Podcasts about ptsd awareness

Meghan Sullivan - Vice President of Government Affairs Vermont ChamberRecap of Legislative session from the chamber's perspective.What lies ahead?Meghan Sullivan -Experienced Business Liaison with a demonstrated history of working in the government relations industry. Strong operations professional skilled in Communications, Public Policy, Analytical Thinking, and Customer Service. Respected spokesperson able to communicate effectively with internal and external customers across a diverse portfolio of issues.Susan Sweetser- Ginny Sweetser raffle/fundraiserJune is PTSD Awareness month. We started a scholarship fund in Ginny's memory for veterans getting an advanced degree that will lead them to helping those with PTSD.Bob DegreeNew book launch The Planted Seed: A book of Hope.The new novella is a story of a mother and son that from the beginning had an unbreakable, supernatural bond that carried them throughout life, death, and a journey in the afterlife.

Send us a textIn this compelling episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Anthony Dyer, a veteran and debut author whose book *Moon Child* explores the profound themes of war trauma and the quest for purpose. Anthony shares his journey from a small town in Appalachia to the skies as a special missions aviator, detailing the challenges he faced both during and after his military service. He opens up about the struggles of transitioning back to civilian life, the loss of identity, and the therapeutic power of writing, which ultimately led him to pen his memoir. Listeners will hear about the pivotal moments that inspired Anthony to confront his past, including the emotional toll of combat missions and the importance of seeking help for mental health. With humor and honesty, Anthony discusses how faith and community support have played crucial roles in his healing process. Tune in for an insightful conversation that sheds light on veteran experiences and the importance of understanding PTSD. Discover more about Anthony and his impactful work, and get ready to be inspired by his resilience and advocacy for mental health awareness.Support the show

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the power of mindfulness and how it can become an essential tool for first responders navigating high-pressure, on-duty challenges. Discover practical strategies for staying present, reducing stress, and building resilience, even amid chaos. From mindful breathing exercises to sensory awareness techniques, you'll learn how to use these simple yet powerful tools to enhance your focus, maintain emotional regulation, and prevent burnout. Whether you're dealing with the stress of the job or seeking ways to foster long-term resilience, this episode will equip you with the skills needed to thrive both on and off duty. Staying calm in the chaos could be the key to thriving as a first responder. Join us as we explore how integrating mindfulness into your daily routine can sharpen your focus, reduce emotional reactivity, and build the resilience needed to endure the pressures of the job. Topic 1: The Importance of Mindfulness in High-Stress SituationsExplore how mindfulness can help first responders stay present and focused in chaotic environments. Learn how practicing mindfulness reduces emotional reactivity and builds long-term stress management and resilience. Topic 2: Practical Mindfulness Techniques for On-Duty Scenarios  Discover simple mindfulness techniques such as grounding through sensory awareness, mindful breathing, and body scans that you can integrate during moments of downtime or transition between calls. Topic 3: Building Resilience Through Mindfulness  Understand how mindfulness not only reduces stress in the moment but also builds emotional regulation and long-term resilience, helping first responders manage PTSD and recover from traumatic experiences. Topic 4: Tactical Breathing Exercise  Learn the 2-Minute Tactical Breathing exercise designed to quickly calm your mind and body after a high-intensity call, preparing you for the next challenge with a clear head and a calm demeanor.Tune in to gain actionable insights on how mindfulness can become a cornerstone in your mental and emotional well-being, ensuring you not only survive the job but also thrive in it.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the essential role of empathy in leadership, particularly in trauma-informed environments. For first responders, repeated exposure to high-stress situations often results in lasting emotional and psychological effects.  As leaders, understanding and addressing trauma is key to building resilient teams and fostering a supportive work culture. We'll explore the principles of trauma-informed leadership, from recognizing how trauma impacts workplace dynamics to cultivating trust, safety, and empathy within teams. We'll also share practical, actionable strategies for integrating empathy into leadership practices and creating a trauma-sensitive culture. Whether you're in a leadership role or aspiring to one, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of empathy and trauma-informed approaches to enhance team morale, performance, and overall well-being. Join us as we lead with empathy, helping first responders thrive, not just survive. Key Topics:Understanding Trauma-Informed Leadership: Discover the profound impact trauma has on workplace dynamics and how leaders can foster safety, trust, and empathy to support their teams.Empathy as a Key Leadership Skill: Learn how empathetic leadership strengthens team connections, boosts morale, and fosters psychological safety.Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Work Culture: Explore actionable strategies to implement trauma-sensitive policies that enhance organizational resilience and individual well-being.Empathy in Action Reflection Exercise: Reflect on your leadership style and apply trauma-informed principles in your daily interactions to see immediate positive changes. Tune in and lead with empathy! Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this empowering episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the role of fear in the lives of first responders and explore how to face it with faith and fortitude. Fear is a natural part of the job, but it doesn't have to hold you back. Join us as we discuss how to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth, harness the power of fortitude to overcome challenges, and transform fear into purposeful action. We'll also guide you through a reflective exercise to identify your fears and create a personal action plan for moving forward with courage.Key Topics:Embracing Fear as Part of the Journey: Learn how to recognize fear as a signal of growth, reframe it as a tool for personal development, and rely on faith to navigate challenges with resilience.The Power of Fortitude in Overcoming Challenges: Discover how fortitude—mental and emotional strength—can help you face adversity head-on. By drawing from past victories and leaning on your community, you can cultivate resilience and thrive in tough times.Transforming Fear into Action: Fear can paralyze or propel you forward. Learn how faith and fortitude enable you to take incremental steps toward overcoming fear, building courage along the way.Fear Reflection and Action Plan (Exercise): Participate in a guided reflection to identify your fears, break them down into manageable steps, and develop a personal plan to move forward with faith and courage. Tune in and learn how to turn fear into a source of strength and resilience on your journey as a first responder.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you. Struggling to get quality sleep after your night shift? You're not alone.Night shifts can wreak havoc on your body's natural rhythm, especially for first responders, law enforcement officers, correctional staff, and emergency personnel. In this powerful episode of Beyond the Badge, we dive deep into sleep recovery strategies for night shift workers, focusing on the unique demands of high-stress, round-the-clock careers.Whether you're battling insomnia, feeling drained after every shift, or just want to improve your recovery time, this episode provides actionable tips and tools to reset your sleep routine, boost mental clarity, and enhance your overall wellness.In This Episode, You'll Learn:

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we dive into the critical process of returning to active duty after PTSD leave or extended time off due to mental health challenges. Whether you're a first responder, police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or correctional officer, reintegration can feel overwhelming. The transition back to high-stress environments requires careful planning, emotional resilience, and the right support system.Join us as we explore practical strategies for a smoother return to service, covering everything from rebuilding trust with your team to managing post-leave anxiety and maintaining physical and mental preparedness.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to successfully reintegrate into the team environment and rebuild rapport with colleagues and supervisors. ✅ Key steps to manage mental and physical readiness so you feel prepared for the demands of the job. ✅ How to navigate post-leave anxiety and uncertainty, including setting realistic expectations and utilizing self-check-ins. ✅ The role of leadership and peer support in ensuring a positive and sustainable return to duty.Who Should Listen?

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we explore how first responders can turn their pain into purpose. From surviving traumatic experiences to using those hardships as a foundation for growth, we'll discuss how you can reclaim your power, build resilience, and transform personal struggles into meaningful action. Whether you're a first responder grappling with trauma or looking to channel your experiences to help others, this episode provides practical insights and empowering strategies to guide you from the ashes of pain to purposeful action.Main Topics Covered:1.        Embracing the Power of ResilienceFirst responders face extreme challenges, but within these experiences lies the opportunity to grow stronger. We'll explore how recognizing and embracing resilience can be the first step in transforming pain into purpose.2. Turning Trauma into a MissionDiscover how personal trauma can fuel a mission of advocacy, peer support, and community involvement. Learn how your pain can become a driving force for positive change.3. Fostering Growth through ServiceBy continuing to serve others—whether in the field or in a new capacity—you can find a renewed sense of meaning and purpose, transforming your personal hardship into empowerment and hope for others. 4. Journaling for Purpose (Exercise)Take 10 minutes each day to reflect on a difficult situation you've faced as a first responder. Learn how this journaling practice can help you uncover the deeper meaning behind your challenges and guide you toward purposeful actions. Tune in to learn how to transform pain into power and find new purpose on your journey as a first responder.Reach out (ptsdtransformation@gmail.com) if you would like to be a future guest on this show Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you."Scars of Service: Honoring the Journey of Healing" – A Powerful Podcast Episode on PTSD, Trauma Recovery, and Mental Health for First RespondersFirst responders—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers—carry more than just the weight of their duty. Beyond the physical scars, they bear invisible wounds: PTSD, moral injury, anxiety, and the emotional toll of years of service. But what if these scars weren't just reminders of pain, but symbols of resilience and growth?In this episode, we take a deep dive into the emotional and psychological impact of trauma in first responders and explore how to shift from survival mode to thriving after trauma. We break down:

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Shields Down: The Real Monsters First Responders Face – A Special Halloween Episode

