Episodes

July 8, 2024

10 Strategies for Dealing with Missing Family Events

Send me a text Missing family events due to shift work can be tough. Discover practical strategies to stay connected with loved ones, even when you can’t be there in person, from using technology to creating flexible celebrations. Are you struggling to stay connected with your family due to the dem…

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June 25, 2024

How to Deal With Generational Differences in the Workplace

Send me a text Generational clashes at work can be a major headache. Today’s episode of “Surviving Your Shift” dives into why Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z often clash and how to turn those differences into your team’s biggest strength. SHOW NOTES: (NOTE: you can utilize this exact sa…

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June 17, 2024

10 Things Every Rookie Needs to Hear

Send me a text Starting a career as a first responder is tough, but knowing these ten things before you run into trouble can make all the difference. Tune in to episode 15 to learn how to stay healthy, avoid common rookie pitfalls, and thrive in your career. What are the ten things every rookie nee…

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June 10, 2024

Stop Trying to Balance Work and Home Life. Here's Why

Send me a text Feeling like you're constantly juggling work and home life, but still ending up feeling guilty and stretched too thin? Still trying to balance it all? If you're tired of feeling guilty and exhausted, it's time to explore a more effective approach to work-life balance. Do you ever fee…

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June 4, 2024

5 Things You Need to Do Before You Retire

Send me a text Are you looking forward to retirement but wondering if you’re fully prepared? The thought of retirement can be both exciting and scary. Bart, our host, has successfully made the transition into retirement, and he will share how you can, too. Are you worried about navigating the trans…

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May 28, 2024

I’m Thinking of Suicide. Now What?

Send me a text Dealing with emotional pain and suicidal thoughts is incredibly challenging, but this episode offers hope and practical steps if you are facing these struggles. Listen now as Bart provides guidance and support for you if you’re overwhelmed by the pressures of the job and life. Are yo…

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May 22, 2024

Can’t Turn Off Intrusive Memories? Listen to This

Send me a text Intrusive memories and images from the job can be a daily struggle for first responders. In this episode, Dr. Bart J. Leger shares practical strategies to manage these persistent thoughts and reclaim your peace of mind. Ever find yourself haunted by intrusive memories and images from…

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May 15, 2024

Is There Such a Thing as Psychological Body Armor?

Send me a text Being a first responder or working on the front lines means you’re facing stuff most people can’t imagine. Today, I’m talking with Dr. George Everly, Jr with ICISF, as he discusses how to develop what he calls Psychological Body Armor. Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress in your fr…

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May 15, 2024

Can the Department Chaplain Help Me Even Though I’m Not Religious?

Send me a text You may have never thought your agency’s chaplain had anything to offer you. But today’s guest, Jim Bontrager may surprise you with how down-to-earth and practical your chaplain can be when you really need them. Have you ever wondered what a chaplain’s good for? You’re not the first …

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May 15, 2024

How Can I Make a Difference as a First Responder?

Send me a text Are you wondering if you’re still making a difference as a first responder or other frontline professional? Join me as I sit down with Mike Baldwin, a 20+ year veteran first responder as he shares how to know you’re making a difference. What does it take to maintain humanity and empa…

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May 15, 2024

How to Build a Bullet-Proof Mind with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

Send me a text In this episode of Surviving Your Shift, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a pioneer of the "bulletproof mind," talks about mental resilience and self-control for first responders. Join us as he shares insights from his extensive experience in law enforcement training, focusing on how to thriv…

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May 15, 2024

5 Steps to Reignite Your Passion for the Career You Used to Love

Send me a text Rediscover the joy and passion in your career with today's episode of Surviving Your Shift. Dive deep into practical strategies for overcoming burnout and rekindling that initial spark that drew you to your job. Feeling drained and disconnected from the job you once loved? You're not…

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May 15, 2024

7 First Responder Burnout Danger Signs

Send me a text Does every workday feel like you're just going through the motions, drained of the passion that once fueled you? In this episode, you’ll discover 3 powerful strategies to rekindle your drive and reignite the fire within - renewing your sense of purpose and enthusiasm for the career y…

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May 15, 2024

Is There Life After Medical Retirement?

Send me a text If you’ve ever worried about life after retirement, today’s guest can help. After 21 years in the Coast Guard, Kenneth Macgregor was medically retired, and he’s here to share his journey of adapting to this major life transition and how he found a new purpose. Are you struggling to f…

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May 15, 2024

Stop Letting Rotating Shifts Rob You of Sleep

Send me a text Sleep impacts every aspect of our lives, but many struggle to get quality rest, especially shift workers. Today’s guide, Dr. Phillip Conner, discusses common sleep issues, provides practical tips for better sleep hygiene, and explains how insufficient sleep can dangerously impair per…

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May 14, 2024

Is There Someone Who Understands Me? Find Out with Cherie Castellano

Send me a text If you’ve ever wondered whether there are other people who truly understand the challenges of your career and life, this is the episode for you. Today’s guest, Cherie Castellano, shares how to harness the power of connection through shared experiences and peer support. When was the l…

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May 14, 2024

Snapping at Your Family After Shift? Try This

Send me a text For many people, it can be challenging to leave work stress at the office and fully embrace your downtime. But this episode of Surviving Your Shift tackles that very challenge and shares a powerful Transition Ritual to help you flip the switch from your professional to your personal …

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April 15, 2024

The Surviving Your Shift Podcast Trailer

Send me a text Do you feel like your high-stress career as a first responder or frontline professional is sucking the life out of your life? Join host Bart Leger on "Surviving Your Shift," where he unveils upcoming practical strategies and personal stories to help you thrive in your high-demand car…

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