Igniting The Shift Within

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 shift...

Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, is a true leader in fire safety and emergency response. 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. Together, Dachinger and Dr. Moo...

In this episode of Igniting the Shift Within, 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. Toge...

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. Captain Brock will also share three tactical takeaways to enhance your health, performance, and leadership. Nicholle Brock is an author and a seasone...

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 it...

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. It’s not just about putting out fires—it's also about managing stress, cortisol levels, and the impact of occupational toxins. Dr. Angela Mazza is a triple-board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Inte...

In this episode, David speaks with guest Greg Kruger, founder and leadership coach at Forgotten Truth Coaching, who specializes in the connection between neurology and physiology. We discuss the crucial role of language under pressure, especially for firefighters on the front lines, and explore how the words you choose can influence not only your communication but also the outcomes of high-stress...

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 an...

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...

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 t...

In this episode, we discuss the challenges women face in fire and EMS, especially the impact of the 'Mean Girl' effect. We talk with Health and Wellness Manager Jesalyn Moore, LCSW, about how women in these fields experience stress, trauma, and burnout differently than men. We also look at what specific mental health resources women need for better support. Jesalyn explains female first...

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the complex dynamics between the promotional process and mental health for firefighters. 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. We'll dive into essential attributes of success...

In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges firefighters face, from high-stress environments to emotional triggers. Our expert guest, Tamara Green, LCSW is a mental health clinician and coach. She shares insights on optimizing happiness hormones to combat anxiety and toxic negativity. Discover practical hacks to help you stay centered and grounded, even in the most intense situations. Whet...

Join us for a compelling episode as EMDR trauma therapist Bonnie Rumilly pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of therapy. Ever curious about what really happens behind closed doors of a therapist's office? Bonnie, a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker, shares her personal insights on EMDR and different therapeutic approaches, breaking down barriers to mental health sup...

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. They will explore the challenges fire departments face in uniting different generations while honoring traditional values. Chief Kramer will highlight Leadership Adaptability, focusing on balancing established practices with...

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...

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 re...

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. We examine the differences between brain optimization techniques and resilience training, the negative effects of emotional repression, and suicidal ideation within emergency services. Dr. Seraphine shares her uni...