Your Oxygen Mask First
Health & Wellness Podcasts
On a plane, the flight attendants tell you to put on YOUR oxygen mask first before you help others; because you CAN’T help anyone unless you help yourself first! This podcast is for public safety professionals or anyone who cares for others in high-stress environments. We are focused on helping us all live the best life possible. Please join us as we delve into the depths of mental health, physical health and fitness, wellness, professional development, and improving relationships, and maybe have a little fun in the process.
Location:
United States
Description:
On a plane, the flight attendants tell you to put on YOUR oxygen mask first before you help others; because you CAN’T help anyone unless you help yourself first! This podcast is for public safety professionals or anyone who cares for others in high-stress environments. We are focused on helping us all live the best life possible. Please join us as we delve into the depths of mental health, physical health and fitness, wellness, professional development, and improving relationships, and maybe have a little fun in the process.
Twitter:
@YourO2MaskFirst
Language:
English
Contact:
(775) 453-6865
Website:
http://youroxygenmaskfirst.com/
Email:
erin@unicornwellness.net
Episodes
Firearms and Mental Health
6/19/2021
Trigger warning: discussion on firearms, suicide, and violence.
As the discussion around firearm ownership and accessibility becomes more and more heated in America, the conversation around mental health can be overshadowed. Politics and passion aside; focusing on having accessible mental health care without judgment for everyone (including those who own firearms) is critical.
We recorded this episode a few months ago, however, I did not publish it when I planned due to multiple suicides...
Duration:01:46:49
Living Ideation: A New Approach to Suicide Prevention and Intervention
3/16/2021
“Did you really want to die?"
"No one commits suicide because they want to die."
"Then why do they do it?"
"Because they want to stop the pain.”
― Tiffanie DeBartolo, How to Kill a Rock Star
There are many misconceptions floating around now surrounding suicide. I even subscribed to some of them at the beginning of this podcast journey, out of my own grief and misunderstanding.
Today, we flip some of those narratives on their heads with Dr. Steven Nicholas, Ed. D, MFT, NCC. Dr....
Duration:00:56:39
First In Wellness
3/8/2021
What if you could have your own personal health and wellness coach to guide you through a program that teaches you and your co-workers proper nutrition, stress management, sleep hygiene, and a kick-ass workout program?
First In Wellness is a new organization that is doing just that! In this episode, we chat with Danielle Cook Kawash, a registered dietitian and the founder of the program; with her trusty sidekick Simon Matthews, Psychologist, and Director of Coaching.
We will hear all about...
Duration:01:14:01
Erin Craw | Communication in First Responder Mental Health
3/1/2021
The way we communicate about mental health can dramatically shift the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. This is especially true in the world of a first responder and how we talk about depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide can make or break a responder in crisis.
I am excited to introduce you to Erin Craw, a second-year Ph.D. student at Chapman University. She is delving into the world of mental health for first responders and her dissertation is taking a look at how...
Duration:00:54:36
Dr. Kimberly Miller | Exploring Bias and Privilege
7/25/2020
Talking about bias and discrimination can be difficult, but it is necessary conversation... especially for first responders. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kimberly Miller about her upcoming intensive course that is a no-blame, no-shame look at racism, privilege, implicit bias and ethics and is filled with tools, resources, and strategies on how you can heal relationships in your community, and establish trust and legitimacy.
To learn more about Dr. Kimberly Miller or her classes, visit...
Duration:00:48:03
NNPSN: Resilience In Uncertain Times
3/19/2020
We are facing uncertain times with information changing by the minute. How is a first responder or hospital/EMS worker supposed to cope in the face of the COVID-19 crisis? In this raw and unedited episode (recorded in a firehouse...don't worry, we didn't touch anything), we sit down with Dr. Steve Nicholas, who is a trauma-informed clinician who works with first responders and Northern Nevada Peer Support Network President Derek Reid to discuss how to navigate this uncharted territory and...
Duration:00:33:16
NNPSP: Tami Burns - We are Human and Not Immune to Making Mistakes
2/24/2020
As first responders and caretakers, we fall under some pretty heavy expectations. But sometimes we fail to realize that we are human and not immune to making mistakes.
In this episode, we sit down with the lovely Tami Burns. Tami is an experienced R.N. who found herself addicted to pain pills after being prescribed opioids after getting hurt. Tami tried to get help but wasn't able to get the support she needed in time before things took a turn for the worst. But, Tami is resilient and found...
Duration:00:41:53
Northern Nevada Peer Support Network - NNPSN
1/26/2020
First responders and healthcare workers are exposed to trauma at work on a daily basis. Some of the trauma is extreme; other traumatic events sneak up on the responder quietly and when they don't expect it.
That is why the concept of "peer support" is starting to take a place in firehouses, police stations, dispatch centers, and hospitals around the country. Contact with a peer support can help dramatically lessen the effect that a critical incident can have on a responder and may even...
Duration:00:44:46
Athena Ives - Healing From Sexual Assault Through Helping Others
7/8/2019
Warning: this episode contains discussion surrounding sexual assault and does go into some detail on the specific acts. Also, adult language and humor warning.
Although sexual assault is starting to become a topic that can be discussed, some survivors are still terrified to tell their stories. Meet Athena Ives; she is a Combat Marine Veteran, author, speaker, doctoral candidate, and a survivor. After being sexually abused as a child by a family member, Athena was also sexually assaulted -...
