Hold the Line At Home

What does growing up as a police officer’s child teach you about raising kids in a firefighter family?In this episode, Chelsi talks with Erin Reed, a fire wife and working mom who grew up in a law enforcement household. They explore how first responder culture shapes childhood, what changes when you become the spouse instead of the child, and how to raise kids inside nontraditional schedules.From 24-hour shifts and default parenting to pride, resilience, and the reality of invisible labor, this episode offers an honest look at generational first responder family life.For firefighter spouses, fire families, and anyone navigating marriage and parenthood inside public service.Erin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinareed/

Firefighter captain and mom Andrea Binley joins Chelsi McFadden for a candid conversation about capacity, burnout, and raising a family inside the fire service.Andrea shares her experience navigating shift work, blended family life, health challenges, leadership roles, and the emotional weight carried by women in first responder households. From advocating for maternity leave to redefining rest, division of labor, and realistic expectations, this episode is an honest look at what it takes to survive—and stay grounded—in demanding seasons.This episode covers:Fire service family life and parenting during long shiftsMental load, burnout, and protecting your peaceHealth wake-up calls and forced restLetting go of pressure and perfectionTeaching kids responsibility, rest, and emotional awarenessIf you’re a firefighter spouse, first responder family, or working parent trying to figure out how to do less without guilt, this episode will resonate.  Learn more about Andrea Binley:instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firelifemomwife/https://www.instagram.com/welcometothelionsden/Books and Media Mentioned During This EpisodeThe 5 AgreementsEverything is Figureoutable5 Minute Gratitude JournalMel Robbins Podcast

Fire family life doesn’t come with a handbook, but maybe it should.In this episode, Chelsi talks with Elise Vermillion about what it’s really like to be a firewife, from wildland fire assignments to Cal Fire schedules, forced overtime, and raising kids while your spouse is gone. Elise shares why she wrote The Firewife Guide and the practical systems she wishes every new fire family had from day one. They talk about:The reality of fire schedules and constant recalculationWhy re-entry after a shift can be unexpectedly hardIdentity, resentment, and learning to stop fighting the lifestylePractical tools for communication, home life, and transitionsWhy most fire service resources overlook the spouse at homeIf you’re a firewife, firefighter spouse, or someone trying to better understand this world, this conversation will feel familiar in the best way.Get The Firewife Guide: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/3dx429fj⁠⁠Find Elise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirewifeguide/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fire Family Life04:34 The Journey of a Firewife09:15 The Guidebook for Firewives11:08 Practical Tips for Fire Families14:22 NEWCHAPTER15:22 Identity and Community in Fire Service15:56 The Impact of a Firefighter's Career on Family Life18:55 Managing Household Responsibilities20:55 The Emotional Toll of Transitioning Home24:37 The Need for Resources and Support28:03 Creating a Guide for Firewives28:27 Finding Community and Support

Infertility is already isolating. Inside the fire service, it often becomes invisible.In this episode, Chelsi talks with Brittany R. Thomas-Vestal, a therapist who works with first responders and their families and a fire wife whose own family was built through IVF. Brittany shares what it looked like to navigate infertility around fire schedules, overtime, and deployments, often without language, support, or space to slow down.Together, they talk about the unspoken pressure fire spouses feel to stay strong, independent, and grateful, even while carrying financial strain, emotional exhaustion, postpartum mental health challenges, and long stretches of solo parenting.This conversation names what so many fire families live through quietly, and why independence, while powerful, can also keep us from asking for the support we actually need.LEARN MORE ABOUT BRITTANY: https://www.brittanythomasvestal.com/

