Rescue the Rescuer: Recent Episodes
Stephen Kavalkovich, who interviews experts and uses personal insight to reveal addiction recovery wisdom and PTSD survival skills to help others become healthy, sober and free.
Fire fighters, police officers, military personnel, EMS providers, and all first responders are under immense pressure and stress, day in and day out. This can lead to incredible challenges both at work and at home.
Join Travis Pipes and I as we discuss mental health issues that transcend all careers and socioeconomic barriers. This is the great leveler in all humans.
Travis has successfully completed intensive inpatient treatment geared towards dual-diagnosis substance abuse recovery as well as a life-changing 12-step program.
He was a featured speaker at the 2017 ‘Many Faces Of Mental Illness Conference’ hosted by Siouxland Mental Health at Iowa State University. Travis is a member of the CNQR (pronounced 'conquer') Collective which is a wellness company based in Atlanta, GA working to change the typical approaches and end stigma in the world of mental Health and wellness. He's also the primary mental health and substance abuse recovery advocate and speaker at The Milwaukee Police Academy.
Travis will also be debuting his new show on blog talk radio at the Mental Health News Radio network. It's called 'Wide Open Looks.' Featuring stories of mental health, addiction, recovery, change, and perseverance inside and outside the lines of sports.
He'll be discussing his lived experience, viewpoints on mental health and writing as they apply to topics such as stigma, recovery, wellness and image and performance in sports.
Travis currently resides in Wisconsin. He's a published NFL sports writer and studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
More info - http://icnqr.com/travis-pipes Medium - https://medium.com/@tfpipes USA Today, The Packers Wire - http://packerswire.usatoday.com/author/tfpipes/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/thepackmentality
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
In 2011, while Katrina was incarcerated pending sentencing for prescription fraud, possession, distribution and other charges related to her addiction, Katrina's 20-year-old daughter began heavily abiding prescription pills. Within months, her beautiful and naive little girl was completely addicted and out of control. Katrina felt panicked and powerless as she was told that the child who was always terrified of needles, was now injecting herself with death regularly. Only a few days after she was advised of Kirstyn's deteriorating condition, her child overdosed while her mother was trapped in jail, paralyzed by inexplicable grief, regret, and crippling hopelessness.
Katrina shares how she seemed to overcome the death of her parents as a child in the California desert of the 70's, child abuse, institutions and sexual assaults, to evolving to a responsible, loving, career parent earning a six-figure salary. Sadly, she had only buried the pain and shame of repeated abuse, as all it took was a few life incidents and a fall down the stairs of her home, to set off heartbreaking consequences and senseless tragedy.
Her powerful story was profiled in the FBI's, "Chasing the Dragon" documentary. Released last year with a study guide, it will be used in schools and communities for years to come to help educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse, as well as the underlying factors that often lead to the full manifestation of the disorder.
Today, Katrina advocates for all suffering from substance abuse, their families and trauma survivors. The founder for "Recovered Purpose", she has dedicated her life to serving others. She admits her dreams were lost to addiction and the death of her daughter but, her PURPOSE was found in recovery. She is driven to honor her daughter and leave a legacy of love to her son and his family. Katrina is proud of her son who serves our country enthusiastically in a branch of the military.
Recovered Purpose: http://recoveredpurpose.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveredpurpose/ Chasing the Dragon: https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/newss-chasing-the-dragon-the-life-of-an-opiate-addict/view Learn more here: http://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/ --
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join me and the CEO of the network that I am so proudly a part of to talk about mental health advocacy, stigma, and more!
Kristin Sunanta Walker is the CEO of a technology consulting firm everythingEHR dedicated to aiding Behavioral Health organizations. She is also the host of Mental Health News Radio and founder of Mental Health News Radio Network - a network of podcasts that focuses solely on Mental Health.
Learn more here: http://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
On June 24, 2015, Ben’s life changed. While responding to a “routine medical assistance” call, he was stabbed multiple times by a bystander. The incident and the ensuing ordeal left Ben with a changed perspective.
Ben shares his story so that others, who may be going through a similar situation, can know that what they are experiencing is not their fault and that they are not alone. He wants others to know the impact this kind of event can have on a person, and how best to help someone who is going through a crisis.
"Are you a First Responder? Then you are in the definition of PTSD."
Ben has served the citizens of San Diego as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Fire Rescue Department for 10 years and is a member of the Hazardous Materials and Technical Rescue Teams.
He is also on the FEMA California Task Force Eight Urban Search and Rescue Team (CA-TF8) and holds five specialist positions on the team: Rescue Specialist, Hazardous Materials Specialist, Technical Search Specialist, Communications Specialist, and Medical Specialist.
