Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

Not everyone is wired for peer support—and choosing the wrong people can do more harm than good. In this episode, I’ll show you how to choose the right team members your people can actually trust.

How do you know if someone’s the right fit for your peer support team?

Let’s be honest—just because someone wants to be on the team doesn’t mean they should be. In fact, putting the wrong people in peer support roles can do real damage. Trust gets broken. Teams disengage. And the program quietly falls apart.

In this episode, I walk you through the traits of a strong peer supporter—and the red flags to watch out for.

Whether you’re building your first team or cleaning up one that’s not working, this episode gives you the clarity you need to choose team members who are grounded, trustworthy, and emotionally ready for the job.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• The six traits every peer supporter must have
• How to spot red flags before they create problems
• Why trust matters more than rank, credentials, or popularity

Peer support only works when your people trust the team. This episode shows you how to build that trust from the start.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

https://survivingyourshift.com/36

https://survivingyourshift.com/questions

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Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Thinking about launching a peer support program but unsure where to start? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to build a team your people will actually trust and use.

Thinking about starting a peer support program in your department or organization, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin?

You’re not alone. A lot of agencies know they need something in place, but either launch too quickly without structure, or stay stuck in planning mode for months.

And the worst part? Some programs do get started… but no one uses them.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through the clear, practical steps for starting a peer support program that works—not just on paper, but in real life.

Whether you’re building from the ground up or trying to fix a team that fizzled out, this episode gives you the roadmap to create something sustainable, trusted, and effective.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to get leadership buy-in and speak their language
• The most important step before choosing your team
• What every peer support program needs to last long-term

Starting a team doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does have to be done right. This episode will show you how.

Share This Episode

https://survivingyourshift.com/35

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Peer Support Programs eBook

Leave me a voicemail

International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

LivingWorks ASIST

QPR Suicide Intervention Training

Schedule a free discovery call

Peer Support & Crisis Training Info

This Week’s News Story

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Are there warning signs in your department you’re missing? In this episode, learn five red flags that signal it’s time to build—or rebuild—a peer support team that actually works.

Is your department ignoring the signs that your people are struggling?

When good people are burning out, leaving the job, or silently suffering through trauma, it’s not “just part of the job.” It’s a red flag. And if you don’t have a trusted, structured peer support team in place, the damage may already be happening under the surface.

Many organizations don’t act until something breaks—but by then, it might be too late.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through five warning signs that show your agency needs a peer support program—and what happens if you choose to ignore them. Whether you’re thinking about starting a team or realizing the one you have isn’t working, this episode gives you the clarity (and push) to take action.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The five red flags that reveal a lack of peer support
• What happens when you don’t act early enough
• How to turn things around with a team your people will actually trust

You don’t have to wait for tragedy to do the right thing. You can start building the support your team needs today.

Share This Episode: https://survivingyourshift.com/34

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 33: https://survivingyourshift.com/33

Schedule a free discovery call

QPR Suicide Intervention Training

Peer Support & CISM Training Info

Citations:

(2023, April 26). First Responders Suffering in Silence. Common Ground. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://commongroundhelps.org/first-responders-suffering-in-silence/

(2024, October 31). Peer Support for First Responders: Insights from an Expert. FHE Health. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://fherehab.com/learning/peer-support-first-responders

FEMA (2019, October 19). Strategies to Improve Firefighter Mental Health Awareness in the Dayton Fire Department. Fema.go

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

What is peer support—and why does it matter so much in high-stress jobs? In this episode, you’ll learn how it works, what it’s not, and why it’s saving lives on the front lines.

Ever wonder what peer support actually is—and why it seems like everyone’s talking about it lately?

Too many departments are using the term without really knowing what it means—or how to make it work. Worse, some well-meaning programs fail because they weren’t clearly defined or supported.

And if you’re thinking of starting a team—or you already have one that feels stuck—there’s a good chance the problem isn’t the people. It’s the lack of clarity, training, or purpose.

In this episode, I break down what peer support is, what it isn’t, and why it matters more than ever for first responders, medical professionals, and anyone working in a high-stress profession.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• What peer support is—and why it’s not the same as being a good friend
• The difference between Crisis Intervention Peer Support (CISM) and Comprehensive Peer Support
• The practical steps to build or improve a peer support program that actually helps

Whether you’re just getting started or trying to level up your existing team, this episode gives you a roadmap to do it right.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Share this episode

Schedule a free discovery call

QPR Suicide Intervention Training

CISM and Peer Support Training Info

Citations:

Jessica N. Jeruzal, Lori L. Boland, Monica S. Frazer, Jonathan W. Kamrud, Russell N. Myers, Charles J. Lick & Andrew C. Stevens (2018): Emergency Medical Services Provider Perspectives on Pediatric Calls: A Qualitative Study, Prehospital Emergency Care, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2018.1551450

(2025, May 7). A Qualitative Study on the Design and Implementation of a First Responder Operational Stress Injury Clinic. PubMed Central. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12059418

(ND). A Day Like No Other: A Case Study of the Las Vegas Mass Shooting. New Mexico Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Peer support can save careers—and lives. This episode reveals why Surviving Your Shift is narrowing its focus and how it will equip you to build a strong peer support culture in your organization.

Are you tired of seeing your coworkers burn out, break down, or just barely get by, and wondering what you can do to help?

You’re not alone. Many first responders and frontline professionals feel called to support their peers, but don’t know where to start—or if they’re even qualified.