In this episode, Chelsi is joined by Lacey Keller Smith, a wildland fire wife and cofounder of Fired Up, a nonprofit supporting wildland fire families. Together, they talk about what home life really looks like in a federal wildland fire family and how those realities compare and intersect with CAL FIRE and structure fire life.  Lacey breaks down the federal wildland schedule in a way most people have never heard, including 5/8s, fire season extensions, six day weeks, and 14 day assignments that often turn into 16 to 18 days with travel. She explains why the hardest part is not always the dramatic moments, but the long stretches of daily grind where dad comes home late, kids stay up just to see him, and the family runs on fumes for weeks at a time.  Chelsi adds the CAL FIRE perspective, including the reality of split schedules, how different assignments create completely different home experiences, and why agencies struggle to support families when the job itself is unpredictable by design. Together, they dig into the “station family” gap in wildland, how inconsistent support depends on leadership, and why spouses often do not have the built-in community that firefighters have on their crews.  Lacey also shares what Fired Up is building, including a family handbook designed to fill the resource gap that currently leaves spouses and parents without guidance, from practical needs like washing wildland gear safely to the emotional reality of supporting kids when a parent is gone. This conversation is honest, deeply validating, and focused on what helps, including building local and online support, being more vocal, and giving spouses permission to acknowledge that the fire service touches the whole family.Visit fireduppartners.org for more info.Takeaways:Wildland firefighting impacts the entire family unit.Isolation is a common experience among fire families.Communication is key to maintaining family relationships during deployments.Building community among fire families can alleviate feelings of loneliness.Understanding the unique challenges of wildland firefighting is crucial for support.Fire families need to be vocal about their experiences to drive change.Kewywords: wildland firefighting, fire families, community support, mental health, family dynamics, advocacy, firefighter schedules, isolation, family life00:00 Introduction to Wildland Fire Families02:09 The Mission of Fired Up Nonprofit04:13 The Loneliness of Fire Families05:57 Understanding the Wildland Fire Schedule08:17 The Challenges of Family Time10:15 Balancing Family and Responsibilities12:31 The Need for Systemic Change14:14 The Importance of Community Support16:26 Navigating Personal Crises18:28 The Disconnect with Leadership20:13 The Need for Family Inclusion22:24 The Complexity of Fire Family Experiences24:27 The Future of Wildland Firefighting26:13 Conclusion and Call to Action31:19 The Importance of Community in Fire Families32:11 Navigating Tragedy and Support Systems32:50 Understanding the Spouse's Experience36:17 Communication and Identity in Fire Families39:33 Managing Family Dynamics and Expectations40:41 Technology and Family Relationships41:15 Building Community and Connection

Firefighters are often told to leave the job at work. But what if the job is not something you can just turn off?In this episode, Chelsi sits down with Scott Hewlett of Multiple Calls Podcast to talk about the expectations placed on firefighters and their families, and why the idea of switching work off at home does not reflect the reality of first responder life. Scott shares why being a firefighter is not just a job but an extension of who someone already is, and how asking them to shut that part down at home can quietly erode connection and authenticity.They discuss how work and home life inevitably affect each other, the resentment that builds from unspoken expectations, and the damage caused by keeping score instead of building agreements. The conversation explores emotional regulation, capacity, and why both partners need permission to be tired, overwhelmed, and human without judgment.Scott also speaks openly about mental health in the fire service and the pressure men feel to be better firefighters, partners, and parents. This episode is for firefighter families who are tired of pretending work and home exist in separate worlds and who want to build a relationship rooted in honesty, compassion, and being on the same team.Learn more about Scott:website: https://www.multiplecalls.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/multiplecallspodcast/email: multiplecalls@gmail.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Expectations at Work and Home00:56 The Unique Mindset of First Responders04:46 Understanding the Impact of Work on Home Life08:41 Communication and Unmet Expectations12:48 The Importance of Emotional Expression17:47 Managing Mental Health as a First Responder20:53 Creating a Safe Space in Relationships22:55 Emotional Release and Trust in Relationships25:07 Changing Perspectives on Mental Health27:01 Navigating Gender Roles in Modern Parenting29:50 The Reality of Work-Life Balance33:12 Finding Fulfillment in Family Life35:56 Collaborative Solutions for Family Dynamics

In this conversation, Chelsi and Samantha discuss the complexities of being in a dual first responder relationship, particularly focusing on the challenges of balancing work and family life. They explore the emotional toll of the job, the importance of communication, and the need for mental health support. Samantha shares her experiences as a paramedic and fire wife, detailing the struggles of managing schedules, raising children with special needs, and the impact of mental health on their family dynamics. They also touch on the evolving culture within the first responder community and the significance of finding support and understanding from peers.Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: Dual First Responders at HomeWhat it means to be a first responder married to a first responder.03:00 – How the Job Shapes Family LifeSchedules, stress, and entering first responder life together.07:45 – When There Is No Off-Duty ParentManaging a household when both parents are on shift.12:30 – The Invisible Mental LoadThe work no one sees but someone always carries.17:15 – Mandatory Overtime and UnpredictabilityHow mandos disrupt routines and parenting.22:00 – Becoming the Default ParentWhy one partner often absorbs more at home by necessity.26:40 – Parenting During Fire SeasonHow fire season changes everything.31:20 – Neurodivergent ParentingSupporting kids with additional needs in a high-stress home.36:10 – Marriage Under PressureCommunication, exhaustion, and staying connected.40:45 – Acceptance vs ResentmentLiving with the reality of the job.45:30 – What Actually HelpsSupport systems, boundaries, and realistic expectations.49:30 – Final TakeawaysWhat dual first responder families should know.

