Behind The Shield

John Doolittle is a retired Navy SEAL Captain and the Director of the Florida Chamber Health Council. In this second conversation, we discuss hurricane response, Florida's Special Mission Unit, first responder mental health, the healing power of eTMS, Kaatsu and so much more. "I grew up in Walnut Creek, California. While in school, I was a swimmer, surfer and skier. I was blessed with a family who valued getting out of our collective comfort zones. We were constantly on the move; a highlight was living in Tehran as the Iranian revolution began in late 1978… a story for another time.In 1992, I graduatd from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in the world’s finest Navy, not the Air Force… again, another story for another time. I earned a Master’s of Science in Defense Analysis, Special Operations Low-Intensity Conflict (SOLIC) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005.After an inter-service transfer and cross-commissioning from the Air Force to the Navy in 1992, I transferred into the

Jim Poole is the CEO and President of Solace Lifesciences, a neuroscience company focused on personalized evidence-based wellness and performance and the creator of NuCalm.Dr. Blake Holloway, the inventor of NuCalm, spent several years immersed in the intriguing and exotic research of bio and neurophysics. His objective in inventing NuCalm was to design a software that would have direct physiological outcomes to combat stress and anxiety in the brain.He believed that focusing on the brain’s electrical activity and finding a way to entrain the brainwaves to a particular frequency, such as alpha or theta, could be a targetable physiological phenomenon that would aid his mission of combating anxiety. He began by researching bio and neurofeedback training, which are therapies that require patients to train, in a reward-based manner, their breathing, heart rate or brain electrical patterns to reach the desired therapeutic levels. This type of training was shown to be very effective in lowering heart rate, respirat

Aaron Williamson’s path is one of relentless drive and reinvention. After proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, he emerged with a mindset rooted in discipline and a passion for pushing limits. That same intensity launched a career that now spans elite fitness coaching, on-screen performance, and high-profile transformations for some of the biggest names in entertainment.In 2000, Aaron was screened and selected for the Marine Corps World Famous Body Bearers where he spent nearly 4 years conducting funerals out of Arlington National Cemetery, and again, he traveled the world assisting in joint service events. In 2003, Aaron was screened and selected to become personal security for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS), General Peter Pace; here he spent the remainder of his Marine Corps career before he ended his active service in 2005. As Aaron was departing from the Marine Corps, he was offered a contractor position in Iraq assisting in the biometric operations mission; Aaron returned to I

Aaron has spent over 15 years in strength and conditioning and is now the Pulic Safety Wellness Coordinator for Virginia Beach. We discuss his journey into coaching, training the tactical athlete, injury prevention, programming, sleep and performance and so much more. "I am a dedicated health and wellness professional committed to supporting the physical and mental resilience of our city's frontline heroes. With over 15 years of experience, I specialize in designing and managing comprehensive wellness programs that enhance the quality of life and performance of first responders.My career began in the healthcare field, focusing on strength and conditioning within a physical therapy clinic in Virginia. There, I also led exercise sessions for medically supervised weight-loss patients. During this time, I was awarded an internship with Old Dominion University’s Olympic Sports Program under the mentorship of Yaw Baidoo—an experience that greatly shaped my approach to high-performance training.After my internship,

Dr. Aziz Rahman is a dual board-certified Diagnostic and Vascular and Interventional Radiologist currently works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He completed his undergraduate and medical education through the accelerated six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.He went on to complete a medical internship at the University of Massachusetts, followed by a Radiology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then pursued subspecialty training in Interventional Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.We discuss his journey into medicine, AI in Radiology, his recent humanitarian trip to Gaza, the immense workload on the medical personnel, equipment shortages, murder at the aid sites, the orchestrated starvation and much more.https://www.instagram.com/irdrrahman/

Kevin Heffernan is an American actor, writer, producer, and director, and member of the Broken Lizard comedy group.We discuss his early life, finding comedy, pursuing law, the creation of Broken Lizard, the origin story of Super Troopers, how a trip to Australia inspired Beerfest, Quasi, his family connection to the Fire Service, the creation of Tacoma FD, the importance of technical direction and much more.

