Behind The Shield

Latest Episodes:

Andrew Douglas (Firefighting, Peer Support and Technology) - Episode 989 Oct 06, 2024

Show notes

Siento was born from the personal experiences of its CEO, Andrew Douglas, who spent years on the front lines as a firefighter/paramedic and union leader. After confronting his own battles with PTSD and a suicide attempt, Andrew felt compelled to create the solution he wished he had during his darkest times.

Understanding the intense pressures and unique challenges faced by those in high-stress professions, he was driven to create a tailored solution that effectively addresses the mental health needs often overlooked in such fields.

Siento manifested as a stigma-free mental wellness and peer support management platform, dedicated to providing first responders and high-stress professionals with accessible, confidential, and culturally competent mental health support.

Teams that use Siento ensure their members have the resources to thrive, not just survive.

Danny Long (Officer Involved Shootings, US Marshals and First Responder Wellness) - Episode 988 Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Danny Long is a US Army Veteran, 22 year veteran of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, 8 year member of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force and the Founder of the Oklahoma First Responder Division.

We discuss his journey into the military, entering law enforcement, contracting, weapons training, his multiple officer involved shootings, his powerful mental health journey, creating a wellness solution in his state, the healing power of exercise, Beaverfit equipment and so much more.

"After dedicating my life to my career, I found myself divorced and isolated from my kids and family. I was drinking myself to sleep every night, only to wake up hating myself more and more. I had been through multiple gunfights, a Helicopter crash, and multiple

injuries, which finally led to hitting rock bottom. After years of telling myself I can “fix this”, I finally broke.

I picked up a rifle and walked to the back of my farm with the intention of killing myself. After struggling for hours and putting the rifle in my mouth, I cried out to God asking him for help. I told him I would submit my life to him if he wanted to use me. Oklahoma First Responder Wellness Division was born that day…

Just 5 years ago, I would have never admitted my weaknesses to anyone, much less strangers but God told me to do just that."

Ian "Mongoose" Jones (MMA, Bouncing and Catch Wrestling) - Episode 987 Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

Ian "Mongoose" Jones is a BJJ Black Belt, Muay Thai champion and World Catch Wrestling champion. We discuss his turbulent childhood, his journey into the combat sports, striking, head trauma, martial arts for law enforcement grappling, addressing the 'grey area' with catch wrestling and so much more.

Alex Othmer (Special Operations, Plant Medicine and Music) - Episode 986 Sep 29, 2024

Show notes

Alex Othmer is a Merchant Marine, Navy SEAL veteran and the Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Revival, We discuss his unique journey into the SEAL teams, Somali piracy, his transition story, psychedelic therapy, canines, the healing power of music and so much more.

Guardian Revival Website: https://www.guardianrevival.org/

Joel Billings (The 48/96 Shift, Sleep Studies and Alerting Systems) - Episode 985 Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Joel Billings is a former Volunteer Firefighter, EMT and researcher. We discuss volunteerism, his published study on the 48/96 firefighter shift, the health and performance impact of sleep deprivation, shift start times, alerting systems and much more.

Joel is an assistant professor at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. He is the Program Chair for the undergraduate degree program in Emergency Services teaches courses in fire and emergency services.

Dr. Billings’ research expertise focuses on firefighters’ sleep and health. Specifically, he studies firefighter sleep process and sleep-wake cycles, fire department shift schedules, and the cardiovascular and sleep impacts of firefighter alerting systems. His research is funded by NIH/NHLBI and DHS/FEMA. His goal is to improve health, safety, and performance of members in the fire and emergency services profession by bringing together research and practice. He has former experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMT-Basic in Michigan. Dr. Billings serves as a member of the Science Alliance, council member for the Healthy Work Design & Well-Being cross-sector program at NIOSH, and serves on the Council of Governors at the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Brian McGinnis (The Iraq Invasion, Firefighting and The West Bank) - Episode 984 Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

Brian McGinnis is a US Marine, veteran firefighter and humanitarian. We discuss his early life, his journey into the military, his 9/11 story, being part of the Iraq invasion, some notable fire service calls, stolen land he witnessed whilst in the West Bank, the forcible tactics Israeli settlers are using, what will cause a ceasefire in Gaza and so much more.

