Shows
Hold the Line At HomeWhat Growing Up as a Police Officer’s Child Teaches About Raising Kids in a Firefighter FamilyWhat does growing up as a police officer’s child teach you about raising kids in a firefighter family?In this episode, Chelsi talks with Erin Reed, a fire wife and working mom who grew up in a law enforcement household. They explore how first responder culture shapes childhood, what changes when you become the spouse instead of the child, and how to raise kids inside nontraditional schedules.From 24-hour shifts and default parenting to pride, resilience, and the reality of invisible labor, this episode offers an honest look at...
2026-02-0949 minHold the Line At HomeA Firefighter, a Mother, and the Reality of CapacityFirefighter captain and mom Andrea Binley joins Chelsi McFadden for a candid conversation about capacity, burnout, and raising a family inside the fire service.Andrea shares her experience navigating shift work, blended family life, health challenges, leadership roles, and the emotional weight carried by women in first responder households. From advocating for maternity leave to redefining rest, division of labor, and realistic expectations, this episode is an honest look at what it takes to survive—and stay grounded—in demanding seasons.This episode covers:Fire...
2026-02-0344 minHold the Line At HomeFirewife Life Explained: Schedules, Identity, and the Guide Every Fire Family NeedsFire family life doesn’t come with a handbook, but maybe it should.In this episode, Chelsi talks with Elise Vermillion about what it’s really like to be a firewife, from wildland fire assignments to Cal Fire schedules, forced overtime, and raising kids while your spouse is gone. Elise shares why she wrote The Firewife Guide and the practical systems she wishes every new fire family had from day one. They talk about:The reality of fire schedules and constant recalculationWhy re-entry after a shift can be unexpectedly hard
2026-01-2629 minHold the Line At HomeInfertility, IVF, and Fire Family LifeInfertility is already isolating. Inside the fire service, it often becomes invisible.In this episode, Chelsi talks with Brittany R. Thomas-Vestal, a therapist who works with first responders and their families and a fire wife whose own family was built through IVF. Brittany shares what it looked like to navigate infertility around fire schedules, overtime, and deployments, often without language, support, or space to slow down.Together, they talk about the unspoken pressure fire spouses feel to stay strong, independent, and grateful, even while carrying financial strain, emotional exhaustion, postpartum mental health...
2026-01-1926 minHold the Line At HomeWhat Wildland Fire Families Want You to Understand About Home LifeIn this episode, Chelsi is joined by Lacey Keller Smith, a wildland fire wife and cofounder of Fired Up, a nonprofit supporting wildland fire families. Together, they talk about what home life really looks like in a federal wildland fire family and how those realities compare and intersect with CAL FIRE and structure fire life. Lacey breaks down the federal wildland schedule in a way most people have never heard, including 5/8s, fire season extensions, six day weeks, and 14 day assignments that often turn into 16 to 18 days with travel. She explains why the hardest p...
2026-01-1243 minHold the Line At HomeWhy Firefighters Can’t Just Turn It Off at HomeFirefighters are often told to leave the job at work. But what if the job is not something you can just turn off?In this episode, Chelsi sits down with Scott Hewlett of Multiple Calls Podcast to talk about the expectations placed on firefighters and their families, and why the idea of switching work off at home does not reflect the reality of first responder life. Scott shares why being a firefighter is not just a job but an extension of who someone already is, and how asking them to shut that part down...
2026-01-0533 minHold the Line At HomeDual First Responders and the Mental Load at HomeIn this conversation, Chelsi and Samantha discuss the complexities of being in a dual first responder relationship, particularly focusing on the challenges of balancing work and family life. They explore the emotional toll of the job, the importance of communication, and the need for mental health support. Samantha shares her experiences as a paramedic and fire wife, detailing the struggles of managing schedules, raising children with special needs, and the impact of mental health on their family dynamics. They also touch on the evolving culture within the first responder community and the significance of...
2025-12-2938 minHold the Line At HomeGrief, Trauma, and the Weight First Responder Families Carry with Destiny Morris, LMFTGrief shows up in first responder families in more ways than we often realize. In this episode, Chelsi talks with licensed marriage and family therapist Destiny Morris about grief, trauma, and mental health through the lens of fire and first responder life. They discuss how unprocessed grief builds over time, how trauma from the job impacts both partners, and why emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout are common in first responder families. Destiny also explains EMDR therapy in approachable terms and shares practical tools for nervous system regulation and emotional support.
2025-12-2238 minHold the Line At HomeThe Mental Load of Fire Family Life: Fair Play and Real Partnership with Lori Sugarman-LiFire family life stretches every system in the home. In this conversation, Chelsi sits down with Fair Play facilitator and family coach Lori Sugarman-Li to talk about what it really takes to keep a household running when a first responder is gone for days at a time.Lori explains how the Fair Play method helps families name the invisible labor that often falls on the partner at home and create real equity by shifting from “helping” to full task ownership. She shares how laying all one hundred Fair Play cards on the table can be a...
2025-12-1537 minHold the Line At HomeWhen Fire Season Never Ends: Real Firewife Life with Jenna PartlowFire season is supposed to be in the summer, but in 2025 it showed up in January. ..In this episode, Chelsi talks with fire wife and corporate finance professional Jenna Partlow about what really happens at home when everything catches fire at once.Jenna shares how her husband was sent to the Palisades and Eaton Fires for more than two weeks, right over their son’s birthday and their anniversary, while she was recovering from pneumonia and trying to manage work, parenting, and nonstop questions from people who do not understand fire life. Sh...
