Not Done Yet: Firefighter Dennis Lappin’s Comeback From Fear, Injury, and 'You’re Finished'

On today’s episode of the Crackin’ Backs Podcast, we sit down with one of the most quietly powerful humans we’ve ever met—Dennis Lappin, a career firefighter, father, and American Ninja Warrior who embodies what real strength looks like when no one’s watching.
 

Dennis runs toward burning buildings for a living…
and for fun, he runs straight into obstacles most people wouldn’t ever attempt.
 

But his story isn’t about the spotlight.
It’s about the moment the lights went out.
 

While training for American Ninja Warrior, Dennis tore his Achilles and calf—an injury known to end athletic careers, especially for tactical athletes who rely on explosive strength and stability. Doctors told him he might never compete again. Most people would’ve taken that as their cue to step back.
 

Dennis didn’t.
 

He didn’t fight his way back for cameras, applause, or a redemption storyline.
He came back because ordinary people don’t do extraordinary things—extraordinary decisions do.
 

In this raw, emotional, and deeply human conversation, we explore:
 

 The exact moment he decided “I’m not done”
Was it in the firehouse, during rehab, or alone at home when doubt got loud? Dennis opens up about the internal line he refused to cross.
 

How he built elite-level fitness around 24-hour firefighter shifts, stress, trauma, and unpredictability
Firefighting isn’t structured—so neither was his training. His system wasn’t built on convenience… it was built inside chaos.
 

How he balanced three identities: firefighter, athlete, and father
What happens when the heaviest “hat” isn’t the one people see? Dennis talks about emotional load, fatigue, and showing up even when you’re empty.
 

Why his rehab philosophy wasn’t to “get back,” but to LEVEL UP

He breaks down the one rehab principle everyone ignores—and why it completely changed his recovery.
 

The real fear he faced—on a fire call and on the Ninja Warrior course

And the exact mindset tool he used to get through the type of fear you don’t talk about.
 

His message for anyone who says: “I’m too tired, too old, too busy, too late”

Dennis doesn’t give motivational clichés. He gives truth earned in smoke, sweat, and setbacks.
 

What healthcare providers often misunderstand about firefighters and tactical athletes

If you treat firefighters, law enforcement, or military personnel—this is a masterclass in understanding stress load, biology, and performance under pressure.
 

The one life lesson he hopes his kids remember from watching him fall and rise again

A moment that will hit every parent, coach, and athlete right in the chest.
 

This episode isn’t about Ninja Warrior.
It isn’t about firefighting.
 

It’s about every human being who has ever been knocked down and had to decide whether today is the day they stay down… or rise.
 

We are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies.
 

Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast