Carry On Fire Family

Audra Carrion
  • 4.2 (5)
  • Kids & Family

Being part of a fire family is not just a lifestyle, it’s a story most people will never understand. This podcast creates honest conversations about culture, resilience, and what real strength looks like in the fire service so departments, and the families behind them, can move forward together. Each week, you’ll hear raw personal stories, expert advice, and unfiltered conversations that remind us that change can be uncomfortable, but necessary. This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for fire families and change makers who are rewriting what it means to be a modern fire family.

  1. Oct 27

    S3. E6. Life in a Firefighter Family: Routines, Holidays & Privacy with Caitlyn Munger

    Married to a firefighter and wondering how anyone does this? Licensed marriage and family therapist and "firewife" Caitlyn Munger of Meet the Mungers joins me to talk first responder family life. Her husband left for an 18-day strike team deployment the day after their honeymoon. Nobody warns you about that part. We cover: Parenting routines that hold up through unpredictable firefighter shiftsA visual shift calendar and simple ways to make a parent's return feel specialA holiday survival guide: guilt, boundaries, scheduling, and flexible traditionsWhy Caitlyn stopped showing her kids' faces online after a hacked baby monitorFinding fire-family community near you, from department families to library meetups"You won't know it until you're in it." If you love a firefighter, this one's for you. Try this week Pick one routine that stays predictable no matter the schedule.Put a visual calendar up so the kids can see work days and home days.Compare schedules and choose your holiday priorities before December.Chapters 00:00 Meet Caitlyn Munger, therapist and firewife 01:43 Newlywed life and a four-month strike-team deployment 09:42 Owning the firewife experience online 13:35 Why Caitlyn stopped showing her children's faces 21:29 Building flexible routines around unpredictable shifts 31:09 Holiday planning, traditions, and boundaries 39:22 Finding fire-family community 48:36 Time, family priorities, and legacy Links Caitlyn Munger / Meet the Mungers: meetthemungers.com | Instagram Carry On Fire Family: Instagram Keywords: firefighter wife, firewife, first responder family, firefighter family support, firefighter spouse, parenting routines, holiday boundaries, children's online privacy, therapist mom

  2. Oct 13

    S3. E5. Firefighter Sleep Recovery: How Sleep Loss Affects Health & Safety with Jaqueline Toomey

    Summary Jacqueline Toomey, known as the sleep lady of the fire service, shares her journey from wellness teaching to developing sleep recovery programs for first responders. This episode explores the critical impact of sleep on firefighter health, safety, and longevity, offering practical solutions and scientific insights. Key Topics The connection between sleep deprivation and the leading causes of firefighter deathPractical techniques for improving sleep quality after shiftsThe impact of sleep on testosterone, blood pressure, and overall healthThe importance of shift timing and schedule adjustmentsThe role of relaxation techniques and Yoga Nidra in recoveryChapters 00:00 Introduction to Jacqueline Toomey and her work in sleep recovery 02:24 Jacqueline’s background in wellness and trauma recovery 05:16 How Jacqueline’s personal story led to her focus on firefighter sleep health 10:43 The dangers of sleep loss in the fire service 12:37 The three leading causes of firefighter death linked to sleep deprivation 13:33 Solutions for improving sleep and nervous system regulation 15:12 The science behind sleep deprivation and emotional regulation 17:45 Strategies to motivate skeptical firefighters to prioritize sleep 20:19 Practical tips for post-shift recovery and sleep hygiene 30:18 The sleep drink recipe and its benefits 33:20 Discussion on peptides and their role in wellness 37:51 The risks of unregulated supplement use and long-term health concerns 38:07 Common sleep myths in the fire service 38:21 Immediate actions firefighters can take to improve sleep tonight 40:03 Jacqueline’s vision for a wellness-focused fire service 41:40 How to bring sleep recovery programs into fire departments Connect With Us Instagram Carry On Fire Family: @carryonfirefamilyFirst Responder Sleep Recovery: @firstrespondersleeprecoveryWebsites First Responder Sleep Recovery: https://www.firstrespondersleeprecovery.com/Carry On Collective: https://carryoncarrion.com firefighter sleep health, sleep recovery, wellness, trauma, stress management, sleep techniques, first responder health, sleep science, recovery practices, firefighter safety

