
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

Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 22min
Top Tactics for Firefighter Success
Top Tactics for Firefighter Success. The Power of Systems with Ryan Rodriguez
Join Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George in an insightful episode of Beneath the Helmet with Ryan Rodriguez, a 20-year veteran firefighter, coach, and author of 'Own It: Build a Fire Service Culture of Trust and Integrity Through Accountability.' Ryan discusses his journey, coaching philosophy, and the innovative FIRE framework aimed at helping firefighters and first responders excel. Explore the importance of accountability, mental resilience, and personal growth systems. Ryan also shares insights from his Ignited podcast, where he delves into topics like gamifying goals and proactive resiliency, and hints at his upcoming book on organizational leadership. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone committed to becoming the best version of themselves.
00:00 Meet Ryan Rodriguez: Firefighter and Author
00:05 Join Our Community
00:57 Ryan's Journey and Career
07:24 The Birth of Ignited Firefighter Podcast
10:46 The Spark Behind 'Own It'
14:43 The Role of Accountability in the Fire Service
18:18 Challenges Facing the Fire Service
25:01 The Four Flames of a Balanced Firefighter
31:33 The Power of Systems and Consistency
39:29 Ryan's Coaching Philosophy
42:03 Igniting Passion in Clients
43:32 Who Joins the Coaching Program?
47:06 Ryan's Self-Care Toolbox
48:01 The Importance of Continuous Learning
48:43 Overcoming Personal Challenges
55:42 The Power of Sleep and Rituals
01:02:42 The Need for Coaching
01:19:53 Final Thoughts and Connections
📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)
🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!
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📺Watch or Listen to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca
📩 Email Host: arjuna@silverarrowco.com

Jul 29, 2024 • 55min
Rescuing the Rescuer: Jason Sautel - Story of Hope, and Healing
A Story of Hope and Healing Jason Sautel, Rescuing the Rescuer interview with host retired Fire Chief Arjuna George in another enlightening episode of Beneath the Helmet, as he sits down with Jason Sautel, a former Oakland firefighter, author of 'The Rescuer,' and 'Jesus is All We Need.'
In this heartfelt discussion, Jason opens up about his journey from skateboarding teen to seasoned firefighter, his struggles with trauma, and how faith played a crucial role in his recovery. Listen as they delve into topics like mental health, the culture of the fire service, and practical tips for maintaining wellness in such a demanding job. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to manage stress and find their own path to wellness.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
00:37 Meet Jason Sautel: Firefighter, Author, and Podcaster
02:09 Jason's Journey into Firefighting
04:17 Challenges and Experiences in Oakland
07:05 The Injury That Changed Everything
08:55 Faith and Transition: Overcoming Adversity
12:37 Balancing Firefighting and Family Life
16:03 Mental Health and Finding Hope
23:05 Faith on the Fire Ground
30:31 Finding Joy in the Fire Service
31:11 Faith and Stress Management
33:18 Self-Care Toolkit for Firefighters
36:51 The Healing Power of Humor
41:57 Writing 'The Rescuer'
48:40 Final Thoughts and Key Messages

