Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

Feel lost in peer conversations? The Diamond Communication Structure gives you a simple, reliable way to support someone in crisis, without making things worse.

Ever wish someone had given you a roadmap for crisis conversations?

Too often, we freeze up when a peer says, “I’m not OK.” We either launch into advice too quickly or fumble through the silence, hoping we’re doing it right. And in peer support, those moments matter.

One wrong...

Don’t guess your way through a crisis conversation. Learn how to use the 6-step SAFER-R model to support a peer through stress, shock, or trauma.

Have you ever walked into a conversation with someone in crisis and thought, “I hope I don’t mess this up”?

You’re not alone. When emotions are high and someone is overwhelmed, even experienced peer supporters can feel stuck. The good news? You don’t have to guess your way through it. There...

Knowing what to say in a crisis can be hard. In this episode, we cover what to say and what not to say when someone’s been through a critical incident or is overwhelmed.

Ever been in a conversation where someone opens up about something painful, and you’re not sure what to say next?

That moment can feel like walking a tightrope. Say the wrong thing, and they might shut down. Say nothing, and you risk missing a chance to help.

If you’r...

Helping others doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself. Learn how peer supporters can set boundaries without guilt, burnout, or blowing up relationships.

Do you ever feel like you’re always “on call” for your team, even when you’re off?

That might be a sign your peer support boundaries are too fuzzy. And here’s the thing: blurry boundaries don’t help anyone, not you, and not the people you’re trying to support.

In peer support, it’s easy to...

Ever freeze up when someone says, “I’m not OK”? Learn how to respond with simple crisis communication skills that support, not shut down, your peer.

Ever feel stuck when someone opens up about something hard, and you have no idea what to say?

It’s not just you. Most people aren’t taught how to handle emotionally charged conversations. So when a coworker or team member says, “I’m struggling,” we either over-talk, underreact, or panic ...

Most peer support programs start strong… then fade out. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to sustain your team, keep engagement high, and ensure your peer support program remains trusted and effective for the long haul.

Most peer support teams start with good intentions, a few trained peers, a launch meeting, maybe even some early wins. But what happens after six months? Or a year?

If your team is starting to fade, or you want to...

Skeptical culture? Stigma? Silence? Learn how to promote peer support in a way your department will actually hear. Retired Sgt. Gabe Lira shares real solutions that work.

How do you promote peer support without sounding like HR or a TED Talk?

It’s one thing to build a peer support team. It’s another thing to get your department to trust it. If you’ve ever hit resistance, heard the line “We don’t need that,” or wondered how to shift t...

If your people don’t trust your peer support team, it won’t work. In this episode, you’ll learn how to protect confidentiality, build psychological safety, and create a culture where people know it’s safe to reach out.

What good is a peer support team if no one feels safe enough to use it?

Confidentiality isn’t just a policy, it’s the foundation of trust. And if your people don’t believe their conversations will be kept private, they...

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just train it right. In this episode, I’ll show you exactly what kind of training your peer support team needs to be equipped and ready when it matters most.

Does your peer support team actually have the training they need, or are they just winging it?

Caring isn’t enough. Without the right training, peer supporters may overstep, or God forbid, do harm. And that can be disastrous for your team’s ...

Confused about what a peer supporter is actually supposed to do? This episode breaks down the real role of peer support and what not to do, to keep the team trusted, safe, and effective.

What’s the real role of a peer supporter, and where’s the line between helping and overreaching?

Too many programs launch without clearly defining the role of a peer supporter. That leaves team members unsure of what to say, when to refer, or how muc...

Not everyone is wired for peer support—and choosing the wrong people can do more harm than good. In this episode, I’ll show you how to choose the right team members your people can actually trust.

How do you know if someone’s the right fit for your peer support team?

Let’s be honest—just because someone wants to be on the team doesn’t mean they should be. In fact, putting the wrong people in peer support roles can do real damage. Tru...

Thinking about launching a peer support program but unsure where to start? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to build a team your people will actually trust and use.

Thinking about starting a peer support program in your department or organization, but feel overwhelmed by where to begin?

You’re not alone. A lot of agencies know they need something in place, but either launch too quickly without structure, or stay...

Are there warning signs in your department you’re missing? In this episode, learn five red flags that signal it’s time to build—or rebuild—a peer support team that actually works.

Is your department ignoring the signs that your people are struggling?

When good people are burning out, leaving the job, or silently suffering through trauma, it’s not “just part of the job.” It’s a red flag. And if you don’t have a trusted, structured pee...

What is peer support—and why does it matter so much in high-stress jobs? In this episode, you’ll learn how it works, what it’s not, and why it’s saving lives on the front lines.

Ever wonder what peer support actually is—and why it seems like everyone’s talking about it lately?

Too many departments are using the term without really knowing what it means—or how to make it work. Worse, some well-meaning programs fail because they weren’...

Peer support can save careers—and lives. This episode reveals why Surviving Your Shift is narrowing its focus and how it will equip you to build a strong peer support culture in your organization.

Are you tired of seeing your coworkers burn out, break down, or just barely get by, and wondering what you can do to help?

You’re not alone. Many first responders and frontline professionals feel called to support their peers, but don’t kno...

Feeling “off” but can’t explain why? This episode unpacks the hidden signs of long-term traumatic stress in first responders and frontline workers—and what you can do about it.

Are you more irritable, distant, or emotionally numb than you used to be?

You might think it’s just burnout, but what if it’s something deeper—like long-term traumatic stress?

If stress is piling up and showing up in unexpected ways, this episode will help you ...

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...