Beneath The Helmet Show - Firefighter Wellness & Mental Health (mind-body-spirit)

Building Resilient First Responders: Dr. Stephanie Conn on Peer Support, Hope, and Mental HealthFirst responders face unique challenges that test their minds, bodies, and relationships every single day. In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a licensed psychologist, former police officer, and author of Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel. Together, they dive deep into the essential tools and strategies that help firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and public safety leaders stay strong, connected, and resilient.Stephanie shares her incredible journey from dispatch to officer to psychologist, revealing how early exposure to trauma shaped her mission to build better peer support teams and transform mental health care for first responders. From lessons learned in the field to groundbreaking research on hope, resilience, and TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises), this conversation uncovers what really works to protect those who protect us.If you’re a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or leader in public safety, or if you support someone who is, this episode offers actionable insights that could change lives. Learn how to build a peer support team that truly serves, why hope is the secret ingredient for recovery, and how to maintain your identity and joy beyond the job.Watch now to discover how to create lasting resilience in yourself, your team, and your organization. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.FREE DOWNLOAD: First Responder Family Handbook https://www.firstresponderfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/First-Responder-Family-Handbook_Online.pdf⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Welcome & Introduction01:22 – Meet Dr. Stephanie Conn: From Dispatch to Police Officer to Psychologist04:00 – Early Lessons in Mental Health and Peer Support06:00 – Maintaining Identity Outside the Job: Key Research Insights10:00 – Stories of Family, Regret, and the Cost of Overcommitment12:00 – Writing Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel17:00 – What’s New in the 2025 Expanded Edition20:00 – The Evolution of Peer Support in Public Safety29:00 – Return-to-Work Strategies and the Critical Role of Peer Teams32:00 – Building and Sustaining a Successful Peer Support Team36:00 – Supporting Chiefs and Administrators: Filling the Leadership Gap40:00 – Funding, Training, and Common Pitfalls in Peer Support Programs45:00 – Listening Differently: A Unique Approach to Trauma Stories53:00 – Discovering TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises)58:00 – Personal Insights: Control, Letting Go, and the Mind-Body Connection01:02:00 – How to Connect with Dr. Stephanie Conn & Order Her Books01:04:00 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways🔗 Connect with Dr. Stephanie ConnWebsite: FirstResponderPsychology.com📘 Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel (Expanded Edition – September 2025) – Pre-order on AmazonEnter discount code ADC25 for the Publisher at https://www.routledge.com/Increasing-Resilience-in-Police-and-Emergency-Personnel-Strengthening-Your-Mental-Armor/Conn/p/book/9781032982137Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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📺www.beneaththehelmet.ca📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com🎧 Listen to More Episodes of Beneath the Helmet

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 Welcome01:22 – Tommy's Background and Family Life02:19 – The Journey to Writing Unseen Battles02:41 – Struggles with Mental Health and Trauma03:40 – The Turning Point: Suicide Attempt and Recovery08:13 – Finding Help and the Center of Excellence12:31 – The Impact of Sharing His Story17:06 – Rebuilding Family Relationships24:12 – Administrative Betrayal and Moral Injury28:33 – The Need for Collective Action31:43 – Overcoming Weakness Through MMA32:18 – Addressing Root Issues and Avoiding Band-Aids32:59 – The Reality of PTSD34:34 – Understanding Meekness vs. Weakness36:18 – The Two Wolves Analogy38:20 – Emotional Resilience and Mental Check-Ins40:36 – The Importance of Vulnerability47:31 – Leadership and Mental Health Support52:37 – Final Thoughts and Resources🔥 Subscribe for more stories of resilience, leadership, and hope. 📖 Learn more about Tommy’s book Unseen Battles on Amazon🌐 Connect with Tommy: Responder Support LLC | LinkedIn | InstagramArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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#FirefighterResilience #FirstResponderMentalHealth #OperationalStressInjury #FireServiceLeadership #BeneathTheHelmetPodcast

