OUR STORY

OUR STORY
Since its inception in 2020, CRACKYL has been redefining the firefighter media landscape with a laser focus on health and wellbeing. With over 1.3 million dedicated firefighters across North America as our audience, we are committed to delivering dynamic, evergreen content that empowers first responders to prioritize their wellness in every aspect of their lives.
Through our website, CRACKYL App, and quarterly print and digital editions, we curate and present insights from trusted experts in the fire industry, including scientists, subject matter experts, visionaries, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Our diverse content covers essential topics such as relationships, health, finances, nutrition, stress management, fitness, gear, and travel—supporting firefighters from the firehouse to their homes.

PURPOSE
We encourage firefighters to take charge of their personal and professional development. We recognize that the fire service landscape has shifted; today's firefighters must be proactive in cultivating their health, wellness, and skill sets. We firmly believe that every firefighter is responsible for their own long-term success and happiness.
OUR VALUES
We are dedicated to empowering firefighters—regardless of their role—throughout North America and beyond. We provide vital, timely information designed to enrich their lives both at home and in the firehouse. With a focus on promoting physical and mental health, financial security, and overall wellness, we strive to uplift all who have committed themselves to the fire service. By offering essential and engaging content, we connect firefighters with the resources they need to thrive in every aspect of their journey, ensuring they have the tools to excel personally and professionally.


Keeping firefighters whole
Our goal is to provide the resources, inspiration, and motivation needed to help them pursue their ambitions. We strive to support firefighters in embracing their freedom and control over their careers, enabling them to create a positive impact within the fire service.
CRACKYL Story
Firefighters face immense pressure daily, working in a profession without margin for error. CRACKYL Founder and Editor-in-Chief Kory Pearn understands that while firefighters are expected to be perfect on the job, they, like everyone else, struggle with health, stress, finances, and relationships. Often, those who support others end up neglecting themselves.
As a career firefighter and Captain, Pearn has witnessed the challenges firefighters encounter in high-stakes situations and everyday life. Too many have left their careers feeling disillusioned and unsupported, prompting Kory to turn his concern into a mission: to fill the gaps in support and provide resources that help firefighters thrive personally and professionally.
Kory's journey to creating CRACKYL began with a personal health crisis. In 2016, he was hospitalized with a life-threatening heart condition after years of ignoring symptoms, believing he could push through. This experience highlighted the unhealthy pursuit of perfection and the denial of personal needs ingrained in firefighting culture.
“What we aren't changing, we're choosing—not just as individuals, but as the fire service collectively.”
- Kory Pearn
Pearn began embracing a new perspective, realizing that he could be “the hero and the patient, the father and the son, the inspiration and the sympathy.” This journey inspired him to launch CRACKYL Magazine, which is dedicated to helping firefighters pursue health, balance, and growth without compromising their identity.