Behind The Shield

Behind The Shield

by James Geering
FitnessMental Health

Diane Cotter (The woman who uncovered the PFAS in firefighters' gear) - Episode 996

Explicit
Diane Cotter is a firefighter spouse and the woman who revealed the PFAS manufacturers were using in firefighter turnout gear. We discuss her early life, the Cold Storage Fire in Worcester, her husband's cancer diagnosis, her forever chemicals discovery, the resistance she encountered from trusted corporations and organizations, what needs to change and so much more. Diane Cotter is a self-taught citizen activist whose upright, focused, and determined efforts in support of her husband, Fire Lieutenant Paul Cotter, during and after their battle against Paul’s occupational cancer served as the inspiration for the documentary “BURNED - Protecting The Protectors” by filmmaker Elijah Yetter Bowman and award-winning actor, Mark Ruffalo, Executive Producer. Diane is the ultimate standard bearer, a smart, outspoken, and fearless woman who continues to march at the head of her six-year campaign to remove PFAS “forever chemicals” from the gear worn by today’s firefighters. No less an authority that Ed Kelly, General President of the IAFF, has properly called Diane Cotter “the firefighters’ hero.” ~ Michael Foley, Boston Fire Department (ret’d)
E996
Oct 23, 2024
1:56:54

Monty Bynum (Policing, The War on Drugs and Entrepreurship) - Episode 995

Explicit
.Monty Bynum is a Marine veteran, former LEO, DEA and GBI, and the founder of The Wealthy Servant. We discuss his journey into law enforcement, the war on drugs, leadership, entrepreneurship and so much more.
E995
Oct 20, 2024
2:02:22

Dustin Hawins (Suicide, Post Traumatic Growth and Red Line Rescue) - Episode 39

Explicit
After eight years interviewing, Dustin's story still remains one of the most powerful I've ever heard. This has been a terrible week for the first responder community so it seems fitting that I repost this episode with the hope that it might reach someone who needs to hear it. Dustin Hawkins has been to hell and back both physically and mentally. We talk about his critical injuries, PTSD, near suicide and the future of mental wellness in first responders: Red Line Rescue.
Oct 19, 2024
2:10:42

Dr Anders Hansen (Psychiatry, ADHD and the Pursuit of Happiness) - Episode 944

Explicit
Dr. Anders Hansen is a Swedish psychiatrist, speaker and international bestselling author with his own TV series exploring the human brain. Dr. Hansen’s books have sold millions of copies globally and topped bestseller lists around the world. He is the winner of the book of the year Big Health Award 2017 and 2019, and Sweden’s Mensa Prize in 2018. We discuss his childhood in Sweden, the importance of play, social media, ADHD, the brain and evolution, the pros and cons of pharmaceuticals, exercise as medicine, the pursuit of happiness and so much more.
E994
Oct 18, 2024
1:55:35

Jay Dawes (Strength Training, The Tactical Athlete and Longevity) - Episode 993

Explicit
Jay Dawes, PhD, CSCS, *D, NSCA-CPT, TSAC-F, FNSCA, is a professor of applied exercise science in the School of Kinesiology, Applied Health and Recreation at OSU. Dr. Dawes has worked as a university athletic performance coordinator, strength/performance coach, personal trainer and educator for over 20 years. His primary research interests is focused on improving the health, fitness and human performance for the tactical athletes and first responders. He is the co-founder and co-director of the OSU Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab and a member of the OSU Fire Council.
E993
Oct 16, 2024
2:05:35

Michael McColgan (Celtic Rock, Firefighting and Mental Health) - Episode 992

Michael McColgan is an Army Veteran, Firefighter, founding member of Dropkick Murphys and the lead vocalist of Street Dogs. We discuss his journey into music, the Invasion of Iraq, his powerful sobriety story, Celtic rock, entering the fire service, some notable calls, becoming part of the mental health solution in Boston and so much more.
E992
Oct 13, 2024
1:39:21

Larry Doyle (Nelson Mandela, War Reporting and the Death of American Journalism) - Episode 677

Bonus
Larry Doyle is a Vietnam veteran and one of the most respected journalists of his era. We discuss his journey into journalism, interviewing Nelson Mandela, his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan, the devolution of American journalism, veteran mental health and so much more.
Oct 12, 2024
1:30:33

Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs (The Golden Gate Bridge, Mental Health and Growth) - Episode 991

