Walking Through The Fire

Jason Sautel

Join retired Oakland firefighter and author Jason Sautel as he explores the rich and dynamic culture of the American fire service. Jason offers listeners a refreshing old-school view that pays homage to the time-honored values of bravery, dedication, and teamwork that have long been the backbone of firefighting! Jason emphasizes the importance of spiritual and moral integrity needed to navigate the high-stress environment of firefighting and how faith can be a guiding force, providing firefighters with the fortitude to confront danger and the compassion needed to serve their communities.

Episodes

  1. 11/30/2024

    Sebastien Lavoie: A Life of Service and Sacrifice: Embracing Change and Growth

    In this episode of the Walking Through the Fire podcast, host Jason Sautel interviews Sebastien Lavoie, a retired member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They discuss Seb's journey from a bullied child to a dedicated police officer, his experiences in tactical operations, and the emotional toll that policing can take on individuals. Seb shares insights into the history of the RCMP, his motivations for joining law enforcement, and the challenges he faced during and after his service. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health and the need for support for first responders. In this conversation, Jason and Seb delve into the complexities of hypervigilance, communication challenges, and the transition from a structured career in service to civilian life. They explore the impact of technology on interpersonal communication, the importance of maintaining a multifaceted identity beyond one's profession, and the journey of overcoming personal adversity, including Seb's elective amputation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of leadership, personal growth, and resilience in navigating life's challenges. Bio: Retired Sgt Major Sebastien Lavoie is a distinguished performance coach and mindset expert whose comprehensive experience in peak performance and crisis management has made him one of the most sought-after coaches in his field. His unique approach integrates over two decades of invaluable service in high-stakes roles within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Armed Forces. As the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of Raven Strategic Inc., Sebastien has established a strong reputation for transforming individuals and organizations to realize their latent potential and exceed their objectives. He is globally recognized as a leadership training and performance coaching powerhouse known for its transformative impact. Throughout his extensive law enforcement and military career, Sebastien excelled in diverse and crucial roles such as General Duty, "Air Marshall" for the Canadian Air Carrier Protective Program, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) Operator, Team Leader, and Chief Warrant Officer. This wide-ranging experience has fortified his proficiency in crisis management, emergency response, risk assessment and wellness strategies. His real-world experience has been instrumental in equipping hundreds of individuals and organizations with a winning mindset and peak performance strategies through his coaching. Away from his primary career, Sebastien channels his energy into martial arts and fitness as a Brazilian Jiujitsu Black Belt and founder of Sheepdog and Dogs den CrossFit. As co-owner and instructor at Ascension Martial Arts, he shares his comprehensive knowledge and passion. His compelling voice has also made him a coveted guest and motivational speaker on over 1200 podcasts. Driven by a lifelong pursuit of learning, Sebastien is refining his understanding of international security through a master’s degree in international security (Global Counterterrorism). This follows a distinguished service of 20 years in the RCMP, culminating in his retirement as BC Divisional Sergeant Major in 2021. His legacy is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication, which he brings to his transformative work as a preeminent mindset and performance coach. Contact: Email: r8venstrategic@gmail.com Instagram page: @slavccmdr Keywords: Seb Lavoie, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, tactical operations, policing, personal journey, emotional toll, military service, overcoming adversity, law enforcement, mental health, hypervigilance, communication, post-career, PTSD, leadership, amputation, recovery, personal growth, mental health, life lessons

    48 min
  2. 11/25/2024

    ****Special Episode**** Raw, Emotional, Unedited, Conversation With FDNY Firefighter Joseph Bonanno!

    The episode following this one will start season two of the podcast, but I wanted to make this a stand alone episode because it hit me so hard and in such a good way that I wanted to give it a "stand alone season!" I'm not a fan of the term "trigger warning" but I want to be honest here- This episode takes what can only be described as " A HOLY SPIRIT CHANGE OF DIRECTION!" It started off as a cool conversation with an FDNY Fireman about the "war years", his best-selling cookbook, and being a celebrity chef- To his experience on September 11th, 2001, the traumas of the job, the suicide of his brother who was also an FDNY Fireman, and some other tough, but needed to be talked about topics. The only time I edit something out is when I ramble more than normal, haha, or when I think we've spent too much time in an area and want to move on, or when we/I get a little too wrapped up in the conversation with another firefighter and our language gets a little salty, but I will never alter or take away from the topic at hand. But... After prayerful consideration, this episode didn't get a single edit because I wanted you guys to see the turn this conversation took and why I am so passionate about my brothers and sisters sharing the unedited version of their stories of struggles and testimony! Please take a listen! Joseph's Website- www.americanfirehousecuisine.com Keywords: FDNY, firefighting, Joseph Bonanno, 9/11, firehouse culture, firefighter stories, legacy, 9/11, first responders, grief, suicide prevention, firefighter stories, mental health, community support, legacy, personal loss, September 11, Twin Towers, Ten House, PTSD, Firefighter PTSD,

    1h 22m
  3. 08/13/2024

    Shining Light Into The Darkness Of PTSD And Mental Health

    You will notice this episode starts off with a good 'ol Americana theme song and that's not a mistake! It's because in this episode I interview two American firefighters, Charlie O'Bray and Skip Ockomon about a remarkable journey they are embarking on- A 200-mile walk across England, dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention and PTSD among first responders! It's a mission rooted in compassion and understanding. By undertaking this walk, they aim to spotlight the critical issue of mental health within the first responder community, often overlooked despite its profound impact. Their journey serves as a bridge, allowing them to connect with first responders in England, gain insights into their wellness programs, and share personal experiences. This exchange of knowledge and stories is invaluable, as it fosters a sense of global solidarity and mutual support. Charlie and Skip's interactions along the way will likely shed light on effective strategies and practices that can be adapted and implemented elsewhere, contributing to a broader, more informed approach to mental health care for first responders. Ultimately, Charlie and Skip's walk is a beacon of hope and inspiration. They aspire to motivate others to initiate wellness programs within their own departments, creating a ripple effect of support and understanding. Their journey underscores the vital importance of mental and spiritual health, and while they will undoubtedly face numerous challenges, their commitment to this cause is a powerful testament to their faith in Jesus and what He can do for people's lives!. Please visit www.burntoutpodcast.org to learn more about their mission and to financially support them.

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join retired Oakland firefighter and author Jason Sautel as he explores the rich and dynamic culture of the American fire service. Jason offers listeners a refreshing old-school view that pays homage to the time-honored values of bravery, dedication, and teamwork that have long been the backbone of firefighting! Jason emphasizes the importance of spiritual and moral integrity needed to navigate the high-stress environment of firefighting and how faith can be a guiding force, providing firefighters with the fortitude to confront danger and the compassion needed to serve their communities.