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Ben Strahan is a Hotshot Superintendent and wildland firefighter with over 25 years of operational leadership on the fireline. Ben has spent decades in high-risk environments where clarity, discipline, and trust mean survival. His journey through fire has shaped a deeper calling—one that now centers around helping others cultivate resilience, emotional strength, and self-awareness. Through consulting, mentorship, and public speaking, Ben bridges the gap between tactical readiness and inner leadership, guiding others to face the fires within as courageously as those in the wild.More about Ben:Moment Consulting: https://momentconsultingllc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benstrahan/Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction to Ben Strahan00:01:05 Background in Wildland Firefighting00:02:15 What It Means to Be a Hotshot00:04:15 Physical Demands and Gear Loadout00:05:27 How Long is Each Assignment?00:06:38 How or Where Do You Sleep?00:08:11 Smokejumpers vs. Hotshots00:09:42 Path to Becoming a Hotshot00:11:08 Qualifications and What It Takes00:14:54 Transition Into Leadership and Mental Health Work00:16:14 Defining Self-Leadership00:17:24 Wellness Challenges in Firefighting00:21:23 From Trauma to Purpose00:25:15 Shifting Culture Through Local Influence00:23:24 Building Good People Over Good Firefighters00:24:46 Identifying Character and Integrity00:31:47 The Carr Fire00:32:21 What His Position Has Taught Ben About Leadership00:35:54 Good vs. Bad Leadership Traits00:37:32 Advice for New Firefighters00:39:23 Most Common Physical Prep Mistakes00:42:15 How to Eat Well on Assignment00:43:29 Blurb - Fuel My Day Foods00:44:11 How Much Water to Carry on Assignment00:45:47 What's Next for Ben?00:47:09 Ben's Book Suggestion00:48:20 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received00:49:18 Outro
Welcome to "The Collective," where we embark on the journey of daily betterment and living our best lives. Join our diverse panel discussions with individuals from various backgrounds, all striving for personal growth.In this episode, we're honored to host Ben Strahan, a wildland firefighter, superintendent of a hotshot team, and mental health advocate; Evan Stewart, a former Canadian Army soldier, now assistant deputy chief firefighter and wildland firefighter/rescuer; and Rob Redekopp, a former private investigator, now independent insurance adjuster and wildland fire investigator. Together, they discuss the topic of "Wildfire."From those on the frontlines battling flames to the investigators uncovering their origins, our guests share firsthand insights into the physical, mental, and emotional toll of fighting wildfires. They explore how leadership, teamwork, and preparation play critical roles in high-risk environments and reflect on the evolving challenges of wildland firefighting in an era of increasing fire intensity.This conversation sheds light on the resilience, strategy, and sacrifices required to stand against nature's most destructive force.With weekly 2-hour releases, "The Collective" offers casual yet profound discussions, drawing from personal experiences to inspire collective wisdom. Tune in and join our community dedicated to positivity, growth, and informed dialogue. #TheCollective #PersonalGrowth #Creativity #Podcast
Ben Strahan - is currently a Hotshot Superintendent of an elite Wildland Firefighting team known as Hotshots. Widely considered the best at fighting wildland fires in the world, Hotshots are known for their high physical performance and ability to solve complex problems within the wildland fire arena. With over 20 years of experience, Ben has developed a deep understanding on how to lead teams of individuals in high-risk environments to achieve a common goal. Ben's true passion in life is to serve others in the discovery of self. He approaches this by telling deep and powerful stories about his past struggles with suicide and how he overcame it. His unique way of sharing his story in an authentic way creates an environment that allows others to feel safe, so their authenticity can be expressed, and they too can find the growth or healing they are looking for. Ben is also the founder of Moment Consulting LLC, a consulting company bringing corporations and organizations awareness and understanding of how self-leadership is the catalyst of high-performance teams. He also works directly with first responders who struggle with mental health balance, by exploring alternative healing methods. As an advocate for mental, physical, and emotional resiliency, Ben is on a mission to elevate himself by elevating others, through sharing perspectives so we can all collectively grow together. Tune in as Ben joins Bobby Marshall in studio to discuss life lessons, mental health psilocybin, wildland fires, Native American culture, wildland firefighting, hot shots, smoke jumpers, fire mitigation, mountain life, family and so much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.www.themountainsidepodcast.comwww.7waystomedicine.comwww.healtheheros.orgwww.mountainmindtricks.comwww.bornofashes.orgwww.grassrootswildlandfirefighters.comSponsor Links:www.JockoFuel.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all Jocko Fuel products! Use Code TMS10 to save. www.ONNIT.comMountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS to receive 10% off ONNIT products! www.OriginMaine.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off Origin & Jocko Fuel products! Use Code TMS10 to save. Other Affiliates Links
