Shift Change

The Shift Change Podcast - Ep. 53: Unmasking Men's Mental Health: From Hesitation to DedicationThis June, as we recognize Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, The Shift Change Podcast dives deep into a crucial conversation often shrouded in silence. In Episode 53, we explore the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental well-being, from the societal pressures that foster hesitation in seeking help to the practical paths towards healing.Join us as we candidly discuss:The Weight of "Man Up": Why do men often feel a strong reluctance to seek mental health treatment? We'll unpack the pervasive societal expectations of stoicism and self-reliance that can prevent men from admitting struggles and reaching out for support.Beyond the Stigma: We'll highlight the real consequences of this hesitation, including the alarming statistics surrounding men's mental health and the importance of breaking down harmful stereotypes.Pathways to Progress: Discover a range of effective treatment options specifically tailored to men, from traditional talk therapy and CBT to alternative approaches and lifestyle changes that foster mental wellness. We'll emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.The Daily Dedication: Mental health is not a quick fix; it's a journey. We'll delve into the ongoing commitment required to reframe negative thought patterns, manage emotions, and build resilience. Learn about actionable strategies for incorporating mindfulness, positive affirmations, and self-care into your daily routine.This episode is for anyone looking to better understand men's mental health, whether you're a man seeking support, a loved one wanting to offer help, or simply someone interested in fostering a more open and empathetic conversation around mental well-being. Let's shift the narrative and embrace a future where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental health every day.

This episode started as a test of remote equipment and turned into a chat about humility and the importance of being recognized for good work. Dustyn and I are working on an episode about mental health and wanted to see how the remote software works. After finding a few glitches we decide to meet up in person next week, but we had enough good conversation to put out some content.

We're back this week with a brand new episode. We catch up on events, go on a couple rants, talk about what makes a good public safety story and at the end I share "the greatest turkey hunting story ever told" which is about Malcolm's first turkey.If you struggle with nutrition advice for your teen althelete I share two influencers that I follow on instagram who I believe puts out quality content and who I feel connects with my girls.@kelseypoulter@nutrition_with_wendiI talk about an upcoming episode and suggest that friend of the show, BVL join me and talk about the challenges that face EMS in Iowa, and across the country.

Welcome to a deeply personal episode of The Shift Change Podcast. Join me as I sit down with Colton Rinehart, also known as “Chicken Legs”  to explore the profound life changes that come with embracing both marriage and fatherhood while navigating the demanding 24-on, 48-off schedule of the fire service.In this conversation, Colton shares his experiences, the joys, and the unique challenges of balancing the unpredictable nature of emergency response with the consistent needs of a growing family. They delve into topics such as:Navigating crucial milestones: Missing birthdays, anniversaries, and those precious early moments due to shift commitments.Communication is key: Strategies for staying connected with your partner and children despite long absences.Finding the rhythm: Establishing routines and maximizing quality time during those crucial days off.The emotional toll: Addressing the guilt and the sacrifices made, and how to cope with the emotional weight.Building a supportive partnership: How spouses can navigate the demands of the job together.The unexpected blessings: Discovering the unique bond and perspective that this lifestyle can bring to family life.Whether you're a fellow first responder, a partner of someone in the service, or simply curious about the realities of this demanding profession, this episode offers an intimate and honest look at the personal side of the fire service. Get ready for a candid discussion filled with vulnerability, resilience, and the unwavering love that fuels these everyday heroes.Tune in to The Shift Change Podcast for this insightful conversation about the incredible journey of becoming a husband and a father while answering the call.  We recorded this episode right after the “Chicken Leg Challenge”.  Find out who won!

What happens when you see a better way and decide to build it? This week on Shift Change, we talk with the founder of Cadre Training, an independent EMS training company created to fill the crucial gaps in standardized education. We'll explore the journey of bringing this vital idea to life, the bravery of putting yourself out there with a new approach, and the dedication to empowering first responders. Don't miss this inspiring story of identifying a need and taking bold action.And we talk about Crossfit......www.trainwithcadre.com

Today we intended to talk about other things but got caught down the rabbit hole of parenting and youth sports. The side conversation was so good we just decided to hit record and go with it. Join us as we explore the unexpected depths of youth sports, from sideline politics to the emotional rollercoaster of every game. Intended topics? Lost in the chaos. Real talk and relatable struggles? Absolutely."

