Shows
Grablives62 From the Sun to the Soul: The Real Effects of Solar Flares
In this electrifying episode, Jason Latas unpacks the mystical and scientific dimensions of solar flares — what they are, how they work, and why they matter. From plasma bursts on the Sun’s surface to their energetic ripple effects on Earth’s atmosphere and human consciousness, Jason dives into the complexity of solar activity in a way that’s both grounded and expansive.
Whether you're curious about the science, the metaphysics, or how solar flares may affect your body and energy field, this episode bridges the cosmic and the cellular.
Tune in for a dynamic...2025-07-291h 25
Grablives61 Relationship or Relationsh*tIn this heartfelt and honest episode, Jon sits down with his fiancée Haley to talk about the realities of managing a relationship when one partner is a firefighter — away from home a third of the time. Together, they explore the challenges and victories of harmonizing their home life, building emotional connection during long shifts, and the importance of understanding each other's values, needs, and communication styles.
They discuss real strategies they use to stay grounded, present, and aligned — even when the job pulls Jon away — and how couples can honor their individual roles while building a unified...2025-07-231h 58
GrablivesEpisode 60 The 343 Fund: Ibogaine, Hope, and HealingThe 343 fund is a non profit organization in honor of a fallen FDNY firefighter Casey Skudin. Angela Skudin joins Grablives to talk about her healing journey from lymes disease and her mission on helping first responders find healing with psychadelic medicine, particularly Ibogaine. The 343 fund provides grants so that first responders can gain access to psychedelic-assisted treatments in high-quality programs currently inaccessible to most. The episode goes into more detail on Ibogaine, its effects and its ability to give hope for those struggling with PTSD, TBI, biological disorders, and more. The talk about ibogaine offers a glimpse of hope b...2025-07-082h 22
GrablivesEpisode 59 Taylor Eyewalker, Balancing the biology with NAD+, Ozone, Kambo, and PSYCH-KTaylor Eyewalker is a doula for human transformation; as a kundalini yoga teacher, Master practitioner and Teacher of Kambo, creator of the Uncoil Method and energetic and biological medicine practitioner. Taylor’s healing work with Kambo focuses on the physical healing to the inner most spiritual. Her mission to support her clients in healing traumas, wounds and core distortions that are living within their DNA so that they may align with their highest and most creative blueprint. She focuses specifically on clearing lineage patterns on a soul level so her clients may be fully free to live within their high...2025-06-231h 46
Grablives58 Morgan Englund Retired LAFD Firefighter, Ted Talk speaker, Sound Healing Facilitator
Morgan Englund is a retired Los Angeles City firefighter who is a keynote speaker and sound healing facilitator. Morgan shares his mental health healing journey with MDMA/Psilocybin along with sound. Morgan returns to grablives to discuss topics like shame and burnout.
