Surviving Your Shift, Building Peer Support

Dr. Bart J. Leger
  • 4.9 (32)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Struggling to support your peers after a tough call, or unsure how to even start a peer support team? You’re not alone. Surviving Your Shift is the podcast for first responders, healthcare workers, and frontline professionals who want to build effective peer support programs, learn peer counseling skills, and bring training to their organizations. I’m Dr. Bart Leger, a retired first responder and board-certified traumatic stress expert with 25+ years of experience training peer supporters. Whether you’re starting a peer support program from scratch or want to be a stronger peer supporter, you’ll learn how to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and bring training to your organization. This is your go-to podcast for peer support training, first responder wellness, and frontline mental health. Hit play, and let’s equip you for success.

  1. Christmas on the Front Lines

    6D AGO

    Christmas on the Front Lines

    Christmas can be beautiful and painful, especially on the front lines. This short Christmas special reflects on the birth of Christ, the reality of working through the holidays, and how to find hope and peace, whether or not you celebrate the season the same way. You might be listening to this on your way to shift, in the bay between calls, or at home trying to catch a quiet moment during a busy season. Christmas looks different when you work in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, or the hospital and Emergency world. Some of you are working doubles while your family opens presents without you. Some are carrying grief or loneliness into a season that’s “supposed” to be happy. And some of you don’t celebrate Christmas the same way I do, or at all, but you’re still navigating the pressure, expectations, and emotions that come with this time of year. In this special episode, we step away from training models and talk about the heart of Christmas. From my Christian faith perspective, we’ll look at the birth of Christ, God coming close in the middle of a messy, broken world, and what that means for those of us serving on the front lines today. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL BE ENCOURAGED TO: See Christmas as a reminder that you’re not alone, even in dark or difficult seasonsFind small moments of peace, presence, and gratitude in the middle of busy shifts or complicated family situationsGive yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling this year, while still holding onto hopeWhether you share my faith or not, this episode is meant to be a few minutes of encouragement: a chance to breathe, to remember your value beyond the job, and to be reminded that light still shines in dark places. SHARE THIS EPISODE: https://www.survivingyourshift.com/50 OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: StressCareDoc.com Schedule a Discovery Call https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: www.survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    10 min
  2. What to Do If a Peer Mentions Suicide

    DEC 18

    What to Do If a Peer Mentions Suicide

    Not every crisis looks like a breakdown. Learn how to spot subtle signs someone’s struggling, and how to respond without overreacting or brushing it off. You’re sitting in the car after a long shift when a coworker quietly says, “I don’t know how much longer I can do this. Sometimes I wonder if everyone would be better off without me.” Your heart drops. Are they just venting… or are they really thinking about ending their life? This is one of the most critical moments you’ll face as a peer supporter or as a trusted coworker. You don’t want to overreact, but you also can’t ignore what you just heard. In this episode, we’ll break down exactly what to do when a peer mentions suicide, so you’re not stuck guessing or hoping you say the right thing. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: The most important warning signs and risk factors for suicide in high-stress professionsHow to ask directly about suicide using clear, honest language (without making things worse)How to persuade a peer to stay safe and accept help when they feel like giving upPractical referral options and how to make a “warm handoff” so they’re not left alone in the process You don’t have to be a clinician to save a life. You just need to notice, ask the hard question, and care enough to stay with them while you connect them to help. SHARE THIS EPISODE: https://www.survivingyourshift.com/49 OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: StressCareDoc.com Schedule a Discovery Call https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: www.survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    23 min
  3. How to Spot the Signs That Someone Is Struggling

    DEC 11

    How to Spot the Signs That Someone Is Struggling

    Not every crisis looks like a breakdown. Learn how to spot subtle signs someone’s struggling, and how to respond without overreacting or brushing it off. Ever look at a coworker and just know something’s off, even if they say they’re fine? It’s one of the hardest parts of peer support: knowing when to lean in, especially when the signs are subtle. Not everyone in crisis is going to fall apart in front of you. Sometimes, they’re still showing up to work, cracking jokes, and getting the job done, but inside, they’re unraveling. If we wait until someone is completely falling apart, we’ve waited too long. This episode will help you pay attention, spot red flags, and know when—and how—to check in. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: The most common warning signs someone’s struggling emotionallyWhat to say (and what NOT to say) when checking inWhy “I’m fine” isn’t always the truth, and how to keep the door open You don’t need to diagnose anyone. You just need to notice. And care enough to show up. OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: StressCareDoc.com Schedule a Discovery Call https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: www.survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    10 min
  4. Active Listening Skills for Peer Support

