Episode 39: The Cost of Always Being the Strong One: A First Responder's Perspective with Joshua Surgenor Important Content Note: This episode includes discussion of alcohol misuse and suicidality between approximately 9:30 and 10:40. There is also broader discussion throughout the episode about mental health, psychosocial hazards, and the wellbeing of frontline workers, including first responders. On Not Another PD Podcast, I often speak with helping professionals and leaders who generously share not only their professional expertise, but sometimes aspects of their lived experience as well. In this episode, Joshua shares part of his own story. I appreciate his willingness to do so. One of the reasons I created this podcast was to encourage more honest conversations about the realities of being a helping professional, leader, or business owner. My hope is that these conversations help reduce stigma, remind people that they are not alone, and encourage people to seek support when they need it. If alcohol misuse or suicidality are lived experiences for you or a loved one, please refer to the timestamps above and feel free to skip ahead if that feels more supportive for your wellbeing. Please take care while listening and engage with this episode in whatever way feels right for you. If anything discussed in this episode raises concerns for you, I encourage you to reach out to your usual supports or appropriate professional support services. While wellbeing is something I care deeply about, Jazmin Pursell Consulting does not provide counselling, crisis support, or therapeutic services. Our work focuses on training, consultancy, leadership development, and professional supervision for helping professionals and organisations. Please excuse my voice throughout this episode. I was recovering from a cold while recording, but felt this was an important conversation to share. Many helping professionals, leaders, and frontline workers spend their careers being the person others rely on. But what happens when always being the strong one comes at a cost? In Episode 39, I chat with Joshua Surgenor, former veteran and paramedic, qualified social worker, and founder of Mindful Mates Social Services. Drawing on his experiences across the military, emergency services, social work, and mental health support, Joshua offers a unique first responder's perspective on the realities of frontline work. Together we discuss: Why helping professionals and frontline workers often delay seeking supportThe psychosocial hazards faced by first responders and emergency service workersThe impact of identity, purpose, and work on our wellbeingThe importance of debriefing and reflective conversationsBoundaries, self-care, and sustainable ways of workingSupporting staff before they reach burnout, crisis point, or emotional exhaustionJoshua also generously shares part of his own lived experience and reflects on the importance of seeking support before reaching crisis point. Connect with Joshua Surgenor: Mindful Mates Website Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Connect with Jazmin: Website LinkedIn Group Supervision Free Work From Home Audit Boundaries for Helping Professionals (Self-Paced online training, just $59AUD) If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a review, or sharing it with a colleague, leader, or helping professional who may benefit from the conversation. Thank you for listening!
