In this episode of The Overhaul , host Preston Lyons of Relentless Rejects sits down with Andrew Johnston to dive into the heart of what makes great firefighters—and great leaders. From the lessons learned at the LCC Fire School to the importance of building strong relationships, Andrew opens up about the challenges of leadership, navigating imposter syndrome , and how staying grounded can make all the difference. And because leadership isn’t just about tactics and titles, Preston and Andrew als...
Sep 15, 2025•1 hr 50 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, host Preston Lyons from the Relentless Rejects engages with Rob Policht, a company officer and founder of Flow and Vant. They discuss the importance of family support in the fire service, Rob's unexpected journey into firefighting, and the unique challenges of leadership, especially during crises like COVID-19. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning, credibility, and accountability in leadership roles, as well as the significance of ...
Sep 01, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of The Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons from the Relentless Rejects engages with Captain Todd Edwards, a seasoned fire service professional, discussing the importance of family support, continuous learning, and the challenges of company officer development. They explore the evolving nature of fire service conferences, the critical role of company officers in shaping future firefighters, and the need for effective training for acting officers. The conversation emphasizes the t...
Aug 15, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons engages with Chief Brian Brush, discussing the importance of family, community, and brotherhood in the fire service. They explore the need for a positive shift in mindset, the significance of education and training, and the challenges of recruitment. Chief Brush shares insights on building a search culture, understanding NFPA standards, and the impact of health on firefighters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of legacy and co...
Aug 01, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons discusses the importance of mental health in the fire service with Blake Stinnett, co-founder of Next Rung, and the initiatives taken to support first responders. They delve into personal stories, the impact of family, and the mission of Next Rung to provide peer support and resources for mental health. The conversation also explores community engagement through podcasts and events, such as Bearers of the Oath, highlighting th...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons and guest Ryan Sellick discuss the importance of mentorship, training, and the differences between fire service and law enforcement training. They explore the challenges of mastering skills in the fire service, the psychological aspects of training under stress, and the need for focused skill development. Sellick emphasizes the importance of feedback and coaching in helping firefighters improve their skills and decision-making...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 55
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Austin Beier, a dedicated firefighter and co-founder of the Heart of the Lakes Fire Summit. They discuss the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career in the fire service, the importance of mentorship and networking, and the differences between paid and volunteer firefighters. Austin shares his journey into the fire service, the significance of ongoing training and education, and the goals for the...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 54
In this episode, Chief Candace Ashby shares her extensive experience in the fire service, discussing the importance of communication, leadership, and problem-solving within fire departments. She emphasizes the need for trust between administration and operations, the challenges faced by firefighters, and the common issues that plague organizations. Through her Boss Series, she aims to foster better leadership and accountability in the fire service, advocating for a bottom-up approach to leadersh...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Donovan Carasco, a Texas firefighter, about his journey in the fire service, the importance of family support, and the challenges of transitioning between departments. They discuss the significance of department culture, the impact of test anxiety on performance, and the passion for truck work. Donovan shares insights on founding Coyote Fire Training and navigating the politics of fire training, emphasizing the nee...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects Podcast, host Preston Lyons and guest Chip Ashford discuss various themes surrounding the fire service, including family dynamics, the legacy of firefighting, the importance of firehouse culture, and the challenges faced by firefighters in balancing work and family life. Chip shares his experiences as a second-generation firefighter, the significance of mentorship, and the need for training and community support. The conversation also delves into the evo...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 39 min
In this episode, Preston and Josh discuss the importance of mental health resources for first responders, emphasizing the need for support systems within families and the fire service. They explore the challenges of balancing work and family life, coping mechanisms, and the impact of mental health on firefighters. The conversation also highlights the significance of mentorship and informal leadership, advocating for a supportive firehouse culture that encourages open discussions about mental hea...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of the Straight Up Podcast, hosts Relentless Rejects and John Chambliss discuss the importance of a warrior mindset in the fire service, the impact of leadership on morale, and the challenges of promotions based on testing rather than experience. They emphasize the need for strong support from administration and the value of audience-driven content in their podcast. The conversation also touches on the significance of social media in shaping perceptions within the fire community....
