HAZARD CLASS

By Jake RyksEducation Self-Improvement

HAZARD CLASS episodes

April 23, 2025 HC0027 - CHANGING POST-FIRE DECON Featuring: Tara Cornett of FLAME Natural Decon
THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0027CHANGING POST-FIRE DECONFeaturing: Tara Cornett of FLAME Natural Decon

Visit flamedecon.com to learn more or to place a departmental order.
Contact Tara directly at [email protected] or [email protected]
Follow FLAME Decon on social media: @flamedecon

Episode Overview
In this insightful episode, the host welcomes Tara Cornett, founder of FLAME Decon, to discuss the urgent issue of carcinogen exposure among firefighters. Tara shares her personal journey from Navy veteran and PR professional to hands-on entrepreneur developing decontamination products specifically for first responders. The conversation spans everything from the science of carcinogen removal to the challenges of starting a business and earning trust in a skeptical industry.

Segment Breakdown and Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
Introduction to Tara Cornett and the mission behind FLAME Decon.
1:03 – Wheel of Stupid Questions
Humorous icebreaker where Tara chooses between three arms and one leg or one arm and three legs.
2:48 – Origins and Motivation
Tara shares how her background in PR and service led her to firefighter wellness and product innovation.
7:29 – Formulating FLAME
Insights into the research, collaboration with scientists, and hands-on product development process.
11:31 – Building Credibility
Grassroots marketing strategies and overcoming skepticism within the firefighting community.
14:07 – Safety and Ingredients
Discussion on the use of fragrance versus essential oils, debunking myths and ensuring safety.
20:27 – Exposure and Testing
Breakdown of carcinogen exposure in firefighting and validation through third-party testing.
21:11 – Product Details
Overview of FLAME’s product line, including shampoo, hand soap, bar soap, and laundry detergent.
24:53 – Additional Safety Practices
Practical lifestyle and operational tips to further reduce exposure and risk of cancer.
26:41 – Expansion Plans
Tara’s vision for FLAME Decon’s future in both firefighting and military sectors.
29:40 – Manufacturing Process
Behind the scenes of FLAME’s home-based production and future plans for scaling.
30:21 – Closing and Contact Information
Where to find FLAME products and how departments can connect for bulk orders.
32 min
April 23, 2025 HC0027 - Tara Cornett - FLAME Natural Decon
Jake welcomes Tara Cornett, founder of FLAME Decon, to discuss the urgent issue of carcinogen exposure among firefighters. Tara shares her personal journey from Navy veteran and PR professional to hands-on entrepreneur developing decontamination products specifically for first responders. The conversation spans everything from the science of carcinogen removal to the challenges of starting a business and earning trust in a skeptical industry.

Segment Breakdown and Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
Introduction to Tara Cornett and the mission behind FLAME Decon.
1:03 – Wheel of Stupid Questions
Humorous icebreaker where Tara chooses between three arms and one leg or one arm and three legs.
2:48 – Origins and Motivation
Tara shares how her background in PR and service led her to firefighter wellness and product innovation.
7:29 – Formulating FLAME
Insights into the research, collaboration with scientists, and hands-on product development process.
11:31 – Building Credibility
Grassroots marketing strategies and overcoming skepticism within the firefighting community.
14:07 – Safety and Ingredients
Discussion on the use of fragrance versus essential oils, debunking myths and ensuring safety.
20:27 – Exposure and Testing
Breakdown of carcinogen exposure in firefighting and validation through third-party testing.
21:11 – Product Details
Overview of FLAME’s product line, including shampoo, hand soap, bar soap, and laundry detergent.
24:53 – Additional Safety Practices
Practical lifestyle and operational tips to further reduce exposure and risk of cancer.
26:41 – Expansion Plans
Tara’s vision for FLAME Decon’s future in both firefighting and military sectors.
29:40 – Manufacturing Process
Behind the scenes of FLAME’s home-based production and future plans for scaling.
30:21 – Closing and Contact Information
Where to find FLAME products and how departments can connect for bulk orders.
32 min
April 16, 2025 HC0026 - Navigating Death Featuring: Dr. Alex Jabr
THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0026Navigating DeathFeaturing: Dr. Alex Jabr