Grief shows up in first responder families in more ways than we often realize. In this episode, Chelsi talks with licensed marriage and family therapist Destiny Morris about grief, trauma, and mental health through the lens of fire and first responder life. They discuss how unprocessed grief builds over time, how trauma from the job impacts both partners, and why emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout are common in first responder families. Destiny also explains EMDR therapy in approachable terms and shares practical tools for nervous system regulation and emotional support.This conversation offers compassion, clarity, and reassurance for anyone navigating the unseen emotional weight that fire life brings home.Course for Female First Responders: https://www.destinymorristherapy.com/female-first-responder-courseCourse for Partners of First Responders: https://www.destinymorristherapy.com/fire-season-survival-partners-1More about Destiny: instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on_being_resilient/website: https://www.destinymorristherapy.com/Chapters:Introduction to Grief and Mental Health- 00:00:00Understanding EMDR Therapy- 00:10:00Challenges of Female First Responders- 00:20:00Masculine and Feminine Energy in First Responders- 00:30:00Coping with Grief and Trauma- 00:40:00The Impact of the Holidays on Grief- 00:50:00Self-Care and Emotional Regulation- 01:00:00Therapy and Healing Strategies- 01:10:00

Fire family life stretches every system in the home. In this conversation, Chelsi sits down with Fair Play facilitator and family coach Lori Sugarman-Li to talk about what it really takes to keep a household running when a first responder is gone for days at a time.Lori explains how the Fair Play method helps families name the invisible labor that often falls on the partner at home and create real equity by shifting from “helping” to full task ownership. She shares how laying all one hundred Fair Play cards on the table can be a wake up call for couples, revealing the depth of the unseen work that keeps a family functioning. Together, Chelsi and Lori explore how first responder families can use this system to rebalance the load, reduce resentment, and build a stronger sense of partnership even across long stretches apart.They talk honestly about managing the daily grind while carrying the emotional weight of worry, how to divide tasks when one partner works 48s, 72s, or multi week deployments, and why remote responsibilities like scheduling appointments, renewing prescriptions, or managing school logistics can be owned by the firefighter even when they are out on the line. Chelsi shares examples from her own home, including meal planning, reintegration after shift, and the quiet calibration that happens when both partners check in about their capacity before reconnecting as a family.This episode also explores what happens when kids gain agency in the home, how handing off tasks builds confidence and academic success, and why lowering the bar during fire season is not failure but survival. Lori and Chelsi remind listeners that family wellness begins with clear values, open conversations, and the freedom to build a home that reflects who you are, not who you think you should be.This is a practical and emotional guide for every fire family that has ever tried to keep the wheels turning while one partner is away serving the public. It is a reminder that you can evolve your systems at any point and that real partnership is built through language, boundaries, and shared ownership of the life you are creating together.Connect with Lauriewebsite: http://www.ourhomeourpride.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/ourhomeourprideBuy Laurie's Children's Book: https://ourhomeourpride.com/my-childrens-bookLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-sugarman-li-50592911/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fair Play in Relationships03:00 Understanding the Fair Play Method05:49 Task Ownership and Family Dynamics09:04 The Importance of Emotional Labor11:45 Empowering Children Through Agency14:51 Creating a Supportive Family Environment17:58 Balancing Responsibilities in First Responder Families21:03 Communicating Needs and Family Values23:31 The Delicate Dance of Marriage24:37 Lowering Standards for Family Well-being27:40 Understanding Core Values in Family Dynamics30:16 Evolving Family Roles and Expectations35:19 Empowering Children Through Responsibility38:50 The Importance of Communication and Change