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Balancing Family Life and PTSD: Strategies for First Responders and Their Loved OnesNavigating family life while managing PTSD as a first responder can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Shields Down, we take a deep dive into the emotional toll PTSD has on family dynamics and provide actionable strategies to strengthen relationships and foster healing.From communication breakdowns and emotional distance to balancing the role of protector and vulnerable partner, we explore practical solutions for rebuilding trust, deepening connections, and creating a supportive home environment.You'll also gain access to a powerful family check-in exercise designed to promote open dialogue, emotional transparency, and mutual understanding.If you or a loved one is struggling with the challenges of PTSD in marriage, parenting, or family relationships, this episode is packed with insightful PTSD coping strategies, relationship-building techniques, and real-world solutions to help you navigate the journey toward healing—together.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this empowering episode we delve into the importance of building emotional resilience—what we call "emotional armor"—for first responders constantly exposed to high-stress, traumatic environments.  Emotional armor is more than just a defense mechanism; it's a crucial tool for maintaining mental health, preventing burnout, and ensuring a long, sustainable career.Key Topics Covered:The Importance of Emotional Armor in High-Stress Environments  Learn how emotional resilience protects mental health, helps prevent compassion fatigue, and promotes career longevity.Building Self-Awareness as a Key to Emotional Defense  Discover how understanding emotional patterns and physical stress responses helps first responders stay grounded and in control during chaotic situations.Utilizing Healthy Coping Mechanisms to Strengthen Emotional Armor  Explore how mindfulness, peer support, and creative outlets can be used to reinforce emotional resilience, helping first responders navigate the pressures of their job.Emotional Armor Visualization Exercise  Engage in a guided visualization to mentally prepare for stressful shifts, using your strengths and emotional resilience as a protective shield. Join us as we equip first responders with the tools and strategies to strengthen their emotional armor and thrive in the face of adversity.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode we delve deep into the silent battle many first responders face: PTSD. We explore the unique stressors of their job, where exposure to trauma is a daily occurrence, and discuss how the accumulation of these experiences can lead to long-term emotional and psychological challenges. We'll also confront the stigma surrounding mental health in first responder culture and emphasize the need for leaders to model vulnerability and create environments where seeking help is normalized. Finally, we'll explore resilience training as a preventative strategy against PTSD, offering listeners practical tools and grounding techniques to manage stress in the moment.Key Topics:Understanding the Unique Stressors of the Job Explore the high-pressure environments and emotional toll that make first responders more susceptible to PTSD.The Stigma Around Mental Health in First Responder Culture Address the barriers to seeking help and the role of leadership in breaking the stigma.Building Resilience as a Preventative Strategy Learn how emotional regulation, mindfulness, and support systems can protect against PTSD.Grounding Techniques for Managing Acute Stress A guided exercise to help first responders manage stress during or after a call. Join us as we uncover the realities of PTSD in the line of duty and provide practical tools for building resilience and healing.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Today I am going to dive deep into the unique challenges first responders face as they navigate life with PTSD, both on and off the field. We discuss how to recognize PTSD as a normal response to extraordinary experiences and break the stigma surrounding mental health in high-stress professions. You'll learn the importance of building a strong support network, integrating self-care practices into your daily life, and actively managing PTSD symptoms through mindful reflection and tailored coping strategies. This episode concludes with a powerful exercise: a reflection journal on triggers and coping mechanisms, helping you gain greater awareness of your emotional health. Tune in for actionable insights, expert advice, and empowering tools to help you manage PTSD and thrive in your career and personal life. Topic Breakdown:Understanding PTSD as a Normal Response to Extraordinary ExperiencesThe Importance of a Strong Support NetworkIntegrating Self-Care and Mental Health Practices into Daily LifeReflection Exercise: Journaling on Triggers and Coping Mechanisms Join us as we support first responders in their journey of healing, resilience, and self-care.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.First responders are no strangers to physical injuries, but what about the emotional and psychological wounds that remain hidden? In this episode of Beyond the Badge, we delve into the often-overlooked invisible scars like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and how they impact both personal and professional lives. We'll discuss why recognizing and addressing these unseen injuries is crucial for long-term healing and resilience. Key Topics:Recognizing the Impact of Invisible Wounds – We explore the weight of psychological injuries, how untreated trauma ripples through families and work environments, and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health in high-stress professions.The Importance of Seeking Support – Discover the value of peer and professional support in the healing process, and why seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.Healing as a Continuous Journey – Healing from invisible wounds is a long-term process. We'll cover how progress, not perfection, is key to recovery and how setbacks can be reframed as opportunities for growth.Exercise: Identifying Your Invisible Wounds – We close the episode with a reflective exercise designed to help first responders identify and begin healing from their hidden emotional scars. Join us as we break the silence around mental health and encourage first responders to take the first steps toward healing their invisible wounds.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we explore a topic often overlooked but crucial for first responders: self-care. Serving on the front lines of high-stress situations takes a toll on mental, emotional, and physical health. But prioritizing self-care isn't just about staying afloat—it's about thriving in a demanding profession.We'll delve into why self-care is essential for longevity in service, address the stigma around taking time for yourself, and provide practical tips for incorporating self-care into daily routines. Whether you're battling burnout or just looking to maintain balance, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Learn how prioritizing self-care is key to preventing burnout and compassion fatigue. We'll discuss how small actions can have a big impact on performance and well-being, and why embracing self-care builds resilience. In many first responder professions, self-care can be seen as a sign of weakness. We challenge that myth by highlighting how taking care of yourself enables you to better serve others and avoid long-term stress-related conditions. Self-care doesn't have to be a time-consuming process. We'll share tips on simple practices—mindfulness, nutrition, physical activity, and setting boundaries—that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily life to support mental and physical health. We wrap up the episode with a simple exercise: a daily self-care check-in. This reflective practice will help you stay accountable to your well-being and make small adjustments to better manage stress and care for yourself.Tune in to learn how to prioritize yourself so you can continue to serve others with strength, resilience, and heart.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this essential episode of Shields Down , we explore the critical role of mental health in the lives of first responders. Titled "Guardians of the Mind: Protecting Mental Health in the Service of Others," this episode dives deep into the mental resilience needed to serve others while safeguarding your well-being. We'll uncover the importance of mental health hygiene, strategies for recognizing early signs of mental strain, the value of a strong support network, and practical exercises to maintain mental health in everyday life. Topics Covered:The Importance of Mental Health Hygiene Learn why maintaining mental wellness is as vital as physical fitness for first responders and how daily mental health routines can prevent burnout and foster resilience.Recognizing and Addressing Early Signs of Mental Strain Identify the subtle signs of emotional overload, and discover the importance of early intervention to prevent more severe mental health challenges like PTSD.Building a Strong Support Network Understand the power of connection through peers, mentors, and professional mental health resources, and how a strong support system can reduce isolation and promote collective resilience.Mental Health Check-In Exercise We'll guide you through a simple but powerful exercise to help you stay in tune with your emotional well-being, ensuring you catch the signs of stress before they become overwhelming. Tune in to this episode to protect your mental health as you continue to serve others on the front lines.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we tackle one of the biggest challenges first responders face: reintegrating into daily life after a critical incident. Whether you're a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or corrections officer, the psychological impact of traumatic events in high-stress professions can make returning to work—and even everyday routines—feel overwhelming.We'll explore the emotional and mental effects of critical incidents, breaking down the stages of immediate response, delayed trauma, and long-term recovery. You'll learn how post-incident stress can affect sleep, decision-making, and emotional regulation, and why building a strong support system is crucial for healing.Key topics we cover in this episode: ✅ Creating a Reintegration Plan After Trauma – Practical steps to regain stability and ease back into work and personal life. ✅ Establishing Work-Life Balance for First Responders – How to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and prevent burnout. ✅ Healing Through Mindfulness and Journaling – Simple yet powerful wellness practices to help process emotions and reduce PTSD symptoms. ✅ The Role of Peer Support in First Responder Mental Health – How open conversations and shared experiences can foster resilience and emotional healing.We close with a guided journaling exercise designed to help you reflect on your experience, identify emotional triggers, and develop coping strategies for a smoother transition back to duty.If you're struggling to return to normal after a critical incident, this episode provides the tools and insights you need to navigate post-trauma recovery with confidence. Tune in now and take the first step toward reclaiming your well-being.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the emotional trauma first responders face—the unseen injuries that linger long after the call ends. While first responder training focuses heavily on physical endurance and operational readiness, the psychological toll of chronic stress and trauma is often overlooked.We explore why acknowledging emotional wounds is a critical first step in the healing journey and discuss the mental resilience strategies that help first responders reclaim their well-being. Healing from trauma isn't about suppressing emotions—it's about facing them with courage, self-awareness, and support.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The Psychological Impact of First Responder Trauma – Understanding how chronic stress, PTSD, and burnout manifest in daily life.The Power of Vulnerability in the Healing Process – Breaking the stigma around mental health in law enforcement, EMS, and firefighting and learning how authentic emotional expression fosters personal growth and connection.A Holistic Approach to Mental and Emotional Recovery – Discovering how physical health, peer support, mindfulness techniques, and self-care strategies contribute to emotional resilience.Guided Journal Exercise: Reframing Emotional Challenges – Practical steps to process difficult emotions and traumatic experiences in a constructive way.This episode is packed with actionable insights, expert strategies, and real-world guidance designed to help first responders manage PTSD, stress, and emotional fatigue.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we explore proven mental health strategies for first responders navigating high-pressure, trauma-filled environments. Whether you're a police officer, firefighter, EMT, or corrections professional, protecting your mental resilience is just as crucial as safeguarding your physical safety.We'll break down key topics, including: ✅ Mental health awareness for first responders – recognizing signs of stress, burnout, and PTSD. ✅ Emotional resilience-building techniques – practical self-care strategies tailored for first responders. ✅ The power of support systems – how peer connections and professional resources can strengthen mental well-being.In this episode, we also walk you through a guided visualization exercise to help you create a "mental shield"—a powerful tool for managing chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and trauma exposure.Join us to learn how to break the stigma surrounding first responder mental health, develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety, and cultivate habits that enhance your resilience on and off duty.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.First responders operate in high-stress environments, witnessing traumatic events that can accumulate over time, leading to emotional exhaustion and burnout. In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the unseen toll of cumulative trauma, the warning signs of PTSD and emotional distress, and the long-term effects of unresolved trauma on mental health, relationships, and job performance.You'll gain actionable insights and proven strategies to help you recognize trauma's impact and develop healthy coping mechanisms that build emotional resilience. We'll also guide you through a reflection and release journaling exercise designed to help you process daily stress and prevent emotional overload.Key Takeaways from This Episode:✅ The hidden dangers of cumulative trauma and how it affects first responders over time ✅ Early warning signs of emotional distress, PTSD, and burnout – what to watch for ✅ The long-term consequences of unprocessed trauma on your physical health, relationships, and career performance ✅ Building a personal toolkit of practical, science-backed coping strategies for managing stress and trauma ✅ A guided reflection and release journaling exercise to promote emotional awareness and prevent mental fatigue

