Beneath The Helmet Show - Firefighter Wellness & Mental Health (mind-body-spirit)

🎙️Embark on a profound journey into the heart of first responder mental health in this compelling episode of 'Beneath the Helmet.' Join host Arjuna George as he sits down with Lieutenant Kenny Mitchell, a fire service veteran and the driving force behind 'Operation Yellow Tape.' This initiative highlights the often-overlooked mental and emotional toll firefighting takes on those who serve. Through candid discussions about Kenny's personal experiences and the broader challenges first responders face, this episode is an illuminating exploration of the critical need for mental health awareness, support, and resilience within the firefighting community.

🔴Episode Highlights🔴

• Kenny Mitchell's Introduction: From Graphic Design to Firefighting Hero
• The Genesis of 'Operation Yellow Tape': A Personal Crusade for Mental Health
• The Silent Battles: Confronting the Internal and External Stresses of Firefighting
• Strategies for Wellness: Navigating the Path to Resilience and Mental Health
• The Power of HELP: Kenny's Keynote Insights on Lifelong Wellness for First Responders
• 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction to 'Beneath the Helmet'
• 01:45 - Meet Lieutenant Kenny Mitchell: From Graphic Design to Firefighting
• 04:30 - The Birth of 'Operation Yellow Tape': A Personal Mission
• 08:15 - Understanding the Mental & Emotional Toll of Firefighting
• 12:00 - Kenny's Personal Journey: Loss, Resilience, and Recovery
• 16:45 - The Essence of 'Operation Yellow Tape' and Its Impact
• 21:30 - Strategies for Mental Health & Wellness in the Fire Service
• 25:50 - The Role of Peer Support and Community in Healing
• 30:15 - Unveiling HELP: Kenny's Approach to Lifelong Wellness
• 34:40 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with 'Operation Yellow Tape'

🔴In This Episode🔴 Discover the inspiring story of Lieutenant Kenny Mitchell, whose life changed dramatically following personal tragedies and the loss of a close colleague. Kenny's mission with 'Operation Yellow Tape' is not just a call to action but a beacon of hope, offering tangible strategies for those battling the unseen scars of their noble profession.

Resources & Recommendations:

• Dive deeper into wellness and resilience strategies with Arjuna George's 'Burnt Around the Edges' – a must-read for anyone seeking to master stress and thrive beyond burnout.

About Kenny Mitchell: A 20-year fire service veteran, Kenny's journey from graphic design to firefighting is a testament to his dedication to service and mental health advocacy. His work, especially following the profound personal losses he's endured, underscores the importance of mental health support for first responders, making him a sought-after speaker and a guiding light for many in the fire service.

Connect with Kenny Mitchell:

• Follow Kenny's journey and learn more about 'Operation Yellow Tape' at www.operationyellowtape.com
• Instagram: @KennyMitchellFire

Engage with 'Beneath the Helmet':

• Catch more inspiring episodes on the 'Beneath the Helmet Playlist'
• Subscribe to our channel for the latest conversations on resilience, mental health, and the heroic stories of first responders.

Support the Show:

• 'Beneath the Helmet' is proudly sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting. Discover how you can thrive with our burnout and resilience coaching for high performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to embark on your journey towards wellness.

Your engagement with 'Beneath the Helmet' helps us bring these crucial conversations to the forefront. Like, share, and subscribe to support our firefighting heroes and spread the message of resilience and hope.

Episode Number: 009

Publish Date: June 20, 2023

Host: Arjuna George

Guest: Captain Steve Farina

Brief Description:

🔥In this episode, Captain Farina shares his views on the state of mental health for first responders, sleep, fatigue, and stoicism in the fire service. He shares many amazing resources, including the new BC Firefighter Resiliency Program and the CSA Standard for First Responder Fatigue Risk Management System. Steve is known across North America as a Mental health leader and an ambassador to the well-being of firefighters.

Key Nuggets

🔥Steve shares the power of connection – With self, with others and within the fire service

🔥Steve shares his views on how the Fire Service should approach the issue of sleep and fatigue.

🔥Steve shares several amazing resources and his involvement in the BC Fire Fighter Resiliency Program, and the new First Responder Health program.

Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode:

🔗BC Fire Fighter Resiliency Program. https://sites.google.com/view/bcfrrp/home

🔗BC Fire Fighter Occupational Awareness Training https://www.firstresponderhealth.org/bcffoat

🔗BC First Responders Healthcare Provider Directory https://www.firstresponderhealth.org/first-responders 🔗BC First Responders’ Mental Health Education https://bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com/looking-to-help/as-leaders/ 🔗CSA Z1615:22, First Responder Fatigue Risk Management System https://www.csagroup.org/news/csa-group-publishes-national-standard-providing-guidance-and-support-for-first-responders-to-mitigate-risks-related-to-fatigue/

🔗First Responder Health Sleep Management Series https://education.firstresponderhealth.org/courses/sleep-management 🔗Behind the Shield Podcast https://www.jamesgeering.com/podcast

Recommendations:

📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout, Arjuna George

Connect with Captain Steve Farina

http://linkedin.com/in/steve-farina-9459a518Connect with the Host:

Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret)

Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and author of Burnt Around the Edges.

🔗www.silverarrowco.com

🔗www.burntaroundtheedges.com

🔗www.beneaththehelmet.ca

Support the Show:

🔥Want to show your appreciation for Beneath the Helmet Show? Buy us a coffee! Your support enables us to keep producing content that makes a difference in the lives of our firefighters. ➡️ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ajgeorge

Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/beneath-the-helmet/id1676314109?i=1000617780719

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7AqtoEnaMca7XlXwPUlS2s?si=kji7AXqsRy2rZ7LYFDSJpA

• YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/QAxkfOIpebs

https://linktr.ee/beneaththehelmet

⭐Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!

Episode #1🎙️In the first episode, Arjuna George has an interview with James Rychard, a firefighter with 21 years of experience, discussing topics related to burnout, self-care, and leadership in the fire service. The interviewer, Arjuna George, hosts a podcast focused on firefighters' health and wellness. Rychard talks about the importance of recognizing workplace stress. He also explains the concept of burnout, the Holmes and Rahe stress scale, and the sandwich effect. Richard believes that firefighters should be regarded as industrial athletes and suggests that mental performance coaches and sports psychologists could benefit the fire service. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of character-based leadership and building a psychologically safe environment. The video sheds light on firefighters' demanding work environment, including long hours, high-stress situations, and the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and loss. By addressing factors such as insufficient recovery time, lack of resources, and the stigma surrounding mental health, we aim to promote greater understanding and support for those struggling with burnout in the firefighting community. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable firefighting workforce that is better equipped to continue their vital work in safeguarding our communities. #Burnout ⭐Resources: 🔗Holmes and Rahe Stress Inventory https://www.stress.org/holmes-rahe-stress-inventory-pdf 📖Is Work Killing You? https://amzn.to/3TI7bNH 📖Burnt Around the Edges. https://amzn.to/3Zbx3CU 📝The Making of a Corporate Athlete https://hbr.org/2001/01/the-making-of-a-corporate-athlete 📝VCOS Yellow Ribbon Report - Under the Helmet: Performing an Internal Size-Up https://www.iafc.org/topics-and-tools/resources/resource/vcos-yellow-ribbon-report-under-the-helmet-performing-an-internal-size-up 📝Beware of burnout Recognize and prevent burnout during COVID-19 and beyond https://www.firefightingincanada.com/beware-of-burnout/ 📝3 Tools for Stress https://www.cdnfirefighter.com/3-tools-for-stress/ 📝Psychological PPE: The Sandwich Effect https://www.cdnfirefighter.com/psychological-ppe-the-sandwich-effect/ ➡️SUBSCRIBE⬅️ 🔥Spotify https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/K4Ku9ixQryb 🔥Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beneath-the-helmet/id1676314109 🔗www.beneaththehelmet.ca 🔗www.silverarrowco.com 🔗www.burntaroundtheedges.com 🔗www.trefire.com Key Takeaways Self-care is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining mental and physical health. Humility, communication, and compassion are essential qualities for effective leadership. The Holmes and Rahe stress scale is valuable for identifying and managing life stressors. Creator Bio Retired fire chief Arjuna George hosts the "Beneath the Helmet" podcast, exploring firefighters' health and wellness. The podcast aims to support firefighters worldwide, promoting their mind, body, and spirit well-being. Firefighter James Rychard is a regular contributor to the Canadian Firefighter Magazine and has 21 years of experience in both career and paid-on-call environments.

Episode Number: 19 (SPECIAL EDITION) Publish Date: September 11, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Glenn Usdin and Bobby Senn Brief Description In this emotionally charged episode of Beneath the Helmet podcast, we delve deep into the personal experiences and stories of heroes who lived through the tragic events of September 11th. Join us as photographers Glenn Usdin and Bobby Senn share their incredible journey of documenting the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of the FDNY firefighters.

