Unseen Battles: Firefighter Tommy Bolin on Trauma, Recovery & Resilience

Unseen Battles: Firefighter Tommy Bolin on Trauma, Recovery & Resilience. Join host Arjuna George as he sits down with firefighter and author Tommy Bolin in this powerful episode of 'Beneath the Helmet.' Tommy shares his 30-year journey in the fire service, his struggles with mental health, and how he overcame them. From his suicide attempt to finding hope and writing his book 'Unseen Battles,' Tommy offers invaluable insights into the importance of mental health awareness in first responders. s.

Firefighter Tommy Bolin shares his journey through trauma, moral injury, and recovery—revealing resilience tools every first responder needs. (Ep90 S3)

In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, firefighter, paramedic, and author Tommy Bolin opens up about the unseen battles of the fire service. From the weight of trauma and moral injury to a life-saving turning point after a suicide attempt, Tommy shares how he found recovery, resilience, and hope.

We cover his journey to writing Unseen Battles, the power of peer support, and why vulnerability is a firefighter’s true superpower.

This conversation is essential for firefighters, first responders, leaders, and families seeking to understand better mental health, resilience, and the path forward.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:22 – Tommy's Background and Family Life
02:19 – The Journey to Writing Unseen Battles
02:41 – Struggles with Mental Health and Trauma
03:40 – The Turning Point: Suicide Attempt and Recovery
08:13 – Finding Help and the Center of Excellence
12:31 – The Impact of Sharing His Story
17:06 – Rebuilding Family Relationships
24:12 – Administrative Betrayal and Moral Injury
28:33 – The Need for Collective Action
31:43 – Overcoming Weakness Through MMA
32:18 – Addressing Root Issues and Avoiding Band-Aids
32:59 – The Reality of PTSD
34:34 – Understanding Meekness vs. Weakness
36:18 – The Two Wolves Analogy
38:20 – Emotional Resilience and Mental Check-Ins
40:36 – The Importance of Vulnerability
47:31 – Leadership and Mental Health Support
52:37 – Final Thoughts and Resources

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📖 Learn more about Tommy’s book Unseen Battles on Amazon
🌐 Connect with Tommy: Responder Support LLC | LinkedIn | Instagram

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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