Ben Strahan - is currently a Hotshot Superintendent of an elite Wildland Firefighting team known as Hotshots. Widely considered the best at fighting wildland fires in the world, Hotshots are known for their high physical performance and ability to solve complex problems within the wildland fire arena. With over 20 years of experience, Ben has developed a deep understanding on how to lead teams of individuals in high-risk environments to achieve a common goal. Ben's true passion in life is to serve others in the discovery of self. He approaches this by telling deep and powerful stories about his past struggles with suicide and how he overcame it. His unique way of sharing his story in an authentic way creates an environment that allows others to feel safe, so their authenticity can be expressed, and they too can find the growth or healing they are looking for. Ben is also the founder of Moment Consulting LLC, a consulting company bringing corporations and organizations awareness and understanding of how self-leadership is the catalyst of high-performance teams. He also works directly with first responders who struggle with mental health balance, by exploring alternative healing methods. As an advocate for mental, physical, and emotional resiliency, Ben is on a mission to elevate himself by elevating others, through sharing perspectives so we can all collectively grow together. Tune in as Ben joins Bobby Marshall virtually and discusses wildland fires, wildland firefighting, hot shots, smoke jumpers, helitack modules, fire mitigation, mountain life, family and so much more. Please subscribe or like us on social media platforms for updates on shows, events, and episode drops.www.themountainsidepodcast.comwww.7waystomedicine.comwww.healtheheros.orgwww.mountainmindtricks.comwww.bornofashes.orgwww.grassrootswildlandfirefighters.comSponsor Links:www.jockofuel.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all Jocko Fuel products! Use Code TMS10 to save. www.TRXtraining.comMountain Side listeners use Exclusive Link to receive specials on select TRX products! www.OriginMaine.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off Origin & Jocko Fuel products! Use Code TMS10 to save. Other Affiliates Links
Wildland firefighters tend to be a magnanimous, larger than life, and compassionate crowd... Our stories, legacies, triumphs, and tribulations are oftentimes passed along through a very tribal, and (almost exclusively) verbal means.That's where The American Wildfire Experience comes in... To catalog and preserve this verbal history through digital storytelling...The American Wildfire Experience is a nonprofit organization who's roots are deep within the wildland firefighting community. Its primary mission is to support the wildland firefighters, and the communities they serve, by capturing the story of wildfire through digital media...Today on The Anchor Point Podcast: We get to hear the history of the AWE and The Smokey Generation's start, its purpose, its future projects, and we get to announce the winners of the 2022 Smokey Generation Micro-Grants.A little about Bethany:"Bethany Hannah is the executive director of the American Wildfire Experience and founder of The Smokey Generation. She has been involved in the wildland fire community since 1998 and has a passion for empowering others to take bold action. The American Wildfire Experience (AWE) is a small non-profit rooted in understanding, examining, and telling the story of wildland fire. Our mission is to support wildland firefighters and the communities they serve."Congratulations to all of the recipients of the AWE/Smokey Generation Micro-grant award winners this year! I look forward to seeing all of the projects come to fruition, and preserved in a digital space.Also, I want to say: "The Anchor Point Podcast would like to thank the AWE, it's board members, and Bethany Hannah for the honor of being awarded the 'AWE 2022 Ralph Langlois Impact Award' for mental health focus... This is a huge honor, and my gratitude is beyond measure!In honor of the people that, both past and present, lived and breathed the hardships of fighting wildland fire - I would like to dedicate this award to the people that struggle, or