Poet, punk rocker, and firefighter, Kevin Burke is a difficult individual to sum up.  The last 8 years of his life, he's been a member of the fire service, and the last five years of that he has been proud to be part of SAFD's Res51cue.  Prior to his time as a public servant, Kevin has been a long standing and seasoned artist.  He has toured as a musician and as a poet, shared stages with world renowned poets and grammy award winning musicians, and has always tried to make art that makes a difference.  Aside from three DIY chapbooks, his work has been published by Freeze Ray Press, Into Quarterly, Timber Mouse Publishing, Button Poetry (video), and Write About Now Publishing. Kevin is also the 2011 Austin Poetry Slam Champ, 2011 Southwest Shootout Slam Champ, and the only two time Texas Grand Slam Poetry Festival Champion, and currently the lead vocalist for County Hell (a blackened-crust-punk collaboration with poet Bill Moran).

Currently, Kevin is a new father, a partner to his wife/getaway-driver, and an increasingly vocal advocate for mental health, especially for members of the first responder community.  In fact, Burke is currently enrolled in Northwestern University's Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has plans to become a therapist.  His forthcoming book entitled Tailboard Field Notes is due for release late this spring.

@kevinwburke

youtu.be/C4ih_oktiYU
www.sofarsounds.com/artists/kevin-burke
writeaboutnowpoetry.com
writeaboutnowpoetry.com/books
www.instagram.com/kevinwburke/?hl=en
www.facebook.com/kevinwburkepoetry/
www.instagram.com/countyhellmusic/
countyhellmusic.bandcamp.com/releases
kevinwburke.bandcamp.com/album/this-i…ckle-freedom

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy
Editing: @bradshea
Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco
Administration: @haileyfirefit

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Phil Resendes is a 15-year member of the Fire Service. Phil is a newly promoted Acting Captain with the Chatham-Kent Fire Department. He has Instructed at Lambton College Fire School in the Pre-Service and Fire Science programs. He is the Vice-President and one of the co-founders of True North FOOLS. Phil is a student of the Fire Service and is passionate about sharing his love for the trade by passing on what has worked and what has been passed on to him. "Culture is everything, and building strong Fire Department culture is done through continuous drilling and training”. Phil believes it is the glue that binds us and prepares us mentally and physically. The brotherhood is what brought him to the job, and the brotherhood is what he’s committed to preserving alongside the many like-minded and supportive members in your fire departments.

@backstepsixtytwo 

@truenorthfools 

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy 

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

Admin: @haileyfirefit

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Adam Parkhurst is a Driver/Engineer with the Euless, TX Fire Department. He started his career in 2006 and worked for 10 years as a Field Training Paramedic. He is a Swift water rescue technician, a medical specialist with a federal USAR team, and a Paramedic Instructor at Tarrant County College. He holds a Master Degree in Sociology and has published articles or culture building, improving training within the fire service, as well as depression and mental health. He lives in Dallas with his wife and 2 sons.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco @m.pletz

Admin: @haileyfirefit

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With more than three decades of experience as a Health Studies Professor teaching physiology, pathophysiology & pharmacology, Wendy understands the biology of stress and resiliency.

She extensively investigated the experience of trauma in first responders and has built a case for how and why compassionate-based mindfulness theory and practices can build proactive resiliency in vulnerable sectors for her MSc in Mindfulness Studies. She has helped to pioneer curriculum for those who engage trauma in their work so that they reduce their risk of psychological injury in the line of duty. She has shared her vision in conferences as a speaker/plenary, in many workshops and in print.

Wendy believes it’s about being proactive, not reactive, with our mental health. Her vision is to help others redefine wealth in their workplace and lives.

https://www.wellthmanagement.ca/team

IG - @wellth_management.inc

Twitter - @WLund100 @WorkWithHeartWM

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

Logistics: @haileyfirefit

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Daniel is a Marine Corps Veteran. He has been serving as a Firefighter with San Antonio for 5 years and is currently riding Truck 17. He is an SAFD mentor for probationary Firefighters and an MV Fire Rescue TX Lead Instructor. He has been published in Firehouse magazine and featured on The Rogue Tailboard Podcast.

