Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness

Dr. Bart J. Leger
  • 4.9 (32)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness

Do you collapse after a grueling shift, too drained to enjoy dinner with family, or struggle to comfort a coworker after a tough call? As a retired first responder with 25+ years in traumatic stress, I understand. I’ve helped thousands navigate high-pressure jobs without treating life like a 911 call. Each week, you’ll hear unfiltered stories from those who’ve faced loss, trauma, and burnout yet found hope. Together, we’ll cover resilience, stress management, peer counseling, and more to help you thrive—on and off duty. Ready to reclaim energy and joy? Hit play, and let’s dive in.

  1. How to Break the Stigma of Suicide

    1 DAY AGO

    How to Break the Stigma of Suicide

    Are you equipped to recognize and prevent suicide in those around you? Many people miss the signs of mental health struggles and feel helpless when loved ones are at risk. This episode dives into actionable ways you can make a difference. Shayna Klassen, National Training Director for QPR Institute, shares her journey from addiction and recovery to becoming a leader in suicide prevention. Discover the life-saving impact of QPR training and how you can get involved in preventing suicide. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:  How Shayna’s personal journey led her to suicide prevention and the QPR Institute The unique elements that set QPR apart from other suicide intervention models How easy it is to become a QPR-certified gatekeeper or instructor to make a positive impact Join us to learn how you can be a part of the solution in suicide prevention. CONNECT WITH SHAYNA KLASSEN Website: QPR Institute Email: shayna@qprinstitute.com OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: • QPR Gatekeeper and Instructor Training Information CONNECT WITH BART: Website: https://stresscaredoc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/

    34 min
  2. A First Responder’s Story of Resilience

    NOV 5

    A First Responder’s Story of Resilience

    Growing up in a family rooted in law enforcement and education, Alan Cormier shares how his journey led him to advocate for mental health support within the first responder community. From impactful personal experiences to founding the nonprofit “With You,” Alan’s story is one of resilience and community care. What are the signs that burnout and stress are affecting your health and relationships? Burnout and the mental toll of high-stress jobs can go unnoticed until they start impacting health and family life. Allen Cormier’s journey highlights the importance of self-awareness and mental health support in the first responder community. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:  How Alan’s personal experience in law enforcement inspired his mental health advocacy Practical strategies first responders can use to manage stress and improve well-being The role of community and support networks in creating sustainable mental health changes Join us in this conversation as Allen Cormier shares his story and actionable steps to help first responders thrive, not just survive. CONNECT WITH Allen FACEBOOK: facebook.com/WithYouSWLA WEBSITE: withyouswla.org CONNECT WITH BART: Website: https://stresscaredoc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartleger/

    33 min
  3. Go From Overwhelmed to Empowered

    OCT 1

    Go From Overwhelmed to Empowered

    Do you often feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of your high-stress job?Many professionals in high-pressure careers neglect their own wellbeing, leading to burnout and health issues.But what if you could take control of your wellbeing and thrive even in the toughest moments? In this episode, we explore how.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:•Practical strategies for managing stress in high-pressure environments.•How to integrate wellbeing practices into your daily routine.•T...

    45 min
  4. Your Story is Not Unique

    SEP 25

    Your Story is Not Unique

    Are you struggling with burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed as a first responder? Retired firefighter paramedic Matthew Matty Fiorenza joins us to share his journey through PTSD and anxiety and how he’s now helping first responders find healing and support. Tune in for practical steps to protect your mental health.Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of being a first responder?It’s common to experience burnout and stress, but it doesn’t have to be your daily reality. Retired firefig...

    52 min
  5. Surviving Retirement and Finding Purpose

    SEP 3

    Surviving Retirement and Finding Purpose

    Are you anxious about what life will be like after you retire? In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart, author of the book Surviving Retirement: Finding Purpose and Fulfillment Beyond the Badge, shares practical strategies to help you survive and thrive in retirement.Have you ever wondered what life will look like after you hang up your uniform for the last time?Retirement can bring more anxiety than excitement for many first responders, but it doesn’t have to be that way.In this episode, Dr. Me...

    41 min
  6. Supporting Your Family While Protecting Others

    AUG 27

    Supporting Your Family While Protecting Others

    Join Bart Leger as he interviews Tiffany Atalla, a trauma therapist specializing in first responder family support. Learn how Tiffany combines her personal experience and professional expertise to strengthen first responder families and provide innovative trauma care techniques.What does it take to support first responders and their families in the toughest times?If you’re a first responder or someone close to them, you might be struggling with maintaining family relationships amid the pressu...

    43 min
  7. Integrating Physical and Spiritual Health

    AUG 20

    Integrating Physical and Spiritual Health

    Navigating the intense challenges of being a first responder requires more than just physical strength. Matt Domyancic, a chaplain and former SWAT officer, shares his unique approach to wellness and spiritual care, blending fitness, mindfulness, and proactive support.Are you facing the pressures of a high-stress career and wondering how to maintain balance and purpose?First responders often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms when dealing with stress, trauma, and the demands of their professi...

    55 min
  8. The 3 "F's" for Mental Wellness with Dr. David Weill

    AUG 14

    The 3 "F's" for Mental Wellness with Dr. David Weill

    Are you struggling to leave the emotional weight of your job at work? Join Dr. David Weill, former director of Stanford’s Center for Advanced Lung Disease, as he shares how to manage the mental and emotional strain of high-stress careers using his three F’s method—Family, Friends, and Faith.Do you find it difficult to separate your work stress from your personal life?Handling the emotional highs and lows of a high-stress career can feel overwhelming, especially when it starts to affect your r...

    39 min
See All (28)

4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

Do you collapse after a grueling shift, too drained to enjoy dinner with family, or struggle to comfort a coworker after a tough call? As a retired first responder with 25+ years in traumatic stress, I understand. I’ve helped thousands navigate high-pressure jobs without treating life like a 911 call. Each week, you’ll hear unfiltered stories from those who’ve faced loss, trauma, and burnout yet found hope. Together, we’ll cover resilience, stress management, peer counseling, and more to help you thrive—on and off duty. Ready to reclaim energy and joy? Hit play, and let’s dive in.

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