The Things We All Carry

In this episode of 'The Things We All Carry,' Stack returns with guests Karen Deppa and Mike Donahue, who discuss their organization, Pilot Light. Pilot Light focuses on building resilience for first responders through the application of positive psychology. The conversation delves into the science behind resilience, coping mechanisms, and the impact of social support. Karen and Mike share personal stories and insights from their combined experience in emergency services, explaining how their program aims to proactively prevent psychological injuries. This episode offers valuable perspectives on strengthening mental well-being and fostering proactive mental health practices within the first responder community.

00:00 Introduction and Apology

01:01 Meet Karen and Mike from Pilot Light

04:31 Karen's Journey to Positive Psychology

07:28 Mike's Fire Service Experience

11:20 Understanding Positive Psychology

18:06 The Three Pillars of Resilience

39:02 The Importance of Social Support

41:14 Personal Stories of Resilience 4

3:03 Compassion Fatigue and Its Implications

44:51 Challenges in Fire Service Recruitment and Retention

49:02 Teaching Resilience Skills

56:16 Incorporating Resilience into Daily Life

01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Episode 123: Overcoming Traumas with Firefighter Author Jim Burneka Join us on the latest episode of 'The Things We All Carry' podcast. In episode 123, Stack discusses the importance of self-care amidst chaotic times, emphasizing mindfulness, exercise, proper nutrition, and mental health support.

This week's guest is retired firefighter and author Jim Burneka, who shares his journey in the fire service in Dayton, Ohio, the impact of budget cuts, and his approach to handling trauma. Hear about Jim's personal experiences, including the poignant inspiration behind his book 'Overcoming Tuesday.'

Learn how proactive mental health care can benefit first responders and how acknowledging vulnerability can lead to resilience. Don't miss this insightful and candid conversation aimed at helping those on the front lines cope better and thrive.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:41 Current Events and Self-Care

02:14 The Importance of Preemptive Mental Health Care

04:11 Challenges Faced by Firefighters

07:16 Guest Introduction: Jim Berneka

10:40 Jim's Cruise Experience

13:31 Memories of the Challenger Disaster

15:02 Musical Connections and Personal Reflections

18:38 Book Giveaway Announcement

18:56 Childhood Memories and Family Background

20:08 Father's Career and Struggles

21:44 Impact of Father's Absence

25:16 Moving Out and Starting a Career

28:01 Firefighting Career Beginnings

28:40 Challenges in Dayton Fire Department

33:29 Dealing with Trauma and Memories

37:52 First Dose of Reality in Firefighting

43:42 Coping with Trauma and Humor

Welcome back to The Things We All Carry podcast! In episode 122, join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob Garnett, the Managing Director of One More Wave and former Navy SEAL. This episode delves into Rob's personal journey—from his extensive military career to his impactful work in supporting disabled veterans through surf therapy. Learn about the mission and values of One More Wave, an organization that provides custom surfing solutions and a strong support community to enhance the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Through touching stories and a deep dive into Rob's life, this episode underscores the importance of connection, community, and the healing power of the ocean. Don't miss out on this uplifting and informative episode!

00:00 Introduction to The Things We All Carry Podcast

00:24 Host's Personal Update and Montana Trip

03:27 Reflections on Human Connection and Mental Health

06:20 Introduction to Rob Garnett and One More Wave

07:40 Rob Garnett's Background and Early Life

12:26 Joining the Navy and Becoming a SEAL

17:59 Life as a Navy SEAL and Post-9/11 Deployments

20:21 Challenges of Balancing Military and Family Life

22:12 Injury, Recovery, and Transition to Civilian Life

24:06 Founding One More Wave and Its Mission

29:16 Reducing Veteran Suicide Through Surfing

29:48 Adaptive Sports and Team USA

30:59 Getting Started with One More Wave

33:10 Success Stories and Community Impact

36:46 Volunteering and Community Involvement

39:10 Funding and Future Goals

47:01 Personal Reflections and Broader Impact

51:51 Concluding Thoughts and Final Messages

In this episode of 'The Things We All Carry,' we continue our insightful conversation with Alex from Emergency Resilience. Join us as we delve into Alex's personal and professional experiences with ketamine, discussing its potential benefits for first responders, veterans, and active-duty military. We explore the importance of mental health, the use of alternative therapies like psychedelics, and how these can help in processing trauma. Alex shares invaluable insights into the practicalities and therapeutic effects of ketamine, including the importance of the 72-hour period post-treatment, and the need for a supportive community. Don't miss Alex's recommendations on how to integrate these therapies into a holistic approach to mental health.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:26 Personal Reflections and Ketamine Discussion

02:00 The Importance of Feeling Emotions

03:18 Challenges in Mental Health

05:08 Episode 121 with Alex: Ketamine Insights

06:58 Ketamine's Therapeutic Process

09:43 Practical Considerations for Ketamine Therapy

18:57 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Ketamine

23:19 Future of Ketamine Therapy

29:52 Women's Ketamine Retreat

36:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Welcome to Episode 120 of "The Things We All Carry". This week we delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Alex, also known as Emergency Resilience on Instagram and TikTok. Alex brings a wealth of experience as a paramedic and continuing education coordinator, but our discussion goes beyond her professional roles. We explore her personal journey with ketamine, discussing what it entails, who it may be suitable for, and what to expect along the way.

Join us as we uncover the nuances of ketamine therapy, addressing common questions and misconceptions. Whether you're curious about starting your own journey or simply intrigued by the topic, this episode offers valuable insights. Alex's expertise and personal insights make this conversation both enlightening and engaging. Tune in and discover whether ketamine therapy might be right for you.

