Ben Strahan is a Hotshot Superintendent and wildland firefighter with over 25 years of operational leadership on the fireline. Ben has spent decades in high-risk environments where clarity, discipline, and trust mean survival. His journey through fire has shaped a deeper calling—one that now centers around helping others cultivate resilience, emotional strength, and self-awareness. Through consulting, mentorship, and public speaking, Ben bridges the gap between tactical readiness and inner leadership, guiding others to face the fires within as courageously as those in the wild.

More about Ben:

Moment Consulting: https://momentconsultingllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benstrahan/

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction to Ben Strahan

00:01:05 Background in Wildland Firefighting

00:02:15 What It Means to Be a Hotshot

00:04:15 Physical Demands and Gear Loadout

00:05:27 How Long is Each Assignment?

00:06:38 How or Where Do You Sleep?

00:08:11 Smokejumpers vs. Hotshots

00:09:42 Path to Becoming a Hotshot

00:11:08 Qualifications and What It Takes

00:14:54 Transition Into Leadership and Mental Health Work

00:16:14 Defining Self-Leadership

00:17:24 Wellness Challenges in Firefighting

00:21:23 From Trauma to Purpose

00:25:15 Shifting Culture Through Local Influence

00:23:24 Building Good People Over Good Firefighters

00:24:46 Identifying Character and Integrity

00:31:47 The Carr Fire

00:32:21 What His Position Has Taught Ben About Leadership

00:35:54 Good vs. Bad Leadership Traits

00:37:32 Advice for New Firefighters

00:39:23 Most Common Physical Prep Mistakes

00:42:15 How to Eat Well on Assignment

00:43:29 Blurb - Fuel My Day Foods

00:44:11 How Much Water to Carry on Assignment

00:45:47 What’s Next for Ben?

00:47:09 Ben’s Book Suggestion

00:48:20 Best and Worst Advice Ever Received

00:49:18 Outro