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 4min
Redesigning Life and Overcoming Burnout.
Join our conversation with Jen Grigg as she shares her journey of redesigning her life and overcoming Burnout. A story of merely surviving to thriving!
Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George speaks with former firefighter and now coach and hypnotherapist Jen Grigg in this episode of the Beneath the Helmet podcast. They discuss Jen's transition from a decades-long fire service career to a focus on supporting women's and first responders' mental and emotional health through coaching and hypnotherapy. Jen shares her struggles with burnout and unworthiness, her journey to overhaul her life by addressing her mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, and practical advice for others facing similar challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, breaking negative patterns, and finding empowerment through self-worth.
0:00 Jenn Grigg Podcast Episode
01:13 Introduction and Welcome
01:13 Introduction and Welcome
01:14 Starting the Conversation: Beneath the Helmet
01:31 Introducing the Guest: Jen Grigg
01:31 Guest Introduction: Jen Grigg
02:08 Jen's Journey: From Firefighter to Coach
02:18 Jen's Journey in the Fire Service
03:41 Recognizing and Dealing with Burnout
03:41 Recognizing and Dealing with Burnout
03:57 The Impact of Self-Worth on Burnout
05:08 The Turning Point: A Personal Story
05:08 The Turning Point: Acknowledging Burnout
06:57 The Aftermath: Dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress
07:28 Making the Decision to Leave the Fire Service
07:28 The Struggle of Leaving the Fire Service
08:50 The Struggle with Identity and Self-Worth
11:35 The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
13:56 Exploring Hypnotherapy as a Healing Tool
14:37 The Power of Hypnotherapy
23:16 Setting Healthy Boundaries for Mental Health
23:16 Setting Healthy Boundaries
28:30 The Power of Self-Connection and Breaking Patterns
28:32 Preventing Burnout in the Coaching Industry
28:32 Maintaining Mental Health in the Coaching Industry
34:35 Reaching Out to an Ayurvedic Practitioner
34:35 Introduction and Welcome
34:47 Choosing Natural Remedies Over Medication
34:55 The Journey to Self-Care and Self-Nurturing
35:04 The Journey of Self-Care and Cooking
35:43 The Power of Cooking and Self-Care
36:40 The Impact of Ayurveda and Self-Care
37:42 The Importance of Self-Care in the Fire Service
37:45 The Importance of Self-Care for First Responders
38:22 The Joy of Cooking and Its Therapeutic Effects
38:22 The Therapeutic Nature of Cooking
39:53 The Impact of Ayurveda and Self-Care on Mental Health
40:46 Overhauling Life: Emotional Health
40:46 Overhauling Emotional Health
42:20 The Power of Hypnosis and Awareness in Mental Health
44:50 The Role of Physical Health in Overall Wellbeing
47:02 The Importance of Self-Worth in Personal Growth
47:02 The Power of Self-Worth and Safety
48:30 The Role of Safety in Personal Growth
56:31 Conclusion: The Power of Self-Worth and Self-Care
59:27 The Power of Coaching and Hypnotherapy
01:01:09 The Journey from Surviving to Thriving
01:01:09 The Journey from Surviving to Thriving
01:03:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jul 17, 2024 • 42min
Psychedelic Therapy First Responder with PTSD with Jeff Morley
Exploring Psychedelic Therapy First Responder with PTSD with Jeff Morley: Beneath the Helmet Podcast
Join retired Fire Chief Arjuna George on the Beneath the Helmet podcast as he converses with Jeff Morley, a former RCMP member and registered psychologist specializing in psychedelic therapy for first responders. In this insightful episode, they delve into the benefits and controversies surrounding the use of MDMA and other psychedelics for treating PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges faced by first responders. Discover how a holistic approach encompassing various therapeutic modalities could revolutionize mental health care for those constantly on the frontline.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
00:38 Meet Jeff Morley: From RCMP to Psychedelic Therapy
02:18 Understanding Psychedelic Therapy for First Responders
05:24 The Science and Safety of MDMA
08:50 Therapeutic Process and Integration
21:17 Challenges and Future of Psychedelic Therapy
28:55 Jeff Morley's Personal Insights and Self-Care
37:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Show Host Arjuna George:
Arjuna George (Fire Chief Ret)
📧arjuna@silverarrowco.com
@silverarrowcoaching
🌐www.silverarrowco.com
🌐www.beneaththehelmet.ca
🌐www.burntaroundtheedges.com
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🎧Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms for instant updates at www.beneaththehelmet.ca
🔴Episode Number: 052
🔴Publish Date: July 17 2024
🔴Host: Arjuna George
🔴Guest: Jeff Morley
www.beneaththehelmet.ca