    DEC 4

    Active Listening Skills for Peer Support

    Sometimes the best help isn’t a solution, it’s a safe space. Learn how active listening can help peers feel seen, heard, and ready to open up after a critical incident. Ever been in a conversation where you could tell someone was struggling… but they weren’t saying much? You don’t want to push, and you don’t want to say the wrong thing. So what do you do? The answer is often simpler than we think, listen better. In peer support, listening is everything. It’s the difference between someone shutting down or finally opening up. But most of us haven’t been taught how to listen well in high-stress, emotional conversations. This episode gives you the practical skills to do just that. Whether you’re supporting someone after a traumatic call, or sitting with a coworker who’s barely holding it together, these tools will help you show up in a calm, helpful, and human way. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: What active listening is, and what it’s notHow to use body language, tone, and simple cues to make people feel safeFour core skills to help peers open up (without advice-giving or oversharing) Active listening isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present. And it’s one of the most powerful things you can offer as a peer. OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: StressCareDoc.com Schedule a Discovery Call Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: www.survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    11 min
  5. The Diamond Communication Structure: Your Roadmap for Crisis Conversations

    NOV 27

    The Diamond Communication Structure: Your Roadmap for Crisis Conversations

    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 move can shut a person down. But the right framework? It can build trust, open up healing, and give someone the safety to talk. In this episode, I’ll teach you the Diamond Communication Structure, a proven way to guide someone through a hard conversation, especially when they’re sharing something traumatic. It’s not a script. It’s a shape. And once you learn it, you’ll never go into another conversation feeling unsure again. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to use closed-ended questions to stabilize the conversationWhen to shift into open-ended questions to invite their storyHow to paraphrase and close the loop without rushing or minimizing This is one of the most practical communication tools you can learn in peer support. And the best part? You can start using it today. OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: StressCareDoc.com Schedule a Peer Support Discovery Call Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: www.survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    9 min
  6. How to Use the SAFER-R Model to Support a Peer in Crisis

    NOV 20

    How to Use the SAFER-R Model to Support a Peer in Crisis

    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’s a simple model you can follow that keeps the conversation safe, supportive, and focused. In this episode, I walk you through the SAFER-R model, a 6-step crisis intervention framework that peer support teams across the country use to help coworkers stabilize, process, and move forward after a tough event. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: The six essential steps of the SAFER-R modelWhat each step looks and sounds like in a real conversationHow to guide someone through a crisis moment without freezing or fixing This episode gives you a structured, data-driven approach to one-on-one peer support that actually works, especially when emotions are raw and time is short. Links Mentioned in This Episode: CISM Quick Reference Cards - https://www.cismbookstore.com/content/critical-incident-stress-management-cism-quick-reference-cards Schedule a call with Bart: https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today. Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    19 min
  7. What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone in Crisis

    NOV 13

    What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone in Crisis

    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’re on a peer support team or just someone others lean on, this episode will help you show up better when someone is hurting. You’ll learn practical ways to communicate care and empathy, without overstepping your role or fumbling for the right words. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW: What to avoid saying in a crisis conversation (even if it sounds helpful)How to stay present when someone’s angry, overwhelmed, or in tearsSimple, supportive phrases that help people feel heard—not judged This episode is full of real-world tools you can use the next time someone says, “I’m not OK.” Links Mentioned in This Episode Email Bart: info@stresscaredoc.com Schedule a Discovery Call: https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today. Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    13 min
  8. Setting Boundaries as a Peer Supporter

    NOV 6

    Setting Boundaries as a Peer Supporter

    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 slip into a mindset where you feel like you can’t say no. Like if someone needs you, you have to drop everything and respond. But that’s not sustainable. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of your own mental and emotional health. In this episode, you’ll learn how to set boundaries in a way that protects your energy and still communicates care. We’ll talk about how to avoid burnout, how to recognize when you’re giving too much, and how to create healthy limits that still allow you to be present and helpful. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How to recognize when your boundaries are being pushedWhat healthy peer support boundaries look like in real lifeHow to say “no” without guilt—and why it’s one of the most caring things you can do This episode will help you stay effective, avoid resentment, and model the kind of balance that actually helps your team thrive. Schedule a Call with Bart https://www.survivingyourshift.com/consultation If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today. Connect with Bart LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift Website: survivingyourshift.com Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here. Mentioned in this episode: Houston Area CISM GRIN Training This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

    23 min
See All (51)

4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Struggling to support your peers after a tough call, or unsure how to even start a peer support team? You’re not alone. Surviving Your Shift is the podcast for first responders, healthcare workers, and frontline professionals who want to build effective peer support programs, learn peer counseling skills, and bring training to their organizations. I’m Dr. Bart Leger, a retired first responder and board-certified traumatic stress expert with 25+ years of experience training peer supporters. Whether you’re starting a peer support program from scratch or want to be a stronger peer supporter, you’ll learn how to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and bring training to your organization. This is your go-to podcast for peer support training, first responder wellness, and frontline mental health. Hit play, and let’s equip you for success.

Information