@dcdrury

@mvfirerescuetx

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

Logistics: @haileyfirefit

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Hailey is a rookie in a full-time department in Southern Ontario, Canada. , with experience as a rural volunteer. She is passionate about firefighter fitness, mental health and resiliency, and lifelong learning. Hailey originally went to University to pursue a different career but was introduced to firefighting as a possibility through a family friend. She views her failures as opportunities and is continually assessing her life plan to ensure it is moving in a positive direction. She encourages aspiring firefighters to have the same mindset as there isn’t one correct path into this profession. She is excited to pursue roles in teaching/mentorship and training first responders to be fit on and off-duty.

Instagram: @haileyfirefit

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/haileygreen

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

Logistics: @haileyfirefit

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Daniel is an Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College and a Ph.D. student who focuses on Human and Sports Performance.

He works with over 30 fire departments conducting physical and physiological assessments and educating on topics related to firefighter's health and wellness

His research focuses on how wearable technology may help inform and guide a firefighter's PT and recovery both on and off duty.

To find out more, contact him on Instagram @prof.dhigs

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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Wayne Hannah is a 42-year-old veteran and firefighter from Central Ontario. Wayne was diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD after spending the majority of his adult life self-sabotaging and making excuses for a negative mindset. After exploring the idea and thoughts of suicide, he decided to put on his big-boy pants and change his internal narrative.

In the spring of 2021, Wayne began sharing his “morning message” regularly on social media; TikTok and Instagram. He quickly found a home, but more importantly, a community.

“Good Morning Assholes” is now viewed by thousands of people every morning with over 230,000 followers and 2 million likes.

In the summer of 2021, he started the "Zen AF" podcast with actor Alex Skuby - which is quickly gaining popularity all over the world.

Through Wayne’s journey, he has inspired millions through straightforward and relatable messages pulled from his own experience, stories, and those of the community that follows him.

https://www.waynehannah.com/

https://www.zenafpod.com/

@zenafpodcast

@officialalexskuby

@goodmorningassholes

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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Southwest Fire Academy is a registered private career college in southern Ontario that offers a variety of dynamic programs: pre-service firefighting, officer development, HAZMAT, and various technical rescue courses, amongst many others. SFA takes pride in its passion for rigorous training, backed by an impressive roster of highly skilled, reputable instructors. Featured are SFA founders Gord Roesch and Jesse Bond, who have combined 40-plus years of firefighting experience and over 30 years of instructing experience. An honored retiree in his municipal service, Roesch has served an extensive career, with tenure as a firefighter, a training officer, and a Chief in many organizations. Bond is currently a career fireman and Acting Captain and additionally serves as a Captain for two municipal volunteer departments.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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For longevity and serenity in this life, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate accomplishments and wins along the way. If you are lucky enough, you will have the opportunity to celebrate them with dear friends. As I approach turning 50, I realize, that like reaching the 50th episode of this podcast, it’s just another number, but in both is the opportunity to reflect on the journey with loved ones. I’m incredibly grateful that two of my dearest friends, Caroline Downes and Dave Vanderburg, wished to spend this time together doing what friends do best, allowing each other to be seen, heard, understood, and accepted.

Deepest thanks to all the guests that have trusted me with their stories, and those that have taken the time to listen and connect with me. A special thanks to Matt Pletz of Premium Mix Marketing, editor extraordinaire Brad Shea, and our sponsor Southwest Fire Academy for everything they have done to produce and support the show. The team and the podcast continue to grow and evolve. Here’s to the next 50.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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Dave is an avid road cyclist and has been a Captain for 3 years. Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, his journey to becoming a firefighter was atypical, stumbling into the profession 15 years ago. He has spent time working as a trench rescue instructor, an honour guard member, co-lead of his department’s muscular dystrophy boot drive, and currently co-leads its peer support team. His life, upbringing, and travels have offered a unique perspective on firefighting. We discuss mental and physical health, the value of people, being an officer, communication, service to others, bro culture, and the corporatization of the service.

