

Beneath The Helmet Show - Firefighter Wellness & Mental Health (mind-body-spirit)
Arjuna George
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 16min
Beneath the Helmet: Navigating Mental Wellness and Leadership in Firefighting with David Wiklanski
Psychologist and firefighter David Wiklanski discusses mental health stigma, trauma handling, and suicide in the fire service. He stresses the need for open conversations about mental wellness and reducing line-of-duty deaths. The episode also covers support for firefighter families, improving fire service culture, and the importance of prioritizing mental health.

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 6min
Ignite Your Full Potential with Beneath the Helmet Podcast featuring Richmond Heath | TRE Explained
Learn about the transformative impact of TRE on mental health, stress management, and recovery for firefighters. Explore the importance of somatic work, active recovery, and self-regulation in high-stress professions. Discover how TRE aids in preventing PTSD, enhancing performance, and balancing stress for optimal well-being.

Nov 23, 2023 • 58min
Empathetic Leadership in High-Stress Professions: Bill Carson's Insights on Mental Health
Join Bill Carson on an enlightening episode discussing empathy in leadership for high-stress professions. Explore the distinction between empathy and sympathy, effective communication techniques, and suicide prevention. Learn about the importance of supporting mental health in the workplace and embracing emotions for personal growth.

Nov 23, 2023 • 53min
Firefighter's Courageous Battle with PTSD: Christy Warren's Inspiring Journey
Retired firefighter Christy Warren shares her journey with PTSD, discussing perfectionism, therapy, and resilience. Highlights include acceptance, transforming mindset, and promoting mental wellness among firefighters. Emphasizes the power of vulnerability and self-care in overcoming struggles with mental health.

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 2min
Unlocking Resilience: Dr. Michelle Finneran on Combatting Burnout and Compassion Fatigue
A clinical psychologist discusses stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue in first responders, offering insights and strategies for resilience. Dr. Finneran shares her journey and emphasizes mental health awareness and self-care. The podcast explores strategies to combat burnout and compassion fatigue, highlighting the importance of flexibility and self-care for mental health maintenance.

Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 3min
The Healing Power of Equine Therapy: A Conversation with Juliana
A conversation with Juliana on the transformative power of equine therapy for first responders and individuals with stress injuries. Discover the healing benefits of horses in enhancing mental health, setting boundaries, and building leadership skills. Explore Juliana's innovative equine experiences and the importance of self-care in supporting others through personal growth.

Oct 24, 2023 • 56min
Arjuna George's Journey from Fire Chief to Wellness Advocate | Beneath the Helmet Ep.23
Explore the journey of retired Fire Chief Arjuna George from the fire service to wellness advocacy. Learn about battling burnout, the impact of T.R.E, and Silver Arrow Coaching. Discover the importance of mental health in leadership and self-development. Hear about resources from Five Alarm Task Force, Firehouse Tribune, Firefighter Success, and more. Get recommended books for mastering stress and firefighter success. Connect with Arjuna George and delve into his inspiring narrative.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 9min
Unlocking Resilience and Mental Health in First Responders with guest Dr. Duncan Shields
Delve into resilience and mental health for first responders with Dr. Duncan Shields. Learn about creating safe environments, leadership beyond rank, and syncing mind-body for optimal health. Explore community support and trauma recovery strategies.

Sep 26, 2023 • 54min
Behind the Scene of First Responders in Crisis
Exploring the impact and inspiration behind a documentary focusing on the mental health struggles of first responders. Unveiling the broken mental health system faced by everyday heroes and the urgent need for better support. Witnessing the vulnerable stories that encourage change and combat the stigma surrounding mental health. The documentary sheds light on the raw emotions and powerful moments that make it a transformative experience, inspiring individuals to take the first steps in addressing mental health and ending the stigma.

Sep 19, 2023 • 40min
A Story of Connection - Team RED
Episode Number: 20 **BONUS**
Publish Date: September 19th, 2023
Host: Arjuna George
Guests: Shelley Langille, Gilbert MacIntyre, Tom DeSorcy
Brief Description:
📚 In this captivating episode of the Beneath the Helmet Podcast, hosted by retired fire chief Arjuna George, we dive deep into the remarkable story of Team Red. This group of individuals, connected through the fire service, demonstrates the incredible power of connection and support.
🔥 Discover how Team Red's journey began as a simple gathering during a conference in St. John's, Newfoundland, and transformed into a weekly support group that defies geographical boundaries.
😂 Explore the importance of creating a safe and authentic environment where members can openly share their challenges and experiences without fear of judgment.
🤝 Learn about the impact of peer support within the fire service and how Team Red's conversations have created a unique space for connection and healing.
🎙️ Hear about the significance of authentic, emotional presentations and how Team Red's members, who've experienced challenges firsthand, inspire change through their stories.
😊 Understand the importance of prioritizing connection and self-care for mental well-being, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:
🔗 Team Red Offical Page https://teamredcanada.com/about/
Recommendations:
📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books)
Bio's
Shelley Langille
Shelley is the founder and president of SeeShell Consulting (SSC) and the International Coach Coalition (ICC). She is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) through Royal Roads University (RRU), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the ICF. In addition to her education and training, she possesses more than twenty years of experience in career coaching, leadership, and change management. After working with the first responder sector for the last 17 years, she understands the strengths and challenges members face, along with the tools to thrive.
Gilbert MacIntyre
Married for 42 years, 4 children, 5 grandchildren. Past LNTB Champion and Mentor. Organized first CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEF on Cape Breton Island in 1993. 34 years working for CBRMFES retiring as deputy
8th degree Master in Uechi Ryu (way chi ru) karate.
Tom DeSorcy
Tom DeSorcy joined the fire service in 1983 and became the first paid firefighter in his hometown of Hope, B.C., when he became fire chief in 2000, retiring in 2023. Prior to that he was a radio announcer and could be heard across Canada in the early '90s as part of a show called "Country Coast to Coast". DeSorcy is married with children, and grandchildren. He is equally at home at a bonspiel, on the golf course or in the kitchen, and continues to enjoy his connections to the fire service.
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
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/a-story-of-connection-team-red/id1676314109?i=1000628512080
🎧Spotify Podcasts: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/arjuna-george/episodes/A-Story-of-Connection---Team-RED-e29hgak
📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/UJUsjz9x3zY
🎧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!