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

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

Episode Number: 35 Publish Date: Jan 01, 2024 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Tom Marchiano Brief Description: 📚Beneath the Helmet: Exploring Firefighters' Health and Wellness - January 1, 2024 Episode In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George celebrates the end of an amazing first season with some reflections and an interview with Assistant Fire Chief Tom Marchiano. George discusses the podcast's journey and thanks the guests and listeners. In the conversation with Marciano, they delve into the operations of Marciano's department, the challenges of burnout and stress, and Marciano's new program, 'Six Tips for the New Fire Officer'. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 The Firehouse Tribune www.thefirehousetribune.com 🔗 Six Tips to Guide the New Fire Officer www.thefirehousetribune.com/speaking-engagements Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Tom's Bio Tom Marchiano joined the fire service in 2004. Throughout his 18 years , he has served as lieutenant, captain and currently, serves as assistant chief. Tom has a passion for training and holds a certification from New York State & National Fire Instructor. Additionally, Tom is involved with the Orange County Technical Rescue team where his focus is building collapse, trench rescue and confined space. Tom also works as a public safety dispatcher in Orange County for the last 14 years. In 2020, Tom became a contributor for The Firehouse Tribune, writing articles and participating in monthly podcasts. Tom continues to be dedicated to his career and involvement in the fire service. Connect with Tom 📧Email @fhtribunepodcast@gmail.com 📱Social Media @fhtribune @marchianotom @firemantom193 🌐Website www.thefirehousetribune.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 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/Fueling-the-Fire-Within-Prioritizing-Health-and-Wellness-in-the-Fire-Service-with-Tom-Marchiano-e2dt50p 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/hUq6Jz70sEE 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109 🔥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!

Episode Number: 34 Publish Date: Jan 01, 2024 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Scott Maxwell Brief Description: 📚 In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host Arjuna George, a retired fire chief, chats with Scott Maxwell, the Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. Scott discusses the impactful work done by Wounded Warriors Canada in mental health, sharing his journey and vision for the future. He emphasizes the importance of supporting trauma-exposed professionals in a comprehensive manner that includes their families. He also mentions the different programs Wounded Warriors Canada offers, ensuring these services reach every province and territory. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in mental health services for first responders and their families and anyone keen to understand the various challenges in the field. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 Wounded Warriors Canada www.woundedwarriors.ca Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 The Body Keeps the Score - Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk Scott's Bio On June 11, 2007, Trooper Darryl Caswell, a high school friend of Scott’s, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. From that day forward, Scott promised himself that he would find a way to give back to those who bravely serve Canada. In 2013, Scott accepted the position of Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. He embarked on a journey in the mental health sector that has seen him successfully transform what was a volunteer-based, local charitable fund into a national mental health service provider that supports over 5,000 Veterans, First Responders and their families each year. Connect with Scott 📧scott@woundedwarriors.ca 📱Twitter: @WoundWarriorCA 📱Instagram: woundedwarriorscanada 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/The-Impact-and-Evolution-of-Wounded-Warriors-Canada-A-Conversation-with-Scott-Maxwell-e2dssj2 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/H8Wb_YpOeIQ 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109 🔥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!

Episode Number: 33 Publish Date: December 31st 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Steve Greene Brief Description: 📚 Beneath the Helmet: Navigating Retirement, Disability, and Wellness in the Fire Service with Steve Greene. In this series of Beneath the Helmet, host Arjuna George converses with guest Steve Greene, a retired firefighter and founder of Five Alarm Task Force Corp, to delve into the realities of the fire service. Greene shares his experiences about being medically retired and the plights firefighters face in dealing with retirement and disability. They further discuss the significance of mental health, behavioural health, functioning under stress, and how to prosper amidst challenges. Highlighting an upcoming webinar for fundraising aimed at supporting firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice, Greene underscores the need for acceptance, reaching out for help when dealing with mental health issues, and identifying joy outside one's professional domain. He encourages retired firefighters to stay connected with their former departments and make meaningful contributions. Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 Thrive on Duty - Optimize Your Sleep & Stress Webinar (Jan 23, 2024) Register here at bit.ly/ThriveOnDuty Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 🎙️ 5 - Alarm Task Force the PODCAST. https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org/podcast.html Steve's Bio Steve was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for eight years (1977-1985) when an injury forced him out of active service. Though working almost 80 hours/week, he loved the fire service and helping others. He has always kept the fire service close to his heart. He has carried a full complement of BLS and rescue gear in every vehicle since 1985. In 2016, after meeting numerous firefighters on social media, he was persuaded to start a podcast (even though he didn't know what a "podcast" was.) Today, Steve is in his eighth season of "5-Alarm Task Force," in 2020, he launched the nonprofit 5-Alarm Task Force Corp. to provide immediate funds to our Brothers/Sisters and/or their families when in dire need. Connect with Steve Green 🔗 Steve's Website https://www.5-alarmtaskforcecorp.org/ 🔗 Social @5AlarmTaskForce 📧 Dalmatprod@Outlook.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 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: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-undying-flame-a-firefighters-path-through/id1676314109?i=1000640179614 🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/The-Undying-Flame-A-Firefighters-Path-Through-Injury--Retirement--and-Beyond-e2ds2g7 📺 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOk6WxxtCfp0DsTx5_jrO4g?sub_confirmation=1 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109 🔥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!

