Enduring The Badge

Send us a textFor this episode's special guest, we have paramedic Kevin Grange. He is also an award-winning freelance writer who talks about the medical field adventure and travel. We will talk about some of those adventures and travel and what it takes to work in the national parks. As a paramedic, He's got some very cool stories. And we're also getting up some tips with Spring Break ahead and outdoor adventure season coming about how to be safe in the outdoors. Let's jump right into this episode with Kevin. In this episode, you will learn:

Send us a textLet us listen to our special guest, NYPD Detective Robert Garland. Robert has had a pretty cool career, being a detective in New York. And this had some amazing assignments with some amazing success. But unfortunately, he sustained a career-ending injury. And it's transformed his life now into business, something that gives back to the community of first responders in a little bit different way. It's called Fund The First, so we're going to talk about his career. And we're talking about Fun The First and maybe a little business coaching in there. In this episode, we can learn:

Send us a textIn this episode, we we have Stephen McIntosh. He's spent 20 years in the Navy and most of that time away from his family. Listen to his perspective on how it takes a toll on his family for being gone so long. But what special things he did to stay connected to him. Stephen's almost ready to retire and start a new way of life and a new business called Salty Hands Woodworking , which creates wooden amazing flags.

Send us a textIn this episode, we will have Lauren Tamm, founder of The Military Wife and Mom loaded with rich information about how to be a military wife or spouse, and how to parent at the same time. If you want to know more on how to be a better first responder spouse and mom, and how to deal with our partner's deployment, check this out!In this episode, you will learn:How to maintain a strong relationship with your military or first responder partner during deployment;Why is it important to talk about household handling;How to set up a successful deployment;How to help your kids handle the deployment of their mom or dad; andMore tips about parenting through the Language of ListeningABOUT THE GUESTLauren TammFounder, The Military Wife and MomLauren Tamm is a military spouse, former VA critical care nurse, mom of two and founder of The Military Wife and Mom where she writes on practical parenting and the ups and downs of military life. Her work has been featured in popular military publications such as

Send us a textIn this episode, I have the CEO and founder of TacMobility, an organization whose vision is to heal the divide between police officers and communities of color by focusing on the health and wellness of officers. We will dive down into what it takes for an officer to recover from stress, lower their hypervigilance and move into a place of wellness in which they can thrive.In this episode, you will learn:Why yoga is not just for women only;Why recovery is not optional, it's mandatory;The importance of holistic wellness;How to retire happily;What is neuroplasticity;Can we fix the gap between Blue Lives and Black Lives; andMany more!ABOUT THE GUESTErica GainesCEO/FounderErica Gaines is the President and CEO of TacMobility: Controlling the Mind + the Machine, a training program whose vision is to heal the racial divide between people of color (POC) and police officers through law enforcement wellness and community dialogue. Having met over 100,000 officers since 2013, “The Knife Girl''

Send us a textIn this episode, we have Ricardo Martinez II, the founder, and CEO of Within the Trenches Media. He is also the person behind the #IAM911. And that hashtag trended worldwide after he made this statement, "I heard your last breath, the night you flipped your four-wheeler," we're going to go into what that means. In this episode, you will learn:Why is there a need to reclassify the dispatcher position;Why dispatchers are under-appreciated and what to do to make them feel connected to the team;Can anybody be a dispatcher;How to deal with internal struggles triggered by other person's stories, bad calls, and job-related factors;How the Within the Trenches Media helps the dispatcher community through blogging and podcasting;And many more!Within the Trenches MediaThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of TraumaABOUT THE GUESTRicardo Martinez IIFounderRicardo Martinez II is the host and creator of Within the Trenches, a podcast based on the experience of bein

Send us a textDo you practice peer support in your workplace? In this episode, Flight Medic James Boomhower, Founder of Fit for Duty, talks about how important it is to build a peer support team. He talks about who takes care of the caregiver. James also talks about building resiliency and keeping your resiliency charged up. He'll give you a few tips that you can do today to start making an impact on your mental health. In this episode, you will learn:What it's like to be a flight medic;How to process bad calls;What is peer support in your department look like;How to set up culture at work to let people be so vulnerable about how they're feeling;How to set up peer support program;How to build or recharge resiliency and many more!Check Fit for Duty: https://linktr.ee/stay_fit4dutyABOUT THE GUESTJames BoomhowerFounderJames Boomhower, BS, FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM has been involved in EMS for over 15 years in a variety of health systems throughout New England.  He currently functions in the role o

Send us a textWould you like to have a clear mindset and tools needed to become the best version of yourself, personally and professionally? If so, this episode is for you. Listen to Dawn Reeby, a LEO, life coach, and best-selling author, as she shared her knowledge on how to achieve excellence in analytics in unison with excellence in personal life.In this episode, you will learn:The importance of constant learning as a leader;Why we need to fully understand the concept of restoration and receiving;How poor records management contributes to our stress in work;Why Excellence in Analytics improves our quality of work and our personal life;Why do we feel that we have to be perfect;How to design your life to be better using Life by Design and Mastering Holistic WellnessAnd a whole lot more!Visit the links below to get a better life:Excellence in AnalyticsPrograms by Dawn ReebyBigger than Data: A Law Enforcement Analyst's Roadmap to Marketability, Professional Development, Fulfillment & Joy.Life by Desig

