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Ep. 29 | How Surfing Restores Trust and Mental Health in First Responders | Rob Sanderson SWEL Mission
Jordan Ryan introduces Rob Sanderson of SWEL, a nonprofit focused on supporting first responders through innovative approaches like surf therapy. Rob shares his background and discusses the changing respect for law enforcement, recruitment challenges, and burnout issues. They delve into the role and effectiveness of surf therapy, with Jordan sharing personal experiences and success stories. The conversation touches on funding and community support differences for nonprofits, as well as national support for first responders. Cultural insights include favorite cop and military movies. The episode concludes with discussions on military recruitment challenges and how listeners can support The SWEL Mission.
🔗 Episode Resources
Guest: Rob Sanderson
Organization: SWELL – Surf Waves Enjoy Life
A nonprofit using surf therapy to support the mental health of veterans and first responders.
Upcoming events include a June veterans trip and an October surf competition at Camp Pendleton in partnership with Pendleton Surf Club, One More Wave, and Veterans Service Alliance.
Topics Covered:
Rob’s journey from Marine Corps OCS to a 20-year police career
The mental health crisis in first responders and the erosion of public trust
The origin and growth of SWELL
Why surf therapy works: stress relief, community, and flow state
Cultural gaps in veteran vs. first responder care
Challenges with funding, awareness, and institutional support
Personal stories of transformation through surf therapy
Long-term vision for peer-led healing and national impact
☕ This Episode Is Sponsored by Windansea Coffee
Windansea Coffee fuels this podcast and supports the healing journey of veterans and seekers alike. We craft organic, adaptogen-infused coffee and lattes for clarity, resilience, and performance—without sacrificing flavor.
💥 Use code MINDBODY for a discount at windanseacoffee.com
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?
Follow Mind Body Mushroom and leave a review to support more conversations at the intersection of healing, performance, and purpose.
(0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction: Rob Sanderson of SWEL
(1:16) SWEL's Approach and Focus on First Responders
(4:15) Rob Sanderson's Background and Changes in Law Enforcement Respect
(10:28) Law Enforcement Recruitment and Burnout Challenges
(21:42) Surf Therapy: Role, Acceptance, and Effectiveness
(28:04) Jordan's Journey with Surf Therapy
(31:20) Why Surf Therapy Works: Success Stories
(36:24) Funding and Community Differences in Nonprofit Support
(42:05) National Support for First Responders
(45:23) Cultural Insights: Favorite Cop and Military Movies
(50:26) Military Recruitment Challenges and Rob Sanderson's Final Thoughts
(53:49) How to Support The Swell Mission
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By Windansea CoffeeJordan Ryan introduces Rob Sanderson of SWEL, a nonprofit focused on supporting first responders through innovative approaches like surf therapy. Rob shares his background and discusses the changing respect for law enforcement, recruitment challenges, and burnout issues. They delve into the role and effectiveness of surf therapy, with Jordan sharing personal experiences and success stories. The conversation touches on funding and community support differences for nonprofits, as well as national support for first responders. Cultural insights include favorite cop and military movies. The episode concludes with discussions on military recruitment challenges and how listeners can support The SWEL Mission.
🔗 Episode Resources
Guest: Rob Sanderson
Organization: SWELL – Surf Waves Enjoy Life
A nonprofit using surf therapy to support the mental health of veterans and first responders.
Upcoming events include a June veterans trip and an October surf competition at Camp Pendleton in partnership with Pendleton Surf Club, One More Wave, and Veterans Service Alliance.
Topics Covered:
Rob’s journey from Marine Corps OCS to a 20-year police career
The mental health crisis in first responders and the erosion of public trust
The origin and growth of SWELL
Why surf therapy works: stress relief, community, and flow state
Cultural gaps in veteran vs. first responder care
Challenges with funding, awareness, and institutional support
Personal stories of transformation through surf therapy
Long-term vision for peer-led healing and national impact
☕ This Episode Is Sponsored by Windansea Coffee
Windansea Coffee fuels this podcast and supports the healing journey of veterans and seekers alike. We craft organic, adaptogen-infused coffee and lattes for clarity, resilience, and performance—without sacrificing flavor.
💥 Use code MINDBODY for a discount at windanseacoffee.com
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?
Follow Mind Body Mushroom and leave a review to support more conversations at the intersection of healing, performance, and purpose.
(0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction: Rob Sanderson of SWEL
(1:16) SWEL's Approach and Focus on First Responders
(4:15) Rob Sanderson's Background and Changes in Law Enforcement Respect
(10:28) Law Enforcement Recruitment and Burnout Challenges
(21:42) Surf Therapy: Role, Acceptance, and Effectiveness
(28:04) Jordan's Journey with Surf Therapy
(31:20) Why Surf Therapy Works: Success Stories
(36:24) Funding and Community Differences in Nonprofit Support
(42:05) National Support for First Responders
(45:23) Cultural Insights: Favorite Cop and Military Movies
(50:26) Military Recruitment Challenges and Rob Sanderson's Final Thoughts
(53:49) How to Support The Swell Mission