Forged by the Fire

*WARNING* this episode covers some raw content including traumatic deaths and suicide. In this episode, we sit down with Bruce — Chief Fire Officer, mentor, and the man Levi calls his "fire dad." Bruce joined the fire service at 18 and hasn't looked back. What started as a bit of volunteering became a 45-year journey through leadership, loss, identity, and a complete rethink of what it means to be strong.Whether you lead a team, serve your community, or are quietly carrying more than you let on — Bruce's story will hit home.Bruce Nilson - Chief Fire Officer of the Tauranga Volunteer Unit, 45 years as a volunteer firefighter and a respected leader. Bruce is known for being supportive and no-nonsense. ..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Ritchie doesn't lead by talking the most — he leads by listening the best.In this episode of Forged by the Fire, we sit down with Ritchie: a station officer, peer support advocate, and a quietly empathetic leader. He's not the loudest voice in the room — but the wisdom he carries is earned, not borrowed.We dig into what it really means to lead people through hard things: how empathy without balance burns you out, why the old school firefighter identity clashes with the modern workplace, and what happens when communication breaks down at the worst possible moment.This one is for anyone trying to figure out how to show up for others without losing themselves in the process.#mentalhealth #firefighters #frontline #podcast #bbq #teamwork #crewlife ..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Most people think being tough means not feeling anything. KT and Dunnie spent careers as first responders — and they'll tell you that's exactly wrong.In this episode, we sit down with Dunnie and KT — two former first responders — to talk about what it actually means to stay in control when everything around you is falling apart. This isn't theory. These are hard-won lessons from the frontline.Suppressing what you feel doesn't make you stronger. It makes you a ticking clock. This conversation is for anyone who's ever been told to harden up — and felt something break inside when they did.............Kevin Taylor - former police officer with extensive experience including leadership, civil defence, search and rescue, and foreign postings. He is currently deputy mayor of Taupo.  Husband, dad and grandfather. He brings a wealth of experience. Brendon Dunn (Dunnie) - firefighter in Tauranga, mental health advocate within the brigade, and always keen for a yarn. #mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #podcast #bbq..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Toxic workplaces don’t just ruin morale — they slowly take your power if you let them.In this full conversation, the guys unpack how to deal with a toxic workplace  without losing yourself in the noise. They talk through why people give their power away too easily, how workplace culture shapes behaviour, and what it actually looks like to stay grounded when the environment around you is negative, polarised, or draining.If you’ve ever worked in a toxic work environment, dealt with workplace politics, or struggled to keep your peace in hard conversations, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more real conversations on resilience, identity, leadership, and mental strength.#ToxicWorkplace #WorkplaceCulture #MentalHealth #Leadership #PodcastKevin Taylor - former police officer with extensive experience including leadership, civil defence, search and rescue, and foreign postings. He is currently deputy mayor of Taupo.  Husband, dad and grandfather. He brings a wealth of experience. Brendon Dunn (Dunny) - firefighter in Tauranga, mental health advocate within the brigade, fun dad, and always keen for a yarn. ...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

What do you do when you're told you're too short, not good enough, not the right fit?If you're Joe Sullivan — you go win anyway.Joe is a World Champion rower and Olympic Gold Medalist in Double Sculls. But long before the gold medal, there was a stubborn, competitive kid who just kept getting overlooked. In Part 1 of his story, we go back to where it all started — picked up rowing in his teens, constantly told no, filling last-minute spots in races… and smashing the competition every single time.No complaints. No excuses. Just results.Joe's story is a masterclass in quiet resilience. The kind that doesn't announce itself — it just keeps showing up.Joe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist for rowing, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach as well as a humble and caring guy. #mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #podcast #bbq..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Joel, Joe and Levi unpack influence. Joel - ex-firefighter with 8 years experience on the trucks and as a trainer for recruit firefighers. Joel has had a rough journey at times with mental health and life's challenges. He is an awesome guy and an exemplary dad. Joe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist for rowing, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach.#mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #podcast #bbq..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Joe, Joel and Levi unpack radical responsibility, blame culture, resilience, and what ownership really looks like in frontline work, family life, and everyday mistakes. From station culture to parenting, this conversation explores how taking responsibility can reduce anxiety, strengthen mental resilience, and change the way we lead ourselves and others.Joel - ex-firefighter with 8 years experience on the trucks and as a trainer for recruit firefighers. Joel has had a rough journey at times with mental health and life's challenges. He is an awesome guy and an exemplary dad. Joe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist for rowing, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach.#mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #podcast #bbq..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

