
Beneath The Helmet Show - Firefighter Wellness & Mental Health (mind-body-spirit)
Welcome to Beneath the Helmet, a podcast about firefighter well-being and everything beneath the helmet. Join our host, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George, as he interviews firefighters, leaders, and experts on the topics of mental health, physical health, and spiritual health, always with a lens of leadership and self-development. Our goal is to take a holistic approach to understand what it takes for firefighters not just to survive, but to thrive in their careers.
Latest episodes

Apr 9, 2025 • 44min
The Public Safety Curator and Connector: Alec Wons
Meet the Connector and Curator: Alec Wons: Public Safety Perspectives and Stories. Welcome to Season 3 of Beneath the Helmet! In this episode, Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George is joined by Alec Wons, the podcast host of the Chief Exchange, a four-time author, and a fire service advocate. Alec shares insights from his career, including his work with Ready Rebound—a program to treat injured first responders like professional athletes. Discover Alec's journey from a college soccer player and exercise physiology major to a mental health advocate and writer. Learn about the importance of preparation, consistency, and lifelong learning. Alec also discusses his podcast, book-writing journey, and the valuable lessons he's gathered from top public safety leaders. Don't miss this inspiring conversation focused on unlocking your full potential and finding what sets your soul on fire.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:10 Alec Wons' Background and Journey02:26 The Birth of Chief Exchange Podcast03:14 Alec's Writing Journey04:51 Personal Growth and Self-Discovery06:23 Consistency and Discipline in Life07:37 Insights from Public Safety and Sports13:14 Healthy Habits and Meal Planning15:13 The Impact of the Chief Exchange Podcast20:32 Lessons Learned from Public Safety Leaders23:12 Challenges in Public Safety Careers24:45 Book Recommendations for Lifelong Learning26:48 New Book: Resilience Beyond Duty31:06 Life Lessons and Personal Reflections36:27 Ready Rebound: Expedited Healthcare for First Responders40:48 Connecting and Learning from Others42:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Alecwonsalec@gmail.comwww.conqueryourself.coArjuna 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

Mar 26, 2025 • 52min
Applesauce to Protein Bars: A Guide For First Responder Nutrition
Firefighters' Health & Wellness: Nutrition Tips with Megan Lautz - Applesauce to Protein Bars: A Guide For First Responder Nutrition on Beneath the Helmet S3Ep77Welcome back to Season 3 of 'Beneath the Helmet'! In this episode, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George dives into the essential topic of firefighter health and wellness with Megan Lautz, the owner of Rescue RD and a renowned dietitian for Fairfax County Fire and Police. Megan discusses the intricacies of first-responder nutrition, shares her journey into the fire service, and offers practical advice on maintaining a balanced diet under high-stress conditions. Learn about the importance of protein and hydration, the benefits of creatine, and the misconceptions surrounding various diet trends. Whether you’re a firefighter, police officer, or anyone interested in wellness, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you unlock your full potential and thrive in your demanding career.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:57 Meet Megan Lautz: Dietitian for First Responders02:24 Understanding the Firefighter's Lifestyle04:29 A Day in the Life of a Dietitian05:43 Diving into Nutrition: Caffeine and Hydration08:05 The Role of Carbs and Protein in Performance18:19 Tracking Nutrition and Hydration23:21 Electrolytes and Rehydration Solutions26:42 Electrolytes: Balancing Act27:32 Creatine: Benefits and Myths32:06 Debunking Nutrition Myths36:30 Keto and Other Diets39:08 Mediterranean Diet for Firefighters40:38 Healthy Oils and Fats44:19 Golden Nutrition Tips for First Responders49:21 Conclusion and Resources#firstresponderwellness #firstrespondernutrition #firefighternutrition Articles referenced in the episode:Fueling the Firefighter and Tactical Athlete with Creatine: A Narrative Review of a Key Nutrient for Public Safety Click https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39408252/Welcome to Feeding America’s Bravest: Survival Mediterranean Style! Click https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/kales-lab/feeding-americas-bravest/Connect with Megan Lautz of RescueRD LLC / Fairfax County Fire and PoliceEmail: megan@rescuerd.comWeb: www.rescuerd.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

