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

Welcome to another transformative episode of "Beneath the Helmet," where we delve deep into firefighter wellness, leadership, and personal growth. In episode 45, host Arjuna George engages in a riveting discussion with Chief Dave Robertson, exploring the essence of character-based leadership within the firefighting community. In This Episode: Discover the journey of Chief Dave Robertson from a seasoned firefighter to a visionary advocate for character-based leadership. Unpack the concept of character-based leadership and its pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the fire service. Gain insights into innovative recruitment strategies focused on character assessment, aiming to elevate the ethical standards within the firefighting profession. Learn about character-driven leadership's transformative impact on the fire service culture, fostering a more compassionate, ethical, and unified community. About Chief Dave Robertson: Chief Dave Robertson brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in various capacities within the fire service. His current focus is empowering firefighters and leaders through character-based leadership principles at Fire Edge Fire Service Training and Coaching. Ivey Leader Character Framework: https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/leadership/research-resources/leader-character-framework/ Connect with Chief Dave Robertson: Email: chief.robertson@fire-edge.com LinkedIn: Dave Robertson About the Host Arjuna George, a retired Fire Chief, is behind "Beneath the Helmet." His passion for discussing crucial topics related to firefighter wellness and leadership has made this podcast a go-to resource for fire service professionals. Embark on a transformative journey with "Burnt Around the Edges - A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout," your essential companion in the quest for resilience and well-being. Authored by a retired fire chief and seasoned Resilience Coach, this book is a treasure trove of practical strategies, tension-releasing exercises, and empowering anecdotes designed specifically for high performers navigating the challenges of stress and burnout. Reclaim your joy, vitality, and purpose by embracing this holistic approach to recovery. Take the first step towards a more resilient you; purchase your copy today and rekindle the inner flame that drives your passion and purpose. Grab your copy at www.burntaroundtheedges.com or on Amazon 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 here: https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 00:00 Igniting Your Soul: The Journey Begins 00:33 Episode 45: Leadership and Career Transitions 01:01 Character-Based Leadership in Firefighting 03:22 Meet Chief Dave Robertson: A Firefighter's Journey 09:57 The Essence of Character-Based Leadership 18:15 Redefining Fire Service Recruitment 28:06 Innovative Interview Techniques for Identifying Character 32:50 Exploring the Merit-Based System in Fire Services 34:24 The Impact of Seniority and Merit in Leadership Roles 36:10 Cultural Shifts and Character-Based Hiring in the Fire Service 38:02 The Benefits of Character-Driven Leadership 41:32 Addressing the Paramilitary Structure in Fire Services 46:09 Character-Based Leadership and Its Implementation 50:41 Resources and Recommendations for Character-Based Leadership 01:00:59 Personal Experiences and the Importance of Support 01:09:16 Concluding Thoughts on Leadership and Character in the Fire Service Episode 45 Season II

Navigating the Flame: Wayne Jasper's Journey from the Fire Line to Firefighter Wellness Advocacy In this powerful episode of "Beneath the Helmet," host Arjuna George has a profound conversation with Wayne Jasper, a dedicated firefighter turned mental health advocate. Wayne shares his transformative journey from facing the intense heat of the fire line to championing the cause of mental health and wellness among firefighters. Discover how Wayne's personal experiences and challenges led him to develop a unique tracking system aimed at helping firefighters cope with the traumatic aspects of their jobs. Key Highlights: Wayne Jasper's extensive career in firefighting and the pivotal experiences that shaped his path. The creation and impact of a tracking system designed for firefighters to document traumatic calls. Insightful discussions on the critical need for mental health support within the firefighting community. Wayne's vision for a future where mental wellness is a priority in the high-stakes world of firefighting. Article on The Tracking Exposures System: https://www.firefightingincanada.com/tracking-exposure-24627/ Embark on a transformative journey with "Burnt Around the Edges - A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout," your essential companion in the quest for resilience and well-being. Authored by a retired fire chief and seasoned Resilience Coach, this book is a treasure trove of practical strategies, tension-releasing exercises, and empowering anecdotes designed specifically for high performers navigating the challenges of stress and burnout. Reclaim your joy, vitality, and purpose by embracing this holistic approach to recovery. Take the first step towards a more resilient you; purchase your copy today and rekindle the inner flame that drives your passion and purpose. Grab your copy at www.burntaroundtheedges.com or on Amazon About Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Jasper: Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Jasper serves at the Anarchist Mountain Fire Dept, bringing years of invaluable experience to the forefront of firefighter wellness advocacy. Connect with Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Jasper: Email: wayne.jasper@icloud.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 44 Season 2