contact for Morgan and his services:
http://morganenglund.com
2025-06-041h 55
Grablives57 Stan Kurtz & Quantum Healing: Freedom by Cleaning Your BloodStan Kurtz is revolutionizing human biology by analyzing the blood through a proprietary microscope. Stan's work began as he was able to help his son Ethan overcome an autism diagnosis when his son was in developmental stage. Stan's data based analysis and intuition begins as he uses sensor technology, radionics and infection testing. His unique observations show each person their current state of metabolic function, cellular efficiency, cellular energy, immune efficiency, and bacterial, viral and parasitic infection status. His work is sourced with the highest standards along with proprietary technology including energy, frequency, LED and Laser-based modalities, Quantum Hyperbaics, a...2025-04-142h 17
Grablives56 Peer Support, Retired LA County Fire Captain, Scott RossScott Ross is a retired Los Angeles County firefighter of 32 years, who has been trail blazing the peer support program for 25 years. He is a master instructor for the IAFF Peer Support training cadre and has his own Peer Support coordinator business to help fire department's elevate their critical incident debriefing programs and peer support programs. Scott is the vice president of the PSPSA conference in San Diego. Scott talks about his journey of the fire service and how peer support has served him and other firefighters as well. 2025-04-011h 53
Grablives55 Halos 4 Heroes: Long Beach Firefighters director of behavioral health, from adversity to resilienceJason Cash has been a Long Beach firefighter for 17 years. Jason serves as a vice president for Long Beach Fire Department's Union (Local #372) and also serves as the behavioral health director. Jason's agency, Halos 4 Heroes, was created for First Responders with the intention of helping people who help others. Along the way, H4H has helped Jason repair himself by learning, practicing and teaching positive coping mechanisms. Jason is currently learning more about mental health for first responders and is a peer counselor for his department. The episode revolves around Jason's story and his ability to understand grief and hi...2025-03-101h 47
Grablives54 Understanding shame and the burdens of a firefighter with Matty FiorenzaMatty Fiorenza is a retired firefighter of Anaheim Fire Department. Matty has a non profit behavioral health service for first responders, First Responder Peace & Refuge Foundation, and discuss his mission. The conversation is about how firefighters understand shame in a shame based culture. Matty has been in the field of assiting first responder mental health for over 10 years.
Contact Matty Fiorenza:
frprfoundation.com 2025-02-241h 27
The QNAMY ShowEP 16 | LAFD Firefighter talks healing trauma with Kambo | Grablives John VargasListen in as QNAMY chats with John Vargas, an Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter, first responder, and practitioner of alternative healing methods (Kambo, Human Garage, and more!). Discover his journey bridging traditional service roles and plant medicine for a unique perspective on wellness. John is also a past life regressionist and energy healer, and is rooted in unlearning patterns, finding spirituality, and discovering higher consciousness in an effort to help first responders and veterans heal. John has a podcast called Grablives - go listen and subscribe to his show!
- We talk about entheogen medicines to treat PTSD, Kambo...2025-01-281h 20
