Episodes

In this installment of "Igniting the Shift Within," host David Dachinger sits down with Marie Guma, founder of Command Counseling Center, to rip the lid off how clinicians are supporting firefighter mental health. Guma’s been there—on the front lines, after the sirens fade, when the real battle begins. From the aftermath of the tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School to the 24-hour shifts in Florida firehouses, she’s rewriting the playbook on psychological support. Listen in and find out what...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, host David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Moore-Merrell for a conversation about her time as the U.S. Fire Administrator, highlighting her groundbreaking work that supports firefighters on the front lines, particularly in wildland firefighting.

Chief John M. Curd Jr. of Riviera Beach (FL) Fire Rescue speaks with host David Dachinger about the complexities of fire station design. Prioritizing contamination reduction, contagion control, safety, efficiency, and firefighter well-being, Chief Curd shares how he’s working to create a mindset shift within his department and across the industry.

David speaks with Captain Nicholle Brock about Leadership, The Silent Suffering in the Fire Service, and her book, Brick by Brick: Building Resilience in Chaos and Kindness—by Being Resilient in Conflict and Kinship: The True Cost of Poor Leadership.

In this installment of "Igniting the Shift Within," host and Stage 4 cancer survivor David Dachinger welcomes Tonya Herbert, owner of Thin Red Line Decon and Florida PPE Services. We delve into the wellness and safety topics of firefighter turnout gear, occupational exposure and decontamination. This discussion extends beyond merely wearing and washing gear; it involves understanding its limitations and implementing actionable measures to mitigate associated risks. Discover why that "sa...

David Dachinger sits down with Dr. Angela Mazza from the Metabolic Center for Wellness to discuss the endocrine challenges firefighters face both on and off the job. I

David speaks with guest Greg Kruger, founder and leadership coach at Forgotten Truth Coaching, who specializes in the connection between neurology and physiology.

We dive into the gritty reality of sleep for firefighters with Dr. Leah Kaylor, the FBI's sleep expert for over 5 years, who’s got the intel you need to crush fatigue and fire up your performance. We’ll tackle the hard truths about sleep, from quick fixes that fail, to harnessing caffeine’s real impact, and how to battle booze-breathing sleep demons. Discover the ultimate wind-down routine and explore the best sleeping position for maximum recovery. Get ready for real talk on taking back your...

David sits down with Retired Lt. Billy Kanych from the Yonkers Fire Department as he shares his firsthand account of a line-of-duty death during a devastating fire in 2009. Billy reflects on the profound lessons learned from that tragic day, including the heartbreaking loss of Firefighter Patrick Joyce and the injuries that changed his life. He discusses how his spirituality played a crucial role in his healing journey and reveals the innovations in firefighter safety that emerged in its wake. T...

Join us for a wake-up call with Dr. Sara Jahnke. We will examine the impact of shift work on firefighter health and performance. We will also cover various shift schedules and tactical napping strategies, navigating sleep at busy firehouses, and finding a consistent recovery routine. Discover how to prioritize sleep amidst the demands of overtime and side jobs, and whether switching shift start times to nighttime might enhance your recovery. Sara shares groundbreaking data on staffing, call volu...

We talk with Health and Wellness Manager Jesalyn Moore, LCSW, about how women in the Fire and EMS fields experience stress, trauma, and burnout differently than men.

We explore the unique challenges firefighters face, from high-stress environments to emotional triggers. Our expert guest is Tamara Green, LCSW, a mental health clinician and coach.

We explore the complex dynamics between the promotional process and firefighters' mental health. Deputy Chief Al Pratts, Instructor and Promotional Prep Consultant, shares valuable strategies for preparing for promotions while navigating the emotional challenges that come with increased responsibilities.

EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often-misunderstood world of therapysharing her personal insights on EMDR and different therapeutic approaches, breaking down barriers to mental health support.

David is joined by former fire chief Dan Kramer, Owner and Principal Consultant at First Due Leadership Consulting, to discuss bridging generational gaps in the fire service.

In this episode of "Igniting the Shift Within," David sits down with Dr. Pamela Seraphine, a renowned neuroscientist and author, to discuss brain optimization for firefighters.

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Hejmanowski discusses the essential practice of resetting and recalibrating for firefighters. She highlights the risk of losing compassion and judgment without periodic self-care, which can lead to numbness or reckless behavior. Tracy's First Responder Project runs restorative retreats for first responders and their spouses, emphasizing the need to decompress and reconnect. These retreats allow individuals to be human, learn from one another, and benefit from nature and team-building. She stresses the necessity of taking time for healing to ensure firefighters can sustain their crucial work while maintaining healthy relationships.

On our inaugural episode, our guest is Chief Officer Johnny Torgeson (aka Dr. JT). We will explore the topic of team building: How can it transform your department? Dr. JT will break down the steps involved in the forging process necessary for meaningful change to occur. Later in the show, we will share three tactical takeaways—actionable items that you can use to elevate your thinking, work, and leadership skills.