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

Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service Beneath the Helmet – Episode 99Season Three comes to a close with a powerful reflection on leadership, resilience, wellness, and the human cost of serving in the fire service.In this milestone Episode 99, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George looks back on conversations from Episodes 72 through 98. Firefighters, clinicians, researchers, and leaders shared honest insights about health, nervous system regulation, recovery, integrity, peer support, and what it truly takes to sustain a long career in this profession.This episode is not about tactics or rank. It is about people, connection, and the lessons that carry forward into Season Four.🎙️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Episode 99 and Season Three milestone01:00 – Season Three growth, listener support, and gratitude02:00 – Overview of Season Three themes and guest diversity02:30 – Episode 72: Frank Leeb on firefighter blind spots and leadership longevity03:45 – Episode 73: Aaron Zamzow on sleep, fitness, and daily habits04:50 – Episode 74: Keith Hanks on vulnerability, courage, and community06:00 – Episode 75: Robert Cefoli on TRE and nervous system regulation07:15 – Episode 76: Ryan Provencher on tactical athlete wellness08:15 – Episode 77: Megan Lautz on nutrition and preparedness09:15 – Episode 78: Alec Wons on purpose, presence, and connection10:10 – Episode 79: Scott Booth on vulnerability and trust in leadership11:00 – Episode 80: Rick Davis on integrity as a daily practice12:00 – Episode 81: Brandon Guarino on visualization and performance13:00 – Episode 82: Character-based leadership panel discussion14:15 – Episode 83: Brandon Evans on reflection and growth15:10 – Episode 84: Ricky Nuttall on Grenfell, survival, and story16:15 – Episode 85: AK Dozanti on burnout and nervous system capacity17:10 – Episode 86: Dr. Terry Anderson on competency-based leadership18:05 – Episode 87: Justin Brunner on AI, wellness, and decision support18:55 – Episode 88: Justin Champion on recovery and mental health19:50 – Episode 89: Vance Row on sobriety, movement, and resilience20:45 – Episode 90: Tommy Bolin on unseen battles and processing the job21:35 – Episode 91: Dr. Stephanie Conn on peer support culture22:30 – Episode 92: Marc Hill on station-level leadership23:20 – Episode 93: Doug Allen on the nervous system and regulation24:15 – Episode 94: John Vought on sleep, recovery, and CBD25:15 – Episode 95: Dr. Nolan Beise on cognitive resilience26:10 – Episode 96: Dr. Lorraine Smith MacDonald on moral injury27:05 – Episode 97: Dr. Hector Rodriguez on healing and connection28:10 – Episode 98: Michael Sears on taking a knee and recalibration29:30 – Common themes from Season Three: connection and sustainability31:00 – Sponsor acknowledgment and personal reflection33:00 – Looking ahead to Episode 100 and Season Four34:30 – Closing reflections and final thanks🔥 About This EpisodeSeason Three explored what it truly means to serve in today’s fire service.From nervous system health and recovery to leadership integrity and connection, these conversations highlight the human side of the job that often goes unspoken.If you are a firefighter, first responder, leader, or someone navigating the long-term weight of service, this episode offers perspective, reflection, and grounded insight.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Beneath the Helmet and share it with someone who needs these conversations.Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.Season Four is on its way.Until then, take care of yourself, take care of your people, and stay well.Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret) 📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca 

In this episode, Taking a Knee: A Fire Captain’s Journey Back to Self, Captain Michael Sears joins host Arjuna George for a raw conversation about operational stress, moral injury, identity, and what it truly takes to find your way back after years in the fire service.Michael shares his experience navigating occupational stress injury, stepping away from the job, and learning how to reconnect with his body, his values, and his sense of self. Together, Arjuna and Michael explore what it really means to “take a knee” and why healing doesn’t mean weakness; it means leadership.If you’ve ever felt disconnected, exhausted, or unsure who you are outside the uniform, this conversation will resonate deeply.