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 stressVance’s personal story of addiction, recovery, and resilienceHow yoga supports the nervous system, healing, and mental clarityPractical advice for first responders struggling with burnout, trauma, or operational stress injurySimple ways to begin your own mind-body wellness practice today00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:35 Guest Introduction: Vance Row of Yoga Rescue01:24 Vance's Journey into Law Enforcement04:02 Challenges and Realizations in the Police Force06:53 Struggles with Alcohol and Mental Health09:06 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Sobriety11:45 Discovering Yoga: A Path to Healing18:47 The Impact of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health19:11 Practical Advice for Those Struggling25:16 Yoga Sessions with Vance: What to Expect29:33 Incorporating Functional Movements in Yoga30:52 The Sedentary Nature of Police Work31:40 Personal Transformation Through Yoga33:25 Struggles with Control and Finding Balance34:05 The Journey to Healing: Yoga, Therapy, and Lifestyle Changes34:49 Career Transition: From Police Officer to Dispatcher37:22 Creating Peer Support in the Dispatch Center37:57 Retirement Decisions and Self-Care43:02 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Self-Care Routines55:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Personal Interests58:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for First RespondersIf 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.comBook Burnt Around the Edges: https://www.burntaroundtheedges.comPodcast 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)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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#firstresponderwellness #yogaforfirstresponders #firefighterresilience #operationalstressinjury #mentalhealth

From the Ashes: Justin Champion on Trauma, Recovery, and Mental Health in the Fire ServiceOvercoming PTSD: A Firefighter's Journey - Beneath the Helmet Season 3What happens when a firefighter who’s always been the one saving others finds himself in need of rescue? In this compelling episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George speaks with Justin Champion—a veteran, firefighter, and founder of From the Ashes—who opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, burnout, and the hidden toll of a life in service.From multiple military deployments to years in the fire service, Justin’s experiences are both harrowing and inspiring. He shares how the accumulation of trauma affected his career, relationships, and mental health—and how he reached a turning point by calling what he calls a “mental mayday.” Through therapy, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose, Justin not only rebuilt his life but is now helping others in the fire service do the same.If you’re a firefighter, first responder, or someone who supports them, this conversation will give you practical tools for caring for your own mental health and supporting your brothers and sisters in the field. Justin dives into culture change in the fire service, the role of senior firefighters, and the importance of family wellbeing. His message is clear: it’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.Watch now to gain powerful insights, share this episode with your crew, and help break the stigma around mental health in the fire service. Don’t forget to subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more real stories, leadership lessons, and wellness strategies for firefighters and first responders.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:53 Meet Justin Champion01:24 Justin's Personal Journey02:23 The Role of Faith03:50 Experiencing Trauma07:23 Seeking Help and Recovery11:37 Changing Fire Service Culture15:12 Addressing Mental Health Gaps17:49 The Importance of Senior Firefighters22:56 Approaching Stoic Firefighters23:54 Reaching Out to a Friend in Need24:47 The Importance of Being Real25:24 Meeting People Where They're At26:45 Breaking the Stigma in the Fire Service27:11 The Bravery of Asking for Help33:30 Daily Practices for Mental Wellness38:34 Supporting Your Family's Mental Health44:29 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Justin Championjustinchampion15@gmail.comFounder of From the AshesArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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

Harnessing AI: Revolutionizing Firefighter Wellness and Training. Wellness & Burnout Prevention with guest Justin Brunner.In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with firefighter, professor, and tech innovator Justin Brunner to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the fire service.Discover how AI tools are helping fire departments reduce firefighter burnout, streamline SOG and SOP creation, optimize fire training programs, and empower leaders to focus more on crew wellness and operational readiness.We dive into:How AI can support mental health and emotional recovery for first respondersWhy fire chiefs and training officers should adopt AI for documentation, lesson plans, and scenario-based learningHow AI becomes a personal tutor for firefighter education and NFPA complianceThe future of AI in fire service leadership, decision-making, and fireground predictionJustin’s story behind the Assist AI platform for firefightersIf you're a fire chief, firefighter, or first responder looking to explore AI for training, wellness, and leadership development, this episode is a must-listen.🚨 Learn more about the ASSIST platform:https://decisolve.ca/📩 Connect with Justin: justin@decisolve.ca👉Grab Arjuna's book - Burnt Around the Edges: A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout. www.burntaroundtheedges.com or on Amazon.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more firefighter wellness, burnout prevention, and leadership content from Beneath the Helmet.📣 Share this episode with your crew and help us bring the future of training to the frontline.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:37 Guest Introduction: Justin Bruner01:31 The Role of AI in Firefighter Wellness03:54 Justin's Journey: From Tech to Firefighting09:39 AI in Education and Fire Services18:34 AI Tools for Fire Chiefs and Training Officers26:00 Addressing Fears and Embracing AI30:02 In-Person Training and Engagement30:33 Embedding Questions in Training31:10 Avoiding Dry Drills32:58 The Role of AI in Fire Service34:16 AI in Training and Education38:35 Starting with AI42:16 Assist Platform Overview48:43 Connecting and Preventing Burnout51:02 Conclusion and Contact InformationArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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