This episode is being posted on September 11th in honour of the 343 who never came home and for the 300+ who passed since due to 9-11-related injuries or diseases. This episode is dedicated to those who were impacted on 9-11 2001. "They Saved New York" book provides a unique window into the lives of these brave individuals, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the emotional toll of traumatic events and supporting mental health. Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) 📖 They Saved New York - The men and women of the FDNY 📺 Return to Ground Zero with FDNY Firefighter Bobby https://youtu.be/eSDrmkorer0?si=kfONXneiY5-XEwdB Glenn Usdin Bio Mr. Usdin has been a published professional photographer for over 50 years, as well as a nationally recognized fire chief. Usdin’s fireground action images, as well as his highly evocative portraits, reflect a strong straightforward style. He was the Associate Publisher of Fire Engineering magazine in the 1980’s and has done work for numerous publications and advertising clients. They Saved New York is a stunning compilation of his photography, spanning almost 50 years of taking photos of fires and firefighters. He combines strong photographic skills with an innate knowledge of firefighting to produce the dynamic images in this book. Working initially in the busy NY metro area, he is now based in Lancaster PA. He is rarely without a camera at his side. 📩Contact Glenn at [email protected] 🌐Website http://www.theysavedny.com Bobby Senn Bio 55 years old. Married to Christine for 26 years. No children. Started with FDNY in 1/94. Retired October of 2007 due to 9/11 PTSD, Asthma, Reflux disease and reactive airway disease. Peer counselor for Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. Travel to Fire and Police Departments, schools corporations nationwide as well as spending time with military personnel and other victims of events that have brought on Traumatic Stress. ➡️Bobby is featured in the book on pages 224-225. 📩Contact Bobby at [email protected] Connect with the Host: Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author. www.silverarrowco.com www.burntaroundtheedges.com www.beneaththehelmet.ca Support the Show: 🔥Want to show your appreciation for Beneath the Helmet Show? ⁠Buy us a coffee! ⁠Your support enables us to keep producing content that makes a difference in the lives of our firefighters. Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 📩⁠Join the BTH Community ⁠ 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧⁠Spotify Podcasts: ⁠ 📺 ⁠Youtube: ⁠ 🎧⁠All other podcast platforms ⁠ 🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit ⁠www.silverarrowco.com⁠ to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!

Brief Description: The Impact of Coaching on First Responders and their Spouses 🔥 Coaching has the power to positively impact the lives of first responders and their spouses, as Jennifer Anderson's own experience demonstrates. 💪 Coaching is a valuable modality of preventative care for first responders' mental health and wellness, offering a different approach than counselling. 💡 Finding a coach who provided tangible and concrete lessons and strategies through a formalized curriculum helped the speaker regain balance and change their life. 🌟 Coaching provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection and goal-setting, allowing individuals to create space in their lives to organize and prioritize their goals. 💪 Coaching can be a powerful tool in supporting first responders and their mental health, as demonstrated by its positive impact on Kevin's journey. Episode Number: 14 Publish Date: August 15, 2023 Host: Arjuna George Guest: Jennifer Anderson Resources and Links Mentioned in this Episode: 🔥Wheel of Life - Coaching tool Recommendations: 📖 Book - Burnt Around the Edges – A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout - Arjuna George (Available on Amazon, Apple and Google Books) ➡️Connect with Jennifer 🔗www.1strespondercoaching.org 📧 [email protected] Jennifer Anderson Bio I'm a mom, a coach, and a 15-year police wife to an officer who has been medically retired due to cumulative PTSD! So many of us in first responder families struggle with relationships, including our marriages! I've created First Responder Coaching to support First Responders, their spouses and their families as they build lasting, deep connections and conversations about mental health!! We save marriages, relationships, and lives!! Connect with the Host: Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author. www.silverarrowco.com www.burntaroundtheedges.com www.beneaththehelmet.ca Support the Show: 🔥Want to show your appreciation for Beneath the Helmet Show? Buy us a coffee! Your support enables us to keep producing content that makes a difference in the lives of our firefighters. Subscribe to Beneath The Helmet Show: 📩Join the BTH Community 🎧Apple Podcasts: 🎧Spotify Podcasts📺 Youtube

🎧All other podcast platforms 🔥Show Sponsored by Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting - Burnout and Resilience Coaching for High Performers. Visit www.silverarrowco.com to learn more or to book a complimentary meet and greet. Don't just live life; thrive!