Send us a text

What if the heroes who rush toward danger need saving themselves? Join us as Pete, a former sheriff deputy, SWAT member, FTO, and fire arms instructor in Colorado, opens up about his arduous journey through trauma, mental health struggles, and recovery. With service spanning over a decade, Pete shares his deeply personal story, from a head injury at 18 months old to the relentless challenges faced in law enforcement. His struggle with chronic sleep issues led to alcohol addiction, a battle he eventually conquered, illuminating the often unseen mental health battles that first responders endure.

In our conversation, Pete courageously tackles the stigma of PTSD and prescription medication, revealing how he navigated these challenges while maintaining a demanding professional life. Discover the difficult decisions he made, such as taking a leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act, and his experiences with medications like Lexapro and Xanax. As perceptions of mental health slowly evolve, Pete's story underscores the critical need for awareness and support in professional environments, offering hope and inspiration for change.

Connect with Pete at AMS Foundation
https://asmfoundation.com/

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

Discover the hidden connections within your brain and how they shape your responses to stress and trauma. Ever wondered why certain situations trigger intense emotions out of nowhere? We explore the concept of emotional flashbacks and neurotags, revealing how past experiences intertwine with present triggers to ignite these powerful reactions. Through relatable scenarios, we explain the science behind this phenomenon, demonstrating why the phrase "neurons that fire together wire together" holds so much significance in understanding our emotional responses.

We delve into the dual nature of anger, contrasting the destructive force of a hyperactive fight response with the healthy expression of anger. By highlighting the physical and emotional toll of staying in a perpetual state of heightened alert, especially on those like first responders, we emphasize the importance of completing the stress cycle. Through vivid analogies and real-life examples, we illustrate how unexpressed anger can become lodged within the body, manifesting as chronic stress, memory issues, and even physical pain. Our discussion equips you with insights to recognize these patterns and the potential for profound change.

Lastly, we embark on a journey toward healing, offering hope and strategies for those trapped in an overactive fight state. Understanding the signs—such as controlling behaviors, insomnia, and hypervigilance—can be the first step toward reclaiming your wellbeing. While these patterns might feel ingrained, they are not unchangeable. We share tools and encouragement to choose healthier pathways, emphasizing the continuous work required to rewire our nervous systems. Before wrapping up, we provide a sneak peek into our next discussion, where we'll shift focus to the freeze response, examining its complexities and impact. Join us as we navigate these intricate layers of the human experience.

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets of your brain's survival instincts as we explore the protective outputs of the nervous system, focusing on the well-known responses of fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Learn how understanding these mechanisms can empower you to manage anxiety and improve your emotional regulation. We'll discuss how the amygdala, our brain's alarm system, sometimes triggers heightened responses even in safe settings, and why recognizing these signals can transform how we interact with the world.

Dive into the intricate dance of the flight response, especially pertinent to those in high-stress roles like public safety and first responders. Discover how this response, designed to channel energy and enhance focus, can lead to health challenges when overactive, manifesting in issues like sleep disturbances and workaholism. We'll break down the physical changes your body undergoes and explore the psychological impacts that can blur the lines between professional and personal life.

Join our conversation on the profound effects of anxiety as a nervous system response, where work stress can spill over into our home environments, potentially disrupting personal relationships. Through personal stories, we shed light on the importance of reinterpreting anxiety signals to prevent them from escalating into panic or depression. Our ongoing discussion invites you to prepare your questions for future episodes, as we continue to unravel the complexities of the nervous system's protective outputs. Stay tuned for an in-depth exploration of the fight response, promising more insights around the fire next time.

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

What if the toughest battles are the ones we fight within ourselves? Retired firefighter and paramedic Michael Major joins us for a raw and insightful exploration into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by first responders. Having dedicated over 23 years to a high-stakes career, Michael opens up about how the pressures of his job affected his personal life, relationships, and mental health. He shares his story of dealing with emotional repression, isolation, and the daily struggle to find motivation amid overwhelming stress. Michael's candid reflections offer a window into the mental toll of careers that require constant resilience.

Throughout our conversation, we tackle the lingering stigma surrounding mental health, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging signs of burnout and seeking help before reaching a breaking point. We discuss innovative therapies like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, which offer new hope for those feeling lost in their mental clutter. Michael shares his personal journey with psychedelic therapies, illustrating how such treatments can open new perspectives and aid in resetting the mind. The episode also challenges traditional notions of toughness and career longevity, examining the impact of intergenerational trauma and the evolving attitudes toward emotional openness.

The pursuit of balance in life and self-care emerges as a vital theme in our discussion. We explore strategies for managing stress and the critical role of community support in personal growth. From embracing new self-care practices to savoring the simple joys of Thanksgiving carbs, we delve into the continuous journey of self-healing. Michael's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being open to new perspectives, questioning long-held beliefs, and prioritizing emotional well-being. Join us as we navigate the complexities of mental health and uncover the transformative potential of embracing change and gratitude.

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

Ever felt like your mind and body are playing a game of tug-of-war? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of mastering the nervous system, guided by personal stories and hands-on experiences with neurosomatics and applied neurology. Together with my co-host Winston, we promise to unlock the secrets of how the intricate dance between the brain and body can transform patterns of thought and behavior. This isn't just about understanding; it's about experiencing meaningful change by prioritizing the nervous system over cognitive approaches.

Imagine your unresolved emotions as items piling up in a garage—our second chapter shines a light on this metaphor. We explore how life's stressors can overflow if left unchecked, emphasizing the critical role of emotional regulation and integration in healing. By re-patterning your nervous system, you can develop resilience against old triggers and enhance your capacity for stress. Our journey is personal and non-linear, requiring patience and commitment, as we navigate towards personal growth and transformation.

Finally, we explore the brain's adaptability, likening it to moldable Play-Doh, which allows for incredible potential change through neuroplasticity. We take a deep look into the nature of anxiety and the body's response to perceived threats, and we focus on the importance of regulating the nervous system to maintain balance. Understand the protective responses like fight, flight, freeze, and fawn, and learn to communicate about them effectively. Listen in to enrich your understanding and discover new ways to foster healthier behaviors and connections.

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

Tune in for a quick preview on what's to come with the Sit Around the Fire Podcast. I will be sharing a bit of my heart and the "why" behind this unique platform. I cannot wait to sit around the fire with you. 

Link to the website below!

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1

Send us a text

Get a preview of what is to come with the new Sit Around the Fire Podcast!

🔥Let's Be Friends

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EjJ6tMtyk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/sitaroundthefire.co?igsh=MTN2OTljNTNqYjJwaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.tiktok.com/@sitaroundthefire.co?_t=ZP-8zNMiGL9hl8&_r=1