Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this conversation, Maggie Hernandez, associate marriage and family therapist and firefighter spouse, discusses the importance of recognizing personal responsibility in relationships and the need for couples to understand their own roles and boundaries. She emphasizes that marriage requires commitment and attention, comparing it to a job that deserves the same level of dedication as a career. The conversation also touches on the challenges of codependency and the importance of creating a supportive community for firefighters and their partners. Maggie highlights the significance of values in relationships and suggests that couples establish a mission statement to guide their actions and decisions. Plus, emotional support chickens!

Hosts: Battalion Chief Jason Kay and Stephanie Kay

Guest: Maggie Hernandez, AMFT

Link: Mind Matters with Maggie
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series Registration
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this episode, Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton and FDNY Lieutenant/Deputy Director, Counseling Service Unit Drew Kane discuss Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its benefits for firefighters. Drew shares his experience with TM and how it has helped him and other firefighters. Alex emphasizes the importance of taking care of mental health and encourages firefighters to have an open mind about different tools and practices. They address skepticism and highlight the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of TM. The conversation explores the implementation of TM in the fire service and its potential benefits for firefighters' mental health. They also touch on the availability of TM training through The David Lynch Foundation.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guest: Chief Alex Hamilton from the Oxnard Fire Department

Guest: Lieutenant / Deputy Director Counseling Service Unit Drew Kane from the Fire Department of New York City

Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
Link: Ventura Foundation Webinar Series
Link: Resilient Responders
Email: vin@davidlynchfoundation.org

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this conversation, the hosts interview two more firefighter paramedics as they come off probation, Ryan Vaughn and Connor Ryan-Fenwick. Ryan talks about his journey from being stabbed as a teenager to joining the Navy and eventually becoming a firefighter. Connor discusses his decision to pursue a career in the fire service and his experience working at Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District before joining Ventura City. The conversation highlights the importance of community and the different paths that lead individuals to the fire service. In this conversation, the firefighters discuss their experiences working in different fire departments. They compare the training programs, hiring practices, and call volumes of Rancho Cucamonga, Ventura, and Cal Fire. They also touch on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges.

Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Connor Ryan-Fenwick and Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Vaughn of the Ventura City Fire Department

Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this conversation, our hosts interview two firefighters as they come off probation, Ryan Howell and Sam Stein. Sam shares his background in firefighting, including working for various departments in Illinois and Wyoming before joining the Ventura City Fire Department, as well as his volunteer work in Ukraine. Ryan talks about his time with Cal Fire in Riverside and his decision to join the Ventura City Fire Department to be closer to home. Both firefighters discuss the challenges they faced in their previous departments and the reasons why they chose to make a lateral move. They talk about the intense training under Captain Eric Mukes experienced during their probationary period.

Hosts: Firefighter Paramedic Jon Ellis and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guests: Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Howell and Firefighter Sam Stein of the Ventura City Fire Department

Link: Project Joint Guardian
Link: Dr. Zemlock webinar
Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

Part 2 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service.

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation

Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department

Link: Our Webinar Series

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

Part 1 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service.

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this episode, Lisa Corbett and her daughter Brianna (Bri) Corbett discuss their experiences as the family of a firefighter. They talk about the challenges of balancing family life with the unpredictable schedules, the support they received from the fire service community, and the impact of Captain Kevin Corbett's cancer diagnosis on their family. They also touch on the importance of community and accepting help during difficult times. The conversation highlights the need for open communication and the willingness to ask for help. The family reflects on the lessons they learned and the strength they gained from going through such a difficult experience. Listen to our previous episode (#37) for an in-depth discussion of Kevin's cancer journey.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson
Guest: Lisa Corbett
Guest: Brianna Corbett
Link: Lisa's Blog
Link: Orange Hugs
Link: Velvet Skies

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Text the show - feedback, guest suggestions, etc.

In this episode, Capt. Kevin Corbett of Santa Barbara City Fire talks about his journey battling stage 4 testicular cancer. From a Hospice bed to returning to duty, Kevin's emotional story demonstrates how far we've come in fighting cancer, as well as the importance of a support network. In addition to highlighting the link between cancer and the fire service, Capt. Scott Jennie (ret.), California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, discusses the Firefighter Cancer Support Network's role in providing support and resources to firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, early detection, and the need for firefighters to seek help and support during their cancer journey. Our next espisode features Kevin's wife and daughter to discussing the battle from their perspectives.

Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation
Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson
Guest: Captain Kevin Corbett of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department
Guest: Captain Scott Jennie (ret.) of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network
Link: Santa Barbara City Firefighters Instagram
Link: SBCFFA Facebook
Link: Santa Barbara City Fire Department Facebook
Link: City Of Santa Barbara Fire Department
Link: City Of Santa Barbara Police Department
Link: One805
Link: 805 Firefighters Stachefest

Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Support the Show.

-----------------

Production House: Flint Stone Media

Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.