Your feedback and input are invaluable as I continue to fine-tune the show to better serve you, the listener. Whether you prefer shorter or longer episodes, biweekly or weekly releases, I'm eager to hear your thoughts and preferences.

Your engagement drives the direction of the show, and I'm committed to delivering content that resonates with you and brings positivity to your life. So please, don't hesitate to reach out and share your feedback. Together, let's shape the future of "The Things We All Carry" and continue spreading light and inspiration.

Welcome to Episode 119 of "The Things We All Carry." Today marks the continuation of our conversation with Eric, a seasoned firefighter, former paramedic, and emerging standup comedian. As I mentioned last week, Eric's journey spans nearly 25 years in the firefighting profession, alongside 17 years of marriage and the joys of fatherhood to a teenage daughter.

Through his comedic endeavors, Eric has found a unique way to navigate life's challenges, transforming personal experiences into jokes and stories that resonate with audiences. In this second part of our conversation, Eric shares further insights into his journey, exploring the power of humor in processing adversity and finding light in the darkest moments.

As we delve deeper into Eric's story, I encourage you to listen with an open mind and heart. Your feedback and input are invaluable as I continue to fine-tune the show to better serve you, the listener. Whether you prefer shorter or longer episodes, biweekly or weekly releases, I'm eager to hear your thoughts and preferences.

Your engagement drives the direction of the show, and I'm committed to delivering content that resonates with you and brings positivity to your life. So please, don't hesitate to reach out and share your feedback. Together, let's shape the future of "The Things We All Carry" and continue spreading light and inspiration.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and enjoy Episode 119 with Eric.

Welcome to Episode 118 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm excited to introduce Eric from central Florida. With nearly 25 years in the firefighting profession, Eric's journey has been marked by dedication and resilience. A former paramedic, he's been married for 17 years and is a proud father to a teenage daughter. However, amidst the challenges of the job, Eric found solace in humor.

Transforming his experiences into comedic material, Eric pursued a side gig as a standup comedian. From hosting shows to performing at open mics and paid gigs, he's embraced comedy as a way to navigate life's darker moments and connect with others.

In this episode, we explore Eric's journey from firefighter to comedian, delving into the complexities of finding light in the midst of darkness. With his unique perspective and sharp wit, Eric shares insights that are both humorous and thought-provoking.

Stay tuned for Part Two of Eric's story next week, and in the meantime, don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections. Reach out to me at [email protected] or connect on Instagram at @thethingsweallcarry. Let's continue this journey together, and remember to get outside and Do Something For Yourself.

Welcome to Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry." This week, we have Jake from Houston joining us. Jake's journey began when he reached out to me on TikTok, and after a few attempts to connect, we decided to dive into his story blindly.

As Jake shares his experiences, I'm learning about them in real-time, making this a unique and spontaneous conversation. With 17 years of service under his belt, Jake's firefighting career started as a volunteer in 2007 before transitioning to a career firefighter in 2011. Today, he serves as a fire captain in the Houston area.

Throughout our conversation, Jake offers insights into his journey, from his early days as a volunteer to his current role as a fire captain. As we explore his story together, I'm struck by Jake's resilience and dedication to his profession.

While the interview may have its rough moments, Jake's authenticity shines through as he shares his experiences and perspectives. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and let Jake's story resonate with you.

Join us for Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry" as we embark on a journey of discovery with Jake from Houston. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections, and remember to get outside and do something for yourself.

Welcome to Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm joined by John Talin from Massachusetts. John, a Lieutenant and paramedic at Hyannis Fire, contacted me through Mike Nasti at the Tip of the Spear Leadership Podcast, and Mike couldn't have been more right in recommending him for the show.

With 24 years in the fire service, John has a wealth of experience. He also served as a former canine handler for the Massachusetts task force, and he shares some heartfelt reflections on that part of his career and the special bond he had with his canine partner.

However, what sets this episode apart is John's courage in addressing a deeply personal and often stigmatized issue: sex addiction. John felt that in his previous podcast appearances, he hadn't been completely open. He reached out to me to correct that. He wanted to talk openly about his experience with sex addiction, a topic that is often misunderstood or dismissed.

Despite the potential for judgment, John bravely shares his story, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on taboo subjects. By sharing his experiences, John hopes to help others who may be facing similar challenges and to break down the barriers to discussing sex addiction openly.

Join us for Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry" as we listen to John's courageous story and learn from his experiences. Don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts. Let's engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. And remember…Get Outside and Do Something For Yourself!

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Welcome to Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we're joined by Cody, who reached out to us through Stephen Sims from Episode 102 and 106.

Cody's journey begins in Houston, where he served as a firefighter for five years at Station 55. Amidst the pressures of the job, including traumatic calls and systemic issues within the department, Cody faced additional challenges such as low pay, unfavorable hours, and the loss of his pension due to political mishandling.

After thoughtful consideration with his wife, Cody made the difficult decision to leave Houston and return to Colorado in 2019. However, his journey didn't end there. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cody found himself navigating new career paths, eventually becoming a police officer.

In our conversation with Cody, we explore the complexities of his experiences in both firefighting and law enforcement, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. From moments of reflection on traumatic incidents to discussions about brain mapping and its potential implications, Cody's story offers insight into the multifaceted nature of first responder life.

As a husband and father of three, Cody's journey underscores the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities. His resilience and determination serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Join us for Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry" as we journey alongside Cody through the highs and lows of his career transitions. Don't forget to get outside and do something for yourself!