https://www.emergencyresilience.com
INSTAGRAM: @EmergencyResilience

Episode Overview:In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, the host engages in a deep and fascinating conversation with Dr. Alex Jabr, a paramedic and expert in death, grief, and bereavement education. Dr. Jabr holds a master's degree in death, grief, and bereavement and a PhD in depth psychology. As the owner of Emergency Resilience, she specializes in educating first responders about critical topics like death notifications, CPR-induced consciousness, and the Lazarus Phenomenon. Throughout the episode, Dr. Jabr shares her insights into the emotional and psychological challenges of first responders dealing with life and death situations, as well as offering practical advice on handling these intense scenarios with compassion and professionalism.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps:0:00 – 1:08 – Introduction to Dr. Alex JabrThe host introduces Dr. Alex Jabr, a paramedic, death, and grief educator, and founder of Emergency Resilience. They discuss her qualifications and the critical importance of the topics she teaches.1:08 – 3:45 – Wheel of Stupid QuestionsThe segment kicks off with some lighthearted fun as the host and Dr. Jabr answer a quirky question about the calories in chewing gum. The banter offers a brief respite before diving into more serious topics.3:45 – 6:44 – Dr. Jabr’s Origin Story as a ParamedicDr. Jabr shares her journey into paramedicine, starting from her childhood curiosity about ambulances and her initial decision to become an EMT in 2003. She recounts her experiences as one of the few women in the field at the time and how she worked her way up to become a paramedic and educator.6:44 – 10:26 – Life-Altering Back Injury and Career ShiftDr. Jabr talks about a serious back injury that ended her career as a paramedic. She discusses the emotional impact of having her career, which had been her identity, taken away due to the injury, and how this led her to shift gears toward education and research in the field of death and grief.10:26 – 13:07 – Exploring Death and Bereavement EducationThe conversation shifts to Dr. Jabr's decision to specialize in death, grief, and bereavement, particularly within the context of first responders. She discusses the challenges first responders face when dealing with patients who are at the end of life and the lack of training on how to handle these delicate situations.13:07 – 18:38 – Depth Psychology and Its Role in Understanding GriefDr. Jabr explains her doctoral program in depth psychology and how it enhances her understanding of grief and human behavior. She explores how unconscious defense mechanisms affect first responders and how understanding these psychological processes can improve care and communication with patients.18:38 – 23:57 – Lazarus Phenomenon and CPR-Induced ConsciousnessThe host and Dr. Jabr discuss the Lazarus Phenomenon (auto-resuscitation), a rare but fascinating occurrence where patients who have been declared clinically dead spontaneously return to life. Dr. Jabr explains the phenomenon, including the challenges EMS teams face in handling such cases, and explores the psychological impact on responders when these rare events occur.23:57 – 31:33 – Ethics and Awareness in CPR and DeathThis segment delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by first responders when dealing with CPR-induced consciousness and near-death experiences. Dr. Jabr discusses how CPR can sometimes bring a patient to a conscious state, leading to complex moral and emotional decisions about when to stop resuscitation.31:33 – 37:53 – Experiences and Stories from First RespondersDr. Jabr shares real-world stories of CPR-induced consciousness and discusses the strange and unexplainable moments that first responders experience during resuscitation efforts. She talks about how critical it is to recognize these moments and the emotional weight they carry.37:53 – 47:46 – Death Notification TrainingDr. Jabr emphasizes the importance of death notification training for first responders. She explains the impact of delivering death notifications in a clear and compassionate way and how this can prevent burnout and emotional harm to responders. The conversation also covers how cultural differences and language barriers play a role in death notification.47:46 – 56:20 – The Difficulties of Death Notifications and GriefThe episode explores the delicate process of delivering death notifications, including the personal challenges responders face when trying to convey this traumatic news. Dr. Jabr shares her insights into how responders can manage the emotional weight of death notifications while offering compassionate support to grieving families.56:20 – 1:00:07 – Final Thoughts and ResourcesDr. Jabr wraps up the conversation by discussing the resources available through her platform, Emergency Resilience. She encourages listeners to engage in discussions about grief, death, and mental health, and emphasizes the importance of education and support in the EMS community.
Key Moments & Quotes:

