Firefighting, Hunting & Faith with Jared Thomas | The Conquer Cast Ep 021

In this episode of The Conquer Cast, Trevor Farnes sits down with Jared Thomas, firefighter, hunter, father, and the face behind Peaked Out Adventures. What starts as a conversation about fire service and fitness unfolds into an incredibly honest and powerful story about mental health, burnout, fatherhood, faith, and rediscovering strength through quiet reflection and divine guidance.

From emotional breaking points to finding a forgotten Bible in his grandfather’s safe, Jared’s story is a raw reminder of what it means to slow down, listen to the voice inside, and focus on what truly matters.

The Moment Everything Overflowed

Jared opens up about hitting a breaking point in 2023, after a long period of emotional buildup from the stresses of firefighting, family life, and internal pressure to keep it all together. It all came to a head one evening in the mountains, on the eve of archery season.

🧠 “There’s this analogy we use about a stress bucket. Mine was full. And I didn’t realize it until it spilled over on that mountain ridge.”

He recalls suddenly breaking down in tears, miles from home and completely alone with his thoughts. That night, he called his wife and dad—his two emotional anchors—and made the decision to pack up and come home.

A Bible, a Whisper, and the Start of Something New

Back home, still unsure of what was missing in his life, Jared opened a long-forgotten drawer in his grandfather’s old gun safe. Inside, he found a Bible.

📖 “I didn’t start in the New Testament or a specific chapter. I just opened it to page one.”

That night marked the start of a spiritual transformation. Jared read the Bible every day and began to see subtle shifts in his awareness, attitude, and perspective. He felt God’s hand in everyday moments. He returned to the same mountain a week later—this time calm, present, and at peace. That morning, he shot a buck just ten minutes after daylight, in the same place where he’d previously broken down.

Listening, Observing, and Learning from Dad

Jared also shares the lessons he’s learning from intentionally observing his father, especially during their recent elk hunt in Oregon.

🛑 “Sometimes I just stop and watch him. I want to remember everything—how he moves, how he thinks, how at peace he seems.”

It’s a habit Jared now practices with everyone he loves. Whether it’s watching his mom with his kids, or listening to his twins laugh during a wrestling match, he’s choosing to pause, pay attention, and be fully present.

Fitness, Faith & Consistency

A firefighter, father, and avid backcountry hunter, Jared lives a life that demands physical fitness. But more than anything, he wants his kids to witness his consistency and carry it forward.

💪 “I will not be a liability at work—I will be the asset.”
🔥 “My kids see me train. They’re down in the gym with me. That’s what motivates me most.”

On the nutrition side, Jared follows a long-standing keto-carnivore approach and prioritizes whole foods, ideally from his own harvests.

And when things get off track?

🤝 “Give yourself grace. If you’re doing 85%, you’re doing great. Don’t spiral. Just get back on.”

Lessons to Conquer Life With

Jared’s message to anyone striving to live better—physically, emotionally, spiritually:

✔ Start your day with intention – Whether it’s reading scripture or listening to a devotional podcast, begin with God.
✔ Be present with loved ones – Watch, listen, and learn from the people around you.
✔ Don’t wait for breakdowns – Recognize when your bucket is getting full and take action early.
✔ Lead your family by example – Through discipline, consistency, and vulnerability.

🗣 “The most important way I’ll measure my life is by how my kids talk about me when I’m gone.”

🔥 Jared’s story reminds us that slowing down, listening deeply, and showing up with intention are some of the most powerful ways we can conquer life. Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode! 🚀