The Somatic Work of Yoga as a Proactive Tool for Mental Health in First Responders In this enlightening episode of Beneath the Helmet, we delve into the transformative power of yoga for first responders, focusing on its role as a proactive mental health tool. Our special guest, Eric Brenneman, President of Yoga Shield for First Responders, shares invaluable insights into integrating tactical breathing, exercise, and tension trauma release exercises in the demanding lives of public safety professionals. Discover how yoga transcends relaxation, propelling first responders into the Flow State for peak performance and resilience against job-induced stress and trauma. Join us to explore the synergy of yoga, neuroplasticity, and biofeedback in redefining first responder wellness. 👉Grab your free Tactical Breathwork Training postcard here: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF5VomM8Oo/iN55PntPbkWo4Tko-ociWw/edit?utm_content=DAF5VomM8Oo&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton 🏷️SPECIAL OFFER!! An exclusive coupon code for you to get your first month free !! Use Coupon Code: BENEATHTHEHELMET at https://ondemand.yogaforfirstresponders.org/?via=arjuna (Affiliate Link) 🎙 Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 🧘 Yoga's Journey into Fire Services: Unpacking the myths and showcasing the mental and physical benefits of yoga for first responders. From Eric's personal transformation to advocating for a culture of proactive mental health support in public safety. 00:14:48 🚑 The Role of Self-Care: Why prioritizing personal wellness is crucial for optimizing performance and injury prevention in high-stress public safety roles. 00:23:48 💪 Tailored Yoga Practices: The unique adaptation of yoga for first responders, focusing on breath work and stress response training for enhanced decision-making and mental regulation. 00:37:08 🧠 Advancements in Health and Wellness: How proactive health tools and understanding of stress biochemistry are revolutionizing first responder well-being. 00:47:50 ⚙️ Tech Meets Tradition: The impact of wearable biofeedback machines in tracking and improving first responders' physiological responses and dispelling yoga misconceptions. 00:54:22 🌬️ Breathing for Survival: Critical breathing techniques for first responders to enhance well-being and performance under stress. 01:05:43 🔥 Leadership's Role in First Responder Wellness: The importance of open-minded leadership in adopting evidence-based wellness programs. 01:16:42 🎙️ A Call to Action for Mental Health: Encouraging listeners to explore the benefits of yoga for first responders and inviting them to connect with Yoga Shield. Connect with Eric Brenneman: Eric Brenneman, President of Yoga Shield for First Responders. 📧 Email: eric@yogaforfirstresponders.org 🌐 Personal Website: yogaforfirstresponders.org 📱 Social Media: @yogaforfirstresponders 🎙️ Connect with Show Host: Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret), Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Author of Burnt Around the Edges. 🌐 Websites: silverarrowco.com, burntaroundtheedges.com, beneaththehelmet.ca 📧 Email: arjuna@silverarrowco.com Subscribe and Follow the Beneath the Helmet Show: 📬 Join the BTH Community Newsletter https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe Listen or Watch to all the episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca Join Our Exclusive Community: 🤝 Facebook Group – Dive deeper into discussions and connect with like-minded individuals. https://www.facebook.com/groups/602275498508857/ 🌟 Whether you're in public safety or intrigued by the profound impact of yoga on mental and physical wellness, this episode offers a fresh perspective on proactive health practices. Don't miss out on this journey to resilience and peak performance with yoga at the forefront!

