The Bravest Kind with Ryan Sheaffer

My guest today on Episode 28 of The Bravest Kind is Noel Meador. Noel is the President and CEO of Stronger Families, which is an organization that brings life-changing relationship skills to military, first responder, and veteran families so they can be strong and thrive. Stronger Families has served over 50,000 military personnel, first responders and their families.Noel and I discuss the unique occupational experiences and stressors experienced by military personnel and first responders and the impact that these can have on their relationships and families. We also dive into the power of defining moments in life and how these can change the course, or trajectory, of our own path. Noel also talks about his passion for service and how his life's work of creating tools and frameworks to support healthy relationships came about from he and his wife's desire to work on their own marriage amidst the daily stresses of life. While the mission of Stronger Families is to serve military and first responders, I ask Noel about relationship tips for couples not in these fields and he delivers with practical tips to help strengthen any relationship. So, whether a first responder, active military, veteran, or none of the above, if you are looking to improve the quality of your marriage or relationship, there is some wisdom in here for you.For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 27 of The Bravest Kind is Leigh Rowley. Leigh and I have a unique connection as our lives first intersected on the night of August 4, 2014. I was on shift at the Kirkland Fire Department that night when we received a 9-1-1 call. The call was for Leigh's newborn son, Jeffrey, who developed complications during childbirth.Following his delivery, Jeffrey didn't have a pulse. My crew was dispatched to the scene where we performed CPR on Jeffrey. Jeffrey ultimately survived that night, however, he developed lifelong disabilities and ultimately lost his life just shy of his 6th birthday.Leigh and I discuss the night of Jeffrey's birth, the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, and the toll it took on her personal life, including the end of her first marriage. Leigh's story is also one of hope and resiliency as she talks about the unique bond and unconditional love she shared with Jeffrey, how she has gained more empathy and understanding for others facing challenges in their lives and ultimately found love and happiness again as she is remarried and recently gave birth to a baby girl named Gigi.Leigh practices Buddhism and not only is this topic broached throughout the interview, it is apparent as Leigh speaks that she displays a sense of inner calm and peace. This episode was recorded at night and Leigh's daughter Gigi awakens at one point during our interview, so if you hear the sounds of a cooing baby in the background, that is Leigh's newborn daughter joining in the conversation. For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 26 of The Bravest Kind is Keelin Pattillo. Keelin is a former professional soccer player, spending the last four years of her career as captain of the Seattle Reign FC. Following her retirement from professional soccer in 2016, Keelin started her new career as a firefighter with the Kirkland Fire Department.Keelin and I discuss not only her own playing career, but what it was like growing up in a household with a father who was also a professional athlete, having both played and coached in the NBA. We also talk about her decision to leave behind the world of professional soccer, despite being in her athletic prime, and pursuing a career as a firefighter. Keelin is candid about the inequality in pay between male and female professional soccer players and shares her perspective on being one of the few females working in the fire service.Keelin is also the mother of two young boys, and she describes the challenge of balancing life as a mom and firefighter, along with how she has gained more perspective and empathy as it pertains to her job since becoming a mother. Keelin is thoughtful, strong, and compassionate, and while we talk about her career pursuits, we also dive into the importance of vulnerability and the concept of impermanence as it relates to human existence.For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on episode 25 of The Bravest Kind is Susan Holt. Susan is the mother and survivor of Grace Holt. Tragically, Grace took her life at the age of 15. After losing Grace, Susan wanted a way to honor the life of her daughter and also leave a legacy of something positive for kids. She has done that by organizing an annual 5k memorial run called Run with Grace and also creating the Grace & Kindness scholarship fund, which provides opportunities for children to experience enrichment programs and camps.Susan is open in her conversation and strives to help others so they don't have to feel the pain of losing a loved one due to suicide. She also talks about her work as an educator, how she connects with her students and implores them to write in a journal and seek professional help if needed. Susan delivers a powerful message about hope and perseverance. The topic of suicide is discussed in this episode and may not be appropriate for young children. If you, or anyone you know, needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