From Great to Magnus: Dr. Terry Anderson on Unlocking Competency-Based Leadership for First RespondersWhat does it take to move from being a good leader to becoming a truly Magnus leader, one who inspires lasting change?In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired criminologist, author, and leadership coach Dr. Terry Anderson shares over five decades of experience in competency-based leadership for firefighters, police, and public safety professionals.You’ll discover:✅ The five essential leadership skillsets that build resilient, high-performing leaders✅ How the Great to Magnus movement is transforming public safety leadership✅ Why “soft skills” like communication, empathy, and team-building are the hardest—and most critical—to master✅ How positive intelligence, self-leadership, and continuous improvement can strengthen mental health, reduce stress, and create healthier organizational cultureImagine leading with clarity, confidence, and compassion while building stronger teams and creating a meaningful impact in your department and community.Whether you’re a firefighter, officer, or EMS professional, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to elevate your leadership while protecting your mental wellness—at work and at home.🎧 Listen now and discover how to lead yourself, and others, better.Timestamp Guide[00:00] Welcome & intro to Dr. Terry Anderson[02:00] Dr. Anderson’s journey into leadership development[06:00] Competency-based leadership—what it really means[12:00] Why “soft skills” are the hardest skills[18:00] Continuous improvement in organizations[24:00] Positive intelligence & mental health for leaders[33:00] Dr. Anderson’s personal longevity practices[40:00] Meditation and building mental clarity[47:00] First responder appreciation story[49:00] Moral compass and honesty in leadership[54:00] Final message: Enjoy each momentConnect with Dr. Terry Andersondrcoach@mac.comconsultingCoach.comArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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

What happens when the Officer of the Year becomes the one in crisis?In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, Arjuna George sits down with AK Dozanti, a former deputy sheriff turned burnout recovery coach and author of Beat the Burnout. AK opens up about her personal spiral into depression, Operational Stress Injury, adrenal fatigue, and how the pressure to perform led to a complete system collapse.They explore why burnout is more than just exhaustion; it’s a whole-body experience that affects identity, purpose, and nervous system regulation. AK shares what the crash felt like, how she ignored the signs, and the unconventional path she took to healing.If you're a high performer, a helper, or a First Responder who's been feeling "off," this episode is your signal to pause and tune in. You'll learn:The warning signs of true burnout (it's sneakier than you think)Why First Responders face a unique risk due to trauma exposure and moral injuryPractical, nervous-system-friendly recovery tools AK used to rebuildHow self-leadership, boundaries, and grace are the new tactical gear🎧 Listen now to Beneath the Helmet and rediscover what it means to be strong without burning out.📘 Grab AK’s book Beat the Burnout📘 Grab Arjuna's book Burnt Around the Edges: A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:22 Meet AK Dozanti: From Law Enforcement to Burnout Specialist02:31 Experiencing Burnout: AK's Personal Story04:18 Transition to Wellness and Lifesaver Wellness05:07 Understanding Burnout: Symptoms and Personal Experiences05:15 Understanding Burnout: Symptoms and Signs07:37 Addressing Past Trauma and Burnout09:18 The Importance of Listening to Your Body09:59 Burnout in First Responders09:59 The Impact of Trauma and Burnout on First Responders12:14 Physical and Emotional Impact of Burnout14:47 Resources and Support Systems16:59 Recovery and Prevention Strategies17:04 Strategies for Overcoming Burnout20:08 Fitness and Self-Care Adjustments22:31 The Journey of Writing 'Beat the Burnout'22:31 The Journey of Writing 'Beat the Burnout'24:43 Future Projects and Final Thoughts29:51 Struggles of Transitioning from High Performer to Entrepreneur30:19 The Importance of Recovery and Efficiency30:39 Understanding and Managing Burnout32:42 Understanding and Managing the Nervous System36:21 Recognizing Burnout Symptoms36:37 Steps to Combat Burnout41:02 Nourishing Your Nervous System47:30 The Power of Self-Leadership52:16 Final Thoughts and Future Plans55:42 Conclusion and FarewellConnect with AK:akd@lifesaverwellness.comakdozanti.com#BurnoutRecovery #FirstResponderHealth #OperationalStressInjury #SelfLeadership #BeneathTheHelmetPodcastArjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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

