In this episode, host Christian Lane speaks with Captain Willow Bloomquist of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department. Willow shares her journey from various jobs to becoming a firefighter, her experiences in wildfire prevention, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation delves into the challenges and responsibilities of volunteer firefighting, including training, liability, and the dynamics of leading a volunteer team. Willow emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships within the community and the fire department, especially during critical incidents like the Wesley Ridge fire.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Willow Bloomquist and Dashwood Fire Department

08:28
Willow's Journey to Firefighting

13:28
Understanding Danger in Firefighting

15:15
Reading Smoke: A Critical Skill

19:50
Incident Command Decision Making

23:24
Liability in Volunteer Fire Departments

29:33
Attracting and Retaining Volunteer Firefighters

43:53
Wesley Ridge Fire Experience

54:31
Community Engagement and Support 

To learn more or connect with the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department visit https://dashwoodvfd.com/ or contact Capt. Bloomquist directly at [email protected]. 

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In this episode, Christian Lane interviews Heather Edward, a seasoned paramedic leader who has transitioned from frontline work to leadership roles and now healthcare philanthropy. Heather discusses her early influences, the challenges of leadership, the importance of mental health, and her current research on paramedic leaders' mental health. She emphasizes the need for open dialogue, self-reflection, and the importance of supportive peer networks in navigating the complexities of leadership in paramedicine.

Takeaways

• Heather's early family influences shaped her understanding of mental health.
• Transitioning from frontline work to leadership requires courage and support.
• Women often need encouragement to step into leadership roles.
• Disruptive leadership can challenge the status quo for positive change.
• Self-reflection is crucial for effective leadership.
• Admitting mistakes is a sign of strong leadership.
• Conflict in leadership can be navigated with open dialogue.
• Finding the right environment is essential for personal growth.
• Leaders often feel alone in their responsibilities.
• Organizational culture significantly impacts leaders' mental health.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Heather Edward

01:42
Heather's Early Life and Influences

03:57
Transitioning from Frontline to Leadership

06:40
The Role of Women in Leadership

09:04
Disrupting the Status Quo in Leadership

11:32
Navigating Leadership Challenges

15:38
The Importance of Self-Reflection

17:49
Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

18:58
Dealing with Conflict in Leadership

24:26
Finding the Right Environment for Growth

25:58
The Value of Being Uncomfortable

28:44
Feeling Alone in Leadership

30:41
Building a Supportive Peer Network

32:29
Balancing Frontline Responsibilities with Leadership

36:54
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Mental Health

39:21
Researching Mental Health in Paramedic Leadership

44:34
Anticipated Themes from the Research

49:32
The Future of Paramedic Leadership and Mental Health

57:15
Conclusion and Next Steps

🔗 Links

• Heather Edward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-edward-669a14270/
• Paramedic Association of Canada: paramedic.ca
• Resources Mentioned:
  • The Working Mind (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
    
    
  • Bell Let’s Talk – Mental Health Initiatives
    
    
  • Wounded Warriors Canada
    – Trauma-informed programs for first responders and veterans

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The Honourable Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, a trailblazer whose courage reshaped the face of Canadian law enforcement and whose leadership continues to drive inclusion, justice, and empathy across our country.

Senator Dhillon made history in 1991 when he became the first turbaned Sikh RCMP officer, following a national controversy that tested Canada’s commitment to diversity and religious freedom. What began as an act of faith became a turning point in our national story — one that continues to inspire generations of Canadians to serve authentically and without compromise.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The personal and public cost of challenging tradition and standing in truth
• Lessons from 25 years of service with the RCMP, including leading investigations into organized crime and homicide
• The evolving identity of Canadian policing and public service
• The role of empathy, community, and representation in rebuilding trust
• His transition to the Senate of Canada and what true public service means today

Senator Dhillon’s story is not only about breaking barriers — it’s about building bridges between communities, faiths, and institutions, reminding us that courage and compassion are not opposing forces, but necessary partners in the pursuit of justice.

Learn More:

• Senate of Canada Profile: https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/dhillon-baltej-s/
• Official Instagram:https: https://www.instagram.com/senatorbaltejsdhillon/
• Canadian Encyclopedia:  https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/baltej-dhillon-case

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Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a survival tool. Yet for first responders, veterans, shift workers, and high performers, it’s usually the first thing sacrificed. 

