The Things We All Carry

In this episode of The Things We All Carry we journey through nearly three decades of Bruce's life, starting from his early days as a rookie to his current position of Battalion Chief. Explore his professional growth, coping mechanisms, and personal milestones, including meeting his wife and raising a family. Additionally, gain heartfelt insights into the differences and deep emotional connections between parenting and grandparenting. This episode offers a profound look into the joys, challenges, and legacies that shape our lives, both in our careers and family bonds.

00:00 Starting the Firefighting Journey

00:28 Early Challenges and Realizations

01:17 Career Progression and Training

04:22 Becoming a Paramedic

07:24 Personal Life and Family

09:11 A Life-Changing Call

16:36 Coping with Trauma

33:11 Trust and Relationships

37:43 Evolution of Mental Health Support

37:58 Peer Support and Its Challenges

40:04 Adopt a Firehouse Program

41:17 Resiliency Center and Modern Approaches

43:09 Personal Approach to Mental Health

45:58 Financial Security for Firefighters

50:20 Disconnecting from Work

55:21 Building Strong Relationships

57:16 Department-Wide Mental Health Initiatives

01:01:16 Leadership and Availability

01:04:39 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of 'The Things We All Carry,' we delve into the life story of Bruce, a battalion chief with over 30 years of experience in the fire service. Stack dives deep into Bruce's early life marked by severe abuse, his path to independence at age 16, and his eventual career in firefighting. The episode tackles heavy themes such as trauma, resilience, and the evolving societal views on public service. With candid discussions about the difficulties Bruce faced both personally and professionally, this episode offers a raw and impactful look at what it means to carry on in the face of adversity.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:25 Apology for No Video

01:04 Introducing Bruce and Episode 131

01:46 The Importance of Civil Discourse

04:55 Challenges in the Fire Service

06:16 Raising the Bar for Recruitment

07:42 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

09:54 Introducing Bruce's Story

11:42 Bruce's Early Life and Family Struggles

17:07 Abuse and Attempted Arson

21:18 Custody Battles and Family Dynamics

31:58 Reconnecting with Siblings

34:22 The Struggles of a Distrusted Child

37:41 Reintegrating Siblings and Teenage Rebellion

39:15 Mental Health Challenges and Emancipation

43:40 Finding Stability and a New Path

45:52 Joining the Volunteer Fire Department

51:46 First Firefighting Experience

55:28 Pursuing a Career in Firefighting

59:27 Concluding Reflections

Join Stack and Dr Brooke Bartlett on The Things We All Carry Episode 130 as they uncover the extensive impact of trauma on mental health. Dr. Bartlett, a clinical psychologist expert in trauma, delves into the brain's intricacies, focusing on the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. Learn about post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), the curative potential of neuroplasticity, and evidence-based treatments. Discussions cover the importance of systematic exposure therapy, addressing mental health thoroughly, and why talk therapy might not be enough for severe cases. This episode also underscores proactive interventions in fire and police departments, and the cumulative nature of trauma. Gain invaluable knowledge and practical advice for navigating the challenges of mental wellness.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Meet the First Responders

00:51 Defining Mental Wealth

02:38 Protecting Mental Wealth

04:47 Host's Personal Reflections

10:40 Episode Overview and Guest Introduction

13:39 Dr. Brooke Bartlett's Background

25:21 Understanding the Brain

32:55 Impact of Trauma on the Brain

37:25 Combat Veteran's PTSD Triggered by Barbecue

38:34 Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Injury

39:35 Brain Scans and PTSD

44:32 Memory Gaps and Trauma

53:15 Neuroplasticity: The Brain's Superpower

01:05:17 Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy

01:15:32 Understanding Internal and External Avoidance

01:15:52 Imaginal Exposures: Facing Trauma Head-On

01:16:51 Recalibrating the Amygdala

01:19:09 The Role of Repetition in Trauma Therapy

01:23:28 Addressing Complex PTSD and Memory Gaps

01:27:44 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Prefrontal Cortex

01:47:02 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Strategies

01:49:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode of 'The Things We All Carry,' retired firefighter Kenny Mitchell Jr. opens up about his journey through trauma, both on and off the job. He discusses the founding of 'Operation Yellow Tape,' an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders. Listeners are also invited to join Kenny's upcoming free event by registering on his website. The conversation touches on Kenny's career highlights, personal experiences, and offers invaluable insights into balancing work and life while recovering from trauma. Featuring heartfelt reflections, candid advice, and a book recommendation—'Touching the Dragon' by Jimmy Hatch—this episode is a profound exploration of healing and finding purpose.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:25 Personal Reflections and Struggles

02:10 Finding Purpose

05:49 Introduction to Episode 129

05:59 Guest Introduction: Kenny Mitchell Jr.

