Shows
Dear Chiefs PodcastHow First Responder Couples Can Improve Intimacy: Insights from Experts Vanessa + XanderNavigating intimacy and communication can be tough for first responder couples facing the demands of high-stress careers and unpredictable schedules. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Vanessa & Xander Marin to this episode! Known for creating one of the most popular online platforms for relationship and intimacy advice, Vanessa, a licensed sex therapist, and Xander, her approachable and funny husband, share their signature blend of expertise and relatability to help couples stay connected.
In this insightful conversation, Vanessa & Xander dive into actionable strategies tailored specifically for first responder families. Whether you’re a firefi...2024-12-0223 minDear Chiefs PodcastKristina Moon on Love, Loss, and The Billy Moon FoundationIn this heartfelt episode, Audra and Chelsi welcome Kristina Moon, widow of FDNY firefighter William “Billy” Moon II, to share her powerful story. After tragically losing her husband in 2022 during a training exercise, Kristina has dedicated her life to keeping his memory alive through The Billy Moon Foundation. As president of the foundation, Kristina advocates for organ donation awareness and encourages families to have difficult yet vital conversations about their end-of-life wishes.
Join us as Kristina opens up about her journey from elementary educator to nonprofit leader, and how she’s honoring Billy’s legacy w...2024-10-0717 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirefighter, Mom, and Mentor: Fire Captain Andrea Binley on Balancing Career and FamilyIn this inspiring episode Audra and Chelsi sit down with Fire Captain Andrea Binley, a trailblazing female firefighter who proves you can have it all—your career, dreams, and family. Starting her journey as a Fire Explorer with Upland Fire Department at just 19, Andrea has climbed the ranks from firefighter/paramedic to Captain, all while balancing motherhood and a blended family.
Andrea shares her experiences as a female firefighter in a predominantly male field, the challenges of co-parenting with a firefighter schedule, and what lit the spark inside her to become a firefighter. A passionate advocate for di...2024-10-0236 minDear Chiefs PodcastMom Rage, Guilt, and Balancing First Responder Family LifeIn this episode, Audra and Chelsi sit down with Rachael Choate, a mother and firefighter’s wife, to explore the often-overlooked topic of Mom Rage and its impact on first responder families. Rachael shares her personal journey from corporate leadership to motherhood, opening up about her struggles with postpartum anxiety, depression, and anger. She explains how life coaching helped her find healing and balance, and how she now uses her experiences to support other moms facing similar challenges.
Throughout this conversation, they dive into the complex feelings of guilt, resentment, and the pressures of be...2024-09-2527 min
Behind The ShieldAudra and Chelsi (Fire Spouses, Family and Shift Work) - Episode 909Audra and Chelsi are both married to firefighters and are the women behind the Dear Chiefs Podcast.We discuss their early lives, their partners' journies into the fire service, the impact of mandatory overtime on families, shift work, sleep deprivation, burnout, mental health, healthy transition from work to home and so much more."Once upon a time in the middle of a pandemic, two fire wives and complete strangers met on the internet and decided to start a podcast for first responders and their families. First responders provide safety to our...2024-04-021h 45Dear Chiefs PodcastFrom Silence to SupportAudra's husband, Fire Captain Damien Carrion, bravely shares his personal journey through the aftermath of a suicide within his own department. For 15 years, Damien silently wrestled with the impact and stigma surrounding mental health in the firefighting community. Tune in as he candidly discusses his struggles and the pivotal moment that drove him to champion change. From struggling alone to becoming an advocate for mental wellness, Damien's story is both raw and inspiring. Join us as we explore the importance of breaking the silence surrounding mental health in high-stress professions and the transformative power of one person's courage.
