The Things We All Carry

Bryan-Virginia Part 3

Welcome to Episode 57 of The Things We All Carry.  TodayI bring you the final part of my interview with Bryan. In the previous episodes, Bryan discussed various calls and traumas and effects from both of them. From the graphic and all to real calls he ran as a volunteer to experiencing the worst day of firefighter can have. Bryan discusses his realization that his career has taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. He shares the "whys and hows" about how he finally gets to help he needs. He's open about his resistance to, and his inability to be forthcoming in a few attempts at therapy and how it limits his chance at any real or actual recovery. We discussed the insights he's earned and learned along the way. And he shares both his failures and successes. Bryan will tell you point blank that he is far from finished figuring it out. He won't hesitate to point out that this thing we all call life is simply a work in progress.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Bryan-Virginia Part 2

In this episode, we discuss the line of duty death of Kyle Wilson. Kyle was a firefighter in Virginia who lost his life in a house fire in the early morning hours of April 16th, 2007. You can learn more about Kyle and his fire by going to YouTube and searching. F L S T P Kyle Wilson. On that fateful morning, Bryan was the officer of the first arriving rescue squad. He and his crew made numerous attempts to find and rescue Kyle. Once conditions became untenable. All crews were ordered to evacuate and tragically... Kyle lost his life. Bryan shares his experience with both the fire and all that transpires following that day.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Bryan-Virginia

Today's episode. Is part one of my conversation with Bryan.  Bryan is one of those firemen and fire ground officers. I have looked up to since joining the fire service. He is and was at times a larger than life figure in my department. One of those guys you hear others label a "Fireman's Fireman". Bryan retired roughly 16 months ago after a 34 year career, six is a volunteer and 25 as a career guy. Drawing from an extensive fire career in which he's experienced numerous highs, lows, and absolute tragedies. Brian spent a few hours sharing his thoughts and shining a light on what we all call the job.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Kevin: A Thousand Naked Strangers

Kevin hazard is a reporter turned paramedic, turned author. His book, "A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride To The Edge and Back" chronicles his experiences as a paramedic in Atlanta. Kevin spent time as a reporter in the city before deciding to sign up for training as a paramedic. Soon he was thrown into the deep end, working as an EMT in the worst parts of Atlanta.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Rick-Fifty11_Media

Today I'm speaking with Rick from  Fifty_11 media. Rick is a former paramedic turned graphic artist. He founded 50 11 after his retirement from the EMS world. Fifty_11's mission statement is as follows...."Fifty_11 is a brand that stands up and stands out for those who suffer from PTSD every day. We see you and we're here to let you know, you are not alone. Our goal is to bring the conversations about PTSD to the light and show that you don't have to suffer in silence. Too many of us are lost because of the stigma and shame that society is attached to mental health in this country. And it's time to end it. ......" This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Brad-MD

I sit down with Brad from the Eastern shore of Maryland. Brad is a third generation firefighter with 22 years of service. He started as a volunteer and is now approaching 18 years with his career department. In this episode, Brad details his story of post-traumatic growth by shedding light on the topic of mental health. Today. Brad uses his experience of growth and personal development to help others in their efforts with their own journey with mental health.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

BURNED

In episode 51, we sit down with Elijah Yetter-Bowman, founder of Ethereal Films, to discuss their latest film entitled "Burned"."Burned" is a powerful expose on the use of PFAS or "forever chemicals" in our turnout gear. As you'll hear in our conversation, forever chemicals are everywhere, but the concentration levels in items meant to protect us are astounding and disturbing. Elijah's work, along with others in the film, hopes to bring increased attention and drive the necessary changes.Elijah's path to becoming a filmmaker and problem solver is equally fascinating. Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, they attended UNC Chapel Hill originally to pursue a path in healthcare. Recognizing the lack of creative communication for complex issues, they founded Ethereal Films to help solve dire problems through storytelling and impact campaigns. Elijah's expertise and work have received numerous awards, including the Southern Exposure Film Festival in 2021, and they were dubbed a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Beshear in 2022 for their efforts on PFAS awareness.Join us on The Things We All Carry to hear Elijah's story and learn more about the important work they're doing to drive change. Listen to our podcast on all major platforms. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

TJ Gets Me Talking

In this milestone 50th episode of "The Things We All Carry," Stack is interviewed by TJ of "Keep the Promise" podcast, who previously shared his story of a coworker's line of duty death. Together, they discuss the host's history, fire experiences, and the future of the podcast. The conversation covers some unconventional topics, including psychedelics. Tune in to this episode to join their engaging and thought-provoking discussion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Mike-Rhode Island

Welcome to Episode 49 of The Things We All Carry. In this episode, we sit down with Mike, a firefighter/paramedic from Rhode Island with over 20 years of experience in the fire service. Mike shares his story of struggles with mental health and the challenges he faced on his journey to becoming a Lieutenant.Mike's journey is one of resilience and determination. Despite the obstacles he faced, he was able to rise through the ranks and become a leader in his department. Through his experiences, Mike has made it his mission to ensure that no one else in the fire service has to go through what he did.Join us as Mike shares his story and sheds light on the importance of mental health in the fire service. As he says, "Ultimately, the only thing that is important is to share our stories. I hope to share mine with you." Don't miss this powerful and inspiring episode of The Things We All Carry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com

Rob--62Romeo

Rob is one of the founders and the CEO of 62 Romeo. Rob is a former Navy seal turned entrepreneur. He served eight years in the Navy and was deployed twice as a Navy seal. His SEAL career ended in retirement due to a back injury. As with any veteran, Rob had a few hidden injuries as well to include PTSD, traumatic brain injury, obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia.In 2017, Rob lost a platoon mate to suicide. This young man had struggled for years with sleep disorders and at the time of the suicide had been awake for five days. This was the impetus to Rob's decision to dive into sleep science. He has since then dedicated himself to the endeavor of solving the bi-directional relationship between sleep and mental health. As firefighters, first responders and shift workers, we are all affected by this issue. Middle of the night calls, poor sleep habits, anticipatory sleep, irregular, sleep patterns. You name it. We have it. We also have alarming rates of mental health issues and suicide. Rob's company and research sets out to tackle this issue with science and education, and they want to do it with you. Not paying a dime. , reach out to Rob at 62 romeo.org and applied to be in a cohort today, it might just save your life.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethingsweallcarry.substack.com