  3. Oct 9

    S3. E4. From Loss to Leading: How Jessica Rome Mays Built Families Behind the Flames

    In this episode Jessica Rome Mays has lived fire life, and she has lived the grief that can come with it. She tells us how she turned that loss into Families Behind the Flames, a community built to hold fire families up. We talk about why communication gaps hurt departments, what auxiliary programs get wrong (and right), how to deal with gossip, and why being vulnerable is not weakness. If you’re a spouse, partner, or leader trying to build real support in your department, you’ll walk away with practical ideas. What we cover How Jessica came into fire lifeWhy she started Families Behind the Flames, and how it has grownWhat auxiliaries and community support can look like in a fire departmentGrief, loss, and finding resilienceWhy talking to each other matters more than anyone admitsHow to support fire spouses and families, especially in a crisisWhat sharing your story can do for you and for othersRotating leadership so your group outlasts youFaith, hope, and healingSteps you can take now to build a supportive fire family community Chapters 00:00 Meet Jessica Rome Mays02:05 Jessica’s background and connection to fire life04:00 The origin of Families Behind the Flames05:54 Supporting families and building community07:55 Activities and events for fire families09:54 Communication gaps and auxiliary programs11:56 Misconceptions about fire family groups13:55 Creating inclusive, supportive environments15:59 Handling toxicity and gossip18:00 Jessica’s personal journey through grief and loss20:00 Faith, resilience, and hope in healing21:55 The power of vulnerability and sharing stories24:00 Taking control and making conscious choices25:58 Serving others as a path to resilience27:58 Supporting fire families during a crisis29:59 Why human connection matters32:05 Building support systems and finding resources34:01 Leadership, rotation, and training your future supporters36:00 Practical advice for fire family support programs38:02 Jessica’s legacy and final thoughtsKeywords: fire families, grief, resilience, community support, fire department, auxiliary programs, mental health, family support, leadership, vulnerability How to Contact UsFamilies Behind the Flames Instagram: Families_behind_the_flames Carry On Fire Family Instagram: @carryonfirefamily Send us a DM, tell us what you thought of the episode, or share this with the fire spouse who needs to hear it.

  4. Sep 29

    S3. E3. How Shiloh Reed Balances Photography, Somatic Work, and Fire Family Life

    Audra is joined by Shiloh Reed, a photographer, relationship coach, somatic practitioner, and professional with a background in marriage and family therapy. Shiloh shares how stress affects the body and why it can take time for firefighters to transition from high alert at work to being present at home. In This EpisodeShiloh's journey into psychology, trauma support, and photographyHer work with No Silence, No Violence, a nonprofit supporting survivors with counseling and practical resourcesHow the nervous system responds to stressWhy firefighters may need time and intentional support to transition home after a shiftCo-regulation and ways family members can communicate about stressSimple movement-based tools for adults and childrenWhat emotional safety can look like for survivorsHow trust and emotional awareness shape Shiloh's photography workShiloh's thoughts on trauma, generational patterns, and pursuing progress over perfectionTakeaways to TryPlan the transition home. Ask what helps your firefighter transition home after a shift, and make a plan together.Name what you're feeling. Children won't assume they caused an adult's mood.Try a movement-based reset. Push against a wall, take a brisk walk, or shake out tension.Practice repair. When a conversation starts off poorly, take a clear "do-over."Resources MentionedBooks Securely Attached by Eli HarwoodAttached: Recommended for couples who want to better understand connection and relationship patterns. Organizations and Businesses No Silence, No Violence: A nonprofit offering survivors counseling and practical assistance. https://www.speakingoutnsnv.org/Integrative Rising: Shiloh's coaching business. Instagram: @integrative_risingShiloh Colleen Photography: https://www.shilohcolleenphotography.com/Audra Carrion: website: carryoncarrion.com IG: @carryonfirefamily TimestampsTimeTopic 00:00 Opening and episode setup 01:18 Stress and the nervous system 03:02 Introducing Shiloh Reed 05:59 Shiloh's path into psychology 07:23 Working with survivors of relationship abuse 09:06 Partnering with No Silence, No Violence 11:02 Practical support the nonprofit provides 12:24 Shiloh's family and firefighter life 15:22 Somatic work and the mind-body connection 19:34 Why firefighters may not be able to switch off immediately at home 23:15 Co-regulation and supporting each other 26:41 Helping children understand a parent's mood 29:51 Emotional safety for survivors 32:36 Chronic stress and the body's responses 34:33 How psychology informs Shiloh's photography 40:00 Book recommendations 42:39 Shiloh's perspective on trauma 44:26 Somatic movement tools she uses 46:07 "Robot jellyfish" for helping kids regulate 48:40 Progress over perfection 49:49 Shiloh's hopes for her family's legacy 51:17 Finding Shiloh's photography work 51:54 Supporting No Silence, No Violence 53:40 Shiloh's coaching work

