HC0042 - Counting On Death Featuring: Josh Shores

In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, the host sits down with Josh Shores, a Marine Infantry Combat Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, retired firefighter, and author of the raw and gripping memoir "Counting on Death." Together, they explore Josh's harrowing experiences during the Iraq War, his emotional return to civilian life, his time in the fire service, and his long journey through trauma, identity, and healing.

Whether you're a veteran, a first responder, or someone seeking to better understand the impact of trauma and the path to recovery, this episode offers profound insights and a deeply human story of perseverance.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps:

0:00 – 1:31 | Introduction & Guest Welcome

Introduction to the podcast and guest Josh Shores, highlighting his military service and new book Counting on Death.

1:32 – 5:49 | Writing Through Trauma

Josh discusses how the book started as cognitive therapy and eventually became a published work despite pushback for its raw content.

5:50 – 8:50 | Writing for Self vs. Audience

The discussion explores how writing for himself allowed Josh to dig deeper emotionally and share more honestly.

8:51 – 12:51 | Counting on Death & Mental Weight of War

Josh expands on a haunting line from the book and explains how unclear missions and moral ambiguity left deeper scars than combat itself.

12:52 – 15:08 | Who Should Read This Book?

Josh articulates the book’s purpose: as a tool for veterans and first responders to help others understand what they can’t say aloud.

15:09 – 19:51 | Humor, Irony, and the Bonds of War

A humorous anecdote about a malfunctioning rifle leads into a broader reflection on the camaraderie and absurdity found in war.

19:52 – 23:08 | From Warfighter to Firefighter

Josh shares his transition to the fire service, drawing parallels between combat and firefighting, and the eventual emotional and physical toll.

23:09 – 26:39 | Injury, Advocacy & Departure from the Fire Service

A serious injury and lack of institutional support led Josh to leave the fire service. He reflects on loss of identity and resilience.

26:40 – 29:33 | Judgment & Misconceptions

The hosts reflect on how people misunderstand mental health struggles and the fire service’s rumor mill.

29:34 – 36:06 | Mental Health in High-Stress Careers

A candid conversation on therapy, the compounding stress of first responder life, and the generational shift toward addressing mental health.

36:07 – 44:40 | Parenting, Perspective, and the Fragility of Life

Josh reflects on fatherhood, the importance of patience with children, and how his exposure to death reshapes his everyday decisions as a parent.

44:41 – End | Final Reflections & Where to Find the Book

Josh shares the core hope behind his book: helping others understand the mental toll of trauma and how to open conversations around it.

Resources & References:

Counting on Death: A Marine Infantryman’s Journey from the Frontlines of Combat to the Fight for Peace

• Available on:
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Audible
• Casemate Publishers
• Podcast Mentioned:
• Nomadic Research Podcast with Dagan Van Oosten – an in-depth discussion on the book and Josh’s experiences.

About the Guest – Josh Shores:

Josh Shores is a Marine Corps infantry veteran with combat deployments to Ramadi, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After military service, he became a firefighter, only to later leave due to a debilitating injury and the emotional toll of accumulated trauma. His memoir Counting on Death is a candid, unfiltered look at war, loss, healing, and resilience.

Concluding Summary & Call to Action:

Josh’s story is a raw testament to the unseen battles faced by veterans and first responders. His courage to share openly creates a space for others to find language for their own pain and paths to healing.

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