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we take a deep dive into resilience training for first responders with PTSD, providing actionable strategies to help police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and correctional officers strengthen their mental health and emotional well-being.We start by redefining resilience as a dynamic skill, not a fixed trait, showing how first responders experiencing PTSD can adapt, recover, and thrive after repeated exposure to trauma. By understanding the psychological impact of high-stress situations, we explore how to build mental toughness and post-traumatic growth.Next, we uncover the critical role of emotional regulation in first responder PTSD recovery, emphasizing how managing stress and processing emotions can help prevent burnout, anxiety, and depression. We also discuss the importance of peer support and strong social connections, highlighting how having a trusted network of colleagues, family, and mental health professionals can be a game-changer in your healing journey.Moving forward, we focus on leveraging personal strengths, such as split-second decision-making, teamwork under pressure, and problem-solving in high-risk environments, to enhance overall mental resilience in first responders. We also address the role of trauma-informed leadership, and how agencies can better support officers and emergency personnel in overcoming PTSD and cumulative stress.Finally, we wrap up with a practical resilience-building exercise to help you identify your natural strengths, reframe past challenges, and develop a personalized action plan to increase stress resilience and emotional endurance.Whether you're a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, corrections officer, or dispatcher, or supporting someone who serves on the front lines, this episode provides real-world strategies to manage PTSD, cope with stress, and build a thriving mindset despite the daily challenges of emergency response work.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Are you a first responder struggling with the relentless stress and trauma of emergency service work? Do you find yourself battling PTSD, emotional exhaustion, or burnout after years on the frontlines? If so, this episode of Shields Down is for you.In this powerful discussion, we delve into the hidden mental health challenges faced by firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and correctional officers—the heroes who serve our communities but often neglect their own well-being. Constant exposure to critical incidents, life-or-death decisions, and high-pressure environments can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).In This Episode, We Cover:✅ The Psychological Toll of Trauma in Emergency ServicesUnderstand how repeated exposure to distressing events impacts the brain and body.Recognize the long-term effects of cumulative trauma, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment.✅ Warning Signs of PTSD, Depression, and Burnout in First RespondersLearn how to identify mood swings, sleep disturbances, avoidance behaviors, and emotional numbness before they escalate.Discover the subtle signs of compassion fatigue and how it affects job performance and personal relationships.✅ How Self-Care, Mindfulness, and Emotional Regulation Strengthen Mental ResilienceExplore evidence-based strategies such as deep breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and stress-reduction practices to help regulate emotions.Find out why physical activity, proper nutrition, and quality sleep are crucial for maintaining mental wellness.✅ A Simple Yet Effective Grounding Practice for First RespondersFollow a step-by-step grounding exercise designed to help reset the nervous system after a high-stress shift.Learn how to detach from traumatic events and transition from duty mode to recovery mode.Whether you're actively serving as an emergency responder or supporting a loved one in the field, this episode provides practical tools and expert insights to navigate the challenges of PTSD, stress management, and emotional resilience.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down, we delve into the often misunderstood nature of healing from trauma and PTSD. We explore the idea that healing isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process—one that comes with its fair share of setbacks and small victories along the way. You'll learn why every step forward counts, even when progress feels slow or stagnant.We also discuss the importance of resilience, a quality that is built over time and through continued effort. Just like physical strength, mental and emotional resilience grows with each challenge faced. You'll discover how embracing setbacks and practicing self-compassion can help strengthen your resilience, allowing you to navigate the tough days more effectively.The episode highlights the vital role that community support plays in recovery. We explore how sharing your journey with others, whether through peer support groups, therapy, or trusted friends and family, can lighten the emotional load and provide practical solutions for managing PTSD. You'll see how leaning on a support system can offer new perspectives and build deeper internal resilience. Finally, we introduce a daily exercise: the Victory Journal. By noting even the smallest achievements each day, you'll create a habit of recognizing progress, reinforcing your resilience, and celebrating the wins—big or small—that contribute to your healing journey. Tune in for an episode filled with hope, practical strategies, and encouragement to keep fighting the good fight—because healing is a journey worth taking.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down, we explore the vital role of post-shift rituals for first responders, offering practical tips and mental health strategies to help you transition from the intensity of your work to the calm of your personal life. Topic 1: Creating a Post-Shift Ritual for Mental Reset In this segment, we discuss the importance of establishing a routine that signals the end of your shift and helps you mentally switch gears from "work mode" to "home mode." Whether it's changing clothes, listening to calming music, or engaging in sensory cues like lighting a candle, these small rituals can create a mental reset, improve your emotional well-being, and help you leave the stress of the day behind. Topic 2: Compartmentalizing Without Suppressing Emotions Compartmentalizing is key to maintaining mental health while on the job, but it's important not to confuse this with emotional suppression. We'll guide you through how to acknowledge your emotions without letting them dominate your personal time, allowing space for emotional processing when appropriate while protecting your mental health. Topic 3: Reframing Difficult Moments as Learning Opportunities After tough shifts, it's easy to focus on the negative. In this section, we'll show you how to shift your mindset by reframing difficult experiences as opportunities for growth. By asking, "What can I learn from this?" you'll reduce the emotional weight of the day and transition more smoothly into your personal life, building resilience and emotional clarity. Topic 4: Post-Shift Reflection Exercise We'll wrap up the episode with a simple 5-minute reflection exercise designed to help you process your day and create a mental closure between work and home. By reflecting on what went well, the challenges you faced, and what you can let go of, you'll set the stage for a peaceful transition into your personal time. Join us as we uncover practical strategies to help first responders prioritize mental wellness and build resilience after the shift ends. Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode we dive into the crucial elements of building a solid mental and emotional foundation for first responders. Just like any physical structure, a thriving and resilient life starts with strong core elements. We'll explore the importance of mental health, emotional stability, and self-awareness in navigating the unique pressures of first responder duties. Key Topics:The Importance of Mental Health: Learn how prioritizing mental health serves as the cornerstone for personal and professional resilience.Emotional Stability for Resilience: Discover strategies to maintain emotional balance amid the highs and lows of emergency response work.The Power of Self-Awareness: Understand how self-awareness enhances decision-making, helps manage triggers, and guides you through challenging situations.Reinforcing Core Values: We'll discuss the role of core values like integrity and service in grounding your actions, even in the face of chaos, and how aligning with these values strengthens resilience.The Role of Routine and Structure: Learn how creating daily routines focused on mental health, fitness, and emotional well-being can help reinforce growth and adaptability in uncertain situations.Reflection Exercise: A guided exercise to help you reflect on your foundational values and how they shape your response to challenges. Join us as we provide actionable insights and tools to help you strengthen your foundation and thrive in both your personal and professional life as a first responder.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

