​Move over Charles Dickens, there's a new Christmas Carol on the block. No, not the Muppet Christmas Carol, even though it is a work of cinematic genius. We're talking about Douglas Brown's new collection of short tales A Firefighter Christmas Carol and other stories. Doug reached out to Justin to see if he'd be interested in reading the book a few months ago and Justin had to delay because of some mental health issues. You see, it isn't good to read about PTSD and suicide when you're possibly in the middle of treatment for mental health issues. Justin finally got through the Christmas Carol and immediately reached out to Doug to share this story as well as his own. When Doug made the pivot from his successful fantasy writing to this particular story What in his experiences came through as we watch his main character suffer Dickens' famous night of ghosts How the story can both help, and possibly hurt a person in recovery or experiencing PTSD Why werewolves came up in a discussion about firefighter PTSD, like, at all  

What’s Your Emergency

Author Douglas R Brown and A Firefighter's Christmas Carol

Bridget Truxillo, pronounced as it looks, not as it sounds, joins the guys today to talk about an interesting angle she has on the wellness trend sweeping (finally) through First Responder Land. At her website MyProtectiveWellness.com Bridget shares tips to get a handle on your out of control life and bring you back to reality using her experience as a veteran LEO and lawyer. Bridget shares what led her to leave law enforcement and seek her law degree as well as how those experiences shape her interactions with clients, followers and the greater First Responder Community. You'll learn about: Bridget's experience on SWAT and Narcs 2 of the 7 Steps to Automating Wellness How building new routines can help replace old bad habits 

Automating Wellness with Bridget Truxillo

Here's a fun fact about me: MC has taken a trip every year with his dad since he was 12-years-old. As it happens, he's currently on his 37th annual trip! Consequently and in combination with the relatively heavy subject matter of late, Justin and MC wanted to lighten the proverbial load a bit and go back in the archives for some significantly lighter fare. Early in the Ask WYE lexicon, we were asked about the best pranks we've seen/experienced in our respective professional lives. It was one of our most popular Ask's to date, so it felt apropos to re-introduce it to the world. If you're new to the show or you missed this one originally, give it a listen!  If you've been hear since our inception and have been missing some shenaniganery, give it a listen! Have a great week and we'll be back with new episodes next week!

Who needs a good laugh? (Ask WYE 004 Replay)

WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of traumatic events involving children and discusses suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Red Help is an organization trying to bring awareness to Firefighter mental health and speak candidly about suicide risks. We all know the story: Someone shares that a colleague died by suicide and the entire community comes together to discuss it for 5 minutes then gets distracted by some dumb East Coast vs West Coast argument and the discussion is forgotten.​ This week Robyn Mikel from Red H.E.L.P. comes in to tell her story (grab some tissues) and talk about why that 5 minutes we spend on mental health isn't nearly enough.​ Listen and learn: How Robyn got involved with Red Help and why she's so passionate Why there aren't any "red flag" warning signs for suicide until it's too late How we can all be more aware about the mental health of those around us How to pronounce Robyn's last name. Or at least, how to pronounce it now. Long story. 

Robyn Mikel, Red HELP, Suicide, and the Stigma of Mental Health

On the other end of the microphone this week is owner of Filthy Pirate Coffee, Dan Spencer. In addition to being a veteran, and retired Police Officer, Dan and his family followed their passion and now make some amazing coffee and tea combinations. And in addition they give back to their community in addition to offering free coffee in their shack/office. It is often stated that if you do something you love you'll never have to work a day in your life. While many hobbies can't convert into an income to support a family, some indeed can, as you'll learn this week. Filthy Pirate Coffee is the OFFICIAL coffee of WYE Radio! *Go here and use the code "pirateship" to get free shipping on your order! *That's our affiliate link...it means you can help financially support the show AND get your coffee with free shipping!

Filthy Pirate Dan Spencer talks Coffee and life after LEO

Catchy title, right? This week the guys sit down to talk about their recent emergency, both from the patient's (Justin's) point of view and from the family members and friends learning of the event and what to do next. We discuss: What happened to Justin that day and how he came to be in the hospital How Justin's wife reacted to the phone call and what she did next Where Jason was and what he was ready to do How to manage stress before it manages you 

Justin is in the hospital, they think he had a stroke

Living in a beautiful mountain mining town in northern California certainly has its perks. The amazing scenery, the history of the little towns and old buildings scattered through the valleys, the old railroad stations...it can be an amazing life. Until Fire Season. Listen as we interview MC's sister-in-law and brother-in-law about their experience losing their home in the #RiverFire.  It wasn't an easy interview for anyone, but it's important to hear. You'll learn: When they knew to evacuate and what they took with them Where they went when the flames got close and if that was part of their plan What would they do differently Why you need to revisit your insurance IMMEDIATELY 

Rebuilding after complete destruction - Lizz and Jamie Porter

If you enjoyed last week's explicit tag, this week won't disappoint either! Therapist Lauren Rich returns to talk about trauma. Here's what you'll learn:   What trauma is and isn't and why it's so hard to tell Common signs we may see in ourselves and each other that may indicate we need help How to get over the "suck it up" mentality everyone thinks everyone else has Where the best after therapy jalapeno poppers can be found  

