What if your brain could tell you how close you are to burnout long before you ever feel the symptoms? In this conversation, neuroscientist Dr. Nolan Beise shares how cognitive resilience technology is helping firefighters understand their brain health, prevent Operational Stress Injury, and build long-term resilience.

Dr. Beise is the co-founder of Circl, a neurotechnology company measuring real-time brain performance. Using EEG-based data, Circl reveals how well your brain is processing the world around you and how your daily habits, stress, sleep, and shift work affect cognitive function.

We explore the science behind brain fatigue, what a “brain score” actually means, why memory declines under stress, and the surprising role joy and fun play in restoring neurological health. This is a game-changing conversation for anyone in the fire service.

If you’re a firefighter, chief officer, first responder, or someone who works in high-stress environments, this episode gives you practical, science-backed strategies to support your brain, protect your resilience, and stay healthy across your entire career.
You’ll learn how cognitive resilience impacts leadership, decision-making, family life, and long-term wellbeing, and why measuring your brain may be one of the most important health decisions you ever make.

Listen now, share this episode with your crew, and subscribe to Beneath the Helmet so you never miss the conversations shaping the future of firefighter wellness and leadership.

Timestamps

00:42 — Introducing Dr. Nolan Beise and the origin of Circl
07:00 — What Circl measures: cognitive resilience and why it matters for firefighters
10:00 — Understanding brain scores: what’s healthy, what’s concerning
13:00 — How the brain test works and what it reveals
19:30 — Caffeine, sleep, shift work, and hidden threats to firefighter brain health
31:00 — Real-life improvements firefighters see when their brain resilience increases
39:00 — The importance of joy, dopamine, and rebuilding a healthy brain after burnout
54:00 — Dr. Beise’s final message: why measuring your brain now protects your future

Connect with Dr. Beise of Circl Brain Health

[email protected]https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolanbeise/Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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Firefighter Recovery: The Truth About CBD and First Responder Wellness. What happens when a firefighter takes recovery into their own hands?

The discussion covers the science behind CBD, its impact on sleep, inflammation, and anxiety, and the challenges of drug testing in the fire service. Tune in to learn how CBD can be a game-changer for firefighters and the importance of being proactive about cannabis policies in fire departments.

In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George talks with Captain Jon Vought, founder of Rescue 1CBD, about how CBD (a non-intoxicating hemp extract) is helping firefighters and first responders sleep better, recover faster, and live healthier.

Jon shares his powerful story, from major foot surgery and chronic pain to creating a safe, tested wellness supplement for those who protect others. Together, they explore the science, stigma, and leadership challenges around natural recovery strategies in public safety.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the fire service or high-stress professions who wants to learn about safe, effective recovery options that won’t risk their career.

00:00 – Welcome to Beneath the Helmet
01:00 – Meet Captain Jon Vought: From explorer to captain and founder
03:00 – The recovery journey that sparked Rescue 1CBD
04:00 – Sleep as the foundation of firefighter wellness
06:00 – The origin of Rescue 1CBD and building trust for first responders
08:00 – Understanding “zero detectable” formulas
10:00 – Science and safety: separating fact from fiction
12:00 – CBD vs T*C: what firefighters should know
13:30 – Chronic inflammation and the firefighter lifestyle
15:30 – The body’s natural balancing system explained
18:00 – What the endocannabinoid system actually does
20:00 – The difference between CBD, CBN, and CBG
23:00 – Side effects and contraindications: who shouldn’t use it
27:00 – Drug testing realities in the fire service
30:00 – The contradiction of prescription policies
34:00 – How Pittsburgh paved the way for policy change
37:00 – Using recovery aids safely on and off shift
39:00 – Routine use vs. as-needed for anxiety and sleep
41:00 – The stigma is fading: lessons from mental health advocacy
44:00 – Is your department ready for change?
46:00 – Could these wellness options ever be banned again?
48:00 – How to connect with Jon and Rescue 1CBD
50:00 – Final reflections: trust, leadership, and firefighter health

Jon Vought (Captain)
Founder – Rescue 1CBD

rescue1cbd.com [email protected]

Arjuna George
Retired Fire Chief, Author of Burnt Around the Edges, and Self-Leadership Coach
Learn more: www.silverarrowcoaching.com

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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What if everything you’ve been told about trauma is missing the most critical piece, the body?

In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and Executive Coach Arjuna George sits down with Doug Allen, a combat veteran turned trauma therapist, to explore why trauma isn’t a thinking problem—it’s a nervous system problem.