Grablives53 Spiritual Development With Lisa MercierLisa Mercier is a medium and master reiki practitioner who specializes in working with firefighters and first responders. Lisa returns to Grablives to talk about Jon's experience at the Palisades Fire, spiritual growth, and personal development. Lisa is also a part of Premier First Responder, assisting first responders in crisis around the Orange County and Los Angeles county areas. How to contact Lisa:https://linktr.ee/lisamercier?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabTgXU_FYS1eWFxtKgQu2jig2fNSNP4BxLjaIxDJfGjtvylku3ReN7lu9k_aem_FoMLxDyfizgZhbNGvFBwBw
2025-01-131h 44
Grablives52 Functional Neurology with Dr. Brock JohnsonDr. Brock joins Grablives in a discussion with Jon's back injury and how he recovered with functional neuropractic care. Neuropractic care is a unique blend of chiropractic care and functional neurology that aims to optimize the communication between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Dr. Brock Johnson, D.C., is pioneering a transformative approach to health that integrates chiropractic care with neurological principles—an approach known as Neuropractic care. This innovative method goes beyond traditional chiropractic adjustments, focusing on enhancing brain function to improve overall health, reduce pain, and slow down the effects of aging. Hyp...2024-12-231h 32
Grablives51 QNAMY: How To Treat PTSD With Plant MedicineAmy Charlesworth is the host of the QNAMY Podcast and a 16-year military veteran serving in the US Army, Amy is extremely passionate about veterans and mental health. Amy is on the Board of Directors for Illuminating Heroes, a non-profit organization that facilitates healing plant medicine retreats in Austin, Texas. Amy joins Grablives to talk about her personal experience with plant medicine or formally known as a class of psychadelics in treatment of her own anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Reaching Amy and interests in Illuminating Heroes:
Donate today to se...2024-12-091h 28
Grablives50 Julio MunozJulio Munoz is a firefighter at Alameda County Fire Department. Julio joins Grablives to talk about his journey about recovery while dealing with the reality of a stressful job as a firefighter. 2024-10-281h 02
Grablives49 Movmed: Stress to StrongNathan Nussbaum is the founder of the system called, Movmed which is a system that involves education on how you can repair and enhance your body awareness. Nate has an excellent approach towards neurological practices while guiding you through what parts of your body you should focus on building up to provide the most long lasting rewards. By using a comprehensive understanding of the neurological relationships within the body, we can change the way your body feels and functions for the better. This episode brings a revolutionary conversation on how the body functions in regards to the nervous system a...2024-10-2151 min
Grablives48 Human Aeon: Breathing, Cold Therapy, and Ultimate human functionReed Wasser is the owner of Human Aeon wellness sanctuary in Long Beach, CA. The fascility offers instruction and access to guided breathing practices, meditation, movement,
and contrast therapies inclusive of ice plunge, steam, infrared saunas, and hydrotherapy. Reed discusses in detail the power of the breath and cold therapy. Reed studied under Wim Hof directly and includes the Wim Hof technique in many of his services. This conversation offers many insights on what fundamentals are necessary for the human experience and influencing basic practices to use the body's network of intelligence for its own need for balance.