Laurent Rich returns to discuss Trauma

WARNING: This episode contains explicit language and frank discussion of traumatic scenes and events some listeners may find inappropriate. Listener discretion is advised.​ This week, we talk with licensed Psycotherapist Lauren Rich from LaurenRich.net. Her slogan says everything you need to know about if Lauren gets what first responders and veterans feel like after a traumatic event: Get Unf*cked.  It can be difficult to first acknowledge you may need help, and even harder to find someone who you know "gets" what it is that we do on a daily basis.​ In this episode, we discuss: How to make sure the therapist you choose "gets you" Questions to ask and questions they'll (hopefully) ask you Examples of therapy options and what works for folks like us How Lauren came to choose her slogan and why honesty matters 

Mental Health for Veterans and First Responders with Lauren Rich

We've always talked about how important home life is as a first responder. Coming home safe can't be your only goal and if you solely identify yourself as what you do for a living, it can make home life miserable not just for you but for everyone around you.​ This week, we welcome speaker and wellness trainer Jonathan Parker to talk about just this topic.​ His course can help you through some of the toughest parts of doing what we do. We aren't the only ones dealing with our jobs, we can inadvertently bring grief and trauma home with us and that isn't fair to our families.​ In this episode, we discuss: Common misconceptions about mental health How getting home healthy and happy is more important than simply walking in the door Quick steps you can take today to make your arrival home safer Did Jonathan really do CPR on his wife?! 

Watch Your Six with Jonathan Parker

In this episode, we talk about the #RiverFire and the sad news that MC's sister-in-law and brother-in-law lost their home and everything in it. We reference our first episode where we discuss Disaster Planning, but, more importantly, we are asking for your support for Lizz and Jamie Porter. They are our family and our friends. You can help by going here. In a future episode, Lizz and Jamie will be on the show to tell their tale of how they escaped, what they'd do differently, and what's important to them now.

The River Fire took a family home - How you can help

Everyone in the first responder family needs to be thinking about life after the job. Whether you're a few weeks from retirement or looking at a full 30 years ahead of you, your thoughts need to be focused on being safe and what to do later. This week the guys welcome LEO 2 CEO founder Adam Wills to discuss his efforts in helping other LEOs prepare for life after the badge. Take a look at the community using our affiliate link WYERadio.com/L2C and see if you meet the definition of "Copreneur"...and to save $50 off your membership! In our interview, you'll learn: How being part of a community of peers can help guide your plan That something you do as a "side gig" could very easily be a primary money maker The importance of a cohesive brand and plan How on Earth Adam became the Undersheriff in his early 30's 

Adam Wills and the LEO2CEO Community

This week your hosts continue a conversation started with New York Times Bestselling Author, and tall guy, Jon Acuff about his new book Soundtracks. They only had 30 minutes of Jon's time and didn't even crack the surface of all the questions, observations and comments they had, so they hung up with him and hit record again to discuss it. This week the guys go into more detail about how the book impacted them and how approachable it is for the first responder family. While many books geared towards self help are clearly more about making it in the corporate world, Jon's Soundtracks transcends job title and gives everyone a chance to improve their inner dialogue.

We Debrief Our Conversation with Jon Acuff

This week your hosts welcome New York Times Bestselling Author, and tall guy, Jon Acuff to talk about his new book Soundtracks. As you are aware, many first responders struggle with an inner monologue that drives us down. "I'm not good enough. I'll never get promoted. I can't find a better job." Researcher Mike Peasley PhD and Jon worked for years in testing a crazy, yet simple theory: What if we changed that soundtrack into something more positive, then acted on it? What if we were able to focus on the positive and have that repeat, rather than constantly hearing that negative nagging in the background? Jon gives some solid, actionable advice to First Responders stuck in that cynical churn of day-in, day-out living. You'll learn: If simply changing the music we listen to can have a positive change What is a turndown and how it can impact a bad day in the field How Jon can be so confident that changing your soundtrack will have a positive effect on your life, personally and professionally Why Jon isn't wearing his Yanni - Live at the Acropolis t-shirt (To skip direct to the interview, jump to the 06:55 minute mark.)

New York Times Bestselling Author Jon Acuff and Soundtracks that can shape your future

New York Times Bestselling Author, Jon Acuff, dropped by the WYE studios to ask our resident Motor a burning question: "Are cops required to get tazed?"  Oddly enough, the topic of being set on fire also comes up...but that's how WYE works, right? Don't miss out on MC's answer...and look for our upcoming interview with Jon next week!

Ask WYE - Issue 62 - Jon Acuff asks if Cops get Tazed

WYE is the podcast that responds to all emergencies on and off the job. This podcast covers four core areas of life: Physical, Financial, Emotional, and Professional. Inside each of those cores lies four phases of an emergency: Education, Preparation, Response, and Recovery. Through each core, WYE will offer different perspectives on each phase. Industry and Subject Matter Experts will offer their guidance on how best to leverage possibility and maximize results in each of the four areas.

hubhopper

What’s Your Emergency

hubhopper