Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

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. ...

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 exp...

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 Gr...

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 traini...

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...

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 is...

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,...

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 responde...

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 st...

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 ...

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...

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,...

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....

Missing family events due to shift work can be tough. Discover practical strategies to stay connected with loved ones, even when you can’t be there in person, from using technology to creating flexible celebrations.

Are you struggling to stay connected with your family due to the demands of shift work or being on-call?

Missing out on family events and special moments can lead to feelings of guilt and disconnection.

Join us as we explo...

Generational clashes at work can be a major headache. Today’s episode of “Surviving Your Shift” dives into why Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z often clash and how to turn those differences into your team’s biggest strength.

SHOW NOTES: (NOTE: you can utilize this exact same format for your weekly episode promo emails, too!) Parts in YELLOW are for you to edit

Do you ever feel like you’re speaking a different language...

Starting a career as a first responder is tough, but knowing these ten things before you run into trouble can make all the difference. Tune in to episode 15 to learn how to stay healthy, avoid common rookie pitfalls, and thrive in your career.

What are the ten things every rookie needs to hear?

Starting out as a first responder, you face intense challenges that can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Are you prepared to ...

Feeling like you're constantly juggling work and home life, but still ending up feeling guilty and stretched too thin? Still trying to balance it all? If you're tired of feeling guilty and exhausted, it's time to explore a more effective approach to work-life balance.

Do you ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, trying to give equal time to work and home?

Balancing work and home life by giving equal time ...

Are you looking forward to retirement but wondering if you’re fully prepared? The thought of retirement can be both exciting and scary. Bart, our host, has successfully made the transition into retirement, and he will share how you can, too.

Are you worried about navigating the transition to retirement smoothly? 

Don’t be that person who gets to retirement and finds out they’re not prepared.

Life after a career as a frontline professi...

Dealing with emotional pain and suicidal thoughts is incredibly challenging, but this episode offers hope and practical steps if you are facing these struggles. Listen now as Bart provides guidance and support for you if you’re overwhelmed by the pressures of the job and life.

Are you thinking of suicide, feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders?

For first responders, the daily stress, trauma, and pressures can feel ...