Frontline Freedom - Adventure Therapy

On this episode I talk about slowing down and teaching/guiding/mentoring. I discuss how being a father and slowing down with my children is a good lesson in leadership. Especially from an FTO standpoint.

On this episode, i talk about what silent scrolling is, how social media algorithms have changed to accommodate it, the inherent dangers of those algorithms and how to change it.

This episode reflects our journey over the past year, highlighting our achievements. As we celebrate our shared successes, we also look forward to the exciting prospects that await us in the year ahead. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and joining us on this remarkable journey.

Today, we're diving into a fascinating story that's making waves in both military and mental health circles. This is the story of Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, an individual who's openly challenging the stigma associated with mental illness, particularly within the military. Martin, who has bravely self-identified as the 'Bipolar General,' initially saw his bipolar disorder as an asset during his service in Iraq. It made him feel invincible, fearless, and ready to face any situation. However, upon returning home, he found himself battling severe depression. Despite seeking help, he was told there was nothing wrong with him. This is a scenario far too common in our society, where mental health issues often go unnoticed or dismissed. Martin's experience highlights the urgent need for mental health advocacy, especially among public safety professionals. The fear of negative career impacts prevents many from seeking help they desperately need. Martin himself was forced to step down from his role as president of the National Defense University due to his mental health struggles. This fear of seeking help, combined with the lack of understanding, can lead to worsening symptoms, as it did for Martin. He experienced delusions and erratic behavior before he finally received appropriate care two years later. We know that bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. The VA treats over 130,000 veterans annually for the disorder. But despite increasing its mental health staff, the demand for mental healthcare remains high. This is a clear indication that we need more resources, understanding, and acceptance when it comes to mental health issues, especially in high-stress professions like the military and public safety roles. Martin wrote a memoir titled "Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness," hoping to break down the military's existing taboo against seeking help for mental health issues. He's waging a war, not on the battlefield, but against the stigma of mental illness. Martin's story is a rallying call for all of us. It's a reminder that mental health matters, irrespective of your profession or position in society. It's a call to reduce the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions, promoting the understanding that these are treatable diseases, not sources of shame. In his own words, Martin considers his advocacy work and sharing his personal journey with bipolar disorder to be the most significant work he's ever done. And we can all play a part in this important work by advocating for mental health in our circles, by educating ourselves and others, and by supporting those who are bravely fighting their battles against mental illness. Thank you for joining us today as we explored Major General Gregg Martin's inspiring journey. Remember, mental health matters, and together, we can break the stigma."

Group hiking can do more than just allow us to make new friends. It can help build resiliency, enhance our leadership skills, and offer a unique safety advantage.

Today's show, specifically, will be Based on the book, 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker, who is a renowned neuroscientist and sleep expert, we'll explore why sleep is so crucial for our physical and mental health.   As a side note; I have been feeling a bit under the weather lately. As a result, I have lost my voice. Today's episode is an artificially recreated clone of my voice. It may sound a bit monotone and choppy throughout.

Today, we will delve into an exploration of how overcoming obstacles in nature can serve as a metaphor for life and the way in which your body needs stressors to stay on its game.

Today, we are taking a look at how the simple act of reading can benefit your mental health and resiliency.   Maintaining mental well-being is as critical as physical strength in the demanding world of first responders. Balancing the high-stress nature of the job with self-care and personal growth can be challenging. However, one tool that is often overlooked in this context is reading.

In this episode, we will delve into the transformative power of adventures and nature and how they play a crucial part in personal growth, happiness, and fulfillment.

In today's episode, we will discuss a topic that is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in our mental health – the impact of leadership on mental well-being. Yes, you heard it right! Leaders' actions, behaviors, and attitudes can significantly affect their team's mental health.

We've all heard the saying that getting a solid eight hours of sleep is crucial for our health. But what if I told you that it's not just about the quantity of sleep, but also the regularity? That's right, recent research has shown that having a consistent sleep schedule can be more important than the number of hours you snooze.

Throughout history, a person's support system has been called by many names. We have come to know these groups as our inner circle, our tribe, or even our chosen family. Regardless of what you call it, this group of people has a significant impact on our lives and the paths we take.   But...   What happens when we choose a profession in which we close ourselves off from our support system? What happens when the things we see in a public safety role, you cannot fathom putting onto other people?

Anger acts as one of the primary hyperarousal symptoms and is often experienced due to unresolved conflicts related to a traumatic event. It can occur suddenly and intensely for no apparent reason, leading to outbursts that may affect relationships with people around you. As challenging as it may be, it is important to understand that these emotions are a part of PTS symptoms. Seek supportive resources and speak with your healthcare provider if you are struggling with not only managing your anger but other aspects of this disorder as well.