Jul 11, 2024 • 1h 13min
Morgan Englund: A Journey of Healing Through Music
Join us for Morgan Englund: Healing Through Music, Episode 51.
A Journey from Firefighter to Wellness Advocate with Morgan England | Beneath the Helmet
Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George hosts former firefighter, actor, and musician Morgan England in this episode of Beneath the Helmet. Morgan shares his journey through the fire service, detailing the highs of driving the tiller truck and the lows of facing burnout and significant emotional challenges. He speaks candidly about his decision to walk away from the fire service, utilizing sound therapy as a crucial part of his healing process. The discussion also extends to the importance of nurturing one's mental and emotional well-being and how societal division can be mitigated through kindness and empathy. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with insights into personal growth, mental health, and innovative wellness practices.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
01:48 Meet Morgan England: From Acting to Firefighting
02:17 A Life-Changing Injury and Career Shift
04:29 The Emotional Toll of Firefighting
06:10 The Impact of a Tragic Loss
06:21 The Kidney Injury Story
13:36 Football and Acting: Lessons for Firefighting
18:47 Challenges in the Fire Service
25:49 Finding a New Purpose
33:39 Leadership and Culture in the Fire Service
35:34 Firefighter Rivalries and Leadership Challenges
37:05 The Impact of Leadership on Firehouse Culture
38:23 Evolving Fire Service Standards and Diversity
41:49 Personal Reflections and Leadership Insights
42:38 Healing and Personal Growth Journey
48:19 Sound Therapy and Overcoming PTSD
54:35 The Science of Frequencies and Healing
01:03:46 Embracing Emotions and Team Dynamics
01:07:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

Jun 28, 2024 • 30min
Journey to Wellness: Celebrating One Year of Beneath the Helmet
Join me and my special guest host Cindy Thompson as we explore and review the past 50 episodes and a year of podcasting.
Celebrating Episode 50 with Cindy Thompson | Reflecting on Firefighter Wellness and Burnout Recovery
In this milestone 50th episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Retired Fire Chief Jah George reflects on his podcasting journey and personal experiences with burnout recovery. Interviewed by fellow podcaster Cindy Thompson, they discuss the origins of the podcast, the importance of firefighter mental and physical health, and the lessons learned from his career. This special episode offers insights into resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of self-care.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
00:33 Celebrating Episode 50
00:42 Interview with Cindy Thompson
02:56 The Birth of Beneath the Helmet
06:57 Personal Growth and Burnout Recovery
09:27 Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
20:55 The Broader Impact and Community
27:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections
29:43 Closing Remarks

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Cindy Schooner Ball
Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Cindy Schooner Ball
Exploring Firefighters' Health & Wellness with Cindy Schrooner Ball | Episode 49
In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, hosted by Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George, we delve deep into the world of firefighters’ health and wellness. Special guest, retired captain Cindy Schrooner Ball, shares her incredible journey as one of the pioneering female firefighters, including her experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Cindy discusses her book 'Sister in a Brotherhood,' which narrates stories from her life in the fire service and her passion for promoting the fire service to men and women of all ages. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mentorship, and the importance of mental and physical well-being in the fire service.
00:00 Introduction to Beneath the Helmet
00:39 Meet Cindy Schrooner Ball: A Trailblazing Female Firefighter
02:02 Cindy's Early Life and Path to Firefighting
05:02 Challenges and Triumphs in Fire Academy
07:50 Breaking Barriers in the Fire Service
13:09 The Evolution of Fire Service Culture
27:41 Retirement Reflections and Finding New Purpose
34:07 The Journey of Writing a Book
35:01 The Challenges and Rewards of Completing a Book
36:55 Reigniting Purpose in Retirement
38:50 The Fire Service as a Family
41:06 Mentorship and Confidence in the Fire Service
45:43 Advice for New Firefighters
55:23 The Importance of Compassion in Leadership
57:40 Reflections and Future Plans
01:05:24 Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

