In episode #006 of "The Shawn Ryan Show" Shawn sits down with Travis Howze. Travis is a Marine Corps Veteran, former Firefighter, former Police Officer, Stand Up Comedian, author of "Create Your Own Light" and PTSD Awareness Advocate. He was a Charleston firefighter who responded to the deadly Sofa Superstore Charleston 9 fire in 2007 which took the lives of 9 brave men (This was the deadliest firefighter disaster in the US since the September 11 attacks). Shawn and Travis sit down and discuss in depth about the events that happened during the Sofa Super Store Fire, how it lead Travis down a very dark depressing road, and his journey overcoming PTSD "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder" by finding his new purpose in life. Find Travis Howze and his book "Create Your Own Light" at: Book: https://amzn.to/3mpFPdC Website: https://www.travishowze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travishowze Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website - https://www.shawnryanshow.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnryanshow Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnryan762 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From serving in the Marine Corps to becoming a firefighter and police officer, this multi-talented individual now uses his experiences to inspire others as a stand-up comedian and motivational speaker. Creating a firefighter hat to donate all proceeds to charity is just one example of his dedication to giving back.
The speaker shares how he learned to get water from a cactus and mentions a website where people can find survival techniques.
The guest discusses the challenges of recommending books due to individual preferences and the importance of writing style for a good book.
The speaker reflects on her family's history and how it serves as a reminder to find purpose and live a healthy life. She also offers encouragement to those who may not enjoy reading.
Trauma can greatly impact and sear our brain, causing individuals to remember specific details from the event. This podcast highlights the experiences of an individual who has faced trauma and discusses how it affects memory.
The speaker talks about the tendency of some people to find excuses for their failure instead of finding ways to improve their situation. They also touch upon the impact of traumatic events on one's life.
The podcast discusses a range of amusing scenarios with a firefighter, who shares his humorous take on life's ups and downs, including his experience with comedy skits and joining the fire department.
The speaker discusses the potential dangers of tunnel vision in high-stress situations and emphasizes the importance of maintaining situational awareness in order to stay safe.
The emergency response process involves communication between people on the scene without training to emergency dispatchers, who then try to relay the information to responders on their way. This can lead to a less accurate picture of what is going on and a sense of urgency that may not be completely accurate.
The speaker draws a parallel between firefighting and gunfighting, saying that those who are trained to be in the midst of danger would rather be in the thick of it. Firefighting is compared to being in a gunfight due to the similar levels of intensity and adrenaline rush.
The feeling of loss in combat is often accompanied by a desire for retribution, but it's important to find healthy outlets for the emotions that come with that kind of trauma.
A conversation about the different types of calls police officers receive, from domestic violence situations to minor disturbances involving animals or noise complaints.
The speaker expresses their frustration over society's tendency to judge and criticize cops for their methods of work without having an understanding of their jobs. They point out that it's easy for people to criticize from behind a desk without having stepped into a cop's shoes.
An individual talks about his experience of transitioning from the fire department to the police department, where he went toe to toe with a man and ended up getting police officer of the month, but also faced a new experience of dealing with the political machine.
The pressure for cops to avoid being proactive because of the fear of losing their jobs can lead to a negative impact on police work. A former police officer shares his experience of getting fired for asking another officer to lie about where they found drug evidence in a car.
The speaker criticizes people who blame societal issues on the younger generation, stating that they should take accountability instead of vilifying millennials.
Participants at a golf tournament pay tribute to a friend and raise money for his family, but the event is cut short due to a tragic fire at a nearby superstore.
The speaker reflects on his experience being part of a body recovery team after 9/11, and how it was both the best and worst decision he ever made.
The speaker describes a strange experience while driving where they saw a silver object amidst the debris that looked unlike anything they had seen before and were left unsure of what to do.
The speaker recounts searching for their fellow firefighters in a burning building, feeling the heat from their gear, and their determination to find and assist their colleagues.
The speaker describes a tragic incident where three of his colleagues lost their lives in a fire and the graphic details of their injuries.
A former soldier discusses how the stigma surrounding mental health in the military has affected himself and those around him, and how he regrets encouraging others to not seek help for their own mental health struggles.