Doug’s story is raw, powerful, and eye-opening. From the battlefields of Afghanistan to the therapy room, he reveals what truly happens beneath the surface when we experience stress, trauma, and burnout.

Doug shares how his time in the military led him to develop the Nervous System Recalibration System. This groundbreaking model teaches individuals how to work with their nervous system rather than against it.
You’ll gain insights that reframe how we view stress, leadership, and recovery, especially for first responders, veterans, and high-performing individuals.

In this deep conversation, Arjuna and Doug unpack:

• Why trauma lives in the body, not the mind

• The five components of Nervous System Recalibration: Breathing, Rhythm, Environment, Social Engagement, and Curiosity

• Why “getting regulated” isn’t the goal—it’s about being fluid and adaptable.

• The danger of chasing constant calm or “safety”

• Why first responders don’t need prevention, they need preparation

• How curiosity and awareness can rewire resilience and connection

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating Operational Stress Injury (OSI), burnout, or chronic tension.
Doug and Arjuna show that the path to recovery isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about reconnecting with what’s human.
By understanding your own nervous system, you gain agency, self-leadership, and the power to heal from within.

You’ll walk away with practical insights you can use immediately, from mindful breathing to nervous system awareness in everyday stress.

👂 Listen now and begin your journey toward nervous system mastery.
📖 Order Doug’s book: An Operator’s Guide to the Nervous System — available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and AGTTC.org
🌐 Connect with Arjuna: https://www.silverarrowcoaching.com
🎧 Subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more authentic conversations on firefighter wellness, resilience, leadership, and human performance.

00:00 – Welcome to Beneath the Helmet
01:25 – Meet Doug Allen: Combat Veteran Turned Trauma Therapist
03:00 – The Military Lens: Service, Leadership, and Human Connection
06:00 – From Combat to Care: Creating the Casualty Support Cell
09:00 – The Shift to Nervous System Work
11:00 – Why Trauma Isn’t a Thinking Problem
13:00 – The Physiology Behind Psychology
15:30 – How Stress Hijacks the Brain and Body
17:45 – Remembering vs. Reliving: The Body’s Language of Trauma
20:00 – The Myth of “Getting Regulated”
22:00 – Inside the Nervous System Recalibration System
25:00 – The Five Pillars: Breathing, Rhythm, Environment, Social Engagement, Curiosity
28:30 – The Power of Curiosity and Connection
30:00 – Applying Recalibration in Law Enforcement and First Responder Work
33:00 – Allodynamics Explained: The Art of Flexibility
36:00 – How to Check Your Nervous System Health
38:00 – Breathing and Awareness Practices
40:00 – The Truth About Safety and Stress
42:00 – Why Stress is Essential for Growth and Resilience
46:00 – Preparation Over Prevention: A New Model for Wellness
49:00 – The Future of Mental Health in the Fire Service
50:00 – Doug’s Personal Practices for Nervous System Health
52:00 – Final Reflections: Service, Humanity, and Staying Well

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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Leadership doesn’t start with a badge; it starts with self-awareness. In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Marc Hill—a teacher turned firefighter, chief, author, and coach—to explore what real leadership looks like inside the fire station walls.

From the classroom to command, Marc shares hard-won lessons on patience, politics, and personal growth. His honesty about the mistakes that shaped him will resonate with anyone who’s ever carried responsibility under pressure. Whether you lead a crew, a classroom, or a company, these lessons will remind you that great leadership is built on humility and self-reflection.

Marc opens up about how his early days in rural volunteer firefighting, his time as a teacher and principal, and his experiences as a fire chief taught him to slow down, listen more, and lead from experience rather than ego. You’ll hear stories about learning from failure, managing politics with patience, and how “teaching through stories” became one of his most powerful leadership tools.

🎧 Tune in now to gain actionable insights and inspiration from one of the fire service’s most reflective leaders.
Subscribe to Beneath the Helmet on your favourite platform and share this episode with someone who leads—or wants to.

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
  Meet Marc Hill: teacher, coach, firefighter, and former fire chief.

• 04:00 – From the Classroom to the Fireground
  How Marc’s teaching background shaped his leadership in the fire service.

• 10:00 – The Reality of Leadership Politics
  Navigating culture, conflict, and patience in a department under pressure.

• 20:00 – Embracing Mistakes and Failure
  Why failure is a necessary part of growth and the secret to self-leadership.

