Nate Sturm talks about a LODD that his fire department experienced that brought about the dark season of life that almost tore his family apart.

Nate shares how alcohol was the downfall and how his faith in Jesus Christ lifted him and his family from the darkness and into the light, giving purpose to the pain he endured.

I am inspired by Nate’s transparency and vulnerability, which are shown in our conversation

Takeaways

- Nate Sturm has 24 years of experience in the fire service.
- He founded Buddy Breathers, a Christian-based outreach program for mental health support.
- A tragic incident in June 2022 led to severe anxiety and guilt for Nate.
- Nate's family was deeply affected by his struggles with mental health and alcohol.
- The turning point for Nate was when his daughter expressed her feelings about his absence.
- Seeking professional help was crucial for Nate's recovery.
- Nate emphasizes the importance of community and peer support in overcoming struggles.
- Faith played a significant role in Nate's healing process.
- Nate encourages open communication about mental health in the fire service.
It's okay to not be okay, and reaching out for help is vital.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nate Sturm's Journey
02:53 Nate's Career and Family Background
05:45 The Tragic Incident: A Call for Help
08:09 The Aftermath: Guilt and Anxiety
10:21 Struggles with Mental Health and Substance Use
15:24 The Mask of Positivity: A Deceptive Facade
21:07 Impact on Family and Relationships
28:40 The Impact of Addiction on Family Dynamics
32:39 The Breaking Point: A Daughter's Heartfelt Words
35:38 Seeking Help: The Turning Point
40:00 Faith and Professional Help: A Dual Approach
46:11 Finding Purpose in Pain: The Journey of Healing
51:35 Encouragement for Those Struggling: A Call to Action

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

In this episode, I sat down with Marcos and Logan to discuss our vision for The Crucible and how it all came together. We discussed what The Crucible is and what it's not.

This conversation will give you a clear view of The Crucible's purpose and why it is so important to us.

The application closes today at 11:59 PM Mountain Time. If you are wondering if you have what it takes to complete The Crucible, the only way to find out is to apply and try.

What is The Crucible?

We will do 12 in-gear workouts over 24 hours on May 31st, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.

We believe in building mental and physical resilience through fitness, hard work, and shared suffering.

Crucible: a severe test in which something is tested through an external and internal conflict, producing something new.

Apply here:

https://www.fittofightfireusa.com/the-crucible

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Brad shares how a grab made, made him challenge where he was putting his identity and how firefighters who follow Christ can lead their firehouse lives.

We talk about how identifying as a firefighter first can leave us feeling lost when our careers are over.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

In episode 30, I talk with Joshua Dukes about several seasons of adversity that he weathered with his faith in the Lord. Joshua shares the challenges faced when his 19-month-old son Trucker Dukes was diagnosed with cancer and how Trucker inspired so many during his battle with cancer and continues to today after his passing.

We talk about how standing up for his beliefs led to his termination from the job he loved as a firefighter and how he continues to give all the pain he endured throughout his life purpose.

This is a story of courage, faith, and living with joy amid trials. Joshua's time with me inspired me, moved me to tears, and made me want to be a better man. Joshua's powerful story will inspire you.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

This is an incredibly powerful episode where Josh talks about his crew's performance during an RIT/RIC activation for the late Nathan Flynn. Josh shares how years of mental and physical training came together for his crew so they could do everything possible to rescue one of their own.

Josh's perspective, backed by data, sheds light on the staggering physical demands that firefighters face in their line of duty. His work underscores the undeniable strain on their minds and bodies, making it a must-listen for all.

Josh also has a Patreon page with incredible resources to help us prepare mentally and physically for our jobs. I joined yesterday and love the content.

Forged And Unbroken Fire Patreon:

https://patreon.com/user?u=89578184&utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Episode 28 Tragedy Tests Faith

On December 14, Stratton had to say his final goodbyes to his daughter Kingsley.

Stratton and his three children were involved in a head-on car accident on his way to a fire department Christmas party, resulting in Stratton and his three children being sent to multiple hospitals. Stratton’s daughters were both in critical condition with Kingsley passing away.

Stratton shares how his faith has helped him endure the loss of a child and his ability to wake up every morning and be the husband and father God calls him to be.

As Stratton and his two children continue to recover and he works through his injuries to get back to his fire department, the expenses are stacking up. I’m sharing the link here so that our community can help our brother and his family.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-wests-medical-expense-fundraiser

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

Chris Snow - SELF DESTRUCTION INTO GOD'S CONSTRUCTION

Chris shares how his reckless life led him to prison, addiction, and affliction. We talk about living as a follower of Christ in the firehouse, giving our pain purpose, and locking arms with a small group of brothers you can lean on through transparency and authenticity. This episode shows us all that we are all broken; some of us just do a better job hiding it.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.

In Episode 26, I talk to Scott Vadkin about losing a child and how his faith gave him hope during life's darkest season. It is a story of heartbreak, devastation, and divine intervention.

For only $5 a month, the cost of a cup of coffee, you will receive a workout of the day, daily inspiration, and much more!

Head over to www.patreon.com/fittofightfire to surround yourself with a community of like-minded firefighters on the same mission: to become the best version of themselves so that they can serve their family and community at the highest level.