In this conversation, Jim McDonald and firefighter Chad Dillon delve into deeper topics surrounding mental health, community, and self-expression through photography and music. They discuss Chad's journey from firefighting to founding the nonprofit, Ruted Above, aimed at fostering community connections and safe spaces for expression. The conversation highlights the importance of therapy, the impact of culture on personal growth, and the role of art in healing. They also touch on the significance of manifesting goals and the influence of music and tattoos in their lives.<br /><br />You can find Chad and his new non-profit on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ruted_above/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.instagram.com/ruted_above/</a>  <br /><br />Chapters<br />00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past<br />03:00 The Journey into Photography and Culture<br />05:53 Exploring Mental Health and Personal Growth<br />09:12 The Impact of Community and Expression<br />12:07 Building a Nonprofit: Rooted Above<br />15:05 The Art of Photography and Its Evolution<br />18:01 The Importance of Community and Connection<br />27:04 The Art of Photography and Personal Expression<br />29:16 Building Community Through Events and Nonprofits<br />32:06 The Search for Belonging in a Negative World<br />33:50 Mental Health and Identity in First Responders<br />37:41 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection<br />41:18 Tattoos: Personal Stories and Meanings<br />45:02 Manifesting Goals and Building Community<br />48:26 Music as Motivation and Personal Growth<br /><br /><br />Join our Discord for free at goodcompanydiscord.com!<br /><br />Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!<br /><br />Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/<br /><br />50% Facts is a Spreaker Prime podcast on OCN – the Obscure Celebrity Network.<br /><br />Hosted by Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). https://www.instagram.com/thejimmcd/<br /><br />Produced by Jim McDonald<br />Production assistance by Sebastian Brambila.<br />Theme by Aaron Moore.<br />Show art by Joseph Manzo (@jmanzo523)  <br /><br />Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!  <br /><br />Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/  <br /><br />Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support</a>.