The Day That Changed My Life FOREVER! 

That was a very difficult day, but God has blessed us tremendously since then. Still brings tears to my eyes. We lost a lot of things, but we still have each other. Love you Brad!

Your story is literally like a phoenix! Out of the ashes you flew to the beach. Amazing how the almighty can turn ruins into gold for his children. Thank you for sharing I know it sounded hard to talk about.

Brad, you really helped a lot of people with this video. We may not have had a housefire but almost all of us have had to "sift through the ashes" of our lives after a devastating event. In my instance it was a divorce. Thank you for sharing your experience , strength and hope.

The care of neighbors is amazing!!! One of my favorite things about living in Alabama and the south.

Thanks for sharing some of your story. I'm sure you look forward to going to work now much more than before. I love stories like this where we can look back and see there was a bigger plan that we didn't see in the midst of difficult times. It's great that you can now share encouragement to others going through tough times to hang in there because there's a bigger plan. There was a time in my life where I was straight up honest with God, just telling him that I absolutely hated the "construction type" work I was doing to live and meet my obligations, but it was my profession, all I knew. I was constantly working 60 hours a week doing something I literally hated...There seemed like no way out and then... The economy fell apart in 2008 and I was forced to close my business. There were some very difficult years and it's a long story of God leading me and encouraging me while eating peanut butter, pulling weeds for money and being behind on a lot of bills...I was led to learn how to create passive income online which took a ton of work, but I loved every moment of it... Eventually God led me into this place where like you I now get to fish every day for a living. Now I absolutely love going to work!

Brad, That is a harrowing story...you and family was able to uproot and start over...thanks for opening your heart to speak to us all...with hugs and prayers, tight lines...Cheers from Maine

This was very emotional to see. I’m so proud of you for sharing your story and God’s glory. It is one of beauty from ashes. Indeed Courtney saved our lives. As hard as it was for you all to move, I’m so proud of you and happy for the life you have. You never know the impact your story will have. I love you!

Brad I know exactly where your mind is at in making this video. I lived it this year on June 6. My upstairs apartment became engulfed so fast. If it hadn't been for my wife, who passed away 2 months later, I would not be writing this. It's tough and still emotional. PTSD is no joke. Take care brother.

Thanks for sharing your story buddy, glad your family & the dog made it out safe. Sounds like that day propelled your life into the awesome one you’re living today! Looks like you moved here to the gulf coast the same year I had to leave. We’re both where we wanna be now though! Life seems to always work out in the end.

Happy you made it through that Brad. I hope if you ever come to Jupiter again to fish that I meet you. God Bless you and your family.

Watching you start your channel and becoming successful has been Great. But knowing your family’s story makes it mean even more. Thx GOD everyone is safe and well. Keep bending that rod Brother !! Let’s Go 🧨🧨🧨

Brad, everyone got out alive, the baby is healthy and the family is healthy. You and Courtney decided to move to the beach and look where you are now, look at the new friends you made and helped you get to where you are is awesome. God wanted you to live your dream. I appreciate you and the guys being the friends you are. God bless you my friend.

Brad, you and your bride are still young and resilient. The coming decades are going to bring a whole host of challenges that you and Courtney will endure and conquer. The fire experience shows your grit! I have great respect for you two.

I'm a PTSD veteran, and one thing I've learned since getting that diagnosis is that it's much more common than people think. You and your family absolutely have some PTSD in my opinion and you are 100% justified in being emotional about that event in y'alls lives. I'm glad to see you're making a positive out of the massive negative life gave you! PTSD isn't about getting over it, it's about learning to live with what happened and moving forward. Sincerely best wishes to you and yours!!!

Your family is truly made of steel. It is incredible you and Courtney are living your dream with those four little ones. I think I have the video from the news that day if you don’t have it.

Wow, what an emotional story. It took alot of courage to talk about it, but thank God everyone made it out safely ! Maybe it was a blessing in disguise in that you guys moved to the beach like you had always talked about.

Appreciate you sharing your story brother. Seeing you and Beach Bum both sharing the difficult realities of life and sharing your journey just helps connect you more to your viewers. God bless

I remember walking down the street from my house over to yours. Back when we were all young and dumb, you would always provide a place for everyone to hang out and have fun. I made a lot of memories at that house because of you and Adam. I think I was living in Atlanta when this happened, otherwise, I would’ve walked down the street and supported you in any way I could. I’m very sorry for y’all’s loss, and I’m glad you all are safe and happy. Much love, brother.