🎧 Episode Highlights & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and welcomeArjuna introduces the episode and welcomes Fire Captain Michael Sears.01:00 – A life in the fire serviceMichael shares his background, family legacy, and early career in firefighting.02:30 – When the job starts to change youRecognizing the toll of years of service and the moment things began to shift.04:30 – Taking a knee and stepping awayWhat led to Michael taking time off and confronting operational stress.06:45 – Navigating occupational stress injuryThe realities of paperwork, stigma, and asking for help.09:00 – The challenge of returning to workWhat reintegration looked like and what support was missing.12:00 – Moral injury and organizational betrayalHow leadership decisions and systems can deeply impact firefighters.16:00 – Identity, ego, and the cost of silenceWhat happens when identity becomes fused with the job.19:00 – Embodied healing and reconnecting with the bodyLearning to listen to the body and process stored stress.23:30 – The role of breath, stillness, and awarenessWhy regulation begins with slowing down.27:00 – Creativity, curiosity, and recoveryHow healing often comes through unexpected paths.31:00 – What real support should look likeWhy early intervention, education, and resourcing matter.35:00 – Advice for firefighters approaching retirementPreparing for identity shifts and life beyond the job.38:30 – Final reflections on leadership and self-worthWhy taking care of yourself helps everyone around you.41:00 – Closing thoughts and message to listeners🔥 Key Themes DiscussedOperational stress and moral injuryIdentity beyond the uniformThe cost of emotional suppressionEmbodied healing and nervous system awarenessLeadership through self-awarenessTransitioning out of the fire service with purpose👤 Guest InformationMichael SearsFire Captain and mental health advocatePresident, Fight for Life (mental health support for firefighters)🎙️ About the HostArjuna GeorgeFormer Fire Chief, coach, and host of Beneath the Helmet. 🚨 JOIN THE BTH COMMUNITY  📝 Podcast Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 📨 LinkedIn Podcast Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321✅Become a BTH Ambassador for a one-time contribution of $23. Your Ambassador contribution supports the behind-the-scenes work that keeps this project alive. Click here to support the show 📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow?sub_confirmation=1 🔥 SOCIALS & CONTACT  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet 📩 Business Inquiries: arjuna@silverarrowco.com📣 If this conversation resonated with you:Subscribe to the channel for more honest conversations on leadership, identity, and resilienceShare this episode with a colleague or friend who might need to hear itLeave a comment with your biggest takeaway or reflection

In Episode 97 of Beneath the Helmet, Arjuna George sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Hector Rodriguez, founder of White Butterfly Clinic, for a grounded conversation on healing the soul through psychiatry, trauma awareness, and human connection.Dr. Rodriguez shares how trauma patterns show up in the brain, why emotional intelligence is neurological and trainable, and how curiosity, lifestyle, and connection support healing. This episode explores Big T, middle T, and little t trauma, somatic symptoms, moral injury, and the challenges first responders face during major transitions like retirement.This conversation is especially relevant for firefighters, first responders, leaders, and anyone navigating chronic stress, trauma responses, or identity shifts.Guest Information:White Butterfly ClinicWebsite: whitebutterflyclinic.comFree digital magazine available on the site.Dr. Rodriguez works with clients worldwide, providing psychiatry services in Florida and California, and consulting with medical teams globally.Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret) 🚨 JOIN THE BTH COMMUNITY  📝 Podcast Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 📨 LinkedIn Podcast Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321✅Become a BTH Ambassador for a one-time contribution of $23. Your Ambassador contribution supports the behind-the-scenes work that keeps this project alive. Click here to support the show 📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow?sub_confirmation=1 🔥 SOCIALS & CONTACT  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmet 📩 Business Inquiries: arjuna@silverarrowco.comKey Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and episode introduction01:40 – Dr. Hector Rodriguez’s path to psychiatry03:00 – Psychiatry as the medical treatment of the soul06:00 – Trauma, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence09:00 – How the brain responds to trauma11:00 – Assessing trauma through conversation, blood work, and SPECT scans14:00 – The cerebellum, balance, and trauma patterns20:00 – Treating the soul and the importance of human connection24:00 – Moral injury and first responders29:00 – Big T, middle T, and little t trauma explained35:00 – Somatic symptoms and misunderstood trauma responses38:00 – Curiosity as a healing force for the brain47:00 – Retirement, identity, and dopamine loss50:00 – Coaching, purpose, and life after the uniform53:00 – Breaking stigma around psychiatry and seeking support58:00 – How to connect with Dr. Rodriguez and closing reflectionsIf this episode resonated with you, subscribe to Beneath the Helmet, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a comment with your biggest takeaway.

