Peer Support for the First Responder Community
In this episode Jon introduces Tom Howard as the new host of The Fire Inside podcast.
This is likely going to be my final episode of The Fire Inside Podcast. In this episode I explain the reasons behind this decision and communicate my gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey over the past few years. Thank you!
***Trigger Warning – We will be discussing difficult saturations/suicide/depression*** This week on The Fire Inside Podcast, I speak with Jason Sautel author of, “The Rescuer: One Firefighter's Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him.” Jason speaks on how he battled with failure, depression, and a darkness that he could not save … 081 – The Rescuer – Interview with Jason Sauntel Read More »
This week on The Fire Inside Podcast, I speak with Jon Metz and Jeremy Olson, authors of Firehouse Pranks and Antics: A Compilation of Firefighter Interviews. As members of the first responder community, we struggle to address the subject of our mental health. We care for others and take on their struggles without addressing our … 080 – Humor and Mental Health – Firehouse Pranks and Anitcs – Interview with Jon Metz and Jeremy Olson Read More »
As we head into a brand new year, I want to challenge you to take a pause from all of the busyness and chaos of your fast-paced life and ask you to reflect on three powerful questions. In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast, I’m going to take you deeper than you’ve probably been … 079 – 3 Powerful Questions for First Responders Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast, I will discuss ways to best utilize the early hours of the morning to get a better start to your day. A great resource I mention during the podcast that is well worth the read is The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with FF Kurt DeGroot about an incredible charity he has founded called Project Fire Buddies. I love how Kurt saw a need in his community and responded with tangible action that has now grown into an organization that is making a huge difference … 077 – Seeing the Need and Taking Action – Interview with Kurt DeGroot Read More »
***Trigger Warning – We will be discussing suicide/attempt of suicide*** In this weeks episode of The fire Inside podcast I interview Michael Lanning as he discusses his struggle with the loss of his father to Suicide an his tempt at suicide. You can find Michael Lanning at https://www.facebook.com/michael.lanning.9
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I address the issue of accepting your current circumstances and doing nothing to change it.
On this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk about the importance of thinking about the things we allow into our minds. I make the point that “It’s impossible to have a positive life with a negative mind.” Here is the link to the Courageous Living Podcast I mentioned in the show:
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I explore the statement that the fire service is “the best damn job in the world.” You might be surprised with my conclusions.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Fire Chaplain Daniel Persinger about how he has adapted to having his dreams and plans for a career in the fire service forever changed due to circumstances beyond his control.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Vicky Shryock about her story of devastating loss and the road to hope and healing her faith continues to provide for her.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Chris Chavous who serves as the Founder and Chair of Support 1. Support 1 is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit Organization with a specific focus; supporting our Emergency First Responders involved in critical incidents. Emergency First Responders consist of our Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, … 070 – Interview with Chris Chavous of Support 1 Read More »
***Trigger Warning*** In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with (retired) Fire Captain Christy Warren about her career in the fire service and her story of retiring with PTSD. Christy is the host of the Firefighter Deconstructed Podcast.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Chaplain Stuart Blade of the Bloomington (IL) Fire Department.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share the second half of a presentation I made recently at the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago regarding why a personal faith is an extremely valuable tool in the mental health toolbox of first responders. If you missed the first half of this presentation, go back … 066 – Faith: An Important Tool in the Mental Health Toolbox – Part 2 Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share half of a presentation I made recently at the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago regarding why a personal faith is an extremely valuable tool in the mental health toolbox of first responders.