Just got to see this one brad. I have not gone through that kind of situation but I can only imagine from listening to you the reaction at that moment to decide what to do first second and third. Glad you and your family are ok. God do have a plan for each and everyone of us. All you have to do is follow it. Thank you for sharing brother.

It takes a hell of a brave man to sit down and share that story live to the world Brad. Thank you! You are an inspiration to myself and many others. Fan for life!

Thank you Brad for sharing part of your life with us. It gives me the idea that I now know you better. I've never met you but I feel closer to you regardless of that. Thank you again.

Thank You for sharing you and your family's story. Amazing Grace there. I know that it was difficult for ya. Sound's like your family are a wonderful blessing as well. Stay Humble and have the best lives that you possibly can. Glad you've been surrounded by good friends like Matt. He's the first guide that I ever fished with before he got "fishin famous".

You dreams have definitely been forged in fire man your way to become bigger and better than you ever imagined and have already inspired a lot of content creators, businessmen, and good family men keep going brother glad to hear everyone made it out safely

So glad that ya'll had support. Dec.17 2019 is when I escaped with my life but lost everything in a house fire, and was never contacted by anyone. However I'm a bit stubborn and would make it. Besides any help that I didn't get was helpful to someone else who needed it more. Most importantly we all survived.

Thanks for making a grown man cry brother!!!! GOD knew exactly what it would take to get you guys to make the move and start living the life he had planned for you all along!!! Just remember to keep GOD 1st and he will continue to bless your family!!! I'm glad to have heard your story sir THANK YOU for sharing this with us!!!!!

My daughter and her family lost their home to fire 20 years ago. Today it's still hard for me to talk about it. Even though I don't know the pain and devastation of loosing my own home, I cried with you through your story. God bless you and your family.

Brad feel proud to watch your channel and proud of you being able to tell your story in a way that is undescribable and hold yourself together during those hard times but God has a place for you and beautiful family who I had watch over your fishing channel in which I'm a subscriber and a thumbs upper thank you for what you have thought me over this past year of 2022 through the catch and cook 🐟🐠since watching your channel thank you.God bless you and your family.

My husband & I watch your videos. We have commented to each other how patient you are with your kids (they’re so cute!). Now I understand. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Damn Brad I was crying when you talked about your competitor bringing you a $500 gift card that's when I teared up man glad you guys all made it out safe glad you're doing so well now love you man

So glad you and your family made it threw that whole situation and glad you had the ultimate decision to come to the beach to entertain us all with your great personality and fishing / cooking skills. Can we say blessings in disguise?

God blessed you brother, at the same time he took material things away, his angels surrounded you and held you while you adjusted and coped, fire is at once a destroyer and a cleanser, your experience makes you a better person. Love the content and the work youre doing now, I have a similar story that changed my life forever and now I have one more family to include in my prayers. Thank you for sharing this Brad, peace to all of you my friend

Thanks for sharing Brad! I’m happy to be one of your followers!

Lordy Brad! As a firefighter/paramedic for 30+ years I have seen lots of tragedy over the years. I appreciate your story because we in this industry tend to get so hardened to the impact to the lives involved. Thank you for sharing! It makes me and so many others appreciate where you came from and all that you are with your family! Praise God he brought you through it with your family. You’re awesome along with all the other click baiters! Your salt strong! Thank you again for sharing!

I "found" you through Matthews channel and subscribed right away. Been a year, I think. Always enjoy your videos. I could tell there was just something about your personality that attracted my attention. I think it has a lot to do with the way you see life... when you are on the beach you are so positive... having a great time, almost every time. My Dad always told me-- if you don't know what you want from life, go fishing.... if you don't find the answer, don't give up... besides... you'll eat that day. Good luck, Brad... be well... See you at the waters edge... (someday)

Thanks Brad for sharing your very difficult journey. You guys are an inspiration.

Very emotional testimony brother and I’m very sorry it happened. I’m glad all of y’all are all right and I’m glad God sent you forward on the future you have now I love your videos brother! God bless.

Great Testimony Brad, I really enjoyed fishing with you and my son and daughter in law last year and I am sad that you no longer are doing fishing trips, but I pray that God Blesses you guys and that you and your family have a great life there in Orange Beach!

As a fairly new subscriber I had no idea why you and family had moved to Florida but I couldn’t have believed what you just told us through your video. I really hate that you had to go through that I am so glad that I found your videos because I live in southern middle Tennessee and I love to go deep sea fishing when I come down to Florida. Don’t really know what else to say but so glad that your family got out of the house ok and hope your day is great. Keep on fishing and Go Big Orange!🍊🏈

That's an Awesome testimonial story bro... Glad to hear how you got started in your amazing way of life. Keep being amazing Brad and Courtney!! Keep it up bearded Brad! We love your content.

