Ep. 18: The #1 PROBLEM for Firefighters is NOT Fire | James Geering

Please follow and encourage others to do the same to support the show's growth! Your assistance is crucial in launching this show. Thank you. Join host Kenny Hill in a revealing episode of 'Patina'd Podcast' as he converses with James Gehring, a retired firefighter and paramedic. Dive into gripping stories from the front lines, exploring the immense challenges, sacrifices, and traumas faced by firefighters. Learn about the impact of mandatory overtime, inadequate working conditions, and sleep deprivation on their mental and physical health. This episode shines a light on the need for progressive leadership and comprehensive mental health support to improve the lives of first responders. James' podcast, Behind the Shield has nearly 1,000 episodes, featuring insights from notable guests and expert opinions. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in the realities of firefighting and resilience. 00:00 The Alarming Reality of Mass Shootings 00:21 The Firefighter's Dilemma: Risk and Reward 01:05 The Emotional Toll of Firefighting 01:47 The Struggles of Modern Firefighters 05:40 The Patina Podcast Introduction 06:16 Interview with James Gehring: A Firefighter's Journey 11:11 Childhood and Early Influences 18:06 The Impact of Athletics and Martial Arts 24:23 Navigating Career Challenges and Discovering Firefighting 33:12 Balancing Firefighting and Family Life 37:37 The Harsh Realities of Firefighter Work Hours 40:10 Personal Struggles and Resilience 43:08 Facing the Threat of School Shootings 49:00 Personal Experience and Mental Health 50:04 Addressing Childhood Trauma 51:34 Physical Health and COVID-19 53:18 The Importance of Physical Exhaustion 55:44 The Power of Shared Suffering 57:27 Sleep Deprivation and Its Consequences 01:06:03 Firefighter Work Schedules and Myths 01:10:15 The Cost of Ignoring Firefighter Well-being 01:16:54 Understanding Suicide and Mental Health 01:26:22 Exploring Trauma Therapies 01:39:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections Stay Connected! Eric's IG: https://www.instagram.com/behindtheshield911/  Doc Parsley  sleep remedy was mentioned in this episode. Here is his website: https://docparsley.com/ ⁠The show's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patinad_podcast/ Kenny's IG: https://www.instagram.com/kenny_from_recoveryhill/ Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/patinad Recovery Hill Website: https://www.recoveryhill.info/⁠ The show's name "Patina'd Podcast:" Most people are attracted to antiqued things, whether it's furniture, vehicles, or music. There is something about age and weathering that draws us in. Many will copout with buying "vintage" looking items, but wishing they had the authentic originals; The piece with 100 years of patina that can't be replicated. This also happens in the human experience! There are people who choose to appear wise without the experience to back it up; They offer to themselves the phony version. Others will allow misery to make them better, wiser, and Patina'd. This show is to highlight the others. *Disclaimer* By giving the interviewee freedom to share their story, there may be points of view expressed that Kenny Hill and Recovery Hill do not agree with. But this is their story, their opinions, their advice, and can potentially be very helpful to someone.