Pivoting from Firefighting to Tech: Andrew Douglas' Story

Pivoting from Firefighting to Tech: Andrew Douglas' Story From Firefighter to Tech Innovator | Beneath the Helmet Season 2 Welcome back to another great episode of Beneath the Helmet, Season 2! In this episode, host Arjuna George sits down with Andrew Douglas, a former firefighter turned tech entrepreneur. Andrew shares his journey from firefighting to co-founding Siento, an app designed to support the mental health of first responders across North America. They discuss various therapies, the impact of mental health on firefighters, and Andrew's transformative experience in Costa Rica with psychedelics. Don't miss this insightful conversation on mental health, peer support, and how technology paves the way for better first responder wellness. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:07 Meet Andrew Douglas: From Firefighter to Tech Entrepreneur 01:48 Andrew's Journey: From Childhood Dreams to Career Challenges 03:25 The Birth of Siento: Addressing Mental Health in First Responders 07:19 Cultural Shifts: Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use 11:12 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned 16:39 Support Systems and Peer Support 21:56 Developing Siento: The Vision and Mission 27:31 Team Management Challenges 28:39 Subscription Model and Retiree Involvement 30:43 Personal Impact and Anonymity 31:40 Message to Listeners 32:01 Self-Love and Psychedelic Retreat 34:39 Costa Rica and Personal Growth 37:02 Psychedelic Experience and Ego 43:22 Daily Self-Care Routine 46:51 Pre-Planning for Mental Health 50:10 App Features and AI Integration 52:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Contact Andrew: andrew@siento.io Siento App https://www.siento.io/ Siento App (APPLE) https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/siento-share-heal-connect/id6472210119 🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/ Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshorts 📨Linkedin Podcast Newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321 📝Join the BTH Newsletter at https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 📺Watch or Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca 📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com