  5. Sep 15

    When Mental Health Hits Home- with Ellen Sullivan

    In this episode, we explore the profound impact of suicide within the fire service community, sharing personal stories, departmental responses, and ways to foster mental health awareness and support among first responders and their families. key topics Impact of suicide on firefighter families Department response to firefighter suicides Mental health stigma in the fire service Importance of community and peer support Role of department leadership in mental health Personal stories of loss and resilience Need for systemic change in mental health protocols Support networks for fire families Advocacy for mental health awareness Strategies for reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking takeaways Suicide in the fire service is often underreported and stigmatized. Department responses to suicide can be inadequate and sometimes dismissive. Open conversations and mental health support are crucial for prevention. Leadership in fire departments must prioritize mental health and create safe spaces. Community support and mentorship can significantly aid fire families. Personal stories highlight the need for systemic change and compassion. Normalizing mental health discussions reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking. Proactive mental health protocols and regular check-ins are essential. Families and peers play a vital role in supporting mental well-being. Advocacy and education are key to transforming the culture around mental health in the fire service. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the topic of firefighter suicide and mental health 02:31 Personal story: The impact of a firefighter's suicide on families and departments 04:20 Guest introduction: Ellen Sullivan and her background 05:01 Life in the fire service: Balancing family and demanding schedules 07:08 The challenges of mental health in the fire community 15:00 The recent firefighter suicide and departmental response 19:59 Department protocols and the need for systemic change 29:57 The importance of community, mentorship, and peer support 39:57 Advocacy, awareness, and the future of mental health in the fire service keywords fire service, mental health, suicide prevention, first responder support, firefighter families, department response, mental health stigma, community support, firefighter mental health, suicide awareness

  6. Sep 1

    S3. E1. Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience: Ali Rothrock's Path From Firehouse to Healing

    Firefighter turned trauma expert Ali Rothrock joins the show to unpack what it really takes to survive and heal from trauma in the fire service. Ali entered the fire service in 2005 and spent years navigating the challenges women in firefighting still face: harassment, safety failures, and isolation from the crews meant to protect them. That accumulated trauma led to a PTSD diagnosis, which Ali describes not as a breaking point but as the first step in her healing process. In this episode, we go inside the realities of women in fire service, the mental health toll first responders carry, and the resilience strategies that helped Ali rebuild therapy, validation, and the decision to stay in the fire service and push for change from within. We also talk about the organizations supporting women in fire, what trauma-informed leadership actually looks like in a firehouse, and why vulnerability, not toughness, is what creates real safety for first responders. Ali also shares her media projects, including the long road to publishing her book and the barriers she's hit trying to bring her story to Hollywood and why she keeps pushing to tell it anyway. As she puts it: sharing her story can save lives. This conversation is for anyone who wants to understand trauma, resilience, and healing from the inside whether you're a first responder, love one, or are simply trying to build your own path back from hard things. To learn more about Ali: https://www.aliwrothrock.com/ To buy her books: https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506480633/After-Trauma Find Ali on Hubspot: https://relentlessresilience.substack.com/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliwrothrock/?hl=en Follow Audra on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carryonfirefamily Find Audra on substack: https://carryonfirefam.substack.com/publish/posts/published Follow Audra at https://carryoncarrion.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 02:07 Ali Rothrock's Firefighting Journey Begins 03:36 First Encounters with Discrimination in Fire Service 06:17 Harassment and Safety Concerns in Firehouse 08:38 Evolution of Women in Firefighting 11:00 The Role of Organizations Supporting Women in Fire 13:56 The Impact of Sharing Trauma Stories 17:38 Addressing Social Media and Firefighter Culture 18:10 PTSD Diagnosis and Healing Process 21:38 The Power of Therapy and Validation 24:47 Creating Trauma-Informed Support Systems 27:50 Ali Rothrock's Media Projects and Book Journey 32:24 Challenges in Hollywood and Media Representation 34:14 Persistence and Long-Term Goals 39:48 Legacy and Impact on the Fire Service 40:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

