Fire Rescue Wellness

Annette Zapp

Welcome to the Fire Rescue Wellness Podcast! My name is Annette Zapp (or AZ), and I'm a Retired Career Firefighter on a mission to ensure that every firefighter feels physically, mentally, and emotionally supported in their work. Join my guests and me as we have the critical conversations that help firefighters stay healthy and well.

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Top 10 Fire Rescue Wellness Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Fire Rescue Wellness episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Fire Rescue Wellness for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Fire Rescue Wellness episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Episode 109: Training, Injuries, and the Power of Maintenance, with Dr. Christle Guevarra, DO, MS, CAQSM

Fire Rescue Wellness

05/28/24 • 45 min

Get registered for 7-Minute Science 6.24.24!
I got to meet Dr. Christle at the NSCA Great Lakes Conference in April, and she's a powerhouse and a wealth of knowledge regarding injury, training, and nutrition.
Dr. Christle Guevarra holds a Master of Science in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences. Passionate about education, she was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at WesternU, where she taught osteopathic medical students.

Christle completed her Family Medicine residency at Crozer Health in PA, where she was awarded “Resident of the Year.” She then completed her Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Currently, she maintains a telemedicine private medical practice, serves as a traveling Team Physician for US Figure Skating, and is a project manager for RP Strength.

As a firm advocate of Exercise Is Medicine, Christle believes in “practicing what you preach.” A former competitive powerlifter, she now enjoys lifting while also training for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
So what, now what?!?
An injury isn't the end of the world! There are so many ways to train around it!
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Connect on LinkedIn

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Episode 86: South Metro Fire HPO Part II with Kelsey Bailey, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS

Fire Rescue Wellness

12/19/23 • 54 min

Sign up for 7-Minute Science V2.0 on 1.22.24 at noon central!!!
South Metro Fire has one of the most impressive and robust health and wellness programs of any agency in the United States. They run their program on the model of Human Performance Optimization (HPO) which includes physical and mental health, medical monitoring, and so much more.
This is Part II of a multi-part series where I sit down and speak with various providers at the agency. Today's episode features Kelsey Bailey, a performance dietitian who contracts with the agency to work with personnel on their nutrition.
If you missed part I, you can catch it here: CLICK
Kelsey Bailey is a Performance Dietitian for her LLC, B.Well. She spent 7 and a half years with Special Operations and is currently a consulting Performance Dietitian with the Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche, South Metro Fire Rescue, and Lakewood Police Department. Her areas of specialty include performance nutrition and understanding the unique demands of the tactical world on one's physiology. Her special interest areas include optimizing health and performance related to sleep, stress management, job performance and prevention of long-term disease. She also has a vested interest in allostatic load and nutrition support, care for traumatic brain injury, heavy metal and environmental exposures, and GI recovery and support. She offers both individual consults and education sessions for teams or groups.
So what, now what?
Nutrition is critical for wellness, health and performance. Work with a sports/performance dietitian for best results!
Email Kelsey: [email protected]
Check out Kelsey's Website
Follow BWell on IG
Download the CPSDA Document

Episode 59: Firefighter Research with Mike Oldham, Ph.D. and Hussein Jabai

Fire Rescue Wellness

06/13/23 • 62 min

Cancer in the fire service is a real threat. Effectively decontaminating your body post-fire is your first line of defense.
Make sure and head over to check out Episode Sponsor Flame Decon!
Thank you, Tara!
The fire service is 100 years of tradition, proudly unimpeded by progress; at least until recently. Finally, the fire service is starting to listen to science and I'm here for it. There are labs all over the country and the world now conducting research on everything from firefighter performance, to gear fit, nutrition and supplements, load carriage and so much more.
Today you'll hear from Dr. Mike Oldham and Hussein Jabai. We talked about their research on hydration and several other topics interesting topics including shift schedules, coming out of their lab. According to Dr. O, regarding rehydration, "Water is better than nothing, electrolytes are better than water and some electrolytes are better than others!"
Hear what they have to say in Episode 59.
So what, now what?
Academics can answer the questions you have at your department, whether it's shift schedules, key performance indicator test validation, or even if you need more staff/coverage. Never be afraid to approach a university and see if they can help you answer YOUR questions at YOUR department.
Click here for Dr. Oldham and Hussein Jabai's bios!
Check out the lab's webpage
Email Dr. O: [email protected]
Email Hussein: [email protected]

