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

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!

Episode Number: 16 Publish Date: August 28, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Allan Dignard Brief Description: 🌟 In this video, you'll gain expert wisdom on nutrition, mental health, resilience, and self-care. From the impact of proper nutrition on overall well-being to prioritizing mental health within high-stress professions, Allan Dignard offers a holistic perspective that empowers you to live your best life. 🥗 Learn the secrets of nourishing your body from the inside out and unlocking the transformative power of self-care. Dive into discussions about creating a supportive community for first responders, embracing resilience through personal growth, and the magic of hydration for both mind and body. 🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a first responder, a high performer, or anyone seeking a healthier, more fulfilling life, this video is your guide to mastering holistic wellness. Join us as we delve into the profound insights of Allan Dignard and take the first step towards a balanced and empowered lifestyle. Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) Allan Dignard Bio As a dedicated First Responder Wellness Coach and the founder of Third Alarm Coaching, Allan has over two decades of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic. He deeply understands the unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges that first responders face on and off the job. As a certified Nutritionist, a Specialist in Fitness Nutrition, a Tactical Conditioning Specialist, and a Specialist in Change Psychology, Allan has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to overall health and wellness. Over the years, Allan has developed a number of coaching programs that address the specific needs of first responders. His approach focuses on sustainable weight loss, improved nutrition, and stress reduction while also helping first responders develop a strong mindset and improve their overall health. Allan understands that mental and emotional well-being is as important as physical well-being, especially for high-pressure, high-stress professions. Allan works with first responders to develop healthier coping mechanisms and stress management strategies to help them maintain a more balanced life and a stronger mindset even in the most challenging situations. Allan is on a mission to help first responders learn how to take better care of themselves so that they can continue to care for others. Allan believes that first responders who are focused on improving their overall health and well-being are better equipped to manage everyday stressors and perform their demanding and life-saving work. Allan's coaching and support have helped thousands of first responders achieve their health & wellness goals and make positive changes in their lives. With his passion for empowering others and his extensive expertise in health and wellness, Allan is a trusted partner for any first responder looking to improve their health and well-being. Connect with Allan Third Alarm Coaching Social Social 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 :)➡️ 📩Join the BTH Community https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.... 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts: 📺 Youtube: 🎧All other podcast platforms

Brief Description 📚 Fire Chief Steve Serbic shares his powerful story and provides hope to all First Responders, reminding them that it's okay not to feel okay. 📚 Steve Serbic shares his experience of losing friends, including his brother, to suicide, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and having open conversations about mental health. 💬 Chief Serbic is not afraid to address sensitive topics such as organizational stress, dark thoughts, and addiction in the fire service, sparking important conversations and promoting mental health awareness. 🚒 Chief Serbic highlights the lack of support for fire chiefs in the past and discusses the establishment of a mental health task force and peer support group to provide resources and assistance to chiefs facing mental health challenges. Episode Number: 15 Publish Date: August 15, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Fire Chief Steve Serbic Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗 BC First Responders Mental Health https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/ 🔗 BC First Responder Health https://www.firstresponderhealth.org/bcffoat 🔗BC Firefighter Resiliency Program: https://sites.google.com/view/bcfrrp/home?authuser=0 🔗 Tedx Talk - Climbing the Ladder to Stronger Mental Health: https://www.ted.com/talks/steve_serbic_climbing_the_ladder_to_stronger_mental_health?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare 🔗 BC Crisis Centre Line: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-help/ 🔗 WorksafeBC Critical incident response: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/report-workplace-injury-illness/critical-incident-response 🔗 Heads Up Guys: https://headsupguys.org/ Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖The Unbroken: A Firefighter's Memoir by Steve Serbic 📖Extinguished: A Fire Chief's Memoir by Steve Serbic 📖Body Keeps the Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk📖When the Body Says No - Gabor Mate📖 Brene Brown (All her books) Fire Chief Serbic Bio Steve Serbic is a fire chief, author, speaker, Podcast host and TEDx presenter. He outlines his experiences with trauma, spotlighting one specific event that shook him to his core. Steve describes the feelings of shame that come along with trauma and stigma and how we, as a society, must work together to break the misconceptions surrounding mental health. Steve Serbic speaks about mental health and suicide intervention for organizations throughout North America. By sharing his own journey through mental health and recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries as a firefighter, Steve aims to guide organizations toward a more supportive and resilient working environment. Steve currently sits on the Canadian Fire Chiefs Mental Health Committee and the British Columbia Fire Chiefs Mental Health Task Force. 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. ➡️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ajgeorge Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 📩Join the BTH Community 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧 Spotify Podcast: 📺 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!