Mike served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, where he served as a platoon leader, company commander, and staff officer at the Battalion to Division level. After transitioning from the Infantry, he earned a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from the military’s Interservice Physician Assistant Program. Following his academic achievements, Mike served as a primary care manager for a U.S. Army Cavalry Squadron. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the training of all assigned EMTs and instructing non-medical personnel in basic lifesaving techniques. Mike has multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.Upon returning from deployment, Mike contributed to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at Fort Hood as a lecturer and clinical preceptor. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in the education, mentorship, and supervision of physician assistant students, fostering t

Jennifer Grima began as a firefighter/paramedic and special operations technician with the Saint Lucie County (FL) Fire District in 2016. Jenny currently holds technician level certifications for the State of Florida in Trench Collapse Rescue, Rope Rescue, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Structural Collapse Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, and is certified as a Rescue Specialist. Jenny has been a HOT instructor for FDIC since 2018. Jenny also instructs for conferences throughout Florida such as The Treasure Coast HOT and Ft. Lauderdale Fire Expo, she has also instructed for EJ Mascaro's Training Weekend, S.C., as well as Burnin’ in Da Bayou in Louisiana. Jenny also is an active contributor to Fire Engineering training minutes. She has a Masters in Biology and has seven years of classroom experience teaching college level courses, two years assisting at the Indian River State College Fire Academy and started with the EMS program in 2021.

Aaron Suozzo is a multifaceted professional with a background in law enforcement, tactical training, and collegiate athletics. We discuss his journey into policing, his officer involved shootings, his powerful mental health journey, healing through psychedelics, CTE, the 343 Fund and so much more.Suozzo was born in Valley Stream, New York. He majored in business management at Monmouth University and was active in both football, track and field and wrestling during his high school years at Old Bridge High School in New Jersey. Suozzo also played collegiate football at Monmouth University. Suozzo has extensive experience in law enforcement, having served as a SWAT Operator and worked with the gang unit in Hayward California. After medically retiring in 2021, Suozzo moved to Florida. He is involved in the firearms/tactical gear-industry, working with companies such as Classicfirearms, a company known for its firearms and accessories. Suozzo has been featured on podcasts like the Executive Protection Lifestyle Po

Debbie Lee is an author, public speaker and political activist who has traveled the nation telling her sons amazing story and advocating for our troops, their families and families of the fallen. Debbie understands the sacrifice our troops make and that “Freedom isn’t free.” On Aug 2, 2006 she received a knock on the door that would forever change her life. She was notified that her son Marc Alan Lee had been killed in action becoming the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. Since that day Debbie has dedicated her life to honoring our troops and the families of the fallen, defending our defenders and fighting to keep the freedoms that our troops have fought for.She has worked tirelessly to ensure that our troops and military and Gold Star families have access to respite and important services that help assist recovery after injury or loss.By God’s strength she chose to rise above the most devastating circumstance of her life to impact other’s lives giving them hope and encouragement. In response to her son’s last

Russell Jones is a Vietnam veteran, retired law enforcement officer and the author of Honorable intentions. We discuss flying helicopters in Vietnam, policing in California, undercover work, riding with the Hell's Angels, Operation Tipped Kettle, the failed 'War on Drugs', proactive solutions and so much more. Russell's bio:CW2 Army Helicopter Pilot 1967-1969a. Flew Scouts/little birds, and the Huey. Shot down several timesb. Awarded Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal w/ 15 Oak Leaf Clusters2. Police Officer, City of San Jose 1970-1980a. Patrol, canine, field training officerb. Worked undercover narcotics. Infiltrated and exposed the Nuestra Familia.Rode with the Hells Angels (as a prospect), a case resulting in the ‘79RICO trial.3. Department of State contract employee 1980-1990a. Worked undercover intelligence in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador,during Iran/Contrab. Uncovered Operation Tipped Kettlec. Discovered that other contract employees, pilots, etc., were running drugsfrom Central America back to

Ryan Provencher is currently serving as an Operations Battalion Chief in his Fire Department, he is the founder of Firefighter Peak Performance and Executive Fitness Advisor for CRACKYL Magazine. He worked as a Health/Fitness Specialist before beginning his professional fire service career in 1996. He has experience as a Volunteer Firefighter, Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, Company Officer, and Training Division Chief/Health Safety Officer before promoting to his current position. He has served as a Peer Fitness Trainer and Health Fitness Coordinator in his department for more than 25 years.https://www.firefighterpeakperformance.com/

Brian Kleindienst is a devoted student to mindfulness and discovered plant medicine in 2018 as he began his own personal healing journey in incorporating acupuncture, breath work, meditation, leadership and facilitator development, holistic health, immersion into psychotherapy, men’s work, and microdosing.Certified Psychedelic Integration Coach: Third waveAdvisor – Flow Integrative (Psychedelic wellness clinic with Ketamine)Operational Volunteer and Surf Coach – Veterans / Waves of ValorWellness Center and Retreat Consultant Certified Wellness Teacher – (MBSR) & (MBCT)Brian is also part of the Firefly VR team, using virtual reality to augment, therapy, breathwork and integration.

