Forged by the Fire

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...

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

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Forged by the Fire is a podcast built around honest conversations that happen best around a BB...

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 f...

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...

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 guy

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 #bbq

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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...

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 winne...

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

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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

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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 man

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 #anxiety #athletes #bbq

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 rou...

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.

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Forged by the Fire is a podcast bu...