In this episode of Walking Through the Fire, Jason interviews Nick Peppered, a seasoned firefighter and instructor. They discuss the importance of engine work, the value of teaching and learning in the fire service, and the personal journey of balancing faith and firefighting. Nick shares his experiences in different fire departments, the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and the significance of community and support in overcoming struggles. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth, understanding limitations, and the impact of faith in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways-

Engine work is a crucial aspect of firefighting.

Teaching is about facilitating a learning environment.

Firefighters need to understand their limitations.

Faith plays a significant role in personal growth.

Finding balance between work and family is essential.

Community support is vital for overcoming struggles.

It's important to keep your eyes on Christ.

Quality time with loved ones can be impactful.

Don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Everyone has struggles, and you're not alone.

Keywords-

firefighting, engine work, teaching, faith, balance, personal growth, community, mental health, fire service, struggles

In this episode of the Walking Through the Fire podcast, host Jason Sautel interviews Sebastien Lavoie, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They discuss Seb's journey from a bullied child to a dedicated police officer, his experiences in tactical operations, and the emotional toll that policing can take on individuals. Seb shares insights into the history of the RCMP, his motivations for joining law enforcement, and the challenges he faced during and after his service.

The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and the need for support for first responders. In this conversation, Jason and Seb delve into the complexities of hypervigilance, communication challenges, and the transition from a structured career in service to civilian life. They explore the impact of technology on interpersonal communication, the importance of maintaining a multifaceted identity beyond one's profession, and the journey of overcoming personal adversity, including Seb's elective amputation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of leadership, personal growth, and resilience in navigating life's challenges.

Bio:

Retired Sgt Major Sebastien Lavoie is a distinguished performance coach and mindset expert whose comprehensive experience in peak performance and crisis management has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in his field. His unique approach integrates over two decades of invaluable service in high-stakes roles within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Armed Forces. As the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Raven Strategic Inc., Sebastien has established a strong reputation for transforming individuals and organizations to realize their latent potential and exceed their objectives. He is globally recognized as a leadership training and performance coaching powerhouse known for its transformative impact.

Throughout his extensive law enforcement and military career, Sebastien excelled in diverse and crucial roles such as General Duty, "Air Marshall" for the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) Operator, Team Leader, and Chief Warrant Officer. This wide-ranging experience has fortified his proficiency in crisis management, emergency response, risk assessment and wellness strategies. His real-world experience has been instrumental in equipping hundreds of individuals and organizations with a winning mindset and peak performance strategies through his coaching.

Away from his primary career, Sebastien channels his energy into martial arts and fitness as a Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt and founder of Sheepdog and Dogs den CrossFit. As co-owner and instructor at Ascension Martial Arts, he shares his comprehensive knowledge and passion. His compelling voice has also made him a coveted guest and motivational speaker on over 1200 podcasts.

Driven by a lifelong pursuit of learning, Sebastien is refining his understanding of international security through a master’s degree in international security (Global Counterterrorism). This follows a distinguished service of 20 years in the RCMP, culminating in his retirement as BC Divisional Sergeant Major in 2021. His legacy is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication, which he brings to his transformative work as a preeminent mindset and performance coach.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram page: @slavccmdr

Keywords:

Seb Lavoie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, tactical operations, policing, personal journey, emotional toll, military service, overcoming adversity, law enforcement, mental health, hypervigilance, communication, post-career, PTSD, leadership, amputation, recovery, personal growth, mental health, life lessons

The episode following this one will start season two of the podcast, but I wanted to make this a stand alone episode because it hit me so hard and in such a good way that I wanted to give it a "stand alone season!"

I'm not a fan of the term "trigger warning" but I want to be honest here- This episode takes what can only be described as " A HOLY SPIRIT CHANGE OF DIRECTION!" It started off as a cool conversation with an FDNY Fireman about the "war years", his best-selling cookbook, and being a celebrity chef- To his experience on September 11th, 2001, the traumas of the job, the suicide of his brother who was also an FDNY Fireman, and some other tough, but needed to be talked about topics.

The only time I edit something out is when I ramble more than normal, haha, or when I think we've spent too much time in an area and want to move on, or when we/I get a little too wrapped up in the conversation with another firefighter and our language gets a little salty, but I will never alter or take away from the topic at hand. But...

After prayerful consideration, this episode didn't get a single edit because I wanted you guys to see the turn this conversation took and why I am so passionate about my brothers and sisters sharing the unedited version of their stories of struggles and testimony! Please take a listen!

Joseph's Website- www.americanfirehousecuisine.com

Keywords:

FDNY, firefighting, Joseph Bonanno, 9/11, firehouse culture, firefighter stories, legacy, 9/11, first responders, grief, suicide prevention, firefighter stories, mental health, community support, legacy, personal loss, September 11, Twin Towers, Ten House, PTSD, Firefighter PTSD,

Conrad Weaver is a documentary filmmaker who created a film called PTSD 911, which explores the impact of traumatic scenes on first responders and the prevalence of PTSD in our community. The film follows the stories of a police officer, a firefighter, and a dispatcher, all of whom have experienced trauma and struggled with mental health issues. Weaver also highlights agencies that are taking proactive steps to support the mental health and well-being of their first responders.

The film showcases various forms of therapy, including equine-assisted therapy and the Tactical Resiliency Protocol, which helps separate traumatic events from triggering emotions. The conversation explores the connection between Jesus and healing from PTSD.