Ben also teaches Emergency Medical Technician courses at the Miramar Community College and in the San Diego Fire Rescue Academy.
He enjoys working on his Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certifications in Automotive Repair. Ben is an avid scuba diver and rock climber and lives with his wife, Lisa, in the city of Temecula.
Ben continues to serve his community and is currently assigned to Station 14, in North Park, San Diego.
Learn more about Ben here: http://benvernon.com Email: ben@benvernon.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.vernon.108
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Staying current with your profession is not only tactically wise, it’s an ethical obligation we have as we touch the lives of others who are in extreme distress.
The mission of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. is to provide leadership, education, training, consultation, and support services in comprehensive crisis intervention and disaster behavioral health services to the emergency response professions, other organizations, and communities worldwide.
Learn more here: http://icisf.org
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Mark Golfelder and I as we discuss stress amongst first responders and more importantly how to put the meaning back into Brotherhood.
Mark is an Acting Lieutenant/Firefighter/Paramedic with Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue and has 25 years of combined fire and EMS experience. He is certified by the Florida State Fire College in Fire Officer I and II, Live Fire Training Instructor I, Fire Instructor III, Pump Operator, and Fire Safety Inspector I and II.
Mark is also certified by the National Board for Fire Service Professional Qualifications and is an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course instructor. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He has over 20 years of teaching experience, is a Training Center Faculty for the American Heart Association, and has prior experience as an ACLS instructor and National Association of Emergency Medical Dispatchers certification. Besides being active in our classroom, Mark has been published by Fire Engineering and has taught at Fire Rescue East and the 2014 Safety and Health Conference.
Mark also develops and creates course curriculum and is active in public speaking on fire service history, tradition, and organizational culture.
http://www.fivebuglesinstitute.com
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Andrew Shannon, Public Information Officer, of this amazing organization as we speak about the hard topics of responder suicide, prevention, and education.
The Code Green Campaign was started in March of 2014 after a group of EMS professionals noticed the alarming rate of suicide in EMS. The Code Green Campaign is a first responder oriented mental health advocacy and education organization. Also known as Code Green, they serve all types of first responders, including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, police, corrections, air medical, and search & rescue. The name comes from the color for mental health awareness (green) and "code alerts" that EMS uses to designate an emergency patient. For example, if someone is having a stroke or heart attack that needs rapid intervention, first responders will tell the hospital the patient is having a "code stroke" or a "code STEMI." The idea is that Code Green is calling a code alert on the mental health of first responders.
For more information: http://www.codegreencampaign.org Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecodegreencampaign
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Nick Halmasy spent a decade in the Fire Service. He spent the majority of that time as a Fire Instructor and sat on various committees within the fire service. He has completed a Master's of Arts in Counselling and is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying).
After the Call is the culmination of his passion for First Responders and Mental Health Awareness. This site is not dedicated solely to the conversation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder! Nick understands that the level of stress and pressure exercises itself in various ways within the people, and their families, that goes beyond a single diagnosis.
Nick brings to the field not just experience as a First Responder, but also as a clinical practitioner with experience in a wide range of clinical settings including: crisis settings, hospital settings, and within the addiction sector. Nick also runs a private therapy practice for First Responders in Peterborough and Bowmanville.
Nick has written a book to help First Responders and their families begin conversations about mental wellness. Nick has presented extensively on the topic of First Responder Mental Wellness. With a deep understanding that PTSD is not the only mental struggle that will affect the First Responder, Nick tries to counter this idea. While PTSD certainly destroys First Responders and their families, there is a long list of other mental health struggles that can destroy First Responders first.
Nick is published in Utah Valley State University's Straight Tip Magazine, International Firefighter, Firefighting in Canada, Fire Chief, and Uniform Stories. Nick continues to write and presents on the topic of First Responder Mental Wellness.
Web: http://www.afterthecall.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterthecall1/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Michael and I share our similar stories of struggle while working as first responders, losing it all, and rising up to use our experience to help others.
Michael C. Koch, BS, CADC II, SAP, is a 19-year police officer and former narcotics detective who now works as an addiction counselor at True North Recovery Services, an intensive outpatient program in Encinitas, CA. Michael is dedicated to helping all of those who suffer but he has a special place in his heart for the recovering peace officer.
Web: http://www.sandiegoaddictions.com/law-enforcement-professionals-need-help-too/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Dr. Glenn and Stephen Kavalkovich as they discuss the clinician’s side of treating first responders who battle mental health-related issues.
Dr. Tania Glenn is the president of Tania Glenn and Associates (TGA), PA a clinical practice in Austin, TX that is focused on promoting resilience, critical incident response and peer support team training and activation. As a leading national clinician in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Dr. Glenn specializes in working with emergency responders, military, and the aviation community.
