In this hard-hitting episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Derek “DK” Kolbaba, one of the toughest and most respected riders in professional bull riding.

A second-generation cowboy from Walla Walla, Washington, DK has spent his life chasing the dream that started when he first climbed on a sheep at just 3 years old. From learning under the guidance of his father to becoming a 9-time PBR World Finals qualifier, Global Cup Champion, and earning over $2 million in competition, Derek has built a legacy through grit, consistency, and heart.

Known as the closer for the Carolina Cowboys, DK opens up about the pressure of competing at the highest level, the injuries and setbacks that tested him, and the mindset it takes to keep showing up when the stakes are highest. He also shares the importance of family, staying grounded, and the little routines—like always carrying mint gum—that keep him focused in the chaos of the arena.

This episode is about toughness, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in one of the toughest sports on earth.

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In this electrifying episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Matt West, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of rodeo and professional bull riding.

Known for bringing unmatched energy to arenas across the country, Matt shares the journey that took him from athlete and competitor to elite announcer, performance coach, and founder of WestFit. But this conversation goes far beyond the microphone.

Matt opens up about faith, discipline, physical and mental performance, and the responsibility that comes with motivating athletes and fans at the highest level. He discusses building confidence, creating championship habits, and how passion and preparation fuel everything he does.

This episode is packed with energy, authenticity, and lessons on leadership, mindset, and living with purpose.

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🌐 More episodes at FiremanRob.com

In this powerful episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Will Summers, Green Beret veteran and one of the real-life Horse Soldiers whose story inspired 12 Strong.

Will shares firsthand experiences from the early days following 9/11, operating in some of the most dangerous environments in the world alongside Special Forces teams on horseback in Afghanistan. He opens up about leadership under pressure, brotherhood, sacrifice, and the mindset required to face uncertainty head-on.

Beyond the battlefield, Will discusses the transition from military service to helping others through leadership and resilience training, using the lessons forged in combat to inspire growth, discipline, and purpose.

This episode is a raw and authentic look at courage, service, and what it means to lead when everything is on the line.

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🌐 More episodes at FiremanRob.com

In this entertaining and high-energy episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Brinson James, one of rodeo’s fastest-rising entertainers and a next-generation star in the world of rodeo clowning.

Raised in the rodeo world and mentored by his father, legendary entertainer Hollywood Harris, Brinson has been performing in arenas since he was a child. From comedy and acrobatics to trick roping and crowd engagement, he’s built a reputation for bringing nonstop energy and excitement to rodeos across the country.

But beyond the laughs and entertainment, Brinson shares the work ethic, discipline, and passion required to carry on a western legacy while creating his own path in the sport. This episode dives into cowboy culture, family tradition, chasing dreams, and the importance of keeping rodeo alive for the next generation.

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🌐 More episodes at FiremanRob.com

In this high-energy PBR episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Chad Blankenship, General Manager of the Texas Rattlers and one of the driving forces behind championship culture in professional bull riding.

With years of experience in the PBR world, Chad shares what it takes to build a winning team, lead elite athletes, and create an environment rooted in accountability, grit, and trust. From the behind-the-scenes evolution of the PBR Teams format to the mindset needed to compete at the highest level, Chad offers a unique perspective on leadership both in and out of the arena.

This conversation dives into cowboy culture, team dynamics, resilience, and the passion that fuels one of the toughest sports in the world.

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🌐 More episodes at FiremanRob.com

In this heartfelt and inspiring PBR edition of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Moria Novakoski and her mother, Jodi, for a powerful conversation about chasing dreams, family support, and the sacrifices behind the western lifestyle.

Moria shares her journey through the world of bull riding and rodeo culture, while Jodi opens up about the unique perspective of supporting a child through the highs, lows, risks, and rewards of life in and around the arena. Together, they discuss resilience, faith, family bonds, and the determination it takes to keep pursuing the cowboy dream.

This episode goes beyond the spotlight of competition and dives into the foundation that truly builds champions—the people standing beside them every step of the way.

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🌐 More episodes at FiremanRob.com

These special episodes of the Forged in the Fires Podcast with Fireman Rob break down the core principles from the book Forged in the Fires: The Seven Catalysts to Accelerate Your Potential.

The Seven Catalysts are not theory—they are lived, tested, and forged through adversity:

• Passion
• Ownership
• Decisions
• Emotional Control
• Resilience
• Faith Over Fear
• Mental Strength

In this series, Fireman Rob dives deep into each catalyst—sharing personal stories from the fireground, military service, endurance racing, leadership, and life. These episodes are about more than motivation. They are about building the internal framework required to lead, endure, and rise when pressure hits.

You will learn how to take ownership of your life, control your emotional responses, make intentional decisions, and choose faith over fear—especially when circumstances try to break you.

If you want to accelerate your growth, strengthen your leadership, and develop unshakable mental toughness, this series gives you the blueprint.

📖 Get the book:
Forged in the Fires: The Seven Catalysts to Accelerate Your Potential
https://www.amazon.com/Forged-Fires-Catalysts-Accelerate-Potential/dp/1951028368

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In this heartfelt and empowering episode of the Forged in the Fires Podcast, Fireman Rob sits down with Simone Knego, author and speaker whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and purpose.

Simone shares her journey of navigating personal challenges, overcoming unexpected obstacles, and finding strength through adversity. With authenticity and courage, she opens up about the lessons that shaped her—reminding us that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship, but about rising stronger because of it.

This conversation explores identity, faith, growth, and what it truly means to rebuild when life doesn’t go according to plan. Simone’s message is clear: your past does not define you—your response does.

If you’re walking through a difficult season or striving to turn setbacks into strength, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped to keep moving forward.

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Find out more about Simone Knego at https://simoneknego.com/