Equipping Peer Support Teams for Success
Struggling to support your peers after a tough call, or unsure how to even start a peer support team? You’re not alone. Surviving Your Shift is the podcast for first responders, healthcare workers, and frontline professionals who want to build effective peer support programs, learn peer counseling skills, and bring training to their organizations. I’m Dr. Bart Leger, a retired first responder and board-certified traumatic stress expert with 25+ years of experience training peer supporters. Whether you’re starting a peer support program from scratch or want to be a stronger peer supporter, you’ll learn how to build trust, navigate tough conversations, and bring training to your organization. This is your go-to podcast for peer support training, first responder wellness, and frontline mental health. Hit play, and let’s equip you for success.
Recent Episodes
When the Job Follows You Home: The Hidden Signs of Traumatic Stress
Feeling “off” but can’t explain why? This episode unpacks the hidden signs of long-term traumatic stress in first responders and frontline workers—and what you can do about it. Are you more irritable, distant, or emotionally ...
5 Steps to Protect Your Personal Time
Coming home after a tough shift and still feeling “on the clock”? Today’s episode breaks down practical strategies to create boundaries between work and home, helping first responders reclaim personal time and be fully presen...
5 Steps to Rewrite Your Story
Do negative thoughts play over and over in your head after a tough call, wondering what you could’ve done differently? It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-criticism that erodes your confidence and makes it hard to move for...
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant demands of the job? The fast pace, critical decisions, and unpredictable nature of frontline work can add up, even when we think we’re in control. Frontline work brings intense p...
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 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 fo...
Listen On
Support On
Recent Blog Posts
10 Things Every Rookie Needs to Hear
Starting a career as a rookie in any frontline profession can be one of the toughest, yet most rewarding, paths you can take. You will face challenges and experiences that most people can’t even imagine. The emotional and mental toll can be si…
Stop Trying to Balance Work and Home Life. Here's Why
Do you ever feel like you're juggling too many balls, trying to give equal time to both work and home, but ending up feeling guilty and stretched too thin? You're not alone. Many people struggle with this, and it can be exhausting. But what if I tol…
Prepare for Retirement: 5 Steps to a Smooth Transition
Are you finding it hard to sleep thinking about what life will be like after your last shift? Do you worry about missing the rush of your job and the bond with your team? Retirement is coming, and it can be both exciting and scary. In this blog post…