have struggled, with mental health challenges and the darkness that you may have experienced... I especially wish to honor and dedicate this award to the friends, mentors, and fire family that are no longer with us.For everyone out there: Always know that there are many peaks and valleys in our journey of life... And as my good friend, Ben Strahan, has said before: 'The valleys are a dark and low place... But, what's the strange beauty of the dark and lowly valley's of our lives? Well, the only place we can look from there, is up'.In acceptance of this award - I will be donating the full amount of the grant back to the AWE so that someone else may be able to build upon the foundation of this project that preserves the legacy, and tells the story, of the many wildland firefighters across the globe who go unrecognized in their efforts..."You know the drill...Stay safe, stay savage... Enjoy!..........................Updates!We launched a Patreon!!! If you guys would like to support us, head over to our Patreon Page!https://www.patreon.com/theanchorpointpodcast..........................Sponsors:The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...Mystery RanchNeed badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!https://www.mysteryranch.comHotshot BreweryWanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!https://www.hotshotbrewing.comNot sponsors of The Anchor Point Podcast, but great organizations:The Wildland Firefighter FoundationAnd, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!https://wffoundation.orgThe Smokey GenerationWanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!http://wildfire-experience.org
This episode is Real-Talk and perspective from active Hotshot Superintendent :Ben Strahan- What is a Hotshot?- What Mental and Lifestyle Challenges do Hotshots deal with?- Hear from Bens story of Mental wellness low points and breakthrough If you're looking for some hope or some help, listen to this episode and head over check out resources and projects Ben Strahan is involved with.IG: @BenStrahan@wildlandwellnessfoundation
Ben Strahan shares his transformation into a Jaguar Warrior and the raw power of being of service from his entire being. Ben speaks about his experience from the entire retreat in Mexico and how he had a much deeper transformation than he was expecting. We discuss what a warrior is and why defending the truth is his purpose in life now. How the jaguar warrior has so much power but with that power comes real responsibility to not use it. Ben drops so many truth bombs during this episode you don't want to miss the wisdom. Catch the video version in the Wildland Firefighter Mental Health FB Group  Links: https://www.wildlandwellnessfoundation.com/ https://www.mountainmindtricks.com/backcountrybreakthroughs https://www.mountainmindtricks.com/mudwater mountainmindtricks.com WFF MENTAL HEALTH FB GROUP
US Forest Service firefighters get paid half of what an entry level firefighter in California makes and they do some of the most unglamorous jobs. So, in this episode we're going sat down with Ben Strahan to talk about his experience as a Hot Shot and his part in the grassroots effort to secure better pay for firefighters in the US Forest Service. He even gives us a little relationship advice in the process. This episode is not to be missed! Follow BenInsta: https://www.instagram.com/benstrahan/Ben's Reading List:Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan HolidayDUNE
Podcast Host Thomas Wurm and Co-host Anne Martin welcome Ben Strahan, the Superintendent for the Eldorado Hotshots, an elite wildland firefighting crew out of California. Ben has years of Hotshot experience, provides quality insight on mental health in the wildland community, and shares his story of suicidal thoughts and his beneficial journey with plant medicine.  We dive into how identifying ourselves as our jobs can be problematic but serve up solutions to become more than just what you do. We learn the importance of life and how to share that gift with our crews, our families, and everyone we love doing life with.  We cover mental health, depression, suicidal thoughts, plant medicine, resiliency in the wildland fire community. Ben gives us the best metaphor for peaks and valleys we've ever heard and Ben's super effective list of daily check-ins that keep him healthy, sound, resilient, and the best leader he can be.  Links: Instagram @benstrahan  Wildland Wellness Foundation - https://www.wildlandwellnessfoundation.com/ Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies - https://maps.org/ Mountain Mind Tricks - mountainmindtricks.com
Ben Strahan is a veteran wildland Hotshot, human performance coach and athlete. We discuss his journey into the fire service, the physical demands of wildland firefighting, the inmate crew program, staffing, mental health, why fires are getting bigger and so much more.