Mar 12, 2025 • 50min
The Tactical Athlete: Achieving Health and Wellness as a Firefighter
The Tactical Athlete: Achieving Health and Wellness as a FirefighterIn this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George welcomes Battalion Chief Ryan Provencher of Bellingham Fire Rescue and founder of Firefighter Peak Performance. They delve into the crucial aspects of firefighter fitness and wellness, discussing the concept of firefighters as tactical athletes. Ryan shares his journey into firefighting, inspired by his father-in-law's law enforcement, and how he integrated his passion for fitness with his career. The conversation highlights the importance of adopting a performance mindset, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and undergoing specialized tactical training. The episode also includes practical advice for firefighters to start their journey towards peak performance, emphasizing the necessity of building a comprehensive fitness and wellness program and leveraging resources like interval training and functional fitness. Join us to learn about the challenges and strategies involved in achieving optimum health and performance for firefighters.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:58 Ryan's Background and Passion for Fitness02:56 Firefighters as Tactical Athletes06:37 Challenges and Benefits of Fitness Programs14:30 Peak Performance and Its Pillars22:30 Conventional, Functional, and Tactical Fitness27:46 Understanding Auto Regulation in Firefighter Training28:56 The Importance of Functional Fitness in Firefighting29:56 Approaches to Fitness Assessment31:06 Personal Challenges and Overcoming Physical Limitations34:05 Building a Comprehensive Fitness Toolbox36:40 Starting Your Fitness Journey: Key Considerations38:55 The NET Scoring System Challenge41:41 Goals and Aspirations for 202543:59 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Ryan Provencher📩ryan@firefighterpeakperformance.com🌐https://www.firefighterpeakperformance.comFree Resources: The Firefighter's Guide to Tactical Fitness: https://firefighterpeakperformance.mykajabi.com/Freebie-optinFirefighter Workouts - Free Membership: https://firefighterpeakperformance.mykajabi.com/free-membershipArjuna 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

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 17min
First Responders' Wellness: A Deep Dive into TRE with Robert Cefoli
Unlocking Resilience: TRE for First Responders with Rob Cefoli(Ep 75) In this powerful episode, retired FDNY Captain Rob Cefoli shares his transformative journey with Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). Rob discusses how TRE helped him overcome physical pain, emotional trauma, and career stress, leading to improved well-being and a new purpose post-retirement. He explains the science behind TRE, its benefits for first responders, and how his organization, FYR Tribe, is bringing this innovative technique to fire departments across the country. This conversation offers valuable insights into stress management, resilience building, and holistic wellness for first responders and beyond.00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet00:45 Welcoming Robert Cefoli01:49 Robert's Journey and Introduction to TRE03:50 Personal Experiences with TRE09:17 Implementing TRE in the Fire Department13:03 The Impact of TRE on Mental and Physical Health17:25 Expanding TRE Beyond the Fire Department22:50 The Future of TRE and FYR Tribe32:31 Explaining TRE to First Responders39:38 Starting Young: Instilling Healthy Habits in Kids40:44 Supporting Family Through Stressful Times41:33 TRE for First Responders and Their Families42:14 Expanding TRE Awareness and Training44:28 Rob's Personal Wellness Routine45:37 Life After Retirement: New Challenges and Opportunities50:13 The Importance of Emotional Awareness54:56 Building a Supportive Community01:01:40 Continuing the Mission: Future Plans and Goals01:12:11 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationConnect with Robert CFDNY (ret) and Co-Founder of FYR Tribehttp://www.fyrtribe.orgrobcefoli@gmail.com🚨Stay Connected on Social🚨Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beneaththehelmetshow/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beneaththehelmetshow/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@beneaththehelmetLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefireYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow📨 Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe📺 Watch all episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.caIn this episode of Beneath the Helmet, we explore essential aspects of mental health and PTSD in the fire service through powerful conversations with industry leaders. The discussion delves into positive psychology approaches that can help first responders build resilience, while emphasizing professional development opportunities within the field. Through practical soft skills training and fostering a growth mindset, we examine how firefighters can enhance their well-being and career satisfaction. 🚒 #FirefighterWellness #MentalHealth