Donn Bradley (Policing, Mental Health and First Responder Marriages) - Episode 983 Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

Donn Bradley is a former law enforcement officer and Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist. We discuss his early life, the crushing weight of grief, his journey into policing, his powerful mental health story, becoming a therapist, first responder marriages and so much more.

"You'll find that I'm not your typical patches-on-the-sleeves, "tell me about your mother" style therapist. After a career as a first responder, I have come in contact with a great many mental health challenges. My clients will find I am very empathetic while at the same time no-nonsense and to the point. Together, we'll explore what your challenges have been historically and find new ways to approach the life (and ultimately, happiness) for which you're looking.

Therapy is helpful to navigate an increasingly challenging world and you don’t have to do it alone. I am passionate about utilizing my varied and valuable experience, in order to help people of all ages, couples and families. I specialize in issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief, amongst other things.

If you've been to another therapist in the past and perhaps you didn't experience the success for which you were looking, I may be the person you're looking for. You're the expert in your life and experiences, so that means we "sit" differently in the room. And I think you'll find that just may be the difference."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/donn-bradley-brentwood-ca/746276

Gavin Meenan (Fitness, Trauma and Porn Addiction) - Episode 982 Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

Gavin Meenan is a personal trainer and the man behind the Modern Warrior Programme. We discuss growing up in Ireland, the car accident that changed his world, overcoming guilt, porn addiction, his powerful mental health story, the importance of fitness, empowering men and so much more.

Gavin is a leading voice in the Irish health and fitnesscommunity and a former European Powerlifting Champion. He has personally helped hundreds of people achieve life changing results.

Originally from Donegal, Gavin now resides in the town of Sligo in Ireland, where he has built his business from being a personal trainer in the local community, to helping people from all around the world via his new and exclusive online coaching platform.

Having impacted over 20,000 people with his unique message, Gavin is now expanding his platform into the men's coaching space. His goal is to help men everywhere build stronger mind, bodies and lives. This has been his main inspiration for writing his first book.

In his personal life, Gavin has overcome struggles such as childhood bullying, trauma, convictions, addictions and redundancy. He's now on a mission to help all men out there overcome their challenges.

You'll find Gavin on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gavinmeenan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gavinmeenan1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gavinmeenan

Website: www.gavinmeenan.com

Christine Collins (Tales of an Air Force Trauma Nurse in Afghanistan) - Episode 981 Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Christine Collins is a decorated veteran, having served as a U.S. Air Force Captain and trauma nurse during a pivotal deployment to Afghanistan in 2009. Stationed at Bagram Air Base, she found herself at the epicenter of the conflict, tirelessly working to save the lives of American troops, Afghan civilians caught in the crossfire, and even enemy fighters.

Through her raw and poignant memoir, Christine unveils the physical and emotional toll of war, not just on those fighting but also on the medical personnel tasked with picking up the pieces. Her vivid accounts transport readers to the heart of the conflict, revealing both the horrors and the glimmers of hope that sustained her. After returning to the U.S., Christine grappled with the invisible wounds of war, finding solace in writing as a means to process her experiences and to shed light on the often overlooked challenges faced by veterans.

As a wife and mother of three daughters, Christine's journey of healing and self-discovery is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By sharing her story, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by our service members and to inspire others to find strength in the face of adversity.

John Vargas (Traumatic Brain Injury, Firefighting and Spirituality) - Episode 980 Sep 15, 2024

Show notes

John Vargas is a Los Angeles firefighter, mental health advocate and the man behind the Grab Lives Podcast. We discuss gang culture, the power of mentorship, traumatic brain injury, mindfulness, spirituality, psychedelics, firefighting and so much more.

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