On CPR-Induced Consciousness:"CPR can quite literally induce the consciousness in your patient... they may be able to respond, track, or even have full-blown conversations during cardiac arrest" .On the Lazarus Phenomenon:"The Lazarus Phenomenon is where a patient, after being declared dead, suddenly resuscitates without any medical intervention. It’s extremely rare but fascinating" .On the Importance of Death Notification Training:"We should get death notification training as a primary in EMT school, paramedic school, and revisit it regularly. It's crucial for both the families and responders" .On Depth Psychology and First Responders:"The person who's the biggest jackass in the room is often the one who needs the most love. It’s their defense mechanism, and understanding that has been life-changing for me" .
1 hr 2 min
April 16, 2025 HC0026 - Dr. Alex Jabr - Death and Grief Expert - Owner of Emergency Resilience
Jake engages in a deep and fascinating conversation with Dr. Alex Jabr, a paramedic and expert in death, grief, and bereavement education. Dr. Jabr holds a master's degree in death, grief, and bereavement and a PhD in depth psychology. As the owner of Emergency Resilience, she specializes in educating first responders about critical topics like death notifications, CPR-induced consciousness, and the Lazarus Phenomenon. Throughout the episode, Dr. Jabr shares her insights into the emotional and psychological challenges of first responders dealing with life and death situations, as well as offering practical advice on handling these intense scenarios with compassion and professionalism.
Segment Breakdown & Timestamps:
0:00 – 1:08 – Introduction to Dr. Alex Jabr
The host introduces Dr. Alex Jabr, a paramedic, death and grief educator, and founder of Emergency Resilience. Her background and the importance of her work are highlighted.
1:08 – 3:45 – Wheel of Stupid Questions
The episode starts light with a quirky question about calories in chewing gum. The banter gives a quick reset before heavier topics.
3:45 – 6:44 – Dr. Jabr’s Origin Story
Dr. Jabr shares how her interest in ambulances as a kid led her to become an EMT in 2003. She reflects on being one of the few women in the field and her path to becoming a paramedic and educator.
6:44 – 10:26 – Career-Ending Back Injury
She discusses a serious back injury that ended her paramedic career, the loss of identity that followed, and how it pushed her toward education and research in death and grief.
10:26 – 13:07 – Death and Bereavement Education
The focus shifts to her specialization in grief and end-of-life care, especially for first responders who often lack training for these situations.
13:07 – 18:38 – Depth Psychology and Grief
Dr. Jabr explains her doctoral work in depth psychology and how unconscious defense mechanisms impact responders, communication, and patient care.
18:38 – 23:57 – Lazarus Phenomenon & CPR-Induced Consciousness
They explore rare cases of auto-resuscitation and CPR-induced consciousness, along with the operational and psychological challenges they create.
23:57 – 31:33 – Ethics in Resuscitation
Discussion turns to ethical dilemmas when patients regain awareness during CPR and the emotional complexity of deciding when to stop.
31:33 – 37:53 – Field Experiences
Dr. Jabr shares real-world stories of unusual resuscitation events and the emotional impact they leave on responders.
37:53 – 47:46 – Death Notification Training
She emphasizes the need for proper death notification training, including clear communication, compassion, and awareness of cultural differences.
47:46 – 56:20 – Delivering Difficult News
The conversation dives deeper into the challenges responders face when delivering death notifications and supporting grieving families.
56:20 – 1:00:07 – Final Thoughts and Resources
Dr. Jabr highlights resources through Emergency Resilience and encourages ongoing conversations around grief, death, and mental health in EMS.

1 hr 2 min
April 09, 2025 HC0025 - Cmd. Tom "Pager" Page - Top Gun Pilot
Jake sits down with retired U.S. Navy Commander Tom “Pager” Page, a real-life Top Gun pilot and instructor. Pager shares his incredible journey through the skies—from his early inspirations to the intense world of aerial combat training and a near-death carrier landing in the Indian Ocean. The conversation dives deep into UFOs, Top Gun culture, carrier landings, call signs, and how Hollywood stacks up against reality.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – 01:06 | Intro & Guest Introduction
Jake introduces the episode and guest, retired Top Gun pilot Tom “Pager” Page.

01:07 – 03:40 | The Wheel of Stupid Questions: UFOs & UAPs
Discussion of alien sightings, UAPs, and drone threats in modern aviation.
“We're not the smartest thing out there in the universe.” – Pager

03:41 – 06:10 | Becoming a Fighter Pilot: Dreams and the Naval Academy
How a childhood dream and a timely football game led Pager to the Navy.

06:11 – 09:17 | Flight School and Jet Selection
The intense training path from prop planes to F-14 Tomcats.

09:18 – 12:04 | Flying the F-14: Power, Limits, and Precision
Pager explains the leaps in aircraft complexity and the importance of pushing the envelope.

12:05 – 14:19 | Turbulence, Formation Flying, and Control Sensitivity
What it’s really like flying in close formation and how fighter jets handle turbulence.
“Let go of the stick... rock solid. It’s called pilot-induced oscillation.”