Duration:01:01:19
Michelle Dutro | Inner North Star a Non-profit offering PTSD Retreats for Veterans and First Responders
6/14/2019
Our mantra is "you can't help others until you help yourself". And that is exactly what our guest Michelle Dutro is teaching those with PTSD at her retreat for Veterans and First Responders called Inner North Star.
Michelle is an Air Force Veteran, firefighter/EMT, and mental health clinician. In this episode, she explains why the decision to CHOOSE to be in the best mental health state possible is so important; for not only healing, but continuing to grow in your role in providing help to...
Duration:01:01:28
Kevin Briggs | Guardian of the Golden Gate
6/3/2019
Since it was erected in 1937, more than 1700 people are estimated to have jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and just 25 are known to have survived, according to Robert Olson of The Centre for Suicide Prevention in Calgary, Canada. But one man has talked over 200 people from making that leap into the abyss.
I am thrilled to be joined by Kevin Briggs; former CHP Trooper, Veteran and now author and speaker. Kevin knows loss and trauma and uses his skills of empathy, understanding, and...
Duration:00:48:35
Scott Mann - Power of a Story
5/27/2019
There are many different ways to treat trauma floating around out there. There is talk therapy, EMDR, exposure therapy, etc. But did you know that storytelling is also an effective treatment for trauma and PTS/PTSD?
I am honored for the opportunity to sit down with former Green Beret, author, leadership expert, public speaker, and now playwright and actor Scott Mann to learn more about how he is using storytelling as a way to get Veterans the relief they need through his new play "LAST OUT:...
Duration:00:59:15
Katie St. Pierre - POAS Military Recovery
5/13/2019
Motherhood is tough enough, but imagine trying to navigate motherhood AND addiction at the same time. The shame, the guilt...sometimes it can be too much to bear. Add to that the trials and tribulations of being a military spouse, and then you have the perfect storm of trauma.
Katie St. Pierre has experienced all of this. And she has clawed her way out of addiction to teach others how to help themselves through telling her story. In this episode, Katie tells us about the effect military...
Duration:00:54:50
"Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel" by Dr. Stephanie Conn
5/6/2019
May is Mental Health Awareness month and today we are excited to talk about first responder mental health with Dr. Stephanie Conn. Stephanie has done it all; as a law enforcement child, to dispatcher, then police officer, mental health clinician, and now an author! In her book "Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel", Stephanie looks at real-world issues first responders face and gives us practical solutions to apply in our every day lives.
Website:...
Duration:00:49:48
Over 120,000 homeless Veterans in America | Kimberly Mitchell with VVSD (Veterans Village San Diego)
4/29/2019
Did you know there is over 120,000 homeless Veterans in America right now? There are many organizations that are trying to help and get these military members the help they need, but we still have a long way to go.
This is why we are exited to sit down with the President and CEO of Veterans Village San Diego Kimberly Mitchell today. VVSD serves over 2000 veterans every year with supportive services, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, job training, case management and...
Duration:00:51:35
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week & Ricardo Martinez of #IAM911 and 9-1-1 SAVES Acts
4/15/2019
"Imagine listening...your worst day is my everyday." Not only is this the reality of a 9-1-1 or emergency dispatcher, but it is also the theme of a project former 9-1-1 dispatcher and public safety advocate Ricardo Martinez dedicates his life to. Ricardo is the father of the #IAM911 movement and helps dispatchers tell their stories through his podcast, "Within the Trenches." Ricardo is using his podcast to help dispatchers heal from trauma and also educates the public about the reality of...
Duration:01:13:41
The Mighty Oaks Foundation - Healing Veterans and Marriages
4/2/2019
Marriage can be challenging but imagine having to try to keep a marriage together when one partner is suffering from PTSD. Today, we talk to the Mighty Oaks Foundation founders Chad and Kathy Robichaux about how they were one step away from divorce, Chad was one second away from death by suicide, and Kathy almost lost her faith. In their raw and emotional interview, they tell us how they were able to save their marriage and forgive each other while building this amazing organization that now...
Duration:00:59:47
Resilient 911 with John Marshall and Sara Gilman
3/25/2019
The life of a 9-1-1 dispatcher is filled with the highest of highs...and the lowest of lows. 99% of the people a dispatcher deals with are not having the best day; maybe even having the worst day of their lives. And yes, there are the times a dispatcher saves the day; but those accomplishments rarely take away the heartache and trauma they experience every day. Throw shift work, poor eating habits, lack of exercise on top of all that, and you have a ticking timebomb.
That is why we are...
Duration:01:00:51
YOMF035: Michael Johnson - Battling Homelessness
2/27/2019
No one ever pictures themselves becoming homeless, but that is a reality many Veterans are facing. Help is out there but can be hard to get if you don't know where to look. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Johnson, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was homeless himself and is now using his experience to help others get off the streets and find meaningful employment.
Has Heart: https://hasheart.us/project/50states-california/#sandiego
Courage to Call:...
Duration:00:53:04
YOMF034: Gregory Jumes and the Victor App
2/11/2019
What happens when Veterans transition from military life to civilian life with limited or no support, or access to resources? They may find themselves in financial distress, experience family problems, and can even slip into depression...or worse, take their own lives. In this episode, we sit down with CEO and Founder of Victor Tech Gregory Jumes to explore how his app Victor can help thousands of Veterans in the Chicago area live their best lives.
Victor Tech, Inc.:...
Duration:00:45:43