Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

Growing up in a family rooted in law enforcement and education, Alan Cormier shares how his journey led him to advocate for mental health support within the first responder community. From impactful personal experiences to founding the nonprofit “With You,” Alan’s story is one of resilience and community care.

What are the signs that burnout and stress are affecting your health and relationships?

Burnout and the mental toll of high-stress jobs can go unnoticed until they start impacting health and family life. Allen Cormier’s journey highlights the importance of self-awareness and mental health support in the first responder community.

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

• How Alan’s personal experience in law enforcement inspired his mental health advocacy
• Practical strategies first responders can use to manage stress and improve well-being
• The role of community and support networks in creating sustainable mental health changes

Join us in this conversation as Allen Cormier shares his story and actionable steps to help first responders thrive, not just survive.

CONNECT WITH Allen

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/WithYouSWLA

WEBSITE: withyouswla.org

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.

Managing stress in high-pressure careers can feel overwhelming. Today’s guest, Dr. Anna Fitch Courie, Chief Wellbeing Officer at Clemson University, shares practical strategies to help you stay mentally and physically healthy in demanding environments.

Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of your high-stress job?

Many professionals in high-pressure careers neglect their own wellbeing, leading to burnout and health issues.

But what if you could take control of your wellbeing and thrive even in the toughest moments? In this episode, we explore how.

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

• Practical strategies for managing stress in high-pressure environments.
• How to integrate wellbeing practices into your daily routine.
• The importance of intentionality in cultivating a balanced life.

Don’t let stress dictate your life—learn how to thrive, not just survive.

CONNECT WITH Dr. Anna Fitch Courie 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacourie/

https://annacourie.com/

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

FirstNet: https://www.firstnet.gov/

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results Book: https://amzn.to/3N3kPbC

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 struggling with burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed as a first responder? Retired firefighter paramedic Matthew Matty Fiorenza joins us to share his journey through PTSD and anxiety and how he’s now helping first responders find healing and support. Tune in for practical steps to protect your mental health.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a first responder?

It’s common to experience burnout and stress, but it doesn’t have to be your daily reality. Retired firefighter paramedic Matt Fiorenza knows this struggle firsthand, and in this episode, he shares his journey from PTSD to finding healing and purpose in supporting other first responders.

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

•How Matt turned his pain into purpose by helping first responders heal

•Practical steps to protect your mental health and build resilience

•The importance of finding the right support and community for your journey

Don’t wait until burnout takes over—listen now and discover the steps you can take today to protect your mental health.

CONNECT WITH Matt Fiorenza 

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

PTSD 911 Movie: https://ptsd911movie.com/

Recovery First Treatment Centers: https://recoveryfirst.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 anxious about what life will be like after you retire? In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart, author of the book Surviving Retirement: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment Beyond the Badge, shares practical strategies to help you survive and thrive in retirement.

Have you ever wondered what life will look like after you hang up your uniform for the last time?

Retirement can bring more anxiety than excitement for many first responders, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart helps you navigate the challenges of transitioning out of your career, from finding new purpose to avoiding common pitfalls.

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

• How to prepare for retirement beyond just finances and healthcare.
• The importance of maintaining a strong support system during retirement.
• Key strategies to find purpose and thrive in your post-career life.

Don’t let retirement catch you off guard—equip yourself with the tools and insights shared in this episode to embrace this new chapter with confidence and purpose.

CONNECT WITH DR. BAUMGART 

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

Website: https://www.drbaumgart.com/

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Book: Surviving Retirement: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment Beyond the Badge https://amzn.to/3yRFwnI

The Proud Police Wife Podcast with Cyndi Doyle: https://proudpolicewife.com/hold-the-line-support-for-police-families/

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.

Join Bart Leger as he interviews Tiffany Atalla, a trauma therapist specializing in first responder family support. Learn how Tiffany combines her personal experience and professional expertise to strengthen first responder families and provide innovative trauma care techniques.

What does it take to support first responders and their families in the toughest times?

If you’re a first responder or someone close to them, you might be struggling with maintaining family relationships amid the pressures of the job.

In this episode, Bart and Tiffany discuss how proactive family support and trauma care can make all the difference. Tiffany shares strategies for maintaining strong relationships and effective trauma therapy, including equine-assisted therapy and innovative practices.

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

• How to support first responder families through proactive care and education.
• The importance of integrating mental health and wellness programs in first responder departments.
• Unique approaches like equine-assisted therapy that offer powerful healing for trauma.

Don’t miss out on Tiffany’s invaluable insights on how to thrive as a first responder and in your personal life.

CONNECT WITH TIFFANY 

Website: https://bestsolutionstherapy.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-atalla-573937126

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Living Blue Book: https://amzn.to/3YS9SRE

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.