Episode 49: Firefighter Research with Andrew Jagim, PhD and Joel Luedke ATC

Fire Rescue Wellness

04/18/23 • 51 min

Air management drills can get frustrating, especially when having no way to rate your performance or even compare yourself to previous years.
Dr. Andrew Jagim and Joel Luedke, ATC are working to change that story. Their research into air management in firefighters is helping to define and rate performance. I recently was privileged to present some of their data at the Society for Neurosports Data Blitz and received 2nd place!
Dr. Andrew Jagim is currently the Director of Sport Medicine Research for the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine. Dr. Jagim completed his PhD in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology at Texas A&M University. Andrew is also a certified strength & conditioning specialist with distinction through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a certified sports nutritionist through the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

His primary research area focuses on how various nutrition and exercise-related strategies influence the performance and health of athletes. Dr. Jagim also has a focused interest on the physiological demands of various sports and tactical professions and how they pertain to injury, recovery status and performance. This work has led to several publications in peer-reviewed journals, and presentations at national conference events. In addition to his time spent in academia, Andrew has worked as a personal trainer and sports nutrition consultant for a variety of clients and athletes.

Joel Luedke is an athletic training and strength and conditioning coach who currently works in a sports medicine department supporting a sports orthopedic surgeon. In addition, he works with colleagues in a pilot project that provides tactical strength and conditioning program to the local fire department and conducts tactical research, focusing on firefighters. Prior to this role, Joel worked at a local university where he was the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Training and Sports Performance with direct responsibilities of care to the football, tennis and golf teams.

Joel received his undergraduate in kinesiology-athletic training from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his master’s in exercise science from the University of Kansas, and is currently finishing up coursework for a doctorate on leadership and administration in athletics from Concordia University-Chicago. His focuses and interests are on injury risk reduction, increasing performance through mastering the basics, and identifying what people need in order to be leaders.

Joel also hosts the podcast Athletic Training Chat where they focus on highlighting athletic trainers and their passions and stories. Recently, Joel helped convert a previous podcast, Clinically Pressed, into a 501c3 non-profit that focuses on “Making the Complicated Simple” and

Episode 47: Triumph Over Tragedy-The Impact of a Photo with Chris Fields

Fire Rescue Wellness

04/11/23 • 62 min

Chris Fields is an incredible human and an even more incredible friend. My life is better because Chris Fields is in it, and when I started my podcast, I knew I had to have him on to talk about his story, both the darkest hours and the triumph.
Chris Fields joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department on July 12, 1985, promoting through the ranks and retiring as a Major on March 1, 2017, serving the citizens of Oklahoma City for 31 yrs and 7 months. Chris was captured in a photo that became an iconic symbol of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995 as he cradled the body of 1 yr old Baylee Almon. Chris is now dedicating his life and travels to speak to other 1st responders. He discusses the brutal realities of a life spent responding to citizens in their darkest hours. Chris tells the story of his life, his 31 yrs of public service, and how that day in 1995 all took a toll on his life and his family and how he suffered in silence for many years. Now he shares how with God, Faith, and Family, he took control and his journey out of the suffering in hopes of helping others avoid the failure and the pitfalls and to reach out.

Chris also serves as a Fire Liaison on the Advisory Board for Survive First, a 501©3 organization whose mission is to assist 1st Responders, the military, and their families who need mental health support from the impact of PTSD, and substance abuse; he also serves as Fire Liaison on the Advisory Board for Thin Line Events, an organization supporting 1st Responders, Military, and their families through concerts, festivals, and other live events. Chris is an Ambassador for Lighthouse Health and Wellness; Lighthouse is designed to provide 1st Responders and those that support them anonymous access to existing health and wellness programs. He is also the Co-founder and co-host of a weekly webinar, Trauma Behind the Badge.
So what, now what?
A photo brought a decade of trauma to the surface. Your career is more than one defining event. Reach out early and often and get support for your mental wellness.
Contact Trauma Behind the Badge
Check out Lighthouse Wellness
The book Chris mentioned
Vicarious trauma toolkit
Email Chris at [email protected]

Episode 35: Stepping Out from Behind the Shield with James Geering

Fire Rescue Wellness

02/28/23 • 45 min

The Behind the Shield Podcast is one of the most successful and well-known podcasts for first responders and one of the first I ever listened to. James and I have been friends for years, and I was honored to bring him on as a guest.
We discussed everything from his early life to his fire career to his thoughts about work schedules and recruitment/retention.