Fire season is supposed to be in the summer, but in 2025 it showed up in January. ..In this episode, Chelsi talks with fire wife and corporate finance professional Jenna Partlow about what really happens at home when everything catches fire at once.Jenna shares how her husband was sent to the Palisades and Eaton Fires for more than two weeks, right over their son’s birthday and their anniversary, while she was recovering from pneumonia and trying to manage work, parenting, and nonstop questions from people who do not understand fire life. She talks about the emotional math of being the one everyone contacts for updates, the pressure to reassure people when she has no information herself, and the shock of having a wildfire close enough that her kids could see the flames from their dinner table.Chelsi and Jenna dig into the invisible labor of fire families, the expectations placed on firewives to make everything look effortless, and the guilt that shows up when you want a break as soon as he walks through the door. They talk about letting go of timelines, adjusting expectations, and why real community matters when the days stretch into weeks and nothing is certain.This episode is for every fire spouse who has ever carried the weight of the house, the kids, the schedule, the emotions, and the unknowns and still tried to make the birthday special while ash falls from the sky. It is a reminder that being strong does not mean being silent. It means not doing this life alone.find Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennacpartlow/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Fire Wife Life02:53 Balancing Work and Family05:54 Navigating Expectations in Fire Life08:46 Community Support and Resilience11:49 Coping with Fire Season Challenges14:42 The Role of Communication in Relationships17:50 Media Representation of Fire Families20:46 Personal Growth and Self-Care23:38 Advice for New Fire Spouses

In this episode, Chelsi talks with Amy Motroni, author of Genius Mom Hacks and mom of four, about how to create systems that make motherhood feel lighter and homes run smoother.Amy shares her story of going from overwhelmed and exhausted to organized and at peace by focusing on routines that actually work in real life, not perfection or Pinterest standards. She explains simple habits that reduce stress, how to involve kids in daily tasks, and why progress matters more than perfection.Together, they talk about mom guilt, teamwork in the home, and the difference between surviving and actually enjoying your family. This conversation is full of practical ideas and gentle reminders that you cannot do everything, but you can build a rhythm that works for you.Follow AmyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geniusmomhacks/Get the book Genius Mom HacksChapters:00:00 Introduction to Amy Matroni and Her Journey02:55 The Overwhelming Reality of Motherhood05:44 The Power of Effective Routines08:24 Morning Routines: Setting the Tone for the Day10:53 Evening Routines: Ending the Day Right13:43 Involving Kids in Household Routines16:20 Creating a Teamwork Environment at Home19:03 The Importance of Presence in Parenting21:16 Changing the Narrative of Motherhood22:25 Where to Find Amy Matroni and Her Resources28:05 Outro.mp4

In this episode, Chelsi sits down with Rachael Choate, a life coach, mom of three, and LA County fire wife, to talk about the moments we don’t usually say out loud. The mom rage. The messy reintegration. The mental load of fire family life.Rachael opens up about what it’s like raising three young kids while her husband works 24-hour shifts, how they’ve learned to communicate through exhaustion, and why the chaos when he comes home can feel harder than when he’s gone. Together, they explore the stories we tell ourselves about what our spouses are thinking, the guilt that follows when we lose our cool, and the small shifts that make a big difference in connection and patience.This conversation is honest, comforting, and a reminder that you’re not broken, you’re just tired, and you’re doing better than you think.Follow Rachael: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelchoate_/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mom Rage and Family Life05:20 Navigating the Firefighter's Academy and Early Marriage11:07 Reintegration Challenges and Communication Strategies19:25 Understanding Emotional Needs and Decompression20:21 Navigating Life as a Fire Wife21:36 The Importance of Vulnerability in Community22:33 Understanding Murphy's Law and Mom Guilt23:31 The Challenges of Planning in a Firefighter Family24:53 Normalizing the Chaos of Family Dynamics28:00 Addressing Mom Rage and Emotional Overload31:18 Finding Grace in Parenting Challenges35:36 Resources for Fire Wives and Moms

