Shift Change

Join us on Episode 62 of Shift Change as we talk with Heather Scott, a dedicated flight nurse and recent marathon conqueror!

Fresh off her incredible performance at the Des Moines Marathon, where she smashed her sub-4 hour goal after celebrating her 40th birthday, Heather shares the unfiltered story of challenging herself in a whole new way.

How do you train for a marathon while juggling the intense, ever-changing schedule of a flight nurse, being a mom to two active kids, a wife, daughter, and sister? Heather dives into the strategies she employed to balance it all: from tailored training plans and crucial nutrition and recovery tactics to the mental resilience required to stay focused despite chaotic work and sleep shifts.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in demanding fields, navigating busy family life, or setting ambitious athletic goals. Learn how Heather showed up for every aspect of her life—and crossed the finish line faster than ever.

Topics Covered:

• Finding time for marathon training on a flight nurse schedule.

• The essential role of nutrition and recovery for shift workers.

• Mental strategies for maintaining focus and motivation.

• Juggling an athletic pursuit with motherhood and family obligations.

• The power of setting and crushing a major goal after turning 40.

Sometimes, you participate in an event that changes you. The Folds of Iowa Ruck of Remembrance was one of those. On this episode of Shift Change, I'm sharing my full experience from this powerful 12-mile journey honoring our fallen heroes.

Join me as I recount the story, lap by challenging lap. We'll talk about the mental fortitude it takes to keep going and the crucial role that hydration and nutrition play when your body wants to quit. But beyond the physical, we'll talk about the human element—the incredible new friends made and the shared purpose that bonded us all together.

And to the Shift Change family—I am truly humbled. I'll be sharing a special message of gratitude for your overwhelming support of our fundraiser. Your donations are a direct lifeline, providing educational scholarships to the families of our veterans and first responders who have sacrificed so much. This one's for you. Thank you.

Iowa Folds of Honor email: [email protected] Folds of Honor website:Folds of Honor – IowaIowa Folds of Honor on Instagram: @foldsofhonoriowaFold of Honor website: Folds of Honor – Educational Scholarships for Military and First Responder FamiliesYouTube link for "Before the Call"

https://youtu.be/fMYnSr_VVOc?si=iOuC46vyrf4XnJEi

My friend, Des Moines Firefighter Malcolm Cortner, lived by a simple, powerful motto: "Do hard things."

He did hard things every day he put on his uniform, running toward danger to serve our community. He did hard things when he faced his battle with brain cancer, fighting with a strength and courage that inspired everyone around him.

Now, it’s our turn.

On October 11, 2025, I will be participating in the Folds of Honor Iowa Ruck of Remembrance, 20k ruck, carrying MFC's memory with every step. This event is a challenge, but it's a fitting tribute to a man who never shied away from one. I'm taking on this hard thing to honor him.

I'm raising money for Folds of Honor, an organization that supports the families of fallen and disabled first responders and service members by providing educational scholarships. It’s our chance to support the families of heroes just like MFC.

My goal is to raise at least $100 in his name. A donation of any amount helps continue his legacy of service and proves that we, too, can "do hard things" for others.

Thank you for your support.

https://runsignup.com/shiftchangepodcast

https://runsignup.com/Race/IA/WestDesMoines/TheRuckOfRemembrance?raceRefCode=eI7lcSuj

On this episode of the Shift Change podcast, we're joined by guest Michael Zweigart, a veteran of emergency services who has seen it all.

Michael takes us on a candid journey through his career—from his early days as a paramedic, to becoming a registered nurse, a flight nurse, and finally moving into an administrative leadership role.

But the climb to the top came at a cost. Michael opens up about the burnout he experienced, and how it led to a profound shift in his life. He shares the moment he realized he had to change course and how he discovered a new calling: helping his fellow first responders.

Now a certified instructor, Michael is bringing the power of yoga to the front lines. He discusses his new focus on health and wellness for first responders, explaining how his unique approach using the Yoga for First Responders protocol, tailored specifically for the demands of the job, helps manage stress, build resilience, and improve performance.