2024-10-071h 55
Grablives47 Urban Planning: Squalor, Drug Dens, and Decay of CivilizationPaul Scrivano is a citizen of Los Angeles who owns multiple business and restaurants in the city and has been an advocate for cleaning up the streets of Los Angeles. This episode talks about Paul's story when he encountered a heart attack and was rescued by LAFD's paramedics. The topics include raw opinions on whos making the decisions that keep the city of Los Angeles in squalor as crime rates are higher than before, drug trafficking, drug use, and decay of the city streets. Paul is a passionate spokesperson who wants answers for the way the current state the...2024-09-251h 36
Grablives46 John KnoxJohn Knox is a firefighter/paramedic who was terminated for not being in compliance with LAFD's vaccination mandate. John talks about constitutional rights and humanitarian rights along with an understanding about cognitive dissonance. John Knox served the LAFD for over 20 years along with years of service prior to the LAFD. The conversation leads into John's healing journey prior and his own hurdles with mental health.
How to contact John and his team:https://firefightersforfreedom.org/partners-2/2024-08-202h 36
Grablives45 Paranormal Reality: Clair senses, UFO's & IntuitionLisa Mercier is a Reiki Master, certified Past Life Regression Therapist and Hypnotherapist, and certified professional Medium and Intuitive. Lisa returns after episode 27 to further a conversation about the "clair" senses, Lisa's personal UFO experience, and her guidance towards the human intuitive wisdom. How to connect to Lisa's work:https://linktr.ee/lisamercier2024-08-071h 55
Grablives44 Emotional HygieneBenjamin Fairbrother is an emotional coach who spends his work on organizing a healthy relationship to our human emotions. Ben brings a tentative take on how and why emotions promote growth for our well being. 2024-07-242h 01
Grablives43 Iboga: The Root of All HealingCory Poolman is a former Navy Seal who is a traditionally trained Missoko Bwiti Iboga Provider. Cory shares his healing journey and his trip to Africa to learn about this amazing medicine of Iboga. Iboga, revered as the 'chief' of plant medicines, is an intelligent and potent healer and teacher. While recognized for its profound efficacy in addiction recovery, this ancient plant medicine has been a cornerstone of psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for millennia, practiced by the Bwiti people of Gabon. Its healing potential extends far beyond addressing addiction, offering a transformative journey toward holistic well-being and s...2024-07-171h 51
Grablives42 Human Garage: Transforming TraumaJules Horn is an official ambassador for the organization "Human Garage" that dedicates the somatic release of trauma stored in the fascia of the body. Fascial Maneuvers can access your body’s stored trauma energy & allow you to finally release these stuck emotions that keep you in mental and physical dis-ease. Jules talks about his personal journey of healing with Human Garage and fasting. Join us on this powerful episode to seek healing and transmutation of chronic pain and injuries, a common theme found within the first responder community.Human Garage and their message is practical, simple, and...2024-07-121h 40
Grablives41 Biomechanics: Functional FitnessMike Kim is a retired LAFD firefighter/paramedic of 14 years and currently works for Murrieta Fire Department. Mike's life work is dedicated to functional fitness biomechanics and helping people undo chronic pain through re-education of how the body functions. Mike Kim's program:https://www.iebiomechanics.com/2024-07-091h 27
The Fire You Carry182: Healing Past Trauma & Injuries with Jon Vargas of Grablives PodcastIn this week's episode, Kevin is joined by Jon Vargas of Grablives podcast. Jon is an L.A. City fireman and podcaster who started his journey into podcasting due to multiple suicides in his department and the way they were handled. As Kevin gets deeper into Jon's story, they get into some of the past trauma and physical injuries that plagued Jon early in his career as a firefighter and how he has used alternative medicine, spirituality, meditation, breathing, and more to begin to find healing. We want to thank Jon for coming on the show and for having...2024-07-011h 30
Grablives40 The Fire You CarryKevin Welsh is a 13 year firefighter/paramedic for LA County Fire Department who joins Grablives to share his personal journey and self discovery. Kevin is a co-host on “The Fire You Carry” podcast and team member of the non-profit “Fire up Program”. Contacts and programs:https://www.fireupprogram.com/
https://thefireyoucarry.com/2024-06-261h 30
Grablives39 Healing With Sound HonestyMorgan Englund is a retired Los Angeles City firefighter who is a keynote speaker and sound healing facilitator. Morgan shares his mental health healing journey with MDMA/Psilocybin along with sound. contact for Morgan and his services:
http://morganenglund.com
http://runestoneranch.org2024-06-211h 46
Grablives38 The SergeantSgt. Chris Gerber is a retired police officer of 27 years of service. Sgt. Gerber opens up about his catlystic series of events that led him down his path of healing and overcoming symptoms such as anxiety and panic. 2024-06-181h 24
Grablives37 The Art of VulnerabilityMatty Fiorenza is a retired firefighter/paramedic from Anaheim Fire Department who is a keynote speaker, mental health facilitator, and works with first responders in recovery. Matty appears in the documentary film "PTSD 911" Matty joins Grablives in an important conversation that delivers a message on vulnerability as Matty shows up for himself in his own struggles and accomplishments. 2024-05-311h 58
Grablives36 Ketamine: Clear MindRishi Kahtri is a part owner of Clear Mind Treatment who offer ketamine, spravato, TMS, EMDR, hypotherapy, psychological, & case management. Rishi goes into detail about what ketamine offers as an assistance to helping clients overcome obstacles and mental blocks that are hidden in the subconscious mind. IF INTERESTED CHECK OUT CLEAR MIND'S TREATMENT FASCILITIES:https://clearmindtreatment.com/2024-05-211h 32
Grablives35 The Balanced Healer: Traditional Chinese Medicine and AyahuascaHana K'KOA Miller is a holistic health educator and acupunturist. Hana opens up about her own healing journey through Traditional Chinese medicine and ayahuasca. Hana's messege is about awakening the healer within through finding balance and radical responsibility for your life.