What happens after the mission ends? In this episode, we sit down with Marine Corps veteran and founder of VMHA, Dwayne Edwards, for an honest conversation about life after service, the identity crisis many veterans face, and why our system still fails to meet their mental health needs.Dwayne shares his journey from growing up in Jamaica and navigating Brooklyn as a kid, to leading Marines in Iraq and later reinventing himself at Yale. He talks about the cultural pressure veterans face when seeking help, how “claim sharks” exploit those who've served, and how VMHA is disrupting the system by providing ethical, transparent, and high-quality mental health assessments.We also dig into the overlap of firearms, identity, and mental wellness, and why removing stigma is more important than ever.Whether you're a veteran, know someone who is, or simply care about building better systems for those who've served, this episode will challenge and inspire.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode we explore the transformative power of journaling for first responders navigating PTSD recovery. Journaling serves as a sanctuary where responders can express emotions freely, fostering emotional release and introspection without fear of judgment. By documenting their thoughts and feelings, responders gain valuable insights into their triggers and emotional patterns, empowering them to manage their mental well-being effectively. We discuss how journaling promotes mindfulness, enhances self-awareness, and acts as a grounding technique amidst the challenges of PTSD. Join us as we delve into the practical benefits of journaling and share strategies to incorporate this powerful tool into daily routines for sustained growth and resilience.Topic #1: Tracking Patterns and ProgressTopic #2: Promoting Self-Reflection and MindfulnessTopic #3: Daily Reflection Prompt ExerciseWe introduce a practical exercise aimed at fostering daily reflection through guided journal prompts. This exercise encourages responders to reflect on their daily experiences, process emotions, and identify opportunities for growth. By asking targeted questions about challenges faced, emotional states, positive experiences, and goals for the future, responders develop a habit of introspection that supports their ongoing healing and personal development.Join us in exploring how journaling can be a transformative tool for first responders navigating PTSD recovery. Discover practical tips and insights into incorporating journaling into daily life, fostering mindfulness, promoting self-awareness, and empowering resilience. Together, we can embrace the journey of reflection and growth beyond the badge. Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this enlightening episode of "Shields Down ," we delve into the transformative impact of positive psychology on PTSD recovery for first responders. Shifting the focus from problems to possibilities, we explore how harnessing personal strengths and aligning with core values can empower those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Episode Highlights:Understanding Positive Psychology and Its Impact on PTSD RecoveryIdentifying and Leveraging Personal StrengthsAligning Values with Recovery Goals Practical Exercise: Strengths and Values Reflection JournalEngage in a guided reflection to identify your top strengths and values.Develop actionable steps to align your recovery journey with what matters most to you.Encourage ongoing self-assessment to continuously adapt and strengthen your healing process.Join us as we uncover how positive psychology not only aids in overcoming PTSD but also empowers first responders to lead more authentic and intentional lives. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to transform adversity into an opportunity for growth and fulfillment.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

K9 Partners for Patriots Founder Mary Peter discusses PTSD Awareness Day and how K9P4P is assisting local veterans.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this compelling episode of Shields Down, we explore the vital role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the journey of PTSD recovery for first responders. Emotional Intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions and those of others—serves as a cornerstone for building resilience and maintaining mental well-being in high-stress environments. Join us as we dive deep into how enhancing self-awareness through EI allows first responders to identify emotional triggers and understand the impact of their traumatic experiences on thoughts and behaviors.  We discuss practical strategies for developing emotional regulation skills, such as mindfulness and grounding techniques, that help manage intense emotions like fear, anger, and sadness, preventing emotional overwhelm and fostering clearer decision-making during critical moments.Furthermore, we highlight the importance of strengthening interpersonal relationships through empathy and social awareness, emphasizing how improved communication with colleagues, superiors, and loved ones creates a supportive network essential for effective PTSD recovery. Whether you're a first responder seeking tools to better handle emotional challenges or someone interested in the psychological aspects of emergency work, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable approaches to mastering Emotional Intelligence for a healthier, more resilient life. Tune in to discover how cultivating Emotional Intelligence can transform the path to recovery, enhance professional effectiveness, and promote lasting emotional well-being.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

Mississippi is partnering with chip manufacturer NVIDIA.Then, post-traumatic stress disorder affects roughly three percent of Americans. But in Mississippi, they say that number could be higher.Plus, Mississippi is one of 20 states that do not recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in as Bryan and Marie reflect on recent episodes of Coffee Talk with Bryan, diving into pressing topics like the immigration crisis, the divisive impact of social media, the importance of empathy in our reactions, and an honest look at PTSD—its triggers, types, and universal reach.Cache Coffee- https://cachecoffeeandmore.com/affiliate/82/Coffee Talk with Bryan, PTSD awareness, social media impact, immigration crisis, mental health, empathy, trauma triggers, podcast conversations, veteran insights, emotional wellness

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of The Shields Down Podcast, we uncover the power of daily habits in fostering mental resilience, emotional stability, and PTSD recovery. Learn how simple, intentional routines can transform your well-being and help you regain control over your life.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Start Small for Big Results: Discover how focusing on manageable habits—like improving sleep, practicing mindfulness, or incorporating light exercise—can make a lasting impact on PTSD recovery and stress management.✅ Build a Powerful Morning Routine: Learn the benefits of starting your day with grounding practices like deep breathing, gratitude journaling, and stretching to cultivate a resilient mindset and set a positive tone.✅ Make Self-Care a Daily Priority: Understand why self-care isn't optional in PTSD healing. Explore ways to integrate reading, walking, nature time, and relaxation into your daily schedule to recharge and maintain emotional well-being.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this enlightening episode of the Shields Down, we explore the transformative concept of Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and its profound impact on first responders. Often confronted with challenging and traumatic situations, first responders have unique experiences that can lead to significant personal development and a renewed perspective on life. We begin by understanding PTG, delving into how struggling with adversity can result in positive psychological changes. You'll learn that growth doesn't negate the distress of traumatic events but uses it as a catalyst for change—leading to stronger relationships, increased resilience, and a deeper appreciation for life. The conversation then shifts to embracing the journey of healing, acknowledging that it's not a linear path but one that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. We discuss the importance of building a supportive community, the power of mindfulness and self-awareness, and how transforming adversity into an opportunity can foster profound personal growth. Finally, we offer practical ways to foster growth in daily life. This includes strategies like reframing negative experiences to find lessons and strengths, incorporating gratitude to enhance emotional resilience, and seeking support while developing a growth mindset. An engaging exercise encourages personal reflection, helping you recognize small signs of growth and reinforcing the possibility of development amidst difficulty.Join us as we navigate from merely surviving to truly thriving, providing valuable insights and tools to support your journey towards Post-Traumatic Growth. Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this empowering episode of Shields Down, we delve deep into the journey of first responders as they navigate life beyond trauma. Titled "The Path to Thriving: How First Responders Can Live Fully Beyond Trauma," this episode offers invaluable insights and practical strategies to transform survival into thriving.Key Highlights:The Shift from Surviving to Thriving: Discover the critical differences between merely getting through each day and actively reclaiming control over your life. Learn how intentional mental, emotional, and physical health practices can pave the way for personal growth and meaningful living beyond traumatic experiences.The Power of Connection and Support Systems: Explore the profound impact of building strong support networks. Understand how overcoming isolation through peers, family, therapy, and support groups can significantly enhance recovery and foster resilience among first responders.Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth: Uncover the concept of post-traumatic growth and how trauma can serve as a catalyst for profound personal development. Hear stories and strategies on shifting perspectives, finding new strengths, and redefining life's purpose to emerge stronger and more self-aware.Practical Exercise – Gratitude and Growth Reflection: Engage with a guided exercise designed to help you reflect on daily challenges and recognize personal growth and gratitude. This practice aims to shift your focus from trauma to your inherent strengths and the positive aspects of your life, fostering a thriving mindset.Join us as we provide first responders with the tools and inspiration needed to move beyond trauma and embrace a life filled with purpose, connection, and growth. Whether you're a first responder yourself or someone supporting one, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to help you thrive.Tune in now and embark on your path to a fulfilling and resilient life beyond trauma.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we take a deep dive into the silent battles that first responders face every day. While they are celebrated as heroes, many struggle with unresolved trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress—hidden wounds that can take a devastating toll on their mental health, emotional well-being, and job performance.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this powerful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we dive deep into trauma recovery strategies for first responders, offering practical coping techniques to help you stay grounded when faced with overwhelming emotions. First responder PTSD, acute stress, and emotional burnout are challenges that many in high-stress professions experience. Learning how to regulate emotions, build resilience, and establish grounding techniques is crucial for mental well-being.