Episode Number: 32 Publish Date: Dec 26, 2023 Host: Cindy Thompson Guest: Arjuna George Brief Description: 📚 Beneath the Helmet: Navigating Firefighter's Health & Wellness with Fire Chief Arjuna George (Originally published on the "A Resilience Project" with show host Cindy Thompson. In this podcast episode, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George explores the various aspects of firefighters' health and wellness. This episode swapped with A Resilience Project hosted by Cindy Thompson, discusses with Arjuna his journey from being burnt out due to organizational stress to finding his passion for serving the firefighting and first responder community through coaching. Sharing valuable insights on building resilience, managing stress, and finding balance, Fire Chief George sheds light on his unique career path and its challenges. The conversation includes a deep dive into 'moral injury' within organizations, causes and outcomes of burnout, and the significance of self-care. He also recommends several resilience-building activities and practices. Tune in and join the motivational conversation that may just set your soul on fire. THANK YOU, CINDY AND ROBERT, for the episode swap! Be sure to check out the podcast at www.aresilienceproject.com Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 A Resilience Project www.aresilienceproject.com 🎙️ Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7dJo2JceCMWDeaJowyLHYF?si=ec805346779a40e0 🎙️ Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-resilience-project/id1543935092 🌐 Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-thompson-7bb14743/ Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 Prosilience - Dr Linda Hoopes Connect with the BTH 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: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/overcoming-burnout-a-fire-chiefs-road-to-resilience/id1676314109?i=1000639747938 🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/Overcoming-Burnout-A-Fire-Chiefs-Road-to-Resilience-by-Cindy-Thompson---A-Resilience-Project-e2dm8nu 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/Dvkd3xfML3s 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109 🔥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!

Episode Number: 31 Publish Date: Jan 19, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Deborah Green Brief Description: 📚 Unlocking Potential and Enhancing Wellness in Firefighters | Beneath the Helmet Podcast In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, host and retired Fire Chief Arjuna George explores the overlooked mental and emotional struggles that dispatchers experience in their jobs. We sit down with Deborah Green, a retired police dispatcher, who shares her personal journey, from dealing with multiple officer-related shootings to managing related post-traumatic stress. Listen as we delve into the importance of mental health awareness, therapy, and support among emergency responders. Don't miss Deborah's inspiring message of resilience, recovery, and the need for continued mental health care for retirees from the field. 0:00 Deb Greene 00:06 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Welcoming Listeners to Season Two 01:40 Introducing the Guest: Deborah Green 02:32 Deborah's Journey: From Military Police to Dispatcher 03:14 Deborah's Experience in the LA Riots 04:43 The Challenges of Being a Dispatcher 06:14 Deborah's Career Progression and Traumatic Experiences 08:18 The Impact of Officer-Involved Shootings 09:36 Deborah's Retirement and Reflections 10:02 The Importance of Mental Health Support in Dispatching 11:36 Deborah's Last Day and Transition into Retirement 12:07 Self-Care and Coping Strategies for Dispatchers 35:28 The Importance of Having a Therapist 37:15 Dealing with Anxiety and Panic Attacks 39:38 The Challenges of Retirement and Transition 41:42 The Need for Continued Care and Support 43:31 Sharing Personal Experiences and Stories 46:30 The Importance of Mental Health and Self-Care 49:16 The Power of Sharing and Healing 49:16 The Role of Social Media in Sharing Stories 49:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 BC First Responders Mental Health https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth... Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Bio Deborah started her career as a Communications and Military Police officer with the California Army National Guard in 1986. She was hired by the Sacramento Police Dept in 1992. Followed by El Dorado County Sheriff's Department in 1994. She eventually retired in 2021 due to PTSD/cPTSD 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: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/unheard-voices-the-extraordinary-life-of-a-dispatcher/id1676314109?i=1000639143701 🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/Unheard-Voices-The-Extraordinary-Life-of-a-Dispatcher-e2df575 📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/CD6bAFCcfsc 🎧All other podcast platforms https://pod.link/1676314109 🔥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!

Christopher Moore, a firefighter and mental health advocate, shares his inspiring journey with PTSD and the importance of communication and therapy. He discusses coping mechanisms, having a support system, and the reality of mental health in the First Responder community. The podcast also explores healing trauma through therapy, utilizing the 12-step process for recovery, and emphasizing support within the firefighter community.