The Things We All Carry

BONUS EPISODE Bryan- Dealing With Death

Welcome to a bonus episode of The Things We All Carry. During the past three episodes I have given the microphone over to Bryan. Bryan, as you may recall, is a retired fire captain with over 34 years of service. He and I spent four plus hours recording his story and his thoughts . One day, after we recorded what we both thought was our final part, Bryan reached out to me and asked if we could sit down again.I was a bit hesitant at first, simply because we had so much material as it was. I asked why he felt it necessary, and he replied with," I don't think I did a good enough job relaying how much I came to resent death and how I never wanted to see it again". That of course caught my attention and we planned another round. I initially intended to cut, edit and paste the newest material into episode 57, which is part three of his series. But after listening to the bonus material, I decided it deserved to be a standalone episode. What follows is roughly 30 minutes of Bryan sharing his thoughts on death and me stumbling as I just try to stay out of his way. I think these 30 minutes are insightful and intriguing and I hope you find the same.    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 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