06:16 Operation Yellow Tape

07:07 The Importance of Open Conversations

10:46 Kenny's Background and Career

14:42 Growing Up and Family Life

21:59 Transition to Firefighting

22:34 Impact of 9/11 and Career Beginnings

24:50 Early Career Challenges

31:45 Mental Health Struggles

37:59 The Turning Point

39:42 A Turning Point: Speaking Up About Mental Health

43:23 The Birth of Operation Yellow Tape

45:06 Inside and Outside the Yellow Tape

47:14 The Importance of Sleep and Communication

57:56 Introducing the HELP Acronym

01:00:46 Expanding the Mission: Speaking to Diverse Audiences

01:06:06 Upcoming Conference and Final Thoughts

In this episode (128) of 'The Things We All Carry,' Stack discusses the challenges faced by first responders, specifically focusing on the personal and professional struggles of Jen, a volunteer rescue chief and full-time paramedic from a small town in Nebraska. The episode highlights the emotional toll of working in a close-knit community where responders often know the individuals they treat. The conversation explores the critical importance of mental health support and the need for debriefing after traumatic incidents. Jen shares her experiences with the deaths of key figures in her department and her efforts to foster a supportive environment for her team, while also discussing her own methods of coping and self-care.

In a world where traditional treatments often fall short, especially for first responders and veterans facing trauma, the potential of psychedelics offers a promising avenue. During our latest episode of "The Things We All Carry," I had the privilege of speaking with Matt Zemon, an advocate for the therapeutic use of psychedelics. Our conversation, enriched with personal stories and scientific insights, sheds light on the healing powers and history of these substances.

To dive deeper into Matt's insights, check out his book "Psychedelics for Everyone" and the companion journal "Beyond the Trip." His upcoming book, "The Veterans Guide to Psychedelics," promises to be a valuable resource for those who have served our country. For more information, visit mattzemon.com and follow him on social media.

Explore the full podcast episode for an in-depth look at these conversations and more. As always, your support is invaluable. Share this post with anyone who might benefit, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps us continue these meaningful discussions.

Episode 126 is Part 3  with Jim, a retired firefighter from Ohio, who shares his personal journey of dealing with the mental health challenges of the job. Stack discusses the pressing need to rethink retirement systems for first responders to avoid forcing them to choose between their livelihood and mental health. Jim also opens up about undergoing an EEG brain scan that revealed his brain is in a constant state of fight or flight, leading to neurofeedback therapy to retrain his brain. From impactful personal anecdotes to the exploration of innovative therapies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health and the well-being of first responders.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Introducing Jim from Ohio

00:39 Challenges of Mental Health in First Responders

04:08 Jim's Brain Scan and Fight or Flight Response

05:02 Neurofeedback Therapy Explained

07:12 Jim's Personal Experiences and Reflections

18:48 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

23:06 Jim's Neurofeedback Journey

31:45 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

32:40 Closing Remarks and Book Recommendations

In this gripping episode of 'The Things We All Carry' podcast, Stack discusses the unique challenges faced by first responders, including the mental health struggles and trauma they experience on the job. Listen to part two of the conversation with Jim from Ohio, where he delves into his own battles with anxiety, burnout, and the difficulties of asking for help. The episode also highlights the importance of teaching resilience and mindfulness at the recruit level to ensure healthier careers across various fields such as firefighting, law enforcement, and nursing. Join the discussion on promoting mental health and reducing exposure to traumatic events in first responder roles.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:25 Host's Personal Reflections

01:41 Recent Episodes Recap

02:01 Building Resilience in First Responders

03:56 Engaging Conversations and Future Plans

05:21 Introducing Episode 125: Part Two with Jim

05:30 Jim's Journey: Burnout and Seeking Help

07:35 Challenges in the Fire Service

08:52 Jim's Role in Cancer and Behavioral Health

11:11 Struggles with Departmental Support

15:10 Near Miss Suicide and Policy Issues

18:57 Jim's Breakdown and Seeking Treatment

21:28 Center of Excellence Experience

34:35 Reintegration and Disability Process

39:10 Final Reflections and Moving Forward

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