You may have never thought your agency’s chaplain had anything to offer you. But today’s guest, Jim Bontrager may surprise you with how down-to-earth and practical your chaplain can be when you really need them.

Have you ever wondered what a chaplain’s good for?

You’re not the first to think your organization’s chaplain can’t help you because you’re not religious.

It may surprise you to hear that your chaplain’s main responsibility is not religious.

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

• How early life challenges can be transformed into opportunities for profound personal and professional growth.
• The unique role of a chaplain in providing support and building trust within your community.
• Strategies for striking a balance between responsibilities at work and personal life, as well as how these experiences might improve your capacity for leadership and service.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH Jim Bontrager

LINKEDIN | WEBSITE

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Being a first responder or working on the front lines means you’re facing stuff most people can’t imagine. Today, I’m talking with Dr. George Everly, Jr with ICISF, as he discusses how to develop what he calls Psychological Body Armor.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress in your frontline career? You might be missing crucial techniques to manage it effectively.

Many professionals struggle silently with stress, not realizing the toll it takes on their health and productivity.

Dr. George Everly, Jr. shares practical strategies that can transform how you handle stress, leading to improved health and job satisfaction.

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

• The historical development of the concept of stress and its impact on health.
• How attitudes and preventive strategies can significantly reduce stress-related risks.
• Techniques from Dr. Everly's "Psychological Body Armor™" training that can fortify your mental resilience.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH DR. EVERLY: LINKEDIN | WEBSITE

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

In this episode of Surviving Your Shift, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a pioneer of the "bulletproof mind," talks about mental resilience and self-control for first responders. Join us as he shares insights from his extensive experience in law enforcement training, focusing on how to thrive both on duty and beyond.

Are you constantly jumping from one emergency to another with barely a moment to breathe, let alone process what you’ve just experienced? The weight of being everyone's lifeline during their worst moments bears down, making it harder each time to gear up and do it all over again.

You might be making the mistake of underestimating the power of a bulletproof mind.

Let's explore how you can keep operating at peak performance under pressure.

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

• The profound effects of sleep deprivation on personal and professional performance.
• Techniques for enhancing mental resilience and maintaining calm in critical situations.
• Practical tips for managing stress and emotional responses in high-stakes environments.

Remember, every step towards mastering your mind and body significantly enhances your effectiveness and safety on the job.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

CONNECT WITH LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN: | GrossmanOnTruth.com

LEARN MORE FROM BART: CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Rediscover the joy and passion in your career with today's episode of Surviving Your Shift. Dive deep into practical strategies for overcoming burnout and rekindling that initial spark that drew you to your job.

Feeling drained and disconnected from the job you once loved? You're not alone.

The daily grind can often leave us feeling burnt out, sapping the enthusiasm we once had for our work.

It's time to confront this challenge head-on and rediscover what made you passionate about your career in the first place.

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

• The root causes of lost enthusiasm at work and how to tackle them effectively.
• The power of connection and reflection in revitalizing your career joy.
• Practical steps to integrate small changes for a big impact on your daily work satisfaction.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Does every workday feel like you're just going through the motions, drained of the passion that once fueled you? In this episode, you’ll discover 3 powerful strategies to rekindle your drive and reignite the fire within - renewing your sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the career you've chosen.

When was the last time you felt really engaged and motivated at work?

For many first responders and high-stress professionals, the fire and passion that originally inspired your career can burn out over time, leaving you just counting down the hours.

You may still show up, but your heart isn't in it anymore. If this sounds familiar, don't give up - you can rekindle that fire and reignite your sense of purpose.

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

• Three powerful strategies to snap you out of autopilot mode and reconnect with your "why"
• How to realign your current role with your core values to renew your enthusiasm
• Simple mindset shifts to transform your perspective from obligated to inspired

Don't resign yourself to going through the motions. With these tips, you can regain the drive and motivation to truly thrive in your career.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

If you’ve ever worried about life after retirement, today’s guest can help. After 21 years in the Coast Guard, Kenneth Macgregor was medically retired, and he’s here to share his journey of adapting to this major life transition and how he found a new purpose.