Came across this vid for the first time this morning and it tore me up. I heard what happened, but not in detail. As horrible as the situation was, I'm so glad God had a better plan for y'all than what y'all could have imagined for yourselves. 2 years ago you and Beach Bum's content got me through heart surgery with y'all's content and inspired me to quit my job, start a channel, and completely change my life. Just wanted you to know how God used you through this situation to inspire me to step out on faith! Thanks for sharing!

Even though this was hard for you to share your story, I greatly appreciated you telling it. This reminds me of the episode that Bama Beach Bum told how he started doing RU-vid. Just like with you, God opened up the doors for it to happen. To God all the glory!

There’s nothing wrong with crying, showing your feelings. It shows that you’re human & have a heart. My God bless you and your family!!

That’s how me and my husband (Fishing With Brant) ended up in Pensacola. We kept coming here and Panama for vacation. Glad y’all survived. Things are replaceable, lives aren’t. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Look where you are now. Keep pushing brotha!

What an incredible story. I appreciate you sharing such a hard story to tell. I’ve been enjoying your videos for a couple of years now. I’m glad everything worked out for the best. Thanks again for sharing.

Wow brother, what a story, I’m a 32 year retired firefighter and I’ve seen this so many times, but so thankful you guys came and bounce back as awesome as you did. And as you said, God had a plan, so thankful you believed, and followed him. Love your contacts never miss an episode.

Amen Brother. I know what you are feeling from an emotional point of view. We just had a total house fire the day before Labor Day of this year. The whole process is emotional and draining and still is as we try to rebuild. We have seen Gods face through our experience in so many ways! Humanity is great especially when you don’t know if people truly care but going through this has shown us the love and grace of family and friends. Thank you for your story and I’m happy for what the Lord has done in your life.

I enjoy your videos all the time. On St Patrick's Day 1996 we had taken the kids, (5 of them at the time) to the skating rink.. My wife too was 7 months pregnant. On the way home a neighbor called my cell and asked if all my kids were with us. I said yes, he said thank GOD because our house had burned to the ground. We had frequently let some of the older ones stay home and the fire department was afraid. I believe God had a hand in saving all of us too. No one who hasn't had a fire understands the devastation and how humbling accepting help from others can be. Glad you made it out so well. It took a long time but we also found our way back with God's help and grace. Your story brought back some memories both good and sad.

Brad…my fishing brother, thank you for sharing. Just when we want to give up on humanity, tragedy brings out the best in people and renews our hope. Your story proves that God is in control and he will lead us even when we don’t want to be lead. Watched ever second of your story, peace to you and your family. May God continue to bless the Beard and his family. 🙏🙏🙏

When Life hand's you lemons you have to make lemonade and you and your family are truly blessed.

1975 my parents house burned down in Minn. our family moved to Texas shortly after. It actually was the best thing. I live in Rockport Texas now & fish several times a month. Glad that your family is safe. God Bless

Your story unites you to others, the event is terrible, the connection to others is priceless. Strength and bright horizon in your future.

I've been enjoying your videos since I found this past week. But this was special. I had a life changing event when I was 15, I was walking down a sidewalk with 5 other boys and a guy lost control of his car came across the sidewalk and crashed. I was the only one who got hit. It knocked me 50 feet and by all means I should have been killed, but I did lose my right leg on the spot. A power pole guide wire got it. But looking back I see things in my life wouldn't turned out as good for me if it hadn't happened. I'm now 64 years old and living a good life with a good family and grandkids. Things happen for a reason. God was with me that night, like he was with you. May he continue to bless you like he has me. Thanks for sharing.

Brad I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, We lost our house to a fire last year. We are still trying to understand what happened. No one was hurt. But we lost everything. Stay strong my brother. Much love to you and your family.

Such a hard thing to deal with. I had My apartment building burn down and lost everything I owned except for the clothes on my back. Glad you and your family made it out. Love your videos,and thank you for sharing this with us.

Jeez man, sorry that you went through that. Look at you now. Our world works in crazy ways. Thank God none of you were hurt physically. Keep moving forward. Can't wait until your next video.

Hey Brad, Glad y'all are safe and everything is working out! I am a transplant to the Gulf coast too, thanks to the Navy! I don't know much about salt fishing, but learn from the crew I watch every day! Actually caught my first Trout over at the spillway at Lake Shelby last week using a Slam Shady! Keep up the great content!

You and your whole family are survivors.Thank you for sharing and thank you for all the enjoyment I get watching your videos, you have found your true calling.