May 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
The Thing First Responders Fear Most
In this episode, we reveal what First Responders Fear the most!
In this powerful episode of "Beneath the Helmet," host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with Robert Avsec, a former Battalion Chief and Fire Service Psychology Association member, to discuss the critical issue of mental health in the fire service. Robert shares his insights on the fear of job loss due to mental health challenges, the importance of viewing mental health as part of overall health, and innovative approaches to firefighter rehabilitation.
Key Topics:
The biggest fears firefighters face regarding job loss and mental health
The stigma around seeking mental health care in the fire service
Comparing firefighter rehabilitation to athletic recovery
The need for a holistic approach to firefighter health, integrating mental and physical recovery
The Fire Service Psychology Association's efforts to bridge the gap between professional psychology and firefighting
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
01:00 - Diving deep with Robert Avsec: Mental health in firefighting
04:00 - Robert's journey from New Jersey to Battalion Chief
22:00 - Addressing the mental health stigma and integrating holistic rehabilitation
35:00 - Learning from sports: A new approach to firefighter rehab
55:00 - The role of culturally competent clinicians in firefighter mental health
1:02:00 - Innovative mental health strategies: TRIM and beyond
1:15:00 - Conclusion and final thoughts
Remember to like, subscribe, and join our Facebook community for more support and discussions about firefighter health and wellness. Stay well!
Connect with Our Guest: Robert Avsec
Organization: Fire Service Psychology Association
Rank: Battalion Chief (Retired)
E-mail: chiefavsec@firepsychology.org
Personal Website: fireemsleaderpro.org
About the Host:
Arjuna George hosts "Beneath the Helmet" and is a passionate advocate for mental health in the firefighting community. With a rich fire service and leadership background, Arjuna brings insightful perspectives to each episode, exploring topics that matter most to first responders.
Stay Connected:
Visit our Podcast Website for more enlightening episodes. www.beneaththehelmet.ca
Follow us on Social Media to engage with a community of like-minded professionals.
Join our Facebook Page and Private Group for updates and community discussions.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602275498508857/
For inquiries or feedback, reach out to us at arjuna@silverarrowco.com
Subscribe for More:
Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our channel and share this episode with anyone who believes in the power of leadership and personal development.
Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe
Subscribe and Share on YouTube:
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and share this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Join us as we delve into the crucial topics affecting our brave firefighters and first responders.
Episode 48 Season 2

May 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
Art of Survival: Post-Traumatic Growth with Daniel Sundahl's
The Art of Survival - Transforming Trauma into Triumph: Daniel Sundahl's Journey on Beneath the Helmet
In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Arjuna George sits down with Daniel Sundahl, a former firefighter and paramedic who has turned his battle with PTSD into a mission to smash mental health stigma and support others. Daniel shares his journey from a life-threatening struggle with PTSD, through his healing process involving creative artwork, to becoming an inspiring figure with a significant online presence. His work not only served as a therapeutic outlet but also paved the way for him to pursue a career as a certified professional mental health therapist. This episode delves into the neuroplasticity of the brain, the power of creating new, healthier neural pathways, and the importance of art and creativity in the healing process. Daniel's story is a powerful testament to the possibility of post-traumatic growth and serves as a beacon of hope for first responders and anyone else battling mental health challenges. The conversation also highlights the significance of building a supportive community, having a proactive self-care toolkit, and the potential impact of Sundahl's Recovery and Resiliency Foundation aimed at aiding individuals across Canada.
Connect with Daniel Sundahl (DanSun):
🎨 Follow DanSun on Social Media:
Facebook: DanSunPhotos
Instagram: @dansunphotoart
LinkedIn: Daniel Sundahl
📚 Explore DanSun’s Art and Books:
Visit DanSun Photo Art to discover Daniel's art books and view his internationally recognized artworks. https://www.dansungallery.com/
🌐 Learn More About The Recovery and Resiliency Foundation:
Visit The Recovery and Resiliency Foundation to learn how they support individuals with trauma symptoms through Daniel’s initiatives.
✉️ Contact Daniel:
Email: daniel@dansunphotos.com
About the Host:
Arjuna George hosts "Beneath the Helmet" and is a passionate advocate for mental health in the firefighting community. With a rich fire service and leadership background, Arjuna brings insightful perspectives to each episode, exploring topics that matter most to first responders.
Stay Connected:
Visit our Podcast Website for more enlightening episodes. www.beneaththehelmet.ca
Follow us on Social Media to engage with a community of like-minded professionals.
Join our Facebook Page and Private Group for updates and community discussions.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602275498508857/
For inquiries or feedback, reach out to us at arjuna@silverarrowco.com
Subscribe for More:
Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our channel and share this episode with anyone who believes in the power of leadership and personal development.
Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe
Subscribe and Share on YouTube:
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and share this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Join us as we delve into the crucial topics affecting our brave firefighters and first responders.
Episode 47 Season 2