In this episode, Wren from Emergency Momagement shares her story of growing up in a law enforcement family, marrying into the fire service, and becoming a mom in the middle of it all. Together, Chelsi and Wren talk about what life in the fire service really looks like—from the rough start of fire academy days to the realities of raising kids while their spouses are gone for long shifts or wildland assignments.They unpack the differences between police and fire culture, the importance of building a strong support system, and how therapy, communication, and community can hold a marriage together when the job takes so much. Through honest stories and plenty of humor, they talk about postpartum struggles, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up even when the sirens never seem to stop.Learn more about Emergency Momagement: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencymomagement/Website: https://www.emergencymomagement.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to First Responder Life01:15 Growing Up as a First Responder Kid03:27 Marrying into the Fire Service05:32 Differences Between Law Enforcement and Fire Service10:04 Navigating Fire Academy Life15:03 Adjusting to Life After Fire Academy19:50 The Challenges of Parenting in Fire Life24:36 Building a Support System29:14 The Importance of Community34:21 Facing the Challenges of Retirement38:05 Tools for Managing Fire Family Life44:18 The Journey to Parenthood48:33 Postpartum Challenges and Support53:34 Maintaining Relationships in Fire Life01:01:01 Navigating Family Dynamics During Crisis01:03:48 Communication Breakdowns and Therapy01:06:06 Children's Perspectives on Firefighting01:07:53 Career Choices and Family Legacy01:09:06 The Impact of Parenting on Future Generations01:10:11 Comparing Firefighting and Military Family Dynamics01:11:21 Understanding Post-Deployment Family Integration01:14:29 The Challenges of Parenting in the Fire Service01:23:50 Emergency Management and Community Preparedness01:27:16 The Journey of Emergency Momagement

In this conversation, Chelsi and Dr. Christy DeLeon discuss the unique challenges faced by fire wives, including the dynamics of intimacy, communication, and parenting. They explore the importance of emotional trust in relationships and the need for open conversations about mental health. Dr. DeLeon introduces The Ignited Community, a supportive network for fire wives, aimed at providing resources and fostering connections among those navigating similar experiences.Follow Dr. Kristy DeLeon and Learn More About The Ignited Community: https://www.instagram.com/theignitedcommunity/Chapters00:00 The Journey of a Fire Wife07:53 Navigating Parenthood and Relationships14:46 The Role of a Therapist in Relationships17:46 Understanding Intimacy Issues in Fire Relationships19:02 Understanding Trust and Emotional Connection20:39 Bridging the Gap in Relationships23:09 The Importance of Sacrifice in Marriage24:19 Communication and Understanding Needs26:26 Navigating Life After Shifts29:07 Preventing Crisis in Relationships30:03 Introducing the Ignited Community35:20 Addressing Trauma Exposure in Relationships38:10 Encouragement for Seeking Help

In this conversation, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish discusses her new book, 'You, Your Husband and His Mother,' focusing on the dynamics of mother-in-law relationships, the importance of setting boundaries, and effective communication in marriage. She emphasizes the need for couples to work together to navigate family expectations, especially during holidays, and the significance of empowering children to set their own boundaries. The discussion also highlights the role of shared rituals in strengthening relationships and the importance of agency in family dynamics.More about Dr. Tracy:Website: https://drtracyd.com/Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracyd/Book: You, Your Husband, and His MotherPodcast: Dear Dr. TracyChapters00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author02:08 The Dynamics of Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships04:19 Navigating Communication During Stressful Situations06:02 Understanding Family Dynamics and Patterns10:07 Setting Boundaries with In-Laws12:11 The Importance of Open Communication in Relationships17:52 Empowering Children to Set Boundaries21:14 The Role of Therapy in Strengthening Relationships25:58 Finding Connection Amidst Parenting Challenges27:16 The Importance of Connection in Relationships29:11 Creating Rituals for Togetherness32:23 Navigating Challenges as a Team35:44 Building a Strong Foundation for Resilience40:40 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Children43:43 Taking Agency in Family Dynamics45:13 Celebrating Holidays as a First Responder Family