On this episode of Shift Change, we dive deep into the often-unspoken reality of imposter syndrome within law enforcement, fire service, EMS, and dispatch. We'll explore:What exactly is imposter syndrome? We break down the psychological phenomenon and how it manifests in high-stakes professions.Why is public safety particularly susceptible? From rigorous training and constant evaluation to the weight of life-and-death decisions, we examine the factors that can fuel these feelings of inadequacy.Real stories from the field: We'll share anonymous experiences and insights from public safety professionals who have grappled with imposter syndrome.The impact on well-being and performance: How can these feelings affect mental health, decision-making, and team dynamics?Practical strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome: We'll provide actionable tips and techniques to help you recognize your accomplishments, silence your inner critic, and build genuine confidence in your abilities.Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your career, if you've ever felt like you don't quite belong or that you're one mistake away from being "found out," this episode is for you. It's time to break the silence and recognize that even the most capable heroes can struggle with the feeling of being a fraud.Tune in to Shift Change and know that you are not alone.

This week I announce the passing of my best friend and friend of the show MFC. One this episode I revisit a conversation Malcolm and I had and the one simple question he asked me that changed the way I think about ideas. The question was, "What's holding you back."I came up with my top three reasons we don't act on our ideas. If you think of more, please comment.I do not talk extensively about the services but in time I will dedicate a whole show to that topic.

Are you spreading yourself too thin? Feeling like you're constantly chasing new skills while neglecting the ones you already excel in? This week on Shift Change, we're diving deep into the power of focusing on your strengths and maximizing your return on investment (ROI) in your career and life.We're not talking about ignoring your weaknesses. We're talking about strategically prioritizing your efforts to leverage your existing talents for maximum impact. Discover why doubling down on your strengths can lead to: Increased Efficiency & Productivity: Stop struggling with tasks outside your comfort zone and supercharge your output by focusing on what you do best. Enhanced Confidence & Job Satisfaction: Experience the joy of mastery and build momentum by excelling in your areas of expertise.Learn how to shift your mindset from "fixing weaknesses" to "amplifying strengths" and unlock your full potential. Learn how to work smarter, not harder, by investing your time and energy where it truly counts.

What will you leave behind? On this episode of Shift Change, we grapple with the profound concept of legacy. We often think of legacy in grand terms – monuments, empires, lasting achievements. But what about the quiet, everyday impacts we have on the people around us? This week, we explore the many facets of legacy, from the personal to the professional.

On this episode of Shift Change I sit down with Pastor Jeremy Johnson of the Lutheran Church of Hope. This is a powerful conversation about death and dying and the Chrisitan faith in the context of public safety. Pastor Jeremy brings is unique perspective on end-of-life issues and how our beliefs can guide us through challenging situations. It's a thought provoking, emotional conversation between men of faith. If there were an episode to like, listen and share, this is the one. The most powerful episode yet.

A pretty special episode. Lindsay and I sit down, uninterrupted for a conversation where we reflect on 19 years of being married to a first responder. Candid, funny and honest, we talk about where we went wrong and offer a solution to the million-dollar question. At the end we revive some sage advice from our wedding official, the late Pastor Steve Koch.

On this episode of the Shift Change Podcast, we delve into the fascinating history of resolutions and explore the subtle yet crucial distinctions between resolutions and goals. Discover how our understanding of self-improvement has evolved over time and learn practical strategies to transform your aspirations into actionable plans for success.

A collection of random thoughts. A look back at 2024. A look ahead to 2025.

Matt Ireland is a hard guy to pin down. Not only does he have a full-time job, a family and a restoration project in his garage, he also servers as a part-time EMT, member of the volunteer fire department and a Dallas County Deputy reserve officer. A man of faith and service he lives by the motto, "Give back to the community where you live, work and play." Matt was the Incident Command for EMS the day of the Perry School shooting. Hear how his life dedicated to service, the influence of his late father, and the unfettered support of family, prepared him for that day. We could have went on for hours. One of the best conversations I've had with another father, servant and follower of Christ. Don't miss it.

In this episode of Shift Change, we explore the dangers of pretending to be someone you're not in order to manage expectations. We discuss the importance of being authentic and honest with yourself and others, and the consequences of trying to live up to an image that is not your own. We also talk about the importance of setting realistic expectations for yourself and others. When we set unrealistic expectations, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. It's important to be realistic about what you can and cannot achieve, and to be honest with yourself about your limitations. I also talk about how when you believe in something that goes against conventional thinking it may come with consequences.

Better late than never. It's deer season which means I've had to shift some priorities around. During my workout today I was called to make a show about how the people I surround myself with make me better, how you don't always have to have the best ideas in the room and I reflect on one of my many personal flaws. Let me know what you think. I also recap a bit about the last episode.

Tune in to the Shift Change Podcast for a deep dive into metabolic health with Ashli Schultz, ARNP, from Vivid Wellness Center. In this episode, we'll uncover the secrets to unlocking your body's full potential. Ashli will share her expert insights on: The pillars of metabolic health: Learn what truly matters beyond just weight loss. Personalized nutrition strategies: Discover how to fuel your body for optimal function. The role of hormones in metabolism: Understand how hormonal balance impacts your energy levels and weight. Practical tips for sustainable lifestyle changes: Implement easy-to-follow strategies for long-term success. Whether you're struggling with weight management, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore the science behind metabolic health and empower you to take control of your well-being.