The Connecticut River Valley serial killer is believed to be responsible for a string of brutal murders that occurred between 1978 and 1988 across the wooded border region of New Hampshire and Vermont. The killer targeted at least seven women, many of whom were young and found stabbed to death in remote areas. Guest Bio and Links: Jane Boroski Co-Owner and the Host of Invisible Tears. She is an advocate for mental health, PTSD Awareness and healing. She is the only known survivor of the CT River Valley Serial Killer and is on a mission to help and heal others by sharing her experiences and having a platform to allow others to do the same. Amanda Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Editor of Invisible Tears. She pulls on her Life Coaching and Trauma Certification experience to help advocate for mental health, truth and healing, in practice and through the podcast. Amanda is also a certified Reiki Master and heals clients through energy work. Drew Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Researcher of Invisible Tears. A Life-long passion of his is true-crime and researching serial killers and cases, most likely stemming from knowing Jane his entire life. As the glue that holds the team together, he is passionate about having a platform for Jane and others to speak their truth. Listeners can learn more about Invisible Tears Podcast at their website In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum sits down with Jane Boroski, the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley serial killer. Attacked while seven months pregnant and left for dead after 27 stab wounds, Jane recounts the unthinkable night of her assault and the slow, painful road to healing. Amanda and Drew Bedard, Jane’s closest allies and collaborators on the Invisible Tears podcast also join the conversation. Together, they reflect how trauma, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt shaped Jane’s life, and how advocacy became her path to meaning. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum (0:30) Sheryl welcomes guests, Jane Boroski, and Amanda and Drew Bedard to Zone 7 (2:00) The fatal night in 1988 (5:00) Jane describes the struggle, fighting back, and fleeing (6:00)  ”And so I'm driving down the road and next thing I know, I'm right behind him…he's right in front of me.” - Jane describing her escape (10:30) Reiki - how energy healing works (13:30) Drew shares how Invisible Tears Podcast was born from a conversation (19:00) Understanding PTSD in survivors (22:00) Amanda discusses the responsibility of hosting a trauma-focused show (22:30) The team reflects on burnout, boundaries, and honoring survivor anniversaries (28:00) Giving voice to the voiceless (30:00) Raising awareness for unsolved cases (39:00) The possibility of a new composite remade (41:00) Coalition for the missing and murdered (46:00) “ I was seven months pregnant. I was stabbed 27 times, but not one to my baby.” - Jane Boroski Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review! --- Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the critical role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in navigating the intense pressures of emergency response work. First responders—whether police officers, firefighters, paramedics, or correctional officers—regularly face high-stress environments, and developing emotional intelligence (EQ) is essential for maintaining mental well-being, improving decision-making, and enhancing team dynamics.We'll break down practical strategies for identifying emotional triggers, managing stress responses, and maintaining composure under pressure. Discover how building self-awareness can prevent burnout, reduce compassion fatigue, and strengthen interpersonal communication—all of which contribute to a more resilient and effective first responder.This episode also includes a guided "Emotional Check-In" exercise, designed to help first responders enhance self-regulation, recognize emotional patterns, and apply mindfulness techniques in real-time scenarios. Whether you're on the front lines or supporting those who serve, this episode provides actionable tools to improve emotional resilience, strengthen mental health, and cultivate empathy in high-pressure situations.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this episode, we dive deep into how to manage emotional triggers effectively by understanding their impact and learning practical strategies to regain control over emotional responses. We'll explore the best coping strategies for emotional reactivity, helping listeners break free from automatic responses like anxiety, anger, or avoidance.To start, we'll define what emotional triggers are, including specific memories, situations, or stimuli that evoke intense emotional reactions. Since many of these triggers are linked to past trauma and emotional triggers, they can create overwhelming automatic responses. Breaking the cycle of emotional reactivity begins with recognizing these patterns and developing healthier ways to respond.Next, we'll uncover how the brain processes emotional triggers, focusing on the role of the amygdala in emotional responses and how it signals threats, activating the fight-or-flight response. Listeners will gain insight into why emotional responses can feel so intense and how survival-based brain wiring can override rational thought. Through mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation, individuals can train their brains to manage these reactions more effectively.We'll also introduce a step-by-step guide to emotional trigger mapping, where listeners will identify their top three emotional triggers, analyze their emotional and physical responses, and create a trigger action plan. This strategy includes recognizing early warning signs, practicing mindfulness techniques for emotional regulation, and using journaling to track progress.By the end of this episode, you'll have practical tools for understanding emotional triggers and a clear plan to enhance your emotional resilience strategies. Whether you're struggling with trauma and automatic responses or simply want to build better emotional control, this episode will provide the guidance you need.Tune in now and start your journey toward emotional mastery!Get your FREE "Personal Action Plan" click the linkhttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/personalized-action-planSupport the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Behind the Badge: A Wife's Journey Through Love, Sacrifice, and ResilienceWhat happens to the people standing beside the badge—the ones who love, support, and sacrifice just as much, but often in silence?In this deeply personal and emotionally honest episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, Adam welcomes a very special guest—his wife, Christina. Together, they explore what it truly means to be married to a first responder living with PTSD. Christina shares her powerful story from the perspective of a spouse navigating life behind the badge: the emotional toll, the quiet sacrifices, the strength it takes to hold space for someone struggling, and the resilience required to keep love alive during the darkest chapters.This episode dives into the emotional journey of spouses of first responders with PTSD, giving voice to the partners who often carry their own invisible burdens. Christina opens up about the fear, isolation, and uncertainty she faced—and how love, faith, and open communication became the foundation for healing and growth.You'll hear firsthand about:The impact of PTSD on relationships and family lifeThe emotional challenges faced by wives of first respondersWhat it's like to support a partner with post-traumatic stressStrategies couples can use to rebuild connection and resilienceThe importance of spousal support in first responder mental healthWhether you're a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or someone who loves one, this conversation will offer real-world insight, compassion, and hope. It's a raw and empowering look into the emotional resilience of first responder families, and a reminder that healing happens not just for individuals—but for those who love them, too.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this transformative episode of Shields Down, we dive deep into the essence of resilience and how it goes beyond mere endurance. Join us as we explore the idea that resilience is not about simply "powering through" adversity but about our ability to adapt, recover, and grow stronger from trauma.Main Topics:Understanding Resilience as Adaptation Discover how true resilience involves recognizing the changes trauma brings to our lives and adjusting our perspectives, coping strategies, and goals accordingly. We'll discuss why acknowledging trauma is crucial for fostering resilience and how reframing our narratives can empower us to thrive despite our struggles.Small Victories Matter in Building Resilience Learn the importance of celebrating small victories on the road to recovery. We'll highlight how reinforcing positive behaviors, boosting confidence through minor achievements, and creating momentum can make the journey toward resilience feel achievable and manageable.Leveraging Social Support as a Pillar of Resilience Explore how a strong support network can bolster resilience. We'll emphasize the significance of open communication with trusted friends, family, or professionals, and redefine the act of asking for help as a courageous step toward healing and growth.Exercise: Building a Resilience Timeline Engage in a practical exercise designed to help you identify moments of resilience in your past. We'll guide you through creating a timeline of significant events, reflecting on your responses, and recognizing the strategies and support that helped you grow.Join us for an enlightening discussion that will equip first responders—and anyone facing adversity—with the tools to transform survival into strength, fostering a path toward healing and personal growth. Tune in and start your journey from survival to resilience today!Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.Today we dive deep into the crucial topic of emotional regulation for first responders, exploring how it plays a vital role in resilience. Join us as we discuss:Understanding Emotional Triggers in High-Stress Environments: Discover how repeated exposure to trauma and life-or-death situations can heighten emotional sensitivity. We'll unpack the impact of cumulative stress on emotional volatility and the importance of recognizing triggers as the first step toward managing them effectively.The Role of Emotional Regulation in Resilience: Learn how effective emotional regulation enhances stress management, improves decision-making, and fosters faster recovery from trauma. We'll share insights on how maintaining emotional composure can lead to better outcomes in critical incidents.Techniques for Managing Intense Emotions in the Moment: We'll introduce practical strategies like breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and cognitive reframing to help you navigate overwhelming emotions in real time. Consistent practice of these techniques can make them second nature when you need them most.Exercise: Emotion-Action Mapping for Immediate Response Control: Participate in an engaging exercise designed to help you recognize your emotional state and match it with appropriate actions for maintaining control in high-stress situations.Tune in to learn how to tame the storm of emotions and build a more resilient approach to the challenges of first responder life. Whether you're on the front lines or supporting those who are, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive in the chaos.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

I would love to hear how this episode impacted you.In this insightful episode of Shields Down: Healing for First Responders, we explore the vital role self-compassion plays in high-stress professions. First responders often prioritize the needs of others, leaving little time to care for themselves. But what if self-compassion could actually enhance your ability to serve? In Part 1, we discuss how self-compassion acts as a tool for emotional resilience, helping you recover from difficult moments and prevent burnout. We'll also highlight how reducing negative self-talk can lead to improved mental health and greater effectiveness in your role.In Part 2, we focus on the importance of balancing service with self-care. You'll learn how to recognize the signs of emotional and physical exhaustion and discover strategies for building a personalized self-care routine to maintain your well-being while continuing to serve at your best.In Part 3, we dive into the concept of shifting from self-criticism to self-kindness. By replacing harsh self-judgment with a more compassionate internal dialogue, you can foster personal growth, heal emotionally, and remain resilient in the face of challenges.We wrap up the episode with a practical self-compassion reflection exercise, designed to help you cultivate kindness toward yourself, especially during stressful moments in your service role.Tune in to learn how caring for yourself is the key to caring for others more effectively.Support the showOptions For Connection:Websitehttps://www.ptsd-transformation.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shields_down/Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/ptsdtransformationacademyFree PDF "Understanding Your PTSD: Go from Surviving to Thriving"https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/understand-ptsd-pdf Free Monthly Newsletters (Right to your inbox)https://www.ptsd-transformation.com/newsletteroptin Support is hereptsdtransformation@gmail.com DisclaimerI want to remind you that this Podcast is my opinion and my teachings, in no way does it replace a licenced Mental health professional, if you feel that you are in a place where you need that support reach out to someone and get it.

Send us a textIn this powerful episode, Joey Pinz sits down with Garret Biss, a Marine Corps veteran, TEDx speaker, and recovery coach, to discuss the often-overlooked struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Garret shares insights from his TEDx talk, Unspoken Trauma All Veterans Face, breaking down the three essential pillars for a smoother transition:✅ Be the Connection – The critical role of social bonds in mental well-being.✅ Express Your Truth – Why authenticity is key to overcoming trauma.✅ Seek More Joy – The importance of meaning in battling emotional struggles.Garret opens up about his darkest moments, the staggering veteran suicide statistics, and how civilians can provide real, impactful support beyond just saying, “Thank you for your service.”