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 2
This conversation features a heartfelt interview between Dylan Clark and his grandfather, Edward Porter, who has dedicated 72 years to public service, including significant time in the fire service. They discuss the evolution of firefighting, memorable experiences, and the importance of legacy in the fire service. Dylan shares his journey and the influence of his grandfather on his career, while Ed reflects on his early days in firefighting and law enforcement. The conversation highlights the ch...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 47
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, Preston and Sean engage in a deep conversation with Chief Eric Wheaton about various aspects of firefighting, family dynamics, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of mental health resources for first responders, the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, and the generational differences in how firefighters share their experiences. Chief Wheaton emphasizes the significance of raising resilient children, maintain...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Summary In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host and firefighter enthusiast Preston Lyons speaks with Sean Dorobiala, a fellow firefighter from Colorado. They discuss the importance of family support in the demanding fire service, Sean's unique path to becoming a firefighter, the significance of mentorship in personal and professional growth, and the vital role of camaraderie and culture within firehouses. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing work an...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode, Preston discusses the critical importance of mental health in the fire service, emphasizing the need for real conversations, overcoming failure, and building a supportive culture with John Chambliss from 48 STR8 Supplements. They explore the impact of tragedy on brotherhood, the difference between motivation and discipline, and the significance of creating a safe environment for firefighters. The conversation highlights the necessity of building relationships and community withi...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, Captain Arthur Ashley shares his extensive experience in the fire service, discussing the importance of mental health resources for first responders, the significance of family, and the transition into retirement. He emphasizes the need for a strong mindset and training in firefighting, the critical role of leadership and company officers, and the unique responsibilities of truck companies. The conversation also touches on the importance of conf...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, Jeremy Sanders discusses his journey with Crew 1st Culture, emphasizing the importance of family, mentorship, and building a supportive tribe. He shares personal experiences of vulnerability, resilience, and the challenges he faced in the fire service, including a significant demotion. Jeremy reflects on the concept of the Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and growth through adversity, and encourages listeners to embrace their stories and support one another....
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 43
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host and firefighter Preston Lyons interviews his wife, Kellie Lyons, about their journey together, the challenges of being married to a firefighter, and the importance of communication and balance. They discuss Kellie's career as a Physician Assistant, the impact of Preston's job on their family life, and the mental health challenges that come with the profession. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and support between partne...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Summary In this conversation, Preston reflects on the year 2024, discussing personal growth, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the evolution of the fire service. He emphasizes the significance of facing criticism, setting goals for 2025, and building a supportive community. The discussion highlights the challenges firefighters face and the need for continuous improvement and resilience in their careers.
Dec 31, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode of the Rejects Podcast, Preston interviews Brian McRee, a firefighter from a combination department in Georgia. They discuss Brian's journey from the military to the fire service, the importance of brotherhood and training, and the impact of personal loss on his perspective of firefighting. Brian shares his experiences with accountability in the fire service, the need for aggressive training, and the importance of building traditions in a young department. The conversation emphas...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston engages in a dynamic conversation with the Unmasked Firemen, a group of passionate firefighters from Atlanta. They discuss their journeys into the fire service, the importance of fitness and accountability, and the mission behind their platform aimed at inspiring younger firefighters. The conversation highlights the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of a supportive community, and the need for honesty and t...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Preston and Captain Kevin Housley discuss the importance of family, relationships, and mental health in the firefighting profession. Kevin shares his journey into firefighting, emphasizing the significance of human performance psychology and resilience. They explore proactive steps firefighters can take to foster a healthy work environment and the role of training and teaching in personal and professional growth. The conversation highlights the need for a cultural shift in the f...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston speaks with Matt Ballard, a seasoned paramedic and founder of Freeburn 2023. They delve into Matt's journey through the fire service, his struggles with mental health, and the importance of peer support and community resources. Matt shares his experiences with trauma, the stigma surrounding mental health in first responders, and the transformative power of EMDR therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for open dialogue, underst...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this conversation, Preston discusses the challenges faced by acting officers in the fire service, particularly when working in a culture that does not align with their personal standards and motivations. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal standards, leading by example, and finding ways to motivate others in a crew that may not share the same drive. The conversation highlights the need for resilience and the continuous pursuit of personal and professional growth, even in chal...
Nov 20, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston engages with guest Stewie Stawecki, discussing their personal journeys in the fire service, the importance of training, accountability, and the impact of family support. They reflect on the evolution of the fire service post-9/11, the significance of mastering the basics, and the value of networking through conferences. Stewie shares his experiences, lessons learned from real-life scenarios, and how he transformed challenges into op...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 36
This conversation with Preston and Michael Ramirez delves into the experiences and challenges faced by firefighters, emphasizing the importance of community, support, and mental health. The speakers share personal anecdotes, discuss career paths, and reflect on the VFAMM, devotionals, and 75 Hard. They highlight the significance of training, networking, and personal growth within the profession, ultimately fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared understanding among firefighters.
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects podcast, host Preston interviews Noah Katz, a captain at Engine Company 15 in Phoenix and co-founder of Priority Fire Training. The conversation explores the importance of family in the fire service, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the mission-driven mindset that fuels success in both areas. Noah shares insights on creating a supportive firehouse culture, the impact of community events like the Jesse Castillo conference, and the p...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode, Preston and Zach Menden discuss the importance of family in the context of fitness and personal growth. Zach shares his journey from powerlifting to incorporating his children into his fitness routine, emphasizing the need to prioritize family while maintaining personal health. They explore how to tailor fitness programs for firefighters and the significance of tracking progress in training. The conversation highlights the balance between personal goals and family responsibiliti...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode of the Relentless Rejects Podcast, Preston discusses the challenges of balancing a career in firefighting with family responsibilities. He shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of communication with family, the struggle for work-life balance, and the significance of establishing a legacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for firefighters to prioritize their families while also pursuing their passion for the fire service, ultimately advocating for a holist...
Oct 18, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 32