Building strong, robust Firefighter Mental Health - Mental Health in the First Responder Community 🚨 Description and Episode Hook In this gripping episode of the Beneath the Helmet podcast, we dive deep into the hidden battles first responders face with mental health. 🧠💔 From the psychological toll of 24-hour shifts to the unique challenges of maintaining a strong brother and sisterhood in the fire service, our guests, including career firefighter and mental health advocate Matt Johnston, shed light on the urgent need for upstream care and early warning recognition. Discover the staggering increase in psychological injury rates since 2015 and the high cost to municipalities, all while exploring new pathways for counselling psychology within this critical profession. Tune in to unravel the complexities of mental health in the brave world of first responders. 🚒💡 Episode 42: Episode Highlights 00:00:00 🚒 Introduction to the Mental Health Advocacy in the First Responder Community 00:02:55 👨‍🚒 Matthew Johnston's Journey from Counseling Psychology to Firefighting and Mental Health Advocacy 00:10:53 🚒 The Importance of Active Self-Care and Outdoor Activities for First Responders 00:21:50 👨‍🚒 The Critical Transition Home: Addressing the Stigma and Isolation in Mental Health 00:28:13 👩‍⚕️ The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Fire Service and the Need for Diverse Career Paths 00:32:32 👨‍⚕️ Organizational Stressors vs. Traumatic Events: The Impact on First Responders 00:39:42 👩‍⚕️ Collaborative Efforts to Standardize Support and Training for First Responders 00:48:22 👨‍⚕️ Matthew Johnston's Advocacy for Prioritizing Mental Health in First Responder Organizations Resources and Recommendations 📚 Burnt Around the Edges - A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - www.burntaroundtheedges.com 🌐 Online Training Program for Mental Health Professionals - Enhancing understanding of first responder needs. Connect with Guest Matthew Johnston: Career firefighter, psychologist, and mental health advocate. Passionate about bridging the gap between mental health care and first responders. 📧 Contact Matthew matt@firstresponderhealth.ca 🌐 www.firstresponderhealth.org - Directory of Occupationally Aware Healthcare Providers© Connect with Show Host arjuna@silverarrowco.com Connect 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.com 🌐 www.burntaroundtheedges.com 🌐 www.beneaththehelmet.ca 📧 arjuna@silverarrowco.com Subscribe and Follow Subscribe to the Beneath the Helmet Show: 👉Join the BTH Community Newsletter https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe Listen and watch all episodes at www.beneaththehelmet.ca 🔴Exclusive Community Group🔴 Join our supportive community for first responders: BTH Facebook Group 🤝 https://www.facebook.com/groups/602275498508857/

Former warrior turned firefighter Myke Cole shares his journey from PTSD to mindfulness, highlighting the role of psychedelics in his recovery. He discusses the impact of Buddhism, social media on mental health, and inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita. Cole's candid reflections on resilience and wellness motivate listeners in their pursuit of balance and healing.

In this episode, Mark Bashoor discusses the importance of trust, honor, and ethics in the fire service, while sharing personal insights from his career. He emphasizes the need for a personal mission statement and addresses the value of maintaining public trust. The episode also delves into developing a personal success tetrahedron focusing on physical strength, moral focus, and mental toughness to become better professionals.

Delve into firefighter wellness with insights on the PATH Program, tailored support for mental health in the fire service, eradicating stigma, success of mental health check-ins, and prioritizing well-being in collaboration with fire departments.

Join host Arjuna George as he delves into the mental health challenges faced by first responders with Lieutenant Kenny Mitchell. From Kenny's transition from graphic design to firefighting to the genesis of 'Operation Yellow Tape,' this episode explores the silent battles and strategies for wellness in the firefighting community. Discover the power of HELP and Kenny's insights on lifelong wellness for first responders.