• 30:00 – Storytelling and Connection
  The importance of authentic communication in building resilient teams.

• 40:00 – Final Reflections & Resources
  Marc’s books, coaching insights, and how to connect with him.

[email protected]www.twodarkthirty.comIf this conversation hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us keep amplifying the voices shaping the future of leadership in the fire service.

Stay well,
Arjuna George
Host, Beneath the Helmet Podcast

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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Building Resilient First Responders: Dr. Stephanie Conn on Peer Support, Hope, and Mental HealthFirst responders face unique challenges that test their minds, bodies, and relationships every single day. In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Dr. Stephanie Conn, a licensed psychologist, former police officer, and author of Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel. Together, they dive deep into the essential tools and strategies that help firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and public safety leaders stay strong, connected, and resilient.

Stephanie shares her incredible journey from dispatch to officer to psychologist, revealing how early exposure to trauma shaped her mission to build better peer support teams and transform mental health care for first responders. From lessons learned in the field to groundbreaking research on hope, resilience, and TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises), this conversation uncovers what really works to protect those who protect us.

If you’re a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or leader in public safety, or if you support someone who is, this episode offers actionable insights that could change lives. Learn how to build a peer support team that truly serves, why hope is the secret ingredient for recovery, and how to maintain your identity and joy beyond the job.

Watch now to discover how to create lasting resilience in yourself, your team, and your organization. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

FREE DOWNLOAD: First Responder Family Handbook https://www.firstresponderfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/First-Responder-Family-Handbook_Online.pdf

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

01:22 – Meet Dr. Stephanie Conn: From Dispatch to Police Officer to Psychologist

04:00 – Early Lessons in Mental Health and Peer Support

06:00 – Maintaining Identity Outside the Job: Key Research Insights

10:00 – Stories of Family, Regret, and the Cost of Overcommitment

12:00 – Writing Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel

17:00 – What’s New in the 2025 Expanded Edition

20:00 – The Evolution of Peer Support in Public Safety

29:00 – Return-to-Work Strategies and the Critical Role of Peer Teams

32:00 – Building and Sustaining a Successful Peer Support Team

36:00 – Supporting Chiefs and Administrators: Filling the Leadership Gap

40:00 – Funding, Training, and Common Pitfalls in Peer Support Programs

45:00 – Listening Differently: A Unique Approach to Trauma Stories

53:00 – Discovering TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises)

58:00 – Personal Insights: Control, Letting Go, and the Mind-Body Connection

01:02:00 – How to Connect with Dr. Stephanie Conn & Order Her Books

01:04:00 – Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

🔗 Connect with Dr. Stephanie Conn

Website: FirstResponderPsychology.com

📘 Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel (Expanded Edition – September 2025) – Pre-order on Amazon

Enter discount code ADC25 for the Publisher at https://www.routledge.com/Increasing-Resilience-in-Police-and-Emergency-Personnel-Strengthening-Your-Mental-Armor/Conn/p/book/9781032982137

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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🎧 Listen to More Episodes of Beneath the Helmet

Unseen Battles: Firefighter Tommy Bolin on Trauma, Recovery & Resilience. Join host Arjuna George as he sits down with firefighter and author Tommy Bolin in this powerful episode of 'Beneath the Helmet.' Tommy shares his 30-year journey in the fire service, his struggles with mental health, and how he overcame them. From his suicide attempt to finding hope and writing his book 'Unseen Battles,' Tommy offers invaluable insights into the importance of mental health awareness in first responders. s.

Firefighter Tommy Bolin shares his journey through trauma, moral injury, and recovery—revealing resilience tools every first responder needs. (Ep90 S3)

In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, firefighter, paramedic, and author Tommy Bolin opens up about the unseen battles of the fire service. From the weight of trauma and moral injury to a life-saving turning point after a suicide attempt, Tommy shares how he found recovery, resilience, and hope.

We cover his journey to writing Unseen Battles, the power of peer support, and why vulnerability is a firefighter’s true superpower.