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Wendy Lund about the value of compassion and gratitude. Wendy Lund is the CEO/Founder of Wellth Management Inc, an organization devoted to building wellness, psychological safety and resiliency proactively using evidence-based theory and interventions. Her recent MSc in Mindfulness Studies and research investigating the experience of trauma in … 064 – The Value of Compassion and Gratitude – Interview with Wendy Lund Read More »
***Trigger Warning*** In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Chris Fields. Chris Fields is a former member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Chris joined the fire department July 12, 1985 promoting through the ranks and retiring as a Major March 1, 2017. Chris was captured in a photo that … 063 – From Instant Fame to Ongoing Trauma – Interview with Chris Fields Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Annette Zapp and Chris Marrella who will be presenting at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Annette Zapp: A 15-year veteran of the fire service, Annette Zapp holds the rank of Lieutenant on a busy suburban Chicago engine … 062 – Creating Mental Resiliency through Meaningful Training – Interview with Annette Zapp and Chris Marella Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Chuck Wehrli who will be one of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Captain Chuck Wehrli is a 4th generation Naperville Firefighter . He started his career as a volunteer from 1971 to 1977 were … 061 – Firefighter Cancer Awareness – Interview with Chuck Wehrli Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Joel Brier who will be one of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Joel began his career as a first responder in 1983 at Military Park Fire District in Palm Beach … 060 – First Responder Addiction Education – Interview with Joel Brier Read More »
***Trigger Warning*** In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Brian Knowler who will be one of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Brian is a veteran police officer, retired lawyer, speaker, and author involved in the justice system since 1994. In 2004 … 059 – The Capital L Leader – Interview with Brian Knowler Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Dane and Alison Fienning who will be some of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! This eager and passionate couple is focused on smashing the first responder mental health stigma. Alison is a … 058 – Triumph over Trauma – Interview with Dane and Alison Fienning Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Dr. Deb Lindh who will be one of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Dr. Deb Lindh (Dr. Deb) is a PTSD Survivor-Warrior, Amazon Best Selling Author, Award-Winning Scholar Practitioner, and … 057 – Practical Mindfulness – Interview with Dr. Deb Lindh Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Dr. Chuck Allen who will be one of the amazing presenters at the 2020 Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium in Chicago on February 20-21, 2020. Click HERE to register for the event! Dr. Chuck has been in the mental health field since 1972. He retired … 056 – Conflict and Anger Management in the Fire Station – Interview with Dr. Chuck Allen Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Chief George Hyland of the Argonne Fire Department about a concept he's been developing as he approaches the end of his fire service career. You can email Cheif Hyland at Firelt189@gmail.com Here are the links for the two upcoming training events I mentioned and that I … 055 – Humility, Grace, and Mercy – Interview with Chief George Hyland Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk about one POWERFUL tool for developing and maintaining mental health and wellness. Here are the links for the two upcoming training events I mentioned and that I highly encourage you to be a part of: Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium – February 20-21, 2020 – Chicago, IL In … 054 – One Powerful Tool for Mental Wellness Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share some big news about some upcoming changes that are taking place in my life. Here are the links for the two upcoming training events I mentioned and that I highly encourage you to be a part of: Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium – February 20-21, 2020 – Chicago, … 053 – There is a BIG Change Happening in My Life Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share two upcoming training events that I highly encourage you to be a part of: Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Symposium – February 20-21, 2020 – Chicago, IL In Honor of the Charleston 9 – Dr. David Griffin – December 7, 2019 – Sioux Falls, SD
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share the following quote from T.E. Lawrence: “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open … 051 – Surrounded by Sleepwalkers Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I pose four questions that I believe have the power to transform your life! I am challenging anyone who listens to this episode to submit your answers to these questions in an email to me at jon@thefireinsidepodcast.com with the subject line MY BEST LIFE. I am committed … 050 – Am I Living My Best Life? Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I share a few lessons first responders can take away from the recent retirement press conference of Andrew Luck, an NFL quarterback who abruptly announced his retirement from professional football in order to pursue his own physical, mental, and emotional health.