Episode Number: 037 Publish Date: Jan 31, 2024 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Benjamin Martin Brief Description: 📚 Beneath the Helmet: Igniting Potential Through Emotion-Centric Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Martin Dive into an insightful conversation with host Arjuna George, a retired Fire Chief, and special guest Dr. Benjamin Martin, a notable figure in the Fire Service. Explore the holistic perspectives on leadership, decision-making, and change management, focusing uniquely on emotions in daily interactions. Martin shares his conception of Leadership 3.0, strategies to manage stress and burnout, and the importance of workplace relationships, and emphasizes emotional intelligence for outstanding leadership. The podcast also covers personal experiences and the balance between work and family life while highlighting the impact and legacy of good leadership. This episode promises to inspire and enhance your leadership journey in the Fire Service and daily life. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 www.EmbraceTheResistance.com⁠ Recommendations: 📖 Book - ⁠Burnt Around the Edges⁠ – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Benjamin Martin Bio Over the last seven years, Benjamin has become one of the country's most sought-after fire-service leadership speakers, often presenting to standing-room-only classrooms. He provides leadership training workshops and keynotes internationally and throughout the United States, blending over 20 years of public safety experience with his ongoing doctoral study of industrial psychology, leadership, and adult learning. His programs provide an entertaining and unfiltered view of various leadership topics, such as interpersonal communication, command and control strategies, conflict management, and emotional intelligence. He founded the popular website and leadership movement EmbraceTheResistance.com in 2017, focusing on supporting aspiring and existing leaders with his honest take on the challenges of leading others and yourself. In addition to his leadership blogs, he has been featured on most major fire service podcasts and is also a contributing author to several leadership books. He has also published articles in Fire Engineering, FireRescue, Fire Department Training Network (FDTN), International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI), FirefighterToolbox, and FirefighterWife. He is an Executive Officer and Acting Battalion Chief with the Henrico County Division of Fire in Virginia. You can email him at BMartin@EmbraceTheResistance.com. ⁠www.EmbraceTheResistance.com⁠ Connect with the Host: 🎙️Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) ⁠www.silverarrowco.com⁠ ⁠www.burntaroundtheedges.com⁠ ⁠www.beneaththehelmet.ca ⁠ Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 🎧Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/kindling-change-leadership-lessons-from-dr-benjamin/id1676314109?i=1000643701812 🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/Kindling-Change-Leadership-Lessons-from-Dr--Benjamin-Martin-e2f6k1s 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/-TbgnlepMlo 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109

Episode Number: 036 - Season II Publish Date: Jan 16, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Lionel Crowther Brief Description: 📚 Chronicling the intense ordeal and exceptional resilience of esteemed firefighter Lionel Crowther, 'Beneath the Helmet' delves into his life-altering experience surviving a 2007 fire incident. Functioning beyond his physical and emotional trauma, Lionel navigates the realms of survivor guilt and the significant impacts on his family and personal identity. With the crucial support from friends, colleagues, and burn survivor advocates, including Oscar Barrera, Lionel transitions from victimhood to survival, subsequently engaging in advocacy work for firefighter safety, wellness, and mental health. He engages in critical dialogue around destigmatization within the firefighting community while highlighting the importance of continued learning and the need for positive industry changes. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗Deep Survival - Laurence Gonzales Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Bio Lionel has been a firefighter for the last 25 years. On Feb. 4, 2007, a tragic fire changed the lives of the Crowther Family. Lionel and five other firefighters were caught in a flashover, where he suffered severe burns to 70% of his body. Tragically, Captain Lessard and Captain Nichols did not survive. Since that incident, Lionel, his wife Joanna & their family have epitomized the meaning of resiliency, hope and survival. Lionel is here to explain the many challenges and triumphs he and his family faced because of this tragic incident as a firefighter, from the very personal view of being a husband, father and survivor! Lionel is promoted to Lieutenant & Acting Captain with the WFD, a Lead Master Instructor for the IAFF Fire Ground Survival Program, IAFF Burn Foundation Coordinator, Master Instructor for the Petzl EXO Escape System, IAFF Trainer & Peer Supporter for Burn Survivor Fire Fighters & families, provincial coordinator for the FF Resilient Minds program, a Sleep Specialist for the Fire Service with 62 Roméo, UL FSRI Training Advisory Board member, Founder of the Foundations of Leadership training, graduate of the Fire Fighter Resiliency program through the BCPFFA & a graduate of the West Point Sciences of Behavior Program through the LAFD Leadership Academy. Connect 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.com www.burntaroundtheedges.com www.beneaththehelmet.ca Support the Show: 🔥Want to show your appreciation for Beneath the Helmet Show? Buy us a coffee. Your support enables us to keep producing content that makes a difference in the lives of our firefighters. Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 📩Join the BTH Community https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/From-Fire-to-Fortitude-A-Firefighters-Path-of-Resilience-and-Recovery-e2ei1mh 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/7Pwi9MY9Wgo 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109