On this episode we're joined by Dr. Leah Kaylor — a prescribing psychologist, trauma specialist, and the FBI’s go-to expert on sleep. She blends neuroscience, trauma therapy, and performance psychology to help elite professionals recover, reset, and thrive. 

We cover: 

• Why “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is one of the most dangerous myths in our culture
• How your brain literally “takes out the trash” every night during sleep
• The critical role of REM sleep in trauma processing and emotional regulation
• Sleep avoidance as an unhealthy coping mechanism — and how to break it
• The truth about alcohol, shift work, and sleep apnea in first responder populations
• Cutting-edge treatments like Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares
• Practical strategies you can use tonight to improve your sleep

Dr. Kaylor is also the author of If Sleep Were a Drug — a science-backed, no-nonsense guide to unlocking the performance, health, and mental clarity you’re missing when you neglect sleep.

📕 If Sleep Were a Drug (Available now):
 

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/If-Sleep-Were-Drug/dp/164687150X
• Dr. Kaylor’s Website: https://www.drleahkahler.com

▶️ Connect with Dr. Leah Kaylor:
 

• Website: https://drleahkaylor.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drleahkaylor/
• YouTube (Sleep Science & Practical Strategies): https://www.youtube.com/@DrLeahKaylor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahkaylor/

🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone in your life who needs better rest.
 

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Master Corporal (Ret’d) James Gendron’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and the healing power of music. Over a 29-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, James performed 63 ramp ceremonies in Afghanistan—solemn farewells for fallen soldiers making their final journey home. Those experiences left deep scars, leading him to put down his bagpipes altogether.

Years later, the pipes returned to him in the most unexpected way—culminating in a powerful moment at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, where Prince Harry publicly honoured James for transforming what once haunted him into a source of healing.

In this conversation, we explore:

• James’ path from cadets to 29 years of military service
• The stark contrast between combat operations in Afghanistan and humanitarian missions in Sri Lanka
• The emotional toll of ramp ceremonies and the burden of remembrance
• How music became both a trigger and a lifeline
• His Invictus Games journey, the moment with Prince Harry, and life after service

James now serves his community as a volunteer firefighter and continues to share his story to help others navigate trauma, healing, and resilience.

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This episode of goes deep with Corporal Peter MacDonald, a veteran RCMP officer with nearly 18 years of service across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.

From his early days in frontline policing to the intense files that shaped his career, Peter speaks candidly about the weight of trauma, the moments that nearly broke him, and the path back through therapy, honesty, and support. Today, he serves as a Member Services NCO and a leader in the RCMP’s National Reintegration Program, helping colleagues navigate long-term leave, recovery, and the return to work.

We talk about:

• The reality of witnessing death and the long shadow it can cast.
• How operational stress injuries develop—and what it takes to process them.
• Why vulnerability and openness aren’t weakness but strength.
• The culture shift inside policing around mental health.
• Strategies for self-care, resilience, and rediscovering identity beyond the badge.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about what it means to serve, to struggle, and to find your way back.

Guest Contact:
Peter can be reached via email at [email protected] or through the Langley RCMP detachment.

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In this episode, host Christian Lane interviews firefighter, veteran, and founder of Victory Medals, Andrew Siwy, who shares his journey from childhood bullying to military service and firefighting. Andrew discusses the impact of his experiences on his mental health, the significance of self-awareness, and the challenges faced during his deployments in Afghanistan. He reflects on the importance of understanding intent in human interactions and the ethical complexities of military duty, emphasizing the need for compassion and humanity in service roles. In this conversation, Andrew shares his journey from military service to becoming a firefighter, detailing the mental health challenges he faced and the importance of support systems in recovery. He recounts a traumatic incident during the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival and discusses the need for recognition of sacrifices made by first responders. Andrew emphasizes the significance of mental health strategies and the role of community support in navigating trauma. 