This is episode 24 and I have a special one for you today. While I've spoken publicly on the effects the pandemic has had on first responders, I haven't shared the story on my own platform, and I want to take the opportunity to do so today on the podcast and also on video (which can be found on my Ryan Sheaffer YouTube channel).People often use the word brave to describe firefighters and first responders in general. But, if you were to talk to a first responder, almost to a person, nobody would consider themselves more brave or courageous than anyone else. When we go on a call, we are simply doing our job. And we are trained for any number of scenarios...We know what to do when a building catches on fire...we are trained what to do when there's a major vehicle accident...we are trained what to do if if we need to rescue someone from the water or dangling off the side of a building...what we weren't trained to do was respond to a pandemic - especially in the early days. Simply put, there was no blueprint for us follow.For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 23 of The Bravest Kind is Cody Jones. Cody is a United States Paralympian, professional public speaker, and children's book author. He was born with cerebral palsy, which affects his strength and mobility on his left side. Recognizing early on that he was interested in athletics, Cody pursued his love of baseball. His unique style of playing mostly one-handed garnered a lot of attention for Cody. One organization in particular who heard of Cody's baseball exploits was the U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Team. Cody was soon introduced to the javelin, where he began breaking multiple records. Cody has represented the United States in major international events including the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Cody is an optimist and discusses how the power of hope can allow for moments of good to arise from something otherwise bad. He also credits cerebral palsy for forcing him to face life head-on and grow as an individual. Cody is the definition of bravery, strength, and determination, which can be seen not only through his track & field achievements, but also his mental make-up where talks about the importance of training one's mind to ask not what will happen if things go bad, but to flip the script and ask, what if things go right. Cody inspires and motivates, all while maintaining grace and humility. You can find Cody at www.codymichaeljones.comFor more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 22 of The Bravest Kind is Ali Bradley. Ali is an independent journalist who strives to be the voice for those that don't have one. She live streams her stories, with the intent of creating transparency and reporting the facts. Ali discusses the fear she felt once making the decision to leave network television, but how it's allowed her to report on stories she cares about and has also taught her that growth can only be attained when we are willing to get uncomfortable at times. She is also open, honest, and brave about her own mental health struggles, or as Ali likes to say, her mental health challenges, because she's always ready to rise up to a challenge. She is candid about the importance of mental health, because in her words: those that heal loudly might prevent someone from suffering in silence. Ali is thoughtful, energetic, real, and honest. These traits that come across in both her reporting and this interview. For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 21 of The Bravest Kind is Katy Grainger. Katy is a sepsis survivor, multiple amputee, and advocate for sepsis awareness. Katy is a board member of the Sepsis Alliance and has shared her story at Congressional hearings, corporate retreats, schools, and national media such as the Today Show. She is on a mission to promote awareness to both how common sepsis is and how to recognize signs & symptoms that someone might have sepsis before it becomes a critical medical emergency. After developing sepsis three years ago, Katie almost lost her life. While she ultimately survived, she had multiple fingers and both legs amputated below the knee. What impressed me the most while talking with Katy, was her infectious enthusiasm, ability to thrive in face of adversity, and her sincere devotion to helping others so they don't suffer a similar ordeal. Katy epitomizes everything I strive to highlight on this show: courage, humility, fearlessness, and kindness. I encourage all to take Katy's message to heart as sepsis is more common than people realize and can have serious health implications. I applaud Katy for her willingness to be open and vulnerable while sharing her story.For more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

My guest today on Episode 20 of The Bravest Kind with Ryan Sheaffer is Dan Doty. Dan is a writer, wilderness guide, men's coach, and somatic meditation teacher. I feel honored to have Dan join me on The Bravest Kind as he has appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast three times, the Today Show, and has worked as a Director, Producer, and Writer on shows such as MeatEater and Apex Predator. Dan has been at the forefront of a global men's movement and delivered talks around the world on the importance of men bringing their wildness and love out into the open. Dan leads group expeditions and also provides both group and individual coaching. We discuss his Fatherhood Unlocked program and the importance of men getting their personal lives in order so they can show up for both themselves and their family. Although Dan does work with lots of men, women, trust me you are going to want to hear this too to better understand the men in your lives. And men, whether you are a father or not, there's so much in here that men need to hear about being present, slowing down, and taking time for yourselves. You can find Dan on Instagram @daniel.doty and website: dandoty.comFor more on The Bravest Kind, see: https://www.ryansheaffer.com/thebravestkindFollow Ryan on Instagram at: @ryan.sheaffer and on Twitter @sheafonfireEmail me with show or interview suggestions: ryan@ryansheaffer.com

I announce a summer break and provide an update on lessons learned from hosting TBK.

My guest today is Dr. John Jaquish. Dr. Jaquish is a scientist, inventor and Wall Street Journal best selling author. He has spent years researching and developing improved approaches to health. His latest endeavor is creating X3, a technology that has proven to develop muscle much faster than conventional weight lifting, all with the lowest risk of joint injury. Dr. Jaquish methods are used in training the world's most elite athletes and associations such as the entire Miami Heat organization, various NFL and NBA players, as well as Olympians.Dr. Jaquish and I discuss his philosophies around health and wellness, why people often fail when trying to stick with conventional strength and nutrition programs and what drives him to be a catalyst for change within the fitness industry.