James Geering was born in England and spent almost thirty years there before emigrating to the U.S. Early years saw him in a spectrum of jobs, from lifeguard to stuntman. Geering had always dreamed of becoming a Firefighter but was told as a child that poor color vision would disqualify him from the process. It wasn't until he moved to America that he realized the vision deficit was mild and a poor excuse for not following his dream. James promptly enrolled in the Fire Academy, and the rest is history. Geering was a Firefighter/Paramedic and retired to make a more significant impact on other first responders. He is also a Crossfit coach and a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor's in Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology.
Read more about James here!
So what, now what?
Sometimes, the most significant impact you can make as a first responder is the work you do outside of being a first responder. Take care of yourself and take care of others!
Email James: [email protected]
Follow Behind the Shield on IG
Grab James' book One More Light
Listen to me on Behind the Shield
Listen to Dan Bornstein on the FRW Podcast
Listen to Dan Bornstein on the Behind the Shield Podcast

Episode 28: Fighting Fire with Sport Science with Jacob Mota, PhD

Fire Rescue Wellness

02/03/23 • 57 min

When Dr. Katie Hirsch (Episode 18) recommends an interview, I listen! Vince Zittnan from Chicago's Bravest Stories Podcast and I sat down with Jacob Mota to discuss his research on fitness in a recruit academy.

Dr. Jacob Mota is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas Tech University. He also directs the Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory and leads a team of talented researchers. His research interests include determining the role of neuromuscular function on performance and injury risk for physically demanding occupations. Additionally, he is passionate about continuing to uncover the neuromuscular mechanisms which lead to adaptations from resistance training and other exercises. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed manuscripts, many focusing on firefighter health and wellness. He completed his doctoral training at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Human Movement Science and master's and bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Texas Tech University. He holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential with Distinction through the NSCA, a group he is an active member of.
So what, now what?
If we genuinely want to set candidates up for fire service success, applying sound sport science principles to their physical training in the academy is critical. Just making them hot, sweaty, and tired is doing a disservice. Sport science has already solved most of the fire service problems through research. The two careers need to start talking!
Check out Jacob's research group!
Connect with Jacob on LI
Email Jacob at [email protected]

Episode 27: Unfit for Duty: The National Security Risks of Inactivity with Dan Bornstein

Fire Rescue Wellness

01/31/23 • 52 min

My friend Dan might be the 'most interesting man in the world': Ph.D., adrenaline junkie, rock band member, and he's on a mission to change the world, or at least make it safer.
Daniel B. Bornstein, Ph.D., is the Founding Principal at DBornsteinSolutions, LLC, a company providing consulting services at the unique intersection of fitness, health, and national security. Dr. Bornstein has over 20 years of experience as a researcher, professor, and industry leader. He served as a tenured faculty member and administrator at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, from 2012-2021. Dr. Bornstein arrived at The Citadel in 2012 after completing his Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. Before earning his Ph.D., he founded and was CEO of two fitness companies based in Tucson, AZ, focusing on individual-level, holistic fitness and health for various clients, including elite sport and military athletes. However, for the past fourteen years, his work has focused on effective strategies for increasing population levels of physical activity to improve the nation's fitness, health, and security.

Dr. Bornstein actively publishes in leading scientific journals and regularly presents at national and international scientific conferences. His research has been featured in over 130 media outlets worldwide, including USA Today, Newsweek, Stars and Stripes, and National Public Radio. Dr. Bornstein has provided numerous briefings to senior military personnel and lawmakers, including briefings at The Pentagon and Capitol Hill.

