Summary In this episode, Barb Thompson interviews Mike and Kari Pruitt, founders of Redeemed Global Ministries. They share their personal journeys, the influences that shaped their lives, and their passion for missions and service. The conversation delves into their transformative experiences in missions, the challenges they face, and the importance of stepping out of comfort zones. They also provide advice for those seeking purpose and highlight opportunities for involvement in their ministry. Takeaways: *Transformative experiences in missions can change both the server and the served. *Seeing the need in communities can be challenging and heart-wrenching. *Playing it safe can lead to missing out on life's opportunities. *Saying 'yes' to new experiences can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. *Small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others. *Faith is essential in overcoming challenges and serving others. *EVERYONE has unique gifts that can be utilized in service.
Summary In this conversation, Steven Nisbet (co-founder of Shields & Stripes) & Dr. Barb Thompson discuss their experiences with Hurricane Helene relief efforts and the mission of Shields & Stripes, an organization focused on helping veterans and first responders with PTSD and associated symptoms. They explore the challenges of responding to disasters, the importance of building trust within communities, and the healing power of service and work in times of crisis. The conversation emphasizes the need for humility, sensitivity, and understanding in providing support to those affected by disasters. In this conversation, Steven and Barb discuss their experiences in crisis response, emphasizing the importance of action, building rapport, and listening to those affected by trauma. They explore the challenges of ego in crisis situations, the significance of community trust, and the need for innovative solutions to support mental health and resilience. The discussion highlights the necessity of making informed decisions in high-stakes environments while ensuring that community needs are prioritized over personal agendas. Takeaways *Shields and Stripes focuses on veterans and first responders with PTSD. *Small cohorts create lasting bonds and support networks. *Initial response to disasters requires careful consideration. *Building trust is essential in crisis situations. *Community self-organization plays a crucial role in recovery. *Faith leaders can guide communities through healing. *Identifying community needs is vital for effective support. *Service should be about the community, not personal fulfillment. *Work can be healing for those affected by trauma. *Isolation can hinder recovery; connection is key. Action is crucial in crisis situations. *Building rapport can start with small acts. *Listening and being present can help others feel grounded. *Ego can complicate crisis response efforts. *Local knowledge enhances crisis response effectiveness. *Innovative solutions such as the Alpha Stim can provide relief for stress. *Decision-making in crises requires gut instinct and experience. *Flexibility and openness are key in helping others. *Support from within the community can foster resilience and healing. For more information on Shields & Stripes, please visit Shields & Stripes | Healing Our Veterans and First Responders (shieldsandstripes.org)
Kevin Housley, a firefighter in Fort Collins, Colorado, shares his journey and experiences in the fire service industry. He talks about growing up in a family with a military background and the values instilled in him by his parents. Kevin discusses how he transitioned from a career in business to becoming a firefighter and the fulfillment he found in serving the community. He also highlights the day-to-day life of a firefighter, debunking misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of mindset and resilience. Kevin reflects on the meaningfulness of serving the community he grew up in and the impact he has been able to make. Kevin shares his journey of going back to school and starting a podcast to address the lack of mental skill training in the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of mental performance and resilience in emergency services and the need for formal education in this area. Kevin discusses the positive response he has received from the industry and the changes he has seen in the conversation around mental health and performance. He also highlights the need for embedded psychologists in organizations and the importance of taking care of leaders as well. Kevin encourages listeners to start taking action and chasing what excites them. Takeaways The values instilled in Kevin by his parents and his upbringing played a significant role in shaping him into the person he is today. Kevin's transition from a career in business to becoming a firefighter was driven by a desire for a more fulfilling and meaningful profession. The day-to-day life of a firefighter involves a combination of training, emergency response, and community engagement. Having the right mindset and resilience is crucial for firefighters to navigate the challenges and demands of their profession. Kevin finds great fulfillment in serving the community he grew up in and making a positive impact on people's lives. The fire service lacks formal education and training in mental performance and resilience. There is a growing conversation around mental health and performance in the industry. Embedded psychologists can help build high-performing cultures and support individuals throughout their careers. Taking care of leaders and providing resources for personal and professional development is crucial. Starting small and being persistent is key to creating positive change. Chasing what excites you and learning and growing along the way is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:15 Upbringing and Influences 08:06 Career Transition: From Business to Firefighting 14:26 Debunking Misconceptions: The Day-to-Day Life of a Firefighter 19:20 Mindset and Resilience in the Fire Service 25:33 Serving the Community: The Fulfillment of a Firefighter 30:00 Addressing the Gap in Mental Skill Training 43:01 The Growing Conversation around Mental Health 46:06 Integrating Human Performance Psychology 50:35 Starting Small and Chasing What Excites You Connect with Kevin here: https://firefightercraftsmanship.ck.page/emaillist
Summary: Morgane Borzee, co-founder and CEO of Equanima, discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and mental wellness. She shares her personal journey and how her upbringing and experiences shaped her interest in psychology. She emphasizes the need for a solid emotional vocabulary and the value of understanding and expressing emotions. Borzee also highlights the impact of trauma on emotional intelligence and the importance of finding the right therapist. She discusses the creation of Equanima and its tools for emotional intelligence, including cards and interactive experiences. Borzee encourages listeners to listen to their bodies, stay curious, and pursue their values and needs. Takeaways: Emotional intelligence is crucial for self-awareness, emotional management, and relationship management. Having a solid emotional vocabulary is important for understanding and expressing emotions. Trauma can impact emotional intelligence and the way we handle emotions. Finding the right therapist is essential for personal growth and healing. Listening to your body and pursuing your values and needs can lead to a more fulfilling life. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:11 Early Experiences and Interest in Psychology 07:02 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence 11:01 The Impact of Trauma on Emotional Intelligence 13:26 Finding the Right Therapist 15:21 Listening to Your Body and Pursuing Your Values 19:13 Challenges in Building Iquanima 25:22 The Value of Emotional Intelligence Tools 31:00 Taking the First Steps Towards Making a Difference 36:08 Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Authenticity 38:02 Where to Find Equanima Check out https://www.equanima.io for more information.
Summary In this conversation, John Dailey, a retired Marine Corps officer and author, discusses his background, military career, and transition to writing. He shares his early desire to join the military and his fascination with books and curiosity. Dailey talks about overcoming challenges and fear, particularly in relation to swimming and combat. He also discusses his writing journey, including the process of publishing his memoir. Dailey emphasizes the importance of motivation and discipline in writing and offers insights on making a difference and finding purpose. He concludes by providing ways to connect and learn more about his work. Takeaways *Curiosity and a desire for adventure can drive individuals to join the military and seek new experiences. *Overcoming challenges and fear is essential for personal growth and achieving goals. *Writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression and sharing experiences with others. *Motivation and discipline are key to maintaining a consistent writing practice. *Making a difference and finding purpose can be achieved in various ways, both within and outside of the military. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:19 Early Desire to Join the Military 08:07 Influence of Books and Curiosity 09:25 Overcoming Challenges and Fear 15:18 Experiencing Combat and Analyzing Performance 18:18 Transition to Writing and Publishing 20:33 Motivation and Discipline in Writing 30:23 Writing for a Civilian Audience 36:02 Making a Difference and Finding Purpose 40:36 Setting Goals and Making Decisions 44:10 Ways to Connect and Find More Information