Each day, we make a conscious choice of how we will show up in the world. If these choices aren't co-incidentally aligned with our highest values, we are probably not acting as we would like - or being the person we want to be. Too often, society pressures us into believing who and what we should be is about fitting into the accepted norm and conforming. But where does that leave us if it doesn't align with our true self? It is so important to live with integrity and show up genuinely reflective of who you are - not who you think you should be or who someone else has told you that you ought to be.

We all know that life can be difficult and full of various challenges. It is natural to want to control our environment and circumstances, but sometimes life throws us curve balls that are completely out of our hands. In these moments, it is important to remember that some things are simply not in your control – no matter how much you wish they were.

In this episode, we dive into the importance of close friendships and their effect on our mental health.  We explore a new way of identifying loneliness and how to find and build meaningful relationships.

Why goal setting is important to our mental health.  Goal setting gives direction and more importantly, reminds us that we are not done yet.

When it comes to getting things done, there seems to be a sweet spot for timing. You want to be productive, but you don't want to overdo it and feel burned out. So what's the right balance? How do you know when you're in the zone? Do feelings predicate action? We typically think that we are motivated when we FEEL like doing something. We feel like working out, so we are motivated to go to the gym. We feel like eating healthy and losing ten pounds. We feel like connecting with an old friend, so we call them.

In this episode, we discuss how simply checking on someone can be the difference.

What does it mean to be a first responder? For most, it's more than just a job. It's a calling, something that we dedicate ourselves to fully. But with that commitment comes a price. First responders often struggle with maintaining relationships and living a normal life outside of work. In order to deal with the stress of the job, we need to find ways to identify ourselves as separate from our work. It's also important to remember that we are human beings first and foremost and that it's essential to take care of ourselves emotionally and mentally. 

How much of yourself do you sacrifice for your job? As a first responder, it's easy to pour all of yourself into your work and forget about taking care of yourself. But what happens when the job starts to take a toll on your mental health? Post-traumatic stress symptoms are a very real problem for first responders, and it's important to find ways to cope with the stress of the job.

In this episode, we meet one of our guides and discuss how backpacking because provides a sense of accomplishment and adventure. For some, it may also represent a personal challenge. Whether you are hiking to an isolated location or spending days on the trail, backpacking can be demanding both physically and mentally. But pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and a greater appreciation for the natural world around us.

In this episode, we discuss the impact that misery has on our over feelings of happiness.  The key takeaway, if you want to be happy, focus on eliminating misery from your life.

In this episode, Fire Chief Joe Kitchen discusses leadership lessons learned in a 30-year career with the fire service.  We discuss leading through change, creating trust, and how the mental health focus of firefighters has become a top priority.

Josh breaks down what is required to plan a backpacking trip.  Items to discuss include water supply, daily mileage, land navigation, and food requirements. Keep yourself safe in the backcountry. Follow Josh's planning advice to ensure you have a fun time on your next backpacking adventure.

Take the time today to celebrate the small victories in your life.  Most of us accomplish great things throughout a normal day.  Take the time to acknowledge and honor those small victories.

In this episode, Josh and Dave break down the difference between good supervisors and bad supervisors and their direct relationship to your mental health.  Having a mentorship relationship with your direct supervisor can have a profound effect on your mental health.

In this episode, we briefly discuss the impact that social media has on our mental health.  Online disagreements can lead to further social isolation.  We are taught not to speak of politics, religion, and finance, yet, in the digital era, we openly discuss these topics.  

In this episode, Josh shares his journey on getting help. 

In this episode, we ask the burning question.  What is holding you back from seeking help when it is needed?

We train our bodies to endure anything that we encounter.  But, how do we train our minds?  In this brief episode, we will discuss the importance of reflective writing.

In this episode, Dave, Josh, and Jason discuss how stress can impact your life.  Find out how stress impacts happiness and how to combat it.

We explore the concept of not doing what we know is right.  We have all been trained on what to do, yet repeatedly let our fears hold us back from taking the next step.  Join board member Jason Hughes for the discussion.

This episode provides an update to the operations of Frontline Freedom, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to adventure therapy.

In this episode, we play the unedited, original audio used in the 'Our Why' video.  The importance of Frontline Freedom is explained by one of our co-founders.

In this episode, we cover the beginning steps you can take to get started in the sport of backpacking. 

In this inaugural episode, we explain Frontline Freedom Adventure Therapy Programs. We cover the basics of what to expect, what to bring, and what you can expect to experience as a participant.