2025-12-0837 minHold the Line At HomeFrom Chaos to Calm: Simple Systems for Real Moms with Amy MotroniIn this episode, Chelsi talks with Amy Motroni, author of Genius Mom Hacks and mom of four, about how to create systems that make motherhood feel lighter and homes run smoother.Amy shares her story of going from overwhelmed and exhausted to organized and at peace by focusing on routines that actually work in real life, not perfection or Pinterest standards. She explains simple habits that reduce stress, how to involve kids in daily tasks, and why progress matters more than perfection.Together, they talk about mom guilt, teamwork...
2025-12-0128 minHold the Line At HomeMom Rage, Reintegration, and Firewife Life with Rachael ChoateIn this episode, Chelsi sits down with Rachael Choate, a life coach, mom of three, and LA County fire wife, to talk about the moments we don’t usually say out loud. The mom rage. The messy reintegration. The mental load of fire family life.Rachael opens up about what it’s like raising three young kids while her husband works 24-hour shifts, how they’ve learned to communicate through exhaustion, and why the chaos when he comes home can feel harder than when he’s gone. Together, they explore the stories we tell ourselve...
2025-11-2432 minHold the Line At HomeFrom Fire Academy to Parenthood: What They Don’t Tell You About Life in the Fire ServiceIn this episode, Wren from Emergency Momagement shares her story of growing up in a law enforcement family, marrying into the fire service, and becoming a mom in the middle of it all. Together, Chelsi and Wren talk about what life in the fire service really looks like—from the rough start of fire academy days to the realities of raising kids while their spouses are gone for long shifts or wildland assignments.They unpack the differences between police and fire culture, the importance of building a strong support system, and how therapy, communication, an...
2025-11-171h 04Hold the Line At HomeEmotional Trust and Intimacy in Fire Family Life with Dr. Kristy DeLeonIn this conversation, Chelsi and Dr. Christy DeLeon discuss the unique challenges faced by fire wives, including the dynamics of intimacy, communication, and parenting. They explore the importance of emotional trust in relationships and the need for open conversations about mental health. Dr. DeLeon introduces The Ignited Community, a supportive network for fire wives, aimed at providing resources and fostering connections among those navigating similar experiences.Follow Dr. Kristy DeLeon and Learn More About The Ignited Community: https://www.instagram.com/theignitedcommunity/Chapters00:00 The...
2025-11-1035 minHold the Line At HomeThe Importance of Capacity in First Responder RelationshipsIn this conversation, Chelsi and Jeff Banman explore the complexities of family life for those in service careers, particularly firefighters. Jeff shares his journey from a career as a first responder in the CIA and firefighting to a wellness advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding capacity versus capability in both personal and professional realms. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from work to home life, the significance of presence in relationships, and the necessity of communication about emotional capacity. The conversation also touches on parenting dynamics, the impact of service careers on family relationships...
2025-10-2754 minHold the Line At HomePTSD, Social Media, and Saving Ourselves as First RespondersIn this conversation, Chelsi and Spencer discuss the life of first responders, focusing on mental health, community support, and the challenges faced in the field. Spencer shares his journey of starting the Mando Medic Instagram page to provide mental health education for first responders, stemming from his own experiences with PTSD and a suicide attempt. They explore the impact of social media on mental health, the importance of compassion in society, and the need for community connections among first responders. The discussion emphasizes the significance of maintaining mental health, building supportive communities, and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health...
2025-10-201h 02Hold the Line At HomeThe Challenges and Rewards of Fire Service LifeIn this episode, Chelsi interviews Francesca from the First Responder Family Collective. They discuss the challenges and rewards of being a family member of a first responder, focusing on the emotional and logistical aspects of managing family life while supporting a partner in the fire service. Francesca shares her experiences and insights, including the creation of her book, Sharing My First Responder, which aims to help children understand and cope with the unique lifestyle of having a first responder parent.Learn More about Francesca and the First Responder Family Collective
2025-10-2032 minHold the Line At HomeEmotional Resilience for Fire FamiliesIn this conversation, Chelsi and Shannon Mead of Stack of Stones discuss the unique challenges faced by firefighters and their families, particularly during fire season. They explore practical strategies for managing stress, the importance of communication in relationships, and the need for self-care. Shannon shares insights from her experience as a therapist and coach, emphasizing the significance of understanding emotions and building supportive systems within relationships. The discussion also highlights the value of agreements and expectations in maintaining a healthy partnership, as well as the upcoming course designed to help individuals and couples navigate these challenges effectively.
2025-10-2051 min
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 minDear 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 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
Dear 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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2022-09-2021 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 minDear Chiefs PodcastBeing A Happy Police WifeIn this episode we talk with Kristin Linton and talk about what it's like being married to a police officer, her blog Heels and Holster, and her book; Be A Happy Police Wife in Motherhood.
Kristen struggled with feelings of loneliness, resentment, and frustration in her early years of being married to a police officer. During the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, she began to feel even more isolated and started posting funny reels on Instagram as a way of positively expressing herself.
Kristin Linton is a mother of two, wife of a la...
2022-04-1339 minDear Chiefs PodcastDo you have a Mental Health Plan For Fire Season?In this episode, we discuss imposter syndrome and making a mental health plan for fire season with Dani Shedden of Close the Gap Wellness.
