Compass Stories

Vega, Texas I-40 West bound to our next destination. We’ve been driving for two full days and have covered over 1100 miles. I’m sharing my reflections from my travel diary on uncertainty, exploring how it influences our perceptions of safety, control, and growth. I hope you feel encouraged to reconsider the role uncertainty plays in our life and embrace it as a landscape of possibility and curiosity.

KEY TOPICS

The nature of uncertainty and how our brains react to it

The illusion of control and its impact on our lives

Turning uncertainty into a landscape of possibility

The role of curiosity in personal growth

Practical ways to embrace uncertainty in daily life

KEYWORDS

uncertainty, growth, curiosity, travel, life lessons, control, predictability, adventure, mindset, resilience

TAKEAWAYS

Uncertainty is the space between what we know and what we cannot see.

Our brains are wired to predict and protect, but life is rarely predictable.

Control is an illusion we cling to for safety.

Embracing uncertainty can open up new possibilities and growth.

Curiosity is a powerful tool for navigating the unknown.

SOUND BITES

"Will this risk become regret?"

"Control is an illusion we cling to."

"Let curiosity be your guide in the unknown."

RESOURCES

www.veronicasterling.com

IG: @veronicasterlingspeaks

FB: https://www.facebook.com/VeronicaSterlingSpeaks

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicasterlingspeaks/

Today I am talking to Kenny Schroeder. He has 30 years in fire service and is currently a Lieutenant with the Fort Mitchell, Kentucky Fire Department. Kenny is also a dedicated advocate for first responder wellness and peer support, working to make sure others have access to resources and don’t have to face their hardest moments alone.

In this conversation, Kenny shares what happened after he stepped away from the career that had shaped so much of his identity – and how that transition and the stress form the job led him into a deeply personal struggle with his mental health.

He speaks candidly about what it means to reach a breaking point and the courage it takes to keep going and choose a different path forward.

This is a meaningful conversation. I learned so much from Kenny. I’m really glad you’re here for it.

Kenny Schroeder | LinkedIn

First Responder Health and Wellness Services | KYFRPST

Tri-State First Responder Peer Support Team - Home

SAVE A WARRIOR™ – We Came Back For You

Details about adding stellate ganglion block (SGB) to standard trauma treatment:

Who Doesn’t Want to Feel Better Faster? - JAMES LYNCH, MD

KEYWORDS

firefighter mental health, trauma recovery, Save a Warrior, peer support, resilience, mental wellness, first responder culture

KEY TOPICS

Kenny's journey into firefighting and mental health

The impact of trauma and burnout on first responders

The role of Save a Warrior in recovery

Importance of vulnerability and peer support

Strategies for ongoing mental wellness and resilience

SOUND BITES

"It's okay to not be okay."

"We can just be ourselves."

"You're not alone."

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Firefighting Dreams

05:13 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter

08:01 Retirement and Identity Crisis

10:42 Struggles with Mental Health

13:36 Seeking Help and Finding Resources

16:51 The Impact of Save a Warrior Program

19:29 Transformation and Personal Growth

22:47 Present and Future Aspirations

29:58 Transformative Journeys: From Brokenness to Healing

37:31 Daily Practices: Building a New Life

45:40 Resources and Support: Finding Help

50:51 The Human Experience: Embracing Vulnerability

In this trailer episode of Compass Stories, host Veronica Sterling introduces the heart behind the podcast and the journey ahead. A former hospice CEO, keynote speaker, and traveler, Veronica shares why stories matter and what it means to navigate disruption with purpose, courage, and connection.

You’ll hear what to expect from upcoming episodes, including meaningful guest conversations and personal reflections recorded during a cross-country Airstream journey. If you are navigating change, searching for direction, or longing for more meaningful conversations about life, growth, and resilience, this podcast is for you.