2024-03-0548 min
Minds on the Frontline PodcastFrontline SpousesIn this episode, we welcome Audra and Chelsi from the Dear Chiefs Podcast. Once upon a time in the middle of a pandemic, two fire wives and complete strangers met on the internet and decided to start a podcast for first responders and their families. Three years later the Dear Chiefs podcast is still running strong with a weekly show and tons of great social media content. Through their podcast, Audra, and Chelsi hope to help families understand, support, and build stronger relationships with their first responders, while also finding community and appreciation for themselves. We are also joined by...2023-10-031h 00Dear Chiefs PodcastNavigating Change: A Fire Family's Journey to Better Work-Life BalanceIn this heartfelt episode, Chelsi shares her family's courageous journey—a transition after over two decades of dedicated service with CAL FIRE. Join us as we delve into this significant move, embracing the role of ECC Assistant Director in a municipal fire department. Our hosts shed light on the unique challenges faced by firefighter families during such pivotal career shifts and offer invaluable advice on achieving and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for an enlightening conversation aimed at empowering and inspiring fellow firefighter spouses navigating similar transformative journeys toward a more balanced life. Explore real insights on Fi...2023-09-2625 min
Fire Family Collective PodcastThe "Hot Mess Express" with Audra and Chelsi from Dear Chiefs PodcastAudra and Chelsi, firefighter spouses and hosts of the Dear Chiefs Podcast, provide unvarnished advice for firefighters and their spouses on how to maintain their relationship while in the fire service. They go toe-to-toe with Peter and Jason on firefighter divorce rate, balancing a firefighting career with family life, and the generational differences they see in firefighters (Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z). Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire FoundationGuest: Audra and Chelsi of Dear ChiefsLink: Cal Ma...2023-09-071h 17
Dear Dr. TracyLove and First Responders – with Audra and ChelsiThis week, Dr. Tracy sits down for episode 3 of her mini-series to speak with Audra and Chelsi, hosts of the "Dear Chiefs" podcast, to discuss the complexities of relationships and marriage with a first responder. As two wives of fire fighters, Audra and Chelsi know all too well the challenges that come with being the default parent while their partner is away at work for days and weeks at a time. In this episode, Audra and Chelsi discuss the often-misunderstood sacrifices of stay-at-home parents, emphasizing that these individuals take on immense responsibilities both at home and within t...2023-08-3153 minDear Chiefs PodcastLies First Responder Spouses Tell ThemselvesJoin hosts Audra and Chelsi as they explore the lies that first responder spouses tell themselves in order to cope with the stress and uncertainty of their partner's job. In this season's kick-off episode, they will share their own experiences with lying to themselves. They will also discuss the impact that these lies can have on first responder spouses' mental and emotional health, and how to break the cycle of deceiving oneself and heal.
This episode will also serve as a season 5 kick-off for the podcast. Audra and Chelsi will talk about the guests that will be...2023-08-0108 min
The Firefighter DeconstructedTwo Firefighter Spouses Share Their ExperiencesAudra and Chelsi are two firefighter's wives and work-from-home mothers, with a combined 20+ years of experience as first responder spouses. They host a no-BS podcast, on a mission to break the stigma of mental health in first responders while amplifying the voices of their significant others. Together, they smash the negative feelings that come along with being a first responder family, replacing them with positive thoughts and compassionate curiosity. Tune into Dear Chiefs Podcast weekly for candid conversations with mental health experts and advocates and a first-hand look into fire family life with Audra + Chelsi.email: hello@dearchiefs.com2023-05-311h 02Dear Chiefs PodcastHow To Manage The Mental Load As The Default ParentIn this episode, Dr. Morgan Cutlip joins us to talk about the mental load of the default parent. She defines what the default parent is, how we can avoid and/or manage burnout as default parents, what first responders can do to reduce the mental load for the parent at home, and even creative ways to keep communication open when the first responder is out of the home for long periods of time.
Dr. Morgan Cutlip knows what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood, and she’s determined to help mothers navigate it...2023-05-0234 minDear Chiefs PodcastFire Wife Life FAQ Round IIThere are a lot of FAQs about firewife life that we have answered many times, but we decided to do another episode where we answer all of your burning questions (pun totally intended) about being married to firefighters again.
In this episode, we get a little silly and also cover how to deal with being the default parent, how to be guilt-free about taking time for yourself when your firefighter is home, how not to worry about infidelity in the fire service, and a myriad of other topics related to being a firefighter's wife.2023-04-2537 minDear Chiefs PodcastFinancial Wellness For First Responder FamiliesDoes talking about money stress you out? Help is here. In this episode, Courtney of Heroes Financial Coaching shares ways that you can insure financial wellness in your life. The main tops include getting and staying out of debt, setting financial goals, life insurance, and living wills + trusts.
As a veteran wife and current police wife, Courtney understands the stress that comes with the first responder lifestyle. There's enough pressure on the job for First Responders, and Courtney wants to help reduce the stresses that can arise from finances. Her goal is to help fi...2023-04-1844 minDear Chiefs PodcastSurviving First Responder Family LifeIn this episode, we talk with fellow fire wife Kristi Hilmer about how she helps new families starting in their EMS journey. She gives us some helpful tips and techniques that have helped her marriage thrive. She also shares her experience as an evacuee of a major wildfire incident in Northern California that tore through her town and ultimately became the deadliest wildfire in California's history.
Kristi is a fire wife, former nurse, and mama to 3. On November 8th, 2018 a massive wildfire tore through the town of Paradise where Kristi and her family lived. and...2023-04-1130 minDear Chiefs PodcastUnderstanding and Defeating Compassion FatigueIn this episode, we learn about how to manage and/or overcome compassion fatigue with Dr. Michelle Finneran.
Dr. Michele Finneran, is a licensed professional counselor, author, and mental health advocate located in Florida. She owns and operates her own private counseling practice and has a Ph.D. in conflict resolution and dispute analysis. Dr. Finneran thoroughly enjoys helping others, both personally and professionally.
