The Overhaul Podcast

Who you were doesn’t define you, but what you do next does . In this episode, firefighter and author Nichole O’Donnell shares her journey from a troubled past to building a career in the fire service. Known as “The Salty Rookie,” Nichole breaks down the reality of growth, discipline, and what it takes to earn your place in a profession built on standards. This conversation goes beyond surface-leve...

Most firefighters don’t have a knowledge problem; they have an execution problem. In this episode, Josh Banks breaks down what actually drives performance in the fire service: accountability, training consistency, and the ability to execute under pressure. This conversation covers leadership, fitness, decision-making, and the realities of balancing work and family life. From real-world training in...

What separates average leaders from those who actually move the fire service forward? In this episode, Chief Jason Hoevelmann breaks down the reality of leadership in today’s fire service—where expectations are high, pressure is constant, and leaders are never truly off the clock. Drawing from decades of experience and national-level instruction, Chief Hoevelmann shares practical insights on mento...

What happens when pressure isn’t something you avoid—but something you chase? In this episode, firefighter and Mississippi Smoke Diver Josh Bourque breaks down what it means to live up to a legacy while building your own identity in the fire service. As a second-generation firefighter, Josh shares the weight of expectation, the responsibility of the job, and the role faith and family play in keepi...

What does real leadership in the fire service actually look like? In this episode, Battalion Chief Adam Patterson breaks down the realities of leadership beyond the rank—where mental health, family, and brotherhood all collide. This isn’t theory. Adam shares lessons from his transition into command, the weight of responsibility, and the importance of staying grounded as a husband, father, and lead...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast , host Preston Lyons sits down with firefighter Justin Carter to discuss leadership, sobriety, mentorship, and the culture of the fire service. Justin shares his personal journey navigating identity beyond the badge, his path to sobriety, and the lessons he’s learned through mentorship and leadership in the firehouse. The conversation explores the balance be...

In this bonus episode of the Overhaul Podcast , Preston Lyons sits down with Preston Goldstein to break down one of the most anticipated firefighter training events in the country — March Mayhem Fire Conference . We discuss what makes March Mayhem such a powerful gathering for firefighters and first responders: world-class instructors, hands-on training, meaningful conversations, and a culture tha...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast , host Preston Lyons sits down with firefighter Chris “Dragon” Scott to talk about the journey from complacency to commitment in the fire service. Chris shares the honest story of how he went from being overweight and disconnected from the job to becoming deeply passionate about training, mentorship, and building a culture of improvement within his departmen...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons sits down with Haley Scellick , nurse practitioner and co-founder of First Responder Health and Wellness , to address a hard truth: many first responders are operating in chronic stress and calling it “normal.” Haley explains how fatigue, poor sleep, mood swings, weight gain, and declining performance are often early signs of hormonal imbalanc...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons sits down with Captain Jay Bonnifield of the Everett Fire Department for a deep dive into what actually shapes a great firefighter and officer. Jay shares the personal side first—overcoming academic struggles, repeatedly testing to get hired, and the sacrifices his wife and family made along the way. From there, the conversation transitions in...

What happens when you chase the American dream… and end up chasing purpose instead? In this episode, Helton Pereira shares his powerful journey from Brazil to becoming a firefighter in the United States. But this isn’t just a story about career progression — it’s about alignment. Faith. Family. Mentorship. And learning to put first things first. Helton opens up about navigating burnout, rediscover...

In this engaging conversation, Preston Lyons and Daniel Massa explore the intersections of personal growth, martial arts, and firefighting. They discuss Daniel's upbringing in the Bronx, his experiences with bullying, and how martial arts helped him build confidence. The conversation transitions into Daniel's journey into the fire service, highlighting the importance of family legacy and t...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons interviews Jeremy Barker, a former firefighter turned successful entrepreneur. Jeremy shares his journey from living in his car to building Murphy Door, a leading hidden door brand. He discusses the importance of family support, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the unique dynamics of brotherhood in the fire service. The conversation del...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Dr. Tony Dice shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a firefighter, EMT, and ultimately a Navy SEAL. He discusses the struggles with addiction that followed his military service and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Dr. Dice's story highlights the importance of resilience, the impact of mental health, and...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with newly promoted Lieutenant Jenny Grima, who shares her unique journey from a biology major to a firefighter. Jenny discusses the challenges she faced in the fire service, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, and how she turned failures into opportunities for growth. She emphasizes the significance of mental health...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Preston Lyons reflects on the past year, discusses the evolution of the podcast from Relentless Rejects to The Overhaul, and emphasizes the importance of personal growth, mentorship, and legacy in the fire service. He shares his vision for 2026 and the collective effort needed to improve the culture and leadership within the fire service community.

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Captain Jake Dickes shares his journey in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of family, faith, and community. He discusses the challenges of promotion, the need for positive leadership, and the significance of realistic training. Dix highlights the role of passion in firefighting and the necessity of addressing negativity within the firehouse. He...

This episode of the Overhaul podcast features a deep dive into the life and career of Chief Chris Wessels, exploring his 34-year journey in the fire service, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on leadership, mentorship, and the balance between aggression and safety in firefighting.

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, Preston Lyons speaks with Dr. Leah Kaylor, a psychologist specializing in sleep hygiene for first responders and military veterans. They discuss the importance of sleep, its connection to mental health, and practical strategies to improve sleep quality. Dr. Kaylor shares her journey into sleep psychology, the challenges first responders face with sleep, and...

In this engaging conversation, Preston Lyons and Mike Stickers Goldstein discuss their upcoming participation in the March Mayhem conference, focusing on the importance of networking, learning, and collaboration in the fire service. They delve into the unique experiences offered by pod classes, the value of live fire training, and the significance of overcoming ego in a training environment. The d...

Summary In this episode of the Overall Podcast, host Preston Lyons speaks with Felix Manjarrez, a seasoned firefighter with 23 years of experience in the FDNY. They discuss Felix's journey into the fire service, the evolution of his motivations, the culture of brotherhood within firefighting, and the challenges faced in the 911 system. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental heal...

In this episode of the Overhaul Podcast, Chief Eddie Robinson shares his extensive experience in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of commitment, family, and legacy. He discusses the significance of brotherhood and how it starts within the firehouse, as well as the challenges of navigating generational differences in the workforce. Chief Robinson advocates for an aggressive firefighting...

In this episode of the Overhaul podcast, Preston Lyons speaks with Rob Wilson, a performance educator who specializes in training first responders and military personnel. They discuss the importance of self-care and performance longevity in high-stress professions, such as firefighting. Rob introduces the 'Check Engine Light' analogy to help first responders recognize personal health signals and e...

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 al...

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 conti...