Taking a Knee: A Fire Captain’s Journey Back to Self

In this episode, Taking a Knee: A Fire Captain’s Journey Back to Self, Captain Michael Sears joins host Arjuna George for a raw conversation about operational stress, moral injury, identity, and what it truly takes to find your way back after years in the fire service.

Michael shares his experience navigating occupational stress injury, stepping away from the job, and learning how to reconnect with his body, his values, and his sense of self. Together, Arjuna and Michael explore what it really means to “take a knee” and why healing doesn’t mean weakness; it means leadership.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected, exhausted, or unsure who you are outside the uniform, this conversation will resonate deeply.

🎧 Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and welcome

Arjuna introduces the episode and welcomes Fire Captain Michael Sears.

01:00 – A life in the fire service

Michael shares his background, family legacy, and early career in firefighting.

02:30 – When the job starts to change you

Recognizing the toll of years of service and the moment things began to shift.

04:30 – Taking a knee and stepping away

What led to Michael taking time off and confronting operational stress.

06:45 – Navigating occupational stress injury

The realities of paperwork, stigma, and asking for help.

09:00 – The challenge of returning to work

What reintegration looked like and what support was missing.

12:00 – Moral injury and organizational betrayal

How leadership decisions and systems can deeply impact firefighters.

16:00 – Identity, ego, and the cost of silence

What happens when identity becomes fused with the job.

19:00 – Embodied healing and reconnecting with the body

Learning to listen to the body and process stored stress.

23:30 – The role of breath, stillness, and awareness

Why regulation begins with slowing down.

27:00 – Creativity, curiosity, and recovery

How healing often comes through unexpected paths.

31:00 – What real support should look like

Why early intervention, education, and resourcing matter.

35:00 – Advice for firefighters approaching retirement

Preparing for identity shifts and life beyond the job.

38:30 – Final reflections on leadership and self-worth

Why taking care of yourself helps everyone around you.

41:00 – Closing thoughts and message to listeners

🔥 Key Themes Discussed

Operational stress and moral injury

Identity beyond the uniform

The cost of emotional suppression

Embodied healing and nervous system awareness

Leadership through self-awareness

Transitioning out of the fire service with purpose

👤 Guest Information

Michael Sears

Fire Captain and mental health advocate

President, Fight for Life (mental health support for firefighters)

🎙️ About the Host

Arjuna George

Former Fire Chief, coach, and host of Beneath the Helmet.

🚨 JOIN THE BTH COMMUNITY 

📝 Podcast Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 

📨 LinkedIn Podcast Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321

✅Become a BTH Ambassador for a one-time contribution of $23. Your Ambassador contribution supports the behind-the-scenes work that keeps this project alive. Click here to support the show

📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca 

▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow?sub_confirmation=1 

🔥 SOCIALS & CONTACT 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet

📩 Business Inquiries: arjuna@silverarrowco.com

📣 If this conversation resonated with you:

Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations on leadership, identity, and resilience

Share this episode with a colleague or friend who might need to hear it

Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway or reflection