14:20 – 16:21 | Formation Flying Techniques and Trim
Insights into throttle and stick control when flying tight formations.

16:22 – 21:05 | Carrier Landings 101
An in-depth look at how pilots practice and execute carrier landings with the help of LSOs.

21:06 – 34:05 | The 1989 Barricade Landing Story
A harrowing tale of a low-fuel night landing in rough seas that required a rare barricade catch.
“They drained the remaining fuel... we had 90 seconds of flying time left.”

34:06 – 37:06 | Life After That Night: Returning to Top Gun
Pager’s career path post-incident, and how he got “Pager” as his call sign.

37:07 – 41:00 | Top Gun: The Movie vs. Real Life
How accurate were Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick? Very, it turns out.

41:01 – 44:20 | Why Fighter Jets Feel So American
What makes jets and the Top Gun legacy resonate so deeply in American culture.

44:21 – 47:02 | Carrier Life & Final Reflections
Pager honors the young crew members who keep jets flying and reflects on his final launch.

Key Quotes

“Train like you fight, fight like you train.”
“You hit the number... they had to barricade us.”
“You don’t really know how you’re going to react until stuff hits the fan.”
“Fighter squadrons are basically... we’re all just big kids.”
“If you get pissed off at a call sign, it’s going to stick—game over.”

Resources & Mentions

Naval Academy – https://www.usna.edu
Top Gun School – https://www.navy.com/what-to-expect/naval-aviation
F-14 Tomcat History – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_F-14_Tomcat

48 min
April 09, 2025 HC0025 - The Actual Coolest Job Featuring: Cmd. Tom "Pager" Page
THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0025The Actual Coolest JobFeaturing: Cmd. Tom "Pager" Page

In this thrilling episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with retired U.S. Navy Commander Tom “Pager” Page, a real-life Top Gun pilot and instructor. Pager shares his incredible journey through the skies—from his early inspirations to the intense world of aerial combat training and a near-death carrier landing in the Indian Ocean. The conversation dives deep into UFOs, Top Gun culture, carrier landings, call signs, and how Hollywood stacks up against reality.

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:00 – 01:06 | Intro & Guest Introduction
Jake introduces the episode and guest, retired Top Gun pilot Tom “Pager” Page.

01:07 – 03:40 | The Wheel of Stupid Questions: UFOs & UAPs
Discussion of alien sightings, UAPs, and drone threats in modern aviation.
“We're not the smartest thing out there in the universe.” – Pager

03:41 – 06:10 | Becoming a Fighter Pilot: Dreams and the Naval Academy
How a childhood dream and a timely football game led Pager to the Navy.

06:11 – 09:17 | Flight School and Jet Selection
The intense training path from prop planes to F-14 Tomcats.

09:18 – 12:04 | Flying the F-14: Power, Limits, and Precision
Pager explains the leaps in aircraft complexity and the importance of pushing the envelope.

12:05 – 14:19 | Turbulence, Formation Flying, and Control Sensitivity
What it’s really like flying in close formation and how fighter jets handle turbulence.
“Let go of the stick... rock solid. It’s called pilot-induced oscillation.”

14:20 – 16:21 | Formation Flying Techniques and Trim
Insights into throttle and stick control when flying tight formations.

16:22 – 21:05 | Carrier Landings 101
An in-depth look at how pilots practice and execute carrier landings with the help of LSOs.

21:06 – 34:05 | The 1989 Barricade Landing Story
A harrowing tale of a low-fuel night landing in rough seas that required a rare barricade catch.
“They drained the remaining fuel... we had 90 seconds of flying time left.”

34:06 – 37:06 | Life After That Night: Returning to Top Gun
Pager’s career path post-incident, and how he got “Pager” as his call sign.

37:07 – 41:00 | Top Gun: The Movie vs. Real Life
How accurate were Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick? Very, it turns out.

41:01 – 44:20 | Why Fighter Jets Feel So American
What makes jets and the Top Gun legacy resonate so deeply in American culture.

44:21 – 47:02 | Carrier Life & Final Reflections
Pager honors the young crew members who keep jets flying and reflects on his final launch.

Key Quotes

“Train like you fight, fight like you train.”
“You hit the number... they had to barricade us.”
“You don’t really know how you’re going to react until stuff hits the fan.”
“Fighter squadrons are basically... we’re all just big kids.”
“If you get pissed off at a call sign, it’s going to stick—game over.”

