In this radically authentic and profound episode, Kevin and MaKayla sit down with Alexandra Jabr, Ph.D., EMT-P, the founder of Emergency Resilience. Alexandra brings a unique, vital perspective, blending her nearly 15 years as a paramedic with deep academic expertise in trauma, psychology, and grief.

We dive into the Science of Survival, demystifying what happens in the brain during trauma and why it’s so hard to turn "fight-or-flight" off when the call ends. Alexandra provides a clear blueprint for resilience, covering:

• Trauma’s Blueprint: Why trauma is a biological process, not a sign of moral failure or weakness.
• The Overlooked Skill: The profound emotional toll of death communication and how providers can deliver bad news with compassion while protecting their own mental health.
• Actionable Resilience: Evidence-based tools and strategies for building strong emotional boundaries and a sustainable mental fitness routine.
• The Aftermath: Alexandra shares her personal journey and the identity crisis she faced after a career-ending injury forced her to confront her own trauma.

This is a vital conversation for every hero seeking to use clinical knowledge to finally overcome the "silent war within."

Resources Mentioned:

• Alexandra's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergencyresilience
• Emergency Resilience Website: https://www.emergencyresilience.com/

In this crucial and candid episode, Kevin sits down with Lisa and Robbie, Co-Founders of the EMS Leadership Academy, to discuss a rarely addressed topic: the emotional cost of leadership in emergency medical services. Robbie, a career paramedic and Assistant Chief, and Lisa, a 25-year business and life coach, combine frontline reality with psychological expertise.

They offer a raw perspective on why the leader's chair is often the most emotionally taxing job in the field. We explore:

• The Unspoken Pressure: Why leaders feel compelled to be "unbreakable" and how that silence internally fuels stress and burnout.
• The Ripple Effect: How a leader's unresolved anxiety or fatigue directly impacts the psychological safety and performance of every person under their command.
• The Blueprint for Resilience: Actionable strategies leaders can use to prioritize their own mental health, model healthy coping, and actively build a culture of unwavering support for their teams.

This is a vital conversation for every supervisor, manager, and aspiring leader seeking to sustain their well-being while fulfilling their profound responsibilities. Your service deserves unwavering support.

https://emsleadershipacademy.com/

In this radically authentic and profound conversation, Kevin and Kim sit down with Jake Belay, a former police officer, PTSD survivor, and the founder of Guardian Rise. Jake shares his deeply personal journey from being defined by the badge and trauma to discovering a healthy, sustainable path to healing.

This episode is a direct conversation between peers, exploring the hard truth about the "silent war within" and the pivotal moments that separate unhealthy coping (like numbing the pain) from active, healthy healing. Jake unpacks the creation of his Guardian Rise community and walks listeners through the foundational principles that every first responder, veteran, and healthcare worker can apply to start their own journey toward resilience.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The Breaking Point: Jake's raw account of his crisis moment and the critical shift from destructive coping to conscious recovery.
• Unhealthy vs. Healthy: Practical lessons on distinguishing between merely surviving the shift and actively pursuing lasting healing.
• The Guardian Blueprint: Actionable principles for managing PTSD, building a supportive community, and making the courageous choice to heal.

Listen now and join us as we explore the power of turning pain into purpose. Your service deserves unwavering support.