Send us a textIn this episode, we have Rebecca Ethington, a single mom who went through Fire Recruit Academy. She's going to talk about the mental and physical strains it took to get through a crew Academy and to get to her full-time job today. In this episode, you will learn:⦁The application process of fire recruit camp;⦁Tips and tricks while taking the test; ⦁What are the things, thoughts, and emotions to be expected and in the tests;⦁Why are first responders tend to shut down their emotions often;⦁How to avoid mom guilt and many more!Huberman LabHosted by Andrew Huberman, Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.Wim Hof Method Breathing ExercisesABOUT THE GUESTRebecca EthingtonFirefighterI am a mother of 3. I started in EMS in1994 and became a firefighter in 1998 with a local part-time department.  I graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1998 and began work as a public school teacher as well. I taught EMT classes during that time. I also worked for 5 years as a tech in a small emergency department.  I

Send us a textIn this episode, we're going to talk about something a little bit different that wears on your mental health and physical health, and probably after the first of the year, you've possibly been thinking about a lot, and that's MONEY! Lewis Weaver and Alec Evans, both former firefighters and now real estate moguls will tell their secrets on how to accumulate wealth and financial freedom.In this episode, you will learn:How to be successful in real estate if you're a former first responder;What are the things to be considered before leaving your first responder job and becoming a real estate agent; What is the needed mindset to get into your financial freedom and goals;The importance of property manager;Why is it important to be surrounded by people who are better than you;Real estate business process and a whole lot more!Here's some takeaways: - Me & Lewis’s transition from first responders to business owners & the emotional & psychological challenges that come

Send us a textLooking for some motivation or answers on how to make 2022 better than 2021. Here is a collection of soundbites from my amazing guest from season 3.  I very much appreciate my guest being very vulnerable while telling their stories. I know it's not easy thing to do but it's very impactful for the listener.  As the guest explain how they have overcome struggles and triumphs; the listener can gain knowledge on how to find a way to push through our own trials.  Thank you to all my guest for taking the time to be on the show.  Truly grateful for all the listeners worldwide and the community that's been created on Instagram and Facebook.  Please rate and review the show on the platform you listen to the podcast. It's a huge help in getting the podcast out to those that may need a little extra help getting through a challenge they may face on and off the job.Host InformationYour host Jerry D. Lund can be reached at 801-376-7124 or email at enduringthebdage@gmail.com or voice messag

Send us a textLooking for some motivation or answers on how to make 2022 better than 2021. Here is a collection of soundbites from my amazing guest from season 3.   I very much appreciate my guest being very vulnerable while telling their stories. I know it's not easy thing to do but it's very impactful for the listener.  As the guest explain how they have overcome struggles and triumphs; the listener can gain knowledge on how to find a way to push through our own trials.   Thank you to all my guest for taking the time to be on the show.   Truly grateful for all the listeners worldwide and the community that's been created on Instagram and Facebook.  Please rate and review the show on the platform you listen to the podcast. It's a huge help in getting the podcast out to those that may need a little extra help getting through a challenge they may face on and off the job.Host InformationYour host Jerry D. Lund can be reached at 801-376-7124 or email at enduringthebdage@gmail.com or voice mes

Send us a textIf you are looking for peer support, you may want to listen to this episode with Jeffery Denning. Jeff will discuss the importance of asking for help with a bit of humor to lighten up our mood. If you want to laugh a little but learn a lot, this podcast is for you!In this episode, you will learn:⦁ Police tips (3:40);⦁ Why is there an uptick of first responders' mental health problems during the holiday season (5:17);⦁ Why is it so hard for people in dark places to reach out (8:04);⦁ Do first responders aren't willing to admit that they need help (10:00);⦁ How do we know who a good person is to reach out to or an effective method (18:15);⦁ Happiness is derived from relationships (21:04);⦁ What is peer support counseling (27:21);⦁ Is there a correlation between first responders empathy and resilience (31:17);⦁ The science behind our well-being (37:31); and⦁ Additional tips to take care of ourselves physically and mentally (46:22) Who is Jeffrey Denning?Recently retired first responder, m

Send us a textIf you're an aspiring first responder Youtuber, get to know the secrets of Eric Hurst from South Metro Fire Rescue. Eric will share his stories on how he became a successful Public Information Officer and, at the same time, a successful Youtuber with millions of views! In this episode, you will learn:The pros and cons of being a junior volunteer firefighter at a young age;How EMDR therapy helps with trauma;How to handle stress, especially to first responders who are always facing the media;How to produce quality content on YouTube; andHow did you develop the knack for being such a good storytellerWho is Eric Hurst?Eric HurstPublic Information OfficerEric Hurst is 23-years into his fire service career having spent time in various roles including Firefighter, 911 Dispatcher, Supervisor, Operations Manager and Public Information Officer - where his true passion is found. Eric is most widely known for co-hosting the South Metro Fire Rescue YouTube channel, the most followed fire department in t