Feb 13, 2025 • 54min
Unpacking Firefighter Wellness: Why Are We Afraid?
Unpacking Firefighter Wellness. Why Are Firefighters Afraid to Talk About Mental Health? Keith Hanks' Journey from Firefighter to Mental Health Advocate.In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Arjuna George sits down with Keith Hanks, a former firefighter turned passionate mental health advocate. Keith shares his powerful journey through multiple suicide attempts and how he became a voice for mental health in the fire service. They discuss Keith's newly released book, 'Alan' the transformative process of writing and healing, and the essential need to openly discuss mental health and trauma. Keith also sheds light on how the documentary 'First Responder in Crisis' has impacted both first responders and the general public. Join the conversation on how we can create a healthier, more resilient fire service through education and open dialogue. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in mental wellness, resilience, and the evolving culture within emergency services.#FirefighterMentalHealth #SuicidePreventionAwareness # ResilienceandHealing🔗Check out Episodes #12 with Keith https://www.beneaththehelmet.ca/having-a-coach-is-part-of-your-mental-health-toolkit-with-keith-hanks/🔗and Episode #21 https://www.beneaththehelmet.ca/behind-the-scene-of-first-responders-in-crisis/Check out his book: Allen: A Firefighter's Journey Through PTSD and HealingCheck out his article in Crackyl magazine on #Mindfulnes https://www.crackyl.com/mindfulness-how-can-it-help-the-fire-service/and https://www.crackyl.com/wellness-wednesday-tactical-toolbox-for-the-healthy-responder/Connect with Keith khanksmz78@gmail.comComing soon... www.keithhanks.com00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview00:19 Keith Hanks' Mental Health Advocacy02:12 Discussing the Documentary: First Responders in Crisis02:55 The Impact of the Documentary06:31 Keith's New Book: Allen07:33 The Writing Process and Personal Growth19:08 The Turning Point: Overcoming Suicide Attempts22:42 Addressing Suicide in the Fire Service24:59 Challenges and Changes in the Fire Service28:12 Cancer and Suicide in Firefighters29:15 Restructuring the Fire Service30:06 Emphasizing Health and Wellness32:02 Personal Reflections and Changes36:12 Survival and Resilience41:34 Target Audience and Men's Mental Health47:12 Future Projects and Coaching51:43 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks🚨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.comConnect with the Host:Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.www.silverarrowco.comwww.burntaroundtheedges.comwww.beneaththehelmet.ca

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Unpacking Firefighter Wellness with Aaron Zamzow.
Unpacking Firefighter Wellness with Aaron Zamzow.
In this exciting episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Jah George sits down with Aaron Zamzow, a prominent figure in firefighter wellness. Aaron, head of the First Responder Center of Excellence and founder of FireRescue Fitness, shares his wealth of knowledge from working with NFL, NBA teams, and more. They dive into Aaron’s innovative '5 for 50' challenge, promoting healthy habits like low sugar intake and daily meditation. Tune in to uncover valuable tips on sleep optimization, fitness, and the significant role of recovery in both professional sports and firefighting. Aaron's journey from training pro athletes to improving firefighter health offers inspiring insights for everyone.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:45 Introducing Aaron Zamzow
00:56 My 5 for 50 Challenge
03:32 Podcasting and Personal Growth
03:54 Conversation with Aaron Zamzow
10:47 Aaron's Journey to the Fire Service
15:37 Holistic Approach to Fitness
21:56 Importance of Sleep
31:48 Lessons from Professional Sports
39:09 Optimizing Fitness Beyond Workouts
39:34 Recovery Techniques in Sports vs. Fire Service
40:29 The Importance of Recovery and Rest
43:23 Introduction to TRE (Trauma Release Exercises)
50:56 Daily Habits for Health and Wellness
55:35 The Resilient 50 Challenge
01:04:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Connect with Zam
www.firerescuefitness.com
@getfrf
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=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube 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

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 14min
Frank Leeb on Courage, Leadership, and Wellness in the Fire Service
Firefighter Leadership & Wellness with Retired FDNY Chief Frank Leeb | Beneath the Helmet
Welcome to the first episode of Season 3 of Beneath the Helmet! Hosted by retired fire chief Arjuna George, this episode features a captivating conversation with fire service legend and former FDNY Chief Frank Leeb. Frank, now the First Responder Center for Excellence Director, shares his extensive knowledge on various topics, including firefighter mental health, leadership, diversity, inclusion, and proactive measures to support firefighter well-being. Tune in to hear about Frank's career, insights on organizational stress, the effective integration of young firefighters, and exciting upcoming resources and books designed to enhance first responder training and leadership. Don't miss this inspiring kickoff to the new season!
00:00 Introduction to Season Three
00:37 Meet Fire Chief Frank Leeb
05:06 Firefighter Blind Spots
13:33 Organizational Stress in Fire Services
19:10 FDNY's Counseling Evolution
23:30 Volunteer Fire Departments and Peer Support
28:05 Psychological First Aid in Action
32:00 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Resilience
40:53 Introducing Rob Cifoli and FDNY's TRE Initiative
41:38 Personal Success Stories with TRE
43:34 Leadership Insights and Book Discussion
52:07 Complacency and Learning from Mistakes
01:05:54 Connecting with the New Generation of Firefighters
01:10:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Chief Leeb
Director - First Responder Center For Excellence
Retired - FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief
📧 firstresponderconsultant@gmail.com
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=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube 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