Is there a negative behavior or habit in your life that is having a detrimental impact on your emotional/mental health? Would you like to learn how to replace that behavior/habit with a more positive one? In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Fitness and Nutrition Coach Annette Zapp about how we … 048 – How to Adopt Healthier Habits – Interview with Annette Zapp Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Colleen Murphy who serves as the Spouse Coordinator for the Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Team about how to have a strong and healthy marriage in the fire service. Here are the links to the resources Colleen mentions in the show: Mort Fertel (Marriage Max) … 047 – The Keys to a Strong Marriage in the Fire Service – Interview with Colleen Murphy Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I interview Blake Stinnett of NEXT RUNG about what his organization is doing to provide peer support and licensed counseling to the firefighting community. If you want to connect with NEXT RUNG check out the links below: 1-833-NXT-RUNG NEXT RUNG on Instagram NEXT RUNG on Facebook
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Battalion Chief Dr. David Griffin of the Charleston Fire Department about his journey from the post-traumatic stress he experienced as a result of a fire that took the lives of 9 of his brothers back in June of 2007 to the post-traumatic growth he … 045 – From PTSD to PTG – Interview with Dr. David Griffin Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Mike and Anne Gagliano about their book Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage. Mike is a retired Captain of the Seattle Fire Department and Anne has written numerous articles for Fire Engineering and other publications in the fire service. I highly recommend you pick up … 044 – Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage – Interview with Mike and Anne Gagliano Read More »
In this podcast episode I have a conversation with Lori Moore about what it’s like being married to a first responder battling PTSD. Lori is the wife of Captain Chris Moore whose story was featured in episode #40. If you’d like to connect with Lori you can email her at lorilee68@yahoo.com. Below is an article … 043 – The Other Side of PTSD: A Spouse's Perspective – Interview with Lori Moore Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Jeff and Shawn Thomas, founders of the 1st Responder Conferences. 1st Responder Conferences presents a multi-faceted two-day seminar and networking event for improving the mental health and wellness of first responders. By discussing the real 21st Century issues that are consistently facing … 042 – Meet the Founders of 1st Responder Conferences Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Annette Zapp of FireSQ Fitness about how the fire service impacted her life in some detrimental ways and how she has grown stronger in response to some of the challenges. You can read more of Annette’s story on her blog HERE. Connect with Annette … 041 – Interview with Annette Zapp Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Captain Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Fire Department about his journey into the fire service, some dark and difficult things he’s been through, and how that led him to be a part of the peer support process in order to help others. … 040 – Interview with Captain Chris Moore Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Craig Duck, the President and Missionary of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International. If you want to contact Craig you can email him at fcfimissionary@gmail.com or call him at (443) 336-9859.
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Ali Rothrock. Ali Rothrock is a speaker, author, educator and activist. She has delivered over 500 presentations nationwide. Ali has been in the volunteer fire service since 2005, enjoying more than a decade as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician. Ali is … 038 – Interview with Ali Rothrock Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with Chief Greg Flynn and Captain Robert Bryant about how the West Bloomfield Township Fire Department has taken significant steps in recent years in changing the culture of their organization and is having a positive approach to mental and emotional wellbeing in the … 037 – Interview with Chief Greg Flynn & Captain Robert Bryant – West Bloomfield Township Fire Department Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Dawn Hirn. Dawn is the Co-Founder and President of the Ryan Shines Burn Foundation. In 2001 Dawn’s family was involved in a tragic car fire that claimed the life of their 7-year old son Ryan. Dawn shares her story of how she moved from … 036 – From Grief to Growth – Interview with Dawn Hirn Read More »
***Trigger Warning*** In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I talk with Lieutenant/Paramedic Tim Grutzius of the Alsit Fire Department about his journey to mental wellbeing throughout his career in the fire service. Be aware up front that some of the content may be difficult to listen to as Tim shares honest memories about … 035 – Echos of the Mind – Interview with Lieutenant Tim Grutzius Read More »
In this episode of The Fire Inside Podcast I have a conversation with EMS Captain Jeremy Hurd of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue about the potential for and power of post-traumatic growth. If you want to connect with Jeremy, here are the ways he mentioned in the show: Phone – (561) 254-7791 Email: jeremy@thehurdgroup.org Website: … 034 – A Conversation About Post Traumatic Growth with Captain Jeremy Hurd Read More »
This episode is the sixth and final installment of a series of episodes. If you missed the first episode in this marriage series click HERE to listen to it first. For a long time I have contemplated doing a series of podcast episodes that deal with the subject of marriage…specifically that of marriage within the first … 033 – Marriage Series – Part 6 – How to Have an Affair Read More »
This episode is the fifth installment in a series of episodes. If you missed the first episode in this marriage series click HERE to listen to it first. For a long time I have contemplated doing a series of podcast episodes that deal with the subject of marriage…specifically that of marriage within the first responder community. … 032 – Marriage Series – Part 5 – Why is My Sex Life Struggling? Read More »
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