Explicit
The moment CHP Officer Kevin Briggs responded to Kevin Berthia's suicide attempt became a picture that touched the world. I have interviewed both of these men independantly but in this episode they joined me together to discuss all things mental health. Kevin Briggs entered the US Army in 1981. In 1987, he became a correctional officer and worked at Soledad and San Quentin State Prisons. In 1990, he graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy and worked predominantly on the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin answered an average of four to six suicidal calls each month. In 1999, Kevin completed training at the CHP Motor School, and in 2008, was promoted to Sergeant. Having graduated from the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Course, one of his duties was to train new CHP officers and Golden Gate Bridge staff on crisis interventions / negotiations. Kevin retired from the CHP in 2013 to promote Crisis Management, Leadership Skills, and Suicide Intervention / Prevention worldwide. He continues speaking and teaching at conferences and law enforcement events, as well as consulting and advising major corporations. Kevin’s personal story includes being a cancer survivor, overcoming heart issues, divorce, PTSD, and depression. He is also a survivor of suicide loss. Kevin’s goal is raising awareness about mental health and wellness, crisis management, and suicide prevention. He delivers his message by sharing his personal story and experiences, as well as the tools he developed to assist in a crisis, that can be used by anyone. His talks are inspiring and educational while encouraging help – seeking and reducing stigma related to mental health. Kevin Berthia's journey epitomizes the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As a suicide survivor, advocate, and speaker, he has transformed his personal pain into a beacon of hope for countless others. Growing up in silence, Kevin grappled with unbearable pain, masking it behind a facade of joviality throughout high school and into his early twenties. However, a very public suicide attempt at the Golden Gate Bridge became a pivotal moment, altering the course of his life forever. Since 2013, Kevin has fearlessly shared his story, captivating audiences with his raw candor and unwavering honesty. His journey of healing and self-discovery serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the possibility of overcoming even the darkest of times. Kevin is driven by a passionate desire to inspire others to break their silence, to reach out for help, and to believe in the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Kevin's message of hope has resonated far and wide, touching the lives of individuals across the globe. His story has been featured in numerous magazine outlets, local and national news stations, and prestigious platforms such as the Steve Harvey Show, Red Table Talk, and the Dr. Phil Show. A poignant image of Kevin standing on the bridge's chord graced the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle, solidifying his place among the 75 most iconic photos of the 21st century. For Kevin, surviving a suicide attempt carries profound significance in the prevention of further tragedies. He understands the depths of despair and the importance of shedding light on the darkness that surrounds suicide. Through his advocacy and speaking engagements, Kevin strives to empower individuals to find their voice, to seek help, and to embrace the journey towards healing. In Kevin's words, "No one knows more about the darkness that surrounds suicide than those who have walked in its shadow." With unwavering courage and compassion, Kevin Berthia continues to be a guiding light for those who seek hope, understanding, and a path forward from the depths of despair.
E991
Oct 10, 2024
1:32:23

Guy Miles (Surviving 19 years in prison for a wrongful conviction) - Episode 990

Explicit
Guy Miles was wrongly convicted of a robbery after eyewitnesses wrongly identified him. The three true perpetrators ultimately admitted to committing the crime and they exculpated Guy Miles in the process. On a day in June 1998, at a Fidelity Financial Institution in Fullerton, California, Trina Gomez and Max Patlan faced a horrifying incident. As they were closing up, two men, Jason Steward and Harold Bailey, knocked on the door, claiming to be there for a payment. Once inside, the situation turned dark – Harold pulled out a handgun, and Jason had a shotgun. They demanded money, taking $1,410 in cash and $4,138 in personal checks. Bernard Teamer acted as the getaway driver, and they left, leaving Trina and Max shaken. The police faced challenges as the initial descriptions of the robbers were generic. A gardening glove left behind became a piece of evidence. The driver of the getaway vehicle was later identified as Bernard, providing a crucial lead. However, during the investigation, a detective compiled photo lineups with errors. Trina identified Guy Miles from the lineup, even though there were issues with the identification process. Max, influenced by the detective’s statement about an arrest, also identified Guy. At trial, Trina couldn’t positively identify Guy, but after a discussion with the prosecuting attorney, she changed her stance. Max identified Guy, noting a difference in weight. Guy presented alibi witnesses, scientific studies on eyewitness identifications, and DNA evidence that didn’t match him. Despite these factors, a jury took five days to find Guy guilty. Jason and Harold remained at large, and Guy received a harsh 75-year-to-life sentence. Eventually, the true perpetrators – Bernard, Jason, and Harold – confessed to the crime. New scientific studies raised doubts about eyewitness identifications, including those of Trina and Max. On January 19, 2017, the California Court of Appeal reversed Guy’s conviction, acknowledging that new, credible confessions would have changed the trial’s outcome. Faced with the prospect of re-prosecution and longing to be with his aging parents, Guy accepted a plea deal on June 20, 2017. He pleaded guilty under People v. West, allowing him to maintain innocence while avoiding denial of involvement. Guy was freed that very day, his conviction overturned after years of fighting for justice. The Innocence Center Website: https://theinnocencecenter.org/
E990
Oct 9, 2024
1:20:56

Andrew Douglas (Firefighting, Peer Support and Technology) - Episode 989

Explicit
Siento was born from the personal experiences of its CEO, Andrew Douglas, who spent years on the front lines as a firefighter/paramedic and union leader. After confronting his own battles with PTSD and a suicide attempt, Andrew felt compelled to create the solution he wished he had during his darkest times. Understanding the intense pressures and unique challenges faced by those in high-stress professions, he was driven to create a tailored solution that effectively addresses the mental health needs often overlooked in such fields. Siento manifested as a stigma-free mental wellness and peer support management platform, dedicated to providing first responders and high-stress professionals with accessible, confidential, and culturally competent mental health support. Teams that use Siento ensure their members have the resources to thrive, not just survive.
E989
Oct 6, 2024
1:21:02
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