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 8min
FDNY Stories: A Life of Service, Survival, and Cuisine With Joseph Bonanno
FDNY Stories: A Life of Service, Survival, and Cuisine With Joseph Bonanno
In the final episode of Season 2 of 'Beneath the Helmet,' host Arjuna sits down with Joseph Bonanno, a retired FDNY firefighter, author of 'American Firehouse Cuisine,' and winner of America's Greatest Firehouse Chef. They discuss Joseph's journey through the fire service, his experiences with mental health, and his passion for nutrition and cooking. The conversation delves into the importance of mental wellness, confronting PTSD, and coping with personal loss. Tune in for a deep and inspirational conversation that celebrates firehouse cuisine and provides critical insights into firefighter health and wellness.
00:00 FDNY Stories: A Life of Service, Survival, and Cuisine With Joseph Bonanno
01:22 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
01:58 Meet Joseph Bonanno: Firefighter, Chef, and Author
02:59 Joseph's Early Firehouse Experiences
04:05 Cooking in the Firehouse
06:55 The Busy Life of a Firefighter
08:49 From Firehouse Cook to Published Author
13:58 The Journey to Publishing a Cookbook
23:55 A Life-Changing Experience on 9/11
32:43 The Rig in the World Trade Center Museum
33:09 Captain Patrick Brown's Heroic Stand
33:35 Delivering the Tape to Families
34:13 Outpouring of Support from Across the World
34:31 Attending Funerals and Representing the Fire Service
38:20 Advice for Young Firefighters on Cooking
39:17 Cherish Your Career and Colleagues
41:56 The Importance of Good-Natured Kidding
45:34 Personal Stories of Loss and PTSD
54:13 Seeking Help and Group Support
01:01:12 Launching a Firehouse Cooking Show
01:02:26 Final Thoughts and Embracing Your JobOne of our original guest, Jeff Dill, is mentioned in this episode, If you want to learn more about Jeff Dill, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI6Z2oDzKNw&t=57s and listen to our conversation there.
Connect with Joseph
Email: fdnybanana@gmail.com
www.americanfirehousecuisine.com
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=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube 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

Jan 6, 2025 • 55min
Unlocking Firefighter Mental Fitness with NLP
Unlocking Firefighter Mental Fitness with NLP
Join host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George on another riveting episode of 'Beneath the Helmet,' where we dive deep into firefighter health and wellness. In this episode, Arjuna chats with Jess Ward, CEO of Ithinka and former firefighter/EMT, about her passion for mental fitness and her journey with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Jess discusses her background in the fire service, her unique experience in Antarctica, and how NLP played a crucial role in improving her mental health. Learn what mental fitness entails, the importance of mental mapping, and how firefighters can benefit from incorporating NLP into their wellness routines. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that could change the way you approach mental fitness and resilience.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
00:48 Meet Jess Ward: CEO of Ithinka
02:42 Jess Ward's Journey to Antarctica
04:54 Early Firefighting Days
07:57 Struggles and Identity Crisis
10:55 Discovering NLP and Mental Fitness
21:11 NLP: Neuro Linguistic Programming Explained
24:36 NLP in Practice: Helping Firefighters
27:10 Taming the Voice in Your Head
27:42 The Power of Word Choice
28:52 Introduction to Mind Mapping
30:28 Mental Mapping and Emotions
32:01 Navigating Mental States
33:38 Talking Emotions with Firefighters
36:28 Self-Care Practices
37:47 The Benefits of Keto
42:02 The Importance of Mental Maps
46:58 NLP for Self-Rescue
49:26 Jess's Personal Journey
51:52 Final Thoughts and Resources
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=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube 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

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 32min
Team Building SECRETS for Fire Service Success
Team Building SECRETS for Fire Service Success with Dr. Johnny Torgerson
In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Arjuna George chats with Assistant Chief Dr. Johnny Torgerson about his book, 'Forging Your Team.' They delve into the importance of team-building within firefighting units, discussing practical strategies and the change management process needed to create cohesive and high-performing teams. Dr. Torgerson shares insights on maintaining high standards, shaping behaviours, and solidifying team culture while addressing the unique challenges faced by leaders in the fire service. Tune in for actionable advice on leadership, self-management, and team dynamics in both career and volunteer fire departments.
00:00 Team Building in the Fire Service: A Leadership Blueprint with Johnny Torgeson
01:09 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
01:51 Meet Dr. Johnny Torgerson
02:13 Johnny's Family and Career Journey
04:25 The Drive Behind Higher Education
11:29 Balancing Life and Education
16:10 Investing in Personal Growth
19:14 Generational Differences in the Fire Service
24:53 Leadership and Team Building
48:23 The Promised Land: Embracing Discomfort
48:58 Crew vs. Team: Understanding the Difference
53:42 Shaping Behavior: The Blacksmith Approach
59:54 Raising the Bar: Setting High Standards
01:03:30 Cooling Phase: Solidifying Change
01:11:15 Fine-Tuning: The Indefinite Leadership Process
01:23:07 Self-Leadership: Winning the Day
01:29:27 Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Chief Johnny Torgeson
www.forgingteams.com
Firedawg Consulting
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=pc
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AJGeorgefire
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@beneaththehelmetshow
Youtube 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
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.