Moral Injury in First Responders: Understanding the Hidden Wound. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Lorraine Smith McDonald joins host Arjuna George to break open one of the most misunderstood wounds in public safety, moral injury. Dr. McDonald is an Assistant Professor and Co-Chair in the Department of Psychotherapy and Spirituality at St. Stephen's College, University of Alberta. She has spent more than a decade researching moral injury across military, veteran, firefighter, paramedic, and police populations.Together, we explore what moral injury actually is, why it shows up so strongly in first responders, how it differs from PTSD (Operational Stress Injury), and why leaders need to understand the moral pressures their people face every day.Dr. McDonald brings evidence, compassion, and clarity to a subject that is shaping the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our frontline communities.00:00 Intro, welcome, and episode overview03:02 Early work with military chaplains, guilt, shame, and emerging patterns04:00 PhD research: What harms veterans the most?05:00 Transitioning research into first responder populations05:54 Why moral injury matters in today’s public safety environment06:20 How the term gained traction in Canada07:00 Post-traumatic guilt, how it works, and how it differs from moral injury09:00 Moral injury symptoms, definitions, and “what happens to our humanity”10:40 A simple, powerful way to understand moral injury12:45 DSM update: what changed and what it means15:02 What moral injury truly wounds, the “injury to selfhood”17:40 How identity, character, and worldview are impacted18:40 Recognizing moral injury in yourself19:57 Symptoms, emotional indicators, and overlaps with Operational Stress Injury23:30 Losing faith in humanity and spiritual disconnection24:10 The link to depression, substance use, and suicidality25:20 Daily inner conflict and emotional exhaustion26:00 How first responders are commonly exposed to moral injury27:00 “Meat in a Seat,” impaired systems, and expectations you can’t meet30:00 Organizational mistrust and betrayal31:30 The “underbelly of society” and repeated exposure33:00 Accumulation of small moral wounds over time34:10 The biggest surprise in Dr. McDonald’s research35:40 The intensity of exposure for first responders38:20 Acts of omission vs acts of commission40:00 Can moral injury be prevented? What supports healing?41:10 Building moral resilience and knowing your own values43:00 Forgiveness, self-compassion, and worldview repair45:00 The importance of identity outside the job46:20 Self-care that is more than “bubble baths”47:40 The power of joy, meaning, and connection48:20 Moral courage and the moral compass51:00 Boundaries as moral protection52:10 Advice for leaders wanting to reduce moral injury in their organizations54:40 Why transparency and authenticity matter56:40 Prevalence of moral injury in first responders59:10 Gaps in current research and where we need to go01:01:30 Final reflections01:03:00 Closing thoughts from ArjunaLorraine Smith-MacDonaldEmail: smithmac@ualberta.caIf this conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe, share this episode, and help expand this essential conversation across the fire service and all of public safety. Your support allows Beneath the Helmet to reach the people who need it most.Stay well, and keep taking care of the people who take care of others.Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)🚨 JOIN THE BTH COMMUNITY 📝 Podcast Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 📨 LinkedIn Podcast Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7026972684089528321📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow?sub_confirmation=1 📩 Business Inquiries: arjuna@silverarrowco.com

What if your brain could tell you how close you are to burnout long before you ever feel the symptoms? In this conversation, neuroscientist Dr. Nolan Beise shares how cognitive resilience technology is helping firefighters understand their brain health, prevent Operational Stress Injury, and build long-term resilience.Dr. Beise is the co-founder of Circl, a neurotechnology company measuring real-time brain performance. Using EEG-based data, Circl reveals how well your brain is processing the world around you and how your daily habits, stress, sleep, and shift work affect cognitive function.We explore the science behind brain fatigue, what a “brain score” actually means, why memory declines under stress, and the surprising role joy and fun play in restoring neurological health. This is a game-changing conversation for anyone in the fire service.If you’re a firefighter, chief officer, first responder, or someone who works in high-stress environments, this episode gives you practical, science-backed strategies to support your brain, protect your resilience, and stay healthy across your entire