Dani Shedden is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. Her education includes a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Northwest Nazarene University and a Master Certificate in Fire Ecology, Management, and Technology from the University of Idaho. Her background not only includes working in the mental health field but as a wildland firefighter for the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service. She has served as a Pe...
2022-04-0638 minDear Chiefs PodcastFailing Forward + Future Fire AcademyThis episode is an interview with Anthony Pedro Founder and Leader of Future Fire Academy and Benjamin Crew Executive Director of Failing Forward Youth Outreach. Two important non-profits that help both at-risk youth and rehabilitate formerly incarcerated individuals through mentorship and education.
Ben Crew is a husband, father, firefighter, Executive Director of Failing Forward Youth Outreach Foundation, Ironman triathlete, Ultra-distance runner, a lifelong student, a formerly convicted felon, and a proud board member of Future Fire Academy.
As a teen Ben struggled to find his place in the world. He lost a brother to a h...
2022-03-3043 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow COVID-19 Is Still Impacting Our KidsWe've talked about how to teach resilience to our kids during a pandemic and today we are back touching bases to see how far our kids have come and how we can continue to best support them as they transition to not wearing masks in school and everything that comes along with the endemic phase of Covid-19. We invited Shannon, a high school counselor better known on Instagram as @schoolcounseloronfire to talk about this very sensitive subject.
Shannon is a happily married fire wife of 21 years. Her professional role is as a High School Counselor and her...
2022-03-1637 minDear Chiefs PodcastLGBTQIA2S+ & Fire Department CultureThis episode is about being both parts of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and Fire Service Culture and how the way that we choose to speak to or about people affects everything.
We sit down with Brooke Meredith, a Queer Non-Binary Firefighter in the Bay Area in California, and talk about her experience in the fire service.
Brooke’s pronouns are they/them/ theirs.
They grew up in a small town in Northern California and went to UC Berkeley on a track scholarship. From there they Competed as a heptathlete. 2 time NCAA Div 1 All-American an...
2022-03-0943 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirefighter Success with Jim + Ali MossIn this episode, we discuss how Jim Moss's 20 core principles of firefighter excellence + success apply to both the fire service and the home. We get to hear from both Jim Moss and his wife Ali in this episode. What a treat!
Jim and Ali have been married for 18 years. Ali was a nurse for 15+ years and is now a stay-at-home mom for their three children: Izzy, Maggie, and Jimmy, Jr.
Jim Moss is a fire captain and paramedic for the Metro West Fire Protection District in St. Louis County, Missouri. A 17-year veteran of the f...
2022-03-0241 minDear Chiefs PodcastNobu- A Mental Health + Wellness AppIn this episode, we're chatting with Allison Walsh + Angela Phillips of Advanced Recovery Systems, Dear Mind You Matter Podcast, and Nobu App. They had us on their show to talk about what it's like being married to firefighters and so we decided to turn the tables on them and get to know their products a little better.
Allison Walsh is the Vice President of Business Development and Branding for Advanced Recovery Systems, a national provider and industry leader in behavioral healthcare. She has over 15 years of organizational leadership, mentorship, and coaching experience and has shared her story w...
2022-02-2338 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirefighter DeconstructedIn this episode, we are sitting down with Christy Warren of firefighterdeconstructed.com to talk about what it was like being a female in the fire service, her struggle with PTSD, and first responder suicide.
Christy Warren is a retired Fire Captain from the Berkeley Fire Department in California. She has twenty-five years of service as a professional paramedic, with seventeen years as a professional firefighter. She was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and spent several years recovering. Since retiring from the fire service, she has completed a triathlon, the Escape From Alcatraz swim, and a bachelor’s de...
2022-02-161h 04Dear Chiefs PodcastAdministrative BetrayalJosh Sattley is a 40-year-old husband, father of 4, and veteran Firefighter paramedic of 11 yrs in Beverly Hills who was placed on unpaid leave on Oct 1, 2021, because he refused to be vaccinated. In this episode, we discuss Administrative Betrayal and how it affects the person experiencing it and the fire department as a whole.
To be clear, this episode is not about whether or not people should be vaccinated or even "the truth" about the vaccine. It is about what happens when first responders are betrayed by their administration and what that feels and looks like within the a...
2022-02-0957 minDear Chiefs PodcastPanel Discussion: First Responder DepressionIn this episode, we have put together a panel of mental health advocates to discuss how families can help their first responders who may be experiencing depression.
Participants include:
Ashley Iverson Founder of the Iverson Foundation For Active Awareness
Ben Vernon, San Diego Firefighter + Public Speaker
Alex Jabr, EMT-P + Resilience Educator
Angelica Tesoriero, ALPC Founder of First Alarm Wellness
Tina Casola, LMFT First Alarm Wellness
Each panelist was given 10 minutes to discuss and answer the question: What can family members do to help their first responders who may be ex...
2022-02-0247 minDear Chiefs PodcastCompassion Fatigue + Secondary TraumaIn this episode, We discuss Compassion Fatigue and Secondary Trauma in First Responders and their Significant Others. with Shannon Meade of Stack of Stones.
Shannon is a Marriage and Family Therapist and corporate coach in the state of Nevada. She specializes in strengthening those who sacrifice for our community. Shannon has many friends and family who are first responders and understands the frustration of trying to find a therapist that understands what our families go through.
Books Mentioned In This Episode
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Disclaimer: This pos...