Send us a textThis episode is about Ashley Iverson, a woman who once felt like a shell but found true love in Cal Firefighter. Unfortunately, his loving husband passed away fighting for Thomas Fire. Ironically, after that incident, Ashley stepped into her purpose and began to love living life. She is now an Executive Director in Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness Mental Health Awareness & Support For First Responders & Family.In this episode, you will learn:The power of thought;What to do when you feel like a shell;How to handle a spouse with past trauma;What is self-care to you; andHow music and other non-verbal therapy help first responders with mental illnessWho is Ashley Iverson?Ashley IversonExecutive DirectorPlagued by mental health my whole life even through experiencing the love many search for their whole lives, a successful career, home and growing family. It wasn’t until Cory’s sacrifice, I ironically stepped into my purpose and began to love living life.Iverson Foundation for Active A

Send us a textIf you want to be a confident first responder or mentor, this episode is for you! Christian Adams and Sam Adams, authors and co-owners of Field Medics, and The PADL course will teach you better decision-making skills in handling life and death situations. They will tackle their book called "Life and Death Matters" and "The Field Medics Workbook" and PADL program designed to streamline and facilitate high quality, reliable, and reproducible paramedic training.In this episode, we discuss:The importance of starting from the lowest position;Why conversation with hospice patients hit different;Why being a first responder is more on human interaction than specific skill set;Life and Death Matters book - Professionalism and Decision-Making for the First Responder; The Field and Medics Workbook - A Proven Approach for Training Paramedics;The importance of confidence as a first responder;Paramedic Assessment Development and Leadership (PADL) CourseAbout Sam & Chris AdamsChristian

Send us a textIf you find it hard to manage stress, Olivia Mead, Founder and CEO of YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR), is here to help you. Olivia will teach us about flow state and mindfulness through yoga and the importance of proactive resilience training for first responders. Also, she will introduce us to the Cyber Academy App which offers short, on-demand classes training in tactical breath work, physical drills, and resetting the neurological system.In this episode, you will learn:Why yoga is not just about stretching and chilling out;Why do we find ourselves, especially first responders, stressing out in bed over the stupidest thing or the previous call we had;What's the toll on the body and mind when your nervous system is always in heighten level;How does yoga help us to enter the "flow state of the mind" and what does it do with our nervous system;Why proper breathing is important and how to make it a habitCyber Academy App Use code Enduring to avail Cyber Academy for $4

Send us a textIf you want to retire as healthy as you were when you first step into your job, listen to this episode with Firefighter/Paramedic and Registered Dietitian Maureen Stoecklein. Maureen will teach us the things to avoid to improve our overall health, how to prepare on-the-go healthy meals and snacks, and how to achieve good eating habits. Her expertise in nutrition with a background in working with athletes (New York Mets) and first responders will speak for itself. In this episode, we discuss:The difference between a tactical athlete and a firefighter;Why do most first responders reach for quick satisfaction thru caffeine or sugar;How to remain or be consistent in good eating habits; How does feeding your body or fueling your body help you sleep;Vitamins or real food?;Some food causes inflammation in our bodies;What are the things that we constantly do that destroys our gut health; andWhat are the things could first responders change immediately to improve their healthCookbooks mentioned:Megan Lau

Send us a textIf you feel like your first responder partner or family member is not giving you enough attention even on off-duty, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Destiny Morris will teach you how to cope with this situation. Also, she will introduce and explain the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and the importance of accepting new perspectives in life.In this episode, we discuss:How to avoid loneliness when your first responder partner is on deploymentHow to have a sense of individuality or own identity outside of marriageHow to better understand your first responder partner especially when he had gruesome things at workEMDR Therapy, a gentle way to approach traumaWhy therapy is importantWhat to do when you don't like your therapistAbout Destiny MorrisDestiny MorrisAssociate Marriage and Family TherapistI am an Associate Marriage and Family therapist in Westlake Village, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, California. I am first responder counselor certified, as well as EMDR

Send us a textEnduring the Badge is a podcast series that explores the personal side of first responders. In this episode, me and  DuWayne Schwartz from Operation K9 Hero talked about his and Tio's (his K9 therapy dog) mission on how they shed light on PTSD and mental health issues of first responders. This is a great episode for anyone interested in learning about how dogs can be used to help others cope with mental health issues.The power of dogs in healing has been around for centuries. Dogs like Tio (who you can see on picture here) and DuWayne Schwartz' K9 hero dog handler are there for you whether for therapy or just companionship; They will provide much more than protection but also bring great joy into someone’s life by simply being there. ABOUT THE GUESTDuWayne SchwartzI am with the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Local 275, Neenah, WI. I have been there going on 21 years. My rank is a Fire Inspector.The well-being of our military personnel and veterans, as well as our professionals