  7. May 26

    S2. E11. How Firefighters and Spouses Can Lead Systemic Change

    Carry On Fire Family and Wildfire and Resistance sit down to explore the complex intersection of social issues, politics, and the fire service community. We highlight the importance of open dialogue, understanding, and advocacy for systemic change within fire departments and related communities. key topics The impact of politics on fire service policies The role of fire spouses in advocacy and change Addressing systemic racism and historical issues in firefighting The importance of open dialogue about social issues Challenges faced by wildland firefighters and their families Chapters 00:00 Navigating Controversial Topics in the Fire Service 04:56 Life as a Fire Spouse: Challenges and Adaptations 07:43 The Impact of Politics on Wildland Firefighters 13:26 The Role of Fire Wives in Advocacy and Community 19:04 Addressing Social Issues in the Fire Service 25:56 Historical Context of the Fire Service and Politics 37:43 The Role of Firefighters and Contractors 42:59 The Politics of Firefighter Pay and Benefits 46:35 Navigating Uncomfortable Conversations 50:40 Finding Common Ground in Political Discourse 57:37 Building Trust and Community in Firefighting 01:05:25 Creating a Legacy for Future Generations 01:13:30 Black and White Modern Animated Vlog YouTube Intro (7).mp4 Hall of Flame Fire Museum - https://hallofflame.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wildfire_and_resistance/ https://www.instagram.com/carryonfirefamly/ keywords fire service, social issues, politics, advocacy, community, systemic change, fire spouse, wildland firefighting, public lands, social justice

  8. May 19

    S2. E10 Going First, slowing down, and being vulnerable with Christine Brandt

    In this episode, Christine Brandt shares her journey as a fire family wife, emphasizing the power of vulnerability, doing less on purpose, and building authentic connections. She discusses her experience with social media detox, the importance of initiating relationships, and how to navigate the unique challenges of fire family life. keywords key topics The importance of vulnerability in relationships Strategies for doing less on purpose to reduce stress Building authentic community within fire families Chapters 00:00 The Power of Going First 01:55 Doing Less on Purpose 02:55 Introduction to Christine and Her FireFamily Life 05:43 Navigating Life as a Firefighter's Partner 08:16 The Journey of Starting a YouTube Channel 11:25 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 14:14 The Power of Going First in Relationships 22:46 Navigating Depletion in Relationships 28:19 The Importance of Vulnerability 36:46 Strategies for Shift Days 39:35 Addressing Parental Burnout 41:02 Legacy and Commitment Subscribe to Christine's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@ChristineBrandt Or her Substack - https://christinebrandt.substack.com Follow us on socials! Audra - Carry On Fire Family Christine- https://www.instagram.com/christinethebrandt/?hl=en fire family, fire wife, vulnerability, doing less on purpose, social media detox, building community, fire department, mental health, fire spouse, authentic connection

See All (32)

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Being part of a fire family is not just a lifestyle, it’s a story most people will never understand. This podcast creates honest conversations about culture, resilience, and what real strength looks like in the fire service so departments, and the families behind them, can move forward together. Each week, you’ll hear raw personal stories, expert advice, and unfiltered conversations that remind us that change can be uncomfortable, but necessary. This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a community for fire families and change makers who are rewriting what it means to be a modern fire family.

Information

  • Creator
    Audra Carrion
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Audra Carrion
  • Show Website
    Carry On Fire Family

You Might Also Like