2022-02-0250 minDear Chiefs PodcastWildland Firefighting with Ben StrahanUS Forest Service firefighters get paid half of what an entry-level firefighter in California makes and they do some of the most unglamorous jobs. So, in this episode, we chat with Ben Strahan about his experience as a US Forest Service Hot Shot and his part in the grassroots effort to secure better pay for firefighters in the US Forest Service. He even gives us a little relationship advice in the process. This episode is not to be missed!
Books Mentioned In This Episode
Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday
DUNE
2022-02-0251 minDear Chiefs PodcastSeason 3 Coming SoonWe're taking a short break for the holidays, but will be back after the new year. In this episode, we recap all the fun we had in Season 2 and give some hints about who's coming on the show in the future! Stay tuned for some more awesome guests covering an array of topics in 2022!
2021-12-1537 minDear Chiefs PodcastMindfulness with Ashley IversonIn this episode, Ashley Iverson discusses the importance of Mindfulness and Self-Care for first responders and their families.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ashley Iverson, here's the cliff notes version of her story:
On December 14th, 2017, Cory Iverson, a Fire Apparatus Engineer for CAL FIRE paid the ultimate sacrifice while battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, California.
He was survived by his wife, Ashley, their daughter Evie, and – at the time – their unborn daughter Taylor. Ashley had spent more than half her life battling severe anxiety and depression largely in p...
2021-12-0839 minDear Chiefs PodcastCommunication + Individual Goals In Relationships with Destiny MorrisEver wonder how first responders stay in long term relationships? In this episode, we asked Destiny Morris of On_Being_Resilient to give us her recipe for long and healthy relationships and how individual goals were just as important as shared goals in a relationship.Destiny Morris is a 28 year old, originally from a small town in Santa Barbara County and currently living in Ventura, California with her boyfriend and our golden doodle, Honey. She works in a residential treatment center for addiction, and recently completed graduate school and is an associate marriage and family therapist. Destiny wil...
2021-12-0249 minDear Chiefs PodcastYour Fire Department Isn't Tinder with Scott HewettScott Hewett is back to expand on Rule #45 of his 50 Rules for Senior Firefighters: Your Fire Department Isn't Tinder. In his last episode we left you with this thought:"Workplace romances are not unique to a specific industry. But when it comes to firefighting and EMS: if there is any desire at all to date, or there are stresses in their current relationship at home there is no shortage of men or women around that will play the perfect option and there is ample time to get to know them on a dating level." In this episode we...
2021-11-251h 01Dear Chiefs PodcastHope After Trauma with Ali RothrockWhen was the last time you checked on the female firefighters in your department? Do you know if they feel safe at work? Take a listen to this episode and find out why these conversations are so important to be having. Ali Rothrock wanted to be a firefighter and instead of letting a world dominated by men, convince her that she didn't belong, she found her way and now shares her story of trauma and adversity to help spread a message of resilience in hopes that it helps change the dialogue and culture of the fire service....
2021-11-1737 minDear Chiefs PodcastThe Role of the Senior Firefighter with Scott Hewlett of Multiple Calls PodcastIn this episode we sit down with Scott Hewlett of Multiple Calls Podcast and discuss the humans behind the badge, what role a senior firefighter can take in mentoring and creating a culture of growth mindset with their crew, and how ego can ruin it all for practically anyone.Scott Hewlett is a 23 year, second-generation Firefighter working for a Department in Southern Ontario, Canada, with around 400 suppression personnel,13 stations and 18 apparatus. He spent the first half of his career at a Technical Rescue station, six years working as a primary care medic, 3 years instructing as a Fire...
2021-11-101h 03Dear Chiefs PodcastThe HELPER Act with Sam Royer of Heroes First HomeloansIn this episode with get to sit down with Sam Royer, the architecht of The HELPER Act, H.R. 3172 & S. 2981The HELPER Act stands for "Homes for every local Protector, Educator, and Responder." This bill aims to provide our local law enforcement, fire-fighters, EMS, and K-12 Educators more affordable mortgage financing.Sam Royer believes in helping American Heroes achieve the American Dream – buying their own home. As National Director of Heroes First Home Loans, Royer helps provide affordable mortgage financing for active and retired military members, police, firefighters, healthcare workers, educators and other ci...
2021-11-0329 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirefighter Significant Other Survey Synopsis with Alex Jabr of Emergency ResilienceWe sat down with Alex Jabr of Emergency Resilience during a previous episode and discussed Administrative Betrayal and Occupational Resilience in EMS. During the interview, Alex asked us what we thought was needed to support families in the fire service, and we all came to the conclusion that no one ever asks the families, so we decided it was time to step up and the Firefighter Significant Other Survey was born.The purpose of the survey was to better understand the needs of families in the fire service and learn about what advantages/disadvantages there are to b...
2021-10-201h 22Dear Chiefs PodcastAttacked - A story of PTSD with Ben VernonBen Vernon, a San Diego Firefighter-Paramedic responded to what he thought was a routine call for an intoxicated male on June 24, 2015. He thought it would be just another run of the mill duty day, until he figured out he was wrong.A nearby onlooker, unrelated to the intoxicated male, picked a fight, first with transit security officers, then with Ben and another paramedic from his crew. The assailant produced a knife and Ben was stabbed multiple times and almost died.In this episode we speak with Ben about the incident and his resulting battle with P...
2021-10-061h 54Dear Chiefs PodcastWhen all you can do is laugh with SD Fire BrigadeWhen the job seems like it's getting to serious or when you just need a good laugh, SD Fire Brigade is there for ya! Ok, here's the deal, we've been talking about a lot of heavy stuff here on the podcast lately, so we thought we would bring you some light hearted fun! We sat down with the man behind SD Fire Brigade. A instagram page devote strictly to memes about mandatory overtime and force hires, and the infamous Mando Van. He tells us why he started the memes and how it's changed his outlook on his j...