Mental Health matters. Listen in as Paige, the Head of Growth Product Management, Behavioral Health at EverHealth talks about PTSD Awareness and Behavioral Health resources.  988 Call/Text/Chat National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255 Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741  National Center for PTSD: 1-802-296-6300  SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

Ready to transform your life? Lesley and Brad recap powerful takeaways from the interview with fitness professionals and motivational speakers Danny-J Johnson and Jill Coleman, co-hosts of The Best Life podcast. Learn how these inspiring women overcame personal hardships to empower others and discover actionable steps to heal past trauma, kill your ego, and become your best self. Plus, get expert tips on using Pilates flashcards in your practice. Tune in for an empowering and educational episode you won't want to miss!If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:How to take action, ownership, and responsibility in your life.Understanding why transformation is a slow, steady process.Jill Coleman's principle of making decisions as your future self.Insights into freeze responses and how to overcome them.Practical tips on letting go of the ego and embracing personal growth.Episode References/Links:Summer TourBalanced Body and ContrologyElevate Mentorship ProgramCambodia February 2025 RetreatFebruary 2025 RetreatMat FlashcardsEgo is the Enemy by Ryan HolidayThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark MansonIf Book Could Kill PodcastThe Best Life PodcastThe Best Life Podcast InstagramDanny-J Johnson InstagramJill Coleman WebsiteJill Coleman Instagram  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. DEALS! Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox Be in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates MentorshipFREE Ditching Busy Webinar  Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable Pilates Follow Us on Social Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Episode Transcript:Brad Crowell 0:00  When they made the decision I can control what I can do, that's what really gave them the power to move on with their own lives. And then, now, today, kick ass and take names. It's one of those moments when you're forced to realize that you can't control what other people think, say and do. That sucks. It's really, really probably a hard thing. But you're gonna be better for it.Lesley Logan 0:20  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:03  Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the liberating convo I had with Danny-J Johnson and Jill Coleman. I think the J is for Johnson. Brad Crowell 1:14  J is for Johnson. So you just call her Danny-J. Danny-J and Jill Coleman.Lesley Logan 1:15  In our last episode, if you haven't yet listened to that interview, go back and listen to it. These women are badass as they're so fun and they're doing amazing things. And I just, I like, I love watching their stories all the time. So anyways, you can listen to that now or you can listen to this now and you can listen to that later, it's fine. You can do whatever order you want. If you're listening to it in the OPC app, which is free by the way, you can actually just see them lined up with each other, makes it super easy because I'm just gonna say a certain fruit phone does not make it easy to figure out which episode to listen to, in which order because it just automatically downloads the next one and you like are out of order sometimes.Brad Crowell 1:18  It's true. Lesley Logan 1:26  I'm just saying. Brad Crowell 1:54  That's true. That's happened. Lesley Logan 1:55  So today is June 27th 2024 and it's PTSD Awareness Day. About this day, on June 27 we talk about PTSD, a complex disorder caused by experiencing or witnessing trauma. The trauma necessary to cause PTSD can originate from many events — potentially an accident, combat, a natural disaster, or an assault — but there are other ways PTSD symptoms can arise. A trained professional must diagnose PTSD, based on symptoms like hypervigilance, mood swings, recurring and involuntary flashbacks to the trauma, and avoidance. The National Center for PTSD declared all of June to be PTSD Awareness month — you can help their campaign by educating yourself and others about the illness, and sharing help with those who might need it. Very important. We have been trying to get my dad some help for his PTSD, which he is like in denial that he has, and we're like, here are all how (inaudible)Brad Crowell 2:45  Here are all the symptoms that we're self-diagnosing you in but yeah, one of them is not sleeping, you know, and all like all sorts of different things like that (inaudible). PTSD is post-traumatic stress disorder. But this is actually something that has been reallyLesley Logan 3:01  But it's not just for people who've been in combat, you can have PTSD from from a car accident, like they said, or an assault or natural disaster. Brad Crowell 3:08  You can certainly have PTSD from those things as well. You know, any traumatic experience can create that, can create PTSD. The very first movie I ever acted in was about PTSD. Lesley Logan 3:21  Really? Brad Crowell 3:22  Yeah.Lesley Logan 3:22  That's interesting.Brad Crowell 3:23  Yeah. I was, I was working at a film school and one of the students who was a, becoming a director, did an entire movie about it, and he cast me in one of the parts. Lesley Logan 3:34  That's so, it's so cool. I had no idea you were ever in a movie. I know, a lot of first ones. So, there's others.Brad Crowell 3:41  So yeah, there were. One of my really close friends was in the military, multiple tours in the military. And then obviously, like you said, you know, Lesley, Lesley's dad. So, you know, lots of family and friends. Lesley Logan 3:55  Yeah, so I think like, it's really important to make sure that they have the help that they want, they might not be able, it's really easy. I find like my dad would say like, he didn't have as bad as other people. So he, so I think it's really easy for people to compare their own experiences to someone else's and, and make it smaller, like (inaudible). Yeah. So like, it's not PTSD, because, I can't have it because it wasn't as bad as this person, but you can have it. And I read this amazing book, what happened to you, which also explains like based on how you were raised as an infant, your resiliency levels, and it's possible that like, you might not have those tools from being so young, that you might have PTSD over on something that someone else who's sitting right next to you might not have had it on. So like it's so important to not belittle it or shame yourself, please get help or help someone in your life who has it, like find out the areas in you're in your communities that can help them. Brad Crowell 4:52  Yeah. Lesley Logan 4:53  All right. Brad Crowell 4:54  Coming up. Lesley Logan 4:54  Coming up. We're a little over a month away from leaving for our sixth tour, our Summer Tour powered by Balanced Body. We're so excited. Brad Crowell 5:03  That is crazy. Lesley Logan 5:04  I know. It's so, it's great. It's our sixth tour. It's our second Summer Tour. It's our third tour powered by Balanced Body and Contrology. And that allows us to do lots of, lots of cities we probably wouldn't be able to do and meet some incredible people. So we're doing 13 cities. Let's see. Here we go. Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Denver, Lincoln, Nebraska, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Ohio, Dayton, Ohio, Indy, Kansas City.Brad Crowell 5:33  Kansas City.Lesley Logan 5:34  St. Louis, Colorado Springs. Brad Crowell 5:36  That's right. Lesley Logan 5:37  Way, I did a great job.Brad Crowell 5:38  Slayed it, slayed it. Lesley Logan 5:39  I slayed it. I do wonder if I got the St. Louis and Kansas City in the right order. Because but I just don't actually know. Brad Crowell 5:45  So actually, St. Louis, I thinkLesley Logan 5:46  Is first I don't really know (inaudible). You know, the middle of the map is confusing, like Nebraska is more North than I thought. So.Brad Crowell 5:46  Yeah. St. Louis is east of Kansas City. Lesley Logan 5:52  Okay, so then that definitely has a (inaudible). Go to opc.me/tour to get your tickets because it is selling really fast. And we are not hitting (inaudible) any of them. We're not hitting most, most of them again on the winter tour. And our summer tour will not be these cities. So. Brad Crowell 6:13  Actually, none of these will be on the winter tour. Lesley Logan 6:14  Oh, we're not doing St. Louis either. Are we doing Denver? Maybe.Brad Crowell 6:19  Man, that's debatable. Lesley Logan 6:21  That's debatable. Okay, so just know that it's possible. We won't hit any of these cities again, including Las Vegas. Who knows? Brad Crowell 6:27  That's true. Lesley Logan 6:28  Yeah. So OPC.me/tour to get your tickets. Yes, you can come to multiple events do not worry about like, oh, I want to make sure (inaudible), come to ones you want to come to. I mean, some of these are only two hours apart. So like come party with us, come home with the dogs. There's lots of fun prizes. elevate applications are probably open right now. And the reason I say probably is because at the time of recording we have not picked the dates but they open for two weeks. And I want to say it's now because I'm pretty sure the following week is when I'm doing the call. So let's just say they are open. You want to go to lesleylogan.co/elevate, it is my mentorship for Pilates instructors. So if you're not a Pilates instructor this is gibberish to you. If you are a Pilates instructor, this is a master's program, mentorship program, it allows us to spend nine months together really diving deep into the method and ditching the imposter syndrome, ditching the over talking, ditching the hours of prepping, and really helping you connect to your practice, connect to your teaching and also this method. So lesleylogan.co/elevate, I can only take 12 people per group. So just so you know, the next one would be 2026. Brad Crowell 7:28  Right.Lesley Logan 7:29  Yeah. So (inaudible)Brad Crowell 7:29  This enrollment would be for 2025 kicking off in January. So yeah, so don't sit on that one. Next up, we got Cambodia. February 2025. We are taking an amazing group of women with us so far. There may be aLesley Logan 7:30  A few good men.Brad Crowell 7:45  There may be a few good men coming with us too. But there are room for that. Lesley Logan 7:50  You can bring your partners. Brad Crowell 7:52  Yeah, we actually have a ticket specifically for the experience only for people who are like, hey, Pilates isn't my thing. But I want to go do the trip. Absolutely. Welcome to join us. Anyway, go to crowsnestretreats.com, crowsnestretreats.com. Lesley Logan 8:05  If you keep saying I'm going to the next one, I'm gonna go to the next one. Take this one, as we learned from Kel Cal. Brad Crowell 8:12  Yeah, that's right.Lesley Logan 8:13  Tomorrow doesn't exist, only today does. And so there are future trips don't exist yet. Just the ones we've got planned.Brad Crowell 8:19  That's true. That's true. Very, very true. Lesley Logan 8:21  Very unlikely. Brad Crowell 8:22  Why would you come to Cambodia with us? I'll tell you it is an experience of a lifetime. And I don't say that as like a, as like aLesley Logan 8:32  Every one of our retreaters has, like, I'm gonna come back like it's Brad Crowell 8:35  In fact, we've had multiple retreaters join us more than one time. It is just an incredible, incredible trip. The