My guest today is Larkin Campbell. Larkin has written, produced, and starred in over 25 short films and video projects which have gone on to win many awards at film festivals throughout the country. He has also landed dozens of roles in major motion films and television. Larkin recently chronicled his 30-year career in a hilarious and heartfelt memoir titled, A View from the Middle: How an Unknown Actor Managed to Stay that Way.Larkin and I discuss the path that led him to pursuing a career in Hollywood, how he has balanced being a stay-at-home-parent with the rigorous demands of life as an actor, and the importance of embracing the daily grind that comes with any great and meaningful pursuit. This one is dedicated to all of those individuals who, like Larkin, are courageous enough to chase their dreams.

My guest today is Tyler Farrar. Tyler is a former professional cyclist, having retired from the UCI World Tour in 2017. Among his many career accomplishments, Tyler is one of only two Americans ever to have won a stage at each of cycling's 3 Grand Tour events: The Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a Espana. Tyler and I discuss why his stage victory at the Tour de France left him feeling unfulfilled and how his career was nearly derailed following the death of his close friend during a crash at the Giro d'Italia. We also talk about life as a professional athlete, how his continued need to test his physical limits keeps him grounded and focused, and his new career as a firefighter. Tyler also reflects on his growth as an individual throughout his cycling career and his desire to live a purposeful life, traits we can all learn and benefit from.

My guest today is Chris Bailey. Chris is a Lieutenant with the Kirkland Fire Department and a lead technical rescue instructor for a consortium of fire departments in our region. Chris has a passion for public service, a deep respect for those that mentored him, and a desire to share his knowledge with others. Chris and I discuss the path that led him to a career in the fire service, along with the toll that this career can take, not only on one's own mental health, but the impact on family life as well. We also talk about the early days of the covid pandemic and what it was like working on the front lines as a first responder in the city that was at the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S. As a reminder, or if you weren't aware, Kirkland was the first city in the United States to face known covid-deaths and cases in late February 2020. Chris and I touch on these early moments as we together, with other members of the Kirkland Fire Department, handled the pandemic, upfront, as the first first responders doing this in those early days. The Kirkland Fire Department ultimately ended up creating covid protocols that were followed by other departments around the United States.

This is a special mini-episode in honor of Father's Day and the end of what has been a very unique school year. Poppy, ending third grade, and Van, ending kindergarten are clearly excited about a much more ‘normal' school year next year. They talk candidly to me, their dad, about how much they dislike my firefighter schedule, but they like that I get to help people. Both share that their happy place is being surrounded by extended family. I'm fortunate to have two great kids (of course, I'm biased) and I hope I'm raising them to be brave, honest, and fierce. I think part of parenting is asking children questions and listening honestly for their responses. I appreciate they feel they can be open with me even at such a young age and I hope that continues as they grow up. Enjoy this special Father's Day edition of The Bravest Kind.

In today's episode, I am joined by Chris Garceau. Chris is a 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he played Division I Hockey for the Black Knights. Chris has served two tours of duty in Iraq and attained the rank of Captain prior to attending flight school. He is currently flying Chinook helicopters as a Warrant Officer in the Washington National Guard. Chris and I discuss the path that led him to joining the United States Army, the value of service, and the importance of persevering while doing hard things. We also talk openly about coping with the compounding mental effects often experienced by both military personnel and first responders. I would like to express my gratitude not only to Chris, but to all the men and women that have served our country.

In today's episode, I am joined by Tennyson Jacobson, who is a trauma survivor, business owner, and married mother of two. Tennyson, who goes by Tenny, survived a traumatic experience that occurred on Mother's Day in 2013 when an intruder broke into her family's home. Tenny details her experiences in her own podcast, Common Ground, and she speaks with me about what she has learned, how she has healed from her experience, and the importance of trusting one's own intuition. She is both brave and candid, and has done an extraordinary job detailing the importance of her own mental health well being and sharing her story in the hopes that it supports and inspires others.