More info at http://www.taniaglenn.com
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
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Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Host Stephen Kavalkovich speaks with Jeff Dill about breaking the stigma and addressing mental health-related issues with firefighters and other first responders.
In 2011, Jeff Dill founded Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance (FBHA).
Jeff travels the United States & Canada holding workshops to teach firefighters & EMS about behavioral health awareness and suicide prevention. FBHA is the only known organization that collects and validates data on FF and EMT suicides across the United States. In addition, FBHA holds classes for counselors/chaplains, family members and preparing for retirement.
Jeff Dill holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Argosy University (IL), a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a retired Captain at Palatine Rural Fire Protection District in Inverness, Illinois.
More info at http://www.ffbha.org
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
...than read about you in the obituaries tomorrow.
Dave and I talk about the pushback in the First Responder world when it comes to mental health and how it needs to change immediately.
David Wiklanski is a Firefighter/EMT with the New Brunswick Fire Department, currently assigned to the suppression section. He has over fifteen years in Emergency Services. Firefighter Wiklanski is a highly known speaker and writer, most notably for his presentations on behavioral health, in addition to Suicide Terrorism. His mission is to end the stigma associated with mental health and to connect responders with the available resources to not only survive, but thrive in their careers.
His presentations have been followed at many seminars at the local, state and national levels, including Firehouse Expo, Firehouse World, New Jersey Statewide Conference on EMS, and the Metro Atlanta Firefighter Conference. He contributes articles to Fire Engineering and the Firehouse Tribune. His first book: Suicide Bombers, Understanding Suicide Terrorism from a Cultural and Memetic perspective is available online and he is currently working on authoring his next book.
http://davidwiklanski.com
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Dan Willis and I as we talk about healing the mind and heart of the those that are called to helping others. Reinforce why you do the job and keep your soul satisfied.
Dan Willis served nearly 30 years as a police officer, retiring as a Captain from the La Mesa Police near San Diego. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is a former crimes of violence, child molestation, homicide detective and SWAT Commander and has taught at the San Diego Police Academy for 12 years.
Dan is the author of the emotional survival and wellness guidebook “Bulletproof Spirit: The First Responders Essential Resource for Protecting and Healing Mind and Heart.”
He travels the country providing emotional survival training to first responders.
More info: http://FirstResponderWellness.com
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Hassle-Free Books - You have a message to share, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it out to the world. Become an author in a little as 45 days: http://hasslefreebooks.com
Join Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief Dan DeGryse as we speak about being mentally fit for duty as a first responder.
Besides being an officer with one of the largest fire departments in the nation, he also has been a mental health advocate and counselor for 20 years.
He is also the director of the Rosecrance Florian Program designed for uniformed first responders who battle mental health issues and substance abuse.
http://www.rosecrance.org
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Join my guest, Leckey Harrison as we speak about trauma, recovery, and raising your resilience.
Leckey Harrison is a retired volunteer firefighter/EMT, former carpenter and manufacturing inventory and production manager. After his Perfect Storm call, he went on to co-manage the non-profit Whidbey CareNet, and co-found Raise Your Resilience, LLC. He lives in an intentional community and is an advanced student in Krav Maga self-defense.
More info: https://raiseyourresilience.com/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Robert Avsec retired as a battalion chief after 26-years with the Chesterfield County (Va.) Fire and EMS Department. For the past 5 years, he’s worked as a freelance writer contributing to fire service publications online.
During his career, Robert served in many roles from Company Officer (first-line supervisor of a fire company), EMS Director, Manager of Emergency Communications Center (911), and Chief of Training and Safety Division.
His background with post-traumatic stress and firefighters is primarily confined to having an acute awareness of the subject which has moved him to use his “voice” to promote, amplify, and communicate information, primarily through his blog, Talking “Shop” 4 Fire and EMS, and articles that he has published on FireRescue1.com.
Recently, Robert was invited to become an inaugural member of the Honorary Board of Advisors for Warrior Heart, a residential treatment facility outside of San Antonio, TX that serves members of the military and public safety agencies (fire, police, and EMS) in helping them to overcome drug and alcohol addiction and manage post-traumatic stress conditions.
More info: http://www.fireemsleaderpro.org/2017/04/02/addiction-treatment-firefighters-ems-personnel/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
Andy Kaufmann is the co-founder and executive director of Check Point One.
He is a registered yoga teacher and certified equine specialist. Prior, he worked for the Code of Support Foundation, General Dynamics, and was retired after 20 years in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot.
Kristen Fitzgerald is the co-founder and Equine Program Director of Check Point One.
She has been riding and training horses for nearly all her life. She is currently double certified as an equine professional and specialist in Equine Assisted Learning Therapies and Learning models.