Kenny Hansen owned his own livestock trucking business before he found his place in EMS. After just a few years he found himself going 100 mph towards an unhealthy life. As a husband, father of 4 boys and the current Training Officer of a busy rural EMS system, find out how he's learned to manage his work life balance and improve himself physically and mentally. It's a pretty uplifting episode complete with a few slightly inappropriate jokes. Good fun on this weeks episode.

In this insightful episode of the Shift Change podcast, we dive deep into the concept of being the standard. Join us as we unpack what it means to embody excellence in our personal and professional lives. Learn practical strategies for setting high standards, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of excellence. Whether you're an aspiring leader or looking to elevate your influence, this episode will challenge you to redefine what it means to be the standard.

This week I drill down on some basic nutritional concepts, talk about targeted strategies to reduce calories, schedule fitness around your shift day, eat for optimal performance. I wrap up with my a summary of my BMP and explain that even thought all labs are within "normal" limits, surprisingly some are far from "optimal."

This week I open the discussion on what I think it means to be an "occupational athlete" and how adopting this mindset can make us more capable on the job and at home. I give you my supplement list, what I eat in a day and some simple strategies to get your momentum moving in the direction to eat and train like an athlete.

This week I give the results of my yearly wellness check. We talk lab values, why normal isn't always optimal and why I think some metrics are used to make institutions money. I didn't get around talking about my supplement regimin so we will save that for next week. I also share how I used my kid to get me out of sitting around the department store on a Saturday while my girls did some shopping. I did all this just on my phone, no microphone, no headset, just me and the speaker.

I am back this week with some retrospection to why I am so cynical, what the difference is between cynicism and pessimism, and how a little cynicism can be healthy, but like anything else, everything in moderation. Plus, we go over some basic lab values from my recent physical.

Hannah completed a half Ironman in June, her longest variation to date. She started training in January. Today, on a blue-ribbon Sunday morning to share with us how she trained around two EMS jobs and a family. We learn that there is no magic formula, but a strong support network is definitely a must. It was a fun conversation with one of the true "baddies" in our profession. For those not in the know, a baddie" is a bad ass. My 13 y/o taught me that. Enjoy,

Malcolm returns to the podcast to talk about his triathlon experience. We also discuss cancer treatment and the roll ketogenesis plays in cancer growth. We also talk about a range of topics from stand up comedy, fueling your workouts on the ketogenic diet and overall good dudes. Bonus, probably one of the funniest stories from our time as EMS partners. We hope that this time the audio is better, but as this show has proven, you just never know.

At our last staff meeting, we were challenged to revisit our "why." Find out how I reacted based on previous experiences, and how it challenged my way of thinking, which berthed this episode. We also celebrate the back-to-school season and how I now understand why women cry at pre-school graduation.

This week, AJ and I get in the sauna to talk recovery after long shifts. He makes a good case for sauna therapy while I try to make a good case for cold therapy. Neither is superior to the other and there are tons of evidence to support both, individually and together, for recovery and longevity. Find out if things get weird and whether or not I pass out.

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A short one this week. This week I announce a new show format, I'll update the guest list and talk for a second about how to handle the days when your energy level and your kids energy level don't match up. Plus, what a patient told me is the secret to his health and longevity.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Kara McClure at her law firm. Kara is a family law attorney who also does Estate Planning. We were connected through a mutual friend, and she agreed to sit down with me to help educate us on what estate planning is, how we navigate the legal process after a parent or spouse dies, why power of attorney documents are so important, and what makes Will contests so contentious. This is probably some of the best free advice we could ever hope to get. The end will come for us all, the best thing we can do for our family is to have our affairs in order when it does. One of the most informative episodes by far. Enjoy!

On this episode I sit down with Chris Roberts, Director of EMS for Adair County. Several weeks ago, the Greenfield community was devastated by a large tornado that struck the heart of the town. Chris assumed Incident Command and while most of us watched the news coverage, Chris was making decisions that directly impacted how and where injured patients were treated and transported. To complicate things even more, his EMS station took a direct hit and was destroyed. We talk lessons learned, how past experience was his best asset and what you can do to help the community recover.

After an unprovoked emotional outburst in public, I decide it's time to call a professional. As we wrap up Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, I talk about how important it is to give mental well-being a voice, making the decision to find help and how having people in your corner who challenge your thinking might just be the best tool.