This is one powerful episode... Everyone needs to hear this!Today on the show - 20 year Wildland Firefighter veteran and Hotshot Superintendent Ben Strahan sits down to talk about his experience in confronting and conquering his own mental health struggles over the course of his career, his philosophy of "need" vs. "desire", and his 9 tenants that he lives his life by to make it more purposeful and fulfilling...His message is absolutely powerful - He hopes that others out there listen to this, and it helps them through their journey of life...If you have any questions, feel free to hit up Ben here:https://www.instagram.com/benstrahan/https://www.facebook.com/ben.strahan.9You guys know the drill...Stay safe, stay savage!Enjoy!..........................Updates!We have received some unfortunate news regarding some injuries and complete losses of property with some of our folks in the field. Please check out our new landing page to help these firefighters get back on their feet again:https://anchorpointpodcast.com/help-a-wildland-firefighterWe launched a Patreon!!! If you guys would like to support us, head over to our Patreon Page!https://www.patreon.com/theanchorpointpodcastThe new website is live! Be sure to check our the "Resources" page for some folks in the industry that are doing incredible things for us!http://anchorpointpodcast.com..........................Sponsors:The Anchor Point Podcast is supported by the following wonderful folks...Mystery RanchNeed badass packs? Then look no further than Mystery Ranch!https://www.mysteryranch.comManscapedNeed to "clean up" for your significant other? Look no further than Manscaped!Save 20% off and get free shipping site wide with code "anchorpoint"!https://www.manscaped.comHotshot BreweryWanna pick up our Anchor Point Podcast merch or need killer coffee? Hit up Hotshot Brewery!!!https://www.hotshotbrewing.comThe Smokey GenerationWanna get some history and knowledge on Wildland Fire? Hit up The Smokey Generation!http://wildfire-experience.orgNot a sponsor of The Anchor Point Podcast, but a great organization:The Wildland Firefighter FoundationAnd, as always, please consider supporting this great nonprofit organization - The Wildland Firefighter Foundation!https://wffoundation.org
In this episode of the IoT Time Podcast, Ken Briodagh, Editorial Director at IoT Evolution (iotevolutionworld.com), sits down with Ben Forgan, CEO, and Ben Strahan, head of developer relations, both of Hologram(hologram.io), to talk about Partnerships, the IoT industry, and how awesome IoT Time is. This episode is sponsored by the IoT Evolution Expo (IoTEvolutionExpo.com). Tweet me @KenBriodagh & @IoTEvolution.
This week Josh Owens talks with Ben Strahan, Ramsay Lanier, and Charley Key (Losant).
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk to Eric Kryski and David Luecke of Feathers. Feathers is a minimalist real-time framework for tomorrow's apps.
Josh Owens, Ben Strahan, and Ramsay Lanier talk to Richard Feldman about No Red Ink and using Elm.
Josh Owens, Ben Strahan, and Ramsay Lanier of talk to Wes Bos about React.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with special guest Bonnie Eisenman about her new book Learning React Native.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Chris McCord about Phoenix and Elixir.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Justin Meyer about Bitovi.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Shawn Young of Classcraft.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Sam Corcos and Ryan Swapp.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Ry Walker of Astronomer and Paul Dowman of OK Grow.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan speak with Mike Perham and Mark Shropshire.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Aaron Cammarata of Void Alpha, Matt Wagerfield, and Justin Windle of Moon.co.
Join Josh Owens and Ben Strahan talk with Bryan Reinero about where MongoDB is, where it's going, and how it interacts with Meteor.js.
Join hosts Josh Owens and Ben Strahan as they have a deep dive on the topic of using other front-end technologies instead of Blaze with Meteor. Special guests include Jeff Wear from Mixmax and Uri Goldshtein from Meteor Development Group
Join Josh Owens and Ben Strahan along with special guests Dean Radcliffe and Pete Corey as they discuss new security paradigms and how they got started with Meteor in the first place and how it compares to Ruby on Rails.
Join hosts Josh Owens and Ben Strahan as they talk to Colby 'Cheeze' Williams and Paul Dowman about the process of learning Meteor and the work that goes into teaching other people Meteor.
Josh Owens and Ben Strahan along with Nate Strauser and Ryan Glover (aka "The Meteor Chef") go behind the scenes of weWorkMeteor.com and jobs.theMeteorChef.com then finish up talking about our favorite Atmosphere packages.
Join Josh Owens and Ben Strahan as they discuss all things developer workflow and the things they hate about Meteor, with guests Abhi Aiyer and Max Savin.
Join Josh Owens and Ben Strahan with their special guests Abhi Aiyer and Alex Corre from WorkPop.com as they talk about mobile apps and engineering culture with Meteor.
Join Josh Owens and Ben Strahan with their special guests Sacha Grief and Jeremy Shimko as they talk about deploying, hosting, and scaling Meteor apps.