 Chapters 

00:00Introduction to Andrew Siwy's Journey 

02:52Overcoming Childhood Bullying 

05:44Self-Awareness and Reflection 

08:09The Impact of 9/11 on Military Aspirations 

10:58Joining the Canadian Armed Forces 

13:24First Deployment to Afghanistan 

21:36Cultural Shock in Kandahar 

27:09Second Deployment and Special Forces Experience 

35:05The Complexity of Military Ethics 

40:36Reflections on Duty and Humanity 

44:29Understanding the Military Mindset 

45:18The Journey Through Mental Health Challenges 

46:10Crisis and Recovery: A Personal Story 

52:34The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 

55:25Navigating Trauma in First Response 

01:00:05Responding to Tragedy: The Lapu-Lapu Day Incident 

01:11:32Personal Growth and Mental Health Strategies 

01:14:17Honoring Service: The Importance of Recognition 

01:20:32Advocating for Civilian Recognition of Sacrifice 

keywords military, service, resilience, mental health, bullying, Afghanistan, Canadian Armed Forces, firefighting, leadership, special forces, military mindset, mental health, first responders, crisis recovery, support systems, trauma response, personal growth, service recognition, civilian honors, mental health strategies 

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In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with RCMP Sergeant and National Police Federation Board Director Chris Voller to explore the weight police officers carry—on the job, in their hearts, and within the system they serve. Voller reflects on multiple officer-involved shootings during his tenure, his father’s legacy as an officer involved in a tragic 1998 incident, and the human cost of systemic inaction in mental health care. 

Chris reads aloud a viral Facebook post he authored—a stark, vulnerable, and honest meditation on policing in a time of crisis. Together, he and Christian unpack the intersection of law enforcement, mental illness, public scrutiny, and systemic breakdowns. 

Topics Covered: 

• Critical incidents in Campbell River, BC
• The 1998 shooting of Connie and Ty Jacobs on the Tsuu T'ina Nation
• Impact of media narratives on officer morale
• RCMP’s approach to mental health, training & use of force
• The role and limitations of mental health response programs (e.g., CAR 87, CAR 69)
• The National Police Federation’s wellness advocacy
• Long-term effects of IIO investigations
• Systemic gaps and public expectations of police

Relevant Links:
 

• National Police Federation (NPF)
• The Connie and Ty Jacobs Shooting – CBC Archives
• Vancouver's CAR 87/88 Mental Health Car Program
• IIO BC – Independent Investigations Office
• The Death of Service Dog Gator – CBC News
• Const. Shaelyn Yang remembered – Global News 

Connect with Sgt. Voller: @chrisvollerNPF

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In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Christian Lane is joined by Carly Ring, a dedicated mental health professional, first responder advocate, and passionate speaker on trauma, healing, and identity. Carly shares her lived experiences as a survivor of childhood trauma, a first responder, and someone who has walked through complex grief, post-traumatic growth, and the transformative journey of self-reclamation. 

Together, they explore: 

• The long tail of unacknowledged trauma and how it shapes our identities
• What it means to belong in uniform — and the cost of tying your worth to it
• Carly’s story of betrayal trauma and how she rebuilt her life from the ground up
• Navigating moral injury and spiritual crisis in the wake of occupational trauma
• How advocacy became a channel for healing, and a call to greater service

This episode is a raw, unflinching look at what it means to break — and how, through love, courage, and community, we become something stronger.

Links & Resources: 

• Carly Ring on Instagram: @csrpsychotherapy
• BC First Responders Mental Health: bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com

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Episode Summary:
In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Dr. Alec Ritchie—an emergency physician, educator, and mountain medicine expert. From the adrenaline-filled peaks of Whistler to the life-saving trenches of North Shore Rescue, Dr. Ritchie shares the personal and professional journey that led him to wilderness medicine.

We explore the “Zen of the mountains,” the hidden stressors medical professionals face, how fitness and mindset impact recovery, and the life-saving gaps in wilderness healthcare policy. Alec speaks candidly about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of both nature and connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why the outdoors is Dr. Ritchie's ultimate mental health toolkit
• The surprising resilience of the human body—and spirit
• How emergency physicians navigate stress differently
• What it’s really like being part of North Shore Rescue
• The systemic gap in wilderness medical care—and the legacy Alec is building to fix it

Resources & Links:

• 🏔️ North Shore Rescue Documentary – Knowledge Network
• 🩺 UBC Department of Emergency Medicine – Wilderness & Mountain Medicine Working Group
• 📬 Reach Dr. Alec Ritchie: [email protected]

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