2021-09-0154 minDear Chiefs PodcastOccupational Resilience + Administrative Betrayal with Alex EMT-P • Resilience EducatorHave you or your significant other ever felt betrayed at work? No one wants to talk about how administrative betrayal is a form of emotional abuse, but we did. In this episode, we talk with Alex of Emergency Resilience about the harm that comes from a management system that constantly betrays its employees and how it can break down resilience programs before they even start. Alex even opens up about how she was once betrayed by her own boss and the eventual outcome of that betrayal.Alex is an EMT-P, resilience educator and behavioral health advocate who h...
2021-08-251h 17Dear Chiefs PodcastSelf-Sabotage with Ashley BeaudinDo you ever find yourself doing things that you know are self sabotaging when times get tough? Us too! That's why we decided to sit down and have a serious conversation with Ashley Beaudin about why we self sabotage and how to create a more supportive environment for ourselves. Ashley is a self-sabotage and “slow business coach helping people create support lives and businesses. Ashley endeavors to help people shift from the harshness and hurry of self-sabotage, one size fits all businesses and self-bypassing that is all too common in our modern world. She wants to help yo...
2021-08-1849 minDear Chiefs PodcastAlt Treatments for Post Traumatic Stress with The How Clinic + Nurse AnnIt's no surprise that many of our first responders suffer from post traumatic stress. This is a top we have covered more times that we can count on this podcast. What we haven't talked about though are alternative treatments other than therapy. So in this episode we explore some breakthrough work that Dr. How and Nurse Ann are working on at How Clinic in Encinitas, California. The HOW Clinic is a clinic in Encinitas, CA that helps PTSD sufferers with a procedure that disrupts the fight or flight response, essentially resetting the person who lives in a ch...
2021-08-1133 minDear Chiefs PodcastReconciliation After Divorce with Firewife Lisa VentoBeing married to first responders can be tough, especially when they go through academies and have to be away for long stretches of time. Add children to the mix and it can be very stressful. In this episode, we explore a failed relationship and reconciliation after divorce with fellow fire wife and mother, Lisa Vento.You can learn more about Lisa and her marriage story on her instagram at https://www.instagram.com/firefighterwivessupport/or follow along on her blog: https://thefirefighterswifeslif.family.blog/
2021-07-2830 minDear Chiefs PodcastFood Cravings, Insecurity, and Mental Health with Drew Anderson PhD, EMTEver wonder why you crave all the comfort foods when you are having a bad day? Or why your cravings change with the seasons? We sat down for a chat with Dr. Drew Anderson to find out!Drew Anderson, PhD, EMT is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Albany-SUNY. He’s an active teacher and researcher and also maintains a part time clinical practice in the Albany, NY area.
2021-07-211h 06Dear Chiefs PodcastHow To Cope With Stress While On Duty with Anthony McNeil of The Off Duty PodcastLet's face it, it's not all sunshine and roses everyday while our first responders are on duty. In this episode, we had the honor of chatting with Anthony McNeil of The Off Duty Podcast about how to deal with the stresses on and off the job.Anthony McNeil is a retired police officer who served for 20 years with the Southfield (MI) Police Department, a husband (married 27 years), a father of two beautiful daughters, a entrepreneur and golf fanatic.Follow Anthony:Instagram: @theoffdutypodcastPodcast: https://theoffdutypodcast.com/The Emergency Responders...
2021-07-0755 minDear Chiefs PodcastPeer Support + Healing TogetherWe asked our listeners what they would ask a Mental Health Professional if they had the chance. In this episode, we created a panel of mental health advocates: Susan Farren; First Responder Resiliency, James Boomhower; Stay Fit 4 Duty, Ashley Iverson; Iverson Foundation For Active Awareness, and Drew Anderson PhD EMT; Fire Lieutenant and Director of behavioral health from Delmar Bethlehem EMS in New York . We had them weigh in on some of your tough questions and also talk a little about mental health as a whole in emergency response.find out more about our panelists:Sus...
2021-06-231h 01Dear Chiefs PodcastA Firefighter's Story Of Recovery and Resilience With Matty FiorenzaThis episode is a personal story of recovery and resilience with a firefighter from Southern California. Join us as Matty Fiorenza tells us his journey towards healing and resilience.Matthew Fiorenza has been a Firefighter/Paramedic in Southern California for 20 years. After ten years on the job he began having issues with anxiety, stress, and depression and was later diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After 13 years of marriage and three children, he experienced divorce. At the time, he did not know that it would help drive his passion to help the families of first responders.
2021-06-161h 09Dear Chiefs PodcastWhat It's Like When Your Parent Is a First Responder Part II with Isabelle CarrionIn this episode we take another peek behind the curtain of how kids feel when their parents are first responder. Today, we interview Audra's daughter, Isabelle. Isabelle is about to be a senior in high school and navigating college applications, SATs and it’s all very overwhelming. She is active in Junior State of America, choir president, works part time, and pays her own car insurance. When she was born dad wasn’t a firefighter yet. He was working night shift on an ambulance in Oakland. Dad took care of Iz during the day while I worked and then went to...
