On Air by Yoga For First Responders Yoga For First Responders

In this episode of "On Air," we delve into the evolution of resilience and performance in emergency responders with special guest Captain Kevin Housley, the founder of Firefighter Craftsmanship.
As the conversation unfolds, the hosts introduce Captain Kevin Housley, highlighting his expertise in sleep mouth taping, breathwork, and project management. They reflect on their personal connections with Kevin and the impact he has had on their lives through his teachings and recommendations.
The hosts delve into Kevin's background and journey, emphasizing his passion for teaching resiliency training and the importance of empowering individuals to navigate life's challenges. Kevin shares insights from his ongoing master's degree program in sport coaching with a focus on human performance psychology, shedding light on the intersection of mental and physical resilience in emergency response.
The discussion shifts to the significance of breathwork and mindfulness in enhancing performance and managing stress in high-pressure situations. Kevin shares his experiences with different breathwork techniques, highlighting the need for personalized approaches based on individual needs and responses.
The hosts explore the impact of breathwork on Kevin's life, from managing overwhelming workloads to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Kevin emphasizes the importance of self-care practices like sauna sessions, yoga Nidra, and mindfulness routines in supporting his well-being and performance as a firefighter, husband, and father.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Kevin underscore the transformative power of mindfulness, breathwork, and resilience training in optimizing performance, enhancing mental clarity, and fostering overall well-being in the demanding field of emergency response.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the diverse range of tools and practices discussed in the episode to cultivate resilience, improve performance, and navigate the challenges of their own lives with strength and fortitude. The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize self-care and embrace the journey of personal growth and development.

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, sets the stage for a deep and insightful conversation, the audience is immediately drawn into Gage's fascinating journey.
Gage shares his personal story, starting from his decision to join the Army at 17, his experiences as a combat photographer, and the challenges he faced with mental health upon returning from deployments. His journey takes unexpected turns, from living in a van to pursuing a degree in outdoor recreation and parks management, all while exploring the therapeutic benefits of outdoor activities like rock climbing and scuba diving.
The podcast delves into Gage's realization of the importance of mental health and his decision to pursue a career in counseling. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Gage's resilience and determination shine through as he navigates through various life transitions, including getting hired as a firefighter and pursuing advanced degrees.
The conversation touches on the significance of community, self-care, and the power of outdoor activities in promoting mental well-being. Gage's unique perspective on mental health, coupled with his drive to make a difference, sets the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of personal growth, resilience, and professional aspirations.
As the episode unfolds, Gage's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's passions. The audience is left inspired by Gage's story and motivated to reflect on their own paths towards mental wellness and personal fulfillment.
Overall, this episode of On Air with Gage Hall is a compelling narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose, offering valuable insights and inspiration for listeners seeking to navigate life's challenges with strength and determination.

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. Her path led her from being an enlisted fuel truck driver to a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, to working with UAVs and eventually law enforcement. But it was her recent adventure volunteering for the Iditarod Trail's canine drug testing team that may be the most fascinating. Sarah shared her experiences in Alaska, ensuring the health and safety of the sled dogs and the integrity of the race, all while braving the extreme cold and witnessing the raw challenges of the wilderness.
Mental Health and YogaSarah opened up about her struggles with post-deployment stress and how a terrifying water survival training exercise led her to seek help and eventually discover yoga. This practice, she says, saved her life. Her subsequent dive into the world of neuroscience and mindfulness has not only helped her cope with the stresses of her career but also fueled her passion for bringing these tools to others in high-stress professions.
Advocacy for Mindfulness in Public SafetySarah discussed her efforts to integrate yoga and mindfulness into the training of a federal law enforcement agency, emphasizing the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind stress and trauma. Despite encountering resistance and the slow pace of change within institutions, she remains committed to educating her peers on the benefits of these practices for de-escalation and mental health.
Personal Reflections and Future GoalsThroughout the conversation, Sarah reflected on the identity shifts that often come with career progression in the military and public safety sectors. She highlighted the need for individuals in these roles to take time to heal from the nervous system injuries caused by stress and trauma. Looking ahead, Sarah is excited about her business, Blue Side Yoga, and her plans to bring veterans and first responders on transformative adventures that incorporate yoga and mindfulness.
Join us as we explore Sarah's powerful story, her mission to support the well-being of those who serve, and her vision for a future where proactive mental health training is a standard part of the public safety profession.
Bluesideyoga.com

