Chats with Fire: Episode 4 - 01/13/2023

Fighting Fire and Mental Battles with Kevin Conley Jr.

On this episode, Kevin with @backcountryninjas came on and shared his struggles with mental health, depression and his amazing and inspiring journey to healing.

***Gentle forewarning: This chat does touch on mental health, depression, anxiety, drinking, self-destruction, and other sensitive topics. If these topics are cause for unease or upset, please be mindful and loving of your own limitations. 🤍

Among the topics:

- Kevin's story of wildland firefighting and coming to a dark place of depression and anxiety

- The bike ride on which Kevin embarked to heal his mind, body and soul, as well as raise awareness and funds for mental health and wildland firefighters

- What others can do to help when you're going through a dark time

- The role(s) we play in determining our own mental health and happiness

- The difference between sympathy and empathy

- And much more!

I am so extremely thankful to Kevin for coming on and sharing all that he did. If any of you are in a dark place, please do not hesitate to reach out. I do not work in the mental health field, but I do know of a handful of resources and am more that happy to share. You are not alone - We are in this together, and you are so loved!!!

Chats with Fire: Episode 3 - 11/05/2022

Motherhood as a Wildland Firefighter with Dani from Idaho

Dani from Close the Gap Wellness came on and shared invaluable insight on what it takes to be a mother in wildland fire. She shared her experiences of growing up as an "Army kid," with two strong, dedicated parents and a supportive tribe, and how that helped pave her path to mothering through wildland fire.  

Among the topics:

- Fostering and leaning into a "tribe"

- Coordinating your schedule and Fire Quals with your spouse (in particular, a fellow firefighting spouse)

- Maternity Leave for both mother and father

- Mom Guilt

- Showing up for your kids

We also gathered a few of the following resources. If there are any you'd like to share, feel free to comment below!

Resources: OPM, FB group Wildland Women and Bomberos Madras

Chats with Fire: Episode 2 - 10/20/2022

Fire, Fitness and Fire Relationships with Kassie from Nevada

Kassie came on to chat about her time in fire - both on the line and in dispatch - and how she went from wildland firefighting to diving into the world of nutrition and fitness. After struggling with unhealthy food and sleep habits in the off season, Kassie realized she needed to implement more balance and structure in her life. With the support and encouragement of her boyfriend (a fellow wildland firefighter whom she met on an assignment), she reached out to 1stphorm and started her journey as a nutrition/fitness coach.

If you'd like to learn more about 1stPhorm or work with Kassie, you can check out her social here:  @kassie.adkinson

OR Check out her FREE Facebook Group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/947512409296390/?ref=share_group_link

Chats with Fire: Episode 1 - 10/13/2022

Fire, Bladesmithing & Business with Wesley C. from Mississippi

Wesley came on to chat about his work in fire, and how his hobby using a lathe grew into a bladesmithing business (thanks to his son asking for a knife)! A wildland firefighter since 2006, Wesley has been making knives since roughly 2018. He's been a guest on Forged In Fire (2021 - Season 8), and takes joy in attending various other knife-making competitions/community events

If you'd like to see some of his work, check him out at:  @wcrum_bladesmith OR https://www.wcrumbladesmith.com/