Dr. Bornstein is currently the Chair of the Military Sector for the US National Physical Activity Plan. Dr. Bornstein now resides in Norwich, VT, with his wife and their two children, who enjoy finding fun ways to be physically active across the four seasons.
So what, now what?
Get moving. Your life and our national security depend on it!
For more information or to connect with Dr. Bornstein:
National Physical Activity Plan
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Socio-Ecological Model

Episode 7: The Old Bull Approach to PT with Dr. Katie Dabrowski

Fire Rescue Wellness

10/11/22 • 39 min

In episode 7, AZ talks to her dynamo friend Dr. Katie Dabrowski about the Old Bull Athletics approach to physical therapy.
Katie is a Miami based physical therapist, CSCS and instructor in the Neuroscience program at Nova Southeastern University. We talk about a better approach to physical therapy, treating the whole patient as opposed to simply the injured part, the cash-based physical therapy model and the experience that Old Bull provides to patients from youth and top-level athletes to desk warriors and grandmothers.
Katie is passionate about bridging the gap between strength training, injury rehabilitation, and performance to optimize patient outcomes. Her background is in neuroscience and after working in the research world, she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami.
Katie knew she wanted to change the perception of physical therapy and provide a truly individualized, one-on-one, exceptional level of care to create lasting relationships and trust with each patient - this is the mission at Old Bull Athletics. Her focus lies in blending principles of neuroscience, strength and movement, and pain reduction for people of all backgrounds.
She works with all patient populations, and in particular works often with strength athletes (CrossFit, Olympic lifting, powerlifting), personal trainers and coaches, endurance athletes, and individuals with exercise-induced migraines. With a background in collegiate rowing and over 15 years of her own focused strength training, she is adamant about practicing what she preaches.
So what, now what?
You didn’t get injured laying on a table and you’re not going to get better laying on a table either! If you’re a firefighter, you need a physical therapist that gets you back to “better than ever” as opposed to just getting you back to activities of daily living.
The cash-based model ensures that an insurance company doesn’t determine how well you are able to get!
Connect with Kate on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ktdabrowski or
www.instagram.com/oldbullathletics
or via email [email protected]
Check out the Old Bull website at www.oldbullathletics.com
Please rate, share and subscribe to the Fire Rescue Wellness Podcast!

Episode 110: Eight Years of "Overnight" Progress with Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita, MSEd CSCS*D RSCC

Fire Rescue Wellness

06/04/24 • 54 min

Get registered for 7-Minute Science 6.24.24
VFP is a rockstar in the tactical space and I'm honored to call her a friend. Listen, she's my queen of safety when I need to share location with someone! She's back for a second episode and an update on what's been happening at Pflugerville Fire for the last 18 months. Listen to her previous episode here!
Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita is a strength & conditioning coach for the fire service. Her goal is for firefighters to do strong work, build strong minds, and live strong lives from academy to retirement. She is the Health & Fitness Coordinator for the Pflugerville Fire Department. Since 2016, she has overseen all aspects of firefighter health, wellness, and performance. Before working with the fire service, Vanessa worked as a strength & conditioning coach for Southern Illinois University. Vanessa has a Master of Science in Education in Kinesiology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Illinois University. She is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with distinction and a Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach (RSCC) from the National Strength & Conditioning Association. She also holds credentials from USA Weightlifting, The Ready State, Crossfit, and is a Master Resilience Trainer through the United States Air Force.
So what, now what??
Having a highly qualified and credentialed outside professional is always the best answer. But Vanessa shares some best practices for those departments that can't make that happen right now.
Email Vanessa: [email protected]
Follow VFP on Instagram

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FAQ

How many episodes does Fire Rescue Wellness have?

Fire Rescue Wellness currently has 137 episodes available.

What topics does Fire Rescue Wellness cover?

The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Nutrition, Sleep, Entrepreneurship, Mental Health, Podcasts, Health And Wellness, Science, Business and Firefighter.

What is the most popular episode on Fire Rescue Wellness?

The episode title 'Episode 102: Fairfax County Part III with Anna M. August, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Fire Rescue Wellness?

The average episode length on Fire Rescue Wellness is 45 minutes.

How often are episodes of Fire Rescue Wellness released?

Episodes of Fire Rescue Wellness are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Fire Rescue Wellness?

The first episode of Fire Rescue Wellness was released on Sep 13, 2022.

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Fire Rescue Wellness

Annette Zapp

Top 10 Fire Rescue Wellness Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Fire Rescue Wellness have?

What topics does Fire Rescue Wellness cover?

What is the most popular episode on Fire Rescue Wellness?

What is the average episode length on Fire Rescue Wellness?

How often are episodes of Fire Rescue Wellness released?

When was the first episode of Fire Rescue Wellness?

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