What happens when a kid who failed algebra becomes a firefighter - and a viral musician on the side? Caleb Mitchell sits down with Peter von Kahle to share his unconventional journey from summer school to first responder, storyteller, and musical artist chasing dreams on 10 days off a month.

This conversation goes deep. Caleb opens up about barely passing high school, discovering purpose through firefighting, going viral at 15 with a ukulele cover (6 million views on Twitter), and learning that having "clay feet" - hidden weaknesses - isn't failure. It's what makes us human. From summer school in Algebra 1 to the fire academy, from a nine-month missions trip across four countries to recording music between 24-hour shifts, Caleb's story proves that the path to purpose rarely looks like what we expect.

In this episode, Peter and Caleb explore:

How failing the Virginia SOL test (multiple times) led Caleb to trade school and firefighting
Going viral as a teenage musician and what that taught him about creative risk
The reality of being a firefighter: 10-day work months, three-alarm fires, and finding brotherhood in crisis
Taking a gap year on The World Race missions program and traveling to four countries
Why "at least it'll be a good story" is the life philosophy that opens doors
Balancing a full-time fire career with pursuing music and creative dreams
The unexpected beauty of clay feet—our weaknesses that keep us grounded
Faith, calling, and trusting God to open doors you can't see yet

About Caleb Mitchell: Caleb is a full-time firefighter/EMT just outside Washington, D.C., and an independent singer-songwriter. After going viral at 15 with a Twenty One Pilots cover, Caleb has continued creating music that tells honest stories about faith, failure, and finding your calling. When he's not responding to emergencies or recording, you'll find him connecting with the brotherhood he built during a gap year missions trip—friendships that gather every year no matter where life takes them.

🔗 Connect with Caleb Mitchell:

Instagram: @CalebMitchell
Music: Spotify

Resources Mentioned:

The World Race gap year missions program
Atomic Habits by James Clear
"Find the Few" philosophy by John Tyson
Jirah Bakery and Cafe, Centreville, VA (where Caleb played his first gigs)

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At Least It'll Be a Good Story with Peter von Kahle