Reach out to Hana and her work through here:https://linktr.ee/thebalancedhealer?utm_source=linktree_profile_share2024-05-151h 56
Grablives34 Resilience: How First Responders can sustain mental healthDr. Heather Williams returns to Grablives in a converation revolving around the word resilience and its important factors. The topics bring up reoccuring issues in relating to perseverance of mind, body, and spirit. 2024-04-2559 min
Grablives33 The S.I.R.E.N. ProjectAngela Graham is a former Santa Clara County Firefighter and is the founder of the S.I.R.E.N. Project. The non profit organization gives first responders access to alternative healing medicines, including psilocybin and 5-meo-DMT. 2024-04-121h 55
Grablives32 Neck-up: Somatic work, EMDR, and DecompressingMaggie Hernandez is a registered associate MFT who works with the more difficult patients by treating them with EMDR and somatic work. Maggie is also a spouse to a firefighter who works with Pasadena Fire Department. 2024-03-301h 49
Grablives31 Kambo: The Great RevealerWolf Purnananada Jowers is a master practitioner of Kambo. This medicine has been shown to be an entheogen and a key component in trreating PTSD and biological conditions. Wolf joins Grablives on a special educational episode on the intelligence and the consciousness of this powerful potent medicine. 2024-03-121h 44
Grablives30 GrowthDan Sullivan is an engineer with the city of Los Angeles Fire Department and joins Grablives to talk about personal growth and how it coincides with mental health. 2024-03-072h 06
Grablives29 ValuesDr. Heather Williams created Premier First Responder Psychological Services which focuses on crisis response and peer support for local fire and police departments. Heather joins Grablives by speaking on different avenues and ways of thought to provoke greater awareness. 2024-02-201h 25
Grablives28 Return of Beau PorterBeau Porter is a firefighter of over 20 years in South Los Angeles at fire station 33. Beau returns to Grablives to talk about truth, honesty, genuine character, and tribal connection in relation to the epidemic of mental health.2024-02-141h 53
Grablives27 Paradigm ShiftLisa Mercier is a crisis response coordinator, reiki master, medium, hypnotherapist, and spiritual coach. She has a diverse background in varius fields that leads her as part of the "Premier First Responder Psychological Services" team. She specializes in helping individuals recognize the power and acuracy of their intuition. 2024-01-302h 02
Grablives26 Domino EffectAnthony Hernandez is a retired CALFIRE firefighter and peer supporter at AceraHealth. Anthony joins Grablives and tells his story that is heartfelt and honest. He brings the beauty of harnessing the human spirit through adversity. 2024-01-241h 28
Grablives25 RecapJon and Trevor recap the year of 2023 along with transparency between both Jon and Trevor's personal growth.2024-01-101h 12
Grablives24 The Struggle BusTrevor and Jon talk about anxiety and hypervigilance. 2023-11-281h 05
Grablives23 ConnectionSean Forster is a master kambo practitioner, breathwork facilitator, and a therapist who specializes on interpersonal healing. Sean joins grablives in a special conversation to look at trauma and what it does to our systems on a biological, psychological, social, and spiritual level. 2023-11-211h 30
Grablives22 TransparencyJon and Trevor meet with returning guest Daniella Borah, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist. The topic revolves around regaining romance and intimacy around children and newborns. 2023-11-071h 24
Grablives21 Sleep DataJon meets with firefighter Jason Villigiante and apparatus operator Sean Baker who did a sleep study together. The episode revolves around various bio hacks and reflection on sleep and practices to forward a momentum on proper sleep hygiene. 2023-11-031h 05
Grablives20 Sean BakerSean Baker is an apparatus operator for the city of Los Angeles fire department. Trevor, Jon, and Sean discuss leadership qualities along with his role within the LAFD boxing club. 2023-10-2554 min
Grablives19 5150Erin Woodward is a nurse practitioner who highlights a broken healthcare system along with treatment for those who are recieving behavioral health care at the ER. Trevor, Jon, and Erin discuss more important topics revolving around behavioral health from a caretaker perspective. 2023-10-171h 24
GrablivesDrill: The GutTrevor presents a drill on gut health, another important piece to behavioral health2023-10-1117 min
Grablives18 Letting GoTrevor and Jon honor suicide prevention month by discussing suicide and the art of letting go. 2023-09-1359 min
GrablivesDrill: The HeartJon gives a brief drill on the power of the heart.2023-09-0825 min
Grablives17 Mental HygieneTrevor and Jon discuss mental hygiene and preventative maintenance with one's mental health. 2023-08-092h 00
GrablivesDrill: EMDRTrevor presents a short drill on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy2023-08-0211 min
Grablives16 ReactivityDaniella Borah is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. Trevor and Jon discuss with Daniella how to achieve optimal balance in relationships with self and partnerships.2023-07-261h 43
GrablivesDrill: The Present MomentJon Vargas presents a short drill on the present moment. 2023-07-2408 min
Grablives15 GrassrootsJason Shelton is a 8 year Navy Seal veteran and a 21 year firefighter/paramedic. Jason speaks on sleep depravation and the program called "Sixty Two Romeo", an effort to find restful sleep and improving behavioral health among firefighters and veterans. 2023-07-131h 41
Grablives14 Deep DiveJason Teter is a 23 year firefighter who works on a fireboat and works in conjunction with the department's diver program. Jason talks about leadership and a deep dive into his understanding of behavioral health and firefighting culture. 2023-06-291h 54
Grablives13 UnityAlejandro Zavala is the director of behavioral health at the union for the city of Los Angeles firefighters. (UFLAC). Jon and Alejandro talk about "familia", and bringing unity to the members of the city of Los Angeles fire department. 2023-06-231h 06
Grablives12 Help CallHugo Catalan Jr. is the chemical and behavioral addictions manager at UFLAC (the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City). Trevor and Hugo discuss how a firefighter can get help and a whole new approach towards the epidemic of behavioral health. 2023-06-2058 min
Grablives11 Kendall Kendall Wood is a yoga teacher who has an emphasis on group wellness and yoga therapy for firefighters, first responders, and veterans. Kendall's fiance is a firefighter and we discuss her views on how to recieve a loved one coming home from duty. Her website can access a free yoga therapy session on kendallanne.com/grablives
2023-06-091h 45
Grablives10 The ShadowJon and Trevor discuss shadow work and relating to core wounds.2023-05-231h 46
Grablives09 Beau PorterBeau Porter is a 3rd generation firefighter with 20 years of experience working at a busy assignment in South Los Angeles. His focus has shifted to mental health in the last year and he comes on this week to share some of the tools he's learned. 2023-04-242h 06
Grablives08 Mama TraumaTrevor, Jon, and Wolf join together in discussion of the mother wound and clearing ancestral lineage. 2023-04-131h 32
Grablives07 EmbodyAmber Caudle is a chef who brings consciousness into food and the embodiment of the divine feminine.2023-04-051h 16
Grablives06 AddictionTrevor and Jon discuss their personal experiences and shift the perspective on addiction.2023-03-311h 25
LET'S GO!Jon VargasJonathan Vargas is a firefighter/paramedic who is the co-host of the podcast Grablives. Grablives is an outreach on behavioral health and an attempt to reverse PTSD, burnout, and suicide. Jon’s vision is to unravel a broken system and build a better one through the power of self awareness and the true essence of the human experience. His experiences also include the assistance of Kambo and Ayahuasca. Thanks for taking the time to listen in. Please leave us 5 stars on Spotify & Apple Podcasts with a review. THANK YOU!2023-03-221h 06
Grablives05 WolfWolf Purnananda is a transformational specialist who introduces alternative medicines: ayahuasca and iboga. 2023-03-161h 35
Grablives04 NarrativeTrevor discusses the ability to change our narrative and a shift of perspective that is essential to inner monologue.2023-03-041h 37
Grablives03 PhenomenonJon and Trevor introduce the value of the human experience. Jon shares his story about recovering from a head injury and facing suicide ideation. 2023-02-211h 20
Grablives02 SovereigntyTrevor and Jon discuss the fundamental topic of sovereignty and its benefit towards our behavioral health. 2023-02-121h 06
Grablives01 PilotThe grablives pilot is an introduction to firefighters Trevor Stepan and Jon Vargas. The grablives acronym is used when a firefighter is down, missing, or trapped. The acronym is used in addition to behavioral health and talking about the important tools used to assist those in need.2023-02-092h 08