Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service
Season Three Reflections: Leadership, Resilience, and the Human Side of the Fire Service Beneath the Helmet – Episode 99
Season Three comes to a close with a powerful reflection on leadership, resilience, wellness, and the human cost of serving in the fire service.
In this milestone Episode 99, host Retired Fire Chief Arjuna George looks back on conversations from Episodes 72 through 98. Firefighters, clinicians, researchers, and leaders shared honest insights about health, nervous system regulation, recovery, integrity, peer support, and what it truly takes to sustain a long career in this profession.
This episode is not about tactics or rank. It is about people, connection, and the lessons that carry forward into Season Four.
🎙️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Episode 99 and Season Three milestone
01:00 – Season Three growth, listener support, and gratitude
02:00 – Overview of Season Three themes and guest diversity
02:30 – Episode 72: Frank Leeb on firefighter blind spots and leadership longevity
03:45 – Episode 73: Aaron Zamzow on sleep, fitness, and daily habits
04:50 – Episode 74: Keith Hanks on vulnerability, courage, and community
06:00 – Episode 75: Robert Cefoli on TRE and nervous system regulation
07:15 – Episode 76: Ryan Provencher on tactical athlete wellness
08:15 – Episode 77: Megan Lautz on nutrition and preparedness
09:15 – Episode 78: Alec Wons on purpose, presence, and connection
10:10 – Episode 79: Scott Booth on vulnerability and trust in leadership
11:00 – Episode 80: Rick Davis on integrity as a daily practice
12:00 – Episode 81: Brandon Guarino on visualization and performance
13:00 – Episode 82: Character-based leadership panel discussion
14:15 – Episode 83: Brandon Evans on reflection and growth
15:10 – Episode 84: Ricky Nuttall on Grenfell, survival, and story
16:15 – Episode 85: AK Dozanti on burnout and nervous system capacity
17:10 – Episode 86: Dr. Terry Anderson on competency-based leadership
18:05 – Episode 87: Justin Brunner on AI, wellness, and decision support
18:55 – Episode 88: Justin Champion on recovery and mental health
19:50 – Episode 89: Vance Row on sobriety, movement, and resilience
20:45 – Episode 90: Tommy Bolin on unseen battles and processing the job
21:35 – Episode 91: Dr. Stephanie Conn on peer support culture
22:30 – Episode 92: Marc Hill on station-level leadership
23:20 – Episode 93: Doug Allen on the nervous system and regulation
24:15 – Episode 94: John Vought on sleep, recovery, and CBD
25:15 – Episode 95: Dr. Nolan Beise on cognitive resilience
26:10 – Episode 96: Dr. Lorraine Smith MacDonald on moral injury
27:05 – Episode 97: Dr. Hector Rodriguez on healing and connection
28:10 – Episode 98: Michael Sears on taking a knee and recalibration
29:30 – Common themes from Season Three: connection and sustainability
31:00 – Sponsor acknowledgment and personal reflection
33:00 – Looking ahead to Episode 100 and Season Four
34:30 – Closing reflections and final thanks
🔥 About This Episode
Season Three explored what it truly means to serve in today’s fire service.
From nervous system health and recovery to leadership integrity and connection, these conversations highlight the human side of the job that often goes unspoken.
If you are a firefighter, first responder, leader, or someone navigating the long-term weight of service, this episode offers perspective, reflection, and grounded insight.
If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to Beneath the Helmet and share it with someone who needs these conversations.
Your support helps these stories reach the people who need them most.
Season Four is on its way.
Until then, take care of yourself, take care of your people, and stay well.
Host Arjuna George - Fire Chief (ret)
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Arjuna George – Fire Chief (ret) Owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, Beneath the Helmet Show, and Burnt Around the Edges author.
www.silverarrowco.com
www.burntaroundtheedges.com
www.beneaththehelmet.ca