A raw and honest conversation with Joel, Geordie and Matt about what mental health really looks like on the frontline. We talk isolation, alcohol, identity, culture, tall poppy syndrome, not fitting the mould, and the habits that can quietly drag people deeper into the trenches.This one goes deeper than usual. Less banter, more truth — from people who’ve lived it. If you work in emergency services, support someone who does, or just want a real look behind the uniform, this conversation matters.Joel. ex-firefighter with 8 years experience on the trucks and as a trainer for recruit firefighers. Joel has had a rough journey at time with mental health and life's challenges. He is an awesome guy and an exemplary dad. Geordie - firefighter from Hamilton, advocate for normalising mental health conversations, he has a great story. Matt - works with St John's ambulance service, now in a manager role supporting staff to bring their best to the service. #mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #podcast #bbq..............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Mark gives his presentation created for firefighters on developing resilience. Mark O'Conner - firefighter from Rotorua, active and passionate about peer support and an all round great guyJoe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist for rowing, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach.#mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #resilience #bbq...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Episode 6 - What actually makes a crew feel like family? We talk with Ritchie and Joe to unpack trust, belonging, leadership consistency, and the role of banter in building strong teams. If you’re trying to find your place in a crew—or lead one better—this one’s packed with real-world tools and stories.Richard (Ritchie) Moreland - Station Officer in Greerton fire station. With 40 years as a firefighter and active in peer support since its conception, Ritchie brings a wealth of experience. Joe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist for rowing, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Episode 5 - We talk with Dunny and Mark about how they bring their best as a dad while facing many challenges of being a firefighter. Covering shift work, dealing with traumatic work incidents and fatigue, they share openly about the challenges and their strategies for being present with their kids. Brendon Dunn (Dunny) - firefighter in Tauranga, mental health advocate within the brigade, and always keen for a yarn. Mark O'Conner - firefighter from Rotorua, active and passionate about peer support and an all round great guy#mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #parenting  #bbq...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Episode 4 - Dunny, Dan, Ethan and Levi discuss how to reach out to mates to check in on their mental state.Brendon Dunn (Dunny) - firefighter in Tauranga, mental health advocate within the brigade, and always keen for a yarn. Dan Quate - former professional rugby player for the Highlander's and in Japan. Current firefighter in Kauwerau, New Zealand. He has served in his community with youth and is an all round awesome guy. Ethan Peeters - firefighter from Hamilton, brother to Levi. #mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #ruok #bbq...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Episode 3 - we talk to Dan, Dan and Ethan about anxiety, how perspectives have changed over the years, and how anxiety in the form of anticipation or nervousness can be used to sharpen performance. Dan Lusby - property expert and business manDan Quate - former professional rugby player for the Highlander's and in Japan. Current firefighter in Kauwerau, New Zealand. He has served in his community with youth and is an all round awesome guy. Ethan Peeters - firefighter from Hamilton, brother to Levi. #mentalhealth #frontline #firefighter #anxiety #athletes #bbq...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

Episode 2 - We talk with Kevin Taylor, Dan Quate and Ethan about how identity is formed, a healthy approach to comparison and current cultural norms that impact identity. Kevin Taylor - former police officer with extensive experience including leadership, civil defence, search and rescue, and foreign postings. He is currently deputy mayor of Taupo.  Husband, dad and grandfather. He brings a wealth of experience. Dan Quate - former professional rugby player for the Highlander's and in Japan. Current firefighter in Kauwerau, New Zealand. He has served in his community with youth and is an all round awesome guy. Ethan Peeters - firefighter from Hamilton, brother to Levi. ...............Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.

We talk to guest speakers Kevin Taylor and Joe Sullivan about what it means to have positive mental health and how they have achieved this in their lives.Kevin Taylor - former police officer with extensive experience including leadership, civil defence, search and rescue, and foreign postings. He is currently deputy mayor of Taupo.  Husband, dad and grandfather. He brings a wealth of experience. Joe Sullivan - Olympic gold medallist, two time America's cup winner, Joe is an elite sportsman, firefighter and rowing coach................Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BBQ. It’s where real people sit down, share food, and talk openly about resilience, mental health, identity, and purpose—without filters or fluff.Hosted by a firefighter studying psychology, the show brings together frontline workers, leaders, athletes, and everyday people who’ve been tested by life. Each episode blends lived experience with practical psychological insight, turning chaos into clarity and struggle into understanding.Pull up a seat. The BBQ is on.