career.You’ll learn how cognitive resilience impacts leadership, decision-making, family life, and long-term wellbeing, and why measuring your brain may be one of the most important health decisions you ever make.Listen now, share this episode with your crew, and subscribe to Beneath the Helmet so you never miss the conversations shaping the future of firefighter wellness and leadership.Timestamps 00:42 — Introducing Dr. Nolan Beise and the origin of Circl07:00 — What Circl measures: cognitive resilience and why it matters for firefighters10:00 — Understanding brain scores: what’s healthy, what’s concerning13:00 — How the brain test works and what it reveals19:30 — Caffeine, sleep, shift work, and hidden threats to firefighter brain health31:00 — Real-life improvements firefighters see when their brain resilience increases39:00 — The importance of joy, dopamine, and rebuilding a healthy brain after burnout54:00 — Dr. Beise’s final message: why measuring your brain now protects your futureConnect with Dr. Beise of Circl Brain Healthnolan@circlbrain.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nolanbeise/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📺Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com

Firefighter Recovery: The Truth About CBD and First Responder Wellness. What happens when a firefighter takes recovery into their own hands?The discussion covers the science behind CBD, its impact on sleep, inflammation, and anxiety, and the challenges of drug testing in the fire service. Tune in to learn how CBD can be a game-changer for firefighters and the importance of being proactive about cannabis policies in fire departments.In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George talks with Captain Jon Vought, founder of Rescue 1CBD, about how CBD (a non-intoxicating hemp extract) is helping firefighters and first responders sleep better, recover faster, and live healthier.Jon shares his powerful story, from major foot surgery and chronic pain to creating a safe, tested wellness supplement for those who protect others. Together, they explore the science, stigma, and leadership challenges around natural recovery strategies in public safety.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the fire service or high-stress professions who wants to learn about safe, effective recovery options that won’t risk their career.00:00 – Welcome to Beneath the Helmet01:00 – Meet Captain Jon Vought: From explorer to captain and founder03:00 – The recovery journey that sparked Rescue 1CBD04:00 – Sleep as the foundation of firefighter wellness06:00 – The origin of Rescue 1CBD and building trust for first responders08:00 – Understanding “zero detectable” formulas10:00 – Science and safety: separating fact from fiction12:00 – CBD vs T*C: what firefighters should know13:30 – Chronic inflammation and the firefighter lifestyle15:30 – The body’s natural balancing system explained18:00 – What the endocannabinoid system actually does20:00 – The difference between CBD, CBN, and CBG23:00 – Side effects and contraindications: who shouldn’t use it27:00 – Drug testing realities in the fire service30:00 – The contradiction of prescription policies34:00 – How Pittsburgh paved the way for policy change37:00 – Using recovery aids safely on and off shift39:00 – Routine use vs. as-needed for anxiety and sleep41:00 – The stigma is fading: lessons from mental health advocacy44:00 – Is your department ready for change?46:00 – Could these wellness options ever be banned again?48:00 – How to connect with Jon and Rescue 1CBD50:00 – Final reflections: trust, leadership, and firefighter healthJon Vought (Captain)Founder – Rescue 1CBDrescue1cbd.com jon@rescue1cbd.comArjuna GeorgeRetired Fire Chief, Author of Burnt Around the Edges, and Self-Leadership CoachLearn more: www.silverarrowcoaching.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/Youtube 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 if everything you’ve been told about trauma is missing the most critical piece, the body?In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and Executive Coach Arjuna George sits down with Doug Allen, a combat veteran turned trauma therapist, to explore why trauma isn’t a thinking problem—it’s a nervous system problem.Doug’s story is raw, powerful, and eye-opening. From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the therapy room, he reveals what truly happens beneath the surface when we experience stress, trauma, and burnout.Doug shares how his time in the military led him to develop the Nervous System Recalibration System. This groundbreaking model teaches individuals how to work with their nervous system rather than against it.You’ll gain insights that reframe how we view stress, leadership, and recovery, especially for first responders, veterans, and high-performing individuals.In this deep conversation, Arjuna and Doug