Shift Change

What will you leave behind? On this episode of Shift Change, we grapple with the profound concept of legacy. We often think of legacy in grand terms – monuments, empires, lasting achievements. But what about the quiet, everyday impacts we have on the people around us? This week, we explore the many facets of legacy, from the personal to the professional.

On this episode of Shift Change I sit down with Pastor Jeremy Johnson of the Lutheran Church of Hope. This is a powerful conversation about death and dying and the Chrisitan faith in the context of public safety. Pastor Jeremy brings is unique perspective on end-of-life issues and how our beliefs can guide us through challenging situations. It's a thought provoking, emotional conversation betw...

A pretty special episode. Lindsay and I sit down, uninterrupted for a conversation where we reflect on 19 years of being married to a first responder. Candid, funny and honest, we talk about where we went wrong and offer a solution to the million-dollar question. At the end we revive some sage advice from our wedding official, the late Pastor Steve Koch.

On this episode of the Shift Change Podcast, we delve into the fascinating history of resolutions and explore the subtle yet crucial distinctions between resolutions and goals. Discover how our understanding of self-improvement has evolved over time and learn practical strategies to transform your aspirations into actionable plans for success.

A collection of random thoughts. A look back at 2024. A look ahead to 2025.

Matt Ireland is a hard guy to pin down. Not only does he have a full-time job, a family and a restoration project in his garage, he also servers as a part-time EMT, member of the volunteer fire department and a Dallas County Deputy reserve officer. A man of faith and service he lives by the motto, "Give back to the community where you live, work and play." Matt was the Incident Command for EMS the...

In this episode of Shift Change, we explore the dangers of pretending to be someone you're not in order to manage expectations. We discuss the importance of being authentic and honest with yourself and others, and the consequences of trying to live up to an image that is not your own. We also talk about the importance of setting realistic expectations for yourself and others. When we set unrealist...

Better late than never. It's deer season which means I've had to shift some priorities around. During my workout today I was called to make a show about how the people I surround myself with make me better, how you don't always have to have the best ideas in the room and I reflect on one of my many personal flaws. Let me know what you think. I also recap a bit about the last episode.

Tune in to the Shift Change Podcast for a deep dive into metabolic health with Ashli Schultz, ARNP, from Vivid Wellness Center. In this episode, we'll uncover the secrets to unlocking your body's full potential. Ashli will share her expert insights on: The pillars of metabolic health: Learn what truly matters beyond just weight loss. Personalized nutrition strategies: Discover how to fuel your bod...

Kenny Hansen owned his own livestock trucking business before he found his place in EMS. After just a few years he found himself going 100 mph towards an unhealthy life. As a husband, father of 4 boys and the current Training Officer of a busy rural EMS system, find out how he's learned to manage his work life balance and improve himself physically and mentally. It's a pretty uplifting episode com...

In this insightful episode of the Shift Change podcast, we dive deep into the concept of being the standard. Join us as we unpack what it means to embody excellence in our personal and professional lives. Learn practical strategies for setting high standards, fostering accountability, and creating a culture of excellence. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or looking to elevate your influence, this...

This week I drill down on some basic nutritional concepts, talk about targeted strategies to reduce calories, schedule fitness around your shift day, eat for optimal performance. I wrap up with my a summary of my BMP and explain that even thought all labs are within "normal" limits, surprisingly some are far from "optimal."

This week I open the discussion on what I think it means to be an "occupational athlete" and how adopting this mindset can make us more capable on the job and at home. I give you my supplement list, what I eat in a day and some simple strategies to get your momentum moving in the direction to eat and train like an athlete.

This week I give the results of my yearly wellness check. We talk lab values, why normal isn't always optimal and why I think some metrics are used to make institutions money. I didn't get around talking about my supplement regimin so we will save that for next week. I also share how I used my kid to get me out of sitting around the department store on a Saturday while my girls did some shopping....

I am back this week with some retrospection to why I am so cynical, what the difference is between cynicism and pessimism, and how a little cynicism can be healthy, but like anything else, everything in moderation. Plus, we go over some basic lab values from my recent physical.

Hannah completed a half Ironman in June, her longest variation to date. She started training in January. Today, on a blue-ribbon Sunday morning to share with us how she trained around two EMS jobs and a family. We learn that there is no magic formula, but a strong support network is definitely a must. It was a fun conversation with one of the true "baddies" in our profession. For those n...

Malcolm returns to the podcast to talk about his triathlon experience. We also discuss cancer treatment and the roll ketogenesis plays in cancer growth. We also talk about a range of topics from stand up comedy, fueling your workouts on the ketogenic diet and overall good dudes. Bonus, probably one of the funniest stories from our time as EMS partners. We hope that this time the audio is better, b...

At our last staff meeting, we were challenged to revisit our "why." Find out how I reacted based on previous experiences, and how it challenged my way of thinking, which berthed this episode. We also celebrate the back-to-school season and how I now understand why women cry at pre-school graduation.

This week, AJ and I get in the sauna to talk recovery after long shifts. He makes a good case for sauna therapy while I try to make a good case for cold therapy. Neither is superior to the other and there are tons of evidence to support both, individually and together, for recovery and longevity. Find out if things get weird and whether or not I pass out.

This was published by accident. I put off the publish date to work on the audio, which is terrible. When I saw it already had 5 listens in the first hour, I let it ride. MFC has an incredible story. Last year he received a terminal diagnosis. In this episode we just sit down and visit, no agenda, no real idea of where the conversation will go. What we don't talk about is his diagnosis. I thoug...

A short one this week. This week I announce a new show format, I'll update the guest list and talk for a second about how to handle the days when your energy level and your kids energy level don't match up. Plus, what a patient told me is the secret to his health and longevity.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Kara McClure at her law firm. Kara is a family law attorney who also does Estate Planning. We were connected through a mutual friend, and she agreed to sit down with me to help educate us on what estate planning is, how we navigate the legal process after a parent or spouse dies, why power of attorney documents are so important, and what makes Will contests...

On this episode I sit down with Chris Roberts, Director of EMS for Adair County. Several weeks ago, the Greenfield community was devastated by a large tornado that struck the heart of the town. Chris assumed Incident Command and while most of us watched the news coverage, Chris was making decisions that directly impacted how and where injured patients were treated and transported. To complicate th...

After an unprovoked emotional outburst in public, I decide it's time to call a professional. As we wrap up Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, I talk about how important it is to give mental well-being a voice, making the decision to find help and how having people in your corner who challenge your thinking might just be the best tool.

This whole month is dedicated to men's mental health awareness. This week we are going to reflect on last week's episode, talk about my own shortcomings when it comes to asking for help, and explain how most solutions to problems aren't as complicated as we make them. Oh, and I apologize to dispatcher's for forgetting Dispatcher Week.