Resources & Mentions

Naval Academy – https://www.usna.edu
Top Gun School – https://www.navy.com/what-to-expect/naval-aviation
F-14 Tomcat History – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_F-14_Tomcat

48 min
April 02, 2025 BONUS Episode - Kenny Schroeder -Fire Lieutenant (Ret) - Fired Federal Employee
Jake sits down with Kenny Schroeder, a retired fire lieutenant and passionate advocate for firefighter health and cancer prevention. Kenny shares the heartbreaking story of being abruptly let go from his dream post-retirement job with the National Firefighter Cancer Registry (NFCR) due to a political shift and sudden executive orders. He speaks candidly about mental health, purpose, and why the fire service is more than just a job — it’s an identity.

0:00 – 1:09 | Intro & Guest Welcome
Jake introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Kenny Schroeder, who served 26 years in the fire service and recently worked with NIOSH on the NFCR before being unexpectedly terminated.
1:10 – 2:29 | Wheel of Stupid Questions
The age-old debate: “How many holes does a straw have?” sparks some philosophical fun.
2:30 – 4:44 | Kenny’s Abrupt Termination from NIOSH
Kenny recounts the chaotic days following executive orders that resulted in his termination just months into the role:
“Literally there was one day where I was told in the morning I had been terminated, but three hours later I was told I still had a job.”
4:45 – 6:42 | Hope for Rehiring & State of the NFCR Program
Despite the setback, Kenny remains hopeful about the registry’s mission and a potential return.
6:43 – 10:30 | Inside the Registry Work & Impact of Political Interference
Kenny breaks down the goal of enrolling 200,000 firefighters and the abrupt halt to outreach work due to communication restrictions.
10:31 – 12:10 | Why This Mission Matters
Kenny discusses the personal origin of his advocacy—his mentor losing a leg to cancer on day one of Kenny’s career.
“We don’t sign up for cancer.”
12:11 – 13:42 | Finding Firefighting as a Calling
From a high school CPR class to a lifelong calling—how Kenny fell into firefighting.
13:43 – 14:36 | Kenny’s First Fire
A vivid recollection of fear, adrenaline, and smoke.
“You can’t even see your hand in front of your face.”
14:37 – 18:21 | Mental Health & Transitioning to Retirement
Kenny opens up about the mental toll of retiring from a job that defined him for 26 years.
18:22 – 21:13 | Purpose After the Firehouse
Losing a job doesn’t mean losing your purpose. Kenny reflects on what he lost—and what he’s still fighting for.
21:14 – 25:42 | Continuing the Fight: FACE Team & Future Goals
Kenny’s advocacy continues through local outreach and national collaboration on firefighter cancer awareness.
25:43 – 27:01 | How to Join the Fight & Closing Words
Kenny provides resources to join the National Firefighter Registry and shares a final message of hope.
28 min
April 02, 2025 HC0025 - A FIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES STORY Featuring: Kenny Schroeder
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Jake sits down with Kenny Schroeder, a retired fire lieutenant and passionate advocate for firefighter health and cancer prevention. Kenny shares the heartbreaking story of being abruptly let go from his dream post-retirement job with the National Firefighter Cancer Registry (NFCR) due to a political shift and sudden executive orders. He speaks candidly about mental health, purpose, and why the fire service is more than just a job — it’s an identity.
THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0024A FIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES STORYFeaturing:KENNY SCHROEDER
Resources & References:National Firefighter Registry: nfr.cdc.govNIOSH Firefighter Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters

0:00 – 1:09 | Intro & Guest Welcome
Jake introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Kenny Schroeder, who served 26 years in the fire service and recently worked with NIOSH on the NFCR before being unexpectedly terminated.
1:10 – 2:29 | Wheel of Stupid Questions
The age-old debate: “How many holes does a straw have?” sparks some philosophical fun.
2:30 – 4:44 | Kenny’s Abrupt Termination from NIOSH
Kenny recounts the chaotic days following executive orders that resulted in his termination just months into the role:
“Literally there was one day where I was told in the morning I had been terminated, but three hours later I was told I still had a job.”
4:45 – 6:42 | Hope for Rehiring & State of the NFCR Program
Despite the setback, Kenny remains hopeful about the registry’s mission and a potential return.
6:43 – 10:30 | Inside the Registry Work & Impact of Political Interference
Kenny breaks down the goal of enrolling 200,000 firefighters and the abrupt halt to outreach work due to communication restrictions.
10:31 – 12:10 | Why This Mission Matters
Kenny discusses the personal origin of his advocacy—his mentor losing a leg to cancer on day one of Kenny’s career.
“We don’t sign up for cancer.”
12:11 – 13:42 | Finding Firefighting as a Calling
From a high school CPR class to a lifelong calling—how Kenny fell into firefighting.
13:43 – 14:36 | Kenny’s First Fire
A vivid recollection of fear, adrenaline, and smoke.
“You can’t even see your hand in front of your face.”
14:37 – 18:21 | Mental Health & Transitioning to Retirement
Kenny opens up about the mental toll of retiring from a job that defined him for 26 years.
18:22 – 21:13 | Purpose After the Firehouse
Losing a job doesn’t mean losing your purpose. Kenny reflects on what he lost—and what he’s still fighting for.
21:14 – 25:42 | Continuing the Fight: FACE Team & Future Goals
Kenny’s advocacy continues through local outreach and national collaboration on firefighter cancer awareness.
25:43 – 27:01 | How to Join the Fight & Closing Words
Kenny provides resources to join the National Firefighter Registry and shares a final message of hope.
28 min
March 26, 2025 HC0024 - Dr.Brittany Miskowiec -Suicidologist - Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jake sits down with Dr. Brittany Miskowiec, a nationally recognized suicidologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to unpack the complex and often stigmatized topics of suicide prevention, PTSD, and mental health in emergency services. Brittany shares her unconventional journey into this work, key insights from years of supporting veterans and first responders, and practical advice on how to approach these critical conversations—with others and within ourselves.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

- Wellness That Fits – https://www.wellnessthatfits.com
- LivingWorks – https://www.livingworks.net
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
- Mental Health First Aid – https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
- Dr. Nadine Burke Harris TED Talk – https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime

SEGMENT BREAKDOWN & TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – 1:22 | Introduction
1:23 – 2:59 | The Wheel of Stupid Questions
3:00 – 7:00 | Brittany’s Path to Suicide Prevention
7:01 – 11:18 | Suicide Awareness vs. Increasing Rates
11:19 – 14:22 | ACEs, Trauma, and Long-Term Health
14:23 – 20:16 | PTSD: Overdiagnosed or Misunderstood?
20:17 – 27:22 | Talking About Suicide: How to Approach the Conversation
27:23 – 31:00 | The Reality of First Responder Trauma
31:01 – 34:00 | Reforming Mental Health Training
34:01 – 36:11 | Who is Fit for This Work?
36:12 – 38:08 | Breaking the Stigma
38:09 – 40:38 | Resources and Final Thoughts

42 min
March 26, 2025 HC0024 - The "S" Word Featuring: Dr.Brittany Miskowiec
THMG Presents: Hazard Class Episode 0024The "S" WordFeaturing:Dr.Brittany Miskowiec
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Jake sits down with Dr. Brittany Miskowiec, a nationally recognized suicidologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to unpack the complex and often stigmatized topics of suicide prevention, PTSD, and mental health in emergency services. Brittany shares her unconventional journey into this work, key insights from years of supporting veterans and first responders, and practical advice on how to approach these critical conversations—with others and within ourselves.

RESOURCES & REFERENCES

- Wellness That Fits – https://www.wellnessthatfits.com
- LivingWorks – https://www.livingworks.net
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
- Mental Health First Aid – https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
- Dr. Nadine Burke Harris TED Talk – https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime

SEGMENT BREAKDOWN & TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – 1:22 | Introduction
1:23 – 2:59 | The Wheel of Stupid Questions
3:00 – 7:00 | Brittany’s Path to Suicide Prevention
7:01 – 11:18 | Suicide Awareness vs. Increasing Rates
11:19 – 14:22 | ACEs, Trauma, and Long-Term Health
14:23 – 20:16 | PTSD: Overdiagnosed or Misunderstood?
20:17 – 27:22 | Talking About Suicide: How to Approach the Conversation
27:23 – 31:00 | The Reality of First Responder Trauma
31:01 – 34:00 | Reforming Mental Health Training
34:01 – 36:11 | Who is Fit for This Work?
36:12 – 38:08 | Breaking the Stigma
38:09 – 40:38 | Resources and Final Thoughts

42 min

About HAZARD CLASS

From the publisher's feed

HAZARD CLASS is the podcast where the curiosity of genuine questions in and around the world of emergency services is met with the knowledge of leading experts in their fields.