people are lovely. The environment is incredible. The jungles, the temples, I'm not even kidding you, it's The Jungle Book in real life. We literally get to walk around these incredible temples. You know, we're allowed to walk on them, around them, in them through them. It's, I, it's just mind-boggling. We get to eat incredible food. We practice Pilates, we build relationships and friends and fun. We get to go do a lotus farm we get to go like actually on a pond with all these amazing lotus and see the process (inaudible). There's so many incredible experiences in this trip. It is, I think of all the things that we do, what we do a lot, this is hands down my absolute favorite thing to do. And when we are retired someday, I will still do this. Lesley Logan 9:29  Yeah, yeah. No, it's true. It's part of the retirement plan. So crowsnestretreats.com, crowsnestretreats.com Brad Crowell 9:38  That's plural, crowsnestretreats.com. Lesley Logan 9:41  Yeah. All right. And lastly, in case you didn't know, all of this happens because of onlinepilatesclasses.com. And if you are not a member yet, we want to know why. But also we want you to try it out.Brad Crowell 9:53  Yeah, go join us. Lesley Logan 9:54  Yeah, it's OPC.me/40 it gives you a 40-day trial for only $1 a day. So 40 days for $40. And why are we doing 40 days? Because the reality is, is that like, it does take time to start something new. And it's not that it takes 40 days to (inaudible) happen in two days. But also like, we want you to experience two different monthly themes and multiple weekly classes and potentially join us for a live class and get feedback on your form and meet the community. So we want you to be able to have all the amazing experiences because we know that if you do that, you are an OPC life for like so many of our members. So OPC.me/40 for the best, most amazing community in the Pilates world. All right, before we get into Danny-J and Jill Coleman's episode, do we have an audience, a listener question, Mr. Brad?Brad Crowell 10:41  We sure do. Today, Tamara Gomez wrote in and she said she's hesitant to reach out with this question and really tried to figure it out on her own but for a 30-minute Pilates class how many cards would you pick out from your mat Pilates flashcard deck. I'm having a hard time designing the class around the amount of time that I choose. Lesley Logan 11:05  Yeah. So if you haven't yet gotten our mat flashcards, you should get them.Brad Crowell 11:09  Yeah, go to opc.me/flashcards. Lesley Logan 11:12  Yeah. So here's the thing. When Joseph Pilates created his mat work, if you did it on your own, and really, even if you're advanced, it takes you under 30 minutes to do all the cards. Brad Crowell 11:21  All of it. Lesley Logan 11:21  All of that. Brad Crowell 11:22  Yeah. That's gonna be two exercises in the official. Lesley Logan 11:24  I had someone reach out to me on YouTube going, can you create a 50-minute beginner workout on the Tower, Wunda Chair, a 50-minute on the reformer and 50-minute on the mat for beginners. I said, no, it's impossible. There's not even enough beginner exercises on each one, even if I combined them all together it wouldn't be 50 minutes. So like, no, without knowing the level of your class, I'm just going to assume they're all levels. So I'll have a class. So you probably will take out any of the overhead exercises, just be say, on the safe side. And so you'd be left with about 26-27 cards left, that actually could be 30-minute class right there. And if you just leave them in the order that they're in, it already has a set of action transition for you. So you don't have to do any work. You don't have to like reorder it at all. Now if you wanted to shuffle them, and like treat it like a tarot deck and see what comes next. You totally can there's nothing wrong with that. But I would say about 20 to 27 cards would be a 30-minute class without a problem. Brad Crowell 12:19  Yeah. And that's if you're not moving quick. Which was why I was laughing. Do you remember the year that we were at momentum fast and all the teachers were doing the close-out? Yeah, well, how many minutes? Did they give you? Five? Ten? Ten minutes. So and.Lesley Logan 12:33  And people were doing huggy and stretchy and Kumbaya and like all this and like they were you know, just all this stuff. And I was (inaudible), what are you gonna teach? And I was like, well, clearly, I'm gonna do some Pilates because I have it hasn't happened yet. So I just did the whole order.Brad Crowell 12:50  In ten minutes.Lesley Logan 12:51  In ten minutes.Brad Crowell 12:52  Ten minutes.Lesley Logan 12:53  I think I did it in less than that, because I'm pretty good at it. We did one rep of everything in under 10 minutes. The whole thing. And that's when I coined you can crab sooner than you think. And people loved it. And they all crab sooner than they were ready. And also they had done like 14 or 15 events over two days. They were like so sore. They're like, oh, but also like they all did it. And I was so proud of them. So, anyway, Tamara, I hope that helps. Brad Crowell 13:17  Great question. Lesley Logan 13:17  Great question. Thanks for getting the cards also, it really means a lot to me. I love that you use them to class plan. I love that it's helping you nerd out. And if you have any questions, you guys, about the flashcards you can certainly ask us. You can also go to opc.me/flashcards and you'll see all of the decks. Our fifth deck is in print as we speak.Brad Crowell 13:36  Yeah. It's gonna be released this summer. I guess technically it's summer. It'll be released in August or I guess could it be in September? We'll see how the printer is going. I'm pushing for August. Lesley Logan 13:47  He's pushing for August. I'm realistically saying September. I don't like disappointing people. If you have a question you want us to an swer we can answer anything. It doesn't have to be Pilates, it can be all the different things, we have different guests on, so feel free to send your questions in.Brad Crowell 13:59  (Inaudible) ask about all my amazing hats that I wear. Lesley Logan 14:02  Brad really does change his hats and he hopes you notice.Brad Crowell 14:05  But if you only watch on YouTube, then you'll see it. You can DM us on the gram or you can text us at 310-905-5534 to ask your questions. Stick around. We'll be right back. Brad Crowell 14:20  Okay, now let's talk about Danny-J. And Jill Coleman. Danny-J and Jill, co-hosts of The Best Life podcast, began their careers as personal trainers and fitness competitors. They bonded over shared experiences of discovering their husband's infidelities and their evolving views of fitness and nutrition. They aim to help women feel less alone. embrace change and let go of past identities to become the person they are meant to be. Yeah, and I I knew, I knew that story, (inaudible) but I forgot that story. Yeah, I totally forgot that story and, and listening to them rehash that, the experience of how a how they met and how their podcast came to be, was, was a little bit sad, but also a little bit amazing because it brought the two of them together. And, you know, they've been really close friends now for many years because of that. Yeah. Lesley Logan 15:17  Yeah, I think so I think like, I don't know, every time we say this, somebody gets mad and goes, I didn't want my dog to die, that nothing's good gonna come with that. But like, really, everything does happen for a reason, like, good, like you, there's, it's something is going to come out of this new journey that you're having. So this sucks that they are both cheated on. But they ended up having this new, amazing friendship. And now look, they both have amazing dudes that they are with. So like it all, it all works out, and they probably would not be where they are had it not happen. I really love that they share their story. And I love that Jill said you can't control what your spouse and other people in your life are doing. But you can always control what you decide to do. And we decide to make of it. Brad Crowell 16:02  What you decide to do and what you decide to make of it. Lesley Logan 16:04  Yes. So she went, like, that's what like Danny-J did by moving to L.A. and that was really, really hard for her to, the hard part of her life, hard time in her life. And so, but she was able to take some action. And then I liked that they talked about like always being focused on moving forward. So taking action, taking ownership and taking responsibility. So like we talked about like, you know why they started their podcast, but where they are today. And that's part of like, they're taking action, they're focused on moving forward, they're taking ownership and responsibility. It's not easy to do. Like we make mistakes all the time. And we kind of get embarrassed, but you feel like you can take responsibility for the things that go on in your life and how you can control what you're gonna do in that situation.Brad Crowell 16:46  We've definitely talked about this before that you can't control what others think and say and do. You can only control your own actions. And the way that you think, you know, in this case, it was it was really challenging for both Danny-J and for Jill to to empower themselves as their relationships or after their relationships. As they were ending or after their relationships. When they finally realized there's no change, the guys in the relationship, were not interested in fixing it. And both Danny-J and Jill couldn't, you have no control over them, right? So you can't change what they're going to say and do. Even though you felt like you guys have made a decision together to commit to each other, to do all these things, this is actually really challenging for me, because this is literally what happened to me, too, where I was pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing to fix it. And my ex finally said, I don't want to fix it, I will not fix it. And that was really shocking for me. Because why did we even do this in the first place? You know, and that was really, really hard for me to wrap my head around, you know, and I, just listening to their stories that made me kind of relive that a little bit in my of my own story and, you know, relate to them a little bit. And when they made the decision, I can control what I can do. That's what really gave them the power to move on with their own lives. And then now today, kick ass and take names. It's one of those moments when you're forced to realize that you can't control what other people think, say and do. That sucks. It's really, really probably a hard thing. But you're going to be better for it. Lesley Logan 18:22  Yeah, yeah. Brad Crowell 18:24  One of the things that Danny Jay was talking about, was that transformation actually comes slowly. Sometimes it comes slowly, to the point where you don't even notice it. This was after the, you know, after the separation with her ex. She said the last couple of years have been challenging for her. She, her mom passed away, she has like some people broke at her house. You know, she.Lesley Logan 18:51  She was robbed in Mexico twice.Brad Crowell 18:53  Oh, it was, it was in Mexico. That's right. Sorry.Lesley Logan 18:55  I don't know. And I think she was brought up there (inaudible). Brad Crowell 18:57  I thought there was one in Vegas? Lesley Logan 18:58  But there was twice in one week in Mexico. Brad Crowell 19:00  Yeah. And then she, she actually did have she does have PTSD, from childhood trauma. And, you know, she got stuck in a couple of interesting places to that. So she, you