Apr 24, 2024 • 1h 20min
Leading with Purpose: Captain Josh Chase's Inspirational Journey
Overcoming Adversity: Firefighter Josh Chase's Inspirational Journey. From the military to family tragedy to firefighting.
This script combines two powerful narratives from 'Beneath the Helmet' that explore the life of Josh Chase, a Norfolk firefighter, author, and podcaster. The story delves into Josh's harrowing experiences, from his deployment in Iraq to the tragedy of losing his wife, and his path towards resilience and self-discovery. Through his journey, Josh emphasizes the significance of honesty with oneself, the essence of faith, leadership, and the impact of setting and pursuing meaningful goals. His mission to share lessons of hope, community support, and the importance of a personal vision shines a light on conquering life's obstacles with courage and purpose. The consolidated narrative inspires viewers with Josh's dedication to helping others find their direction in life through his books, podcast, and by embodying the values of faith and perseverance.
00:00 Igniting Souls: The Journey Begins
00:37 Community and Connection: Building a Supportive Network
01:18 A Deep Dive with Josh Chase: From Pain to Purpose
02:05 Leadership Lessons and Life's Challenges: Josh's Story
02:31 The Road to Resilience: Personal Growth and Healing
04:52 A New Chapter: Josh's Family Life and Military Background
09:02 Facing the Fire: Josh's Struggle with Marriage and Identity
13:19 A Turning Point: Rediscovering Faith and Family
27:38 Purpose and Passion: Rebuilding Life with New Meaning
32:32 Tragedy Strikes: The Loss That Changed Everything
41:12 Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose
43:12 The Power of Community Support
43:51 Career Challenges and Moving Forward
44:24 A Journey Through Grief and Healing
46:36 Embracing a New Chapter and Remarriage
47:28 Discovering Resilience and Purpose
52:46 Exploring Faith and Personal Growth
01:02:13 The Importance of Purpose and Vision
01:13:32 Leadership, Purpose, and the Fire Service
01:19:04 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Connect with Lt. Josh Chase:
🔥 Follow Josh on Social Media:
Instagram: @jumpseatleadership
Instagram: @engage.the.enemy
📚 Check out Josh's Books:
Jump Seat Leadership: The Guide to Informal Leadership in the Fire Service
Engage The Enemy: Fight for Your Purpose
🌐 Visit Josh's Website:
The Chase Collective LLC
Recommendations:
📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)
About the Host:
Arjuna George hosts "Beneath the Helmet" and is a passionate advocate for mental health in the firefighting community. With a rich fire service and leadership background, Arjuna brings insightful perspectives to each episode, exploring topics that matter most to first responders.
Stay Connected:
Visit our Podcast Website for more enlightening episodes. www.beneaththehelmet.ca
Follow us on Social Media to engage with a community of like-minded professionals.
Join our Facebook Page and Private Group for updates and community discussions.
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602275498508857/
For inquiries or feedback, reach out to us at arjuna@silverarrowco.com
Subscribe for More:
Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to our channel and share this episode with anyone who believes in the power of leadership and personal development.
Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe
Subscribe and Share on YouTube:
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and share this episode with someone who might find it valuable. Join us as we delve into the crucial topics affecting our brave firefighters and first responders.
Episode 46 Season 2