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

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

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

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

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

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.