Tune in for a powerful conversation about the importance of mental and physical well-being and the unexpected paths to finding purpose and learn how this approach can help you at home and at work. 

R Wellness LLC

@michaelzweigart on Instagram

https://www.regulatemethod.com/

Ever feel like a single night shift throws your entire week into chaos? You’re not alone. In this episode of Shift Change, I’m opening up about my personal experience with the occasional night shift—the good, the bad, and the tired. I’ll walk you through my own lessons and the evolution of my strategies for preparing for and recovering from those disruptive nights. Learn what has worked for me, from my earliest attempts to my current, refined approach for staying on top of my game.

And for all the visual learners out there, we've got a big announcement! Shift Change is now on YouTube! Join us over there for even more content and insights to help you thrive on a 24/7 schedule. Just search for "Shift Change Podcast."

Chronic pain had me on the sidelines for too long. But when I made the decision to get a total hip replacement, it was about more than just getting my mobility back—it was about honoring a friend I lost too soon. In this episode, I'm taking you through the past 8 weeks of my recovery, celebrating the progress from barely being able to walk to starting my training. I'll open up about the limitations that made surgery a necessity and how the memory of my friend has become the fuel for my recovery. The ultimate goal? To complete a triathlon in his honor. This is a story about turning pain into purpose and using a promise to find strength in a new beginning.

On this episode of the Shift Change Podcast, we're joined by Deputy Fire Chief Tomme Tysdale from the Waukee Fire Department.

Waukee is making a name for itself with a brand-new, state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot public safety facility, but as we learn, the foundation of their success is even more impressive than the building itself.

Deputy Chief Tysdale pulls back the curtain on how Waukee is tackling some of the biggest topics in the fire service today. We discuss:

• The design and purpose behind their incredible new public safety building.

• Their proactive approach to mitigating cancer risks and changing the culture around health and safety.

• Why they are trialing the Portland Schedule and what they hope to learn about improving work-life balance for their members.

At the heart of it all is a simple but powerful philosophy: focus on the frontline worker. Tune in to hear how this principle has allowed Waukee Fire to build a culture of trust, innovation, and excellence, setting a new standard for a modern, proactive fire department.

In this week's episode of Shift Change, we're joined by an incredible guest who proves that a demanding career and a full family life don't mean you have to put your personal goals on hold.

Meet Hannah Davis: a powerhouse who works in public safety, is a dedicated mom and wife, and somehow finds the time—and energy—to compete in triathlons and even grueling half-Ironman races.

Hannah gets real with us about how she masters the juggle. We dive into the nitty-gritty of her training, her non-existent nutrition habits, and her approach to recovery. Most importantly, we explore how she navigates all of it while balancing the unpredictable demands of shift work with the love and support of her family.

If you've ever wondered how to find your own edge, push past your limits, or just manage a chaotic schedule, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Hannah's inspiring story and pick up practical tips you can use to fuel your own ambitions.

In this episode of the Shift Change Podcast, we delve into a critical distinction for first responders: the line between contentment and complacency. We explore how a healthy sense of contentment can foster well-being and peak performance, while complacency can subtly erode skills, vigilance, and ultimately, safety. Join us as we discuss real-world scenarios, offer insights on maintaining a sharp edge, and provide actionable strategies for staying present and prepared in the demanding world of emergency services.

Joel has been flying HEMS for 15 years in Iowa, Colorado and Washington. He also spent time as a FF/EMT while learning how to fly a helicopter. Joel has a unique insight to air medical operations as well as observing culture and team dynamics. He shares anecdotes and lessons on being a good teammate, navigating shift work and how to elevate yourself to be the standard. We also uncover potential opportunity for future collaboration and talk through past technical issues with remote guests.

This episode was recorded remotely with little to zero technical issues. This will open the door to expanding quests and topics across this platform. Only took me a year.....