This whole month is dedicated to men's mental health awareness. This week we are going to reflect on last week's episode, talk about my own shortcomings when it comes to asking for help, and explain how most solutions to problems aren't as complicated as we make them. Oh, and I apologize to dispatcher's for forgetting Dispatcher Week.

Dustyn and I have a long history that started in paramedic school. Our careers came to a fork in the road but our experiences in the job and with family remained very similar. Now, he is the Associate Dean of Health and Fitness at DMACC. This week we tackle the difficult topic of mental health in public safety. We share some dark tales, all of which pale in comparison to a decision Dustyn had to make on a dark night in his car on the Saylorville spillway. This is a long one, but I promise it's worth every minute of the listen. We've only scratched the service. Find out how his program integrates mental health awareness into a career full of burnout, sleep disorders, physical and mental illness. The best episode yet.

This week I go unscripted to talk about adjusting our expectations while our kids are home for the summer. I talk about the importance of staying pliable as we try to manage rest, hobbies and responsibilities with our kids home, something I'm really terrible at. Oh, and I found a work around to the audio issue.

Let's say the quiet part out loud. Some of us in the profession are not ok. Today's episode is about exploring the topic of mental health in our profession. I had a guest scheduled, had a great conversation but somehow none of the audio worked. Like the professionals we are, we found a way to raise awareness of mental health with stories that hit way to close to home. I wasn't able to tell Dustyn's story, but I was able to share mine. Buckle up for some raw emotion as we navigate the mental rollercoaster of our profession. One point I forgot to make in the rambling was a quote that helped me discover why I would lash out for no reason: "90% of male rage is helplessness masquerading as frustration." The root cause of my mental well-being was helplessness. I had to do two separate recordings. I was interrupted by my kid in the first cut so I had to throw a passive aggressive fit and relocate to the garage.

Want to improve your workday and time off? Your daily routine has a lot to do with how successful your shift day and your days off are. One this weeks episode, I share some daily habits that have worked for me, and some that haven't worked for me and what I've learned from both.

On this edition of Shift Brief, I break down my experience navigating the in-network and out-of-network benefits of my vision insurance. Find out why I left with more questions than answers and why I think the only way to navigate the health care system is to be independently wealthy.

Ashli is a Nurse Practitioner who specializes in functional medicine. She is a former Flight Nurse who worked weekend night shifts. She experienced some health issues that were masked by chronic sleep deprivation. Her auto immune problems were uncovered when she took a chance and consulted a functional wellness clinic. Her life, and career changed after that visit. Learn how on this week's episode. Disclaimer: I slip and use the F word. I get pretty fired up about the industrial healthcare complex.

On this week's episode we say thank you to the nurses on our team and in the facility for all that they do for us and the patients they serve. AJ, Mike, "Chicken Legs" , Hannah and me sit down and share stories, lessons learned and a few jokes about the one's on our team that make us look so good.

The much anticipated squat throw down between yours truly and the challenger, "Chicken Legs." We come to terms on the programming of the challenge but struggle to find a time and location. Who do you think has the advantage? I hope his mom shows up.

Today I was welcomed into the Brown home for some good coffee and good conversation. Kit is a current HEMS pilot for the Airmed program. He has served 20 years in the Navy as a pilot and air squadron Commander. He is probably the most interesting person I know. Naval Aviator, Husband, Father, world traveler, big game hunter. We talk life, leadership and legacy.

On this weeks episode I sit down with Mike Schultz, Airmed Clinical Educator. Find out how the discovery of a minor disability changed his life trajectory from his life goal of becoming a police officer to a call back to enlist in the U.S military, to combat medic, to flight medic, to educator.

This week we continue our discussion with AJ in part 2. AJ is probably the most positive and enthusiastic person I've ever had the privilege of getting to know. Find out how his life is more than spray tans and sauna sessions after he discovered he had a learning disability. He's all gas, no brakes.

A true story of resilience and perseverance. Learn how the discovery of a learning disability as an adult helped him keep his dream job.

Clint is a local EMS provider who suffered an out of hospital cardiac arrest. Because of his experience he became an EMS provider. He tells us his story and defines what it means to serve others. Find out if he saw Jesus, what his experience has taught him and his one piece of advice to new EMS providers.

This week's episode is the flip side of episode 5. We talk strategies to show up better to our job so we can serve those who need us. Plus, life updates and how I was challenged to a squat contest.

On this episode we take a listener's email and break it down. Life updates, I get interrupted by the dog, and recording in the garage gym.

First guest episode! This week we are talking to Chris Uglum, US military veteran, president and wealth manager of PIVOT Wealth Strategies. He explains basic investment lingo, walks us through how to roll over your 401k into an IRA and plan for retirement.

What they don't teach you in school is how to manage emotional, mental and physical fatigue. On this week's episode I'll share my six strategies to help manage these three and help you show up better for your family, community, and work.