Behind The ShieldExplicit
by Behind The Shield Podcast
Bringing the greatest minds in mental and physical wellness to the men and women who serve our communities.
Podcast episodes
Jason Bitzer III (Lifeguarding, Shark Attacks and Pediatric Cancer) - Episode 979
Jason Bitzer is a veteran ocean lifeguard, author and the founder of "Never Off Duty". In this third conversation, we discuss his son's pediatric cancer battle, water safety in schools, the prevelance of shark attacks, fitness standards, bleeding control kits and much more. Jason has been a lifeguard on the beach since 1999--working the last 10 years on Oahu's dangerous North Shore where he was awarded the Mayoral award for lifesaving merit in aiding in the rescue of professional surfer, Evan Geiselman, at the world-famous pipeline. He cut his teeth writing as a contributor to Vice Sports as well as writing feature scripts, such as 'In Deep, ' which made finals of various screenplay competitions such as the California Film awards. Never Off Duty: https://neveroffduty.org/ Transcend: https://transcendcompany.com/schedule-a-consultation/?ls=BehindtheShield Kinder: https://www.amazon.com/Kinder-James-Geering/dp/1735586838?ref_=ast_author_dp
Miguel Zeran (Marine Recon, Human Performance and Longevity) - Episode 978
MSgt (Ret.) Miguel Zeran, aka Z, is a former USMC Force Recon Marine who holds a BS in Health & Wellness, an MS in Kinesiology, and is in his third year of doctoral pursuits in Human & Sport Performance. He is a CSCS, CPT, SFG1, and trained Health Coach who is sitting for the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) board exam this year. He has spent over 14 years teaching, coaching, and training military and first responder populations in USMC Reconnaissance, USARNG, Naval Special Warfare – Armada de Chile, Wildland Fire (BLM & USFS), and Municipal/Structure Fire, and Law Enforcement. His operational experience across multiple countries and conflicts, alongside his educational pursuits and training, has afforded him a unique perspective on what it takes to gain and maintain health, wellness, and fitness sufficient to succeed in any clime and place.
Dr Brooke Bartlett and Dr Jena Casas (First Responder Mental Health, Counseling Red Flags and Confidentiality) - Episode 977
Dr Brooke Bartlett and Dr Jena Casas (First Responder Mental Health, Counseling Red Flags and Confidentiality) - Episode 977
This week I welcome back two of the most respected first responder Psychologists to upack all things mental health. We discuss psychological recruitment testing, the educational requirements of the different mental health practitioners, the pros and cons of EAP programmes, what a counseling session should look like, how to find a culturally competent clinician, provider red flags, overcoming financial barriers and so much more. Dr Brooke Bartlett: “I am a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY33545) in California with specific expertise in trauma-, anxiety-, and stressor-related disorders and symptoms. I have trained at some of the nation’s most renowned institutions for PTSD and anxiety and am one of few psychologists with extensive experience and training in working with first responders and military veterans. I absolutely love what I do for a living and make the most out of my training and education by being as versatile within the field of psychology as I can be; I am a consultant, professor, and clinician- all at once! I’m often asked why I chose to pursue a career as a trauma psychologist, and my best answer is this: I truly believe I was born to do this work. Since childhood I’ve been captivated by the stories of resiliency displayed by individuals who have experienced unspeakable trauma. This catapulted me into a lifelong pursuit of better understanding how trauma uniquely impacts each individual. I am continuously humbled and inspired by the strength and resiliency of those I work with, and I use this inspiration as my daily motivation to provide the highest quality of service to all my clients.” Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist who owns and operates a private practice in Northern Nevada. She holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is a certified emergency responder and public safety clinician. She specializes in providing mental health services to first responders and their families and organizational consultation to agencies interested in developing wellness programming for their staff. Dr. Casas is an accomplished researcher, having published dozens of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on topics related to the intersection of culture, psychology, and law; her most recent publications are related to the mental health of first responders. Dr. Casas is also a member of key organizations for providers that practice in police and public safety psychology, including APA’s division 18, the IACP psychological services section, the national sheriffs association, and the society for police and criminal psychology.
Stephen Davis (Vaccine Mandates, First Responder Terminations and Government Overreach) - Episode 976
Stephen Davis (Vaccine Mandates, First Responder Terminations and Government Overreach) - Episode 976
Stephen Davis is a former Divison Chief, Entrepreneur and author of "Alone in the Fire". He was terminated by Orange County, FL in 2021 after refusing to enforce erroneous vaccine madate write ups. In this second interview, we revisit the mental and financial cost of the first responder terminations, the fallacies on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and social distancing, the government overreach that remains unchecked, the first responders who continue to lose their jobs and much more. Stephen Davis, BS, MS, is a veteran of the US Army, where he served as a medic, and spent 22 years in fire and emergency services, rising to the rank of Division Chief. He is dedicated to making firehouses around the country safer and better places to work. To this end, he speaks at firehouses, bringing value to Fire and EMS Personnel with his unique insights and leadership strategy, The Five Rung Ladder of Leadership. Stephen is a decorated public servant, now meeting the needs of families around the world as the co-founder of The Raising Alphas Project, a parenting movement dedicated to raising the next generation of mighty leaders. Based in the Central Florida area, Stephen’s greatest joy is his family, with his beautiful wife, Veronika, and their two alpha sons, Caiden and Kai.
Michael Hawkes (The SAS, School Safety and Armed Policing) - Episode 975
Michael Hawkes served in the British Military for 24 years with 12 years in 22 SAS (Including 6 years Covert operations). He spent 2 years as a military advisor to the British Secret Intelligence Services in London (MI5 for Covert operations). The last 22 years have been spent in corporate security operating out of Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Sudan, Libya and the last 6 years in West Africa. We discuss gymnastics, his journey into the military, Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, serving with the Special Forces, his transition story, school safety, farm security, armed policing in the UK and so much more. https://www.hawkesandco.uk/