From Police Work to Yoga: Vance Row on Recovery, Wellness, and Purpose

In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Vance Row of Yoga Rescue, a former police officer who turned his life around through yoga, sobriety, and a deep commitment to wellness.

Vance opens up about his journey from law enforcement into teaching yoga, the struggles with alcohol and mental health that nearly ended his career, and how discovering yoga became the lifeline that helped him reclaim his health, resilience, and purpose.

This conversation dives into:

• Why yoga is a game-changer for first responders under chronic stress

• Vance’s personal story of addiction, recovery, and resilience

• How yoga supports the nervous system, healing, and mental clarity

• Practical advice for first responders struggling with burnout, trauma, or operational stress injury

• Simple ways to begin your own mind-body wellness practice today

  00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

  00:35 Guest Introduction: Vance Row of Yoga Rescue

  01:24 Vance's Journey into Law Enforcement

  04:02 Challenges and Realizations in the Police Force

  06:53 Struggles with Alcohol and Mental Health

  09:06 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Sobriety

  11:45 Discovering Yoga: A Path to Healing

  18:47 The Impact of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health

  19:11 Practical Advice for Those Struggling

  25:16 Yoga Sessions with Vance: What to Expect

  29:33 Incorporating Functional Movements in Yoga

  30:52 The Sedentary Nature of Police Work

  31:40 Personal Transformation Through Yoga

  33:25 Struggles with Control and Finding Balance

  34:05 The Journey to Healing: Yoga, Therapy, and Lifestyle Changes

  34:49 Career Transition: From Police Officer to Dispatcher

  37:22 Creating Peer Support in the Dispatch Center

  37:57 Retirement Decisions and Self-Care

  43:02 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Self-Care Routines

  55:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Personal Interests

  58:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for First Responders

If you’re a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or frontline professional—or you love someone who is—this episode is for you.

📌 Learn more about Vance Row and Yoga Rescue: https://yogarescue.com

📌 More from Arjuna George:

• Website: https://silverarrowcoaching.com

• Book Burnt Around the Edges: https://www.burntaroundtheedges.com

• Podcast Beneath the Helmet: https://beneaththehelmetpodcast.com

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on first responder health, leadership, and resilience.

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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