Podcast Episodes

The Fire You Carry

Hosted by Nole and Kevin, two active-duty Los Angeles County Firemen with over a decade of service each, this podcast explores the fire we all carry within. Join them as they interview respected men and share lessons on how to be better husbands, fathers, and leaders. Drawing from the front lines, they tackle issues like trauma, fitness, and family life, providing universal principles for any man looking to stoke his inner fire and live with purpose.

On this episode of The Fire You Carry, Nole sits down with his former youth pastor and longtime friend, Cliff Carey (Executive Pastor at Sunrise Community Church and host of The Backshed Bible Study).

Cliff and Nole take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about growing up rugged at Hume Lake, hitting dirt berms in a Suburban, and the lessons learned along the way. But the heart of this conversation dives deep into the intentional calling of fatherhood: how to guide boys through their teenage years and launch them into Godly, capable men.

They break down the dangers of ”snowplow parenting,” the importance of letting kids face hard tasks and failure, practical frameworks for teaching life skills, and why our children need to see the real, uncompartmentalized version of who we are.

Key Takeaways & Episode Highlights

The Hume Lake Days: Nole’s youth, the freedom of growing up in the mountains, and memories of crazy road trips with Cliff.
Success vs. Significance: Shifting focus in your 50s toward leaving a lasting legacy in your children.
Feedback from an Older Son: What Cliff learned when his college-age son told him what he wished he had learned at home.
Intentional Breakfasts & Practical Roadmaps: Cliff’s strategy with his 15-year-old, focusing on knowing Jesus, knowing yourself, and becoming self-sufficient.
Resisting ”Snowplow Parenting”: Why stepping back and letting boys struggle through physical chores and problem-solving builds true character.
Modeling Over Lecturing: Why showing emotional honesty, healthy conflict resolution in marriage, and spiritual consistency matters far more than just talking about it.
Dropping the Compartments: Why fathers, especially first responders and leaders, need to bring their genuine selves home rather than shutting down.

The Back Shed Bible Study

https://open.spotify.com/show/4u8xYpEipoeZl60bgRa6Q1?si=1592350a8f914140