Ernie Colling served in the United States Army as an 11B infantryman from 2000-2004. He spent almost a decade as an overseas contractor working for a variety of agencies.Ernie quickly realized that service members and private contractors, as well as himself, were constantly feeling sluggish and unable to achieve peak performance. Ernie found that it was often viewed as an unnecessary issue and that medical establishments were unable to address many of the issues.This void provided the framework, motivation, and drive to create Transcend Company in 2020 and subsequently launch the Transcend Foundation in 2022.We discuss his early life, his journey into the military, multiple near death experiences, contracting, entrepreneurship, the factors that cause homone imbalance, testosterone replacement therapy, blood work, mental health, The Transcend Foundation, 7x and much more.https://transcendcompany.com/

Justin Sheehan is a Michigan Native of the Whittemore-Prescott Area, and graduated High School in 2003. Following the horrific events of 9/11, he enlisted in the US Navy with ambitions of becoming a Navy SEAL. After an arduous two-year pipeline, he graduated with BUDS Class 261 and earned the right to carry that title, and wear “The Trident”.Justin received orders upon graduation to report to SEAL Team Two, Little Creek, Virginia. While assigned there he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and received the Bronze Star with “Valor” for combat actions. Later, Justin screened for the elite hostage rescue team, SEAL Team SIX, where he would remain until 2017. There, he deployed several more times, conducting discrete missions around the globe as a SEAL Team SIX Operator.During his service time he held the following qualifications: Demolition Expert Open Water Diver Static Parachutist Freefall Parachutist Combat Medic SEAL Sniper Pashtun Language Specialist Heavy Breacher CrossFit Level 1 TrainerAfter working for th

Ian Thurber is a 17 year veteran of the fire service and health coach. We discuss his journey into the fire service, water rescue, his health decline, healing the gut biome and so much more. "Health and fitness has always been important to me but I've alwaya felt that something was missing, especially in the first responder community. Over the past year and a half, I've dived deep in the world of gut health and now share it however I can as the missing link in first responder (and general) health and wellness as well as preventative measures. I've also obtained my Life and Performance Coaching certificate to better help and serve."

Founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, Paul Hutchinson, is a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur. He has committed his life to protecting vulnerable children. With experience in over 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries, Paul has played a vital role in combating human trafficking. Additionally, as an Executive Producer of the impactful film “Sound of Freedom”, he raises awareness and inspires action against child trafficking.Paul’s journey took a transformative turn when he began leading undercover operations. These efforts aimed to rescue children from the horrors of child sex trafficking. Over 70 missions across 15 countries highlight his extraordinary bravery and dedication. His role as a guardian and advocate showcases his tireless commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable.https://liberating-humanity.com/

Dr Bonni Goldstein is a Pediatric Emergency physician, Cannabis Medicine physician and author of "Cannabis Revealed". We discuss emergency medicine, modern chronic disease management, cannabis medicine successes, CBD and much more.A native of New Jersey, Dr. Bonni Goldstein received her undergraduate education at Rutgers College. She pursued her medical degree at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Her post-doctoral education included internship and residency at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Goldstein also served as Chief Resident at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. She was a Clinical Instructor in Pediatrics at USC School of Medicine in Los Angeles, Emergency Transport Attending Physician at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Emergency Medicine Attending Physician in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.In 2008, Dr. Goldstein developed an interest in the science of medical cannabis after witnessing its bene

Adam Boyd is a law enforcement veteran, Leadership & Wellness Expert and the Founder & CEO, Soleful Training A distinguished leader in resilience training and wellness, with a career spanning over a decade as a police officer, SWAT operator, and Detective. As the founder and CEO of Soleful Training, Adam leverages his extensive experience to equip first responders, military personnel, and professionals with the tools to build physical, mental, and emotional resilience.Throughout his law enforcement tenure, Adam spearheaded wellness initiatives, designed and implemented department-wide resilience programs, and served as PT team lead—revamping the SWAT PT applicant process to enhance operational readiness. His expertise is backed by elite certifications, including:A dedicated ultra-runner, Adam has completed more than a dozen ultra-distance races, including two 100-mile runs, further exemplifying his commitment to endurance and resilience. His deep understanding of the physical and psychological demands

Patrick currently serves as a Fire Fighter/Paramedic with The City of Tipp City, Ohio, Patrick has 4 children Haley, Ethan, Ava and Callie. Patrick has a Bachelor’s of Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern University and an Associates of Applied Science in Ems from the University of Toledo. Patrick is an IAFF certified Peer Supporter. We discuss his journey into the fire service, the weight of serving your own community, rural firefighting, mental health, working the 24/72 schedule, Save a Warrior and so much more.