Follow Dr. Finneran
website: https://www.veccandassociates.com/
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.finneran/
youtube: https://www.youtube.co...2023-03-2819 min
Dear Chiefs PodcastCBD For First RespondersHave you ever tried CBD? Are you a first responder and terrified to try it because you're afraid you might not pass a drug test? Let us help put your mind at ease! In this episode, Jon Vought shares about his safe-for-work CBD made by Rescue 1 CBD. He also shares the health benefits of CBD.
Follow John:
website: https://rescue1cbd.com/
(Use code DEARCHIEFS for 15% off.)
insta: https://www.instagram.com/rescue_1_cbd/
twitter: https://twitter.com/cbdrescue2023-03-0736 minDear Chiefs PodcastFire Wife Life FAQ w/Audra + ChelsiYou've all been asking us to spill the tea on all things fire wife life, so today, we answered your most frequently asked questions about being married to firefighters!
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Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dearchiefspodcast
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dearchiefspodcast
website: https://www.dearchiefs.com/2022-09-2021 minDear Chiefs PodcastFire Department ChroniclesIn this episode, we interview Jason Patton. He is best known on social media as Fire Department Chronicles and the face of Fire Department Coffee. We’ve been following Jason on Instagram for a long time and wanted to have a genuine conversation about his work as a mental health and addiction advocate, his mission for his social media platforms, and how he’s helping move Fire Department Coffee into the future.
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Follow Jaso...2022-06-0240 minDear Chiefs PodcastSupporting and loving a 9-1-1 dispatcherIn this episode, we chat with Dr. Richard Janka from the 9-1-1- Training Institute about how first responders can be the best version of themselves at home. We will also get a peek into what 9-1-1 dispatchers experience at work to give families a better understanding of what their people go through from day to day.
Dr. Janka attended the University of Detroit Mercy for his undergraduate studies. There he received a double major in sociology and religious studies. He later went on to earn his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Moody Theological Se...2022-05-2740 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirst Responders Need Days OffThis episode is a conversation with James Boomhower of Stay Fit 4 Duty about the importance of taking days off. We also dive into a short conversation about how to give and receive constructive criticism on duty.
James Boomhower, BS, FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM has been involved in EMS for over 15 years in a variety of health systems throughout New England. He currently functions in the role of Critical Care Transport Specialist-Paramedic/Lead Peer Support Director with Boston Medflight in Bedford, Massachusetts. He is the founder of Stay Fit 4 Duty. Where he works to reduce the stigma...2022-05-181h 14Dear Chiefs PodcastThriving Off-Duty For First RespondersThis episode is a discussion with Dr. Peter Salerno about his book, “Fit For Off-Duty: A Manual for Firefighters: Healing from Work-Related Trauma, Restoring Personal Relationships, and Thriving at Home”. Dr. Salerno shares actionable steps to restoring relationships and thriving at home for first responders. He also shares with us about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and how it benefits patients.
Peter Salerno is a licensed psychotherapist residing in Southern California. He holds a doctorate and a master's in Clinical Psychology. He is approved by the International Association of Trauma Professionals as a certified Complex/Clinical Trau...2022-05-1150 minDear Chiefs PodcastProject Pink WheelsIn this episode, we chat with Chris + Amy Leimpeter about Project Pink Wheels; a pink fire truck that is used to transport cancer patients to and from their first and last cancer treatments in California's Contra Costa County.
In 2005 Contra Costa County Fire Captain Chris Leimpeter’s wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chris felt an outpouring of love from his community and wanted to give back in some way to those who are diagnosed with cancer. So In October 2020 Contra Costa County Fire along with support from Local 1230 launched a vehicle of hope to help can...2022-05-0446 minDear Chiefs PodcastWhy are people leaving the fire service en masse?This episode is one of our infamous check-ins but we're doing something a little different. It's an op-ed piece if you can dig that! We are sharing a trending topic in the fire department. What is causing the mass exodus of firefighters from departments throughout the united states? Why are firefighters so quick to transfer departments and/or careers and even flip-flopping? If you've wondered about these questions too, settle in, because we're reading a very pointed letter from Chris Mariano a former USFS Hotshot from Taho National Forest about why he left the US Forest Service.
2022-04-2736 minDear Chiefs PodcastRetiring as a First ResponderThis episode is for first responders who are either close to retirement or interested in making a plan for when they hang up their uniforms for the very last time. Dr. Mynda Ohs joins us for her second time on the podcast to discuss her new book, When The Calls Stop: Retiring as a First Responder, and to fill us in on her new life being married to a newly retired fire chief.
Mynda Ohs, Ph.D. is recognized as a nationally known first responder expert. Her understanding of this culture is both professional and personal having be...2022-04-2050 min