Firehouse Roundtable

Part 1 of a conversation with Ventura City EMS Administrator Heather Ellis, a former firefighter and firefighter's spouse, who shares her personal story of resilience and overcoming domestic violence. Heather discusses her background in the fire department, the injury that led to a career transition, and the impact of the injury on her home life. She also talks about recognizing the need for help and the importance of peer support. Heather shares her personal journey of being in a relationship with a firefighter who struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Heather discusses the challenges of leading her family through grief and the importance of rebuilding and finding resilience. She offers advice for those in similar situations, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs and prioritize self-care. Heather also discusses the improvements needed in mental health support within the fire service. If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by texting “START” to 88788. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: EMS Adminstrator Heather Ellis of the Ventura Fire Department Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Link: Support the Podcast Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

In this episode, Lisa Corbett and her daughter Brianna (Bri) Corbett discuss their experiences as the family of a firefighter. They talk about the challenges of balancing family life with the unpredictable schedules, the support they received from the fire service community, and the impact of Captain Kevin Corbett's cancer diagnosis on their family. They also touch on the importance of community and accepting help during difficult times. The conversation highlights the need for open communication and the willingness to ask for help. The family reflects on the lessons they learned and the strength they gained from going through such a difficult experience. Listen to our previous episode (#37) for an in-depth discussion of Kevin's cancer journey. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson Guest: Lisa Corbett Guest: Brianna Corbett Link: Lisa's Blog Link: Orange Hugs Link: Velvet Skies Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

In this episode, Capt. Kevin Corbett of Santa Barbara City Fire talks about his journey battling stage 4 testicular cancer. From a Hospice bed to returning to duty, Kevin's emotional story demonstrates how far we've come in fighting cancer, as well as the importance of a support network. In addition to highlighting the link between cancer and the fire service, Capt. Scott Jennie (ret.), California State Director for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, discusses the Firefighter Cancer Support Network's role in providing support and resources to firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, early detection, and the need for firefighters to seek help and support during their cancer journey. Our next espisode features Kevin's wife and daughter to discussing the battle from their perspectives. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest Co-host: Battalion Chief Jeremy Henderson Guest: Captain Kevin Corbett of the Santa Barbara City Fire Department Guest: Captain Scott Jennie (ret.) of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network Link: Santa Barbara City Firefighters Instagram Link: SBCFFA Facebook Link: Santa Barbara City Fire Department Facebook Link: City Of Santa Barbara Fire Department Link: City Of Santa Barbara Police Department Link: One805 Link: 805 Firefighters Stachefest Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

In this episode, retired Ventura City assistant chief Bill Rigg shares his experiences and stories from his career in the fire service. He discusses starting as a firefighter mechanic and the transition to having maintenance done by the city yard. He shares personal stories, including a funny story about a fight between two assistant chiefs. Bill also discusses call volume during his time in the fire service, expansion of fire stations, responding to the Rodney King riots, and he provides retirement advice for current firefighters. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Assistant Chief Bill Rigg (ret.) of the Ventura Fire Department Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Engineer Paramedic Charlie Brown saw the mental health challenges in the fire service and wanted to do something about it. So he co-founded Next Rung, a national nonprofit that provides free peer, counseling, and treatment support for firefighters and their loved ones. In this conversion, Charlie tells the Next Rung origin story and how they've grown to providing peer support to more than 330 firefighters in 2023. Charlie also provides insight into the challenges he sees on the horizon for firefighters. To contact Next Rung for peer support or counseling, call or text 833-NEXT-RUNG. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Battalion Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Engineer Paramedic Charlie Brown Link: Next Rung Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Santa Cruz City Firefighter Nick Hanna, formerly with Ventura City Fire, talks about his mental health journey over the past year. Nick's story starts with being "true fireman", engaged with his department and association. Following a significant illness, he began to experience panic attacks, sleeplessness, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and active suicidal thoughts. After many dead ends trying to find treatment, an effective combination of therapies was identified and Nick in a better place. Nick's story is relevant for all firefighters - and firefighter families - especially those who think mental health is not their concern. If you're in crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, day or night. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Nick Hanna of Santa Cruz City Fire Department Link: Suicide and Crisis Hotline : 988 (call or text) or https://988lifeline.org/ Link: Deer Hollow Recovery Link: Amen Clinics Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Santa Cruz City Firefighter Nick Hanna, formerly with Ventura City Fire, talks about his mental health journey over the past year. Nick's story starts with being "true fireman", engaged with his department and association. Following a significant illness, he began to experience panic attacks, sleeplessness, PTSD, major depressive disorder, and active suicidal thoughts. After many dead ends trying to find treatment, an effective combination of therapies was identified and Nick is in a better place. Nick's story is relevant for all firefighters - and firefighter families - especially those who think mental health is not their concern. If you're in crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, day or night. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Nick Hanna of Santa Cruz City Fire Department Link: Suicide and Crisis Hotline : 988 (call or text) or https://988lifeline.org/ Link: Deer Hollow Recovery Link: Amen Clinics Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

In this episode, Mike Canny, a retired firefighter and vice president of tax services at Firefighters First Tax Services, shares his experience in the fire service and his transition to a career in taxes. He discusses common financial mistakes made by firefighters and provides insights into deductible expenses for firefighters. Mike also explains the risks and penalties associated with incorrect deductions and offers tips for long-term financial planning. The conversation covers tax planning for charitable gifts and the impact of 2017 tax law changes on itemized deductions. Mike emphasizes the benefits of investing in real estate and provides information on tax services offered by his organization, an affiliate of Firefighters First Credit Union. Listen in... Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Executive Director Joe Booth from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Mike Canny of Firefighters First Tax Services Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

