The Things We All Carry

Overcoming Tuesday : Jim Burneka

Episode 123: Overcoming Traumas with Firefighter Author Jim Burneka Join us on the latest episode of 'The Things We All Carry' podcast. In episode 123, Stack discusses the importance of self-care amidst chaotic times, emphasizing mindfulness, exercise, proper nutrition, and mental health support. This week's guest is retired firefighter and author Jim Burneka, who shares his journey in the fire service in Dayton, Ohio, the impact of budget cuts, and his approach to handling trauma. Hear about Jim's personal experiences, including the poignant inspiration behind his book 'Overcoming Tuesday.' Learn how proactive mental health care can benefit first responders and how acknowledging vulnerability can lead to resilience. Don't miss this insightful and candid conversation aimed at helping those on the front lines cope better and thrive. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:41 Current Events and Self-Care 02:14 The Importance of Preemptive Mental Health Care 04:11 Challenges Faced by Firefighters 07:16 Guest Introduction: Jim Berneka 10:40 Jim's Cruise Experience 13:31 Memories of the Challenger Disaster 15:02 Musical Connections and Personal Reflections 18:38 Book Giveaway Announcement 18:56 Childhood Memories and Family Background 20:08 Father's Career and Struggles 21:44 Impact of Father's Absence 25:16 Moving Out and Starting a Career 28:01 Firefighting Career Beginnings 28:40 Challenges in Dayton Fire Department 33:29 Dealing with Trauma and Memories 37:52 First Dose of Reality in Firefighting 43:42 Coping with Trauma and Humor 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

The Healing Power of Surf Therapy: Rob Garnett from One More Wave

Welcome back to The Things We All Carry podcast! In episode 122, join us for an inspiring conversation with Rob Garnett, the Managing Director of One More Wave and former Navy SEAL. This episode delves into Rob's personal journey—from his extensive military career to his impactful work in supporting disabled veterans through surf therapy. Learn about the mission and values of One More Wave, an organization that provides custom surfing solutions and a strong support community to enhance the mental and physical well-being of veterans. Through touching stories and a deep dive into Rob's life, this episode underscores the importance of connection, community, and the healing power of the ocean. Don't miss out on this uplifting and informative episode! 00:00 Introduction to The Things We All Carry Podcast 00:24 Host's Personal Update and Montana Trip 03:27 Reflections on Human Connection and Mental Health 06:20 Introduction to Rob Garnett and One More Wave 07:40 Rob Garnett's Background and Early Life 12:26 Joining the Navy and Becoming a SEAL 17:59 Life as a Navy SEAL and Post-9/11 Deployments 20:21 Challenges of Balancing Military and Family Life 22:12 Injury, Recovery, and Transition to Civilian Life 24:06 Founding One More Wave and Its Mission 29:16 Reducing Veteran Suicide Through Surfing 29:48 Adaptive Sports and Team USA 30:59 Getting Started with One More Wave 33:10 Success Stories and Community Impact 36:46 Volunteering and Community Involvement 39:10 Funding and Future Goals 47:01 Personal Reflections and Broader Impact 51:51 Concluding Thoughts and Final Messages 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

The Healing Potential of Ketamine: Part 2 with Alex from Emergency Resilience

In this episode of 'The Things We All Carry,' we continue our insightful conversation with Alex from Emergency Resilience. Join us as we delve into Alex's personal and professional experiences with ketamine, discussing its potential benefits for first responders, veterans, and active-duty military. We explore the importance of mental health, the use of alternative therapies like psychedelics, and how these can help in processing trauma. Alex shares invaluable insights into the practicalities and therapeutic effects of ketamine, including the importance of the 72-hour period post-treatment, and the need for a supportive community. Don't miss Alex's recommendations on how to integrate these therapies into a holistic approach to mental health.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:26 Personal Reflections and Ketamine Discussion02:00 The Importance of Feeling Emotions03:18 Challenges in Mental Health05:08 Episode 121 with Alex: Ketamine Insights06:58 Ketamine's Therapeutic Process09:43 Practical Considerations for Ketamine Therapy18:57 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Ketamine23:19 Future of Ketamine Therapy29:52 Women's Ketamine Retreat36:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations 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

