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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Episode Number: 19 Publish Date: Sept 12, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Michael Sugrue Brief Description: 📚 Join us as we sit down with Michael Sugrue, a retired law enforcement officer turned mental health advocate. In this insightful interview, Michael shares his personal story of resilience, vulnerability, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in first responders. Discover how open conversations and seeking support can change lives. Don't miss this powerful conversation on healing and growth. #MentalHealthAwareness #Resilience #Inspiration Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 Relentless Courage: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma - Michael Sugrue Buy it now 📺 The Stigma of Help - Bio Michael Sugrue Michael Sugrue began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Officer in 1998. As a Security Forces Officer, Michael specialized in Law Enforcement, Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Nuclear Security, Foreign Air Field Assessments and Air Base Ground Defense. Michael served in a variety of assignments, including Flight Leader, Flight Commander, Senior Watch Officer, Chief of Command Post and Chief of Security Forces. Michael served all over the United States, Europe, the Middle East and South America. He was also a Security Forces Phoenix Raven with the unique identifier #1173. Michael honourably separated from the Air Force as a Captain in 2004. Immediately after the Air Force, Michael was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department, where he served in a variety of assignments including Patrol Officer, Driver Training Instructor (EVOC), Field Training Officer (FTO), SIU Detective, Undercover CA DOJ Narcotic Task Force Agent (Contra Costa County), Public Information Officer (PIO) and Patrol Sergeant. Michael was awarded the Walnut Creek PD Distinguished Service Medal in 2014 for his heroic and life saving actions during a Fatal Officer Involved Shooting in 2012. Michael ultimately medically retired in 2018. He is now a Peer Volunteer at the West Coast Post Trauma Retreat (WCPR) and an Ambassador for Save A Warrior (SAW). Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at law enforcement agencies all over the United States. In his International #1 BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing. RELENTLESS COURAGE was released in Spring 2022 and has been described by Lt. Col. David Grossman, best-selling author of On Killing and On Combat as “one of the most important books of our time” and “the natural successor to On Combat.” Connect with Michael Sugrue Linkedin 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.comwww.burntaroundtheedges.comwww.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: 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: 📺 Youtube: 🎧All other podcast platforms 🔥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: 19 (SPECIAL EDITION) Publish Date: September 11, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Glenn Usdin and Bobby Senn Brief Description In this emotionally charged episode of Beneath the Helmet podcast, we delve deep into the personal experiences and stories of heroes who lived through the tragic events of September 11th. Join us as photographers Glenn Usdin and Bobby Senn share their incredible journey of documenting the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of the FDNY firefighters. This episode is being posted on September 11th in honour of the 343 who never came home and for the 300+ who passed since due to 9-11-related injuries or diseases. This episode is dedicated to those who were impacted on 9-11 2001. "They Saved New York" book provides a unique window into the lives of these brave individuals, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the emotional toll of traumatic events and supporting mental health. Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 They Saved New York - The men and women of the FDNY 📺 Return to Ground Zero with FDNY Firefighter Bobby https://youtu.be/eSDrmkorer0?si=kfONXneiY5-XEwdB Glenn Usdin Bio Mr. Usdin has been a published professional photographer for over 50 years, as well as a nationally recognized fire chief. Usdin’s fireground action images, as well as his highly evocative portraits, reflect a strong straightforward style. He was the Associate Publisher of Fire Engineering magazine in the 1980’s and has done work for numerous publications and advertising clients. They Saved New York is a stunning compilation of his photography, spanning almost 50 years of taking photos of fires and firefighters. He combines strong photographic skills with an innate knowledge of firefighting to produce the dynamic images in this book. Working initially in the busy NY metro area, he is now based in Lancaster PA. He is rarely without a camera at his side. 📩Contact Glenn at glenn@theysavedny.com 🌐Website http://www.theysavedny.com Bobby Senn Bio 55 years old. Married to Christine for 26 years. No children. Started with FDNY in 1/94. Retired October of 2007 due to 9/11 PTSD, Asthma, Reflux disease and reactive airway disease. Peer counselor for Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. Travel to Fire and Police Departments, schools corporations nationwide as well as spending time with military personnel and other victims of events that have brought on Traumatic Stress. ➡️Bobby is featured in the book on pages 224-225. 