Sponsorship: @southwest_fire_academy

Editing: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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From Spartan and Tough Mudder racing, to creating panel discussions that fuse unlikely topics such as tattooing and mental health, Marie Bodine is driven to explore the uncommon.

Through practicing and teaching the Wim Hof Method principles, Marie influences others to heighten their creativity, elevate productivity, delete stress, and develop unshakeable inner peace.

Marie currently teaches breath and meditation classes in Toronto Canada and throughout North America. Marie's workshops and public speaking events provide participants with lifelong skills that create confidence and increase physical and mental resilience while deepening self-respect.

https://www.wimhofmethod.com/instructors/mariebodine

https://mariebodine.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-bodine-0471761b4/

IG @marie.bodine

FB @FitMindProject

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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Manny is a nozzleman with San Antonio Fire. Born, raised, and still lives and works in the city's inner west side close to his home. Engine and Nozzle work is his passion. A true believer that the basics are where the fight is won. A Marine Corps combat veteran and first-generation college graduate. He is a proud husband and father of 3. A field training officer with his dept. Lead instructor for The First Line: Engine Company Ops with MV Fire Rescue TX.

Manuelbarajas210@gmail.com

FB: The First Line Engine Ops, San Antonio Fire Attack

IG: @manny_b210, @mvfirerescuetx

Editing Credit: @bradshea

Marketing: @premiummixmarketingco

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After 21 years in Suppression with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, Mark has transferred to the Training Division. In addition to firefighting he brings years of experience in practical and competitive auto-extrication, and knowledge and wisdom gained from his time as an Honour Guard Member. As the Honour Guard Assistant Director for the past four years, he hopes to continue ensuring that all members understand the deep and meaningful history and tradition of their profession. A recent battle with cancer has reframed his perspective and reinvigorated his love for life and the fire service. Originally from Milton Ontario, he and Diane, his wife of 27 years raised their two boys where they still reside in Waterdown.

@mungobrewer @markbrewer

Editing Credit: @bradshea

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Andy Bozzo has 24 years of fire service experience in California and Washington State. He is currently a Fire Captain with a large Northern California Fire Department. Andy has a visionary mind and has provided many of the conceptual aspects that are foundational to Tablet Command. He is passionate about continuing to improve the Tablet Command solution by using it in the field, learning from other users’ experiences, while sharing his own. Prior to working in the fire service industry, Andy was a teacher and attended USC before transferring and completing his BA at Middlebury College in Vermont.

@captandybozzo @tabletcommand

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Mark is an Acting Captain with Mississauga Fire with over 23 years of service in the Emergency Services. He started his career as a Police Officer, eventually transitioning to the fire service. Mark is an advocate for firefighter fitness. He worked as the Race Director for the Emergency Services Adventure Race (ESAR) and recently co-authored 100 Firehall Workouts. Mark was the first 911 personnel in Canada to receive psychedelic-assisted therapy through Field Trip Health. He is a strong advocate for firefighters health and wellness and works towards making more resources and treatments available to help frontline workers both physically and mentally.

@100firehallworkouts

www.100firehallworkouts.com

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Olivia Mead is the Founder and CEO of the non-profit organization YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR). Olivia is a life-long yoga practitioner along with having studied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Human Performance, and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga for Veterans. She has taught yoga since 2003 and has focused primarily on public safety since 2013 starting at Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department, where she developed the unique protocol that Yoga For First Responders now uses to offer yoga to the public safety population in a job-specific and culturally-informed manner. Olivia has taught and spoken around the county at several trade conferences and public safety agencies and is a member of the Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association and the International Society of Fire Service Instructors.

@yogaforfirstresponders

https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/

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Jeff Cowen is an instructor at a local fire college and a career Firefighter for 14 years.

@jeffcowen

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