Confused about what a peer supporter is actually supposed to do? This episode breaks down the real role of peer support and what not to do, to keep the team trusted, safe, and effective. What’s the real role of a peer supporter, and where’s the line between helping and overreaching? Too many programs launch without clearly defining the role of a peer supporter. That leaves team members unsure of what to say, when to refer, or how much to carry. Some burn out trying to do too much. Others do t...
Not everyone is wired for peer support—and choosing the wrong people can do more harm than good. In this episode, I’ll show you how to choose the right team members your people can actually trust. How do you know if someone’s the right fit for your peer support team? Let’s be honest—just because someone wants to be on the team doesn’t mean they should be. In fact, putting the wrong people in peer support roles can do real damage. Trust gets broken. Teams disengage. And the program quietly fal...
Thinking about launching a peer support program but unsure where to start? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to build a team your people will actually trust and use. Thinking about starting a peer support program in your department or organization, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin? You’re not alone. A lot of agencies know they need something in place, but either launch too quickly without structure, or stay stuck in planning mode for months. And the worst part? Some...
Are there warning signs in your department you’re missing? In this episode, learn five red flags that signal it’s time to build—or rebuild—a peer support team that actually works. Is your department ignoring the signs that your people are struggling? When good people are burning out, leaving the job, or silently suffering through trauma, it’s not “just part of the job.” It’s a red flag. And if you don’t have a trusted, structured peer support team in place, the damage may already be happening...
What is peer support—and why does it matter so much in high-stress jobs? In this episode, you’ll learn how it works, what it’s not, and why it’s saving lives on the front lines. Ever wonder what peer support actually is—and why it seems like everyone’s talking about it lately? Too many departments are using the term without really knowing what it means—or how to make it work. Worse, some well-meaning programs fail because they weren’t clearly defined or supported. And if you’re thinking of st...
Peer support can save careers—and lives. This episode reveals why Surviving Your Shift is narrowing its focus and how it will equip you to build a strong peer support culture in your organization. Are you tired of seeing your coworkers burn out, break down, or just barely get by, and wondering what you can do to help? You’re not alone. Many first responders and frontline professionals feel called to support their peers, but don’t know where to start—or if they’re even qualified. This episode ...
Feeling “off” but can’t explain why? This episode unpacks the hidden signs of long-term traumatic stress in first responders and frontline workers—and what you can do about it. Are you more irritable, distant, or emotionally numb than you used to be? You might think it’s just burnout, but what if it’s something deeper—like long-term traumatic stress? If stress is piling up and showing up in unexpected ways, this episode will help you recognize the signs and take the first step toward healing....
Coming home after a tough shift and still feeling “on the clock”? Today’s episode breaks down practical strategies to create boundaries between work and home, helping first responders reclaim personal time and be fully present for what matters most. Have you ever felt like work stress follows you home? It’s all too common for first responders and frontline professionals to replay calls, zone out, or snap at loved ones after a shift. Ignoring this problem can lead to burnout, strained relatio...
Do negative thoughts play over and over in your head after a tough call, wondering what you could’ve done differently? It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-criticism that erodes your confidence and makes it hard to move forward. That nagging voice in your head can feel like a constant weight pulling you down. But what if there was a way to break that loop and rewrite those stories? Cognitive Reframing can help you process those experiences in a healthier, more balanced way. BY THE TIME YOU ...
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of the job? The fast pace, critical decisions, and unpredictable nature of frontline work can add up, even when we think we’re in control. Frontline work brings intense pressure, and managing stress is essential. In today’s episode, you’ll learn a quick, adaptable mindfulness technique that you can use anytime to find calm amidst chaos. Today’s episode introduces the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique, a powerful mindfulness exercise to bring ...
Are you equipped to recognize and prevent suicide in those around you? Many people miss the signs of mental health struggles and feel helpless when loved ones are at risk. This episode dives into actionable ways you can make a difference. Shayna Klassen, National Training Director for QPR Institute, shares her journey from addiction and recovery to becoming a leader in suicide prevention. Discover the life-saving impact of QPR training and how you can get involved in preventing suicide. BY TH...
Growing up in a family rooted in law enforcement and education, Alan Cormier shares how his journey led him to advocate for mental health support within the first responder community. From impactful personal experiences to founding the nonprofit “With You,” Alan’s story is one of resilience and community care. What are the signs that burnout and stress are affecting your health and relationships? Burnout and the mental toll of high-stress jobs can go unnoticed until they start impacting hea...
Managing stress in high-pressure careers can feel overwhelming. Today’s guest, Dr. Anna Fitch Courie, Chief Wellbeing Officer at Clemson University, shares practical strategies to help you stay mentally and physically healthy in demanding environments. Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of your high-stress job? Many professionals in high-pressure careers neglect their own wellbeing, leading to burnout and health issues. But what if you could take control of your wellbeing a...
Are you struggling with burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed as a first responder? Retired firefighter paramedic Matthew Matty Fiorenza joins us to share his journey through PTSD and anxiety and how he’s now helping first responders find healing and support. Tune in for practical steps to protect your mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a first responder? It’s common to experience burnout and stress, but it doesn’t have to be your daily reality. Retired firef...
Are you anxious about what life will be like after you retire? In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart, author of the book Surviving Retirement: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment Beyond the Badge, shares practical strategies to help you survive and thrive in retirement. Have you ever wondered what life will look like after you hang up your uniform for the last time? Retirement can bring more anxiety than excitement for many first responders, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Dr....
Join Bart Leger as he interviews Tiffany Atalla, a trauma therapist specializing in first responder family support. Learn how Tiffany combines her personal experience and professional expertise to strengthen first responder families and provide innovative trauma care techniques. What does it take to support first responders and their families in the toughest times? If you’re a first responder or someone close to them, you might be struggling with maintaining family relationships amid the pres...
Navigating the intense challenges of being a first responder requires more than just physical strength. Matt Domyancic, a chaplain and former SWAT officer, shares his unique approach to wellness and spiritual care, blending fitness, mindfulness, and proactive support. Are you facing the pressures of a high-stress career and wondering how to maintain balance and purpose? First responders often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress, trauma, and the demands of their profes...
Are you struggling to leave the emotional weight of your job at work? Join Dr. David Weill, former director of Stanford’s Center for Advanced Lung Disease, as he shares how to manage the mental and emotional strain of high-stress careers using his three F’s method—Family, Friends, and Faith. Do you find it difficult to separate your work stress from your personal life? Handling the emotional highs and lows of a high-stress career can feel overwhelming, especially when it starts to affect your...
Navigating workplace politics can be a minefield. In this episode, discover practical tips to maintain your integrity and thrive in your role without getting sucked into the drama of organizational politics. Ever feel like you’re caught in the crossfire of workplace politics? Navigating the tricky waters of organizational politics can be overwhelming and stressful. Whether you’re dealing with conflicting priorities or unspoken rules, the pressure to perform while managing relationships with s...
Ever faced a split-second decision that goes against your values or witnessed a tragedy you couldn’t prevent? Join us as we explore moral injury, its impact on mental health, and practical strategies to cope. Have you ever made a split-second decision that went against your values or witnessed something that left you feeling deeply conflicted? If you’re in the people-helping profession, chances are you’ve faced situations like these. These moments can leave a mark on your conscience, making y...