When firefighter Ricky Nuttall walked into the Grenfell Tower blaze, he had no idea itwould mark the beginning of a new life one forged through trauma, guilt,poetry, and purpose.In this unforgettable episode of Beneath the Helmet, Ricky shares his raw and deeply personal account ofresponding to one of the UK’s most catastrophic fires. But what unfolds is morethan a fireground stor,  it’s a journey into the aftermath: operationalstress injury, moral injury, and the haunting decisions firefighters carry longafter the smoke clears. You'llhear about:·        The moment he realized hemight not make it out·        The crushing weight ofchoosing to live while others died·        How childhood traumashaped his calling to serve·        The healing power ofwriting, reflection, and vulnerabilityIf you’ve ever struggled withshame, survivor’s guilt, or the silent battles behind the badge, thisconversation is for you. Ricky’s story will move you, challenge you, and mostof all remind you that redemption is not only possible, it’s powerful.This episode is a must-listen for firefighters, firstresponders, mental health professionals, and leaders in high-stakesenvironments seeking real talk about resilience, trauma recovery, and post-traumatic growth.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:25 Ricky's Early Life and FamilyBackground08:07 Joining the Fire Service20:09 The Grenfell Tower Fire: InitialResponse27:07 Inside the Tower: A Firefighter'sStruggle43:58 Aftermath and Mental HealthStruggles53:19 A Poem Born from Darkness54:03 The Breaking Point56:36 A Lifeline of Phone Calls57:36 The Power of Counseling andMedication58:43 The Stigma of Antidepressants59:47 Seasonal Affective Disorder and St.John's Wort01:00:49 Reflecting on Recovery01:01:50 The Importance ofSelf-Congratulation01:03:06 Embracing Change and Growth01:08:41 Tools for Self-Care and Recovery01:19:36 The Blue Balloon Theory01:21:46 Rocks in Pockets: StrengthThrough Hardship01:24:28 Exciting Future Projects01:35:12 Final Thoughts and Gratitude ⁠info@justrick.co.uk⁠⁠www.justrick.co.uk⁠The Firefighter Film: https://www.justrick.co.uk/?wix-vod-video-id=5e79880e037f4ae6b0af4b17a78cae9c&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-kixmw8nq🔥 Subscribe toBeneath the Helmet onApple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform — and join the movement toredefine leadership and mental wellness in the fire service. Don'tforget to rate and share if this story resonates. Your voice helps break thesilence.Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshorts 📨LinkedinPodcast Newsletterhttps://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321📝Join the BTH Newsletterat https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe📺Watch or Listen to allthe episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca📩 Email Host:arjuna@silverarrowco.com 