”Rewiring the Mind: The Impact of Ketamine on PTSD”

Welcome to Episode 120 of "The Things We All Carry". This week we delve into a thought-provoking conversation with Alex, also known as Emergency Resilience on Instagram and TikTok. Alex brings a wealth of experience as a paramedic and continuing education coordinator, but our discussion goes beyond her professional roles. We explore her personal journey with ketamine, discussing what it entails, who it may be suitable for, and what to expect along the way.Join us as we uncover the nuances of ketamine therapy, addressing common questions and misconceptions. Whether you're curious about starting your own journey or simply intrigued by the topic, this episode offers valuable insights. Alex's expertise and personal insights make this conversation both enlightening and engaging. Tune in and discover whether ketamine therapy might be right for you.Your feedback and input are invaluable as I continue to fine-tune the show to better serve you, the listener. Whether you prefer shorter or longer episodes, biweekly or weekly releases, I'm eager to hear your thoughts and preferences.Your engagement drives the direction of the show, and I'm committed to delivering content that resonates with you and brings positivity to your life. So please, don't hesitate to reach out and share your feedback. Together, let's shape the future of "The Things We All Carry" and continue spreading light and inspiration. 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

Eric Part 2 - FL

Welcome to Episode 119 of "The Things We All Carry." Today marks the continuation of our conversation with Eric, a seasoned firefighter, former paramedic, and emerging standup comedian. As I mentioned last week, Eric's journey spans nearly 25 years in the firefighting profession, alongside 17 years of marriage and the joys of fatherhood to a teenage daughter.Through his comedic endeavors, Eric has found a unique way to navigate life's challenges, transforming personal experiences into jokes and stories that resonate with audiences. In this second part of our conversation, Eric shares further insights into his journey, exploring the power of humor in processing adversity and finding light in the darkest moments.As we delve deeper into Eric's story, I encourage you to listen with an open mind and heart. Your feedback and input are invaluable as I continue to fine-tune the show to better serve you, the listener. Whether you prefer shorter or longer episodes, biweekly or weekly releases, I'm eager to hear your thoughts and preferences.Your engagement drives the direction of the show, and I'm committed to delivering content that resonates with you and brings positivity to your life. So please, don't hesitate to reach out and share your feedback. Together, let's shape the future of "The Things We All Carry" and continue spreading light and inspiration.Thank you for being part of this journey, and enjoy Episode 119 with Eric. 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

Eric - FL

Welcome to Episode 118 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm excited to introduce Eric from central Florida. With nearly 25 years in the firefighting profession, Eric's journey has been marked by dedication and resilience. A former paramedic, he's been married for 17 years and is a proud father to a teenage daughter. However, amidst the challenges of the job, Eric found solace in humor.Transforming his experiences into comedic material, Eric pursued a side gig as a standup comedian. From hosting shows to performing at open mics and paid gigs, he's embraced comedy as a way to navigate life's darker moments and connect with others.In this episode, we explore Eric's journey from firefighter to comedian, delving into the complexities of finding light in the midst of darkness. With his unique perspective and sharp wit, Eric shares insights that are both humorous and thought-provoking.Stay tuned for Part Two of Eric's story next week, and in the meantime, don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections. Reach out to me at stack@thethingsweallcarry.com or connect on Instagram at @thethingsweallcarry. Let's continue this journey together, and remember to get outside and Do Something For Yourself. 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

Jake - TX

Welcome to Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry." This week, we have Jake from Houston joining us. Jake's journey began when he reached out to me on TikTok, and after a few attempts to connect, we decided to dive into his story blindly.As Jake shares his experiences, I'm learning about them in real-time, making this a unique and spontaneous conversation. With 17 years of service under his belt, Jake's firefighting career started as a volunteer in 2007 before transitioning to a career firefighter in 2011. Today, he serves as a fire captain in the Houston area.Throughout our conversation, Jake offers insights into his journey, from his early days as a volunteer to his current role as a fire captain. As we explore his story together, I'm struck by Jake's resilience and dedication to his profession.While the interview may have its rough moments, Jake's authenticity shines through as he shares his experiences and perspectives. I encourage you to listen with an open mind and let Jake's story resonate with you.Join us for Episode 117 of "The Things We All Carry" as we embark on a journey of discovery with Jake from Houston. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and reflections, and remember to get outside and do something for yourself. 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