Conrad also shares how his documentary film, PTSD 911, has sparked conversations and brought about positive change in fire departments and communities. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health in first responders and the need for support groups and resources. The conversation emphasizes the power of sharing personal stories and reaching out for help. Conrad encourages listeners to know that they are not alone and that there is hope and help available.

For more about the film PTSD911 visit- ptsd911movie.com

Conrad's Podcast- firstresponderfriday.podbean.com/

In this episode, Captain Jim Moss shares his insights on how to let faith lead our decision making both on and off the job as a firefighter. He emphasizes the importance of being the same person in all areas of life and walking in love, truth, and integrity. Jim also discusses the challenges of leadership and the need to listen more and speak less. He highlights the importance of balancing work and family life and the need to compartmentalize and prioritize each area. Jim shares personal experiences of failure in leadership and the lessons he has learned from them. In this conversation, Jason and Jim discuss the importance of communication and support in relationships, the role of mentorship and discipleship in personal and spiritual growth, and the power of community in overcoming challenges. They emphasize the need to rely on God's strength and understanding, seek guidance from the Bible and fellow believers, and reach out for support when facing difficult situations. Jim shares his insights from the fire department and encourages listeners to prioritize mentorship and discipleship in their own lives.

In this episode, Jason interviews Murphy J. Arseneau, a retired firefighter with 37 years of experience. They discuss Murphy's background, his journey to becoming a Christian, and the challenges he faced in his career. Murphy shares how he compartmentalized the trauma he witnessed on the job and the impact it had on his mental health. He also talks about the importance of mentorship and the role it played in his personal and professional growth. In this conversation, Murphy Arsenaux and Jason discuss the importance of addressing and healing from trauma, the power of forgiveness, and the impact of father wounds.

Murphy's must read books:

A Company of Leaders: Leading at Every Level -https://a.co/d/g4JXgnz

Firehouse Mentor: A Topical Guide to Help Develop the Next Generation of Firefighters- https://a.co/d/1S9NtEk

In this episode of the Walking Through the Fire podcast, Chief Frank Leeb shares his wisdom and experiences in the fire service. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of mentorship, the foundation of a career in the fire service, the value of learning from others, the power of storytelling, and the significance of mental health and wellness in the fire service. Chief Leeb also discusses his book, 'Cornerstones of Leadership', and the work he is doing with the First Responder Center for Excellence to promote mental health and resilience in the fire service. Chief Frank Leeb also discusses his new book '30 Fires You Must Know' and the importance of learning from past fire incidents. He emphasizes the need for continuous improvement in the fire service and highlights the organizations that will benefit from the book's royalties. Chief Leeb also shares his insights on leadership and offers encouragement to those facing challenges.

Chief Leeb's Books:

Cornerstones of Leadership: On and Off the Fireground: Training - Teamwork - Mentorship' https://www.amazon.com/Cornerstones-Leadership-Fireground-Training-Mentorship/dp/B0CH23RZJ7

'30 Fires You Must Know' https://fireengineeringbooks.com/books/30-fires-you-must-know/

In this episode of the Walking Through the Fire podcast, Jason interviews John Guarnieri, a former Secret Service agent! John shares some interesting stories from his time in the Secret Service, highlighting the importance of professionalism and adaptability in his line of work. They also talk about the balance between enjoying their work and making personal sacrifices, as well as the importance of faith in navigating difficult situations. They touch on the divisiveness in society and the media's role in amplifying it. John shares his personal journey of dealing with anger towards God and finding catharsis through writing. They emphasize the need to be authentic and grateful in their faith.

In this episode, Jason and Joshua Putnam delve into the pressing need for more support and resources within the fire service, and how faith can play a pivotal role in addressing these needs. They stress the importance of relationships and community in the fire service, noting that strong bonds can make a significant impact on both personal and professional levels.

A key theme in the conversation is discipleship and the affirmation that no one is too broken for the church. The hosts argue that genuine relationships and personal testimonies are crucial for reaching out to others and building a supportive community.

They also address the misconception that God won't give us more than we can handle, and instead highlight the importance of trusting in God during difficult times.

You will notice this episode starts off with a good 'ol Americana theme song and that's not a mistake! It's because in this episode I interview two American firefighters, Charlie O'Bray and Skip Ockomon about a remarkable journey they are embarking on- A 200-mile walk across England, dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention and PTSD among first responders! It's a mission rooted in compassion and understanding. By undertaking this walk, they aim to spotlight the critical issue of mental health within the first responder community, often overlooked despite its profound impact.

Their journey serves as a bridge, allowing them to connect with first responders in England, gain insights into their wellness programs, and share personal experiences. This exchange of knowledge and stories is invaluable, as it fosters a sense of global solidarity and mutual support. Charlie and Skip's interactions along the way will likely shed light on effective strategies and practices that can be adapted and implemented elsewhere, contributing to a broader, more informed approach to mental health care for first responders.

Ultimately, Charlie and Skip's walk is a beacon of hope and inspiration. They aspire to motivate others to initiate wellness programs within their own departments, creating a ripple effect of support and understanding. Their journey underscores the vital importance of mental and spiritual health, and while they will undoubtedly face numerous challenges, their commitment to this cause is a powerful testament to their faith in Jesus and what He can do for people's lives!.

Please visit www.burntoutpodcast.org to learn more about their mission and to financially support them.