Are you struggling to find purpose and identity after a major life transition?

For many veterans and first responders, being medically retired can feel like losing a core part of who you are, and this loss of identity and sense of purpose can be devastating.

Kenneth Macgregor faced this head-on after being medically retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, and in this powerful conversation, he shares his journey of adapting and thriving despite the challenges.

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

• Practical strategies for coping with the emotional impact of medical retirement or career loss
• The importance of peer support networks and not isolating yourself during life transitions
• How to reframe your mindset from what you've lost to embracing your life's "next chapter"

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH Ken Macgregor 

EMAIL: [email protected]

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Sleep impacts every aspect of our lives, but many struggle to get quality rest, especially shift workers. Today’s guide, Dr. Phillip Conner, discusses common sleep issues, provides practical tips for better sleep hygiene, and explains how insufficient sleep can dangerously impair performance.

Are you having trouble feeling rested and alert during the day?

Many people, especially those working shifts or irregular schedules, struggle to get quality sleep, but poor sleep doesn't just leave you feeling groggy - it can actually impair your reaction time, judgment, and safety on the job.

If you've been writing off fatigue as "just getting older" or trying to power through, you could be putting yourself and others at risk. But better sleep is within reach after this insightful conversation with Dr. Phillip Conner.

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

• Common medical issues and medications that can disrupt sleep (and what to do about them)
• The consequences of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and safety
• Practical tips for better "sleep hygiene" habits and when to seek professional help for persistent sleep troubles

Don't let sleep deficits hold you back. This episode provides insights to help you prioritize high-quality sleep.

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH Dr. Phillip Conner 

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE

CONNECT WITH BART: Website

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are other people who truly understand the challenges of your career and life, this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Cherie Castellano, shares how to harness the power of connection through shared experiences and peer support.

When was the last time you felt truly understood?

As a professional with a high-demand career, it’s easy to believe that no one really knows what you’re going through, and it’s hard to know where to turn for support.

Thankfully, licensed behavioral healthcare professional and a national expert in peer support, Cherie Castellano, is here to help as we discuss lightening your load, finding someone to talk to who gets you, and helping your peers at the same time. 

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

• How peer support differs from traditional therapy and why it’s especially beneficial for individuals working in high-stress careers
• Why reciprocal peer support is crucial for building resilient communities
• The importance of self-care and what that can look like as a busy professional

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations lose money every day to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH Cherie Castellano 

https://www.facebook.com/people/VolunPeer/61554140836695/ | https://volunpeer.us/

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

For many people, it can be challenging to leave work stress at the office and fully embrace your downtime. But this episode of Surviving Your Shift tackles that very challenge and shares a powerful Transition Ritual to help you flip the switch from your professional to your personal life.

When was the last time you wasted an entire evening or weekend worrying about work?

For a lot of busy professionals, leaving work at work and truly enjoying your downtime can be challenging.

If the weight of your job has been seeping into your life outside the office, this episode offers a powerful solution that will help you make that shift from your professional life to your personal life.

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

• How to create a routine to shed the day's work stress that starts the moment you get home 
• The ways journaling or meditation can clear your mind and reset you emotionally
• The secret to being fully present with your family rather than letting your mind wander back to work

Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger 

Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!

This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday to workplace stress and employee turnover. I deliver the training and structure they need to develop a resilient workforce. Organizations that work with us provide their employees with the supportive workplace they deserve.

CONNECT WITH BART: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Transition Ritual Guide: Download

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Do you feel like your high-stress career as a first responder or frontline professional is sucking the life out of your life? Join host Bart Leger on "Surviving Your Shift," where he unveils upcoming practical strategies and personal stories to help you thrive in your high-demand career and finish strong.Liked this episode? Share it and tag me @bartleger Love the show? Leave a review and let me know!This podcast is sponsored by The Stress Care Doc. Organizations are losing money everyday...

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Houston Area CISM GRIN Training

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.