15 episodes
Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness Dr. Bart J. Leger
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- Health & Fitness
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4.9 • 31 Ratings
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Do you find yourself slumped on the sofa after a twelve-hour shift at work, mindlessly scrolling through your phone, too exhausted to get up and enjoy dinner with your family? Or, do you feel lost for words when trying to comfort a co-worker who's just faced a tough call, not knowing what to say to help them without making them relive the ordeal?
As a retired first responder and crisis interventionist, I know what it’s like to spend your days juggling back-to-back calls from clients in crisis, sacrificing sleep, working rotating shifts, and missing out on meaningful family events — again.
But what if you could get through every workday without staving off an oncoming panic attack or feeling your heart pound inside your chest every time your phone rings?
With over 25 years of experience as a board-certified professional in traumatic stress, I've equipped thousands of people who face the daily challenges of high-pressure jobs like yours with the practical action steps they need to stop treating everything in their life as if it was a 911 emergency and regain full control of their life.
Each week, you’ll hear the unfiltered stories from frontline professionals just like you who’ve experienced the pain of loss, endured graphic trauma calls, contemplated suicide, and found hope in the darkest moments on their journey.
Together, we’ll explore the simple steps you can take to build greater resilience in your own high-stress profession through critical incident stress management, first responder burnout, suicide intervention, peer counseling teams, and much more so that you can learn how to stop surviving and start thriving both on and off duty.
Ready to experience what it’s like to have the time and mental energy for things that matter most to you, get a full night’s sleep without worrying about what tomorrow’s shift might bring, and to (finally!) find meaning and joy again in answering the call? Hit play, and let’s dive in.
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Stop Trying to Balance Work and Home Life. Here's Why
Feeling like you're constantly juggling work and home life, but still ending up feeling guilty and stretched too thin? Still trying to balance it all? If you're tired of feeling guilty and exhausted, it's time to explore a more effective approach to work-life balance.Do you ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, trying to give equal time to work and home?Balancing work and home life by giving equal time to everything leaves you feeling guilty and stretched too thin.Stop trying to bala...
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5 Things You Need to Do Before You Retire
Are you looking forward to retirement but wondering if you’re fully prepared? The thought of retirement can be both exciting and scary. Bart, our host, has successfully made the transition into retirement, and he will share how you can, too.Are you worried about navigating the transition to retirement smoothly? Don’t be that person who gets to retirement and finds out they’re not prepared.Life after a career as a frontline professional isn’t always what you pictured. Learn how to do it r...
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I’m Thinking of Suicide. Now What?
Dealing with emotional pain and suicidal thoughts is incredibly challenging, but this episode offers hope and practical steps if you are facing these struggles. Listen now as Bart provides guidance and support for you if you’re overwhelmed by the pressures of the job and life.Are you thinking of suicide, feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders?For first responders, the daily stress, trauma, and pressures can feel unbearable, sometimes leading to thoughts of suicide.In this e...
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Can’t Turn Off Intrusive Memories? Listen to This
Intrusive memories and images from the job can be a daily struggle for first responders. In this episode, Dr. Bart J. Leger shares practical strategies to manage these persistent thoughts and reclaim your peace of mind.Ever find yourself haunted by intrusive memories and images from the job that keep popping up when you’re just driving down the road, or trying to get to sleep?How do you stop it?Instead of self-medicating or trying not to think about it, join us as we explore practical ways to...
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How Can I Make a Difference as a First Responder?
Are you wondering if you’re still making a difference as a first responder or other frontline professional? Join me as I sit down with Mike Baldwin, a 20+ year veteran first responder as he shares how to know you’re making a difference.What does it take to maintain humanity and empathy as a first responder?Many first responders reach a point in their career when it seems like they’re on a big merry-go-round, same things over and over, without making much of an impact.Listen as Mike shares sto...
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Can the Department Chaplain Help Me Even Though I’m Not Religious?
You may have never thought your agency’s chaplain had anything to offer you. But today’s guest, Jim Bontrager may surprise you with how down-to-earth and practical your chaplain can be when you really need them.Have you ever wondered what a chaplain is good for?You’re not the first to think your organization’s chaplain can’t help you because you’re not religious.It may surprise you to hear that your chaplain’s main responsibility is not religious.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND ...
Customer Reviews
Review
Just finished listening to the podcast. It was really helpful. I can not wait for the next podcast 👍
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, the insight was great.
Perfect delivery with even better info!
Bart has always been there to help anyone! This podcast is a blessing to many first responders! I suggest any first responder to give it a listen. Many guys will find they struggle with things they don’t even realize.
How can I make a difference as a first responder
A great conversation with someone who has been there and walked the walk. Mike story about the little two year old told all there is to tell about “surviving the shift “. Not easy but it can be done. Great interview.