This conversation is essential for firefighters, first responders, leaders, and families seeking to understand better mental health, resilience, and the path forward.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:22 – Tommy's Background and Family Life
02:19 – The Journey to Writing Unseen Battles
02:41 – Struggles with Mental Health and Trauma
03:40 – The Turning Point: Suicide Attempt and Recovery
08:13 – Finding Help and the Center of Excellence
12:31 – The Impact of Sharing His Story
17:06 – Rebuilding Family Relationships
24:12 – Administrative Betrayal and Moral Injury
28:33 – The Need for Collective Action
31:43 – Overcoming Weakness Through MMA
32:18 – Addressing Root Issues and Avoiding Band-Aids
32:59 – The Reality of PTSD
34:34 – Understanding Meekness vs. Weakness
36:18 – The Two Wolves Analogy
38:20 – Emotional Resilience and Mental Check-Ins
40:36 – The Importance of Vulnerability
47:31 – Leadership and Mental Health Support
52:37 – Final Thoughts and Resources

🔥 Subscribe for more stories of resilience, leadership, and hope.
📖 Learn more about Tommy’s book Unseen Battles on Amazon
🌐 Connect with Tommy: Responder Support LLC | LinkedIn | Instagram

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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#FirefighterResilience #FirstResponderMentalHealth #OperationalStressInjury #FireServiceLeadership #BeneathTheHelmetPodcast

In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief and coach Arjuna George sits down with Vance Row of Yoga Rescue, a former police officer who turned his life around through yoga, sobriety, and a deep commitment to wellness.

Vance opens up about his journey from law enforcement into teaching yoga, the struggles with alcohol and mental health that nearly ended his career, and how discovering yoga became the lifeline that helped him reclaim his health, resilience, and purpose.

This conversation dives into:

• Why yoga is a game-changer for first responders under chronic stress

• Vance’s personal story of addiction, recovery, and resilience

• How yoga supports the nervous system, healing, and mental clarity

• Practical advice for first responders struggling with burnout, trauma, or operational stress injury

• Simple ways to begin your own mind-body wellness practice today

  00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

  00:35 Guest Introduction: Vance Row of Yoga Rescue

  01:24 Vance's Journey into Law Enforcement

  04:02 Challenges and Realizations in the Police Force

  06:53 Struggles with Alcohol and Mental Health

  09:06 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Sobriety

  11:45 Discovering Yoga: A Path to Healing

  18:47 The Impact of Yoga on Mental and Physical Health

  19:11 Practical Advice for Those Struggling

  25:16 Yoga Sessions with Vance: What to Expect

  29:33 Incorporating Functional Movements in Yoga

  30:52 The Sedentary Nature of Police Work

  31:40 Personal Transformation Through Yoga

  33:25 Struggles with Control and Finding Balance

  34:05 The Journey to Healing: Yoga, Therapy, and Lifestyle Changes

  34:49 Career Transition: From Police Officer to Dispatcher

  37:22 Creating Peer Support in the Dispatch Center

  37:57 Retirement Decisions and Self-Care

  43:02 Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Self-Care Routines

  55:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Personal Interests

  58:08 Final Thoughts and Resources for First Responders

If you’re a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or frontline professional—or you love someone who is—this episode is for you.

📌 Learn more about Vance Row and Yoga Rescue: https://yogarescue.com

📌 More from Arjuna George:

• Website: https://silverarrowcoaching.com

• Book Burnt Around the Edges: https://www.burntaroundtheedges.com

• Podcast Beneath the Helmet: https://beneaththehelmetpodcast.com

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on first responder health, leadership, and resilience.

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#firstresponderwellness #yogaforfirstresponders #firefighterresilience #operationalstressinjury #mentalhealth

From the Ashes: Justin Champion on Trauma, Recovery, and Mental Health in the Fire Service

Overcoming PTSD: A Firefighter's Journey - Beneath the Helmet Season 3

What happens when a firefighter who’s always been the one saving others finds himself in need of rescue? In this compelling episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George speaks with Justin Champion—a veteran, firefighter, and founder of From the Ashes—who opens up about his personal battle with PTSD, burnout, and the hidden toll of a life in service.

From multiple military deployments to years in the fire service, Justin’s experiences are both harrowing and inspiring. He shares how the accumulation of trauma affected his career, relationships, and mental health—and how he reached a turning point by calling what he calls a “mental mayday.” Through therapy, faith, and a renewed sense of purpose, Justin not only rebuilt his life but is now helping others in the fire service do the same.