Navigating the intense challenges of being a first responder requires more than just physical strength. Matt Domyancic, a chaplain and former SWAT officer, shares his unique approach to wellness and spiritual care, blending fitness, mindfulness, and proactive support.

Are you facing the pressures of a high-stress career and wondering how to maintain balance and purpose?

First responders often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress, trauma, and the demands of their profession. The question is, how can you protect your mental, emotional, and physical health before a crisis hits?

In this episode, Matt Domyancic discusses how he integrates fitness, mindfulness, and spiritual care to support first responders. He emphasizes the importance of proactive wellness and building strong relationships within the community to prevent burnout and breakdowns.

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

• The significance of building awareness of mental, emotional, and physical health early in your career.
• Why proactive wellness strategies can prevent common pitfalls in high-stress professions.
• How integrating spiritual practices can enhance resilience and purpose in your life.

If you’re looking to thrive in your career, not just survive, this episode offers the insights and practical steps you need.

CONNECT WITH MATT

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | LINKEDIN

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts from an Injured Mind by Mark Bouchard

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 struggling to leave the emotional weight of your job at work? Join Dr. David Weill, former director of Stanford’s Center for Advanced Lung Disease, as he shares how to manage the mental and emotional strain of high-stress careers using his three F’s method—Family, Friends, and Faith.

Do you find it difficult to separate your work stress from your personal life?

Handling the emotional highs and lows of a high-stress career can feel overwhelming, especially when it starts to affect your relationships at home.

You might be making the mistake of carrying the weight of your job into your personal life. In this episode, Dr. David Weill reveals the key to managing stress without letting it spill into your home life—his three F’s method.

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

• How to prevent your job from taking over your personal life.
• The importance of staying connected with family, friends, and faith.
• Practical tips for maintaining mental and emotional wellness in high-pressure environments.

Remember, it’s not just about surviving your shift—it’s about thriving in your career and personal life.

CONNECT WITH DR. WEILL

LINKEDIN | WEBSITE

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

Dr. Weill’s Books

Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant - https://amzn.to/4fC1OdB

All That Really Matters - https://amzn.to/46JaZVv

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.

Navigating workplace politics can be a minefield. In this episode, discover practical tips to maintain your integrity and thrive in your role without getting sucked into the drama of organizational politics.

Ever feel like you’re caught in the crossfire of workplace politics?

Navigating the tricky waters of organizational politics can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether you’re dealing with conflicting priorities or unspoken rules, the pressure to perform while managing relationships with supervisors and peers can make it tough to stay focused and maintain your integrity.

But what if you could navigate these challenges effectively and come out on top?

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

• How to identify and understand the unspoken rules and power dynamics in your workplace.
• Strategies for building positive relationships and trust among colleagues.
• Practical tips for documenting important conversations and decisions to protect yourself.

With these insights and strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle workplace politics and advance your career without compromising your values.

Don’t miss this episode – your career could depend on it!

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

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.

Ever faced a split-second decision that goes against your values or witnessed a tragedy you couldn’t prevent? Join us as we explore moral injury, its impact on mental health, and practical strategies to cope.

Have you ever made a split-second decision that went against your values or witnessed something that left you feeling deeply conflicted?

If you’re in the people-helping profession, chances are you’ve faced situations like these. These moments can leave a mark on your conscience, making you question your actions and your role.

In this episode, we explore what moral injury is, its impact on your mental health, and practical strategies to cope.

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

• What moral injury is and how it affects first responders.
• Practical steps to acknowledge and process your feelings.
• Strategies to seek support and practice self-care effectively.

Remember, it’s okay to feel the way you do. Moral injury is a heavy burden, but it’s something you can work through. By acknowledging your feelings, reflecting and reframing your experiences, seeking support, engaging in self-care, and setting boundaries, you can start to heal.

Take small steps each day towards recovery and know that healing is possible. Reach out, take care of yourself, and remember, there’s hope and support available for you. Keep moving forward, and know that brighter days are ahead.

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

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.

Missing family events due to shift work can be tough. Discover practical strategies to stay connected with loved ones, even when you can’t be there in person, from using technology to creating flexible celebrations.

Are you struggling to stay connected with your family due to the demands of shift work or being on-call?

Missing out on family events and special moments can lead to feelings of guilt and disconnection.

Join us as we explore practical strategies for bridging the gap and keeping family bonds strong, even when you can’t be there in person. From leveraging technology to creating new traditions, we’ll cover it all.

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

• How to use technology to stay virtually present during important family moments.
• The importance of scheduling quality time and creating new family traditions.
• Effective communication strategies to keep everyone on the same page and involved.

Remember, it’s not about the specific day, but the quality of the time you spend together. Put these strategies to work to maintain strong family connections, even when work keeps you away from home. Don’t miss out on learning how to turn these challenges into opportunities for deeper connections!

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

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.