Hard story to tell man. Glad yall made it out ok and that yall are down here!! Much Love buddy!!

Great testimony of overcoming what many could have payed down and quit. You took a leap and now your living your dream with a beautiful family! Keep it up love all your content!

Wow, now that's a story. Glad you all made it out OK. I have two friends that endured fires. One had to kick out a window in order to escape and his leg was burned. After healing he had a tattoo of a ring of fire placed around his calf to commemorate. The other was in a car crash, pinned in his car and literally cooked his leg alive. He limps, still wears pressure bandages, but is thankful to be alive. Glad you are still with us. Love your vids, btw.

Brad, Lived a day much like yours,Went to work on monday morning And had taken care of my first job. At the Time I was a Volunteer Fireman in the District I lived in. My pager went off and I went straight to the Fire house and was putting on my Gear when the Local mailman ran in and Hollered" hurry up it Barry Thomas's House' I grabbed the rest of my gear jumped in my P/U and got to my house in about a Minute,jumped out put on the rest of my gear and Ran in the house and checked Every room. The whole one side was fully involved. When I came out choking my Neighbor told me my wife and kids were at another Neighbors hose and SAFE! There was a Firetruck at the Curb, I grabbed a hose and went back in. So i ws the First fireman at My own fire.

That sucks and doesn't suck. Glad you and your family survived. Thanks for sharing. My wife and I have been wanting to move to the beach I'm going to show her this video.

Bless you Brad! I can tell you that talking it out will free you of this pain. Just keep talking. We’re here for you.

I am a retired firefighter from Virginia. People hear about families who have suffered through these type of house fires and think how tough it has to be to lose everything. Most have no idea how bad it actually is. Your story Brad truly brings home how devastating it is to lose everything in an instant. I have fought many fires in my career like the one you described. As I’m working to help extinguish the blaze I primarily thought of the job at hand. Afterwards, during what we call “overhaul” when we are pulling walls and ceilings and putting out hot spots, is when the reality sinks in that someone just lost their entire house and all of their possessions. Unless you’ve lived through it or saw first hand the emotional and sometimes physical devastation a house fire can cause, you truly have no idea what these families truly go through. Often, with nowhere to turn it can break apart families and destroy your will to continue living. It’s that bad. The fact that you were able to overcome such a tragedy speaks volumes to your will and determination to pick up the pieces for your family and move on to the next great thing God had in store for you. Kudos to you and your family Brad! BTW, I watch your channel because I am an avid saltwater fisherman. I primarily fish the Outer Banks of NC and south along the east coast. I sometimes fish in Florida because my daughter lives in Sarasota. Stay strong and have a blessed day.

Yall are so blessed! The beach is my favorite place, but I actually just bought a ranch further inland, closer to my husband's family. We're thinking that if none of them come to visit in the next year, we may start looking at the beach. I'm so glad yall are ok. Hope you survived the hurricanes!

Thank you for sharing that with all of us Brad. I always feel like our RU-vid Community is extended family. I am thankful to God for the blessings your family has and continues to receive.

It takes a lot to share and expose yourself like this. Big... Very touching man. Glad to see where you are now!

Glad y’all made it out! Great video. I’ve been in some tough situations in my life where I should have lost every drugs unfold due to a back injury. God rescued me and my marriage . I’m 46 been with my wife for 28 years she’s 43. She was 15 when we got together. My dad said he never wanted to see me with her ever again because I was 18 and he figured I’d be in jail now he calls her way more than me. Brother it’s good to shed a tear it’s just the Holy Spirit working through yo. I fell 20’ on 10/05 broke my neck my lower back my right wrist and pelvis in 3 places. Was releasing fro The hospital 1009 had wrist surgery 10/11 and was in Perdido Key 10/14. Didn’t get to do anything but sit at the pool and rented a beach wheelchair for a couple of days made it down 1 time. It was hard to pull my Bible butt through the loose sand and where we stayed the don’t allow electric ones. I made goal to walk up and down al 30 steps and 200 yards through the loose sand to the beach and on the Friday before we left I made it and sat at the beach for 3 hours! God is Good! Now I’m walking without a crutch and I’m unfortunate watching it snow hear near Indianapolis!

Brad it's shows that it still hurts terribly But you did the right thing by opening up .the healing is on its way .God bless you bud

Prayers Brother. The house I grew up in burnt two summers ago. even though nothing was in it that was mine, it was still hard. So many memories still were within those walls.