It is an honor to have them on the show to share about how they are helping the military and first responders.With a focus on PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) as well as ERES (Emergency Responder Exhaust Syndrome) we have developed a unique "out of the box" program that provides tools and methods to give to our clients which can help move past the trauma and turn it into growth.
Come visit them: https://www.checkpointone.org/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
The Fire Asylum is a training crucible that burns heroes to ash and reshapes them into people for whom firefighting is not a job, but a calling.
Marty Mayes shares his story of struggle and passion for the fire service.
Marty joined the fire service in 1987, as a volunteer. In 1990 Marty became a full-time police officer with the same city and served as both a volunteer fire fighter and F/T police officer for the next ten years.
Marty left police work in 2000 but continued to volunteer as a fire fighter. Marty worked in the field of high-end private security, until 2010 when he was diagnosed with cancer and placed into hospice.
After several surgeries and extended treatments, Marty beat cancer like a rented mule. Today Marty runs his training company called, The Fire Asylum.
We are honored to have him come on the show and share his experience with his own internal fire and how he overcame it. He now has turned his greatest liability into an asset to help the masses.
He sees a day when we operate at an elite level across the entire fire service, volunteer, and career alike. Mentally tough, physically ready, and spiritually resilient.
More info: http://www.fireasylum.com/
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Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors:
Recovery Innovators - In today’s busy world it is more important than ever to establish yourself as an expert. Gain the instant trust of your prospects and clients as a respected Addictions Authority: http://recoveryinnovators.com
The Addictions Academy - The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
For firefighters and first responders, maintaining optimum mental wellness is a critical part of remaining active and effective on the job as well as at home.Constant exposure to trauma, life-threatening situations, and the physical strain of working long hours on little to no sleep can negatively impact overall mental health, increasing the vulnerability and risk of substance abuse and addiction among firefighters and first responders.My guest for this session knows this risk all too well.Don Prince served for sixteen years as a firefighter and officer for the Brookhaven fire department on eastern Long Island and progressed to the rank of Chief before moving to South Florida.Don served for a short time at the World Trade center site in the aftermath of 9/11 and continues to assist other responders in getting the help they may need with addiction, PTSD and other job-related issues.As a Certified Recovery Coach and Peer Support Specialist, Don has worked with and continues to work with such agencies as Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, FDNY, NYPD and other public safety agencies both large and small.Don is a consultant and Lecturer for the Sweeney Alliance, an organization that promotes education and awareness to first responders about grief and loss, addiction resources, and other job-related stress.Don is also the co-founder of the The 11th Hour Trauma Retreat: http://11thhourretreat.orgYou are not alone.Don Prince, NCRC1, NCACIPhttp://sobercoachdon.com561-282-8685don@sobercoachdon.comNationally Certified Recovery Coach and Interventionist, Peer Support Specialist, Patient Advocate--Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com--Show sponsorsThe Addictions Academy – The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/The 11th Hour Trauma Retreat: http://11thhourretreat.orgStation Pride, Keeping Pride and Tradition Alive: http://station-pride.com
Stephen tells his story, from childhood trauma to how he became the rescuer who needed the rescue.
His personal reflections about Ground Zero on 9/11 is impactful and powerful. He reveals how many First Responders coped that day...and how that experience seemed to spark his addiction, fueling his struggle and epic fall to his "bottom."
As with most addicts, the tale is at times nearly unbelievable, until...the pain it takes to finally address the underlying causes and conditions. Which ultimately leads to healing.
Listen to this story of challenge, failure, hope, and inspiration.
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors
The Addictions Academy – The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
The 11th Hour Trauma Retreat: http://11thhourretreat.org
Station Pride, Keeping Pride and Tradition Alive: http://station-pride.com
Stephen Kavalkovich introduces the show, Rescue the Rescuer.
Fire fighters, police officers, military personnel, EMS providers, and all first responders are under immense pressure and stress, day in and day out. This can lead to incredible challenges both at work and at home.
Rescue the Rescuer puts a spotlight on these problems and help find solutions.
Interviews with survivors and experts who work with first responders along with personal reflections and insight help shred the shame and highlight strategies that work to alleviate and eliminate common stumbling blocks for First Responders like addiction, PTSD, relationship failure, and more.
Find out more at http://rescuetherescuer.com
-- Show sponsors
The Addictions Academy – The Nation’s Leading Accredited Addiction Treatment Services, Recovery/Sober Coaching & Intervention Training Academy: https://theaddictionsacademy.com/
The 11th Hour Trauma Retreat: http://11thhourretreat.org
Station Pride, Keeping Pride and Tradition Alive: http://station-pride.com