In this conversation, Chelsi and Jeff Banman explore the complexities of family life for those in service careers, particularly firefighters. Jeff shares his journey from a career as a first responder in the CIA and firefighting to a wellness advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding capacity versus capability in both personal and professional realms. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from work to home life, the significance of presence in relationships, and the necessity of communication about emotional capacity. The conversation also touches on parenting dynamics, the impact of service careers on family relationships, and the need for community support.Learn More about Jeff Banman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindofbanman/Website: https://mindofbanman.com/Book: https://amzn.to/3WiJ6PTKey Takeaways:Understanding human behavior is a lifelong journey.Presence is crucial in family dynamics.Capacity is more important than capability.Communication about emotional capacity is essential.Service careers can strain family relationships.Community support is vital for families in service.Choosing the right partner is key to navigating service life.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Jeff Bandman's Journey03:04 Transitioning to Wellness and Recovery06:00 Understanding Human Behavior in High-Stress Professions08:51 The Challenge of Capacity vs. Capability11:43 Navigating Family Dynamics in Fire Service14:44 The Importance of Communication in Relationships17:50 The Role of Presence in Family Life20:36 The Impact of Career on Personal Identity23:23 Finding Balance Between Work and Family26:24 The Complexity of Retirement and Transitioning29:17 Final Thoughts on Family and Service Life37:09 Balancing Work and Home Life38:38 Communicating Capacity in Relationships40:29 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations43:17 The Importance of Family Dynamics46:34 Navigating the Fire Service Family Life49:23 Taking Responsibility for Relationships50:49 Building Resilience and Capacity56:39 Learning from Experience and Growth58:45 The Role of a Father in Family Dynamics

In this conversation, Chelsi and Shannon Mead of Stack of Stones discuss the unique challenges faced by firefighters and their families, particularly during fire season. They explore practical strategies for managing stress, the importance of communication in relationships, and the need for self-care. Shannon shares insights from her experience as a therapist and coach, emphasizing the significance of understanding emotions and building supportive systems within relationships. The discussion also highlights the value of agreements and expectations in maintaining a healthy partnership, as well as the upcoming course designed to help individuals and couples navigate these challenges effectively.Learn More about Shannon and Stack of StonesWebsite: https://www.stackofstones.com/Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/_stackofstones_/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Shannon Mead and Her Work03:01 Understanding the Challenges of Firefighter Schedules05:52 Navigating Emotions During Fire Season08:55 The Importance of Communication in Relationships11:51 Practical Strategies for Managing Stress14:47 Finding Balance in Parenting and Relationships17:46 The Role of Fun in Relationships20:33 The Impact of Expectations on Relationships23:39 Preparing for the Dark Days26:35 The Importance of Self-Care and Support29:24 Understanding Firefighter Schedules and Policies32:25 Building a Supportive Relationship35:21 The Value of Agreements in Relationships38:27 The Course and Its Benefits41:11 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode, Chelsi interviews Francesca from the First Responder Family Collective. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being a family member of a first responder, focusing on the emotional and logistical aspects of managing family life while supporting a partner in the fire service. Francesca shares her experiences and insights, including the creation of her book, Sharing My First Responder, which aims to help children understand and cope with the unique lifestyle of having a first responder parent.Learn More about Francesca and the First Responder Family CollectiveWebsite: https://www.firstresponderfamilycollective.com/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/firstresponderfamilycollective/Chapters00:00:01 Introduction to Francesca00:00:17 Life as a Fire Spouse00:00:42 Creating a Resource Hub00:01:50 Understanding Fire Service Schedules00:02:43 Balancing Family and Fire Service00:07:50 Emotional Challenges and Support00:10:35 Writing 'Sharing My First Responder'00:20:03 Self-Care and Resilience00:23:25 Managing Guilt and Values00:33:20 Conclusion and Resources

In this conversation, Chelsi and Spencer discuss the life of first responders, focusing on mental health, community support, and the challenges faced in the field. Spencer shares his journey of starting the Mando Medic Instagram page to provide mental health education for first responders, stemming from his own experiences with PTSD and a suicide attempt. They explore the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of compassion in society, and the need for community connections among first responders. The discussion emphasizes the significance of maintaining mental health, building supportive communities, and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the first responder community.Learn more about Spencer and Mando Medic: https://www.instagram.com/themandomedic/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mando Medic and Mental Health Awareness02:55 The Journey of Starting an Instagram Page06:03 Navigating Social Media and Mental Health09:07 The Impact of Current Events on Mental Health11:51 The State of First Responders' Mental Health14:29 The Future of EMS Careers and Mental Health17:34 Advice for Maintaining Mental Health in EMS20:28 The Importance of Compassion in Society36:55 The Stabbing Incident and Societal Desensitization38:56 Mental Health in First Responders41:49 Community and Connection in First Responder Culture46:40 Rebuilding Community and Support Systems50:31 Personal Stories and the Importance of Acknowledgment55:18 The Role of Technology in Community Building