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 immediate value from, the agency encourages proactive participation in self-care practices.
The agency's focus on proactive training, including mental health and wellness education for new hires and in-service training for all officers, allows them to address wellness issues before they escalate. By providing resources and training on burnout, compassion fatigue, financial wellness, physical fitness, sleep, and nutrition, officers are equipped to manage stress and maintain well-being.
Officer Breton highlighted the crucial role of administrative buy-in in fostering a culture where officers feel safe to seek help without fear of negative consequences. Having the support of four different police chiefs who backed the wellness programs created a supportive environment where officers could trust that seeking help would not hinder their career progression.
By promoting a culture of self-care, providing resources for early intervention, utilizing tools for measurement, and gaining administrative support, agencies can create a supportive environment where officers feel empowered to prioritize their well-being and effectively manage the challenges of their profession.

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 three key takeaways from this emotional and enlightening episode:
1️⃣ Proactive Mental Health Training : Joe and I discussed the importance of shifting the focus in public safety from crisis response to proactive mental health training. The tide is changing, and departments are recognizing the value of resilience building and prevention to support the well-being of first responders.
2️⃣ Identity After Service : Joe shared his personal journey of transitioning out of the fire service due to injury and the profound impact it had on his identity. We explored the critical need for first responders to separate their assignment from their identity to navigate the challenges of retirement and life beyond the job.
3️⃣ Informal Therapy and Camaraderie : The informal therapy and camaraderie found among colleagues in the fire service were highlighted as essential components of mental well-being. Joe's experience underscored the significance of those unfiltered moments with peers and the support network that remains crucial even after leaving the job.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in public safety, mental health advocates, and individuals interested in the power of resilience and self-care. Join us as we dive deep into these important topics and gain valuable insights from Joe's journey.
Joe's wellness platform, Grit Growth Gratitude:
https://ggg.training/
Joe's Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thejoespector/
Joe's website:
https://www.thejoespector.com/

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 experiences and discussing the importance of self-discovery and growth. Rachel shares her inspiring journey of moving to Utah, following her intuition, and embracing new opportunities. The hosts reflect on the challenges and rewards of stepping out of comfort zones and pursuing personal growth.
As the conversation unfolds, Rachel introduces her new book, "Creating Confidence: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Yoga Teachers," which has garnered success and acclaim in the yoga community. The book focuses on navigating the early stages of teaching yoga, addressing imposter syndrome, and finding balance in teaching commitments. Rachel emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, authenticity, and embracing vulnerability as key elements in building confidence.
Olivia and Rachel share personal experiences of overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome in their teaching journeys, highlighting the transformative power of vulnerability and self-acceptance. They discuss the evolution of teaching styles, the value of practice and self-reflection, and the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in candid discussions about the challenges and triumphs of teaching yoga, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and continuous growth. The conversation is filled with humor, warmth, and valuable insights that resonate with listeners on their own paths to confidence and self-discovery.
Join Olivia, Eric and Rachel as they explore the profound impact of vulnerability, self-compassion, and authenticity in finding confidence as a yoga teacher and embracing personal growth in all aspects of life. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation that celebrates the journey of self-discovery and empowerment through vulnerability.
Creating Confidence on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWDNQ7VW
Rachel's website/yoga blog:
https://www.aliveinthefire.com
Rachel's Contact:
https://www.aliveinthefire.com/contact
Rachel's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliveinthefire
Mentioned in this episode:
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