Fire to Light: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities. From Brampton to Costa Rica: A Firefighter’s Journey to Healing and Purpose | Beneath the Helmet with Brandon Evans and Host Arjuna George
What happens when a firefighter walks away from the job “too early”? In this raw and revealing episode of Beneath the Helmet, Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with Brandon Evans, former firefighter turned wellness entrepreneur and founder of Fire to Light, to talk about leaving the fire service, battling burnout, and redefining what it means to live a full, purpose-driven life.
Brandon shares his powerful personal journey from suiting up in Brampton, Ontario, to running mental fitness programs in Costa Rica. He opens up about the trauma that pushed him to the edge, the healing practices that brought him back, and the global research that’s changing how we view firefighter mental health. From wildland firefighting to international backpacking to leading mental wellness initiatives, Brandon’s story is a call to action for anyone ready to move from fire to light.
Topics Covered:
Why he left the fire service early and what he learned about himself
Surviving Operational Stress Injury and building a toolbox for mental recovery
Creating a new life in Costa Rica with family at the center
The truth about mental health training gaps in fire departments worldwide
The power of storytelling and vulnerability in fire service leadership
What “mental fitness” really means, and how to build it
If you’re a firefighter, fire chief, or first responder searching for more than just survival, this episode is for you. Whether you’re battling burnout, contemplating a transition, or simply seeking a more balanced and fulfilling path, Brandon’s honesty will hit home. Learn what it means to live intentionally, to lead with your heart, and to discover your light on the other side of the flame.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more powerful stories from the frontlines.
🔗 Learn more about Brandon’s work: https://firetolight.org
📚 Check out Arjuna’s bestselling book Burnt Around the Edges
💡 Explore 1:1 coaching, workshops, and TRE sessions at https://silverarrowcoaching.comIgniting
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:00 Meet Brandon Evans
01:13 Brandon's Journey to Firefighting
05:59 Life After Firefighting
09:32 The Impact of COVID-19
10:21 Mental Health Challenges
12:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures
31:33 Fire to Light: The Vision
39:31 Mental Fitness Explained
44:13 Research and Foundation of Fire to Light
44:23 Changes in Perception of Fire Service
45:57 Global Congruency in Fire Service Practices
47:16 Mental Health Training and Cultural Shifts
48:48 Challenges in Implementing Mental Health Programs
55:22 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
01:08:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections
01:15:39 Overtime and Its Impact on Firefighter Wellness
Connect with Brandon
brandon@firetolight.org
www.firetolight.org
@firetolight_firefighters
Show Host - Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)
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