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.....

The Shift Change Podcast - Ep. 53: Unmasking Men's Mental Health: From Hesitation to Dedication

This June, as we recognize Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, The Shift Change Podcast dives deep into a crucial conversation often shrouded in silence. In Episode 53, we explore the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental well-being, from the societal pressures that foster hesitation in seeking help to the practical paths towards healing.

Join us as we candidly discuss:

• The Weight of "Man Up": Why do men often feel a strong reluctance to seek mental health treatment? We'll unpack the pervasive societal expectations of stoicism and self-reliance that can prevent men from admitting struggles and reaching out for support.
• Beyond the Stigma: We'll highlight the real consequences of this hesitation, including the alarming statistics surrounding men's mental health and the importance of breaking down harmful stereotypes.
• Pathways to Progress: Discover a range of effective treatment options specifically tailored to men, from traditional talk therapy and CBT to alternative approaches and lifestyle changes that foster mental wellness. We'll emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• The Daily Dedication: Mental health is not a quick fix; it's a journey. We'll delve into the ongoing commitment required to reframe negative thought patterns, manage emotions, and build resilience. Learn about actionable strategies for incorporating mindfulness, positive affirmations, and self-care into your daily routine.

This episode is for anyone looking to better understand men's mental health, whether you're a man seeking support, a loved one wanting to offer help, or simply someone interested in fostering a more open and empathetic conversation around mental well-being. Let's shift the narrative and embrace a future where men feel empowered to prioritize their mental health every day.

This episode started as a test of remote equipment and turned into a chat about humility and the importance of being recognized for good work. Dustyn and I are working on an episode about mental health and wanted to see how the remote software works. After finding a few glitches we decide to meet up in person next week, but we had enough good conversation to put out some content.

We're back this week with a brand new episode. We catch up on events, go on a couple rants, talk about what makes a good public safety story and at the end I share "the greatest turkey hunting story ever told" which is about Malcolm's first turkey.

If you struggle with nutrition advice for your teen althelete I share two influencers that I follow on instagram who I believe puts out quality content and who I feel connects with my girls.

@kelseypoulter

@nutrition_with_wendi

I talk about an upcoming episode and suggest that friend of the show, BVL join me and talk about the challenges that face EMS in Iowa, and across the country.

Welcome to a deeply personal episode of The Shift Change Podcast. Join me as I sit down with Colton Rinehart, also known as “Chicken Legs”  to explore the profound life changes that come with embracing both marriage and fatherhood while navigating the demanding 24-on, 48-off schedule of the fire service.

In this conversation, Colton shares his experiences, the joys, and the unique challenges of balancing the unpredictable nature of emergency response with the consistent needs of a growing family. They delve into topics such as:

• Navigating crucial milestones: Missing birthdays, anniversaries, and those precious early moments due to shift commitments.

• Communication is key: Strategies for staying connected with your partner and children despite long absences.

• Finding the rhythm: Establishing routines and maximizing quality time during those crucial days off.

• The emotional toll: Addressing the guilt and the sacrifices made, and how to cope with the emotional weight.

• Building a supportive partnership: How spouses can navigate the demands of the job together.

• The unexpected blessings: Discovering the unique bond and perspective that this lifestyle can bring to family life.

Whether you're a fellow first responder, a partner of someone in the service, or simply curious about the realities of this demanding profession, this episode offers an intimate and honest look at the personal side of the fire service. Get ready for a candid discussion filled with vulnerability, resilience, and the unwavering love that fuels these everyday heroes.

Tune in to The Shift Change Podcast for this insightful conversation about the incredible journey of becoming a husband and a father while answering the call. 

 We recorded this episode right after the “Chicken Leg Challenge”.  Find out who won!