Priority Traffic Podcast

In this episode, host Chris interviews Battalion Chief Andy Starnes, a renowned firefighter and educator, about the intersection of faith and firefighting. Andy shares his journey in the fire service and how his spirituality has guided him through the challenges of the profession. They discuss the importance of faith in maintaining resilience, seeking help, and building strong relationships. The conversation also touches on the struggles of financial management and the need for firefighters t...

11-25

01:18:52

Deborah Green, an ex-military police officer and law enforcement dispatcher, recounts her law enforcement career, traumatic experiences during the 1992 LA riots, and her battles, including a health scare and the demands of serving in a male-dominated field. Emphasizing the need for improved mental health support for first responders, she reflects on the emotional impact of critical incidents, including an officer's death and an "officer-invailable" shooting. Advocating for the 911 SAVES Act,...

11-25

01:29:43

Warning: This episode contains discussions on sensitive topics that may be triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Chris Littrell, a retired police officer and first responder, shares his journey and experiences in the field. He emphasizes the need for comprehensive training for first responders, including stress management and resilience-building techniques. He also discusses the importance of mission statements and values in organizations and persona...

07-22

01:20:08

The conversation between Chris Warden and Stephen Scrobe revolves around investing in people over equipment in law enforcement and firefighting. They discuss the challenges officers and firefighters face, the need for mental and physical resilience, and the role of nutrition in their day-to-day lives. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care, having a performance mindset, and making mindful food choices. The conversation also touches on the need for proactive support and reso...

07-08

01:03:13

Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the relationship between sleep, PTSD, and sleep disorders, emphasizing the importance of sleep quality and the impact of sleep fragmentation on overall health. He also highlights the significance of early conservative treatments for sleep disorders and the need for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Dr. Barry Krakow discusses the prevalence of sleep disorders, the impact of sleep on overall health, and the importance of recognizing and addressing sleep-related issues....

06-26

01:04:46

Lee Throckmorton, a retired firefighter and strength and conditioning coach, discusses the importance of fitness in the fire service and the unique approach of Kaizen Groundworks. He shares his extensive prior service history, including lifeguarding, firefighting, law enforcement, and SWAT training. Throckmorton emphasizes each profession's different demands and mindsets and the need for a balanced approach to strength and conditioning. He explains the programs and training offered by Kaizen ...

03-08

01:01:54

In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris interviews Levi Bousquet about his journey in the fire service, his commitment to firefighter health, and the fight against cancer. Levi shares his background from a blue-collar family to becoming a full-time firefighter, highlighting the importance of health and wellness in the fire service. He discusses a near-drowning experience early in his career that strengthened his dedication to the profession. Levi also reflects on the Back Bay ...

02-19

01:37:38

In this episode, host Chris Warden interviews Mark Hill, a visionary leader in education in the fire service and author of Two Dark Thirty. They discuss technological advancements and their impact on education and training, including resistance to change in the fire service. They also explore the challenges in the education field and Mark's transition to the fire service. Marc emphasizes simplifying complex concepts and the power of storytelling in teaching, and highlights the importance of...

02-05

01:43:06

In episode 032 of Priority Traffic Podcast, host Chris Warden interviews Megan Lautz, the RescueRD, a registered dietitian and trainer of firefighters and police officers. They discuss the unique challenges of fueling firefighters and provide tips and tricks for improving diet and exercise. Megan emphasizes the importance of sleep for firefighters and the impact of trauma on food choices. They also discuss the difference between dietitians and nutritionists and the need for tailored nu...

01-19

01:31:27

In this episode, Annette Zapp shares her journey into the fire service and her challenges as a female firefighter. She emphasizes the importance of firefighter wellness and the need for proactive strategies to offload trauma and stress. Annette discusses the four pillars of wellness: sleep, nutrition, mental health, and movement. She also highlights the impact of shame and gossip in the fire service and the need for self-awareness. Annette challenges the idea of exercising in fi...

01-05

01:26:06

“Firefighting is a serious business, and it requires continuous commitment to knowledge, skills, and abilities.” Dennis Reilly Calling all firefighters and those looking to level up their personal growth! In this episode of Priority Traffic Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Dennis Reilly, a retired Fire Chief with an awe-inspiring career spanning over four decades. Join us as Dennis shares his journey, filled with stories of triumph, challenges, and personal growth. As an A...

12-16

01:56:47

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trevor Kauer, a researcher and professor of interpersonal, family, and health communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Kauer draws on his experiences as an EMT and working in a rural fire department to shape his research and understand the lived experiences of first responders. He is an expert in mental health among first responders, particularly their experience of stress, trauma, and difficulty. Driven by his passion for creating and test...

12-02

01:16:44

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained crisis counselor who can help. Welcome back to Priority Traffic Podcast, where we provide actionable advice, tools, and tips to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. Please join us as we dive into PTSD, the stigma that surrounds it and what we can do to help prevent first responder suicide completion. Captain Chris Moore of the Chesapeake...

10-09

02:37:02

Join me as I sit down with Nick Magoteaux and Jim Burneka, two esteemed public safety professionals with a wealth of experience in the field. In this episode, they generously share their backgrounds, revealing how they became passionate firefighter health and wellness advocates. Nick and Jim recount their inspiring journey of how they crossed paths and forged a partnership that would ultimately lead to the creation of the renowned Firefighter Health and Wellness Conference. Learn about the c...

Welcome back to Priority Traffic Podcast, where we provide actionable advice, tools, and tips to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, join us as we sit down with two extraordinary individuals: Danny Dumas of "Earn Your Title Podcast" and Josh Chase of "Jump Seat Leadership." Together, we embark on an awe-inspiring conversation about spirituality, its profound significance in our lives, and how we harness its power to naviga...