Brief Description: The Impact of Coaching on First Responders and their Spouses 🔥 Coaching has the power to positively impact the lives of first responders and their spouses, as Jennifer Anderson's own experience demonstrates. 💪 Coaching is a valuable modality of preventative care for first responders' mental health and wellness, offering a different approach than counselling. 💡 Finding a coach who provided tangible and concrete lessons and strategies through a formalized curriculum helped the speaker regain balance and change their life. 🌟 Coaching provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and goal-setting, allowing individuals to create space in their lives to organize and prioritize their goals. 💪 Coaching can be a powerful tool in supporting first responders and their mental health, as demonstrated by its positive impact on Kevin's journey. Episode Number: 14 Publish Date: August 15, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Jennifer Anderson Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔥Wheel of Life - Coaching tool Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) ➡️Connect with Jennifer 🔗www.1strespondercoaching.org 📧 jennifera@1strespondercoaching.or Jennifer Anderson Bio I'm a mom, a coach, and a 15-year police wife to an officer who has been medically retired due to cumulative PTSD! So many of us in first responder families struggle with relationships, including our marriages! I've created First Responder Coaching to support First Responders, their spouses and their families as they build lasting, deep connections and conversations about mental health!! We save marriages, relationships, and lives!! 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!

Brief Description: Episode Description coming... Episode Number: 13 Publish Date: August 1, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Fire Chief Freddie Fernandez Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗Fire Assessment Center Prep 🔗Fire Assessment Center 360 Book Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 Step up and Lead - Chief Frank Viscuso 📖 Leadership books from John Maxwell 📖 Leadership books from Fire Chief Les Karpluk ➡️Connect with Keith - LinkedInChief Freddie Fernandez Bio Chief Freddie Fernandez entered the fire service in 1983 and rose to Deputy Fire Chief for Miami Fire-Rescue before retiring in 2014. Chief Freddie served as a recruit instructor in 1990 and participated in dozens of officer development classes during his 32 years at MFR. Since 1999, he has helped thousands of firefighters across the nation get promoted. He is the founder of FireAssessmentCenterPrep.com, has spoken at FDIC and Firehouse Expo, and has conducted in-person training nationwide. Freddie's coaching passion is evident in every training product, and many of his students have been promoted multiple times using his methods. 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 https://colossal-trailblazer-6113.ck.page/c0e1b81fbe 🎧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: 12 Publish Date: July 25, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Keith Hanks Brief Description: Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔗Keith Hanks (Coming Soon) 🔗Article: The Proactively Fit Firefighter 🔗Article: Leadership from the Bottom 🔗Scars to Stars Vol. 3" (to be released September 22, 2023) 🔗First Responders in Crisis Documentary (to be released October 1, 2023) 📺Preview now Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 Breaking The Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One - Dr. Joe Dispenza 📖The Art of Living: Peace and Freedom in the Here and Now - Thich Nhat Hanh ➡️Connect with Keith LinkedIn: ⁠ Keith Hank's Bio Keith Hanks is a retired Firefighter and EMT who dedicated 21 years of his life to the service of others. He serviced his community as a training officer, certified educator, and field training officer. Keith worked both inner-city EMS as well as fire. Like many in the first responder community, the job has its cost. From childhood trauma and sexual abuse, traumatic calls, and the traumatic passing of his first wife, Keith has faced many trials and tragedies that resulted in self-harm, substance abuse, lies and multiple suicide attempts. After decades of damage, Keith began to put the pieces of his life back together. Keith was diagnosed with Complex PTSI in 2015. The job, the service, and his dedication caused this injury and, consequently, his retirement. What PTSI didn’t change was the love and devotion to his community and to his fellow first responders. Keith has since dedicated his life to advocating for mental illness, substance and alcohol abuse recovery, and suicide awareness. Since starting this mission, Keith built an international support group through Facebook for First Responders and Veterans for PTSI and other job-related mental health issues. Keith was asked to be a part of the Deconstructing Stigma Project and has a Billboard that hangs in the International Terminal at Logan Airport in Boston, MA. In March 2022, he completed the filming of his 1st feature-length documentary focusing on PTSI in the first responder community and has since been featured in two other related documentaries. Keith is a national speaker, podcast personality, and published author. He is a contributing author at Fire Engineering and The Volunteer Firefighter magazines/forums. Keith’s transparency in his own life has led him to share his story through social media and many other platforms to reach the most people he can. He is known for saying that his life goal is to reduce suicide in the first responder community through education and support resources and to make it OK to not be OK. Keith is currently a life coach and was fundamental in the start-up of First Responder Coaching as the Director of Business Development and then Director of Promotions. He also created, hosted and produced the Resilient Responder Podcast. He resides in New Hampshire with his wife and is the proud father to three incredible children. 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.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: 🎧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!

Welcome to episode #11 with special guest Bradley Davidson Brad is a semi-retired firefighter/fire investigator and currently serves as an advisor for the Canadian Association of Fire Investigators. And also is a technical committee member for the NFPA and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Title: 40 years of stories from Flames of the Fire With Brad Davidson Episode Number: 11 Publish Date: July 19, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Bradley Davidson The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to connect and share stories and lessons learned, recommends checking out his book "Flames of the Fire," and emphasizes the importance of caring for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for optimal performance as a firefighter. Brad Davidson's book can be purchased on various platforms such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart. "Writing 'Flames of the Fire' allowed me to recognize the positive impact I had as a firefighter, changing lives and saving them, even during the most challenging times." - Brad Davidson Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout, Arjuna George 📖 Flames of the Fire, Brad Davidson Connect with Bradley Bradleyrdavidson.com IG @brdCfII bradley_r_davidson @bradffsafety 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. ➡️ Support Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 🎧Apple Podcasts 🎧Spotify 📺 Youtube 🎧All Platform 🔥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!