Ben Close is a British Army Veteran, former Contractor and the author of "When War Follows You Home". We discuss his turbulent childhood, his journey into the miltary, his deployments, the horrors of war, compassion on a battlefield, the world of contracting, Somalian pirates, his transition story, mental health and so much more.

Ben Close - Episode 871

Bringing the greatest minds in mental and physical wellness to the men and women who serve our communities.

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Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Jim Burneka is a firefighter, podcaster and the author of 'Overcoming Tuesday. In this second conversation, we discuss his powerful mental health story, the Save a Warrior program, his time in the IAFF's Center of Excellence, catharsis through writing, his conference 'Brothers helping Brothers' and so much more. As a first responder, firefighter paramedic Jim Burneka encounters traumatic events the average person will likely never experience, but to him, it’s just another day—it’s Tuesday. In spite of being the wellness coordinator for the local fire department, Jim falls victim to Tuesday, the trauma he encounters daily, and finds himself spiraling down a dark and hopeless path including post-tramatic stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Finally, Jim must make the choice between succumbing to Tuesday or asking for the help he so desperately needs.Hawkins and Burneka recount a story of healing and resilience to empower others to seek help, and to encourage them to replace despair with hope. This book shares a variety of valuable resources that are available to help those struggling with mental or physical struggles.The fight for wellness among first responders shouldn’t be a silent battle fought alone, but together; we can overcome Tuesday.

Jim Burneka II (Mental Health, Writing and Firefighting) - Episode 925

Johann Hari is the author of Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs. We discuss the weight struggle that led him to explore pharmceuticals, the psychology of obesity, processed food and disease, Japan's food philosophy, the importance of sleep and so much more.  Johann Hari is the author of three New York Times best-selling books, and the Executive Producer of an Oscar-nominated movie and an eight-part TV series starring Samuel L. Jackson. His books have been translated into 40 languages, and been praised by a broad range of people, from Oprah to Noam Chomsky, from Elton John to Naomi Klein. His latest book, ‘Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention’, was published in January 2022. It was named as one of the three best books of the year by Amazon.com, and it was named as a Book of the Year by the Financial Times, the New York Post, and the Spectator. It was also chosen as ‘Book of the Month’ by Britain’s biggest bookseller, Waterstones, and Australia’s biggest bookseller Dymocks. It won several awards, including being named as ‘Most Important Book of the Year’ at the Non-Essential Book Awards and ‘Best Book of the Year’ at the Porchlight Book Awards. It has been a best-seller on three continents.

Johann Hari II (Ozempic, Weight Loss and Psychology) - Episode 924

Shaun "Bish" Bishop  is a former 22 SAS Air Troop Sergeant with 24 years of military experience and over 14 combat deployments worldwide. A Sniper Instructor for the elite 22 SAS CT Wing, 22 SAS CQB Instructor and SAS Patrol Medic. He is a subject matter expert on firearms training, tactics and planning. He is also a liaison to local police forces while conducting high risk arrests, SIA licensed close protection officer. Most importantly Bish is a father, husband and warrior. We discuss his journey into the British Army, his deployments with 2 Para, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, contracting in Ukraine, the rescue mission that cost his brothers' lives, the ordinance that took part of his skull, weapons training and so much more.

Shaun Bishop (Special Forces, Ukraine and Cheating Death) - Episode 923

Kyle and Emily, married in 2016, have been a husband and wife coach/athlete team for the past 8 years. In addition to Kyle’s full time job in law enforcement, he programs and coaches his wife, Emily, who is in her quest this year to qualify for her sixth consecutive CrossFit Games. Emilys best finish at the games was last year in 2023 when she placed 12th, a successful comeback after her season ended early in 2022 due to a life threatening injury.

Kyle and Emily Rolfe (Crossfit, Medicine and Mental Health - Episode 922

Mike Nasti is a 21 year veteran of the fire service and the man behind the 'Tip of the Spear Leadership Podcast'. We discuss his early life, volunteer firefighting, his 9/11 story, entering the career fire service, his leadership mistakes, mental health, firefighter fitness, his podcast and much more. Lieutenant Mike Nasti is a seasoned firefighter with 17 years of dedicated service in a major metropolitan fire department located in the Washington metropolitan area. Currently serving as the officer in charge for an engine company. he brings a wealth of experience and leadership. Lieutenant Nasti embarked on his firefighting journey in 2001 and has since accumulated a remarkable 23 years of expertise in the field. His commitment to public safety and his role as a leader within the fire service highlight his enduring dedication to protecting the community.

Ben Close - Episode 871

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