The Championized Podcast

For this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with former (retired) Chicago Fire Fighter Bryan Velez. He's happy and healthy while being a Training Captain in Florida. Tune in as we talk about his career journey, his transition to retirement, and the call that helped shape his already stellar perspective on training to new highs.  

In this episode of The FIRE Podcast, host Severen Henderson sits down with his good friends Quintion Echols and Anthony Walker Jr., both seasoned firefighters from Columbus, Ohio. Together, they dive into their unique experiences in the fire service, reflecting on the different roles they’ve taken on and the challenges they’ve faced throughout their careers. Beyond the uniform, the conversation shifts to life outside the firehouse, sharing personal stories and fun anecdotes that show how they balance the intensity of their work with non-fire department adventures. Join us for an insightful and entertaining chat that’s all about career, life, and brotherhood.

Sev talks with the creative dynamic duo behind Swish House and more Advertising

Sev sits down with Jonathon Dues and Caitlin Ackerman of Swish House to talk fitness.

Sev talks with his producer Danny Kulasik about his work in music production, podcast production, and his personal history.

Sev speaks with Capt. Malick Bilal, President of the IABPFF Chicago FD Chapter. Topics include minorities in the fire service.

Sev talks with frequent guest and best friend Troy about the upcoming US elections.

Guests: John Hardy, Alexander Watts, and Samuel Clark Sev gets the opportunity to speak with 3 retired Chicago Fire Department Paramedics. 2 of whom started the Paramedic program in the City of Chicago as we know it. The group talks about their experiences being a part of CFD and offers advice for future generations of First Responders.

Sev sits down and talks with AC Mikel and Dekalb Walcott III being firefighters, their music careers and what’s next for them as a rap duo.

Sev talks with Retired Chiefs Dekalb Walcott and Chief Les Noy. They talk about The Book Black Hero’s of Fire. And the upcoming 150th year Anniversary of Engine 21 the house where the fire industries Fire Pole was invented.

Sev talks with Brent VanBruaene of the IRRS about a swift water rescue class that he took.

Sev sits down to speak with Antwan Dobson, an officer in the Chicago Fire Dept. about his journey to the job.

Sev talks with WMW Entertainment about modeling, acting & overall entertainment.

Sev and Ambrosia get the opportunity to speak with an out of country guest Lee Reeve who was in the midwest to talk about all things cider and his magazine publication from Japan.

Sev gives advice from some sources

Sev talks with his friend Darryl Walton about fire service, friendship and life.

Sev + Jeff speak about Jeff's new eBook dedicated to mental health and their participation with Amare Global.

Ambrosia + Sev talk with Michelle Foik of Eris Cider, Brewing and Restaurant about imposter syndrome within the service industry.

Endometriosis discussion for March awareness month

Sev talks to the principal and two student graduates of the Black Fire Brigade. They talk about first response, being minorities in the service and supporting the community. Teri Winston (Principal of BFB) Javar Murphy (BFB Graduate) Gabby Carter (BFB Graduate)

Sev talks to the dispatcher of the incident involving deceased officer Ella French

Sev sits down with Keana Tucker who is a mental health advocate. Together they talk about issues surrounding mental health issues.

Sev talks to an old high school friend about her role in the mental health world as a professional mental health psychologist.

Sev visits the Village of Lincolnshire to talk firefighting, on & off duty activities and rescue dogs

Sev talks to father & son Fire Department members

Sev gets interviewed on all of his entrepreneurial journeys.

Sev talks with childhood friend Charles Nickens about mental health, being an entrepreneur and sports.

Sev sits down in person with fellow firefighter Elliot Waller. They discuss comedy, hobbies, and life activities outside of the firehouse.

Sev talks with a friend about being an engineer on the Chicago Fire Department

Sev Speaks With An Officer From 3 Cops Talk

Sev talks to accountability coach from UnStopABLE Coaching Services, Terrance Leftridge about public speaking and entrepreneurship

Sev talks to his first partner in a full time capacity when he started in East Cleveland. They talk about mental health & the fire service

Sev and the Downing Brothers talk real estate, TV shows, Podcasts and Fire. The Downing Brothers, known for their show "Double Down" on HGTV, and currently starring on “Backyard Bar Wars” on truTV

Sev talks to Vince and Randall from the podcast "Within thin lines" and enjoy the bourbon "Tango Hotel"

Episode 20: Ken Johnson and Vince Zittnan by Severen Henderson

Sev and lewis talk about uprooting and moving for a job

Severen talks to one of his good friends from the fire department, Dorian. Dorian is a native of Chicago born and raised. Dorian shares a very personal story of an accident that he had.

Special Whiskey episode with Fire and Iron media Podcasters from Chicagos Bravest stories and Alpha Koncepts. we all sit down and learn about Whiskey from Master Distiller Bill Besser and Bartender/ Manager Tony Staunton

Severen talks to long time friends Antoine Crews and Troy Barry in this 2 part episode

Sev Talks to Jake Biros longtime friend about their journey from Cleveland to Chicago and ultimatley working for the Chicago fire department

Sev Talks to Doug Aller From New Concepts Benefit Group about all things financial, money and how it relates to the public safety employee. from the start of a career until the end.

Part 2 with Michael Spencer and where Mike is in his life today

Severen talks to Mike Spencer about his journey fulfilling his dream of becoming a firefighter/paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department and the crazy twist of fate life threw his way.

Save talks to gold star life coach Emily

Sev talks to long time friends Chief Johnny Brewington and Captain Mark Mccary of the Woodmere Fire Department.

Sev talks to long time friend Troy Berry about politics, sports, pop culture and friendship.

Sev talks with friend Troy Berry and a conversation with Tony Staunton about alcohol and sobriety.

Sev sits down with his mom and kids and talks about having a son and father who is a first responder

Severen talks to Dan Persinger about Chaplaincy and the fire service.

Severen talks to Thomas Kral, firearms instructor, gun rights advocate and owner of Alpha Koncepts.