📩Contact Bobby at BobbySFDNY@optonline.net 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 ⁠ 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧⁠Spotify Podcasts: ⁠ 📺 ⁠Youtube: ⁠ 🎧⁠All other podcast platforms ⁠ 🔥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: 18 Publish Date: September 10, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Nick Higgins Brief Description In this episode of Beneath the Helmet Show, we dive into the world of leadership, self-development, and the power of self-care with special guest, Nick Higgins. Nick brings over two decades of firefighting experience and a passion for personal growth to the forefront, offering profound insights that transcend the realm of firefighting and resonate with anyone seeking to lead a more fulfilling life. Nick, a firefighter, author, and advocate for self-leadership, shares his wisdom on the importance of listening over talking, the art of embracing discomfort for growth, and the transformative impact of prioritizing self-care. He believes that self-leadership is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and he'll inspire you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and improvement. Through compelling stories and practical advice, Nick delves into the mindset of a great leader, emphasizing the value of humility and continuous learning. He reminds us that leaders who admit they don't know everything often earn more respect and trust from their teams. Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the intersection of leadership, personal development, and the vital role of self-care in achieving success. Whether you're a first responder, a professional in any field, or simply someone eager to lead a more purposeful life, Nick Higgins' insights will ignite your passion for growth and equip you with the tools to become a better leader – of yourself and others. Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 The Five Tool Firefighter 📖 The Five Tool Firefighter Workbook 🎙️ Station Talk Podcast " Beneath the Helmet w/Chief Arjuna George (ret.) https://youtu.be/hQsESZGZp7I 🎙️The Five Tool Firefighter Podcast Episode 44 with Arjuna George https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PHLuu450GGoVFtkEMQdAv?si=nd0xy_T6SY2_g1vpASrNHQ Nick Higgins Bio Nicholas J. Higgins is the district training officer for the Piscataway Fire Department District #2 in Piscataway, NJ. He is a New Jersey State Level 2 Fire Instructor and a National Fallen Firefighters Foundation state advocate. Nick is also the founder of The Firehouse Tribune website and has spoken at various fire conferences nationwide. He is the author of both "The 5-Tool Firefighter", a book that helps firefighters perform at their highest level and the companion book, "The 5-Tool Firefighter Tactical Workbook". Nick is a certified nutrition coach, martial arts practitioner and former collegiate athlete. Connect with Nick: ➡️The Firehouse Tribune ➡️Instagram @fhtribune ➡️Twitter @fhtribune 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 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: 📺 Youtube: 🎧All other podcast platforms 🔥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: 17 Publish Date: August 28, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Rob Leathen Brief Description Join us for a compelling and insightful video featuring Rob Leathan, a retired fire chief with over 24 years of service, as he shares his journey of overcoming PTSD and promoting mental health awareness among first responders. In this video, Rob candidly discusses his battle with PTSD and depression, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by those in his profession. His story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of seeking support and embracing holistic therapies. Discover how Rob found healing through unconventional methods like ketamine and equine therapy. Through his experiences, we uncover the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health issues within the first responder community. This video calls for greater awareness, understanding, and empathy for first responders' mental well-being. Join us as we explore themes of resilience, hope, and personal growth in the face of adversity. This video is a must-watch if you're passionate about mental health, supporting first responders, and sharing inspirational stories of triumph. Remember to like, subscribe, and share to help us spread the message of mental health advocacy and resilience. Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Rob Leathen Bio Rob Leathen is a recently retired 30 year veteran of the Ontario Fire Service leaving with the rank of Acting Platoon Chief. In 2019 he was diagnosed with severe PTSD/Depression and like some, his journey also included a very close call with suicide. He openly and very publicly shares his lived experience to help chip away at the stigma that still exists surrounding 1st responder mental health and suicide. He does this though his mental health education and advocacy efforts, mental health-related digital artwork, and peer support with three different 1st responder peer support organizations. His mantra is "Silence does nothing but strengthen stigma and when we recover loudly we keep others from dying quietly so speak up, speak out and speak loudly when it comes to 1st responder mental health!" so not only does he talk the talk but he also walks the walk. Connect with the Host: Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and author of Burnt Around the Edges. 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 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: 📺 Youtube: 🎧All other podcast platforms 🔥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!