unpack:Why trauma lives in the body, not the mindThe five components of Nervous System Recalibration: Breathing, Rhythm, Environment, Social Engagement, and CuriosityWhy “getting regulated” isn’t the goal—it’s about being fluid and adaptable.The danger of chasing constant calm or “safety”Why first responders don’t need prevention, they need preparationHow curiosity and awareness can rewire resilience and connectionThis episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating Operational Stress Injury (OSI), burnout, or chronic tension.Doug and Arjuna show that the path to recovery isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about reconnecting with what’s human.By understanding your own nervous system, you gain agency, self-leadership, and the power to heal from within.You’ll walk away with practical insights you can use immediately, from mindful breathing to nervous system awareness in everyday stress.👂 Listen now and begin your journey toward nervous system mastery.📖 Order Doug’s book: An Operator’s Guide to the Nervous System — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AGTTC.org🌐 Connect with Arjuna: https://www.silverarrowcoaching.com🎧 Subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more authentic conversations on firefighter wellness, resilience, leadership, and human performance.00:00 – Welcome to Beneath the Helmet01:25 – Meet Doug Allen: Combat Veteran Turned Trauma Therapist03:00 – The Military Lens: Service, Leadership, and Human Connection06:00 – From Combat to Care: Creating the Casualty Support Cell09:00 – The Shift to Nervous System Work11:00 – Why Trauma Isn’t a Thinking Problem13:00 – The Physiology Behind Psychology15:30 – How Stress Hijacks the Brain and Body17:45 – Remembering vs. Reliving: The Body’s Language of Trauma20:00 – The Myth of “Getting Regulated”22:00 – Inside the Nervous System Recalibration System25:00 – The Five Pillars: Breathing, Rhythm, Environment, Social Engagement, Curiosity28:30 – The Power of Curiosity and Connection30:00 – Applying Recalibration in Law Enforcement and First Responder Work33:00 – Allodynamics Explained: The Art of Flexibility36:00 – How to Check Your Nervous System Health38:00 – Breathing and Awareness Practices40:00 – The Truth About Safety and Stress42:00 – Why Stress is Essential for Growth and Resilience46:00 – Preparation Over Prevention: A New Model for Wellness49:00 – The Future of Mental Health in the Fire Service50:00 – Doug’s Personal Practices for Nervous System Health52:00 – Final Reflections: Service, Humanity, and Staying WellArjuna 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

Leadership doesn’t start with a badge; it starts with self-awareness. In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Marc Hill—a teacher turned firefighter, chief, author, and coach—to explore what real leadership looks like inside the fire station walls.From the classroom to command, Marc shares hard-won lessons on patience, politics, and personal growth. His honesty about the mistakes that shaped him will resonate with anyone who’s ever carried responsibility under pressure. Whether you lead a crew, a classroom, or a company, these lessons will remind you that great leadership is built on humility and self-reflection.Marc opens up about how his early days in rural volunteer firefighting, his time as a teacher and principal, and his experiences as a fire chief taught him to slow down, listen more, and lead from experience rather than ego. You’ll hear stories about learning from failure, managing politics with patience, and how “teaching through stories” became one of his most powerful leadership tools.🎧 Tune in now to gain actionable insights and inspiration from one of the fire service’s most reflective leaders.Subscribe to Beneath the Helmet on your favourite platform and share this episode with someone who leads—or wants to.00:00 – Welcome & IntroductionMeet Marc Hill: teacher, coach, firefighter, and former fire chief.04:00 – From the Classroom to the FiregroundHow Marc’s teaching background shaped his leadership in the fire service.10:00 – The Reality of Leadership PoliticsNavigating culture, conflict, and patience in a department under pressure.20:00 – Embracing Mistakes and FailureWhy failure is a necessary part of growth and the secret to self-leadership.30:00 – Storytelling and ConnectionThe importance of authentic communication in building resilient teams.40:00 – Final Reflections & ResourcesMarc’s books, coaching insights, and how to connect with him.marchill@twodarkthirty.comwww.twodarkthirty.comIf this conversation hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us keep amplifying the voices shaping the future of leadership in the fire service.Stay well,Arjuna GeorgeHost, Beneath the Helmet PodcastArjuna 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

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