If you’re a firefighter, first responder, or someone who supports them, this conversation will give you practical tools for caring for your own mental health and supporting your brothers and sisters in the field. Justin dives into culture change in the fire service, the role of senior firefighters, and the importance of family wellbeing. His message is clear: it’s okay not to be okay, and asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
Watch now to gain powerful insights, share this episode with your crew, and help break the stigma around mental health in the fire service.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Beneath the Helmet for more real stories, leadership lessons, and wellness strategies for firefighters and first responders.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:53 Meet Justin Champion
01:24 Justin's Personal Journey
02:23 The Role of Faith
03:50 Experiencing Trauma
07:23 Seeking Help and Recovery
11:37 Changing Fire Service Culture
15:12 Addressing Mental Health Gaps
17:49 The Importance of Senior Firefighters
22:56 Approaching Stoic Firefighters
23:54 Reaching Out to a Friend in Need
24:47 The Importance of Being Real
25:24 Meeting People Where They're At
26:45 Breaking the Stigma in the Fire Service
27:11 The Bravery of Asking for Help
33:30 Daily Practices for Mental Wellness
38:34 Supporting Your Family's Mental Health
44:29 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Justin Champion
[email protected]Founder of From the Ashes

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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Harnessing AI: Revolutionizing Firefighter Wellness and Training. Wellness & Burnout Prevention with guest Justin Brunner.

In this episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired Fire Chief Arjuna George sits down with firefighter, professor, and tech innovator Justin Brunner to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the fire service.

Discover how AI tools are helping fire departments reduce firefighter burnout, streamline SOG and SOP creation, optimize fire training programs, and empower leaders to focus more on crew wellness and operational readiness.

We dive into:

• How AI can support mental health and emotional recovery for first responders

• Why fire chiefs and training officers should adopt AI for documentation, lesson plans, and scenario-based learning

• How AI becomes a personal tutor for firefighter education and NFPA compliance

• The future of AI in fire service leadership, decision-making, and fireground prediction

• Justin’s story behind the Assist AI platform for firefighters

If you're a fire chief, firefighter, or first responder looking to explore AI for training, wellness, and leadership development, this episode is a must-listen.

🚨 Learn more about the ASSIST platform:https://decisolve.ca/
📩 Connect with Justin: [email protected]👉Grab Arjuna's book - Burnt Around the Edges: A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout. www.burntaroundtheedges.com or on Amazon.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more firefighter wellness, burnout prevention, and leadership content from Beneath the Helmet.
📣 Share this episode with your crew and help us bring the future of training to the frontline.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:37 Guest Introduction: Justin Bruner

01:31 The Role of AI in Firefighter Wellness

03:54 Justin's Journey: From Tech to Firefighting

09:39 AI in Education and Fire Services

18:34 AI Tools for Fire Chiefs and Training Officers

26:00 Addressing Fears and Embracing AI

30:02 In-Person Training and Engagement

30:33 Embedding Questions in Training

31:10 Avoiding Dry Drills

32:58 The Role of AI in Fire Service

34:16 AI in Training and Education

38:35 Starting with AI

42:16 Assist Platform Overview

48:43 Connecting and Preventing Burnout

51:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

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From Great to Magnus: Dr. Terry Anderson on Unlocking Competency-Based Leadership for First Responders

What does it take to move from being a good leader to becoming a truly Magnus leader, one who inspires lasting change?

In this powerful episode of Beneath the Helmet, retired criminologist, author, and leadership coach Dr. Terry Anderson shares over five decades of experience in competency-based leadership for firefighters, police, and public safety professionals.

You’ll discover:
✅ The five essential leadership skillsets that build resilient, high-performing leaders
✅ How the Great to Magnus movement is transforming public safety leadership
✅ Why “soft skills” like communication, empathy, and team-building are the hardest—and most critical—to master
✅ How positive intelligence, self-leadership, and continuous improvement can strengthen mental health, reduce stress, and create healthier organizational culture

Imagine leading with clarity, confidence, and compassion while building stronger teams and creating a meaningful impact in your department and community.

Whether you’re a firefighter, officer, or EMS professional, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to elevate your leadership while protecting your mental wellness—at work and at home.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to lead yourself, and others, better.

Timestamp Guide

• [00:00] Welcome & intro to Dr. Terry Anderson

• [02:00] Dr. Anderson’s journey into leadership development

• [06:00] Competency-based leadership—what it really means

• [12:00] Why “soft skills” are the hardest skills

• [18:00] Continuous improvement in organizations

• [24:00] Positive intelligence & mental health for leaders

• [33:00] Dr. Anderson’s personal longevity practices

• [40:00] Meditation and building mental clarity

• [47:00] First responder appreciation story

• [49:00] Moral compass and honesty in leadership

• [54:00] Final message: Enjoy each moment

Connect with Dr. Terry Anderson

• [email protected]
• consultingCoach.com

Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)

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