, this episode will punch you right in the gut. Captain Brian Yonkin breaks down what changed since 2024—promotion to captain, hard family stress, and realizing he was running on fumes without calling it depression. We talk TRT, therapy, asking for help, and how being a dad made him a better leader. This is firefighter reality: you can’t pour from an empty cup and still think you’re “tough.”

What You’ll Learn:

• How to spot when you’re quietly burning out even if you think you’re “fine”
• Why “I’ll handle it” can turn into a slow mental crash—and how to start asking for help
• A simple way to lead better: be curious, not judgmental, and meet people where they’re at
• How to build calm focus when life is pulling you in 10 directions
• Why doing more for everyone else can wreck you—and how to stop being the default problem-solver

If you’re a firefighter who feels responsible for everything and you’re tired, stressed, or numb… this one’s for you.

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...to 2025 and hello to 2026!

This year either made you better or it made you bitter. In this episode, we close out the year by pulling the real lessons from 2025 and turning them into a simple plan for 2026. We talk standards, health, and your crew—because this job will take from you unless you choose who you’re going to be.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to set one standard and actually live it when you’re tired
• How to teach the standard to the next generation without turning into a grouch
• How to protect your mind and body so you make it to retirement in one piece
• The simple “one habit at a time” method to stop getting overwhelmed and start stacking wins
• How to build your 2026 around better people, better habits, and better results

If you’re a firefighter who wants to start 2026 stronger, and stop drifting through the job on autopilot, this one’s for you.

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!

You're the fixer. But what happens when it’s you that needs fixing?

In this hard-hitting follow-up, Brad Schriefer peels back the layers on substance abuse, trauma loops, and why we suck at taking our own advice. He offers real, actionable strategies for breaking the cycle — without losing your edge or your identity.

This isn’t therapy — it’s survival.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the firehouse culture of “fix everyone but yourself” is setting us up to fail
• How to replace the bottle with tools that actually work
• One way to rewire your brain and protect your crew
• The science behind why the gym is sometimes the best therapy
• A better definition of “strength” — one that actually saves lives

If you’re a firefighter who knows something has to change — but doesn’t want to lose who you are — this one's for you.

Support the show

🔥 Ready to feel unstoppable in your gear? Fit For Service is the 8-week training plan built for firefighters to regain strength, confidence, and endurance on the job. 💪 Start your journey here!

>>> Shop Keep the Promise! <<<

Get 15% off your purchase at Rescue 1 CBD with code KTP at checkout!