Fire to Light: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities. From Brampton to Costa Rica: A Firefighter’s Journey to Healing and Purpose | Beneath the Helmet with Brandon Evans and Host Arjuna George What happens when a firefighter walks away from the job “too early”? In this raw and revealing episode of Beneath the Helmet, Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with Brandon Evans, former firefighter turned wellness entrepreneur and founder of Fire to Light, to talk about leaving the fire service, battling burnout, and redefining what it means to live a full, purpose-driven life.Brandon shares his powerful personal journey from suiting up in Brampton, Ontario, to running mental fitness programs in Costa Rica. He opens up about the trauma that pushed him to the edge, the healing practices that brought him back, and the global research that’s changing how we view firefighter mental health. From wildland firefighting to international backpacking to leading mental wellness initiatives, Brandon’s story is a call to action for anyone ready to move from fire to light.Topics Covered:Why he left the fire service early and what he learned about himselfSurviving Operational Stress Injury and building a toolbox for mental recoveryCreating a new life in Costa Rica with family at the centerThe truth about mental health training gaps in fire departments worldwideThe power of storytelling and vulnerability in fire service leadershipWhat “mental fitness” really means, and how to build itIf you’re a firefighter, fire chief, or first responder searching for more than just survival, this episode is for you. Whether you’re battling burnout, contemplating a transition, or simply seeking a more balanced and fulfilling path, Brandon’s honesty will hit home. Learn what it means to live intentionally, to lead with your heart, and to discover your light on the other side of the flame.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more powerful stories from the frontlines.🔗 Learn more about Brandon’s work: https://firetolight.org📚 Check out Arjuna’s bestselling book Burnt Around the Edges💡 Explore 1:1 coaching, workshops, and TRE sessions at https://silverarrowcoaching.comIgniting 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:00 Meet Brandon Evans 01:13 Brandon's Journey to Firefighting 05:59 Life After Firefighting 09:32 The Impact of COVID-19 10:21 Mental Health Challenges 12:17 Entrepreneurial Ventures 31:33 Fire to Light: The Vision 39:31 Mental Fitness Explained 44:13 Research and Foundation of Fire to Light 44:23 Changes in Perception of Fire Service 45:57 Global Congruency in Fire Service Practices 47:16 Mental Health Training and Cultural Shifts 48:48 Challenges in Implementing Mental Health Programs 55:22 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 01:08:05 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:15:39 Overtime and Its Impact on Firefighter Wellness Connect with Brandonbrandon@firetolight.orgwww.firetolight.org@firetolight_firefightersShow Host - Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshowYoutube 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

What Is Character-Based Leadership? A New Era for the Fire Service. The Future of Fire Service Leadership Starts Here - Character-Based Leadership Roundtable. In this powerhouse episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and fire services coach Arjuna George brings together an all-star panel to ignite a new conversation in the fire service, Character-Based Leadership.Featuring thought leaders and fire service veterans:James RychardRobert AvsecAnthony CorreiaScott WilkinsonThis isn’t your average leadership chat. We go deeper, into the human factors, psychology, emotional intelligence, and integrity that define true leadership in public safety.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:22 Meet the Guests04:39 Defining Character-Based Leadership07:03 Leadership Training and Recruitment27:07 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership32:38 Emotional Intelligence and Resilience in Fire Service33:14 Toxic Work Environments and Organizational Stress35:35 The Importance of Psychological Safety36:49 Character-Based Leadership and Its Impact38:08 Innovative Approaches in Fire Service40:42 Developing Leadership Skills and Attributes47:56 Introducing Character-Based Leadership in Seniority-Based Organizations52:24 Resources for Self-Development and Leadership59:19 Personal Leadership Values and North Stars01:04:23 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWhat You’ll Discover in This Episode:How character, competence, and commitment form the new fire service leadership trifecta (inspired by Ivy Business School research)The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience and psychological safety in the firehouseWhy we need to hire for character and what that means for hiring and promotion practicesHow to start teaching leadership at the recruit level, not the retirement partyThe connection between mental health, toxic workplaces, and leadership cultureWhy character-based leadership could save more firefighters than any tool or tacticMentioned Resources & Institutions:Ivey Business School, Western University (Canada) – Groundbreaking research on leadership characterFire Service Psychology Association (FSPA)Columbia County Fire (GA) – PRIDE-based core value system for evaluationsNFPA 1021 – Opportunities to embed emotional intelligence and character developmentEFO Symposium – Quote by Dr. Kimberly Milani: “We hire for competence. We fire for character.”Books Referenced:Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis BradberryIt’s Your Ship by Capt. D. Michael AbrashoffAmerican Icon by Bryce G. HoffmanResearch and articles by Dr. Mary Crossan (Ivey Business School)Writings of Chief Alan Brunacini (customer service and character leadership pioneer)Gallup Press materials on strengths-based leadershipAction Steps – Get Involved:Ready to be part of the movement? We’ve just launched the Character-Based Leadership LinkedIn Group – a professional hub for sharing insights, resources, and real conversations that matter to the fire service. Join us and help shape the next generation of resilient, authentic leaders.👉 [Join the LinkedIn Character-Based Leadership LinkedIn Group here] https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13260169/Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode with someone who believes that who you are matters more than just what you do.🎧 Beneath the Helmet — because real leadership starts from the inside out.Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)📨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