Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service Beneath the Helmet – Episode 99 Season Three comes to a close with a powerful reflection on leadership, resilience, wellness, and the human cost of serving in the fire service. In this milestone Episode 99, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George looks back on conversations from Episodes 72 through 98. Firefighters, clinicians, researchers, and leaders shared honest insights about health, nervous system regulation, recovery, integrity, peer support, and what it truly takes to sustain a long career in this profession. This episode is not about tactics or rank. It is about people, connection, and the lessons that carry forward into Season Four. 🎙️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 99 and Season Three milestone 01:00 – Season Three growth, listener support, and gratitude 02:00 – Overview of Season Three themes and guest diversity 02:30 – Episode 72: Frank Leeb on firefighter blind spots and leadership longevity 03:45 – Episode 73: Aaron Zamzow on sleep, fitness, and daily habits 04:50 – Episode 74: Keith Hanks on vulnerability, courage, and community 06:00 – Episode 75: Robert Cefoli on TRE and nervous system regulation 07:15 – Episode 76: Ryan Provencher on tactical athlete wellness 08:15 – Episode 77: Megan Lautz on nutrition and preparedness 09:15 – Episode 78: Alec Wons on purpose, presence, and connection 10:10 – Episode 79: Scott Booth on vulnerability and trust in leadership 11:00 – Episode 80: Rick Davis on integrity as a daily practice 12:00 – Episode 81: Brandon Guarino on visualization and performance 13:00 – Episode 82: Character-based leadership panel discussion 14:15 – Episode 83: Brandon Evans on reflection and growth 15:10 – Episode 84: Ricky Nuttall on Grenfell, survival, and story 16:15 – Episode 85: AK Dozanti on burnout and nervous system capacity 17:10 – Episode 86: Dr. Terry Anderson on competency-based leadership 18:05 – Episode 87: Justin Brunner on AI, wellness, and decision support 18:55 – Episode 88: Justin Champion on recovery and mental health 19:50 – Episode 89: Vance Row on sobriety, movement, and resilience 20:45 – Episode 90: Tommy Bolin on unseen battles and processing the job 21:35 – Episode 91: Dr. Stephanie Conn on peer support culture 22:30 – Episode 92: Marc Hill on station-level leadership 23:20 – Episode 93: Doug Allen on the nervous system and regulation 24:15 – Episode 94: John Vought on sleep, recovery, and CBD 25:15 – Episode 95: Dr. Nolan Beise on cognitive resilience 26:10 – Episode 96: Dr. Lorraine Smith MacDonald on moral injury 27:05 – Episode 97: Dr. Hector Rodriguez on healing and connection 28:10 – Episode 98: Michael Sears on taking a knee and recalibration 29:30 – Common themes from Season Three: connection and sustainability 31:00 – Sponsor acknowledgment and personal reflection 33:00 – Looking ahead to Episode 100 and Season Four 34:30 – Closing reflections and final thanks 🔥 About This Episode Season Three explored what it truly means to serve in today’s fire service. From nervous system health and recovery to leadership integrity and connection, these conversations highlight the human side of the job that often goes unspoken. If you are a firefighter, first responder, leader, or someone navigating the long-term weight of service, this episode offers perspective, reflection, and grounded insight. If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Beneath the Helmet and share it with someone who needs these conversations. Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most. Season Four is on its way. Until then, take care of yourself, take care of your people, and stay well. Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret) 📺 WATCH & LISTEN 🌐 Full Episodes & Show Notes: www.beneaththehelmet.ca
