Two Fire Wives hosting no BS talk radio about being married to and supporting first responders. Tune in once a week for a peek into our fire family lives and ge...
Mental health in the fire service is a topic we’re passionate about, and today we’re joined by Mike Kaufman, firefighter, paramedic, and founder of Tee It Up for Mental Health. Mike shares his journey into the fire service, the personal loss that motivated him to start this nonprofit, and how the annual golf tournament is bringing firefighters and their families together while raising money for first responder mental health programs.We also discuss the importance of community, the challenges of balancing family life with a fire career, and why seeking therapy should be as normal as going to the gym. Plus, Mike shares insights into how his department is leading the way with mental health benefits for firefighters. Learn more about Tee It Up for Mental Healthwww.teeitupgolftournament.com Follow them on Instagram: @teeitupformentalhealth
--------
24:02
You Can't Hotshot Your Way Through Life: Understanding Interpersonal Relationships of Wildland Firefighters
In this episode, we sit down with Kristen McCormick, a wildland firefighter and counselor, to explore the unique challenges of firefighting and its impact on relationships and mental health. Kristen shares insights from her research on hotshot crews, discussing how the unpredictability of fire contrasts with the complexities of human relationships.We dive into the emotional and physical demands of the job, the deep camaraderie among firefighters, and the strain that firefighting can place on personal relationships. The conversation covers the importance of effective communication, intentionality, and emotional resilience—both on the fireline and at home.We also examine the often unseen labor of firefighter partners, the challenges of maintaining intimacy, and the necessity of autonomy and support in relationships. Kristen offers valuable perspectives on compartmentalization, vulnerability, and the need for mental health awareness in navigating these dynamics.Key TakeawaysWildland firefighting fosters personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of duty.Camaraderie and shared suffering build strong crew bonds but can strain personal relationships.Firefighters face emotional challenges that require adaptation and mental health support.Intentional communication is key to maintaining relationships outside of work.Partners of firefighters often carry unseen labor and need acknowledgment, autonomy, and support.Reconnecting during the off-season and maintaining personal interests help sustain relationships.Compartmentalization can hinder emotional connections, while vulnerability fosters deeper understanding.Small gestures and open conversations about job challenges can strengthen relationships.Tune in for a raw and insightful discussion on the realities of wildland firefighting, the toll it takes on relationships, and how both firefighters and their loved ones can navigate these challenges.Media Mentions During This EpisodeDark Matter by Black CrouchThis Past Weekend podcast with Theo VonWorld Class Conversations podcast with Aubrey MarcusThe Hotshot WakeupLearn More About Kristen McCormickwebsite: https://www.anchorandflankwellness.com/instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anchorandflankwellness/
--------
59:19
Understanding Attachment Styles in First Responder Relationships
In this conversation, Maggie Hernandez, an associate marriage and family therapist, discusses the significance of attachment styles in relationships, particularly for first responders. She explains how attachment styles are formed through early interactions with caregivers and how they influence emotional bonds and coping mechanisms in adulthood. The discussion also covers the unique challenges faced by first responders and their partners, including the impact of job-related stress on attachment patterns. Maggie emphasizes the importance of seeking support and fostering secure attachments to improve relationships. Additionally, she introduces the Fire Family Collective, a support network for partners of first responders, aimed at providing resources and community for those navigating the complexities of this lifestyle.TakeawaysAttachment styles are formed through early interactions with caregivers.There are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized.First responders often exhibit avoidant attachment styles due to job stress.Anxious partners may seek constant reassurance, while avoidant partners may isolate themselves.It's crucial for couples to identify their attachment styles to improve their relationship.Surrounding oneself with securely attached individuals can help change attachment styles.Therapy can provide a safe space for exploring attachment issues.The Fire Family Collective offers support for partners of first responders.Building emotional awareness and practicing vulnerability are key to fostering secure attachments.Media Mentioned During the ShowThe Overwatch CollectiveHow I Built ThisTed LassoLearn More About MaggieInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/mindmatterswithmaggie/Fire Family Collective:https://www.firefamilycollective.org/
--------
17:41
Folds of Honor: Supporting First Responder Families
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Sherman, Senior Vice President of Outreach for Folds of Honor, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Luke shares the organization’s mission, its 2022 expansion to include first responders, and the powerful impact these scholarships have had on families.We discuss how families can apply for scholarships, the role of community involvement in identifying those in need, and the significant rise in applications. Luke also takes us through the inspiring origin story of Folds of Honor and wraps up with personal insights and some fun rapid-fire questions.Key Takeaways: • Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships totaling approximately $290 million. • The organization expanded its mission to include first responders in 2022. • Safety and freedom are the core values that drive their mission. • Scholarships are available for both children and spouses of first responders. • The application process requires documentation to verify eligibility. • Community support plays a vital role in identifying families who need assistance. • The organization has seen a 300% increase in first responder scholarship applications this year. • Folds of Honor was founded after Colonel Dan Rooney witnessed firsthand the impact of war on military families. • The goal is to provide financial support and educational opportunities for first responder families. • Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is key to personal growth.Books Mentioned During This EpisodeThe Comfort Crisis by Michael EasterLearn More About Folds of HonorWebsite:https://foldsofhonor.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/foldsofhonor/First Responder Scholarship Info:https://foldsofhonor.org/scholarships/first-responder-scholarships/
--------
21:00
Tidy Dad on Making Space for What Matters in First Responder Family Life
In this conversation, Tyler Moore, known as Tidy Dad, shares insights on managing household chaos, especially for first responder families. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork in household chores, involving children in responsibilities, and adopting a practical approach to organization through soft decluttering. Tyler's book, 'Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How to Organize, Declutter, and Make Space for What Matters Most' offers relatable strategies for creating a functional home environment amidst the unpredictability of life.Resources and Media MentionedEven The Rich PodcastThe Home EditOprahFollow Tidy Dadwebsite:https://thetidydad.com/instagram:@tidydad
Two Fire Wives hosting no BS talk radio about being married to and supporting first responders. Tune in once a week for a peek into our fire family lives and get unabashed advise on how to prevent forest fires in your marriage to your first responder!⠀
USA