In today's episode, I am joined by Ben McKinley, a big mountain and back country ski coach. Ben and I discuss the value of doing hard things and the importance of teaching younger people how to persevere. Ben thanks his own mentors and the coaches who helped him grow and now he does the same to pay it forward: he mentors and coaches many others in the Pacific Northwest where Ben lives and coaches them in big mountain and back country skiing. We also talk about what it means to be brave, and overcoming our own limitations as we push ourselves to be our best. This is a great episode for all those with an adventurous spirit.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Matt Roe. Matt is the Head Track & Field and Cross Country Coach at Butler University. I know Matt from our days as Division I athletes at the University of Portland, where I was on the tennis team and Matt ran Cross Country and Track. Aside from both being athletes, Matt and I were roommates for two years. Matt shares his professional journey, how he helps athletes achieve more by paradoxically doing less, and the concept of a Not To Do List. We also discuss the transferable and relatable life lessons Matt has learned working in the coaching profession. There’s a lot in here for anyone who wants to push themselves to be the best they can and how to set boundaries and expectations to help people achieve their potential.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Jerry Ferris. Jerry was the winner of Season 3 of the ABC Reality Show, The Bachelorette. This is a fun episode for all you reality television fans out there. We discuss our shared experience participating on The Bachelorette as well as some inside stories from our time together on the show and how we’ve maintained a friendship over the ensuing years. We also talk about how being on the show created some unlikely outcomes for us both. Jerry is introspective and thoughtful, and he offers insights on how the experience impacted him, and what he is doing now as an entrepreneur, podcast host, husband and father.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Amy Tung Barrysmith and Jon Barrysmith from the band, Year of the Cobra. I’m inspired by them —Amy and Jon are a married couple with school aged kids (close in age to my own) and they navigate their career and family life with grace despite years of travel and touring on the road, making music together. Amy regularly challenges herself to do things she’s afraid to do (except anything that has to do with spiders)! They both talked about the importance of hard work and how they hope, and are intentional about, passing along the value of hard work to their children. This is a great listen about raising children intentionally to foster a strong work ethic and pursuit of a passion.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Marcus Harrison Green, founder and publisher of the South Seattle Emerald and columnist at the Seattle Times. Marcus left a career in investment banking to return to his native South Seattle and to be a voice for those that often don’t have one. We spoke about Marcus’ career transition and why he decided to pursue journalism. Our conversation, like most I have had since this podcast began almost two months ago, turned to mental health. Marcus was open about his own mental health and how he’s healed. He said, “Hurt people hurt people and healed people heal people.” Marcus seeks to amplify the authentic narratives of his community through his work at the South Seattle Herald and believes every community should have a conduit to share their stories and an accessible platform for local voices.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Jake Haupert, a conscious travel entrepreneur and founder of The Transformational Travel Council. I’ve known Jake since middle schools days, having met at Hedrick Junior High in Medford, OR, and I’m proud to say Jake has been featured for his expertise on transformational travel in The New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. We talk about the power of travel and how it can help one connect with self and others. We also discuss how men can and should be vulnerable (it’s not always our default] and the importance of men having spaces to get real together. We are both fathers, and so we discuss the impact being fathers have had on us.

In today’s episode, I am joined by diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) software developer Laura Close. Laura is a co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Included, a DEI software start-up aimed at increasing representation among workforce and leadership at every level. Laura and I discuss the importance of creating opportunities and access for underrepresented groups - this is something that is also critical within fire departments across the United States. Laura is also the founder and managing partner of Close Cohen, an executive career coaching firm. We discuss the skills and traits that people need to exhibit to thrive in today’s workplace that has been forever altered by the pandemic.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Highline (WA) Big Picture School Principal Jeff Petty, who has led innovative schools for two decades. We had a great conversation about our current education system and the ways that the pandemic has created more inequity in our schools. We also talk about how to ensure students are not just learning but also doing well mentally, and the role that education can play in student wellness. Jeff draws on his 25 years of experience working in public secondary schools to discuss his leadership style, his take on remote learning throughout the pandemic and how schools can honor the joy of learning.

In today’s episode, I am joined by retired Police Lieutenant Antoine Lane, who draws upon his nearly 30 years in law enforcement to comment on the state of modern policing. From police training to Lane’s experience responding to civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, we discuss his vision for the future of law enforcement, including how he would improve the relationships between the community and police.

In today’s episode, I sit down with infectious disease specialist and professor at the University of Virginia Dr. Scott Heysell to discuss all things Covid-19. Dr. Heysell is on the front lines of fighting infectious disease on a global scale, and uses his broad experience with similar epidemics such as HIV and Tuberculosis to comment on our nation’s response to the novel CoronaVirus. Specifically, Dr. Heysell and I discuss the ways in which equity informs infection rates and access to vaccines, vaccine skepticism, and what the new “normal” might look like in a post-Covid world.