In this week's episode of On Air, we had the pleasure of talking with Gage Hall, a former Army veteran and current member of the fire service. Gage is not only a strong advocate for yoga and action adventure sports but also a pioneer in using these modalities to support peer support across the country. The episode kicks off with a lively introduction to Gage, highlighting his military background, his unique perspective on mental health, and his current endeavors. As the host, Olivia Mead,...

A Journey of Resilience and Adventure with SarahIn today's episode, Eric had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah, a remarkable individual with an inspiring story of service, adventure, and personal growth. Sarah's journey from the military to law enforcement to becoming an advocate for yoga and mindfulness in the first responder community is nothing short of fascinating. Military Beginnings and Iditarod AdventuresSarah's military career began at the age of 19, right after the events of 9/11....

Implementing proactive wellness programs in law enforcement agencies can lead to a decrease in reactive responses to critical incidents. Officer Justin Breton from the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department shared insights on how their agency successfully implemented proactive wellness programs. Officer Breton emphasized the importance of creating programs that reach in rather than expecting officers to reach out. By offering wellness programs that officers want to engage in and find...

In this episode of On Air by Yoga for First Responders, Eric talks with Joe Spector, a retired firefighter turned coach and Instagram influencer. They delve into the power of health and wellness training in the fire service, highlighting Joe's powerful story that emphasizes the impact of one conscious breath. The episode touches on the changing landscape of mental health in public safety. Tune in to hear a moving narrative that will evoke tears, goosebumps, and a range of emotions. Here are...

Welcome to another episode of "On Air with Yoga for First Responders"! In this episode, hosts Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman are joined by Rachel, a YFFR instructor, to delve into the journey of building confidence as a yoga teacher and in life. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, insights, and shared experiences that highlight the power of vulnerability in finding confidence. The episode kicks off with a playful exchange between Olivia, Eric and Rachel, reminiscing about past...

In this episode of On Air by Yoga for First Responders, Olivia and Eric host their guest Katrina Marsh, founder of Busy Bee Studios, discuss the power of yoga in strengthening communities. Katrina shares her journey as a yoga teacher in Dixon, California, and how she has expanded her studio to make yoga accessible to her town of fewer than 20,000 people. They also highlight the importance of having the necessary skills to successfully and safely bring yoga to first responders, which is why...

During the podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges of teaching online compared to in-person classes. They highlight the energetic and interactive nature of in-person teaching, where a dynamic dialogue between the teacher and students fosters engagement. The teacher can draw inspiration from the students' energy, creating a more immersive experience. In contrast, online teaching can feel impersonal and robotic, with the teacher reduced to a "robotic head in the corner of the screen" and...

In this powerful episode, Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman from Yoga for First Responders join Jeremy Sanders from the Crew First Culture podcast to discuss the importance of breath work and breathing techniques. They dive into the science behind these techniques and provide valuable insights on when and why to use them. Whether you're a first responder or someone looking to enhance your mental and physical resilience, this episode is a must-listen. Press play to begin your...

The podcast features an interview with Eric, the president of Yoga for First Responders and Greg Grogan the President of The Overwatch Collective. Eric discusses the organization's mission and the work they do to provide mental health and wellness tools to first responders, military personnel, and medical professionals. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions surrounding yoga and its physical and mental benefits. The Overwatch Collective's mission: Normalizing PTSD, suicide...

In this episode of The Boob Show, hosts welcome guests Maggie Eastman and Sarah Hall, who share a common background in the public safety world, as well as being YFR instructors and cancer survivors. The guests engage in a deep discussion about their personal growth journeys and how they have taken control of their lives. They share their transformation from feeling like victims of trauma to becoming survivors and advocates for others. A key theme throughout the conversation is the importance...

In this episode, the hosts emphasize the significance of incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices into everyday life to effectively deal with stressors and challenges. They share a personal story where one of the hosts took a chance on an adventure that didn't go as planned, highlighting the analogy of life's twists and turns. They discuss how shortcuts or an easier path may not yield the same results or be beneficial for overall well-being. The hosts stress the importance of finding...

In this episode, the host explores the significance of prioritizing self-care and self-work as a means to effectively support others. They emphasize that by placing importance on oneself and engaging in necessary internal work, individuals can enhance their self-worth and genuinely celebrate the success of others. This enables them to wholeheartedly dedicate their energy to others and serve the public in the way they intend. The host also challenges the conventional definition of self-care,...

In this episode, the Olivia and Eric discuss Yoga For First Responders' newest mission called YogaShield RX, which focuses on bringing resilience training to medical professionals. They are joined by a surgeon, Dr. Shawn Diamond, to talk about stress, resilience, and burnout in the medical field. They highlight the overlap between Yoga For First Responders and the needs of medical providers, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues. The hosts express their excitement for this...

Episodes 003 & 004 were recorded in conjunction with Captain Jeremy Sanders and his podcast, Crew 1st Culture. The Crew 1st Culture brand and podcast help the Firehouse Family grow and excel in their careers and lives. Jeremy and his partners and friends on this mission, who we are fortunate enough to be among, are here to discuss their passion for leadership and firehouse culture and use their life experiences to lift each other up. Jeremy is married and has 7 kids. He and his family...

Episodes 003 & 004 were recorded in conjunction with Captain Jeremy Sanders and his podcast, Crew 1st Culture. The Crew 1st Culture brand and podcast help the Firehouse Family grow and excel in their careers and lives. Jeremy and his partners and friends on this mission, who we are fortunate enough to be among, are here to discuss their passion for leadership and firehouse culture and use their life experiences to lift each other up. Jeremy is married and has 7 kids. He and his family...

In this episode Olivia and Eric discuss how Cognitive Declarations (CDs) became part of the Yoga For First Responders protocol, the incredible science behind why they work, how they are rooted in traditional yoga, and how to get over feeling stupid using them. There conversation takes some wild twists and turns from making each other uncomfortable, to animal sex, yes you read that correctly, to harnessing the power of your mind. You're not going to want to miss this one, so give it a listen...

In this teaser episode, Olivia Mead, founder of Yoga for First Responders, and Eric Brenneman introduce the new podcast "On Air by Yoga for First Responders." They explain that the podcast will delve into the topics of yoga, neuroscience, resilience, and public safety in a way that is authentic, educational, and entertaining. Each episode will feature a new topic and often include expert guests. Olivia emphasizes the importance of authenticity and keeping the podcast real. She wants to dispel...