2021-06-0928 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow to Help First Responder's Kids Thrive In Uncertain Times with Rachelle ZemlockFire Season is heating up in California and for firefighters that means they will be spending a lot more time on incidents and away from their families. This can have a profound affect on their children at home. So how do we help them thrive in uncertain times and long deployments? This episode aims to help answer those questions and more. Rachelle Zemlock, PSyD joins us to talk to us about building resilient kids in emergency response families.Rachelle Zemlok is a licensed child and family psychologist in California and specializes in supporting and educating first responder...
2021-06-0243 minDear Chiefs PodcastWhat It's Like When Your Parent Is a First Responder Part I with Aiden McFaddenEver wonder what goes through the minds of children of first responders? In this episode we are removing the veil and exposing the thoughts of one of them.Aiden McFadden is Chelsi's 16.5 years old son, a straight A honors student, Humane Society and Lions Club International volunteer, our podcast editor, and avid hobbyist photographer.
2021-05-2633 minDear Chiefs PodcastStaying Professional In The Firehouse When You're Married And Work Together with Tessa RudnickWe've covered the public's perception of the uniform, but what if you meet someone at work and immediately hit it off? How do you keep it professional if you are both working in the same firehouse? Here to answer that question is none other than Tessa Rudnick. A fellow firewife and friend of Audra. Tessa Rudnick was elected to the El Cerrito City Council in 2020. She has has worked for local cities as an IT project manager and business analyst, with a focus on public safety. She was the IT Portfolio Coordinator for the Berkeley Fire Department, a...
2021-05-191h 03Dear Chiefs PodcastPreparing for Fire Season with Susan FarrenCalifornia is heating up and fire season is just around the corner. In this episode we hear from Susan Farren, author of The Fireman's Wife and founder of First Responder Resliency Inc. how fire families can best prepare for fire season.Susan is the founder of First Responders Resiliency Inc. A graduate of the Stanford paramedic program, Susan has served her entire career in the industry of pre-hospital care. Serving in both the private and public sectors as a paramedic, supervisor, operations manager, peer counselor, clinical manager, EMS educator and consultant throughout the greater Bay Area.
2021-05-1252 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow to Support and Comfort a Grieving Heart with Jennifer Osler-BoltonIn todays episode we will hear from Jennifer Osler-Bolton (podcast host at Lavender Dahlia) how the tragic death of her husband Rylan Osler impacted her and how she and her children were supported during her time of grief. She will go on to give us some advice about how to best support a loved one who has suffered a loss. Jennifer is also newly remarried and shares how her new marriage has completely transformed her life.Ryan Osler was one that could be trusted to do a job well, do it correctly, and give it everything he...
2021-04-301h 03Dear Chiefs PodcastHolistic Medicine For Better Sleep and Stress Relief with Jessica MeyersIn this episode we sat down with Physician Assistant, Clinical Herbalist and Functional Medicine specialist Jessica Meyers and talked about how holistic healing can benefit first responders and their families. Tune in to learn how to use herbal medicine to get back to sleep and reduce stress.Jessica Meyers began her career in healthcare over 14 years ago as an EMT in Los Angeles, CA. She later became a phlebotomist, working part-time and volunteering, while earning her Bachelor's Degree from Biola University. Jessica continued her education with a Master's Degree from University of Southern California- Keck School of M...
2021-04-2145 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow Society Views "The Uniform" with Audra + ChelsiWhen you hear “firefighter” what comes to mind? A cute guy climbing a tall ladder to rescue a kitten? Maybe a guy with a mustache + ash covered fire helmet, staring straight into your soul. That’s how society sees them.When we think of our firefighters, we think of grueling hours + selfless acts, all in the name of duty. When we hear “firefighter”, I immediately think of their family. We think of the days they spend away from home. We think of their partner who often holds down the fort solo. The constant interruption to schedules and routines fo...
2021-04-1452 minDear Chiefs PodcastDiscovering + Setting Boundaries with Charisty Haislip of firedeptfamily.comCharisty Haislip of firedeptfamily.com shares how she and her firefighter set boundaries around work while juggling family and work life.Charisty is a Florida mom who loves to spend time enjoying the water and theme parks with her Firefighter/Paramedic Husband, Matthew, and their kiddos. She prefers cats over dogs, lattes over coffee, and loves a good beach sunrise. You can find her sharing more about the good, bad and unexpected parts of the Fire Life over at FireDeptFamily.comfiredeptfamily.com is a blog that focuses on real life s...
2021-04-0738 minDear Chiefs PodcastCal Fire Benevolent Foundation - How To Best Prepare With Your Spouse In Case of A Line Of Duty DeathCAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation CFO Stephen Hartman shares his insight on how families can best prepare for the worst case scenario that the loss of a loved one in a line of duty death.Stephen also shares the role Cal Fire Benevolent Foundation takes in the fire service, how it got started, and where it is today.Stephen Hartman worked for CAL FIRE for 25 years before retiring as a Battalion Chief. He has been involved in CAL FIRE Local 2881 for over 28 years. Being a firefighter himself, he understands they give it all, and sometimes people...
2021-03-3134 minDear Chiefs PodcastFirst Responder COVID Fatigue with James BoomhowerWe've been surviving a pandemic for over a year now and it has taken a toll on the mental health of our first responders and healthcare workers all over the world. So what if there was a way to help our loved ones that are in these fields to cope with the circumstances a bit better? That's where James Boomhower comes in. In this episode, we sat down with James (again) and learned what pandemic fatigue really is, how to identify the signs in our responders, and how to talk to them and ourselves so that we could all...
