On Air by Yoga For First Responders

In this episode of Quickcasts from Yoga for First Responders On Air, Eric challenges the myth that fitness alone defines readiness for first responders. While physical fitness is crucial, it's the mental aspects—your brain and breath—that truly keep you in the fight. Join Eric as he discusses the concept of cognitive durability and its importance in tactical readiness. He shares real-world stories...

Welcome to this episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air ! This episode features a special guest, Diana Eden, who shares her inspiring journey from Broadway dancer to costume designer and her experiences navigating life, loss, and retirement. Whether you're a first responder, a family member, or simply someone interested in the intersection of wellness and resilience, this episode is packed wit...

Welcome to this episode of Quickcasts from Yoga for First Responders! This week, Olivia shares her personal journey of balancing a busy life filled with work commitments and family time. She discusses the impact of intentional moments spent with loved ones, the power of breathwork and mindfulness, and how to create a shared language of calm within families. Discover practical tips for integrating...

Welcome to this episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air ! Join hosts Olivia Mead and Eric Brenneman as Olivia interviews special guest Dr. Leah Kaylor, an FBI psychologist who specializes in sleep. Listen in as they dive deep into the critical connection between sleep, mental health, and overall human performance. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of sleep and its impact on health an...

Welcome back to Yoga for First Responders On Air ! In this finale episode of Season 2, host Olivia Mead and her team dive into a year of transformation and growth for YFFR. They discuss their unique approach to goal setting, emphasizing authenticity and resonance within the organization. Join them as they explore the concept of "ghost goal setting," the importance of creating an accessible platfor...

Welcome to this episode of Quickcasts from Yoga for First Responders! In this bite-sized episode, Olivia shares a personal story from her first public TEDx event that left her rattled but ultimately stronger. She discusses an unexpected encounter that challenged her confidence and how she processed that experience through the lens of yoga and mindfulness. Join Olivia as she reflects on the importa...

Welcome to this episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air ! Join Olivia Mead, founder of YFFR, as she dives deep into the critical topic of post-traumatic stress (PTS) and its impact on first responders. In this episode, Olivia discusses: The difference between post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as common psychological and physical symptoms The two main ways...

Welcome to this episode of Quickcasts from Yoga for First Responders On Air! In this insightful episode, Olivia dives deep into the often-overlooked topic of feedback and its impact on creativity and personal growth. Join us as she explores the fine line between constructive feedback and mere opinions, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries when receiving input from others. Olivia shares...

Join us for the second part of our enlightening conversation with Ali Rothrock on this episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air! In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of trauma, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the struggles of getting meaningful work recognized in a world driven by social media metrics. Ali shares her journey from aspiring firefighter to author and advocat...

Welcome to this episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air ! In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Olivia and her guest, Ali Rothrock, explore the often-taboo topic of infertility, the impact of sharing personal stories, and the unique challenges faced by those in high-stress professions. Ali also opens up about her writing journey, the differences between self-publishing and traditional pub...

Welcome to this episode of Quickcasts from Yoga for First Responders On Air! In this bite-sized episode, Olivia takes a deep dive into the concept of reality and the societal constructs that shape our lives. Join us as we explore the illusion of stability and how to shift your mindset to prioritize what serves you best in every moment, even amidst the demands of work and family. This episode is a...

Welcome to this enlightening episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air! Join hosts Olivia and Eric speak with special guest Dr. Richard Schumann, a neurologist and sleep specialist, as they dive deep into the fascinating world of sleep, its impact on health, and how it relates to the unique challenges faced by first responders. In this episode, we explore: The science behind sleep and its geneti...

Welcome to another QuickCast from Yoga for First Responders! In this insightful episode, Olivia dives into the crucial topic of adaptability and its relationship with discipline, mindfulness, and responding to life as it unfolds. Olivia shares her personal experiences with adapting her morning routine and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing when to adjust our plans. Discover...

Welcome to this powerful episode of Yoga for First Responders On Air! In this episode, we have a heartfelt conversation with Debbie Stiesmeyer, a dedicated law enforcement officer and YFFR instructor who shares her inspiring journey through the challenges of her career, including a harrowing experience with workplace harassment. Debbie opens up about how she found strength and resilience through t...

Welcome to a new episode of QuickCasts from Yoga for First Responders! In this episode, Olivia shares her experience presenting the case for yoga as a tactical training tool to the Los Angeles Police Department. She emphasizes the importance of resilience training and how it can be easily integrated into public safety practices. Discover why treating yoga as a strategic tool for performance and re...

Join us for a special Father's Day edition of the On Air podcast by Yoga for First Responders! In this heartfelt episode, co-host Eric Brenneman sits down with Marc Maikoski, a dedicated firefighter and father, to share their experiences, challenges, and the joys of fatherhood. As they navigate through funny stories, emotional moments, and the unique challenges of parenting while working in public...

Join Olivia in this insightful episode of the YFFR On Air podcast as she and her guest dive deep into the complexities of trauma, relationships, and the unique challenges faced by first responders. She welcomes Dr. Cammy, a couples trauma therapist, who brings her no-nonsense approach to breaking cycles and toxic patterns in relationships. Dr. Cammy discusses the differences between acute and comp...

Join us for an inspiring episode of On Air by Yoga for First Responders as we sit down with Anne Webb, a remarkable individual with a rich history in both the U.S. Air Force and the Asheville Police Department. With over 24 years in law enforcement, Anne has held various roles, including sergeant of patrol, physical fitness instructor, and crisis negotiation member. In this candid conversation, we...

Welcome to this exciting episode of  Yoga for First Responders On Air ! Join host Olivia Mead and co-host Eric as they explore the fascinating connections between yoga, neuroscience, and the beloved universe of Star Wars. In this episode, we dive deep into the principles of yoga philosophy and how they resonate with the themes of light and dark in Star Wars. From the importance of self-study...

In this episode of On Air by Yoga for First Responders , we dive into a crossover conversation featuring Olivia Mead, our founder, as she joins Ivona Bhadha on the First Responder Families Podcast . Olivia shares her inspiring journey of bringing yoga to first responders, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered along the way. The episode begins with Olivia reflecting on her e...

In this exciting episode of "Yoga for First Responders On Air," we kick off Season Two with a fresh perspective on goal setting that is both innovative and deeply personal. After a brief hiatus to realign our priorities, we return with a wealth of recorded content that we believe will inspire and motivate our listeners. We dive into our new approach to goal setting, which we affectionately term "s...

In this episode of "Yoga for First Responders On Air," I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my oldest friend, Madeline Syambra Moitozo, who has transformed into a remarkable entrepreneur and storyteller. Madeline shared her journey of embracing her authentic self, including her decision to transition from being known as "Syambra" to using her first name, "Madeline." This change was deeply perso...

In this episode of "Yoga for First Responders On Air," we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Robert Weisbaum, a true embodiment of resilience and post-traumatic growth. Robert's journey is nothing short of inspiring; he survived a near-fatal skydiving accident that left him with severe injuries, including broken legs. Despite the challenges he faced during his recovery, Robert's determin...

In this episode of On Air, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Mark Messina, the Vice President, and Adam Peters, the Director of Recruiting for QRF Up, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing veteran and first responder suicide. Both Mark and Adam are veterans with compelling stories and a shared commitment to this vital mission. QRF Up is not just another mental health app; it...

In this Quick Cast from Yoga for First Responders, Eric Brenneman dives into the sobering statistics surrounding first responder suicides and the importance of taking action during Suicide Prevention Month. With a focus on providing practical tools for resilience and mental health, Eric challenges listeners to overcome the stigma around yoga and embrace evidence-based practices for reducing post-t...