James Boomhower, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM is a critical care paramedic in Massachusetts and founder of Stay Fit 4 Duty, an organization that provides resources and training to healthcare providers and first responders. In this conversation, James discusses many aspects of mental health support for first responders, including the need to transition from term "culturally competent" to the more inclusive, "culturally informed", the challenge to provide services to retired first responders, employee assistance programs (EAP), critical incident stress management (CISM), peer support, and the difference between your identity and your profession.. James also discusses his upcoming webinar, "PTSD in the Fire Service: Signs and Solutions", hosted by Ventura Fire Foundation. Listen in... Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: James Boomhower, Stay Fit 4 Duty, MS(c), FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM Link: 2/20 PTSD Webinar Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Julie Cart, Cal Matters reporter talks about her award-winning 2023 series, "Trail by fire: The trauma of fighting California’s wildfires." The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including Cal Fire's reaction to the series, the importance of discussing mental health challenges in the fire service, lessons from the military, and differences between Australia and the US in fighting wildfires. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Chief Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Julia Cart, Cal Matters Link: https://calmatters.org/series/california-firefighters-trauma-wildfires/ Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

With 80 combined years in the fire service, newly retired firefighters Captain Tom Weinell, Engineer Brian Kremer, and Captain Thom Hoffman have a lot to say. This wide-ranging conversation touches on the Thomas Fire, La Conchita mudslides, Jesusita Fire, firehouse hijinks, burnout, changes they've seen in the fire service, their experiences with retirement so far, and much more Many current and former Ventura City firefighters are namedropped, and many stories are told (a few made it past our censors). Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Captain Tom Weinell Guest: Engineer Brian Kremer Guest: Captain Thom Hoffman Link: Firehouse Roundtable Episode 16 - Life in a Fire Family with Madeline and Erin, Ventura City Fire Captain Thom Hoffman's Daughters Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Part 2 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest Firefighters. Just finished with their probationary period, five new firefighters - Gurshan Bajwa, Jon Ellis, Jeremy Hinman, Stephan Parrish, and Rocky Sanfilippo - talk about what brought them to Ventura, differences between Ventura City Fire and their previous departments, their career plans, and the suck of 30 minute burpees. Listen in... Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Gurshan Bajwa Guest: Jeremy Hinman Guest: Stephan Parrish Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Part 1 of a discussion with Ventura City Fire's newest firefighters. Just finshed with their probationary period, five new firefighters-Gurshan Bajwa, Jon Ellis, Jeremy Hinman, Stephan Parrish, and Rocky Sanfilippo-talk about what brought them to Ventura, differences between Ventura City Fire and their previous departments, their career plans, and the suck of 30 minute burpees. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Rocky Sanfilippo Guest: Jon Ellis Link: Everyday Ellises Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Captain Tami Crudo, coordinator for the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy, talks about being a female in the fire service, mentoring, stress and resilience, and how to prepare to enter the Academy. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Captain Tami Crudo of the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

American Fire Brigade's John Gary talks about the injury that led him to start AFB, protecting your days off, impact of overtime on mental health and family life, Mandos, and mullets. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: John Gary of American Fire Brigade Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Firefighter Erik Hernandez and his wife, associate marriage and family therapist Maggie Hernandez, talk on a wide range of topics, including the benefits of therapy, finding culturally-competent therapists, peer support, PTSD, complex trauma, bio hacks, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and how they reconcile different approaches to parenting. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Erik and Maggie Hernandez, 809 Fight for Awareness Link: Rudeman White Paper on Mental Health and Suicide of First Responders Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Audra and Chelsi, firefighter spouses and hosts of the Dear Chiefs Podcast, provide unvarnished advice for firefighters and their spouses on how to maintain their relationship while in the fire service. They go toe-to-toe with Peter and Jason on firefighter divorce rate, balancing a firefighting career with family life, and the generational differences they see in firefighters (Gen X/Millennials/Gen Z). Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Audra and Chelsi of Dear Chiefs Link: Cal Matters Report. "Trial by fire: The trauma of fighting California’s wildfires" Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Falone Serna, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach with California Lutheran University solves the mystery of getting into and paying for college. Dean Serna provides practical advice on deciding if college is the right path after high school, how to choose a school that's a great fit, what schools look for in students, how NOT to pay sticker price, and how to ensure the investment in college pays off (hint: going to college is like going to the gym). Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Falone Serna, California Lutheran University Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton, considered one of the most forward-thinking chiefs in the country, covers a wide range of important topics, including behavioral health, sleep deprivation, call volume, peer support, the value of networking, Movember, grantwriting, advice for firefighters looking to promote, how the COVID pandemic led to greater collaboration among fire departments, and his vision for a first responder wellness center in Ventura. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest: Alex Hamilton Link: 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.

Roy Schneider and Jessica Villar, attornies with Schneiders & Associates law firm, join the show to talk about what nobody wants to discuss...what happens to your property and family if you die or are incapacited. Bottom line: nothing good unless you take the proper steps now. Learn all about wills versus trusts, avoiding probate, and how to ensure your wishes are carried out. Hosts: Capt. Peter McKenzie (ret.) and Capt. Jason Kay from the Ventura Fire Foundation Guest Company: Schneiders & Associates Guest: Roy Schneider, Esq. Guest: Jessica Villar, Esq. Connect with Ventura Fire Foundation on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Support the Show. ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Ventura Fire Foundation 2024.