2021-03-2444 minDear Chiefs PodcastMental Health In The Fire Service with John Nason of Truck Schmucks PodcastJohn Nason is a 3rd generation firefighter from Southern Maine. In 2019 He and a couple of his fellow firefighters started Truck Schmucks- a podcast for firefighters to encourage brotherhood/sisterhood and advocate for first responder mental health. John struggled with PTSD early on in his career and ultimately chose to share his story and be part of the solution by being involved in training other firefighters. He now serves as a lieutenant and head of the training division in his department in Southern Maine.In this episode John tells us about his background in firefighting, h...
2021-03-171h 00Dear Chiefs PodcastA Firefighter Wife's Story Of Resilience: Emily MarassoWe took a poll at the beginning of Season 2 on instagram asking for recommendations on guests and topics for our podcasts. A brave listener submitted the idea of having an “average joe” on the show and volunteered herself. This is how we met Emily Marasso. Raised in Southern California, Emily is a Fire wife of 9 years and mom of two young boys. She’s worked in marketing and media for over 10 years for different industries. Emily is a huge mental health advocate as she has suffered with depression and anxiety since childhood. She hopes that by sharing her story...
2021-03-1059 minDear Chiefs PodcastCritical Incident Stress- A firefighter's perspective with Cameron McFadden and Sequoia EtcheverryIn season one of Dear Chiefs Podcast, we had Sequoia Etcheverry walk us (Audra + Chelsi) through a critical incident that we experienced several years ago during The Valley Fire in Middletown, California.In this episode, we are getting a peek behind the scenes of that same incident and interviewing Chelsi's husband, Cameron, a Cal Fire Local 2881 Union Member about what he experienced while working the fire and how his experience differed from what his wife was experiencing at home. **This episode was pre recorded during the 2020 California Lightning fires and may make reference to California's 2020 fi...
2021-03-032h 06Dear Chiefs PodcastCreate Healthy Boundaries and Win with Sonya McVay Straub of The 6 FoundationIt takes grit to be a hero. Sometimes that grit requires self sacrifice which sometimes leads to Line of Duty injuries. Our first responders endure both physical and emotional pain everyday for the good of their communities. So, when they need help to overcome a physical injury, they also need people who ultimately understand that all they want to do is get back to work. They must be at peak performance in order to report for duty. This is where The 6 Foundation comes in! In this episode, we sat down with Sonya McVay Straub a...
2021-02-2451 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow to Self Regulate and Help your First Responder Decompress with Kristen JensenPandemic Whoas got you feeling a bit stressed and unable to self-regulate? Ever feel helpless when you know your first responder has had a bad call? Then this episode is for YOU sis!We had the immense pleasure of sitting down with fellow fire wife and mother of three kiddos, Kristen Jensen to get the skinny on how to help ourselves and our first responders!Kristen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and founder of Mind Gym. Kristen specializes in providing behavior analytic services to first responders, fire fighters, police officers and hospital staff. S...
2021-02-1736 minDear Chiefs PodcastThe Firewife Sisterhood is the Best Hood with Tori Bradburry + Jenna HammonJenna Hammon + Tori Bradburry believe that "sisterhood is the best hood". What started out as two fire wives wanting to meet other fire wives in their surrounding community, turned into wanting to meet others from everywhere. Their goal is to create a community where all women feel welcome. We sat down with these rockstar humans to learn more about what it is that brought them together, how they are building this community and supporting other fire wives, and what they have in the works for the future.Here's a little bit from the website:"We wa...
2021-02-1049 minDear Chiefs PodcastJason Sautel- Author of "The Rescuer: A Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him.In this episode we sat down with Jason Sautel, author of The Rescuer: a Firefighter’s Story of Courage, Darkness, and the Relentless Love That Saved Him. Tune in for the inside scoop on the book, to hear some seriously good advice on how to manage being married to a first responder, and learn more about Jason's story.A little about the book from his website: "He helped save people every day—but he had no idea how to save himself.Jason Sautel had it all. Confident in his abilities and trusted by his f...
2021-02-0334 minDear Chiefs PodcastHow to Teach Resilience to Teenagers with School Counselor On FireOur teens are facing something that we have never faced ourselves and it is hard to know how to support and encourage them through this time. Teen suicide is on the rise and as parents we are constantly worried that our child will be next. So, we sat down with Shannon a high school counselor to get the 4-1-1 on teaching resilience, supporting and encouraging our teens through the pandemic.Shannon is a happily married fire wife of 21 years. Her professional role is a High School Counselor and her husband is a Fire Captain in their...
2021-01-2759 minDear Chiefs PodcastFire Safety and Preparedness for Kids with Tommy FlamesEver wonder what you should put in an emergency evacuation kit? Tommy Flames has the answer today, but that's not all we talked about. We got to talk about what made Chris Metala start Tommy Flames, what his goals are for the future, and what he thinks makes a true hero. You and your child can also join Tommy Flames on his awesome educational adventures on youtube. Tommy's fun educational videos for children will teach kids about colors, shapes, numbers, and many more. During all videos you will also get to join Tommy & his Jr Firefighters on...
2021-01-2734 minDear Chiefs PodcastEveryday Heroes Spotlight: Abi Rogers of Confessions of a Firefighter Wife FoundationWe are so excited to introduce today’s guest to you all! Today we are sitting down with Abi Rogers of Confessions of a Firefighter Wife Foundation (CFFW)! Abi gives us an update on what is happening with the foundation, their plans for the future, and gives us a few relationship pointers too!Abi is married to a California firefighter and started a lifestyle blog about the highs and lows of being married to a career firefighter and all that California’s fire seasons bring while trying to maintain a relationship and raise kids. Through blog...