know, she decided to start really tackling that internally. She did ketamine, and she's done a lot of therapy sessions. And one therapy, one therapist told Danny something that I thought was, was interesting for me, because we've all heard of fight or flight, right? Or it's like the two things like you're, you're either running or you're fighting. Well, there's a third one that nobody ever talks about. And that's freezing.Lesley Logan 19:40  There's also fawn. There's a fourth. Fawn, a lot of women will fawn. So fawn Brad Crowell 19:46  F-A-W-N?Lesley Logan 19:47  Yeah. Brad Crowell 19:47  I didn't even know that.Lesley Logan 19:48  Yeah, so fawn is like it hap- Megan Fox talks about this when she was abused in a relationship. She was abused and what she did was like fawn which is like it's okay, you're okay. Don't worry, that was my fault, you start to make them feel better and you kind of like, not Damsel, but like you, the way to take control of the situation is to kind of like, it's not to yight back or do nothing. It's the play, yes, yeah.Brad Crowell 20:14  Yeah, this is really hilarious. I was actually going to tell a story about my fight, flight, or I experienced the third one, freeze. When I was camping when I was a kid. I was up in the upstate Pennsylvania, in the, in the woods, like hardcore in the middle of the woods. I was with the scouts and the Scoutmaster said, hey, there are bears here. So, you know, don't carry around food. Don't be stupid. If you see a bear, you know, get loud, right? And my friend decided to play a joke on me. I was adamant that I could walk through the campsite without using a flashlight, because I like night vision and being able to see the stars and stuff. And I was coming back down from my tent to the camp to like the big camp area where all the people are. And he snuck out from behind a tree on all fours pretending to be an animal. And I, I found out what I would do now moving forward, I would freeze and do nothing. Because that's what I did. I was like, like what? You know, and, and so I just looked up, fight, flight, fight, freeze, and fawn. And the examples that they came up with are all about a bear flight, run away from the bear, fight, fight the bear, freeze, play dead, fawn, keep the bear happy. And so I didn't know that. That's actually really, really interesting to me. Anyway, Danny-J was talking about the freeze response. And she said her therapist was, basically said, she's frozen, right? She's stuck. She's stuck in this this moment. And so she started doing more therapy and ketamine, and she had started to have some baby steps, which started to loosen things up in her life and allow some forward momentum to happen. And she said she's really proud of the shift that's begun to happen in her life, because it also sounds very healing. You know, ultimately, so I think that's amazing. Lesley Logan 22:13  Yeah. I just love these ladies. They're just so great. Brad Crowell 22:16  Yeah, both incredibly powerful and exuberant, they're just so fun to be around. They have great energy. Yeah. Love it. Yeah. Also, both of them have incredible minds for business, which is super fun. Because obviously, that's what I love to nerd out about. So, you know, we've, we've worked with both, both of them as coaches in our business over the years, and it's been exciting to take the things that they're suggesting and have experienced and are doing and incorporate them into the some of the things that we're doing, too. So, yeah, anyway, stick around. Brad Crowell 22:53  All right, so finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items, what bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Danny-J and Jill Coleman? Jill was talking about her coaching experience and she starts talking about this as if principle.Lesley Logan 23:10  I had, by the way, I had not heard of this as if principle till after I named the podcast, Be It Till You See It, and it really is the as if principle. Brad Crowell 23:17  Yeah. So she has been working with a couple of coaches herself. And one of them, you know, sells millions of dollars a year in sales. And she started to think about this idea of like, what, what would my, you know, what would my coach do in this situation if he was going to make this decision? How would someone who's making millions of dollars in sales make this decision? Right? And so she began to think I need to make decisions as if I am a millions of dollars business owner, right? Because that's where I want to be, right? Which is, be it till you see it, y'all. So she said, there's going to be a gap, however, between where you feel comfortable and where you want to be. And she said, you need to ask yourself, what is my action here? If I were already the person that I'm trying to become what decision would I be making? What's the way that I can sort of step into that new version of myself, even if I'm still scared, because I am still me today. She suggested to picture the person that you want to be or, or the person that you look up to, that already has accomplished the thing that you're trying to accomplish or achieve the thing you're trying to achieve. And then filter your decisions through that lens. So she said also, she's been making some decisions that scare her, because they're out of her comfort zone. She hasn't made decisions like this before. And she said by committing to actions that scare you, you actually force yourself to follow through because you know, if you make a decision and you're like putting everything on the line, you have no choice now, suddenly, right?Lesley Logan 24:54  Yeah, it's kind of like when we even I know she hired more team when we are working with her and it's like you hired them and you're paying them do a job so you gotta give them the job to do so it's full steam ahead even if it scares you because Brad Crowell 25:06  You better make enough money to pay everyone you know so yeah. Exactly. What about you?Lesley Logan 25:12  Okay I've Danny-J's she said kill your ego and kill the old version of yourself so you can become the person you're meant to be. And I'm like this hard.Brad Crowell 25:20  Kill that ego. Lesley Logan 25:21  Danny-J's the hardest to be (inaudible). But she said, because if you cling to your old self, and how people perceive you, it'll hold you back. And people are gonna try to pull you back with your, into your old identity or be critical of your evolution. This happens. This has happened to me as like, I've evolved people like, oh, you're, you're not like this anymore. You're not like this anymore. I'm like, yeah, no, I don't have the time. I'm not doing that anymore. You know, so I cannot do that anymore. And it's you know, and then if you're a people-pleaser, that can be really easy to like, fall back in line, but you got to kill the ego, and kill the old version of yourself. And she said, stop beating yourself up for wanting to change or be different. And I think that's really, really important. It's okay if you want to be different. You just got to do the things you can be different. But she said, in order to be different, you have to be different. Which seems obvious, but guess what, you might forget that you can't just do the same morning routine, same work, same clothes, same friends, and then expect the day to be different, that is the definition of insanity. And she said you have to be able to let go of who you are to become the person you want to be. So go kill your ego, everyone, that is your Be It Action Item from Danny-J.Brad Crowell 26:30  I love it. Well, I want to know, actually, I want to know how do you kill your ego?Lesley Logan 26:37  I feel like that is the Ego is the Enemy book. And he kind of repeats himself 17 times so I feel like if you listen to the Cliff's Notes version of that, you are totally got it. Um, but yeah, I think that or it's therapy, lots of it, you know, or maybe it's like, honestly, you might not be giving a fuck about what other people think so it might actually be The Suttle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, instead of the Ego is the Enemy.Brad Crowell 27:04  That's both great books. Lesley Logan 27:06  Well, one or both of those books was in If Books Could Kill. And to be honest, I think you just need one sentence from each book. And you've got, you've got the whole book, so you don't need to go buy them. You can just like get the Cliff's Notes, I swear. And that is how you're gonna kill your ego, I think, but also, I'd really think it's going to be part of being it until you see it. It's gonna take kill your ego isn't me going back to Jill's and like, what are the things that you'd be doing if you weren't letting your ego drive you (inaudible) things.Brad Crowell 27:34  Yeah. And ego creates fear. Ego creates that lack of confidence or the other end of the spectrum, ego creates arrogance, or, you know, short sightedness, blindness, those kinds of things. So, you know, ego covers the whole spectrum. Yeah. All right. Fair enough. All right.Lesley Logan 27:51  I'm Lesley Logan.Brad Crowell 27:52  And I'm Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 27:53  Thank you so much for listening to this episode. I hope you got out of it as much as we did. I hope you loved Danny-J and Jill Coleman as much as we do. They're so fabulous. Go listen to The Best Life podcast. And make sure you share this episode with a friend. That's how the podcast grows. So my big ask of you today is to share this with someone you love or someone who needs to hear it. Please, please, please, pretty please. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Brad Crowell 28:14  Bye for now. Lesley Logan 28:16  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Lesley Logan 28:44  Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod. Brad Crowell 28:59  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 29:04  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co. Brad Crowell 29:08  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi. Lesley Logan 29:15  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals. Brad Crowell 29:18  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this inspiring episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank welcomes Grace Lattz, a remarkable young activist whose civics project led to significant legislative change. At just 15 years old, Grace was moved to action by her father's experience as a firefighter who suffered from PTSD after a traumatic incident on duty. She saw firsthand how annual medical reviews, required by his pension, negatively impacted his recovery.   Grace's journey began with a simple school assignment to write to her state representatives. She chose to share her father's story and advocate for amendments to the pension law. Through her dedication, Grace engaged in negotiations with legislators and their legal teams, learning to navigate the complex world of politics at a young age. Her efforts culminated in the successful passage of two amendments, making a profound difference for first responders like her father.   This episode dives into Grace's personal story, her determination to make a difference, and the impact of her advocacy. It's a testament to how one person, regardless of age, can bring about change and raise awareness about crucial issues like PTSD. Grace's story is an inspiring reminder of the power of young voices in shaping policy and supporting those who serve our communities.   Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com   Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanpotentialpodcast/   X: https://twitter.com/AMPotentialPod