What a story! I’m happy for your family! Somehow when a door closes a window opens and you took it! Thanks for sharing 😢

So glad y’all got out in time!! Material things can be replaced!! Everyday I don’t life for granted but God was with y’all ♥️

Glad you are All okay Brad and did anyone else see the fishing rod over brads shoulder I didn't till the last minute of the video thank you for sharing this journey with Us 🙏👍

Good Bless y'all (Romans 8-28). That's for sharing going down a tough roads myself at this point. Hearing y'all's story gives some light at the end of this valley. Good Bless keep 🎣

Hello Brad, I messed up the pervious message, I'm trying to get use to a new phone, it a lot different than my old one. Anyway, I just saw this story 7 months after it was posted. Very emotional for you and me too. I've been following you for some time now, and I could tell you were a good guy... a good person. So glad I found this story. Im from Chattanooga, my son and his wife work in Nashville and live in Murfreesboro. A little bit if connection there. Glad things worked out for you, always remain humble and be thankful for the blessings you have. Be safe and have fun doing what you do.

Brad, thanks for the video. I am so glad you and your family were all able to get out and you are all okay. I wish you all the best! Sincerely, Norm in Arizona

BB, you definitely needed to share that, and someone probably needed to hear it.

A Smoke Detector is a must in any home for sure. The Smoke kills way before the flame .

Brad these life events you share and being open helps and touch more people you think. In these days we need inspiration

Horrible experience you and your family went through. So brave to tell your story. Thank goodness nobody was hurt. Yes, you and your family were blessed.

Thank you. Kind of understanding the whole strong family bond thing I sensed in your streams.

Thanks for sharing. My parents house burnt down 15 years ago. Its still hard to talk about. All the blood, sweat, and tears that went into it. The memories. Mom and Dad were fine. With help from the Church and community they rebuilt. God let you keep the important things, cherish them.

BB, Saw the FT Morgan pier is now open. Going to take a ride and check it out. Years ago, before they condemned the old wooden structure, it was really good fishing. Best!

Sad sad story but soo glad that you and your family made out OK and everyone is doing well I watch both your fishing and your BBQ videos I enjoy the content of them I found out about your vids from watching Brants vids I will put you and family in my prayers keep on keeping on buddy thanks for share this part of your life with us fish on my friend 😊

Sorry brother for the trauma of the house fire. I think it was definitely a blessing in disguise, I thoroughly enjoy your videos and God had a plan for you!

B, Thank you for sharing this. We all need to be reminded to count our blessings! Best…

That’s crazy brother but showing your true feelings just shows how good a guy you are. God bless.

Sorry you had to go through all of that. I hope things are working out for the best for you and your family

We love ya brother! Keep that head high. You and the family are alive. Material things don't matter!

Its amazing how many are wiling to help my house burned down in june 1 day before my birthday ... Its in those times you realize how many good people out there . Im glad everyone in your family made it out

Thanks for sharing your story Brad...God has helped you make a great move for you and your family! Prayers for your continued success and I really appreciate your faith in God and giving him credit. Keep your great videos coming and we'll keep supporting you!

Thank you so much for such an amazing story! God has blessed you tremendously and now you’re blessing others with your awesome content and fishing tips! Thanks Brad, you’re one of my favorite fishing family!

So sorry to hear Brad. I can tell it's hard for you to talk about. Pray everyone made made it out. All our thoughts and prayers are for you and your family and friends. Take care Brad

Thanks for sharing your story Brad... It was sad to hear, I know it was really tough to talk about.... It was good for you to talk about it with up... Thanks You, and May God continue to bless you and your family.....!

Just the courage alone to tell your story had me brother, we love you and everyone around you, thank you for sharing!!

Awesome story Brad. Glad it all worked out. Hopefully will see you soon. Fish on 🎣

Your comeback is pretty impressive. And you're just getting started. Keep going Brad.

Man, I have been putting off this video because I am also emotional! Glad I watched it now. Probably one of the few videos that I haven’t watched! I am so glad you guys were alright! I enjoy watching you and your awesome family! Love you guys!

Brad, very happy you all made through this life changing event. In 2015, my dog woke me up, I got up to see what he was barking at and saw my house was on fire. I got dressed went out and moved my truck and called 911. I came back in the house, unfortunately Bruno ran in the house and I couldn't get him out in time. House fires are gut wrenching. If wasn't for Bruno , I don't think I would have lived. Once again, so happy your family made it through and turned a horrible time into positive happy life.

I’m glad all that worked out in mysterious ways for you guys. Especially everyone got out safely and is good and healthy. God blessed you. Continue your faith and journey to enjoy your family and what you do and what you have.