2021-01-2724 minDear Chiefs PodcastEveryday Heroes Spotlight: Kyle Baker of From The Ground UpMost of us in the the California fire service community have heard of From The Ground Up and the work they have been doing for Hold Your Horses, California Fire Foundation and California Benevolent Foundation. What we know little about is who started it and what their mission truly is. Today, we sit down with Kyle Baker and talk about the heart behind the foundation and what they have planned for the future. Kyle Baker is the founder and owner of From The Ground Up....
2021-01-2729 minDear Chiefs PodcastSeason 2 Kick-Off with Audra + ChelsiAudra & Chelsi are back in Season 2 with more on fire family life and giving their unabashed opinions on many topics.Welcome back fam, this season is going to be FIRE!
2021-01-2733 minDear Chiefs PodcastHoliday Check-In with Audra & ChelsiJoin us as we check-in with each other now that fire season is winding down, talk about our holiday plans, and what is in store for Dear Chiefs Podcast in the coming months.
2020-11-2627 minDear Chiefs PodcastPeer Support Interview with Sequoia EtcheverryThis week we are doing things a little differently. Instead of interviewing an expert, the expert is interviewing Chelsi + Audra about a critical incident that they experienced several years ago during The Valley Fire in Middletown, California. **This episode was pre recorded a few weeks ago during the 2020 California Lightning fires and may make reference to the 2020 fire season. Thoughts and opinions in this episode are personal in nature and do not represent any specific fire agency. This is a personal account of a traumatic incident was experienced while their husbands were assigned to the fire.
2020-11-181h 01Dear Chiefs PodcastMeet Lisa Yu: Firewife and Author of the My Parents Job Children's SeriesLisa Yu has always dreamed of being a writer and publishing books. She has a master's degree in Elementary Education and taught kindergarten and first grade for 6 years before becoming a full-time mom. She believes in treating children with respect and dignity, and embracing their curiosity of the world. They should be given the facts and guided to understand the world around them, for one day they will be adults. She feels passionately about sharing this message and hopes that her books will make a positive impact on children and their families.Lisa's husband is a career...
2020-11-1149 minDear Chiefs PodcastEssential Oils with USCG Wife Aislinn LillyIf you've been curious about how essential oils work, how they can benefit your sleep and mental wellness, or even want to remove toxic chemicals from your home, this episode is jam packed with all sorts of goodness for you.We sat down with USGC wife, mother of 2 (with a new recruit on the way), and Young Living Expert Aislinn Lilly and we got down to the nitty gritty of how to incorporate essential oils into your sleep routine, how to eliminate candles with toxic chemicals from your home but still keep that feel good smell, and...
2020-11-0528 minDear Chiefs PodcastSleep Recovery with Jaqueline Toomey of First Responder Sleep RecoveryRaise your hand if you have trouble going to and staying asleep at night! If your hand is raised high like ours, you're going to want to listen to this episode because Jaqueline Toomey of First Responder Sleep Recovery drops some very good tips about getting into a bedtime routine, how to fall back asleep in the middle of the night when you are woken up, and tips to help your first responder recover their sleep after a critical incident.Jacqueline’s firefighter husband's health, and the health and wellness of the brothers and sisters of the fi...
2020-10-2841 minDear Chiefs PodcastEpisode 14: Gentle Parenting with Megan Cordaro of The Patchwork ParentIn this episode Megan Cordaro from thepatchworkparent.com shares how to handle screen time in the age of Distance Learning and how to be gentle with our children especially when one parent has a high stress job like our responders. Megan is mama to 5 kiddos, including a set of twins, ages 15 to 6. She has been a fire spouse/partner for 20 years. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, followed by her Master's in Social Work. After welcoming her first babies home, her heart knew her education and passion would be best utilized at home, raising her children. I...
2020-10-2247 minDear Chiefs PodcastAudra + Chelsi OCTOBER Check-InCalifornia is in the throes of fire season, our firefighters have been away from home for days, COVID-19 is still a major concern, and we're locked inside our houses still because of Shelter in Place orders. Audra and Chelsi check-in and discuss the hot-mess-express that is 2020.
2020-10-151h 18Dear Chiefs PodcastTubbs Fire Anniversary Tribute by AudraToday is the 3rd anniversary of the Tubbs Fire in Sonoma/Lake/Napa County. It started October 8, 2017 very late in the evening and pretty much the course of Audra's life. Join her in this short episode for a glimpse of what she learned and how she felt as she experienced this critical incident. Wikipedia describes the Tubbs Fire as follows:The Tubbs Fire was a fire storm that ravaged Northern California during October 2017. At the time, the Tubbs Fire was the most destructive wildfire in California history, burning parts of Napa, Sonoma, and L...
2020-10-0803 minDear Chiefs PodcastSelf-Care and Resilience for First Responder SpousesIn this episode, we explore the vital connection between self-care and the emotional challenges faced by spouses of first responders, especially the loneliness and disappointment that can come with their unpredictable schedules.
Joining us is Destiny Morris, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of Destiny Morris Marriage and Family Therapy. Destiny holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from her time in New Zealand, a second Bachelor’s in Sociology and Applied Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch College. She has extensive experience workin...
2020-09-3025 min