John T - MA

Welcome to Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, I'm joined by John Talin from Massachusetts. John, a Lieutenant and paramedic at Hyannis Fire, contacted me through Mike Nasti at the Tip of the Spear Leadership Podcast, and Mike couldn't have been more right in recommending him for the show.With 24 years in the fire service, John has a wealth of experience. He also served as a former canine handler for the Massachusetts task force, and he shares some heartfelt reflections on that part of his career and the special bond he had with his canine partner.However, what sets this episode apart is John's courage in addressing a deeply personal and often stigmatized issue: sex addiction. John felt that in his previous podcast appearances, he hadn't been completely open. He reached out to me to correct that. He wanted to talk openly about his experience with sex addiction, a topic that is often misunderstood or dismissed.Despite the potential for judgment, John bravely shares his story, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on taboo subjects. By sharing his experiences, John hopes to help others who may be facing similar challenges and to break down the barriers to discussing sex addiction openly.Join us for Episode 116 of "The Things We All Carry" as we listen to John's courageous story and learn from his experiences. Don't hesitate to reach out and share your thoughts. Let's engage in meaningful conversations and support one another. And remember…Get Outside and Do Something For Yourself!Thank you for reading The Things We All Carry . This post is public so feel free to share 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

Cody T - CO

Welcome to Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we're joined by Cody, who reached out to us through Stephen Sims from Episode 102 and 106. Cody's journey begins in Houston, where he served as a firefighter for five years at Station 55. Amidst the pressures of the job, including traumatic calls and systemic issues within the department, Cody faced additional challenges such as low pay, unfavorable hours, and the loss of his pension due to political mishandling.After thoughtful consideration with his wife, Cody made the difficult decision to leave Houston and return to Colorado in 2019. However, his journey didn't end there. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cody found himself navigating new career paths, eventually becoming a police officer.In our conversation with Cody, we explore the complexities of his experiences in both firefighting and law enforcement, shedding light on the personal and professional challenges he's faced along the way. From moments of reflection on traumatic incidents to discussions about brain mapping and its potential implications, Cody's story offers insight into the multifaceted nature of first responder life.As a husband and father of three, Cody's journey underscores the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities. His resilience and determination serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.Join us for Episode 115 of "The Things We All Carry" as we journey alongside Cody through the highs and lows of his career transitions. Don't forget to get outside and do something for yourself! 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

Conscious Promises We All Carry

Welcome to Episode 114 of "The Things We All Carry." Today, we have a special episode featuring Joey from Conscious Movements and TJ from the Keep the Promise Podcast. Both Joey and TJ have previously shared their stories on the show, with Joey most recently in Episode 107 and TJ featured in several episodes since the beginning.This episode centers around the topic of leaving the fire service, exploring the reasons behind such decisions, the challenges faced during transition, and how to prepare oneself for life beyond firefighting. Joey, who has been medically retired from the fire service for three years, provides insights into his journey, while TJ shares his current contemplations about his own future in the fire service.The conversation delves into the personal and emotional aspects of leaving the fire service, offering candid reflections on the decision-making process, the feelings associated with stepping away, and the importance of preparation for post-fire service life.Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on navigating transitions, planning for the future, and finding fulfillment beyond the fire service. The episode is filled with laughter, honesty, and meaningful insights into a topic that many firefighters may eventually face.Join us for Episode 114 of "The Things We All Carry" as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation about leaving the fire service and preparing for what lies ahead. Don't forget to reach out to Joey, TJ, or Stack with your thoughts and questions, and remember to get out there and do something for yourself. 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