This episode marks a big shift in the podcast. We’re going all in on peer support—what it is, why it works, and how to do it well. Whether you’re part of a peer support team or thinking about starting one, this show is now your go-to resource.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:

• Why peer support isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential to saving lives, money, and morale
• What kind of stories, guests, and training you can expect in future episodes
• How you can share your own story to help shape a practical guide for building peer teams that actually work

We’re not just talking about culture change—we’re helping you lead it.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Bart’s email: [email protected]

Send Bart a voicemail: survivingyourshift.com/voicemail

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Bart: stresscaredoc.com/consultation

Sources

(n.d.). 2024-Suicide-Prevention-Stand-Down-REV. Www.Iaff.org. https://www.iaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-Suicide-Prevention-Stand-Down-REV.pdf

(2024, December 9). The RISE (Resilience in Stressful Events) Peer Support Program: Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Healthcare Leadership Support for Staff Resilience and Well-Being. PubMed Central. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11639878/

(2023, March 8). Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder in paramedics in comparison to data from the general population of working age. A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Public Health. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1151248/full?utm_source=chatgpt.com

(2025, April 21). First Responder Suicide Rates, Mental Health Crises Rise. Government Technology. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.govtech.com/em/safety/first-re

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Feeling “off” but can’t explain why? This episode unpacks the hidden signs of long-term traumatic stress in first responders and frontline workers—and what you can do about it.

Are you more irritable, distant, or emotionally numb than you used to be?

You might think it’s just burnout, but what if it’s something deeper—like long-term traumatic stress?

If stress is piling up and showing up in unexpected ways, this episode will help you recognize the signs and take the first step toward healing.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• The difference between everyday stress and long-term traumatic stress
• Real-life symptoms you might be ignoring—mental, emotional, behavioral, and physical
• Five practical steps to get out of survival mode and start healing

You’re not broken—and you’re not alone. This conversation could be the first step toward reclaiming your health and humanity.

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: StressCareDoc.com

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Coming home after a tough shift and still feeling “on the clock”?

Today’s episode breaks down practical strategies to create boundaries between work and home, helping first responders reclaim personal time and be fully present for what matters most.

Have you ever felt like work stress follows you home?

It’s all too common for first responders and frontline professionals to replay calls, zone out, or snap at loved ones after a shift. Ignoring this problem can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and even physical health issues.

But here’s the good news: You can set healthy boundaries between work and home life. In this episode, I’ll guide you through practical, actionable steps to help you integrate work and personal life in a sustainable way—so you can thrive at both.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to decompress and transition from work mode to home mode.
• The power of creating a “transition ritual” and how it can change your mindset.
• Proven techniques to set limits on work texts, phone calls, and distractions at home.

Healthy boundaries allow you to show up fully—not just for work but for the people who matter most in your life.

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique:  Episode 28: Finding Calm in the Chaos

Transition Ritual Guide:  Episode 1: Snapping at Your Family After Shift? Try This

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Do negative thoughts play over and over in your head after a tough call, wondering what you could’ve done differently?

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-criticism that erodes your confidence and makes it hard to move forward. That nagging voice in your head can feel like a constant weight pulling you down.

But what if there was a way to break that loop and rewrite those stories? Cognitive Reframing can help you process those experiences in a healthier, more balanced way.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to identify and challenge negative thoughts.
• A step-by-step process to reframe those thoughts into opportunities for growth.
• Practical tips to apply this skill in real-time.

Negative thoughts don’t have to control your narrative. Shift your perspective and discover how to turn tough experiences into catalysts for growth.

Liked this episode? Share it with someone who needs it! Don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe for more actionable strategies.

Connect with Dr. Bart J. Leger:

Website: The Stress Care Doc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/

Facebook: @stresscaredoc

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of the job? The fast pace, critical decisions, and unpredictable nature of frontline work can add up, even when we think we’re in control.

Frontline work brings intense pressure, and managing stress is essential. In today’s episode, you’ll learn a quick, adaptable mindfulness technique that you can use anytime to find calm amidst chaos.

Today’s episode introduces the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique, a powerful mindfulness exercise to bring focus and calm during high-stress moments. You can use it anytime, anywhere, to find clarity and reduce anxiety.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• A simple mindfulness technique to manage stress in the moment
• How to engage your senses to ground yourself and find focus
• Practical steps to incorporate this exercise into your daily routine

Remember, taking a moment for self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Try this technique the next time stress sneaks up on you.

CONNECT WITH BART 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/ | https://stresscaredoc.com

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Are you equipped to recognize and prevent suicide in those around you?

Many people miss the signs of mental health struggles and feel helpless when loved ones are at risk. This episode dives into actionable ways you can make a difference.

Shayna Klassen, National Training Director for QPR Institute, shares her journey from addiction and recovery to becoming a leader in suicide prevention. Discover the life-saving impact of QPR training and how you can get involved in preventing suicide.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: 

• How Shayna’s personal journey led her to suicide prevention and the QPR Institute
• The unique elements that set QPR apart from other suicide intervention models
• How easy it is to become a QPR-certified gatekeeper or instructor to make a positive impact

Join us to learn how you can be a part of the solution in suicide prevention.

CONNECT WITH SHAYNA KLASSEN

Website: QPR Institute

Email: [email protected]

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

•QPR Gatekeeper and Instructor Training Information

CONNECT WITH BART:

Website: https://stresscaredoc.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.