In this episode, host Christian Lane speaks with Captain Willow Bloomquist of the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department. Willow shares her journey from various jobs to becoming a firefighter, her experiences in wildfire prevention, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation delves into the challenges and responsibilities of volunteer firefighting, including training, liability, and the dynamics of leading a volunteer team. Willow emphasizes the significance of building strong r...
In this episode, Christian Lane interviews Heather Edward, a seasoned paramedic leader who has transitioned from frontline work to leadership roles and now healthcare philanthropy. Heather discusses her early influences, the challenges of leadership, the importance of mental health, and her current research on paramedic leaders' mental health. She emphasizes the need for open dialogue, self-reflection, and the importance of supportive peer networks in navigating the complexities of leadership...
The Honourable Senator Baltej Singh Dhillon, a trailblazer whose courage reshaped the face of Canadian law enforcement and whose leadership continues to drive inclusion, justice, and empathy across our country. Senator Dhillon made history in 1991 when he became the first turbaned Sikh RCMP officer, following a national controversy that tested Canada’s commitment to diversity and religious freedom. What began as an act of faith became a turning point in our national story — one that continues...
Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a survival tool. Yet for first responders, veterans, shift workers, and high performers, it’s usually the first thing sacrificed. On this episode we're joined by Dr. Leah Kaylor — a prescribing psychologist, trauma specialist, and the FBI’s go-to expert on sleep. She blends neuroscience, trauma therapy, and performance psychology to help elite professionals recover, reset, and thrive. We cover: Why “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is one of the most dan...
Master Corporal (Ret’d) James Gendron’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and the healing power of music. Over a 29-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, James performed 63 ramp ceremonies in Afghanistan—solemn farewells for fallen soldiers making their final journey home. Those experiences left deep scars, leading him to put down his bagpipes altogether. Years later, the pipes returned to him in the most unexpected way—culminating in a powerful moment at the 2023 Invictus Games in Düss...
This episode of goes deep with Corporal Peter MacDonald, a veteran RCMP officer with nearly 18 years of service across the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. From his early days in frontline policing to the intense files that shaped his career, Peter speaks candidly about the weight of trauma, the moments that nearly broke him, and the path back through therapy, honesty, and support. Today, he serves as a Member Services NCO and a leader in the RCMP’s National Reintegration Program, helping ...
In this episode, host Christian Lane interviews firefighter, veteran, and founder of Victory Medals, Andrew Siwy, who shares his journey from childhood bullying to military service and firefighting. Andrew discusses the impact of his experiences on his mental health, the significance of self-awareness, and the challenges faced during his deployments in Afghanistan. He reflects on the importance of understanding intent in human interactions and the ethical complexities of military duty, emphas...
In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with RCMP Sergeant and National Police Federation Board Director Chris Voller to explore the weight police officers carry—on the job, in their hearts, and within the system they serve. Voller reflects on multiple officer-involved shootings during his tenure, his father’s legacy as an officer involved in a tragic 1998 incident, and the human cost of systemic inaction in mental health care. Chris reads aloud a viral Facebook post he ...
In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Christian Lane is joined by Carly Ring, a dedicated mental health professional, first responder advocate, and passionate speaker on trauma, healing, and identity. Carly shares her lived experiences as a survivor of childhood trauma, a first responder, and someone who has walked through complex grief, post-traumatic growth, and the transformative journey of self-reclamation. Together, they explore: The long tail of unacknowledged t...
Episode Summary: In this deeply reflective and inspiring episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Dr. Alec Ritchie—an emergency physician, educator, and mountain medicine expert. From the adrenaline-filled peaks of Whistler to the life-saving trenches of North Shore Rescue, Dr. Ritchie shares the personal and professional journey that led him to wilderness medicine. We explore the “Zen of the mountains,” the hidden stressors medical professionals face, how fitness and mindset impact recov...
Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, but what happens when they’re stretched beyond their limits? In this powerful episode, host Christian Lane sits down with Adriane Gear, President of the BC Nurses Union, to explore the critical challenges facing nurses today—from workplace safety and burnout to the historic win for nurse-patient ratios in BC. Adriane shares her journey from bedside nursing to frontline advocacy, the mental and physical toll of the profession, and w...
In this episode, Christian interviews Dr. Mike Christian, an expert in critical care and disaster medicine. Dr. Christian shares his experiences responding to major crises, including the SARS outbreak, the Haiti earthquake, and the London Bridge attack. He discusses his journey into medicine, the challenges he faced, and the importance of mental health in first responders. The conversation highlights the resilience of individuals in crisis situations and the critical decision-making required ...
In this episode of the Team Ten Eight podcast, Christian Lane speaks with Canadian army veteran and fitness coach Dave Morrow. Morrow shares his mission to help veterans improve their health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness as a foundation for mental health. He discusses his personal journey from struggling with injuries and mental health challenges to becoming a fitness advocate for veterans. The conversation covers various topics, including the significance of co...
I’m your host, Christian Lane. If you are a discerning listener of this show you may have noticed that it's been some time since I've produced an episode, and there's good reason for that. I’m not really one to talk about myself or use this platform to share my own story but, given the time that's gone by since my last episode, I feel like I owe you some measure of explanation about where I've been and what's been going on. So, this is my story, or at least a part of it, as told through...
Summary Marissa Rose, a paramedic with a background in advanced care paramedicine, shares her journey of navigating the challenges and traumas of her profession. She discusses how her childhood experiences and the need for help shaped her desire to become a paramedic. Marissa highlights the demanding nature of the job, the accumulation of trauma over time, and the impact it has on mental health. She talks about the feelings of betrayal, anger, and depression that she experienced, as well as t...
Summary Dr. Scott MacDonald, a physician at the Providence Crosstown Clinic in Vancouver, discusses the drug crisis in British Columbia and the need for safe supply harm reduction strategies. He emphasizes the limitations of current treatments and the importance of diversifying options for people with opioid use disorder. Dr. MacDonald advocates for the use of prescription heroin and explores the potential of prescription fentanyl. He highlights the need to move beyond the abstinence-only app...
Summary In this episode, Christopher Littrell, a former police officer and mental health advocate, shares his journey of resilience and healing. He discusses the impact of traumatic experiences, the importance of support systems, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life. Litrell also opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and the role it played in his mental health. He emphasizes the significance of mutual support in marriage and the need for first responders to...
Calvin Chrustie, a former senior operations officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, discusses the importance of navigating the threats, risks, and challenges of the contemporary world. He highlights the convergence of threats and the weaponization of activities by foreign threat actors, which he refers to as hybrid warfare. The conversation covers various topics related to the challenges and issues faced by Canada, particularly in relation to fentanyl and toxic drug deaths. It h...
Jas Dhillon, a former professional football player and current police officer, shares his journey from the football field to law enforcement. He discusses the excitement of draft day and the challenges he faced transitioning from a defensive player to an offensive lineman. Jas highlights the importance of teamwork, resilience, and determination in both football and policing. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and building trust with the public, especially in diverse communitie...
In this conversation, Necole Belanger shares her experiences as an openly gay woman in the Canadian Armed Forces. Necole talks about the importance of language skills in the military and the respect given to French-speaking troops. She reflects on the French-English question in the military and the challenges faced by Francophone members. Necole also discusses the impact of the Purge, a period of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. She shares her personal journey of sel...