In this episode of the Keep the Promise Podcast, host TJ welcomes back Lieutenant Brian Yonkin from the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, a previous guest known for his discussions on cooking, leadership, and firefighting. This episode explores Brian's personal experiences with imposter syndrome, especially within the context of the fire service. 

Brian shares his journey from being a cook to becoming a fire lieutenant, the challenges he faced, including dealing with panic attacks, PTSD, and the impact of a custody battle. The conversation highlights the various ways imposter syndrome can manifest, especially among high performers, and discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing it. 

Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode aims to shed light on a common yet often misunderstood issue in the firefighting community.

00:00 Opening Reflections on Learning and Growth
00:38 A Journey from Cooking to Firefighting
05:46 Exploring Imposter Syndrome in the Fire Service
07:05 Personal Struggles and Seeking Solutions
10:32 Discovering EMDR Therapy: A Turning Point
18:52 Confronting and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
22:51 A Cascade of Events: Unpacking Personal Experiences
23:33 Deep Dive into Personal Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
28:45 Exploring the Impact of Imposter Syndrome
35:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing
38:09 Reflections on Professional Challenges and Personal Growth

What did you think of the episode? Let us know!

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